Different types of backpacks – Which suits you?
Looking for a new backpack but unsure about the type to purchase? Well, we don’t blame you. There are numerous sorts of backpacks, each designed for a somewhat different use.
Therefore, we will provide a brief overview of each type of backpack in this post so you can determine which one is best for you.
Traditional College (School) Daypacks
– Ideal for college, the office, and school
– Affordable
– Weightless
– Simple yet capacious – Loses shape when emptied
Traditional college daypacks are likely the most popular style of backpack. Because they are inexpensive, roomy, and highly adaptable. They can be used for school, college, the workplace, hiking, and even traveling.
Typically, they are relatively simple but roomy. The primary container is front-loading and between 20 and 40 liters in size. In general, you’ll have a roomy main compartment and one or two outer pockets. However, some may include additional pockets for organizing your smaller belongings.
The sole drawback of this sort of backpack is that it loses its shape when packed merely halfway. Also, they are typically not waterproof. Aside from that, they are not the most comfortable backpacks available due to the lack of cushioning on the back and shoulder straps.
Laptop Backpacks
– Ideal for college, the office, and school
– Affordable
– Maintains its form when empty – Typically very orderly
– Fewer cubic inches in the main compartment
In recent years, many tech-savvy individuals have replaced their traditional backpacks with laptop backpacks. Some of us must carry our laptops with us everywhere we go, so a backpack that is compatible with technology is vital. These backpacks feature a padded laptop compartment to protect your laptop. In addition, they provide numerous pockets and compartments for managing chargers, tablets, headphones, keys, pens and notebooks, sunglasses, and other commonplace goods.
However, laptop backpacks often have a smaller main compartment than standard college backpacks. They will hold approximately 5-10 l less than a college backpack of same size. Most laptop backpacks are designed specifically for office use. As a result, they have padded straps and soft back-side panels for comfort, are simple and professional in appearance, and preserve their shape whether they are half-full or empty. Since they’ve gained in prominence, a number of Chinese manufacturers have begun to provide viable choices in the $20 to $50 price range.
Miniature Backpacks
– Ideal for use as a purse substitute – Reasonably priced
– Lightweight and tiny – Adorable and attractive – Main compartment has very little room
Mini backpacks are more for fashion than for function. They’re perfect for girls who don’t carry a lot of items and dislike carrying a handbag or shoulder bag. With certain clothes, tiny backpacks also appear more stylish than handbags.
Due of their modest size, they can typically only accommodate 10 to 20 l of stuff. Numerous mini-backpacks are constructed from genuine or synthetic leather, allowing them to retain their shape whether empty or partially loaded. However, they are not intended for extended usage because they are not particularly pleasant or durable. However, they will be ideal for day vacations or casual everyday use.
Crossbody Sling Backpacks
– Ideal for college, the office, and school
– Economical – Lightweight – Spacious main compartment – For some, more comfortable
Some individuals dislike the appearance of standard backpacks. Crossbody sling backpacks serve this purpose. They are an excellent option for people in search of something distinctive.
Instead of two straps, there is simply one that wraps around the right shoulder and the left hip. Some individuals choose sling backpacks due of their greater comfort. Not intended for long-distance hiking, but rather for daily use in school or college.
Consequently, sling backpack has less inside room than traditional backpacks. The main compartment is rather spacious, but there are few pockets for organizing smaller goods, and the bag loses its shape when empty.
Portable Backpacks
– Best for: travel, digital nomads
– Reasonably priced – Lighter than carry-on suitcases – Sized to carry-on specifications
– Spacious and orderly
Carry-on backpacks are fantastic for individuals who dislike bags. They are designed to fit perfectly in airplane overhead bins. Most carry-on restrictions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, so the majority of carry-on backpacks will be less than this dimension.
These bags are typically utilized by digital nomads, business travelers, and frequent travelers in general. Carry-on backpacks will include a multitude of smaller compartments for organizing all the smaller stuff, a big interior, and possibly a laptop space. As they are designed for travel, they are also fairly robust and comfortable, having heavily padded backs and shoulder straps.
Personal Item Backpacks
– Ideal in conjunction with a carry-on bag
– Economical – Lightweight – Secures on top of a luggage – Spacious and well-organized
Personal item backpacks are essentially identical to carry-on backpacks, but smaller. They are small enough to be utilized as a personal item that must fit under the airplane’s front seat. Most backpacks for carrying personal items will not exceed 17 to 18 inches in length. They are designed for both travel and everyday use.
This indicates that they are comfy, roomy, and constructed of sturdy materials. Some of the more expensive choices from Osprey, Samsonite, Fjallraven, and Eagle Creek are also semi-waterproof and have numerous pockets and compartments for organizing smaller goods.
Personal item backpacks are ideal for individuals who carry them in addition to a carry-on bag. Ensure that the backpack has an additional strap on the back that wraps around the retractable handle of the luggage so that it may be stored on top when walking long distances.
Wheeled Backpacks
Key attributes:
– Ideal for business trips – Reasonably priced – Heavier than standard bags – Beneficial for those with back problems
– Typically tailored to carry-on size specifications
Some frequent travelers opt to take on a wheeled backpack rather than a traditional luggage. The reason is straightforward. When traveling through airports, train stations, and paved towns, you can pull out the retractable handle and move your luggage behind you to reduce back strain. And when traveling on stairs or rough terrain, you can simply retract the handle and use it as a standard backpack.
Wheeled backpacks are typically rather roomy, keep their shape when empty, and include numerous pockets and sections for storing smaller goods. Due to their built-in handle and wheels, however, wheeled backpacks will be heavier than standard backpacks. However, they are still lighter than standard luggage. If you get one, ensure that it fits within the carry-on size restrictions (22 x 14 x 9 inches.)
Leather Backpacks
– Ideal for college, the office, and school
– Expensive – Heavier than standard backpacks – Significantly more durable – Authentic-looking logos
Leather backpacks are another backpack type that has recently garnered a great deal of popularity. Despite the fact that genuine leather backpacks can cost hundreds of dollars, they are incredibly durable and their unique vintage aesthetic is absolutely stunning, which explains their immense popularity. Leather backpacks are heavier, have less space inside, and are less comfortable than ordinary backpacks.
However, many individuals still prefer them over standard backpacks, primarily due to their aesthetic appeal. If you choose a leather backpack, ensure that it is made of genuine leather and not imitation leather. The synthetic leather will last for one or two years, whereas genuine leather can last for decades. A leather/canvas backpack, which has a similar appearance but is more comfortable and functional, is an alternative option.
TSA-Compatible Laptop Backpacks
– Best for: business travel, digital nomads
– Reasonably priced – Shape retention while empty – Easier to pass through airport security
– Typically extremely organized
TSA-Friendly laptop backpacks are essentially identical to standard laptop backpacks, with the exception of a slightly altered laptop compartment. In order to pass through airport security, you must remove your laptop and place it in a separate bin. This is due to the fact that x-ray machines cannot see through them.
As shown in the image above, the laptop compartment on TSA-approved backpacks unzips completely, allowing the laptop compartment to be opened 180 degrees. Due to the fact that the laptop does not cover the rest of the backpack, you will not be required to remove it, making walking through security slightly easier.
Trekking/Camping Backpack Without a Frame (Rucksacks)
– Best for: Hiking, trekking, traveling – Moderately priced / pricey
– Lightweight – Spacious – Typically includes waterproof covers
Frameless hiking backpacks are ideal for shorter trips during which you will be carrying less gear. In general, frameless backpacks should not be utilized while carrying more than 30 pounds. If you intend to carry more stuff, the bag will not equally distribute the weight, causing you to bear an excessive amount of weight on your shoulders. However, if the bag weighs less than 30 pounds, they are preferable to framed trekking backpacks due to their reduced weight.
When purchasing a frameless hiking backpack, you should ensure that it is sufficiently large, has a comfortable hip belt and chest strap, and is water-resistant/waterproof. It is advisable to choose a backpack from a reputable brand, such as Osprey, North Face, Rei, or Eagle Creek, because they are sturdy and a well-made backpack is necessary.
When carrying a frameless hiking backpack, you will need to be more careful. It must be packed efficiently, with the heaviest objects placed in the center or bottom. Additionally, no things should protrude from the reverse. Otherwise, you risk developing back issues.
Lightweight foldable daypacks
– Best for: Traveling – Affordable
– Extremely lightweight – Can be folded into a little bag – Can be stored as a backup/daypack inside luggage
Some individuals travel with only a carry-on bag and their purse, tote, or duffel. However, purses, totes, and duffels are not very practical when hiking or traveling long distances. It seems ridiculous to pack a conventional backpack within your bag only for this purpose, given that it takes up a lot of space and is frequently rather heavy. Therefore, you should get a lightweight, foldable daypack that does not consume much room or weight.
Obviously, foldable daypacks lack the durability and comfort of traditional backpacks. However, they are typically quite inexpensive, which compensates. Some people dislike the appearance of “cheap” folding daypacks, but if you look, you may discover ones that resemble ordinary backpacks.
Led Backpack
– Suitable for: advertising, riding
– Lightweight
LED backpacks are often referred to as LED display backpacks. The LED Pixel display on the bag’s exterior is the primary distinction from a standard backpack. The screen is capable of displaying multicolored patterns and flashes; at night, it appears more striking.
You can connect the LED display to your mobile device and then upload your photos. You may also set it to automatically display multiple images.
The LED backpack has become a trend on college campuses and city streets. Many people use them to express their individuality. In addition, LED backpacks are the latest trend in advertising promotion. The backpack’s display panel utilizes high-end self-luminous RGB full-color LED lamp beads with a resolution of 96*128 and up to 12,288 lamp beads in total, which is 3,000 lamp beads more than a 65-inch Mini LED backlight TV.
