Nomad Backpack: How to Choose One?
Are you on the verge of jumping into the bandwagon of digital nomads and backpackers? We love your choice! The life of a location-independent digital nomad has a certain appeal- traveling the world, experiencing different cultures, trying out new cuisines and working from coffee shops. If that lifestyle fits into your passion, go right in!
However, before you embark on this path, gather all the tools necessary to make it successful. Venturing out into the world without a good nomad backpack is a big rookie mistake. Here is what you need to consider when choosing a travel backpack for your nomadic lifestyle.
Your nomad backpack must be a carry-on backpack
Your backpack must make your life on the go as easy as possible and that means allowing you to walk in and out of airports with minimal effort.
If your backpack is a carry-on, you can avoid the inconvenience of waiting in the check-in and baggage lines of busy airports.
Your backpack must fit comfortably under your seat or in the overhead bin. Although size limitations may vary from airline to airline, the most common dimensions for a carry-on bag is 22"x14"x9 and these dimensions include handles and wheel.
Remember that baggage weight restrictions apply too. Most airlines allow between 15 to 22 pounds of carry-on luggage and if you want to comply with these regulations, your backpack should ideally weigh less than 4 pounds. Otherwise, you may not be able to take everything you need for your trip.
Even if you’re lucky enough to find an airline that allows more load, would you really want to lug all that weight around? Seasoned travelers will tell you how frustrating it can be. Listen to them.
Your nomad backpack must have a laptop compartment
If you’re eager to pursue a digital nomad or backpacker lifestyle, your laptop is most likely the first item in your packing list. But would you want to carry a separate laptop bag for that?
Any additional baggage item that you carry on a trip can be a source of annoyance and you’d be wise to avoid it as far as possible. At Standard Luggage, we are big proponents of one bag travel and lightweight backpacks.
The simplest solution is to buy a backpack with a dedicated and cushioned laptop compartment. This way, you can store your laptop in your backpack and protect it from the other items in your bag at the same time.
We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to protect your laptop from knocks, jolts, dust, and debris. Improper care will decrease the life of your laptop and replacing or repairing laptops can cost you an arm and a leg. Every penny you spend on replacing a laptop will come out of your travel fund.
Your nomad backpack must have a water bottle pocket
Travel dehydration is real. Many of us hesitate to drink water during our travels for fear of not finding a toilet when we really need one.
Although it is scary to stay hydrated while traveling (because restrooms are not always easy to find!), it is necessary. Water keeps us strong and resistant and it is especially important when we’re in unfamiliar surroundings.
Instead of buying bottled water wherever you go, keep a reusable water bottle or flask with you. It is much cheaper and a great way to do your share in protecting our planet from further harm.
Weigh the pros and cons of internal and external frame backpacks
What are the internal frame and external frame backpacks?
Internal frame backpacks are travel backpacks that have a large internal compartment and one or two zippered external compartments. Their support rods and frame are designed into the backpack making them feel like they are part of your back.
In contrast, external frame backpacks have one big internal compartment and several small external compartments to allow for better organization of your things. They are designed to carry more gear. You will also find that its external frame allows strapping gear on your backpack.
Internal frame backpacks are usually better for your back especially if you plan to be away for a long time. They are lighter and easier for you to cart around. In addition, they sit snugly around your back and don’t stick out as much as external frame backpacks providing more balance for the person carrying it.
External frames can carry more weight and are suitable for people who like to organize their things separately. However, they also tend to be bulkier that internal frame backpacks and are not known to provide stability.
Internal frame backpacks are sleeker and are “a la mode” among backpackers. Whether you choose internal or external frame backpacks depends entirely on your travel needs.
Get a lightweight and water-resistant backpack
Your backpacking adventures will most likely include encounters with rainy weather. This is why a water-resistant and quick-drying backpack is a must-have.
A little rain should not stop you from exploring beautiful places. If you have the right backpack, unpredictable weather and unexpected rains will not affect you too much.
Make sure your backpack also comes with a protective rain cover to keep your bag dry during torrential downpours. In tropical destinations like Bali and Thailand, thunderstorms and downpours are common especially during the pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.
Don’t forget about the comfort levels of your backpack straps
Backpack straps are important because they help stabilize your backpack and make sure it sits well on your back.
A good backpack for a digital nomad will ideally have comfortable, padded shoulder straps to prevent chafing and rubbing. The width of the straps is important too as wider straps help distribute the load more evenly.
The straps should also be easy to adjust because if the bag feels lose around your back, it will be extremely difficult to carry around.
A padded hip strap will help too as it will transfer some of the load from your shoulders to the hip region.
At Standard Luggage, our nomad backpack also has hideaway backpack straps that can be hidden so that your backpack can double as a suitcase whenever required. This feature was specially designed for customers who often find themselves having to rush from airports directly to client meetings.
Although many startups don’t care about your look and you can traipse in wearing shorts and a backpack, many older traditional companies pay particular attention to your appearance.
Through the years, the nomad lifestyle has become increasingly popular. The lure of traveling and seeing the world’s wonders is obvious, but don’t be left behind without the right gear. An appropriate nomad backpack can be just as important to successful travel as your tickets and relevant currency.
Buy Standard Luggage’s high-quality nomad backpack today! It comes with a lifetime warranty and a satisfaction guarantee.
