How to Shop for a Backpack
5 buying tips when shopping for your next backpack
Last weekend I started my Christmas shopping and while I had some extra time I made sure I went and checked out the backpacks in all the usual haunts at my local retail outlet here in the north of the UK. One particular backpack I spotted prompted me to put this article together because, quite honestly, I was very disappointed with the backpack in question for the price tag; and as such, I wanted to put a quick set of steps together designed to help you think about the right things when making your next backpack purchase.
So this is the “offending” item in question – a quite exquisite leather piece from Coach New York priced at a lofty £650!
So, what’s not to like about this? In a word: padding.
While this backpack has a fabulous design, upon closer inspection the padding was terrible. In particular, the floor of the backpack, despite having a laptop compartment, was completely devoid of padding.
For £650 price tag, I thought the value for money with this product was unforgivable and it really got me thinking. Most of us buy a backpack for a particular purpose and as this bag had a laptop compartment, I just couldn’t figure out who would approve of such a poorly executed product based on its intended use, never mind parting with all that money for something that is essentially substandard – even if it looks very nice.
So, to make sure you think about form and function for your next backpack purchase here are 5 tips on what to take into account when making your choice.
Usability and function
In relation to my overall gripe about the Coach backpack, decide what your main function for the backpack is. If it’s a laptop backpack for work that you’re after, then my points about padding on the internal pockets and compartments are going to be very important. If it’s a backpack for school or college then you need to think about overall capacity and perhaps the shoulder straps (see my article here on the topic of why shoulder straps are important). If you need something that’s more multi-functional then perhaps you’ll need a backpack with more pockets, both external zippers and slide pockets on the sides.
Durability
This is something that can mean different things to different people. In the case of a leather backpack like the Coach one, some folks would say good durability would mean that the backpack doesn’t look too hammered after 3-4 months of use and that wrinkles and other wear would be minimal.
For me, my benchmark of durability is all down to how much you’re on the move, for example, do you have a tough commute? If you’re a city dweller and you use a lot of public transport, you’re going to need a very hardwearing backpack and this means that not only do you want a tough exterior material, but you also want something that has high-quality stitching. The seams around the edges of a backpack take a lot of stick on trains and buses and so you should consider durability to be something that is directly related to how you live.
Pockets and compartments
This is a pretty key point and sometimes easily overlooked. Not all backpacks are equal in this domain, one brand (certainly for women) that really knows how to organize the interior of a backpack is Vera Bradley and you can read my article about this brand here.
On this topic, this is why understanding the usability and function of what you need from the bag is so important. If you’re looking for a backpack for college then ask yourself about the internal storage needs you have as a student. What course are you taking? If you’re on a technology course, chances are you’ll need enough room for pretty much everything you can think of that goes in the backpack – books, laptop, chargers, pens, phone etc.
What’s the best material for a backpack?
This is of course very much related to durability, but at a more detailed level, what is the best material for a backpack? In a recent article, I wrote about the best black backpacks and featured the Eastpak Provider backpack, which is made of Nylon. I have to single this backpack out in terms of material. This is a product that is water resistant but will also withstand a good 30-60 minute downpour. When it comes to cleaning, you can clean both interior and exterior with a towel or cloth, but if you must, this backpack will also withstand a machine wash. Again, it’s all about what you have in mind for the backpack and how you’ll use it.
Are you security conscious?
If you’re concerned about security or carrying anything valuable, then an anti-left backpack like this Fresion anti-left backpack on Amazon might be something to consider.
When wearing a backpack like this, there’s no access to the zippers as a combination of a flap and the shoulder straps prevent this. When you do want to retrieve something from the bag, you simply remove it. Another key point with the anti-theft design is that they are designed with carrying a laptop in mind, thus no matter what brand you go for, these bags are always generous in size.
In summary…
Don’t get caught up with shiny object syndrome when you’re shopping for your next backpack! The most stylish backpacks might not have exactly what you’re looking. Keep these 5 tips in mind and you’ll have a good headstart to finding the right product for you. Don’t agree or have other views or questions, drop me a line in the comments section below.
I hope that you’ve found this article interesting. Check out our other reviews in our Recommended Gear section where we also look at the best backpacks for men, the best backpacks this season for women and if you like the premium stuff, leather backpacks for the girls and boys.
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