You’re going to be wearing this on your back and spending a lot of time with it, so you want to make sure you get the right one. Here are some things to consider when shopping for your new backpack:

• Decide if you prefer top loading or panel loading.
• Check the dimensions to make sure they work with your airline’s carry-on restrictions.
• Make sure there are enough pockets for your needs.
• Look for a rain cover.
• Adjust the straps, including the waist strap, to make sure it fits comfortably.

Here’s what I fit in my large travel backpack on my most recent trip:

• 9 t-shirts
• 1 cute top
• 2 pairs of shorts
• 2 pair of pants (plus I wore a pair of jeans travel days
• 4 pairs of socks
• 10 pairs of underwear
• 1 pair of shoes (clunky wedges)
• 1 bag of travel-sized liquid toiletries
• Make-up, razor, hairbrush, prescription medication
• Laptop, charger, external hard drive