Top 10 Gap Year Travel Backpacks

Selecting the best backpack to travel around the world can be one of the most important decisions you make. You might be living out of the backpack for a year on you’re, you guessed it, gap year. It’s vital that you get it right and get a rucksack or backpack that is top rated.

A lot of people ask “what’s the best rucksack for 3 or 6 months of travel?” or “what’s the best backpack for a trip to South East Asia or Australia?” Both of these questions are somewhat irrelevant. Going on a very short trip might mean you only need a small backpack such as 30/40lt IF you travel light but I take the same backpack on one month trips as I do 12 month trips. Just because you have 60 litres, doesn’t mean you have to fill it completely. Also, you might do a month trip now and then end up getting the bug and travelling for longer. Why not just buy one decent bag for life? The same goes for destinations. If you get a decent backpack, like the brands listed below, they will be suitable for all countries that you visit. The Berghaus Backpack I use has been to 6 continents. So let me help you choose the best backpack for you…

Best Backpack Size

Yes boys and girls, it does matter. It all really does depend on you. Some people are flashpackers and must take 6 pairs of shoes in which case you might want a bigger backpack. Some people purposely take a smaller backpack to limit how much they are carrying around with them in case they get tempted to shop. General rule of thumb would be anything around the 60 litre mark. I know some guys who travel light with 50 and some girls who travel with 70. Anything more and you are in danger of falling over and any less and you won’t have room for anything.

Best Day Pack

These days a lot of backpacks come with a 10-20 litre detachable day bag. Pretty good idea for when you need a small bag for treks or excursions. I’ve found it useful to have my own day pack in addition to the one that comes with my backpack. If you’re looking for the best day pack check out our top day pack list.

Top Backpacks with Wheels

I am personally against wheels. I think it is part of the backpacking experience to lug around my 22kg backpack. (I have no idea how it got so heavy. When I left Heathrow it was 14kg). Let’s be serious though. Wheels are a good idea in principle. Sure they take a load off but they also can add an extra 2 or 3kg of weight to your backpack. If you are taking cheap internal flights, Air Asia for example, you will be eating into your weight limit and risk having to pay extra.

Best Backpack Design

The most important design feature of the backpack is how it opens. From my own research they are commonly called travel packs as opposed to rucksacks. These are backpacks that open like a suitcase. Under no circumstances purchase a top loader. Not only will it be the bane of your life but I will personally come and find you, roll up a newspaper, hit you on the nose with it and say “told you so”.

Fitting your Backpack or Rucksack

I hate to get all Harry Potter on you but you don’t pick the backpack. The best backpack picks you. Make sure that you are getting the correct sexed bag. Female backpacks tend to suit, well females. We’ve compiled a list of best backpacks for women and best backpacks for men. If you are a tall female it might be worth looking at a male backpack as it might be a better fit. Go in to your local outdoor store and try the backpacks on. You’ll just feel which one is right for you. If in doubt just ask the sales assistant who looks like he doesn’t want to be there…

US/Canadian readers check out Best Backpacks in the US. If you’re British/European read on. Different backpack brands available on different continents, go figure.

The Top 10 Best Backpacks

I am a strong believer in the Berghaus Jalan and I think it’s the best backpack for travelling. I’ve been using it for three years now and it is my home away from home… that I carry on my back like a snail. I digress. It’s a great backpack and I see a lot of people with it. It might not be for you so below is my Top 10 Backpacks. All of these backpacks are available on Amazon. As there are various stockists and prices, all of the links below link to all available options for the mentioned backpack so that you can search for the cheapest price.

1. Berghaus Jalan II – Our Recommended Backpack!

The Berghaus Jalan is our top pick backpack. The Berghaus Jalan comes in a 60lt version for guys and a 65lt version for girls. The reason we love this backpack so much is that it zips most of the way round so you can open it like a suitcase! It also has a detachable day sack (which is hydration pack compatible). Berghaus is also a reputable brand and I have no qualms about the quality.

Check out the Men’s Berghaus Jalan and the Women’s Berghaus Jalan on Amazon

2. Osprey Farpoint – Alternative Recommendation!

The Osprey Farpoint is a good alternative to the Berghaus Jalan as it also zips round and opens like a suitcase. Osprey is also a very reputable company producing a bunch of excellent products.

Check out the Osprey Farpoint on Amazon

3. Berghaus Verden

Check out the Men’s Berghaus Verden and the Women’s Berghaus Verden on Amazon.

4. Berghaus Torridon

Check out the Men’s Berghaus Torridon and the Women’s Berghaus Torridon on Amazon.

5. Berghaus C7

Check out the Men’s Berghaus C7 and the Women’s Berghaus C7 on Amazon.

6. North Face Terra

Check out the North Face Terra on Amazon.

7. Karrimor Global Venture

Check out the Karrimor Global Venture on Amazon.

8. Karrimor Global Tropic

Check out the Karrimor Global Tropic on Amazon.

9. Vango Pumori

Check out the Vango Pumori on Amazon.

10. Vango Sherpa

Check out the Vango Sherpa on Amazon.

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