Martin Backpacker Travel Acoustic Guitar, (Used)

The Martin Backpacker Travel Acoustic Guitar is one of the most recognisable compact travel guitars ever made, designed for players who want a lightweight, portable acoustic that can go almost anywhere. Built with travel, practice and convenience in mind, the Backpacker offers a distinctive slim body shape that is easy to carry, easy to store and ideal for musicians who need a guitar for holidays, songwriting, camping trips, touring, lessons or everyday grab-and-go playing.

This pre-owned Martin Backpacker is listed in Good condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains fully functional. It comes with an unbranded gigbag, giving it a practical carry solution for transport and storage.

Unlike many travel instruments that feel more like novelty items, the Martin Backpacker is designed to remain a real playable acoustic guitar. Its narrow body makes it extremely portable, while the full-scale-style feel gives players a more familiar experience than many ultra-small travel guitars. For guitarists who want a compact acoustic from a respected acoustic guitar brand, this Martin Backpacker is a practical and characterful option.

Condition Overview

Good Condition

This Martin Backpacker Travel Acoustic Guitar is in Good condition. This means it shows noticeable cosmetic wear from previous use, but remains fully functional and ready to play.

Good condition is ideal for players who want a usable, reliable travel guitar and are less concerned about cosmetic marks. Travel guitars are often bought to be used on the move, so some signs of previous use are normal and expected.

What’s Included?

✔ Martin Backpacker Travel Acoustic Guitar
✔ Unbranded Gigbag

✘ No Original Martin Gigbag Included
✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

This guitar is listed in Good condition, so it may show visible signs of use such as small marks, light dents, surface scratches, finish wear or general handling marks.

No specific faults, repairs or modifications have been provided for this listing. The guitar has been checked for playability and functionality before sale.

Fair Deal Inspection & Assessment

This pre-owned Martin Backpacker has been inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Frets inspected

• Tuners checked

• Neck relief assessed

• Bridge and saddle inspected

• Nut checked

• Body checked for structural condition

• General playability assessed

• Gigbag checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are set up and checked before leaving the shop.

This Martin Backpacker has been assessed for playability, with the following checked where required:

• Action checked

• Neck relief checked

• Frets inspected

• Tuning stability checked

• Bridge and saddle checked

• Hardware checked

Please note that guitar setup can sometimes shift slightly during delivery due to changes in temperature and humidity. We take this into account during our checks, but wood can naturally move in transit, particularly with acoustic guitars and travel instruments.

Why Choose The Martin Backpacker Travel Acoustic?

Ultra-Portable Acoustic Design

The Martin Backpacker is built around portability. Its narrow, lightweight body is designed to fit into places where a full-size acoustic guitar would be inconvenient, making it ideal for travel, holidays, camping, songwriting trips and musicians who want a compact instrument close to hand.

A Real Acoustic Guitar For Travel

Many small travel instruments compromise heavily on feel. The Backpacker keeps a proper steel-string acoustic layout, making it feel more familiar than toy-like mini guitars or novelty travel instruments. It is a useful choice for players who want something compact without completely losing the feel of a real guitar.

Recognisable Martin Character

Martin is one of the most respected names in acoustic guitar history, and the Backpacker brings that heritage into a compact format. While it will not deliver the depth or volume of a full-size dreadnought, it offers a clear, focused acoustic voice that works well for practice, writing and relaxed playing.

Good For Songwriting And Practice

Because it is small and easy to keep nearby, the Backpacker is a great guitar for writing ideas, practising chord shapes, working out melodies or keeping your playing going while away from your main instrument. For many players, the best guitar is the one that is easy to pick up — and the Backpacker is designed exactly for that purpose.

Unbranded Gigbag Included

This example comes with an unbranded gigbag, giving it a simple transport and storage solution. This is especially useful for a travel guitar, as it helps keep the instrument easier to move around and protects it from everyday knocks and dust.

Ideal For Players Short On Space

The Backpacker is not only useful for travel. It can also be a smart option for students, flat-dwellers, office practice, small rooms, caravans, campervans and anyone who wants an acoustic guitar that takes up very little space.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Martin Backpacker vs Martin LX1 Little Martin

The Martin LX1 Little Martin offers a more traditional small-body acoustic feel, with greater body depth and a fuller acoustic sound. The Backpacker is more compact and travel-focused, making it easier to carry but less full-sounding than the LX1.

Choose the Backpacker if portability is the priority. Choose the LX1 if you want a more conventional small acoustic sound and feel.

Martin Backpacker vs Taylor GS Mini

The Taylor GS Mini is larger, louder and more refined as an everyday small acoustic guitar. The Martin Backpacker is much more compact and designed more specifically for travel convenience. The GS Mini is better for players wanting a fuller acoustic tone, while the Backpacker is better for those who need something extremely portable.

Martin Backpacker vs Yamaha APXT2

The Yamaha APXT2 is a compact electro acoustic with built-in electronics, making it useful for plugged-in performance. The Martin Backpacker is a purely acoustic travel guitar with a more minimalist design. Choose the Yamaha if you need electronics; choose the Martin if you want a stripped-back acoustic travel companion.

Martin Backpacker vs Full-Size Acoustic Guitar

A full-size acoustic guitar will offer more volume, low-end response and projection. The Backpacker is not designed to replace that experience. Instead, it gives you a smaller, lighter guitar that is easier to carry and store, making it ideal when a full-size instrument would be impractical.

Who Is It For?

Beginner Players

The Martin Backpacker can suit beginners who want a compact acoustic guitar for casual learning, travel or practice. However, because of its unusual body shape, some beginners may find a standard acoustic more familiar as a first guitar. It is best suited to beginners who specifically need portability.

Intermediate Players

Intermediate players will find the Backpacker useful as a second guitar for travel, writing and practice. It is ideal for players who already own a main acoustic but want something smaller and easier to take away.

Professional Players

Professional musicians may find the Backpacker useful as a travel companion, backstage practice guitar, tour bus instrument, writing tool or compact backup for keeping ideas flowing while away from the studio.

Suitable Genres And Uses

This Martin Backpacker is well suited to:

• Travel practice

• Camping and holidays

• Songwriting

• Folk

• Singer-songwriter ideas

• Acoustic practice

• Students

• Touring musicians

• Bus and train travel

• Campervan or caravan use

• Small living spaces

• Casual playing at home

Why Choose A Travel Acoustic Guitar?

A travel acoustic guitar is designed for situations where a full-size acoustic is too large, too awkward or too fragile to bring along. Whether you are heading on holiday, working away, travelling between lessons or simply want a compact instrument for home practice, a travel guitar makes it easier to keep playing.

The Martin Backpacker takes this idea further than many compact acoustics. Its slim body shape is designed specifically around portability, making it easier to carry and store than most small-bodied acoustic guitars. It is not intended to compete with the sound of a full-size dreadnought, but that is not the point. Its strength lies in convenience, simplicity and the ability to keep a proper steel-string guitar within reach.

For players who write songs, practise regularly or travel often, that convenience can be the difference between playing and leaving the guitar at home.

Looking for advice on choosing the right travel acoustic guitar, compact acoustic or pre-owned Martin guitar? Our experienced team of musicians can help by phone, online or in-store.

Story & Context: Martin Backpacker

Martin has a long history of acoustic guitar building, and the Backpacker is one of the company’s most distinctive modern designs. Rather than shrinking a traditional dreadnought or folk body, Martin created an unusual narrow-bodied instrument built specifically around travel and portability.

The Backpacker’s design makes it light, compact and easy to carry, which is why it has remained popular with travelling musicians, campers and players who want a guitar that can fit into smaller spaces. Retail specifications commonly describe the steel-string Backpacker as a lightweight, durable travel acoustic shaped to fit into tight spaces, with solid tonewoods and a compact steel-string design. 

It is a guitar with a very specific purpose: to be easy to take with you. For many players, that is exactly what makes it useful.

Technical Specifications

Power Requirements

No power supply or battery is required. This is a fully acoustic travel guitar with no onboard electronics.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and is Birmingham’s largest independent music store. With over 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews, we have built our reputation on friendly advice, reliable service and genuine product knowledge.

When buying a pre-owned acoustic guitar from Fair Deal Music, you benefit from a team that checks instruments before they leave the shop. Our staff are musicians themselves and can offer advice by phone, online or in-store, whether you are looking for a compact travel guitar, a full-size acoustic or a dependable everyday instrument.

We offer fast UK delivery, secure online ordering and a large Birmingham showroom where you can browse new, used and vintage guitars, amps, effects, keyboards, drums, PA equipment and accessories. We also buy, sell and trade pre-owned gear, helping musicians upgrade, part-exchange or sell used instruments with confidence.

FAQ

What condition is this Martin Backpacker in?

This Martin Backpacker is in Good condition, meaning it shows noticeable cosmetic wear but remains fully functional.

Does this Martin Backpacker include a case?

It comes with an unbranded gigbag. It does not include an original Martin gigbag.

Is the Martin Backpacker good for travel?

Yes. The Backpacker is designed specifically as a compact travel acoustic guitar, making it suitable for holidays, camping, touring and players who need a guitar that is easy to carry.

Is this a full-size acoustic guitar?

No. The Martin Backpacker is a compact travel guitar with a narrow body shape. It is designed for portability rather than full-size acoustic volume.

Does the Martin Backpacker have electronics?

No. This is an acoustic-only model with no onboard pickup or preamp.

Does it need a battery?

No. It does not require batteries or power.

Is the Martin Backpacker suitable for beginners?

It can be suitable for beginners who specifically want a compact travel guitar, although a standard full-size or smaller folk-style acoustic may feel more conventional for first-time players.

How does it compare to a Martin LX1 Little Martin?

The LX1 has a more traditional small acoustic body and a fuller sound. The Backpacker is more compact and easier to transport, making it better for travel-focused use.

Is it loud enough for performance?

The Backpacker is best suited to practice, travel and casual playing rather than loud acoustic performance. It does not project like a full-size acoustic guitar.

Can I use it for songwriting?

Yes. Its portability makes it excellent for songwriting, sketching ideas and practising when away from your main guitar.

Can I try this guitar in-store?

Fair Deal Music has a large Birmingham showroom, and our team can offer advice on travel guitars, Martin acoustics and pre-owned acoustic instruments.