Manufactures now design their backpacks to include models with emphasis on meeting the traveler's needs while others more suited for hiking or camping excursions. Picking the right pack is most important, as too big makes for extra weight, and too small and you will be carrying extra bags. Living out of a cool backpack for considerable time means that you will want to ensure that your pack has these features.

Types Of Features On Most Travel Backpacks

-Removable Daypack. These are usually attached on the front of the upper compartment opening lid. They are very handy for day trips where it is would be difficult to take the big pack. When not in use, they are easily stored away.

-Panel Loading. The preference is for front panel or side openings much like a suitcase and easier to retrieve items.

-Compartments. Most travel packs are now designed with an upper and lower compartment, with either a draw cord or dual zip. When either of these are closed, it allows for separate packing or left open as one compartment. Advantages of the dual zip division, is one can open the backpack on one side to store longer items, yet still have dual compartments. Usually the draw cord type opens from the middle, but it is more difficult to store longer items.

-Internal Organizer. Many travel packs provide for an additional organizer that is located under the front panel of the upper compartment, which allows for access to personal items, while not disturbing the entire pack. Some even have removable organizers which makes it easy to retrieve personal items as needed.

-Compression Straps. Travel packs for the most part have external compression straps. Some will also have compression straps on the lower compartment called sleeping bag compression straps to allow for carrying your sleeping bag or mat.

-Suitcase Carry Handles. Many travel packs have suitcase carrying handles usually located on at least one side and on top. The top handle is handy for actually carrying the pack by hand in situations such as catching buses or trains. These handles need to be strong enough to actually hold the load while carrying.

-Contoured or Padded Backs. The lumbar-shaped backpack is highly recommended as it makes carrying more comfortable and helps weight distribution.

-Removable Shoulder Straps. These are found on many travel pack models and are often utilized when it is not practical to carry the pack on one's back. Many of these shoulder straps can be removed or tuck into the base of the packs when not required. These shoulder straps should have good padding to make carrying more comfortable when in use.

-Chest Straps. These help move the weight forward and also distribute the weight more evenly across one's upper body. They also take pressure off the shoulders.

-Harness Covers. Necessary to conceal and protect the harness particularly when in transit such as traveling by air.

-Lockable Zippers. This feature is considered for safety purposes so that 2 zippers can be padlocked together to prevent others from entry. Some travel backpacks actually have additional interlocking and overlapping zip sliders that can be padlocked for added protection.

-Attachment Facilities. Often travel packs will have additional attachment points for extra straps to secure items to the outside of the pack that can be easily retrieved or used frequently like camera cases.

With so many cool backpacks to choose from with traveling in mind, there are packs that have taken almost everything into consideration, including places to store your valuables like cameras, phones as well as documents such as passports, tickets, and more to help make your traveling that much more enjoyable.