The Backpack Pros

Allows You To Be Hands Free – Let's face it, when we are traveling, we need to use our hands a lot. Sometimes we need to climb up into a bus carrying our bag, other times we need to type messages into our phone while we are eating. Having both hands available at the same time is quite convenient.

Easy Mobility – Backpacks and rucksacks are attached to your back 99% of the time. Getting around is often easier because there is not a large suitcase being pulled behind me and bumping into everything. Rucksacks and backpacks make it easier to interact with local people.

Good Durability – Generally, nice backpacks are made with good materials. They are designed to be rugged and be thrown around and bumped into things frequently. As long as you don't buy a super cheap backpack, chances are your backpack will be quite durable.

Lots of Storage – There are a lot of zippers, pouches, and hidden compartments in those backpacks. You can usually find a place to put your items inside rather easily.

Many Styles to Choose From – There are so many different sizes, colors, and patterns to choose from. There's usually a style to fit anyone's unique look. Not sure which one to choose? Be sure read how to choose the correct rucksack.

You'll Get Stronger – Looking for an easy way to get fit? Use a backpack or a rucksack and fill it with all of your items. My entire life fits inside a bag, and I have been carrying that bag for many years. In the beginning, it was very heavy. Now, I don't even flinch when I pick it up.

Sense of Adventure – Backpacks and rucksacks are generally associated with adventure traveling. When I walk around a country and see other travelers, I can almost immediately those who are also travelers just like myself. Most adventure travelers carry rucksacks. Most of the time when I see a traveler pulling a suitcase with wheels, they are often only interested in staying in nice hotels, going to nice restaurants, and rarely go out of their hotel gate.

Security – Generally, backpacks are not secure. Imagine you are walking with a full bag, would you notice if someone was beside you unzipping one of the many zippers and removing something from your bag? Probably not. You can certainly buy extra blocks or a large wire mesh to go around your bag if you are extremely concerned. My defense has always been to keep my eyes on that bag at all times. Trust no one.

Minimalist Lifestyle – Backpacks and rucksacks are definitely associated with being a minimalist. I am one of those people. Since June of 2016, I have been living out of a large rucksack and a small carry-on. Literally everything that I own fits inside both of them. I don't want material items, I just want memories! But that's a personal choice, I suppose.

Light Weight – Without anything inside, backpacks are generally lightweight. There is not a lot of heavy or hard plastic to protect your belongings inside. It's usually thin, but lightweight and durable material which the bag is made from.

Harder for Thieves to Take – Thieves are definitely not common, but it is possible that you are unfortunate to bump into one. The good news is if they want to steal your bag, it will be rather difficult because it is attached to your body.