8 Best Backpacking Guitars

Hey there! So, you’re in the market for an acoustic guitar, and let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll be reviewing and comparing a range of acoustic guitars, each with its own unique features and benefits. Whether you’re a beginner looking for a starter kit or a seasoned traveler in need of a portable instrument, we’ve got you covered.

Acoustic guitars have been around for centuries, evolving from their classical roots to become versatile instruments enjoyed in various genres of music today. One of the major benefits of owning an acoustic guitar is the ability to play it anytime and anywhere, without the need for amplification. Acoustic guitars are also great for beginners, as their nylon or steel-string variations offer a comfortable learning experience.

Now, let’s dive into the detailed reviews of each product. First up, we have the Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar, a 1/2 size beginner-friendly instrument that comes with a colorful packaging and starter bundle, perfect for those just starting their musical journey. Next, we have the BESYOU Acoustic Guitar 15 Piece Set, a 38″ travel guitar designed for kids and students, complete with an English instruction manual and a soft case.

If you’re looking for a high-quality option, consider the Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar. This acoustic-electric guitar features a collapsible patented system, making it incredibly portable, while still delivering exceptional sound quality. On the other hand, the Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series offers a more traditional design and is perfect for professionals seeking a compact instrument without sacrificing playability.

For those who enjoy the fusion of acoustic and electric sounds, the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic-Electric Guitar is a great option. Its antique brown finish adds a touch of elegance to its lightweight and portable design. If you’re into vintage aesthetics, the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar is a fantastic choice, featuring a 2-Color Sunburst finish and a compact size that’s ideal for travelers.

Lastly, we have the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric, perfect for those who prefer an electric guitar feel but with added portability. This small-sized instrument will surely impress with its unique design and versatility.

There you have it, a great selection of acoustic guitars for every musical preference and lifestyle. So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty and find the perfect one for you!

Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 1/2 Size Beginner Adult Travel Acoustic Guitar with Starter Bundle Kit: Colorful Packaging, Strap, Gig Bag, Cleaning Cloth, String (Black)

The Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 1/2 Size Beginner Adult Travel Acustica Guitarra is a versatile instrument suitable for both beginners and experienced players alike. Its compact size and lightweight design make it the perfect choice for backpacking and traveling musicians who want to take their music wherever they go.

This backpacking guitar stands out for its innovative use of carbon fiber composite material. While carbon fiber guitars are usually expensive, the Enya Nova Go offers exceptional value for its quality. The carbon fiber construction ensures that the guitar remains stable and unaffected by temperature and humidity changes, even in extreme environments. This makes it ideal for outdoor adventures like hiking or beach trips, where traditional guitars may warp or crack.

The Enya Nova Go is a 1/2 sized guitar, measuring 35 inches in length. It features a solid build, with the body molded in one piece to ensure durability. The bridge is seamlessly integrated into the top of the guitar, eliminating the risk of snapping or falling off. Additionally, a truss rod is included in the neck for easy adjustment of the string action.

This acoustic guitar boasts a “Zero Fret” feature, which enhances tuning accuracy and facilitates smoother playing. The fret ends are also polished to provide a comfortable hand feel, even during long practice sessions. The Enya Nova Go is available in five vibrant colors, including black, white, pink, blue, and purple.

The Enya Nova Go delivers outstanding quality in both construction and sound. Its carbon fiber composition ensures stability and durability, while the integrated bridge and truss rod allow for easy adjustment and optimization of the string action. The guitar produces a rich, resonant sound that surpasses expectations, making it a reliable companion for any musical journey.

• Affordable carbon fiber acoustic guitar

• Impervious to temperature and humidity changes

• Solid build and durable design

• Easy adjustment of string action

• Smoother tuning with the “Zero Fret” feature

• Comfortable playing experience with polished fret ends

• Vibrant color options

• Limited to 1/2 size, may not suit all players’ preferences

The Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 1/2 Size Beginner Adult Travel Acustica Guitarra is an excellent choice for backpacking musicians seeking a portable and reliable instrument. Its carbon fiber construction, practical accessories, and overall quality make it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced players alike.

BESYOU 38″ Travel Acoustic Guitar Set for Kids and Students – Includes Soft Case and English Manual

The BESYOU Acoustic Guitar 15 Piece Set, 38″ Travel Guitar, Beginner Set, Introductory Practice Guitar, is specially designed for students and teens who are just getting started with playing the guitar. It is an ideal instrument for beginners to start learning and practicing their skills.

We like the BESYOU Acoustic Guitar 15 Piece Set because it offers a complete starter kit for aspiring guitarists. The bundle includes a 38-inch acoustic guitar, gig bag, strings, picks, and a strap, providing all the necessary accessories for beginners. This kit eliminates the confusion that often arises from the lack of spare parts.

The BESYOU 38-inch acoustic guitar kit is perfect for both adults and the youth who are starting their musical journey. Unlike low-end beginner guitars available in the market, this guitar is designed for long-term use, ensuring players never have to worry about its action and sound. Crafted with precision and patience, this guitar undergoes repeated revisions by skilled craftsmen to deliver a final product of exceptional quality.

Key features of this guitar include its high-quality wood construction, offering stability, resistance to cracking, and enhanced resonance for clearer sound quality. The 38-inch scaled-down size makes it suitable for young learners or women, providing excellent playing comfort. It is also highly portable and can be easily taken along on travels or played around the house or campfire.

The BESYOU Acoustic Guitar is designed to be easy to play, with complete accessories and lower strings that reduce potential damage to the guitar bridge. It maintains consistent tuning while producing beautiful tones. The sound dynamic range is wide, with strong bass and fast-moving high frequency, resulting in a rich and powerful sound.

The BESYOU Acoustic Guitar offers a superior quality instrument for beginners. The craftsmanship and attention to detail in its creation ensure a high-quality product that provides an excellent music experience.

Pros:

• Complete starter kit with all the necessary accessories included
• Exceptional craftsmanship and patient revision process
• High-quality wood construction for stability and clear sound
• Smaller size for better playing comfort
• Easy to learn and play

Cons:

• Shape, color, and packaging of accessories may differ from photos, but quality remains the same

It is clear that the BESYOU Acoustic Guitar 15 Piece Set is an excellent choice for beginners due to its high-quality construction, complete starter kit, ease of play, and superior sound quality. Whether for learning, practicing, or on-the-go musical endeavors, this guitar is a reliable companion for any aspiring guitarist.

Traveler Guitar Acoustic 6-String Guitar Escape Mark III (Mahogany), Right Handed, (MK3 MHS)

The Traveler Guitar Acoustic Guitar 6 String Escape Mark III (Mahogany) is designed specifically for backpackers and travelers who want to take their love for music on the road. It is a full-scale acoustic/electric guitar that offers incredible playability and sound, while still being compact and lightweight enough to fit in a backpack or carry-on luggage.

This backpacking guitar is a favorite among musicians who are always on the go. The Traveler Guitar Escape Mark III (Mahogany) is perfect for jamming by the campfire, playing on the beach, or even busking in a bustling city. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it convenient to carry around, without compromising on sound quality.

The purpose of the Traveler Guitar Acoustic Guitar 6 String Escape Mark III (Mahogany) is to provide travelers with a high-quality instrument that they can take with them anywhere. This guitar features a mahogany body and bolt-on neck, which not only adds to its durability but also contributes to its rich and warm sound. It also comes in a natural finish, giving it a classic and stylish look.

One of the key features of this guitar is its custom Shadow preamp, which includes a headphone out and 1/8” aux-in. This allows guitarists to play silently with headphones or connect their guitar to external devices for recording or playback purposes. Additionally, the built-in chromatic tuner ensures that your guitar is always in tune, no matter where you are.

The Traveler Guitar Acoustic Guitar 6 String Escape Mark III (Mahogany) excels in both build quality and sound performance. The combination of a mahogany body and neck produces a warm and well-rounded tone, which is impressive for a travel-sized guitar. The compact design not only makes it easy to transport, but it also contributes to the overall durability of the instrument.

• Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • High-quality mahogany body and neck
  • Custom Shadow preamp with headphone out and 1/8” aux-in
  • Built-in chromatic tuner
  • Deluxe Gig Bag included

• Cons:

  • Limited sound projection compared to full-sized guitars
  • May require some adjustments to feel comfortable for all players

The Traveler Guitar Acoustic Guitar 6 String Escape Mark III (Mahogany) is a top choice for backpackers and travelers who want to bring their musical passion on the road. Its compact size, impressive sound quality, and convenient features make it an excellent companion for any adventure.

Journey Instruments Portable Travel Guitar

The Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar – OF422 Traveling Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Collapsible Patented System – Portable Backpack Case (Overhead) is primarily designed for musicians who frequently travel and want a portable and high-quality guitar that they can easily take with them.

We are excited about the Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar because of its innovative design and exceptional sound quality. The patented collapsible neck system allows for quick assembly and disassembly in just around 20 seconds, making it incredibly convenient for musicians on the go.

The purpose of the Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar is to provide musicians with a full-size guitar that is easy to transport. It comes with a premium TSA compliant carry-on backpack that fits in most overhead bins, giving travelers the freedom to take their guitar wherever they go.

One key feature of this guitar is its traditional sound-hole, which boasts a forward-shifted, tapered X-bracing. This design maximizes the resonance and volume of the soundboard, ensuring outstanding sound quality whether playing for a small crowd or a large gig.

Another notable feature is the lifetime warranty offered by Journey Instruments. The stainless steel neck locking system is guaranteed for life, giving musicians peace of mind and confidence in their investment.

The Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar is crafted with precision and attention to detail. The materials used are of high quality, and the guitar is built to withstand the rigors of travel. It is clear that this guitar was created with the needs and desires of traveling musicians in mind.

Pros:

• Portable and easy to assemble and disassemble
• Exceptional sound quality
• Comes with a premium TSA compliant carry-on backpack
• Lifetime warranty on the neck locking system

Cons:

• May be more expensive compared to other travel guitars on the market
• Some users may find the collapsible neck system takes a bit of getting used to.

Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series in Antique Brown, Right-handed

The Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series (Antique Brown), Right, (PS ABNS) is a versatile instrument that is specifically designed for backpacking and travel purposes. It is the perfect companion for musicians who want to take their music on the road without compromising on quality.

The Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series (Antique Brown) is a remarkable backpacking guitar that offers exceptional sound and playability. Its compact size and lightweight design make it highly portable and easy to carry during long journeys. Whether you are backpacking through the woods or traveling across continents, this guitar is designed to meet all your musical needs on the go.

This traveler guitar is a hybrid acoustic and electric instrument, combining the best of both worlds. With its piezo and electric pickups, it delivers a rich and varied sonic range. The one-piece maple neck-through-body construction ensures durability and stability, while the natural satin finish adds an elegant touch to its antique brown look.

In addition, the Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series (Antique Brown) comes with a deluxe gig bag, providing secure and convenient storage when not in use. Its full 24 3/4″ scale steel-string acoustic/electric travel guitar is designed to fit in airline overhead bins, making it a perfect companion for musicians who frequently travel by air.

The Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series (Antique Brown) is built to last. Its high-quality construction materials and precise craftsmanship ensure that it can withstand the rigors of backpacking and travel. The instrument produces a full and rich sound, comparable to larger and heavier guitars, thanks to its innovative design and top-notch components.

The main advantage of the Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series (Antique Brown) is its compact size and portability, making it a convenient choice for musicians on the go. Furthermore, the inclusion of a listening Stethophone allows for private, battery-free listening. However, some users may find the size and string spacing to be less comfortable compared to standard guitars. Additionally, the limited lifetime warranty provides peace of mind for the longevity of the instrument.

The Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series (Antique Brown) is an excellent choice for musicians who want to take their passion for playing music on the road. Its exceptional quality, innovative design, and compact size make it one of the best backpacking guitars on the market.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic-Electric Guitar

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic Acoustic-Electric Guitar is designed specifically for backpackers and travelers who want to bring their love for music wherever they go. It is perfect for those who enjoy strumming their favorite tunes around the campfire or jamming with friends on the road.

There are several reasons why we love the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light. Firstly, it is incredibly lightweight, weighing only 2 lbs. 14 oz. This makes it easy to carry around during long backpacking trips without causing any strain or discomfort. Secondly, the guitar’s compact size of 28″ allows it to fit in airline overhead bins, eliminating the worry of checking it as baggage. Lastly, the instrument comes with a gig bag and detachable lap rest, providing added convenience and protection during transportation.

The purpose of the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light is to provide a portable and reliable instrument for backpackers and travelers who want to play music on the go. Its key features include a full 24.75″ scale acoustic/electric design, allowing users to enjoy its authentic sound and versatility. Additionally, the guitar features a piezo pickup with a standard 1/4″ output, enabling easy connection to amplifiers or other audio equipment when needed.

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic Acoustic-Electric Guitar is known for its exceptional quality. Despite its compact size and lightweight construction, the instrument delivers a rich and vibrant tone that is comparable to regular-sized guitars. The wood construction of the body and neck ensures durability and maintains the guitar’s overall longevity.

• Lightweight and portable design

• Fits in airline overhead bins

• Authentic acoustic/electric sound

• Comes with a gig bag and detachable lap rest

• Durable construction

• Limited sound projection due to its size

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic Acoustic-Electric Guitar in Antique Brown is a top choice for backpackers seeking a travel-friendly instrument. Its lightweight construction, authentic sound, and convenient accessories make it the perfect companion for any musical adventure. Whether strumming by the campfire or entertaining fellow travelers, this backpacking guitar is sure to inspire and delight musicians on the move.

Gretsch Jim Dandy Acoustic Guitar – 24″ Flat Top, 2-Color Sunburst

The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, 2-Color Sunburst is a popular choice for backpackers who love to play music during their outdoor adventures. Its compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for traveling, hiking, and camping trips. Whether you’re strumming by the campfire or playing a tune on a mountaintop, this backpacking guitar delivers exceptional sound quality in a portable package.

We love the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar because it strikes the perfect balance between portability and functionality. Despite its small size, this guitar boasts a rich and full-bodied sound that rivals larger, bulkier instruments. It is also built to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, with a sturdy basswood body and X-bracing for added durability.

The purpose of the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar is to provide backpackers with a high-quality instrument that they can easily carry with them on their adventures. It is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel and outdoor performances.

Some of the key features of this guitar include a 12th fret, 24”-scale nato set neck with a synthetic bone nut for enhanced playability, vintage-style 18 frets for comfortable finger positioning, a walnut fingerboard with pearloid dot inlays for a touch of elegance, and a top-load walnut bridge with a compensated saddle for improved intonation.

The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar excels in terms of both sound quality and craftsmanship. It produces a warm and resonant tone that is pleasing to the ears, ensuring an enjoyable playing experience for both beginners and experienced musicians. The attention to detail in its construction, from the choice of materials to the precise fretwork, is evident in its overall quality.

• Compact and lightweight design

• Excellent sound quality

• Durable construction

• Elegant aesthetics

• Limited tonal range due to its size

Whether you’re an experienced guitarist or a beginner looking to learn on the go, the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar is a fantastic option for backpacking musicians. Its compact size, impressive sound quality, and overall craftsmanship make it a reliable companion for your outdoor musical adventures.

Ultra-Light Electric Traveler Guitar

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric is designed for backpackers and travelers who want to bring their guitar along on their adventures without the hassle of carrying a full-sized instrument. It is perfect for those who want to practice their skills, write songs, or simply entertain themselves while on the go.

There are several reasons why the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric stands out among other backpacking guitars. Firstly, its compact and lightweight design makes it incredibly easy to carry around. Weighing only 3 lbs. 2 oz. and measuring just 28″ in length, it can fit in airline overhead bins and is also compatible with most gig bags.

Another feature that we appreciate is the one-piece Eastern American hard Maple neck-through-body design. This construction not only enhances the instrument’s durability but also contributes to its remarkable resonance and rich tone.

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric is intended to provide guitarists with a portable and reliable instrument that doesn’t compromise on sound quality. Its key features include a full 24 3/4″ scale length, which allows players to maintain their preferred playing style despite the guitar’s compact size. Additionally, it is equipped with a dual-rail humbucker pickup, delivering a versatile range of tones suitable for various music genres.

When it comes to overall quality, the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric exceeds expectations. Constructed with high-quality materials and attention to detail, this guitar offers impressive build quality and exceptional playability. Its stable tuning and comfortable feel make it a joy to play, whether on a hiking trail or beside a campfire.

Pros:

• Lightweight and compact
• Fits in airline overhead bins
• Durable and resonant construction
• Versatile tonal range
• Excellent playability

Cons:

• Limited color options
• Lack of onboard controls for volume and tone adjustments

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric is an outstanding choice for backpackers and travelers in need of a high-quality and portable guitar. Its lightweight design, remarkable resonance, and versatile tonal range make it a reliable companion for musical adventures on the road.

Comparison of Specifications

Product	Material	Size	Features	Accessories Included
Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 1/2 Size Beginner	Carbon fiber composite	1/2	Temperature and humidity resistant	Gig bag, hexagon wrench
Adult Travel Acustica Guitarra w/Starter Bundle Kit			Solid build, easy to play, zero fret
BESYOU Acoustic Guitar 15 Piece Set, 38″ Travel Guitar,	Wood	38″	Specially designed for beginners, purely handmade	Gig bag, strings, picks, strap
Beginner Set, Introductory Practice Guitar For Kids, Students			Suitable for all ages, easy to play
with Guitar Soft Case, English Instruction Manual Included
Traveler Guitar Acoustic Guitar 6 String Escape Mark III (Mahogany)	Mahogany	Full	Full 25 1/2” scale, built-in chromatic tuner	Deluxe gig bag
Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar – OF422	Unknown	Full	Collapsible design, forward-shifted X-bracing	TSA compliant carry-on backpack, ballistic nylon case
Traveling Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Collapsible Patented System
Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series (Antique Brown)	Unknown	Full	Collapsible design, traditional sound-hole, backpacker’s	TSA compliant carry-on backpack, steel neck locking system
			heaven
Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic Acoustic-Electric Guitar	Unknown	Full	Lightweight, one-piece maple neck-through-body, hybrid	Includes listening stethophone, deluxe gig bag
Antique Brown			acoustic and electric
Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar	Basswood	24″	X-bracing, 12th fret, vintage-style 18 frets	Walnut bridge, compensated saddle
2-Color Sunburst
Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric”	Eastern American hard Maple	Full	Fits in airline overhead bins, one-piece neck-through-body	Deluxe gig bag
			design

Conclusion

In conclusion, the review of the 8 products showed a variety of options for individuals looking for a travel-friendly acoustic guitar. Each product had its own unique features and benefits to offer.

Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar 1/2 Size Beginner Adult Travel Acustica Guitarra w/Starter Bundle Kit of Colorful Packaging, Acoustic Guitar Strap, Gig Bag, Cleaning Cloth, String(Black)

The Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar is a great option for beginners or adult travelers. It comes with a starter bundle kit that includes colorful packaging, an acoustic guitar strap, a gig bag, a cleaning cloth, and a string. The carbon fiber construction ensures durability and portability.

BESYOU Acoustic Guitar 15 Piece Set, 38″ Travel Guitar, Beginner Set, Introductory Practice Guitar For Kids, Students, with Guitar Soft Case, English Instruction Manual Included

The BESYOU Acoustic Guitar 15 Piece Set is specifically designed for kids and students. With its 38″ size, it is easy to carry while providing a comfortable playing experience. The set includes a guitar soft case and an English instruction manual for beginners.

Traveler Guitar Acoustic Guitar 6 String Escape Mark III (Mahogany), Right, (MK3 MHS)

The Traveler Guitar Acoustic Guitar features a mahogany construction and is perfect for right-handed players. Its compact size and lightweight design make it an excellent choice for travelers. Additionally, it comes with a quality sound and a durable build.

Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar – OF422 Traveling Acoustic-Electric Guitar with Collapsible Patented System – Portable Backpack Case (Overhead)

The Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar is a unique acoustic-electric guitar with a collapsible patented system. It is designed for easy transportation and comes with a portable backpack case. The solid Sitka construction ensures a rich sound quality.

Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series (Antique Brown), Right, (PS ABNS)

The Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series is an antique brown guitar perfect for right-handed players. It is part of the pro-series, offering professional quality sound and performance. The compact and lightweight design allows for easy travel.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic Acoustic-Electric Guitar, Antique Brown

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic is an acoustic-electric guitar in an antique brown color. This ultra-lightweight instrument provides comfort and portability, making it ideal for on-the-go musicians. Its compact size does not compromise on sound quality.

Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar, 2-Color Sunburst

The Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy 24″ Flat Top Acoustic Guitar in a 2-Color Sunburst finish is designed for those seeking a vintage-inspired look and feel. It features a 24″ scale length and provides a rich and resonant sound.

Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric

The Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric is a compact electric guitar perfect for traveling musicians. Its lightweight design and portability make it easy to take on the go while still delivering quality sound. It comes in an attractive antique brown finish.

In terms of drawbacks, some users may find that the smaller size of these travel guitars compromises the overall sound and playability compared to full-sized guitars. Additionally, some may prefer a more traditional look and feel.

Despite these limitations, for travelers, beginners, kids, or individuals looking for a portable option, these guitars offer excellent features and convenience. They are particularly suited for those who prioritize portability and ease of transport.

Overall, the Enya Nova Go Carbon Fiber Acoustic Guitar, BESYOU Acoustic Guitar 15 Piece Set, and Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Acoustic are recommended for beginners and adult travelers. The Journey Instruments Solid Sitka Travel Guitar and Traveler Guitar Acoustic Guitar are recommended for individuals who want a collapsible and compact travel guitar with high sound quality.

For electric guitar enthusiasts, the Traveler Guitar Ultra-Light Electric and Traveler Guitar 6 String Pro-Series are recommended for their portability and professional quality sound. Lastly, the Gretsch G9500 Jim Dandy offers a vintage-inspired look and resonant sound.

No matter the specific needs and preferences, there is a travel-friendly acoustic guitar on this list that will cater to any musician on the go.