Gearank

The Backpacker is a popular travel guitar from C.F. Martin & Co.

For a company that's known for sticking with familiar designs, the Backpacker shape is easily the odd one out since it is meant to provide guitarists with a compact and portable Martin quality acoustic.

Specifications:

• Body Profile: Backpacker
• Top: Solid Sitka Spruce
• Sides: Tonewood
• Neck: Tonewood
• Fretboard: Not Specified
• Scale Length: 24"
• Nut Width: 1.6875"
• Electronics: None
• Bundled with Gigbag: Yes
• Total Length: 33"
• Weight: 2.125 lbs

Pros

It's unique shape and compact profile is well appreciated by many players, while others commend its playability and build quality, which is expected of a Martin designed guitar. Many are simply happy that they can own a good quality Martin guitar at a modest price point.

Cons

Ironically, the Martin Backpacker's shape riles up a few feathers, with reports of the guitar being hard to play without a strap. There are also a few complaints about its volume, but this is more of a physical limitation than an actual problem.

Overall

The Martin Backpacker is definitely not for everyone, but it is worth considering if you're looking for a premium quality yet affordable travel acoustic guitar.

Although this was previously on our recommended list, there are now more highly rated options available in our guide to The Best Travel Guitars .