Backpack or Suitcase? Here's How to Decide

It’s the biggest question everyone asks before they go travelling… Should I take a backpack or a suitcase? Our guidebook is here to help you decide, as we unpack our most frequently asked questions so that you can make the right choice for your travel needs and preferences. Let’s dive in. 🎒🧳

Why We Recommend Backpacks

Most travellers find that backpacks are easier to move around with, whether you’re going island-hopping around Bali or navigating Japan’s public transport. Backpacks are generally more lightweight, can be squished into smaller spaces, and keep your hands free. In other words, the perfect backpack is the ultimate companion for your global adventures!

Where Suitcases Can Be Great

Backpacks are our number one choice, but we also offer loads of group tours where you’ll find that a suitcase can work just as well, such as many of our trips to Europe.

Every adventure looks a little different. We highly recommend that you still get in touch with one of our friendly travel advisors, as they can provide the most accurate details that are specific to your desired trip.

Prefer a suitcase? Our travel advisors can give you tips on how to make it work for your chosen adventure. Get in touch by visiting our Contact Us page or by messaging us over live chat.

Travel Hack: Look out for backpacks that include a clam-shell design (zips all the way open and lay flat). That way, you can organise your essentials almost like a suitcase, but with all the bonuses of taking a backpack!

Finding the Perfect Backpack

Weight

The most important factor when finding the perfect backpack for you is whether it will be comfortable to carry. Aim for something lightweight, ideally in the range of 1kg to 1.8kg when the backpack is empty.

Luggage Capacity

Your next key consideration should be luggage capacity. Backpacks are measured in litres as a universal indication of how much stuff you can fit in. So it’s important that you pick a luggage capacity that accurately reflects the trips you have planned.

Best for first timers: 50 to 70L

Why? Plenty of space to pack all your essential belongings, plus extra space for souvenirs along the way. Works amazing for longer journeys, such as backpacking around Southeast Asia or Australia.

Best for budget travel: 30 to 40L

Why? Super lightweight and can usually be taken onto flights as carry-on luggage, so it’s perfect for saving on baggage fees. Highly recommended for backpackers with a bit more travel experience, those on a budget, or when visiting hot climates (as you’ll be wearing lighter-weight clothing).

Best for trekking: Trip-specific

Why? Every trek is unique, so we highly recommend following the trip-specific information, which can be accessed through your bookings portal. You can also book a 1-to-1 session with one of our travel coordinators, who handle everything once your trip is confirmed.

Many treks, such as the Inca Trail in Peru, have porters with you for the journey. Meanwhile, other treks may require you to carry most of your luggage. In most cases, you can store your main luggage at a secure location and take a smaller day bag with you for the trek.

Functionality

Decided what size backpack you want? The next step to consider now is how practical this backpack is, and whether it has been intuitively designed. Although it’s easy to be swayed by the latest features, the perfect backpack should prioritise comfort and security over everything. Simple can be just as sweet.

Most reputable backpacking brands will already include tons of practical features in their design. Still, here’s our quick run-down so you know what questions to be asking before making your purchase.

Comfort

• Does the backpack include hip padding, a waistband and/or a chest strap to help support the weight as you carry it?
• Are the straps adjustable?
• Does the backpack include a frame to evenly distribute the weight across your backpack?
• Is the backpack designed for men, women or unisex?

Climate

• Does the backpack include breathable material designed for hot climates, such as an air-flow back panel?
• How water-resistant is the backpack, or does it come with an additional dry sack?

Security

• Does the backpack include a hidden security pocket?
• Are the zippers high-quality, e.g. puncture resistant or can they easily fit a padlock if needed?
• Is the fabric durable and high-quality, e.g. it doesn’t tear easily?

Usability

• Does the backpack include a clam-shell opening, where you can zip it all the way open, or is it top-loading?
• Does the backpack include any easy, quick-access pockets for smaller essentials?
• Are there sturdy straps included on the top and side for overhead carriage?
• Does it include zip-away straps to help with checking in your backpack at the airport?

What about Day Bags?

Alongside your main luggage, you may also wish to take a day bag with you. Day bags are awesome because they can store your essentials for everyday activities or for overnight journeys. These can be used for carry-on luggage for flights (if your main luggage has been checked in).

Deciding what size to go for when selecting your day bag mostly depends on your travel preference or the type of activities you will be doing on your trip. We say that 15L to 20L is the sweet spot for most travellers when picking out their day bags. 

Some brands even sell their main backpacks and day bags in a bundle, so that you can clip them onto the back!

Our Top Backpacking Tips

Try a Backpack on First

If this is your first time using a backpack, we highly recommend going into a shop and trying one on first to see how it feels on your back. This can help give you a realistic idea of how much you feel comfortable carrying and what key features you would like to be included. Even if you don’t make a purchase that same day in-store, this can make a huge difference in filtering your search.

Packing Cubes

If there is one thing we love more than a good backpack, it has to be packing cubes! These are life-savers when it comes to organising and compressing your items. Aside from easy storage, they also help you to keep track of what clothes are clean or have been worn.

You Don’t Actually Need That Much

We completely get how tempting it is to overpack. Say if the perfect night comes up for that outfit you’ve been meaning to wear for ages, but you’ve left it behind?

Here’s the thing. When you go travelling, the reality is that you’ll probably be rewearing the same outfits anyway. And if you pack light, that means more room for souvenirs (... or even a few tailor-made clothing items. We’re looking at you, Vietnam 👀). The only products we recommend stocking up on for Southeast Asia are factor 50+ sunscreen and mosquito repellent spray.

Our advice is to pack twice: first, throw in everything you think you’ll need. Second time, divide it by half. Ideally, you want the total backpack weight to be around 20% of your body weight. Packing light is basically doing your future self a huge favour.

Add a Unique Detail

We highly recommend adding a small detail to your luggage that makes it recognisable to you. This could include a luggage tag, a scarf, or, if you’re feeling creative, maybe even adding some custom embroidery to it!

Enjoy up to 15% Off at Mountain Warehouse

Yep, you read that right! Gap 360 has partnered up with Mountain Warehouse, and all of our booked travellers have exclusive access to up to 15% off when shopping online. You can access this exclusive discount code in your bookings portal, as part of our Customer Benefits.

So there you have it! Whether you’re team backpack or suitcase, let’s decide where you’ll actually be taking your luggage to. Check out our group tours today, designed for 18 to 30s travellers with over 50+ destinations to choose from. 🌏