The first question when you’re buying a backpack is, how will this backpack be used? Are you using it to carry school books or for a hiking trip in the wilderness? Are you an urban commuter looking for a durable messenger bag, or a parent looking for an affordable backpack for a young student? Do you need a daypack or a serious backcountry pack that will get you through two weeks of outdoor living? The pros and cons of each type of backpack for these activities should play the largest role in which type of backpack you consider purchasing.
Hiking Backpacks
Congratulations on being willing to live with a few worldly possessions on your back for anywhere from a weekend to a season. Consider comfort, storage space, and organization. When you first see the overwhelming supply and number of bags available at a store, or on the internet, do not be intimidated! A couple of quick decisions can help pare down the amount of good bags. The first question you should ask, and answer for, yourself are is the pack frame internal or external? Internal frames are usually plastic, and are somewhat difficult to make adjustments on, where as external frame packs typically are easier to adjust but might be a bit too cumbersome for some. Most people I know tend to prefer the internal frame. The next thing to look for is a good warranty. This pack is going to be quite expensive at first, but if you play your cards right this will last a lifetime! Now check the layout of the bag and make sure that you can organize your belongings in here. One big pocket means things at the bottom are going to be very difficult to reach. Also look for straps and D-rings which allow you to hang smaller objects on the outside of the pack for easy access. Check the storage capacity; when you need more space there’s not much you can do with a smaller pack. If your needs will vary, look for an expandable backpack. Finally check the comfort of the pack. You want to make sure the hip straps fit snugly on your hips. You want the weight of the pack to rest snugly on your hips. After this point the choice is up to you for colors, or brands, or extra features that really catch your eye, but make sure the needs you have are met by the pack before buying into the brands and features.
School Backpacks
Despite the fact that the school backpack and hiking backpack will likely carry very different loads, the comfort, organization, and storage space rules still very much apply. Keep in mind what you will be carrying in your backpack. Are there large books that will have to be carried daily? Or will you be carrying a laptop that needs its own special compartment and padding? Remember this bag should last you for a while, so make sure you go with a brand that has a good warranty. If this is for a child who is still growing, you might want to buy a little bit larger bag than is needed immediately. Again you want to make sure there are hip straps, if you’re carrying heavy books to and from school, so you can distribute the weight as comfortably as possible. Many parents and students opt for roller backpacks that give an extra option for lugging all those heavy books to and from school without breaking a young back (or spirit). For organization, one large pouch for a school bag is not going to cut it. Smaller things like pencils and calculators will fall to the bottom of the pouch, and may not be seen again! Consider several pouches to keep yourself organized, as well as storing breakable and quick needs objects at easy reach. After these criteria are met, the choices for what to buy are purely cosmetic. You will still see a wide range of colors, sizes, and materials. I would recommend a strong rip-stop synthetic fabric because backpacks take a lot of abuse.
Messenger Bags
If you’re interested in a messenger bag, remember that by and large there will be far less places to store what you are carrying around, and you’ll be carrying all of that weight on one shoulder. If you’re only carrying a couple of notebooks and some writing utensils this bag could be ideal. Consider a messenger bag or laptop bag from a company like Timbuk2. Some messenger bags can convert to a two strap model for the days you are carrying heavier objects. Make sure the bag’s strap is securely sewn onto the pouch and that the strap is ideally padded; if you’re paying good money for this bag it had better last. Also look for a padded interior compartment if you plan on carrying a laptop or other sensitive objects.
Where to shop
Strong outdoor brands such as REI, Eddie Bauer and EMS make many different styles of backpack, but you should shop around online to find the bag that best fits your needs, rather than simple buy a favorite label. Also if you’re interested in a school backpack that will last a decade don’t forget about LL Bean, they make a very solid pack in various sizes, shapes, colors, and monogramming. In addition to its messenger bags, Timbuk2 makes other styles and sizes, and is far more fashionable than those outdoor lines. In any case, you’ll want to buy from a manufacturer with a good return policy. Also, be sure to check on how your new bag can be cleaned. Hiking backpacks will become dirty (mud is a badge of honor!) but sweaty things like camping socks or school snacks can give your backpack an unpleasant quality, and you’re going to want to wash it to bring it back to good as new. Buying a backpack is one time not to cut corners!