Travel Hacks: Expert Tips on How to Attach a Backpack to Luggage

It’s been around 2 years of my traveling journey. At this time, the worst thing I found was carrying a heavy backpack all the way. 

However, my uncle showed me how to attach the backpack to the luggage and get my hands free. It was an amazing idea! I often wonder how I didn’t come up with this idea.

The problem was I didn’t know how to attach a backpack to my luggage. I did my research. I took help from friends, and I literally watched all the YouTube videos about it. I figured out there are so many things, so many tiny details that need to be shared. 

Finally, I think I have understood the perfect way to secure the backpack to the luggage using the luggage strap or bungee cord.

Let me help you a bit. 

Why Should You Attach Your Backpack to Luggage?

Exactly why do you need to attach your backpack to your luggage? 

You no longer need to carry the weight for a long time. Well, here are some more reasons. 

Let me give you six reasons.

Hands-Free Mobility

When you are on the go, you might have to be in busy airports, train stations, or crowded streets.

You might have to hold the backpacks until you get a seat. By securing your backpack to your luggage, you can easily free up your hands. 

So, you can handle tickets, passports, and other essential items more easily.

Increased Storage Capacity

It simply expands your overall storage capacity. As you have a free hand, you carry other bags for sure. 

Instead of juggling multiple bags, you can consolidate everything in one place as well.

Reduced Risk of Loss or Theft

You effectively link both items together. As a result, thieves won’t have the opportunity to steal the bag anymore. 

It also helps you keep track of your belongings more efficiently.

Easy Maneuverability

If you have wheeled luggage, things will be more convenient for you. 

By attaching your backpack to that luggage, you can easily transform your travel gear into a cohesive unit. 

It will be easier to roll and move them through tight spaces, narrow aisles, or uneven surfaces.

Improved Security During Transit

Many modern luggage models come with integrated locking systems. When your backpack is secured to your luggage, you can utilize these locks to safeguard both of them. 

Additionally, some luggage options have anti-theft features like slash-resistant materials, RFID-blocking pockets, and combination locks, which will make it even easier.

Easy Check-In and Boarding

At airports and other transportation hubs, having your backpack attached to your luggage streamlines the check-in and boarding processes. 

You can present your luggage and backpack as a single unit, and it will be more organized and efficient during security screenings and boarding procedures.

Different Methods for Attaching Your Backpack to Luggage

As you’ve learned exactly why you should secure your backpack to your luggage, it’s time to learn what the possible methods are to attach a backpack to your luggage. Significantly, there are different ways you can do that. 

Here are five ways you can attach your backpack to your luggage.

Using A Luggage Strap or Bungee Cord Attachment

One of the easiest and most widely used methods is using luggage straps or bungee cords to secure your backpack to the larger rolling bag. 

I always try this method as I find it easy, and I can fix my backpack with this method so quickly.

These straps are mostly adjustable and equipped with buckles or clips to fasten them securely. 

The straps can be wrapped around the backpack and the luggage, pulling them tightly together. Thus, it will create a unified unit.

Backpack Attachment Loops or Sleeves

Many modern travel backpacks are designed with additional loops or sleeves on the backside explicitly intended for attaching the backpack to larger luggage. 

These loops are usually made of durable materials, like nylon or webbing. They allow you to slide the handles of the rolling bag through them.

Clip-On Carabiner System

For travelers who prefer versatility, using a clip-on carabiner system can be an excellent choice. This method is all about attaching carabiners or clips to the backpack’s shoulder straps and then clipping them onto the handle or straps of the larger suitcase.

Integrated Trolley Sleeve

Some premium travel backpacks come equipped with an integrated trolley sleeve at the back panel. This feature lets you slip the backpack over the telescopic handle of your rolling luggage. 

You can effectively combine the two into a single, easy-to-maneuver unit to have a better connection.

Compression Straps as Attachment Points

Certain backpacks have compression straps on the sides, which you can use as attachment points for larger luggage. This method ensures a snug fit and minimizes any potential movement during transit.

There are even many other DIY ways to secure your backpack to your luggage. You can use a rope if you have no available options on your backpack or luggage. 

Also, you can use different hooks to attach it as well.

Step-by-step Guide on Attaching Your Backpack to Luggage

Now, you must be thinking about how to fix the bag using this strap.

Well, first you need to gather all your essentials, like your backpack, suitcase or rolling luggage, luggage strap or bungee cord, and carabiners for added security. 

Now, just follow the steps below, and you can easily fix it within a few minutes.

Step 1: Prepare Your Backpack

Ensure your backpack is packed and ready to go. Double-check that all zippers and compartments are closed securely to prevent items from falling out during transit.

Step 2: Adjust the Luggage Strap or Bungee Cord

If you are using a luggage strap, first adjust its length so that it can fit around your backpack and luggage comfortably.

Most luggage straps have adjustable buckles or clips that easily let you modify the strap’s length as needed.

Step 3: Position the Backpack on the Luggage

Now, you have to place your backpack on top of your larger luggage. Make sure to align the two bags so that the backpack’s back panel is facing the front of the luggage.

Step 4: Wrap the Luggage Strap or Bungee Cord

At this point, you have to take the luggage strap or bungee cord and wrap it around both the backpack and the luggage. 

You can start by looping the strap under the handle or straps of the larger luggage. Then bring it up and over the top of the backpack.

Step 5: Fasten the Luggage Strap or Bungee Cord

You need to securely fasten the luggage strap or bungee cord by connecting the buckles or clips. 

Pull the strap or cord tight to create a snug fit between the two bags, ensuring that the backpack is firmly attached to the luggage.

Step 6: Use Carabiners for Added Security

For additional security, you can use carabiners to reinforce the attachment. Just clip carabiners onto the backpack’s shoulder straps and then attach them to the handle or straps of the larger luggage. It will provide extra support and prevent any accidental detachment.

Before you go, 

give a harsh shake to your bag and check if everything is just fine. If it is, you can simply forget about the backpack as you can get it as soon as you get the luggage.

Travel Hacks for Maximizing Space

Even though you can secure your backpack with your luggage, some tricks will help you maximize space for carrying your essentials. Especially, when I carry just my backpack, it becomes so difficult for me to place all the things in one place.

Just because I was ignorant of some easy hacks, I had to carry double-backs when I was a novice. 

Well, over time and after meeting so many travelers I discovered some easy hacks that help you get more space in your backpack. Let’s check them out.

• Instead of folding your clothes, rolling is a space-saving technique that also helps prevent wrinkles.
• Packing cubes are a game-changer for organizing and maximizing space in your luggage. These small, lightweight bags help you compartmentalize your items and make them more organized.
• Compression bags (vacuum-sealed bags) will let you shrink the volume of your clothes so effectively.
• To save space in your luggage, you can wear your bulkier items, like jackets or boots while traveling.
• It’s always a better idea to choose clothing items that can be easily mixed and matched to create different outfits.
• Use travel-sized containers or reusable bottles to carry only essential products like cosmetics.
• You can simply make the most of your shoe space by stuffing them with rolled-up socks or small items like underwear and accessories.
• Instead of carrying physical books or documents, prioritize ebooks and digital copies.

Also, you should be minimalized and thoughtful while choosing items to carry with you. Try to avoid all the things that can be replaced with what you are carrying already. 

Also, don’t pack unnecessary kinds of stuff.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

It was my first time joining a hiking team and I was so excited that I completely forgot about the weight of the backpack that I needed to carry all the way. 

I carry all the things I thought might be helpful. They were not. 

I ended up overloading my bag, and that gave me severe back pain later on.

Here are the common mistakes:

• Just as I mentioned, you should never overload your backpack especially if it’s not a plain journey. It not only gives you pain but also damages the backpack too.
• Be careful while packing up your things inside the bag. An imbalanced load can make your luggage difficult to carry and may cause it to topple over, especially when using a rolling suitcase.
• Never attach a heavy handbag to the flimsy or fragile handles of your larger luggage. It may not withstand the added weight and can be broken easily.
• Don’t be unsure when it’s to security facts. Make sure your handbag has secure closures, like zippers or clasps, and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
• Using improper or weak straps or cords can lead to detachment or damage during your journey. So, use high-quality, durable luggage straps or bungee cords designed specifically for this purpose.
• Make sure not to forget the size compatibility. Before attaching your handbag, ensure that it is proportionate to the size and weight of your larger luggage.
• Don’t forget to consider airline regulations regarding personal item size and weight limits.

Also, you should be careful about choosing the right backpack for your tour and packing your goods properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Wrapping Up

If you are a regular traveler, you should always be aware of the common and effective backpacking hacks. And attaching your backpack to your luggage can be a game changer on your long journey. Even though you will have many options to secure the backpack to your luggage, try to do it using the luggage strap or bungee cord.

However, let us know if you have other ways known about carrying your backpack. Also, share your personalized tour hacks with us to help us make our tour easier.