How do you pick the best backpack for Thailand? A travel backpack is essential for traveling in Thailand, but what features should it have? What size should it be?
When I backpacked along the Banana Pancake Trail years ago, I used a small shoulder bag. It was definitely more practical than a roller suitcase for moving along the sometimes sandy and usually potholed roads. Unfortunately, it was incredibly cumbersome to lug around on motorbikes and I’d pray it wouldn’t fall out from between the drivers legs as we ripped through the chaotic traffic. Even worse, it left me counting my steps as it pulled my entire body to one side. If you travel with a backpack you’ll breeze over the potholed or dirt roads, jump on and off motorbikes, and do it all without killing your back!
What features should you be looking for in the best travel backpack for Thailand? What are the deal breakers and what could be considered optional ? The Khmer Explorer Travel Set was built to be the best backpack for Thailand or epic adventures across the Banana Pancake Trail. That said, this post will help you decide on the features, and the best pack for your trip to Thailand. So let’s dive in!
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How big of a backpack do you need for Thailand?
Most people backpacking Thailand seem to like traveling with backpacks 35L – 70L in size. There’s a large minimalist mob out there that seems intent on convincing the world that if it’s not a carry-on (typically under 40L) you’re doing something wrong. In my opinion, that’s completely false. Yes, it’s nice to avoid picking up a bag at the luggage carousel, but it’s really annoying having to be forced to be hyper aware of accidentally exceeding your liquid quota, packing your favorite swiss-army knife, or meeting strict weight restrictions . Additionally, I didn’t even mention the annoyance of fighting with everyone on the plane for an overhead bin spot!
Most importantly, everyone values items on their packing lists differently! For some, it may be worth it to pack a couple nice clothes and a fancier pair shoes for a night out at Skybar in Bangkok, or have the space to bring their own scuba mask, or room for their camera case for their mirrorless camera and a couple lenses.
I’ve traveled with both a 30L pack and a 60L pack in Thailand, both worked great. Ultimately, traveling with the ♥ 60L Khmer Explorer Travel Set, allowed me not to won’t worry about having space for that extra Chang Beer tank top ;). Plus, I was under no obligation to fill it to the brim and it’s much more enjoyable to have an emptier pack than one that is bursting at the seams.
Best carry-on backpacks for Thailand
I get it, sometimes a minimalist bag is the way to go. Maybe you’re gone for a week or are super comfortable traveling light. I had a friend who traveled with this 17L backpack for three months in Asia. That’s too minimalist for my liking, but maybe you’re up to the challenge!
These are unquestionably the top choices you can legally carry-on a plane (coming from someone who has designed and built travel backpacks)!
Best Premium Option – Peak Design Travel Line 45L (check price at REI / Backcountry) – Peak Design’s design driven products are expensive, but earn the reviews to back up their incredible functionality and minimalist aesthetic.
♥ Best Midrange Option ♥ – Patagonia MLC 45L (check price at Patagonia / REI / Backcountry) – This is my recommendation if you’re looking for a legal carry-on travel backpack. It features a practical, minimalist design with an option to convert to a duffle bag. Plus, Patagonia’s warranty, customer service, and complimentary repairs are unmatched. I liked this bag so much, that I bought it for a short trip I recently did to Oaxaca.
Best Budget Option – Osprey Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack (check price at REI) – Osprey has been a leader in backpack design and manufacturing for decades. They also stand by their products with an impeccable warrant.
What features should a travel backpack for Thailand have?
There are a couple key features to look for when choosing the best backpack for traveling in Thailand.
Impeccable organization
This is your number one priority when choosing a travel backpack for Thailand! In fact, it was this reason that led us to start this company. In Thailand, it’s common to see disheveled backpackers on street corners frantically unloading their lives belonging from a top-loading hiking backpack. Your life doesn’t have to be like this! The right travel backpack should open like a suitcase, have tons of pockets and provide you with easy access to everything inside. Ideally you’ll even have a spot for keeping dirty gear or shoes separate, or packing cubes! Take it from me, there is nothing worse than scrambling to pack for an early morning bus after a late night out with too many Chang! Make this process as easy as possible with a pack that focuses on organization.
P.S. We even put a secret pocket into our backpack for those times that you need to stash a small valuable like your bank card or passport.
Weatherproof
Getting stuck in a Thai downpour will leave you drenched. Fortunately, with the right backpack your stuff doesn’t have to join you. Any good travel backpack should be weatherproof and utilize a coated fabric to help water bead off and keep your stuff dry. Most backpacks won’t be fully waterproof. That means you can’t drop it off a party boat, but it will keep everything dry through the monsoon season. Look for backpacks with PU coated fabric or something similar.
Theft resistant
Thailand is safe country to travel in and you can feel relaxed here. Unfortunately, minor theft is common. Keep unwanted hands out by picking a pack that offers lockable zippers and put your locks on when you leave your room or during transit days.
Ergonomic and height adjustable
If you’re sitting on the back of a motorbike or walking for a kilometer or two in the equatorial heat, comfort and adjustability are important. Plus, not everyone is the same height or shape. It is important to pick a pack that can adjust to your height and torso size. Hiking backpacks get used so often because they’re comfortable to carry. Fortunately, a good travel backpack can do the same thing without forcing you to carry your gear in an organization-less potato sack.
I actually field tested our Khmer Explorer Travel Set as a hiking backpack on a 75 km journey on Canada’s rugged West Coast Trail and it was extremely comfortable even with 60 lbs inside. A good travel backpack can be the best of both worlds!
Stowable hip belt
A robust hip belt takes the majority of the weight off your shoulders and back, making your pack substantially more comfortable to carry over long distances. Plus, some packs provide a small hip belt pocket for phone storage and let you stow the hipbelt away and completely out of sight when you wish!
Should I get packing cubes?
Absolutely! Packing cubes make it so much easier to stay organized, and pack up quickly. They’re probably the best packing hack out there! If you’re going with the Khmer Explorer Travel Set, it includes 2 packing cubes plus a shoe/dirty laundry bag. If you’re using a bag that doesn’t come with packing cubes, get these incredible packing cubes. They’re so great at helping pack more in less space, that I frequently bring them along in my Khmer Explorer in addition to keep me extra organized.
Optional features to consider in a backpack for Thailand
Depending on your personal preferences these features may also be worth considering
Laptop storage
If you plan on traveling with a laptop and only using one bag this may be a feature that you consider. Personally, I often prefer to use a small daypack for my laptop or use a laptop sleeve with a shoulder strap.
Water bottle holder
Generally, I don’t find it essential to have my bottle instantly accessible at all times, but if you do this may be a feature you look for in a travel pack. Another option would be to consider a multi-functional approach – using a detachable bottle holder that can also act as bottle sling like our Bottle Sling Bundle.
That sums it up! Hopefully this was helpful in narrowing down your search for the best backpack for your trip to Thailand. Drop me a line in the comments below if you have any questions about choosing the perfect backpack!
Happy travels!
Michael
