Why this Osprey backpack is the best travel bag for working while you travel
Digital nomads are location independent – they work as they travel around the world. As…
Digital nomads are location independent – they work as they travel around the world. As a freelance writer, I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy that lifestyle, and have worked from 14 different countries over the course of my career. As such, I’m deeply familiar with the benefits (and challenges) of simultaneous work and travel.
One thing I know for sure is it’s essential to travel with a high-quality backpack. After trying out various luggage options, I now own three bags of ranging sizes from my favorite backpack brand. Keep reading to learn the benefits of backpacks over suitcases, what to look for in a digital nomad backpack, and what brand I’ve taken across three continents.
Why I Use Osprey Brand Backpacks
FAIRVIEW Travel Pack 55 – osprey.com
180.00Shop Now
I had already tried, and been unimpressed with, suitcases and a couple different bags before a fellow digital nomad friend mentioned he loved his Osprey Farpoint backpack. I quickly went to a store to try it for myself and learned Osprey’s Fairview backpack was the right choice for me.
These similarly named backpacks look nearly identical, but fit very differently. The Farpoint straps go straight over the shoulders and are set a bit higher on the back. This works well for medium to broader body frames. The Fairview straps, on the other hand, are slightly lower on the back and have a bit of a curve to them, which helps them fit better on smaller body frames. If you’re petite, I highly recommend this backpack. It was designed for your body type.
I started off with the Fairview Travel Pack 55. This currently costs $180, but is actually two backpacks in one: No only can you wear them both as one large backpack, you can zip off the smaller daypack, stow away the backpack straps from the larger bag, and check it to meet you later (it’s usually too large as a carry-on).
You can then wear the daypack and use it as your personal item. It fits nicely under the seat in front of you on the airplane. The day pack is my favorite bag because it’s so small and light. I take it on day trips when I only need a few essentials, hiking, and to coworking spaces. It’s extremely versatile, stores my reusable water bottle, and has a laptop sleeve that perfectly fits my 15-inch Macbook.
I later went on to buy Osprey’s Fairview Travel Pack Carry-on 40, which currently costs $160. Not all of my trips warrant my 55L bag and the 40L one is small enough to use as a carry-on. The XS/S size I wear is technically 38 L (the S/M is a full 40). The dimensions are 19.3 inches tall, 13.8 inches wide 8 inches deep, and it has always been accepted as a carryon without question.
All of my Osprey bags have held up well as I’ve taken them all across the world and don’t see myself needing any replacements for a long time. No tears for broken zippers for me!
FAIRVIEW Travel Pack Carry-On 40 – osprey.com
160.00Shop Now
Backpack vs. Suitcase: Why Digital Nomads Choose Backpacks
While you won’t find complete agreement among digital nomads in the backpack versus suitcase debate, most opt for backpacks.
The primary reason is that backpacks are much lighter than suitcases, which often have heavy metal components. The advantage here is you can fill them your backpack with more while still staying within airline luggage weight limits.
They are also much easier to maneuver when walking on uneven surfaces. In many cities around the world, there aren’t many sidewalks and roads can be uneven. The squishy nature of backpacks also makes them easier to fit into lockers and airline compartments.
You can take backpacks into buildings, such as museums, that don’t allow suitcases to be rolled around. Jumping on a bus or train is seamless. Plus, you can put frequently used items in easy-to-access compartments to grab without opening up the entire pack.
What Makes a Good Digital Nomad Backpack?
Airplanes are the most popular mode of transportation for digital nomads. Airlines have specific size limits for all types of luggage. Think of bag size like the show The Price is Right. You want your bag size to be as close to the limit as possible, without going over. Bag size allowances vary by airline. The carry-on size limit is 22 inches by 14 inches by 9 inches, and this includes all side pockets, handles, and wheels.
People usually use a backpack between 30 to 45 liters for a carry-on. If they are just using one bag, it may be on the larger end, while others may use a smaller carry-on paired with a personal item. Some people, myself included, have different bag sizes they use depending on how long they plan to be away from their home base. The size limit for personal items is usually 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches, and it must be able to fit underneath the seat in front of you.
Another backpack feature to consider is how many separate compartments there are. Most importantly, a section that is designed to fit a laptop is ideal. You may also seek a backpack with water bottle pockets or other small compartments. Alternatively, some people purchase packing cubes.
Finally, a digital nomad backpack should be comfortable! You never know how long you may need to wear it in an airport line, or how far you may need to walk with it. Whether you have a large or small frame makes a huge difference as well: a backpack one person finds easy to wear may fit another person in a way that leaves them sore.
So whether you’re a digital nomad or simply looking to become one, it’s worth investing in a high-quality backpack or two. Make sure your bag adheres to transportation size limits, has the essential laptop sleeve, and fits comfortably for your body type. Your digital nomad backpack is like your constant travel companion – so choose wisely.
