Make Sure Your Backpack Has These Features

With new bags releasing all the time, it can be hard to tell which features are good and which are safe to skip. In this video, we’ll cover the best backpack features we like and what to look for in your next bag. View All Of Our Reviews: packhacker.com/travel-gear/
0:00 - Intro
1:00 - Just-Right Organization
2:17 - Proper Sternum Straps
3:19 - Full Visibility Interior
4:42 - Durable Zippers
6:10 - Built-In Strap Management
7:12 - Security Features
8:20 - Laptop Protection & Access
9:24 - Great Water Bottle Pockets
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[@PackHacker]

What's your favorite backpack feature?

[@bryanyi9624]

quick access

[@jouwenlee7829]

Antimicrobial

[@chth1684]

clamshell opening

[@chth1684]

external notebook compartment

[@chth1684]

external water bottle compartment

[@Madillusionist]

All bag makers should watch this video before designing any bag. Surprised you guys left out the most crucial of features that is comfortable well-padded straps. No use to have all these awesome features in perfect balance, only to have an uncomfortable straps that cuts into your shoulders and leave you with a sore back when carrying a heavy load or for long periods. This was the main reason I swapped out my PD Everyday Bag to the BS Errant Bag...

[@jacktoy3032]

Agree on well-padded straps. Security is also a key consideration. I use either little locks or S-Biner with slide lock.

[@PaulHo]

1) Recycled materials, 2) contrast liner for visibility, 3) separate access/compartment for laptop A good key leash is appreciated too.

[@josephbrown9656]

Favorite feature is the ability to stow the pack straps, this is great for putting in the luggage stow areas on flights and trains.

[@sluttyfrogmagician]

I'm a fan of hybrid packs that open like a briefcase but have hideable backpack straps and can be carried 3 ways (handle, backpack, or shoulder strap). I also think every backpack should have a very covert hidden pocket inside somewhere.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your favorites here! We agree, versatile packs come in very handy especially if you have multiple use cases for one bag. We're also big fans of the extra security that comes along with discreet pockets and compartments too. However, sometimes they can be too hidden and you forget it's even in there! 😆 - Rebecca

[@ThexImperfectionist]

An external stuff pocket. I'm a small person so I prefer backpacks that are just big enough for what i carry, and I like to have that external pocket both for quick access (think trail map) and as overflow if I want to take off a wet jacket for example. Also I second the water bottle pockets. I carry both a water bottle and thermos (pretty average size) when I travel and its surprising how often the pockets look big enough but aren't.

[@RCNoOb]

Love the video, especially the new sciency stuff you added with the colors and such! Great job as usual. :)

[@xxflipchick22xx]

I just bought the Aer Travel Pack 2 Small and it checks all of these points, so I’m pretty happy about that 🙌🏼

[@kevans2337]

Merry Christmas Tom ! Thank you for all your reviews.

[@Youknowthebo]

Incredible video. Love it. The bright inner lining is one of my favorite features

[@penguinshug151007]

Weather proof zippers!!! Aer's Tech Bag 2 is one of the best!!!!

[@gmt5664]

Good zippers and a good outer bottle pocket are must haves.

[@jimtsap04]

I didn't even know my new backpack's sternum strap could slide up and down, you just blew my mind!

[@ChinmayH]

Very nicely summarized

[@phoqueme]

One of the BEST backpacks I've had for the last 2 years has been the Targus Gaming Backpack, and i got it completely by accident when I noticed i gotten the wrong backpack when I got home from Walmart lmao. But i decided to keep it, and it's been a great ride so far, it has a rain cover, great straps and back support, pretty big space with plenty of compartments. Of course there are better bags out there and this was designed for tech & gaming, but for the 60 dollars i got a fantastic durable backpack for travelling, i survived Rio de Janeiro just with that backpack (& a smaller packable daypack)🔥🤣

[@thefactsstage]

Please make a video about he best travel backpacks most suitable for one bag travel. Would love to see comparisons for brands like pakt, toppo, peak design, etc...

[@donquique1]

I have an everki. After 3 years it looks new, has many compartments and is guaranteed for life.

[@jbstuff]

I've been searching for my perfect pack for over a year. Bought and sold probably 10+. I finally settled on the Vertx Gamut Overland. And duffle bag the Vertx Contingency 45L and 85L both depending on what I'm doing.

[@elainewillcox6053]

I love how helpful and informative your videos are. I am looking to have my first backpacking experience in 2022 with a 5 week trip around new Zealand and you guys have definitely helped me with so much information!!! Thank you also if you have any recommendations for travel towels that would be really appreciated x

[@PackHacker]

Hi Elaine, so glad to hear you've found the videos helpful, a 5-week trip to New Zealand sounds incredible and super exciting. You can also check out our Packing Lists for more info on what to take with you on your trip: packhacker.com/packing-list/ Plus, I'll drop some travel towel recommendations below for you to take a look at. - Sea to Summit Pocket Towel: packhacker.com/travel-gear/sea-to-summit/pocket-towel/ - Matador NanoDry Towel: packhacker.com/travel-gear/matador/nanodry-towel/ - PackTowl Personal: packhacker.com/travel-gear/packtowl/personal-towel/ - Dock & Bay Active Towel: packhacker.com/travel-gear/dock-bay/active-towel/ - REI Multi Towel: packhacker.com/travel-gear/rei/multi-towel/ - NABAIJI Microfibre Towel: packhacker.com/travel-gear/nabaiji/microfibre-towel/ Hope this helps! - Rebecca

[@elainewillcox6053]

@@PackHacker thank you so much this is so helpful!! Now to try and find a backpack!!

[@drmyers85021]

My personal two favorite features are smallish, easy-to-access pockets on the outside of the bag that I can throw my phone, wallet and keys into before I go through security at the airport, and at least one good water bottle pocket. Having said that, well padded straps, a sternum strap, quality zippers and a pack with good organizational flexibility is table-stakes for me!

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing your insights! 🤙 -Eric

[@MrSundewAnnolva]

This review is so good, as with the rest of the comments here as well! Certainly will consider those factors in my next purchase!

[@PackHacker]

Glad you found the video helpful, MrSundewAnnolva! Best of luck with your next backpack purchase. Let us know what you end up picking up. 😊 - Rebecca

[@preciousp1190]

Built-in admin panels and full visibility interior 💙💙

[@willabbott7909]

My redwing Kelty Redwing 50 reserve has been the best travel pack back. And my mystery ranch Saddle Peak is the best personal carry on item.

[@thomasdc2439]

Weight is very important for me. A travel bag must be under ~1.4kg. And there must be a way to hide all the straps.

[@rockystallone3925]

Great video, so what are the top 5 to buy?

[@szymekgrzebien949]

Large quick access at the top of a bag. I use those pockets so often to throw small things in there from my pockets that it needs to be quick and easily accessible.

[@PackHacker]

Absolutely! Large quick-access pockets are a game-changer. 🙌 - Rebecca

[@KBS325]

Please review these!! Love your content! I know they are kind of more "tech bags" but I think they may work great for 1 bag travel! Lowepro Highline BP 400AW RVCA Zak Noyle Camera Bag II

[@lyndzzzzz5976]

I would love a review of North Face's Travel Duffel Pack. It is a 37L heritage style, I am looking into it for one bag travel. Love your channel.

[@susanmcadam1700]

Awesome backpack support system. I am short and enjoy load lifters, great straps, hip belt, and sternum straps as in the Tortuga Outback 35. These features help ease the load. I would actually like load lifters on any backpack because they put the bag where I want it. A clamshell that opens along the length rather than the shorter end is my preference. Less pack organization is better for me. Having said that, I want a well protected, yet accessible and secure space for a laptop. I like weather and abrasion resistance materials.

[@PackHacker]

We hear you, Susan! A supportive harness system is super important and it makes a huge difference to your experience if you're carrying around a comfortable pack that fits you well. 😊 - Rebecca

[@susanmcadam1700]

@@PackHacker Thank you. Load lifters and hip belts aid in keeping packs set correctly for me. I would prefer these to a big water bottle holder.

[@EmmaAus]

Agreed Susan!! I'm really surprised the support system wasn't mentioned, that's the main thing I look for - I think my next pack is going to be the Gregory Jade 38L (& my brothers likely getting the Gregory Zulu or Tetra 40) - mainly because its supposedly even comfortable for heavy loads on multi day hikes, but the Jade & Tetra are also pretty close to carry on size as well 🌈

[@yutubl]

I prefer an backpack main compartment flexible sub dividing system as some photo / tool / laptop cases have and you showed it here. I've got an aluminum tool/photo case (plug-in partition) and laptop case (velcro), but unfortunately not in my 3 bag packs which I today prefer due to extra space.

[@lexijones2930]

Weather proof material Pockets and spots for a iPad and good looking

[@delphinelesterlost3285]

Picking the right pack is so hard, I bought too many based on looks only and it ends up being so disappointing... thank you for a great guide

[@PackHacker]

You got it, Delphine! Hope this helps you find the right pack for you. 😊 - Rebecca

[@rogerp7030]

I always have to have a sternum strap and plenty of storage compartments.

[@Md-gr7we]

Sir will you please review the pacsafe vibe 25 backpack? Thank you so much sir

[@matthewjennings7645]

I have really enjoyed a minimalist Kanken, and then add accessories as needed, such as a water bottle holder or sternum strap. Do you have a luggage pass through add-on you would suggest? I would love to take the weight off of my back when at the airport.

[@abbe1abbe156]

The Nomatic Backpack is a favorite. I wish it had handbag straps but apart from that I'm happy.

[@PackHacker]

Thanks for sharing! - Austin

[@basinstarvation]

Easy accessibility from the both sides as peak design backpack

[@PackHacker]

We hear you, Albertus! Pack accessibility is super important. 🙌 - Rebecca

[@brianstarr6468]

Any recommendations for a bag that does not have a laptop pocket? I never carry a laptop but every bag I’ve seen has one included.

[@happyluckything1]

Interested in seeing a review on Lululemon More Miles Pack 39L. Retail price is $228 but currently on sale on the website for $89. I’m interested in trying 1-bag travel and wonder if this might be a good more affordable option? (I was surprised at how expensive many of these specialty travel backpacks are!)

[@soburlvt]

What are good backpacks for women who have larger chests?

[@elainewillcox6053]

This is the question I would like an answer to as well please??

[@susanmcadam1700]

@@elainewillcox6053 me too

[@raizabungaos4306]

Me too. Anyone?

[@unaminhkavanagh]

Great question!

[@HH60gPaveHawk]

Well I can’t speak from firsthand experience, but it seems like many packs designed for the female anatomy emphasize offset straps. You’d be looking for straps that come out of the back at a slight outward angle, like if you made a y with your arms, then curve back inward further down the bag, helping them stay off to the side more than a male pack. Osprey and Gregory packs are usually a safe bet, and Mystery Ranch has some very nice options for females as well now.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

What's the bag at 6:54? I have a Fjallraven backpack with some loops on the bottom, not elastic, just to pull on to tighten the straps though I am pretty certain I could do something similar

[@PackHacker]

Hey Jess, this is the EVERGOODS Mountain Panel Loader 30L (MPL30): packhacker.com/travel-gear/evergoods/mountain-panel-loader-30/ - Rebecca

[@erictustison]

9:51 Tom bullying some random commuter

[@rochittalera]

where I can buy light that show at 3:42

[@CalebM_]

i am quite curious, what kind of backpack is that in the intro

[@TheMisushy]

Hello @packhacker sorry for the question that you may have a lot but what is the bagpack at 8:03 with the Rfid pocket thank you per advance ❤

[@PackHacker]

Hey! This is the Pacsafe Venturesafe X Anti-Theft Sling Pack: packhacker.com/travel-gear/pacsafe/venturesafe-x-anti-theft-sling-pack/ - Rebecca

[@TheMisushy]

@@PackHacker thank you !=)

[@TravelTourTaste]

Hello We hope all is well. May we take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy New Year and may it be will with many blessings and much happiness. Love and Light Sarah and Glenn

[@amyjohnson5509]

The ability to switch to a briefcase, hiding the straps. Hard case for sunglasses, straps outside to hold a jacket, comfortable shoulder straps

[@PackHacker]

Great list of features here, Amy. Thanks for sharing! 🙌 - Rebecca

[@Frumious_Jabberwocky]

What is the green pack at 5:52? I see it is a Gregory but I can't find the model in their current catalog.

[@Frumious_Jabberwocky]

Aha, it's the Resin.

[@PackHacker]

Yes, it sure is. Great shout! Here's the link to the full review: packhacker.com/travel-gear/gregory/resin-26-backpack/ - Rebecca

[@jasonsbrain9822]

Lmao using the Tom Bihn to play jingle bells

[@MattChandlersc]

What bag is shown at the 2:02 mark? The zipper is in the middle of the front and it opened like a book?

[@tomsandalon]

Look to me like a Mystery Ranch Urban Assault, not sure if it’s the 21 or 24 liter version

[@praxis-cat870]

@@tomsandalon It's the 24L version. The 21 doesn't have the side wing slip pockets!

[@TXMEDRGR]

A reasonable cost is my favorite feature. I don't take anything along that would ruin the trip if it should be lost or stolen.

[@blinddg5064]

Can your next video be about dealing with bag buying addiction?? 😬

[@PackHacker]

😆😀🙌 - Rebecca

[@marleneflourentzou680]

And how do you know about my addiction? ok just kidding

[@YosefShuman]

What's the clamshell bag at 1:55?

[@YosefShuman]

n/m I found it: Evergoods CPL 28L V2. It's beautiful, but sadly almost twice as heavy as the bags I'm looking at...

[@lme4339]

What do you think of the wandrd Prvke 41 liters?

[@PackHacker]

Hey L Me! You can check out our initial thoughts here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/wandrd/prvke-41l/ - Austin

[@lme4339]

@@PackHacker thank you, Austin!

[@robhartman01]

Hi Tom which smartphone do you use?

[@PackHacker]

Hey! Tom uses the iPhone 11 Pro Max. - Rebecca

[@robhartman01]

@@PackHacker tnx Rebecca.

[@jekkujuksuli4670]

What's the rolltop pack at 6:06?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Jekku, this is the Millican Smith Roll Pack 18L: packhacker.com/travel-gear/millican/smith-the-roll-pack-18l/ - Rebecca

[@jekkujuksuli4670]

@@PackHacker Thanks!

[@TazawaTanks]

My favorite features: magnets to keep the bags tidy, and dedicated tech storage including battery storage with charge indicators (like on the PGYTECH backpack). Now I’m going to check the zippers on all of my bags! Lol

[@TamerBekir]

Can anyone identify the bag at 8:51?

[@PackHacker]

Hey Tamer! That's the Aer Tech Pack 2. Check out our review here: packhacker.com/travel-gear/aer/tech-pack-2/ - Austin

[@alexriley]

Is there a backpack that fits many of these features?

[@waltergoodale6892]

HOW DO I BECOME A PACK HACKER

[@kidbach]

3 thumbs down. They must've bought bags that didn't have the features that you or your subscribers suggested. I like a mesh pocket on the outside front(Osprey Nebula 34 ver. 1) to store wet or dirty clothes.

[@euripideseusebio5404]

How can you say all the best recommended feature without recommend one? It is not fair.

[@gary-pv8vz]

Not sure RFID is in reality a worry. I’ve never heard of a successful RFID theft in the real world. If it’s there and all else is equal, sure why not? I would not pay any extra though.

[@Kiennguyen22360]

He left out weight. No one wants to carry a 4lb empty bag