Travel Backpack Statistics 2024 and Facts

Introduction

Travel Backpack Statistics: Who doesn’t love to travel? Well, it is said that the total number of global travelers increased to 990 million after the lockdown. Travel is an ongoing leisure activity, and thus the demand for travel backpacks is constant. Considering the travel bags, durability is the most important factor. Unlike other industries, the traveling industry is booming all over the world.

Along with travel, tags along the travel bag market. The travel bags industry is thus showing a constant increase in demand. Let’s understand the upcoming market studied by Travel Backpack Statistics.

Editor’s Choice

• Market Growth and Impact of COVID-19: The global backpack travel bag market experienced a decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic but has shown resilience with expected growth. The market size was USD 22,900 million in 2021 and is projected to reach USD 29,087.67 million by 2031, with a CAGR of 2.4% during the forecast period. The pandemic led to reduced demand across all regions due to restrictions on travel and tourism, impacting market growth negatively. However, the market is anticipated to recover as the situation improves​.
• Market Segmentation and Trends: The market can be segmented by type into backpacks and rolling backpacks, with backpacks leading the segment. Adults are the primary users, driving the market forward. Technological advancements have led to the creation of smart bags featuring interior lighting, wireless chargers, and real-time tracking tools, catering to the needs of a mobile lifestyle. The rise in recreational activities, such as camping, and the expansion of online and offline retail platforms are significant growth drivers​.
• Material Preference: Nylon is the dominant material in the backpack market due to its durability, waterproof nature, and lightweight properties, making it popular among travelers and trekkers​​.
• Distribution Channels: The offline channel, including hypermarkets/supermarkets and specialty stores, holds the highest market share. However, online sales are growing due to the convenience and the ability to compare prices and products​​​​.
• Demographics of Backpack Users: The typical age range of backpackers is primarily 20-25 years old, though there’s a notable participation from 30-somethings, indicating a broader age appeal. The majority of backpackers are millennials, and there’s a significant rise in solo female travelers, with bookings by women traveling alone increasing by 88% between 2015-2019. Additionally, 75% of young women (16-23 years old) have been on or are planning a backpacking trip, compared to 67% of men in the same age group​.
• Regional Insights: North America holds the largest market share, attributed to high disposable incomes and the presence of major players. The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow rapidly, driven by an increase in tourism and business travel​​​​.
• Accommodation Choices and Preferences: Over 80% of backpackers have stayed in hostels, with 21% also using Airbnb. The preference for hostels is likely due to their affordability and social environment, though many backpackers now opt for a mix of accommodation types, including hotels and staying with family or friends. Price, backpacker recommendations, and location are the top factors influencing accommodation choices​
• Market Trends: There is a growing demand for travel backpacks that support recreational activities such as camping and outdoor sports. The market is also seeing an increase in demand for backpacks with advanced technological features to support the mobile lifestyles of individuals​​.
• Challenges: Counterfeit products pose a significant challenge to market growth, particularly in developing nations where consumers may be more price-sensitive​​.
• Key Players: Major companies in the market include Samsonite, Osprey, VF Corporation, Victorinox, and Traveler’s Choice, among others. These companies focus on innovation, partnerships, and new product launches to stay competitive​​​​.

General Backpack Statistics

• About 58% of young adults, aged 18 to 34, own a backpack. This highlights the popularity of backpacks among the younger generation.
• The global backpack market was worth approximately $17.19 billion in 2021. This indicates a significant global demand for backpacks.
• Expectations are for the backpack market to grow by 5.6% annually from 2021 to 2028. This growth suggests a steady increase in backpack popularity and usage over the coming years.
• A large majority, 72.7%, of backpack owners in the 18-34 age group prefer buying backpacks in physical stores rather than online. This points to a preference for seeing and trying out backpacks before purchase.
• In the U.S., people spend about $1.15 billion every year just on school backpacks, showing the importance of backpacks in educational settings.
• Backpacks accounted for nearly 20% of the total sales in the global outdoor gear market in 2020, indicating their significant role in outdoor activities.
• The U.S. backpack market itself was valued at around $2.7 billion in 2019, underscoring its substantial domestic market.
• On average, a backpack in the U.S. costs about $30, suggesting an accessible price point for most consumers.
• The Asia Pacific region is expected to see the quickest growth in the backpack market, with a 6.0% CAGR from 2021 to 2028, due to increasing demand in these areas.
• Adventure travel backpacks represent about 11% of the backpack market’s total share, highlighting a niche but significant segment.
• The European backpack market is also growing, expected to rise at a 5.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2026.
• 55% of U.S. professionals prefer using a backpack for work, showing backpacks are not just for students but also for working adults.
• The U.S. imported backpacks worth $796 million in 2020, indicating a strong demand for imported backpack designs and brands.
• The travel backpack segment made up over 20% of the global backpack market’s revenue in 2021, showing a robust interest in travel-related backpacks.
• Around 36% of backpack owners aged 55 or older bought their most recent backpack to fit a laptop, indicating the growing need for tech-friendly backpacks.
• The sports backpack category was the largest segment in 2020, valued at $4.1 billion, showing the significant market for sports and active lifestyle backpacks.
• Outdoor backpacks had a 35% share of the global backpack market in 2020, reflecting strong demand for backpacks designed for outdoor use.
• The average school backpack weight for an elementary student ranges from 6 to 8 pounds, pointing towards the need for lightweight and ergonomic designs for children.

Regular Backpack vs Travel Backpack

General Travel Backpack Statistics

• As of 2022, North America captured 41.44% of the market share and became the dominant of all the regions.
• Furthermore, between 2023 and 2029, the Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12%.
• In terms of Travel Backpacks by type, the trolley segment is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7%, between the similar forecasted period.
• Furthermore, Travel Backpack Statistics state that the offline segment was dominating in 2022 resulting in 66.49% of the market share.
• Travel Backpack Statistics by price range state that the previous year i.e. 2022, premium segment was dominant by 40.47%.
• In the Asian region, China will be the fastest-growing market for Travel backpacks in the coming years resulting in a rate of 7.53%.
• The travel bag market is expected to reach $37.5 billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 8.3%.

By Type

(Reference: dreambigtravelfarblog.com)

The above charts explain that, in 2022, Hiking or Camping backpacks dominated the entire market resulting in 51.8% tailed by Travel Backpacks resulting in 48.2%.

By Market Value

(Reference: statista.com)

As stated earlier in the Travel Backpack Statistics, the market value is increasing every year. Looking at the above chart, even during the lockdown period, the value did not result in a decrease. In 2023, it reached to $24,027 million.

Things to consider while purchasing a travel backpack

• Brand or manufacturer of backpack
• Budget
• Fabric to consider its longevity and durability
• Lockable zippers
• Comfortable shoulder straps and pads
• The ability to lift the load
• Internal frame
• Anti-theft function
• Water resistance

Conclusion

Collaborating travel and technology is the basis for an increase in demand as well. Let’s say, that attaching anti-theft and lightweight technology including travel backpacks is preferred by the majority of Americans.  Today, there are multiple types of travel bags available in the market, and travelers choose those according to their needs.

As opposed to restrictions during the global lockdown, the number of travelers has been increasing ever since. Thus, meeting up with the needs of the travelers such as the quality of the bags, designs, features, and functionality is required to catch up in the market.

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