From Cities to Trails: The Best Travel Backpack for Asia [My Picks!]
/If you’re travelling for 6 months in Southeast Asia or even for 3 months, the right travel backpack should ideally be compact, small and be able to carry all that you need for countless months.
Let’s face it: it’s hot and humid in Asia and carrying a heavy pack would weigh you down a lot.
The sweet spot for the best backpacks in Asia would ideally be between 40 to 45litres but that’s without bearing in mind that you have a digital lifestyle and have a laptop and camera as well to pack!
So how do you decide what’s he ideal sweet spot for travelling with a backpack in Asia?
Choosing the right travelling backpack in Asia
travelling with my backpack in asia
If you've grown tired of your drawstring backpack or the burden of hauling around a 50L hiking backpack, and you're in search of a durable option with a clever pocket system, here are some key considerations to take into account:
Activity: Will you be doing a lot of hiking and backpacking in Asia?
Capacity: How much gear do you intend to carry - does it include cameras and a laptop?
Features: How is your frame size - are you petite or tall? If you’re small-sized and petite frame you’d want to consider a smaller size backpack that’s atleast not over 45litres.
Fit: Pay close attention to factors such as torso length and hip size, as they significantly impact how well the daypack suits you.
So, what’s the verdict — 40 to 45 litres or 50-60 litres?
carrying my osprey 40 litre pack while hiking in india
40-45 Liters:
Lighter and More Compact: A daypack in the 40-45 liter range is generally lighter and more compact. You won’t break your back and travelling especially hiking becomes a breeze.
Versatility: This size is versatile and can work well for a variety of activities, from day trips to short overnight stays. It's a good choice if you prefer a more minimalist approach to packing.
Mobility: Smaller capacity daypacks are easier to maneuver in crowded places and can be more comfortable for activities that involve a lot of movement. Also, think about the fact that you don’t need to check in luggage anymore if you’re trying to save on cost!
50-60 Liters:
Extended Travel: A daypack in the 50-60 liter range comes with pros and cons but the biggest pro is that you have way more room for thick clothing if your travel to Asia involves a 4 season climate!
Comfort for Heavier Loads: If you anticipate carrying bulkier items or need to pack for changing weather conditions, a larger capacity allows for greater flexibility. It also distributes the weight more evenly, which can be more comfortable for heavier loads.
Multi-Day Hiking: For multi-day hiking or trekking, where you might need to carry a sleeping bag, tent, or additional clothing layers, a 50-60 liter daypack is more appropriate.
Also Read:
How do you decide?
Honestly, it all boils down to personal preference: If you’re the type that tend to pack lighlty and priortise being highly mobile, a smaller daypack with 40-45litres will do the job.
The climate and varying weather conditions like trekking in the Himalayas or going for multitude hiking spots in Indonesia might maybe want you to keep that 50litres as an option.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. I only provide unbiased and completely honest recommendations. Read more about the site’s privacy policy.
The best travel backpacks for Asia
1. Osprey Fairview 55L
I have always been an Osprey user and their line of backpacks is the go-to for a long trip in Asia. Built for minimalists and for those who need to have the perfect size backpack for overhead compartments and pass through immigration with breeze, this is hands down the best one out there!
As someone who has had difficulty with straps, zips and compartments, the Fairview takes a very clean and minimalist approach to do its job. The quick access laptop pocket stores up to a 16" laptop, and the front shove-it pocket keeps frequently used items easy to get to.
You kind of need to be smart and nifty if you’re packing your clothes and it’s the only drawback if you’re the type who absolutely can’t do with space constraints.
Pros
Compact
Sturdy materials likely to last you for years
Lightweight
Cons
Cant’t pack with packing cubes
No raincover included
2. Osprey Renn 50L
The Osprey Renn is the more spacious version of the 40litre version.
Equipped with user-friendly and efficient features, the Osprey Renn backpack is catered for all levels of travelling even if this is your first time travelling to Asia.
Some of the real brownie points about this backpack is its exceptional ventilation, a comfortable and capable carrying system, a convenient zippered sleeping bag compartment, an integrated and removable raincover, as well as practical side hipbelt pockets.
It is essentially designed for the ultimate outdoor experience in any kind of gritty situation — it is extremely water resistant and the fact that you won’t have any sores on those long days in sweaty Asia!
Pros
Great beginner backpack
Adaptable
Affordable
Cons
Not a lot of separate comparments
3. Deuter Aircontact Ultra SL 45+5L Backpack
Think durability, long trips and the ability to have a backpack that you will be able to haul long distances without sacrificing comfort.
The Deuter Aircontact Ultra SL 45 does not weigh you down and gives you the ultimate choice of travelling in Asia with a backpack that’s fuss-free.
It was even voted as Outside’s magazine best backpack for travelling or backpacking for long distances.
This lightweight and minimalist pack is able to store everything you need if you’re out there trekking or deciding to just use it as a functional backpack for your travels.
The weight distribution is amazing and it is made of high quality durable nylon construction that handles daily wear and tear. The padded mesh harness wicks moisture for comfort through the miles.
Pros
Affordable bag
Great looking bag
High capacity
Cons
Single size
4. Maelstrom Backpack 40l
If you’re not planning for a long backpacking trip in Asia, the Maelstrom regular backpack will do just fine. It is technically known as a hiking backpack, but without all the wolfs and whistles.
For an inexpensive backpack, you get a large capacity and multicompartment and a roomy main compartment making it really easy to put all your essentials and clothes you need for 1 month backpacking trip.
It is affordable and perhaps the best backpack cost-wise if you’re not keen on spending so much of dollars on just a travel backpack.
Pros
Affordable
Compact
Lightweight
Cons
Weight distribution
5. Tortuga Travel Backpack: 40L Backpack
The Tortuga Setout travel backpack is just the right carry-on for city travelers who prefer a sleek version that doesn’t look like a hiking backpack. If you are frequently flying and taking only carry-ons, this is hands down the best backpack to take on your flight!
Cylinder-shaped packs for "backpackers" aren't much better. Since you pack them from the top, like a trash bag, it somehow leaves all your stuff a jumbled mess.
They're also too big to be carried onto a plane, so you’re stuck with checked bag fees, the hassle of baggage claim, and the stress of lost luggage.
The travel backpack packs like a suitcase and carries like a backpack and it is perfect if you need your clothes within access.
Given the quality of materials with Tortugas, I expect this bag to last a long time.
Pros
Carry-on-sized
Portable
Minimalist Design
Durable
Cons
Difficult to access some compartments
What Essentials Do I Carry In My Minimalist Travel Backpack?
Packing Cubes: It saves tons of time when you have all your accessories and usables in one place. The pack it cubes from Eagle Creek are well made, and the 3 piece set was much better value than buying the individual items separately.
Portable Charger / Power Bank: With a lot of gadgets, I always ensure that I have a power bank in hand. The Anker power bank is one of the best. The design is stunning, the tiny texture provides a nice feeling holding it, and it’s one of the quicker 20000 mAh chargers.
International Adaptor: If you travel a lot internationally, you want to get one that can be used across multiple continents from UK, US, EU, AU and Asia.
Sony A6000 Travel Camera: I carry this with me everywhere together with my Sigma 19mm F2.8 wide angle lens and it is one of the best travel camera. This camera has nothing to do with age as it clearly doesn’t hurt its performance and the best part is that its price has been knocked down to a few levels.
Salomon Shoes: You can’t go wrong with a pair of Salomons. This shoe efficiently tackles technical hikes and really shines even is a walkaround shoe.
Slouchie Beanie: With this beanie, you can double up your ear coverage on a cold day and it is really comfortable.
Microfiber Towel: There’s nothing worse than having that wet towel smell while travelling. Travel towels like Rainleaf Microfiber towel are quick-drying, absorbent and super useful, be it for your camping or hiking activities.
Wicking T-shirts: Nike’s dry-fit t-shirts are great when you don’t want to always be wearing cotton tees especially when you need something that’s quick drying.
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