How To Attach Backpack To Luggage

When you’re travelling, it can be such a pain to have several bags weighing you down and taking up the use of your hands.

But by attaching your backpack to your rolling suitcase, you free yourself up and make life easier.

Table of Contents

Does Your Backpack Have A Luggage Strap?

Before you do anything else, take the time to inspect your backpack as you may find that there is a luggage strap on the rear.

This may be a strap at the back or a gap under the back panel where this part is not stitched to the main body of the pack.

attach backpack to luggage with straps — Use luggage straps

This can simply be pulled over your luggage handle and away you go!

You might also check the sides of your backpack where there could be a zipper.

If you’re not attaching the bag to luggage, these zippers allow you additional pocket space but otherwise, they’ll open up a space that you can hook over the luggage handle.

Where you may not have thought that your backpack even has a luggage strap, turn your pack on its side and see what’s revealed.

There are some whose strap is hidden until the backpack is flipped horizontally so this is worth checking; you may be pleasantly surprised.

Practical guide

Do Airlines Prefer Hard Or Soft Luggage?

No? Then You Can Buy One

After you’ve inspected your backpack, you may have simply found that it doesn’t have any sort of built in luggage strap.

But that’s OK, you still have options.

In fact, it’s easy to purchase a luggage strap called an add-a-bag and there are a few different options to choose from.

Untethered 4-Pack Luggage Straps

Durable Luggage Strap

This will keep your suitcase secure. Check out the latest prices.

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First of all, there are elastic add-a-bags which are brilliant if you’ve got a more cumbersome pack that requires additional security.

There are shorter straps with buckles which are attached to the backpack handles and the suitcase handle so that your pack can hang freely.

The problem with this type is that it isn’t as secure and the backpack has a tendency of flapping about which can be annoying.

Plus, if the bag is bigger, it can interfere with the wheels of your suitcase.

Which is Better for Travel?

Duffel Bag vs Suitcase

Or, You Could Make Use Of Existing Straps

You don’t have to spend any additional money buying an add-a-bag if you really don’t want to.

Most backpacks have an array of straps for carrying them and these can come in super handy when you’re attaching the backpack to your luggage.

For Example – If you’ve got a decent-sized suitcase, it’s perfectly feasible to just hang your backpack from the handle using the shoulder straps.

Of course, I would recommend making sure that none of the other straps or fixtures drag along the ground so tuck these in before getting on the move.

This method is usually best for suitcases with a narrow telescopic handle as with bigger ones, the backpack can be tricky to hang over.

Attach backpack to luggage with Backpack straps — You can use backpack straps

If that doesn’t work for you, flip the backpack onto its side and slide the shoulder straps over the handle one by one.

Once you’ve done this, I’d suggest tightening the straps for the most secure fit and again, make sure that nothing is dragging on the floor.

The problem is that you’ll never get it super tight so there’s still a chance that the backpack will move around somewhat.

But when you’re moving around an airport, train station, bus station, or parking lot, this will enable you to take hold of both bags with one hand.

How About Using Bungee Cords?

A lot of backpacks are fitted with bungee cords across the front.

These are excellent for looping over your suitcase handle and securing your bag.

Attach backpack to luggage with bungee cords — Using bungee cords

The great thing about this is that you can tighten the bungee cords so the backpack has less chance of swinging around as you move.

But this won’t always work,especially if you’re using a bigger backpack.

For Smaller Packs – This is an ideal method as the bag won’t get in the way of your suitcase handle, allowing you to move more freely.

If All Else Fails…Take Off Your Belt!

It doesn’t matter what type of belt you have, whether it’s a leather buckle belt or just the belt from your bathrobe, this can be used to secure a backpack to your luggage.

Plus, it’s cheap and easy.

belt can attach backpack to luggage — Use belt to attach backpack to luggage

Just pop the backpack onto the luggage and tie the belt as tightly as possible.

No, it’s not really all that sophisticated but it gets the job done and if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to buy a proper strap, it’s a great temporary solution.