Welcome to The Backpacking Guide
Founded over a decade ago, The Backpacking Guide has become a trusted resource for travelers seeking honest, comprehensive luggage reviews and buying guides. What started as a personal blog documenting one traveler’s quest for the perfect backpack has evolved into a comprehensive platform serving thousands of readers monthly.
Our Mission
We believe that the right luggage can transform your travel experience. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, digital nomad, or globe-trotting adventurer, having reliable, functional gear matters. Our mission is to cut through marketing hype and provide real-world insights based on extensive testing and genuine user experiences.
Our Approach
Every product we review undergoes rigorous evaluation. We don’t just unbox items and share specifications—we live with them. Our luggage goes through airports, gets stuffed into overhead bins, endures rainy commutes, and accompanies us on actual trips. We test durability, assess organizational features, evaluate comfort, and measure real-world performance against manufacturer claims.
Testing Methodology
Our review process includes multiple phases: initial inspection for build quality and design, practical packing tests with various travel scenarios, stress testing for durability, extended use periods ranging from several weeks to months, and comparative analysis against similar products in the same category.
Meet Our Team
Sian – Founder & Lead Author
With over 11 years of travel experience spanning 50+ countries, Sian brings unmatched expertise to luggage evaluation. Having tested hundreds of backpacks, suitcases, and travel accessories across diverse environments—from the humid jungles of Southeast Asia to the frozen landscapes of Scandinavia—Sian understands what makes luggage truly work for real travelers. A former corporate traveler turned full-time adventurer, Sian combines practical knowledge with a keen eye for design and functionality.
Suad – Editor
Suad ensures every review maintains our high standards for accuracy, clarity, and usefulness. With a background in consumer journalism and a passion for detailed research, Suad fact-checks specifications, verifies claims, and refines our content to deliver maximum value to readers. Her meticulous editing process guarantees that our reviews remain comprehensive yet accessible.
Our Values
Transparency guides everything we do. We clearly disclose our affiliate relationships and never let them influence our honest opinions. If a product disappoints, we say so. When we find exceptional value or innovative features, we celebrate them. We believe readers deserve authentic perspectives, not sales pitches disguised as reviews.
Why Trust Us
Independence matters. While we participate in affiliate programs to support our work, we purchase most products ourselves and never accept payment for positive reviews. Our income comes from reader trust, not manufacturer relationships, which means our loyalty lies with you.
Looking Forward
As the luggage industry evolves with new materials, designs, and technologies, we continue adapting our testing methods and expanding our coverage. We’re committed to remaining your reliable source for luggage information, helping you invest in gear that truly enhances your travels.
Thank you for making The Backpacking Guide part of your travel planning journey. Here’s to many adventures ahead with the perfect luggage by your side.