So, what kind of backpack do you need? Can’t decide?
You can choose from multiple types of backpacks based on your desires and (I can’t prioritise this hard enough) your needs. If you desire something, does that mean that you need it? Probably not. Therefore, usability should come before desire when selecting your backpack.
Even if the backpack that is perfect for you comes only in pink and has flourescent tassles? Well, luckily that is not for me to answer right now since my ten year old backpack is still holding just fine. How about you? Where do you draw the line between usability and desire?
There are many different categorizations of smaller backpacks that you can find online. While trying to provide a useful list and not waste your time I have combined the list bellow with a simple classification. Inside classification there can be certain differences between backpacks in the same group: size, exact purpose, comfort level, etc..
Basic groups:
Not a bag – just don’t want to carry a bag
Travel – to take with you for a weekend trip or when going to the other side of the world
Hiking – for shorter walks and climbing Mt. Everest
Wheeled – for your comfort at the airport or at school
Sport – to use during sport activities
Allarounder ? – does it exist?
While choosing a backpack you must first answer yourself “Why do I need a new backpack?”.
If your answer is:
The old one broke? If the last one served you more than well and can be still bought .. why not get the same one?
I am doing so many different activities and have currently 78 open tabs with different backpacks but still can’t decide? .. been there and do not envy you!
Because I have a casual backpack but am really getting into an activity where you need more specialised equipement? .. What kind of problem are you trying to solve? How is it different from what you already have? Is the price and potential loss of other attributes worth the specialised backpack?
Before choosing your new backpack you should determine what do you need:
Size: how big do I need it? What will I put in? Does it have to fit as a carry-on baggage?
Dimensions (height x width x length): will I carry my big laptop with me sometimes? Maybe a tent?
Purpose: do I already have an “allarounder” and want to use new backpack for something specific? Am I involved in three different activities and want to use backpack while doing all of them? Do I just need something that is not a bag? Do I need to do some traveling with it, use it for a hike sometimes and and occasional trip?
Requirements: do I need it waterproof? Should it have a protected bottom? How long will I be wearing it; is comfortability important? How many seperate pockets should it have?
If you can answer above questions I believe that you already have one of the categories above in mind. If that is not the case you should look at the answers in front of you and pick three that are most important. With those answers you can determine what is most important to you and navigate to selected category.
If you still have no idea what do you want, then I hope one of the descriptions bellow will help you decide.
But first let me explain the story of my backpacks.
In the distant year of .. .. some years back my old backpack was too torn to even be considered a backpack instead of a sieve. I was doing some different activities and used it for different purposes on some occasions. I cycled, traveled to different countries, traveled in my own country, hiked a little and used the old backpack for my laptop often. I have researched the topic in depth and came to a conclusion that I need three different backpacks; one for cycling (has to be smaller), one for all around use (protected on the bottom) and one for hiking (more comfortable). That would be expensive and would take up a lot of space.
Because I did not need it immedeately (had an older one that I stopped using) I decided to wait a little and see what do I need exactly. After some time I have answered questions above and listed them based on importance to me.
The first (most important) thing on the list was “waterproof”, second was “laptop friendly” and the third one was “travel”. All bike and hiking related “needs” were closer to the bottom that to the top. Therefore I decided to buy an allarounder that I could use during all activities with some limitations. I have used that backpack for more than five years and have zero regrets. Yes, when on bike it could be smaller and more gripping. Yes, when I dropped it with the laptop in it I prayed to all deities that exist and will exist some day. But at the end of the day when I put the “allarounder” in the wardrobe I have no regrets and one thrustworthy backpack that I can use doing all that I do.
A year ago after an in depth research of 10 minutes and careful “needs” examination that turned into desire purchase I have bought a new backpack to use one the motorbike. Since the day I have bought it it colects dust in my closet.. Did I need it? probably not. Will I use it? Maybe once to prove myself that I needed it. Could I just use the existing backpack? Definetly.
Not a bag – just don’t want to carry a bag
While not technically a backpack category I feel like ti should be on the list.
This category includes small backpacks that are not really meant for anything in particular, but are better than carrying a bag. Mostly simple and on the cheaper end of the whole backpack spectrum they provide usefullnes with their simplicity. Basically a bag on your shoulders.
Don’t want to carry groceries in a bag? Then use a “Not a bag” backpack.
Critera:
Size: smaller to medium
Purpose: for shopping, easy to open and close, affordable and simple
Requirements: thin layered, easy to fold
Based on criteria it is possible to narrow your search for this category and you can already see the backpack type in front of your eyes; simple.
Our recommendations at a quick glance:
Budget: Trailmaker clasic
Budget recommendation backpack is simple, but with a couple necessary elements; two separated compartments, double zipper and adjustable padded shoulder straps.
Mid-range: Zomake lightweight hiking backpack
Mid range backpack features all advantages of the budget version and more. Additionally the backpack can be folded in the pouch which can prove usefull if this is your second backpack and do not need it all the time. The backpack also features side net pockets for water bottles or other small items and is water resistant (not waterproof!).
Premium: Jellybro duffel bag
Even if our last recommendation for this group is duffel BAG, it can be considered a backpack due to decent adjustable shoulder straps. It does not fold into the pouch and does take up more space than other two recommendations, but does catch up to its competitors providing versatile functionality. The upgraded version features a phone holder and a zipper pocket. The inside of main compartment provides a couple pockets and can be made waterproof if you use a waterproof bag (not included in the backpack purchase).
Overall winner: Zomake
Due to versatile finctionality, smallnes, foldability and price our winner is mid range backpack Zomake.
Travel – to take with you for a weekend trip or when going to the other side of the world
All backpacks bellow can be considered a carry on bag for air travel or are even smaller and feature travel essential amenities that can be useful during short or long trips. What is essential for your travel needs of course differs from one person to the other, but there are some common necessities that are presented below.
Critera:
Size: medium to big
Purpose: for travel and trips
Requirements: comfortable, some protection, sturdy
Our recommendations at a quick glance:
Budget: Matein travel laptop backpack
This backpack provides sufficient back support and ventilated padding that helps on hot days. Charging port for your phone is located on the right side and there is even luggage strap on the back so that the backpack can be secured to some extent on your suitcase. With water resistance and four separate compartments this backpack could present a decent travel buddy.
Mid-range: Matein travel backpack
Our mid-range recommendation is another Matein backpack. All functionality from our budget version is provided with additional space and sturdiness. Extra protection of course comes with a slight weight increase.
Premium: Tomtoc travel backpack
Tomtoc travel backpack is bigger and heavier than our first options and also provides a different contents organisation. It features smaller pockets and two main compartments. The smaller of the two provides space for your electronic devices and documents and the bigger one provides the storage needed for your clotes and other travel amenities. If you will open your main compartment a lot, maybe this could prove a bit time-consuming, but it does offer a decent basic anti theft protection.
Overall winner: Matein travel laptop backpack
It was a hard choice due to some differences in all three models. For me, it came down to collapsibility of the backpack. On my travels I often carry two backpacks: the bigger one (clothes, shoes, toiletries) that I leave at acommodations and the smaller one that I always carry around (camera, water, documents). Since my travels are quite active and I change locations often, it is more practical to put the small backpack inside the big one when moving from one location to the next one.
That may not be an issue for many travelers that travel lighter or have a different travel style.
If you are not sure that your backpack is small enough to be considered a carry on, please visit: Major Airlines
Hiking – for shorter walks and climbing Mt. Everest
Recommendations bellow include medium-sized backpacks with 38l to 40l overall volume. That volume can for some provide necessary space for only afternoon hiking trip or can be sufficient for a weekly trip to the mountains for others.
All backpack include necessary rain protection to keep your stuff dry even when the weather is not suitable.
Critera:
Size: medium to big
Purpose: for daily or weekly hiking trips
Requirements: comfortable with decent back support, light, waterproof
Our recommendations at a quick glance:
Budget: Diamond candy waterproof hiking backpack
Diamond candy waterproof backpack has many smaller side and back pockets and also straps on the bottom to hold a tent, a sleeping bag or other items. All around it there are hooks and areas to clip on additional items and of course two side nets for your water bottles. if needed, it can be upgraded with hydration system.
Mid-range: Mountaintop hiking backpack
With a simple yet very compact design Mountaintop hiking backpack provides solution to your hiking need. Additional to amenities of our budget backpack there are also side and top straps that can increase overall carrying capacity.
Premium: Osprey Kestrel hiking backpack
Oyster backpack is eye candy and does provide the best back support of all backpacks included. With multiple attachment points and upgrades it can cover hiking needs for a beginner or a professional on basic hiking trips or challenging winter hikes.
Overall winner: Mountaintop hiking backpack
The price difference between our mid-range and premium backpack is 100%. Does Osprey it’s job 100% better than Mountaintop? It of course depend on your individual needs. If Osprey provides functionality that you necessarily need and Mountaintop does not, then yes. If it doesn’t, then maybe the answer is different.
Wheeled – for your comfort at the airport or at school
This group of backpacks boasts with at least one set of wheels that can be used to transport it. Telescopic handle is of course a must with durability of bottom and sides.
Critera:
Size: medium
Purpose: everyday functions or business travel
Requirements: well protected, quality wheels, sturdy
Our recommendations at a quick glance:
Budget: Rockland double handle rolling backpack
A simple three compartment rolling backpack that can help to take off some weight from your back when needed. The main feature is the distance between floor and the bottom of the backpack that provides you with an option to park it in medium depth puddles it that is what you wish. Fabric is on the thin side, but the backpack is overall built decently and does its job.
Mid-range: Zomfelt rolling backpack
Zomfelt backpack is bigger and can be used for traveling due to its volume and multiple separated compartments. Shoulder straps are adjustable, of decent quality and can be put away in seconds so that they do not catch on something when you are pulling it behind you. Due to carry on size limitations the backpack is only slightly lifted when standing upright.
Premium: YH&GS rolling backpack
Bigger distance between bottom of the backpack and the floor, bigger wheels for stairs and compactness are main advantages of our last pick. The size is in the middle witch is another advantage, where the backpack can be used for daily tasks, travel and shorter trips.
Overall winner: YH&GS rolling backpack
Even with the higher price we have to go with YH&GS due to “allaroundness” of this backpack.
Sport – to use during different sport activities
There are specialized backpacks for different sport activities that cater to specific needs. Because we have combined all activities in one category , specialized backpacks are not included in the list below.
Critera:
Size: small to medium
Purpose: for sport activities
Requirements: comfortable, light, seperated pockets
Our recommendations at a quick glance:
Budget: Neekfox Lightweight backpack
This backpack is foldable but quite comfortable to wear even with the lacking back support. Double zippers, adjustable padded shoulder straps and abrasion resistance are provided.
Mid-range: Under Armour hustle sport backpack
On the smaller compact side and with polyester side pockets instead of mesh.
Premium: Arena team backpack
Arena backpack features multiple compartments and an additional bigger waterproof compartment that can be used to store wet or damp gear. Mostly suitable for swimmers, but can be used for any activity where water resistant compartments for gear is needed. Compared to other options this backpack is bigger and mostly not meant for usage during the sport activity.
Overall winner: Neekfox Lightweight backpack
With a very competitive price and a good build quality Neekfox is our top pick for sport activities. Main advantages are foldability and versability.
Allarounder ? – does it exist?
Allarounders in most cases exist, but their existence depends on your needs.
If you only need a backpack to go to work: an allarounder exists!
If you need a backpack for some hiking, biking, some casual wear and some other activities (and do understand that a backpack can do all the things but none of them excellent): an allarounder exists!
If you need your backpack to be waterproof but “breathing”, smaller because you dont need all that space but sometimes big because heck, “Let’s go camping!”, wheeled and very protected but also very light, then probably your allarounder does not exist. And if it does exist, please do include “backpack has to know how to perform CPR” on your list of requirements for the moment you will see the price tag on it.
As I said before, a backpack can do a lot of things and you can prioritize what is more important to you. But It can not do it all excellently and without compromises. For example if you will carry your backpack a lot it has to be lighter, so you will have to compromise on elements that make it heavier; bottom and/or side protection, frame, potentially thickness of the material. Therefore you will have to balance your needs carefully to find what works for you.
My recommendation would be to have an allarouner if possible and test it in different situations. If you later see that you are not comfortable with it in some aspects that you find of most importance, maybe do look for a second one. For example, if you notice that your allarounder is making a dent in happiness while doing an activity that is important to you, that is the time when you consider what do you look for in the addition to your backpack family.
Does your allarounder exist?
Recommendations bellow are based on my requirements for an allarounder. Your needs could be completely different and should be compared with specifications of backpacks bellow, to see if they are compatible.
Critera:
Size: medium to big
Purpose: for travel, trips, everyday and light sport activities
Requirements: comfortable, some protection, sturdy, multiple pockets, at least water resistant, one secure compartment
Our recommendations at a quick glance:
Budget: Monsdle backpack
Decent allarounder with amenities that can be useful for multiple purposes.
Mid-range: Fengdong waterproof lightweight backpack
More of a clasic backpack with very limited protection on the front side.
Mid-range: Matein travel backpack
Monsdle provides most needed amenities and is sturdy enough to be handled by airport baggage employees (if needed) but does also provide decent collapsibility. Materials used are of good quality and there is space for maximum 15.6 inch laptop.
Premium: Ridge the commuter
Waterproof backpack with one big and multiple smaller compartments that can help you organize contents. There is a smaller compartment on the lower back that can safely store your passport and other smaller high value items.
Overall winner: Matein travel backpack
Due to very competitive price, build quality and “allaroundnes” this is my personal pick for an allarounder. Which one is yours?/*54745756836*/