The choices available when it comes to backpacks can be overwhelming if you are just thinking about getting one. Choosing the right backpack for your needs can be really challenging if you are unfamiliar with the different types of backpacks.
We are here to help you, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us! You can find information about all of the main backpack types and their sub-types in this guide. Roll up your sleeves and start scrolling if you’re ready to buy a backpack that meets all your needs!
Sizes of Backpacks
Size is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a backpack. The weight and bulk of a backpack are influenced by its carrying capacity.
A backpack’s internal frame provides structural support for its largest capacity. When you’re backpacking or using the backpack as travel luggage, they’re heavier than a backpack you would wear for everyday purposes.
What can you Fit in a Backpack?
A backpack’s capacity is measured in liters (L), but that doesn’t mean much when you’re trying to figure out how much you can pack. You don’t usually think about the volume of your gear! You can find examples of loads for each backpack size category in this chart.
Types of Backpacks
A backpack’s best use isn’t solely determined by its capacity. Material, design, construction, and other aspects of the backpack also affect this! Listed below are the main uses of the different types of backpacks.
Backpacks for everyday use
Backpacks with main compartments typically have a main compartment and a laptop compartment. These backpacks usually have basic construction; ventilated panels and padded straps aren’t common on them. Your everyday needs can be carried with them, and they are not overly heavy.
Basic Daypack
Typical daypacks have a central compartment that opens up, a large front pocket, a pair of shoulder straps, and a grab handle at the top. There aren’t a lot of features, and the size isn’t a big deal either. According to their size and number of pockets, they can hold anywhere from 20-40 liters.
There aren’t many features in these packs – you’re lucky if it has an internal pocket. You won’t find padded and ventilated back panels on many of the packs in this guide.
Rucksack
Main compartments of regular backpacks are closed with zippers. While rucksacks cover their main compartments with a flap, backpacks have no flaps.
A drawstring closure, a magnetic snap closure, or even leaving the compartment completely open are all possible options for implementing this design. Backpacks made of canvas are quite common as well.
Either a buckle or a magnet attaches the flap to the backpack body. Since rucksacks are designed differently from regular backpacks, they are generally smaller. Typical backpack capacity is approximately 15-30 liters, and many feature several pockets externally and an internal laptop sleeve (like the one in the picture).
Antitheft Backpack
Anti-theft backpacks don’t seem that different from ordinary backpacks at first glance. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to see-or rather, you won’t be able to see- the difference between these backpacks and a typical one. Your stuff is safe with anti theft backpacks.
There are hidden zipper pulls and belts or locks that hold them in place. It’s ideal to travel in crowded places with these backpacks since they’re so safe.
Mini backpacks
Mini backpacks are small backpacks that are bigger than purses but smaller than regular backpack. Stylish, ultra-small, and comfortable, this pair is great for whizzing around the city.
Despite being modestly sized, it still offers the typical backpack convenience that’s better than a shoulder bag or even a tote. With a capacity range of 5-15L, it fits everything from snacks to a phone to a tablet. Some mini backpacks can also be converted into a satchel by simply adjusting the straps.
Laptop Backpack
There are backpacks that come with a sleeve that is specifically designed for laptop computers. Doesn’t that seem pretty straightforward to you?
However, there are a lot of different types of backpacks you can choose from. A sleeve can be an internal one, an external one, or even a removable one. It is possible to fit 11″ laptops, 13″ laptops, 15″ laptops (most often used), and some can even fit 17″ laptops. Depending on the size and type of the packs, there is a range of sizes ranging from 20 to 50 liters.
The most common backpacks with laptop sleeves are backpacks for everyday use. However, you can also find backpacks with laptop sleeves that you can use when hiking or backpacking.
You want to make sure that the laptop sleeve in a laptop backpack will fit your laptop when you buy one. You need to pay attention to this first thing, and that’s what you need to pay attention to.
As well as the padding of the sleeve, the second thing you should pay attention to is the thickness of the padding. Generally, the thicker the padding, the better the backpack’s shock resistance, which will protect your laptop in case of a fall.
Convertible Backpack
Convertible backpacks are essentially tote bags that have shoulder straps that convert into backpacks. Whether you’re running errands or shopping, you can carry these bags as a backpack or a regular shopping bag.
Most of them have at least one pocket inside, and their capacity ranges from 15 to 35 liters. The bags are often lightweight and foldable so that they can be stored easily until they are needed again.
Daypacks
Packs for day trips are usually simple, with limited features, and come with an average carrying capacity (usually 20-40 liters).
There is usually a padded grab handle, two shoulder straps, a large main compartment, a front pocket, and perhaps one or two exterior pockets if you are fortunate.
The straps and back of these backpacks are usually padded to a minimal degree, and they come in various designs, sizes, and colors.
Whether it is a casual or formal setting, this style of backpack is suitable for any setting. The backpack has become popular among college students, however it can also be used for work, hiking, or even an overnight stay.
Duffel Backpacks
The name says it all – these are duffel bags that can be worn like backpacks due to their shoulder straps. These backpacks actually have a number of features that make them a great alternative to traditional backpacks.
Gym rats will find these better than regular duffle bags since they’re more comfortable and easier to carry around. You may also opt for a duffel bag if you need a backpack with a larger capacity, but prefer the organization capability of a backpack. There are a variety of different duffel packs available for a variety of activities, ranging in size from 30-120 liters.
Drawstring Backpack
There is no doubt that these backpacks are extremely lightweight. You can have a single zipper pocket on the front of the bag, or you can have a pouch with a drawstring that acts as a shoulder strap, or you can have a combination of both.
These backpacks can hold a lot of gear, but as the weight of the backpacks increases, the drawstring tends to cut into your shoulders, making it uncomfortable to wear them. Despite this, these bags are useful for running errands or taking a pair of extra clothes to the gym with you.
Business Backpacks
With their boardroom-friendly styling and ease of use, work backpacks offer a more comfortable alternative to briefcases.
A work backpack’s key advantage is that it comes with a sophisticated and mature design that makes it look just as professional as a briefcase.
A padded laptop sleeve, durable fabrics, and water-repellent zippers are among the notable components. Various office supplies and paperwork can be stored in the versatile compartments.
You can also find business bags with TSA-friendly laptop compartments, main compartments for clothing, and passport and boarding pass pockets.
Tote Backpacks
I would describe these as tote bags with shoulder straps, which is a nutshell description. As a result, they are designed in a manner that is very much like a classic tote bag, with a top-loading main compartment that closes with a zipper, as well as two large carrying handles on top.
You will also find two shoulder straps on these bags so that you can carry them on your back easily and comfortably. The majority of totes, (but not all!) are designed for women, which correlates to the majority of these packs being designed for women as well.
Their capacity ranges from 15 to 35 liters, which is pretty standard for an everyday bag. There are even some of these bags that come with a laptop sleeve, making them even more useful for running errands on the go.
Their disadvantage, however, is that they’re not very comfortable to wear as backpacks. There is usually little or no padding on the shoulder straps.
Sports Backpacks
Designed with adventure in mind, sports backpacks are the perfect accessory for your next adventure! This luggage is made from materials that are both durable and lightweight, and have many features that will help you organize your equipment and keep it organized when you are not using it.
Satchel backpacks
A satchel is an everyday bag that is rectangular in shape, has one handle and many zippered pockets inside. Essentially, it’s a cross between a messenger bag and a shoulder bag, but it has the ability to be worn diagonally across the body or hung directly from the shoulder like a messenger bag.
Most commonly used by students to carry books, it also holds laptops, phones, wallets, umbrellas, and other small accessories in different zippered pockets so that it can be used as a backpack when needed.
Gym Pack
There is nothing more convenient than carrying all your workout essentials along with you in a gym pack. You can choose from two types of backpacks: regular backpacks with drawstring closures that look sporty but are not suitable for use in the workplace.
In addition, you can find gym backpacks that are appropriate for the workplace, including compartments for laptops and business items while also allowing you to pack bulky items such as clothing and shoes. Work essentials, workout headphones, and gym clothes can all be fit in them depending on the capacity.
The most advanced versions of these bags even include separate compartments for shoe storage that can also be used to store dirty laundry, towels, and other gym items. You can use them anywhere from the workplace to a workout, or, if you pack light, you can use them on a weekend trip.
Fashionable Mini Backpacks
There are usually not a lot of features on these, but they are small, functional, and cute. Most of these backpacks are women’s, and they can be found in almost any high-street clothing store.
There is not much else that mini backpacks can do besides being stylish and complementing an outfit. Smaller than your phone and wallet, they have capacities of 5-15 liters.
These mini backpacks are great if you would like to replace your everyday tote or shoulder bag. Furthermore, they are much more comfortable to carry around than regular purses. Nevertheless, they do not provide the same level of functionality as a traditional backpack.
FAQs
There are 15 types of backpacks listed here, each classified by design and function. Since new designs and types will continue to emerge to meet diverse tastes, that number is not conclusive.
There is typically a lid on most backpacks that you can zip or buckle shut. The lid is found on backpacks with top access.
Conclusion
In this 15 different types of backpacks review, we have examined 31 different types of backpacks! Perhaps you learned something you didn’t know about backpacks, so I hope you enjoyed learning about them!
You can now start flexing with the backpack you just purchased to suit different occasions now that you know what kind you want.
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