10 Reasons to Switch to Carry on Backpacks
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We have been backpacking for years but 5 years ago were convinced by friends to downsize our bags to keep them carry on sized. It was the best thing we ever did and we haven’t looked back since! Having a backpack under 40L is key as this keeps it much lighter and easier to carry. We have the 40L Osprey Farpoint which we have found to be the best backpack for our travels. I have seen numerous “backpackers” with 70L plus backpacks. That used to be us! They are not ideal and are much heavier and harder to carry. Here are 10 reasons to switch to carry on backpacks!
No Lost Luggage
If you’ve ever had the frustration of losing a bag then I know you are with me on this one! Airlines can only help so much and it often takes days to get your bags back if you get them back at all! Replacing a completely lost bag usually takes going through travel insurance to sort out the issue. Not to mention arriving in your destination without any belongings can be an expensive start to the trip! Having our bags with us at all times completely removes this risk and allows us to focus on the destination without any worry.
Skip Baggage Lines
Nobody likes waiting in long lines! Unfortunately, this is almost inevitable when checking baggage at an airport. With carry on sized backpacks, we can walk right into the security line since we always download our boarding passes ahead of time. This also means we don’t have to arrive at the airport quite as early and can breeze past everyone waiting in those long lines.
Easy Access Mid Flight
Having just one bag means everything is accessible when we need it. It avoids having to pack a second bag with a change of clothes and entertainment for kids. The kids bags are small enough to fit right under the seats in front of them so they can be relatively independent during the flight. We find that backpacks are much easier to access mid flight than a carry on sized suitcase.
Easier Boarding Transportation
Depending on what kind of transportation you are using, there may be times where you need to drag your luggage onto a train, throw it under a bus or into the back of a taxi. Having a lighter bag with straps will make this process much easier than lugging around a giant suitcase. We have had many taxi and uber drivers say “That’s all you have?”. It’s so much easier when travelling with 3 kids to have only one small bag per person!
Prevents Overpacking
Travelling with a carry on backpack forces you to focus on the essentials and less on things you think you “might wear”. If I have the extra space to pack, I will certainly fill that bag, but then only wear half of it! Instead, I try to bring clothing that will mix and match easily, and then have a variety of outfits to wear without packing my whole closet.
Read our Ultimate Packing List for more tips on travelling with a carry on backpack
Navigate With Ease
I can’t count the number of times we have seen people struggling with luggage on cobblestone streets. These streets are very common all over the world especially in many top destinations in Europe. With carry on backpacks, it eliminates the inconvenience of trying to roll a suitcase over uneven pavement causing frequent tipping.
Navigating narrow alleyways and steep staircases can be challenging and you may find yourself lifting and carrying your suitcase anyway rather than rolling it. We use subways a lot when travelling and climbing the stairs to get to street level is far easier with a backpack.
Keeps Your Hands Free
I certainly appreciate this when travelling with kids. I can hold a hand through a busy airport or a crowded street and it allows me to help them whenever they need me. Accessing things like my passport or my phone is much more convenient when I’m not pulling a suitcase. It also gives me a sense of security that everyone’s luggage is strapped to them so I don’t have to keep an eye on everyone’s bags.
Less Chance of Luggage Fees
Baggage fees have become a frustrating part of travel. Airlines typically impose fees for bags over a certain weight as well as the number of bags. Unfortunately budget airlines often charge for every bag. While baggage fees are sometimes inevitable on certain airlines, the fees will certainly be less for a carry on sized bag vs a full suitcase.
No Waiting at Baggage Carousels
Another time saver! While everyone else is waiting for their bags, breeze past them and walk right out of the airport. This can also be handy when catching transportation outside the airport. Be the first in the taxi line!
Keeps You in Shape
Carrying a backpack on your back is a great way to stay in shape while you travel! That extra weight while walking is a great way to build core and leg strength. In the beginning, a backpack may feel heavier until you get used to it but after years of backpacking, we don’t even notice them anymore. Getting the right backpack to fit your body is important. Find one that is comfortable! People with previous back or neck injuries should consult a physician before deciding to travel with a backpack.
