Backpacks are the ultimate portable storage companion as they straddle the best of both worlds- just the right size to fit most essentials for a few days away from home, but not too cumbersome to carry or inconvenient to put away when not in use. Moreover, there are various types of backpacks, meaning buyers can find one for most utilities. Check out some details that will come in handy regarding backpacks.
Types of backpacks
As implied earlier, various types of backpacks help fulfill every portable storage utility available. Out of all those, here are a selected few types of backpacks for men, women, and kids:
Laptop backpack
These backpacks can also double up as travel backpacks with a padded sleeve to wrap up one’s laptop. Even within laptop backpacks, there are several sub-types. For instance, these backpacks may have internal, removable, or external sleeves for laptops. Moreover, their sizes can range from 20 to 50 liters, and they can carry laptops of different sizes.
Rucksack
Rucksacks use flaps to conceal the main storage compartment instead of regular zippers in standard backpacks. Known for their rugged and indestructible build, rucksacks can double as laptop bags, trekking backpacks, and carry workplace things. Rucksacks tend to have less storage space, about 15 to 30 liters, than laptop bags. However, at the same time, these types of backpacks have several pockets, cubbyholes, and other nifty storage pockets to fill as many items as possible. This way, rucksacks can carry a heavy load more efficiently than most other backpack types.
Drawstring backpack
These backpacks are generally used as gym sacks due to their lower storage space (about 10 to 25 liters), shoulder straps, and drawstring closure. These bags are more about form than function due to their utility, which is enough to carry some gym gear, grocery items, or books.
School/college backpack
It is probably the most popular backpack out there. School/college backpacks for kids are usually spacious, with multiple compartments to store books, stationery items, and a couple of lunch boxes. The utility of a school backpack is not just limited to school or college usage but also for office, hiking, and traveling. Regarding storage volume, school/college backpacks for men and women contain about 20 to 40 liters.
Things to consider while purchasing backpacks
Some of the key aspects to check while purchasing backpacks are listed below.
Material quality
The material quality of the bag decides how long it will last. Therefore, it is wiser to prioritize quality over price when one purchases a backpack. Ultimately, backpacks are all about durability. Therefore, choosing products made by established brands is ideal for getting backpacks of better quality, reliability, and durability.
Size
One must always purchase backpacks, especially travel backpacks, that can fit anywhere. One can consider a backpack with adequate inner padding to keep the things stored inside safe for purchase. Moreover, buying a plus-sized bag makes less sense if one has fewer storage requirements.
Volume
It is the most crucial aspect to consider. One must select bags with the most volume and several pockets and zippers to store their things and to ensure maximum utility.
Color and design
Buying a funky, gaudy-colored bag (say, electric blue or fluorescent pink) is a good idea, as that helps it stand out from a sea of other bags. It can be helpful during air travel when finding one’s bag takes several minutes at the arrival baggage counter.
Backpacking tips to remember
Leaving the non-essentials at home
Besides a car key, house keys, debit/credit card, ID documents, enough cash, and an emergency contact card, stuffing other items in while backpacking can make the journey difficult. One can avoid items that are not urgent requirements during the journey so that the baggage feels lighter to carry.
Not carrying toilet paper
Most hotels provide towels, toilet paper, dry sheets, and toiletries. Therefore, carrying toilet paper during traveling is unnecessary.
Carrying multi-use gear
Multi-purpose items are among the most valuable things one can carry during their trips. For instance, one does not need to carry a fork if one takes a spoon.
