Whether you're exploring a new city and want to leave your pack at the hostel, or you need some extra room for bringing home those gifts, a packable backpack is always a useful item to bring along. I like the ChicoBag Travel Pack because it has all the features and comfort I want in a backpack while packing down to a reasonable size when I don't need it. While other packable backpacks may be lighter and compress to a smaller size, they compromise comfort and functionality in doing so.‍

Tip: When traveling in theft-prone areas, pack your valuables in a packing cube and attach it to the hydration loop at the top of the inside of the bag with a gear tie. That way if someone tries to "slash and grab" the contents of the pack they won't get away with the important stuff.