Luggage for Backpacking Thailand

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Thailand : Backpack or Suitcase?

Getting the right luggage for your trip to Thailand can make the difference between a smooth or painful journey. There is no one-size-fits-all solution here but depending on how you intend to travel, this might indicate what is right for you.

If you are going straight to a hotel from a taxi and not moving about much then a standard suitcase will be fine. However, if you intend to embark on any sort of adventure via various means of transport, you should consider being more selective. See yourself dragging a suitcase across a sandy beach, or up flights of stairs? Nah, me either!

Wheels are fine if you have smooth pavements everywhere – and face it, that’s not Thailand

The case for the backpack

Not all backpacks are created equally, and the biggest mistake I have seen is people packing far too much into massive backpacks. Travelling as light as you can is going to make your life easier. See our packing guide to Thailand for more information. A 40-50 Litre backpack is good – this is a manageable size that gives you enough mobility when walking, or climbing into a moving boat.

Traditional top-loading backpacks can be difficult to use and you will find yourself emptying everything out just to find that t-shirt stuffed right in the middle. A side-opening backpack will let you get straight to everything with minimal fuss. Backpacks with waist straps will help take the weight of your shoulders, and some backs will also have multiple pockets to help keep you organised. Some have laptop sleeves, and some have anti-theft technology.

Here are a few backpacks we have selected based on popularity and some neat features that might suit your trip to Thailand:
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Mens Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack

4.7 / 5 (823 ratings)

Description
Top Feature

Top Feature

Adjustable AirScape Backpanel
Stretch-mesh hipbelt pocket
Multiple organisation pockets
Straightjacket compression
Direct access laptop sleeve

A popular and sturdy backpack. Suitable for carry-on with most international airlines, but may not be suitable for budget carrier carry-on.

Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack

4.7 / 5 (372 ratings)

This version of the backpack is specifically designed to fit women better.

For the best of both worlds, why not try a backpack that also has wheels!

Mountain Warehouse Voyager Wheelie 50 + 20 Litre Rucksack - Padded Airmesh Back Daypack with Lockable Zips & Adjustable Straps

4.5 / 5 (156 ratings)

Description
Top Feature

Top Feature

Lockable Zips - Allows you to store your luggage securely
Adjustable Straps - Allows extra adjustment for a better fit
Grab Handle - practical feature, makes it great for travelling
Compressions Straps - Used to reduce the weight of the rucksack.

A great backpack that combines wheels to take the weight off your back when on a smooth surface such as the airport. It also has a day pack, making this great value too.

And while you are here, you will definitely need these

Whatever you get, packing cubes are the essential way to keep everything under control. Nobody can argue with this, these cubes are a bargain:

Packing Cubes for Backpacks, Suitcases, Travel Organisers, Zipper, 4-Piece Set Bags, Small, Black

4.6 / 5 (36,987 ratings)

Size and Color
Description
Top Feature
Product Info

Size

Color

Product Info

Brand
Amazon Basics
Colour
Black
Product dimensions
30.5L x 22.9W x 5.6H centimetres
Special feature
Handle
Load capacity
2.27 kg
Recommended uses for product
Clothing
Closure type
Zipper
Shape
Rectangular
Number of items
4
Size
Small

Top Feature

Double zipper pulls make opening/closing simple and fast
Mesh top panel for easy identification of contents, and ventilation
Soft mesh won\\\'t damage delicate fabrics
Webbing handle for convenience when carried by itself
Small cube dimensions: 30.5x 22.9x 5.6cm (12x 9x 2.2inches)
Made of high-quality fabric with finished interior seams to increase durability

You simply cannot go wrong with these packing cubes for keeping you clothes organised and fresh.

If you need more space

This 90l Duffle bag gives you the benefit of wheels and also handy carry handles, making it more portable than a standard suitcase. If you need the extra space, this is ideal.