Backpack guide: Which backpack is right for me?
...the most important information on backpack types, materials and practical tips on ergonomic packing
The backpack – a unique travel companion. Like a small home, it keeps your essentials safe while offering you complete flexibility. Today, backpacks are used for sports, such as hiking, but also for everyday activities, such as school or shopping. The color, shape, and size vary depending on the product.
In our backpack guide, we give you the most important information about backpack types, materials, and what you should pay particular attention to when packing.
Where does the backpack come from?
The first backpacks were the Kraxe, which date back to 3300 BC. These were usually made of wood and were intended for transport over long distances. Today, they are still used to transport books. A related development was the Kiepe. This was a woven basket, usually made of willow branches. They often had only one strap. This was used to carry the basket on the back. Its main purpose was to transport hay, wood, and cones. Traveling traders were therefore called "Kiepenkerl" (carriers). The modern equivalent of a Kiepe is the hiking backpack.
The backpack shape we know originates from the military. It was called a knapsack. A fabric covering over a wooden or plastic frame helped soldiers transport essential supplies while remaining flexible.
In the 1970s, the Gianni Versace brand brought the Bundeswehr backpack to the runway. They demonstratively painted a peace sign on the backpacks, wanting to demonstrate freedom and peace for the whole world.
The 1980s were a time when the desire for customization grew stronger. Backpacks had to match one's personal look. People used them for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
In the '90s, the backpack wasn't just practical. It was a major fashion accessory during that decade. It couldn't have been more colorful and eye-catching.
In the 2000s, backpacks unfortunately fell into obscurity. Today, however, backpacks are experiencing a comeback. They've never been more versatile. Whether it's a leather backpack in black or brown, a sports backpack, or one for leisure.
Backpack shapes
The courier backpack
A favorite among bike couriers, it's currently one of the most popular backpack styles for women, men, and children. This backpack boasts ample storage space, a large opening, and robustness. A variation of the courier backpack is the rolltop backpack. This features a roll-top closure that can be rolled up and closed like a bag. This model can be used for day trips, on a bike, as carry-on luggage, or for school, work, and university.
Business backpack
This type of backpack emphasizes professional design and functionality. These bags typically feature multiple compartments for organized storage. This type of backpack is particularly popular in fast-paced work environments as an alternative to men's leather shoulder bags . A special type of business backpack is the laptop backpack, whose primary function is to securely store your laptop.
XL backpack DYLAN
bag backpack
In the past, the tote bag, tote bag , or gym bag was primarily used to carry sneakers and gym clothes. It has a triangular shape and is usually made of fabric or polyester. In the 2010s, it experienced a comeback and became a fashionable alternative to the backpack or leather bag for women .
Drawstring bag NiK
Daypack / City Backpack
These backpacks are very fashionable. They are smaller and are often used for just one day, for example, for a day trip or a one-day city break. They only hold the things the user needs for the day, i.e., water, wallet, keys, etc.
City backpack DINA
Miniature backpack
These are even smaller than the city backpack and are therefore worn like a leather bag more for their design than their functionality.
sports backpack
There are so many sports, and almost every one requires its own backpack. There are mountain bike backpacks, which are both practical and comfortable. Sports backpacks are often made of fabric, making them comfortable to wear even when you sweat. They also often have mesh backs to provide the necessary ventilation. Ski and snowboard backpacks are usually also water-repellent. A special type is the avalanche backpack. This is primarily used in areas with a lot of snow and therefore a risk of avalanches. It is also equipped with reflectors and a waist belt and is therefore used by skiers, snowboarders, and ski tourers.
travel backpack
A travel backpack is, on average, larger than a traditional backpack. It's practical and, in addition to the standard features, offers other useful functions, such as back pockets, a hydration system, and more. Its robust and durable design makes it ideal for buses, airplanes, and cargo holds.
Hiking backpack and trekking backpack
These backpacks have even more volume than travel backpacks. Trekking backpacks have a lot of storage space. They are often used for long trips where you want to be flexible and mobile. They are the equivalent of a suitcase, but are more practical and, unlike a suitcase, can also be carried on your back. They must have plenty of storage space as well as be comfortable to wear. These backpacks are often used for multi-day Alpine crossings, for example. Hiking backpacks are similar to trekking backpacks. The biggest difference is their size. Hiking backpacks are smaller and only designed for hikes of around two days, whereas trekking backpacks are designed for several weeks.
Hybrid backpack
A hybrid backpack, also known as a smart backpack, is impressive for its versatility. It allows for multiple ways to carry the bag. The most common forms include handbags that can also be worn over the shoulder, sports bags that can also be used as backpacks, and trolleys that can be used as backpacks.
Top Loader
This model features a very large opening, allowing for easy access to the luggage. It's typically used for day trips. However, in some cases, this can be rather impractical, as it doesn't allow access to all the luggage. This is different with front-loading backpacks, which can be conveniently packed from the front.
Body Bag
This bag is worn diagonally across the chest and back with a strap. This bag has gained popularity, especially in recent years. It's usually large enough to easily accommodate essentials like your phone, wallet, and keys.
DUDLEY shoulder bag
children's backpack
A children's backpack is usually small and colorful. No matter the pattern, it can't be unusual enough for little ones. They're mainly used for kindergarten, school, or short trips. Most are made of plastic, making them ready for any adventure.
hard-shell backpack
Thanks to its hard shell, this model offers a high degree of security. The shape is usually flat and elongated to offer the wearer maximum freedom of movement. Unlike other backpacks, this hard-shell backpack is usually waterproof, dimensionally stable, robust, and easy to clean. This makes it ideal for bike tours, motorcycle rides, or other everyday activities.
duffel bag
The duffel bag is a simple and straightforward bag with a very large storage space. Initially, these backpacks were mostly made of canvas. Today, however, they are available in a wide variety of materials, most of which are durable and therefore perfect for outdoor activities.
XL duffel bag HEATHROW
material
Nowadays, there are many different materials that can be found in backpacks. The most common are leather, synthetic fabrics, and even recycled materials.
nylon
Nylon is the first fiber to be produced entirely synthetically. Most backpacks are made of nylon because it's very durable and abrasion-resistant. It also has a matte finish and a pleasant surface.
polyester
Polyester is probably the most commonly used material for backpacks. It's not as high-quality as nylon, as it's comparatively less robust and durable. However, thanks to its UV resistance and lightness, it's still very popular with manufacturers and buyers.
leather
Leather is a natural product and impresses not only with its appearance but also with its durability. Therefore, most designer bags are made of leather . Leather goods are usually handcrafted. Leather is a strong material, which makes the backpacks durable, but also heavier. Furthermore, leather backpacks are often very expensive and can be easily damaged by water.
Here you can find out how to properly care for your leather backpack
Ripstop materials
Ripstop, or ripstop nylon, is often used in outdoor activities because it is highly tear-resistant, waterproof, and lightweight. A special weaving technique is used to create this durable material. Another advantage is the backpack's good weight-to-weight ratio, which makes it more stable. The fabric is usually made from nylon, polyester, and aramid.
Mesh materials
Mesh is a breathable and therefore temperature-regulating material. The yarn is often made of polyester or nylon. To achieve its characteristic structure, the yarn is either knitted or woven. The material is often found as lining in a variety of sports and leisure backpacks.
Mixed materials
Many backpacks are also made of mixed materials, meaning they are made of different materials, such as cotton and polyester. This combination makes them very robust and durable.
Recycled materials
More and more people are concerned about the conscious use of our resources. Therefore, it's no wonder that the demand for environmentally friendly materials is constantly growing. Backpacks can be made from recycled PET bottles, ocean plastic, fishing nets, paper, and cork, for example. These are usually waterproof. The use of sustainable and natural materials doesn't stop there; a sustainable backpack can also be created through resource-efficient production. For example, through the careful use of water, energy, and CO2.
Packing ergonomically
Of all bags, a backpack is the most ergonomic solution. This is different with bags, such as shoulder bags, cross-body bags, and the like. These usually only place the load on one side, resulting in a crooked posture. Because the backpack distributes the weight evenly across the back via its two shoulder straps, posture problems are avoided. However, the straps must be adjusted correctly. For a good ergonomic fit, the backpack should fit perfectly over the shoulders. (Hiking and trekking backpacks are excluded.)
The larger backpacks become, the more adjustment options there are. Hiking backpacks, for example, have a hip belt in addition to the chest strap, which distributes the weight from the shoulders to the hips. As a general rule, 70% of the load should rest on the hips.
In addition to the adjustment options, packing correctly is important. With larger backpacks, it's advisable to stow lighter items, such as jackets, clothing, and a first-aid kit, at the bottom or at the top. Heavier items, such as a camera, bottles, books, or laptop, should be carried as close to your back as possible.
Additionally, for longer activities, you should make sure that the shoulder straps are adjustable and sufficiently padded.
To achieve this, the weight in the backpack should always be distributed symmetrically, and the maximum carrying load should be kept as low as possible. The optimal weight of a backpack should be between 10 and 25 percent of your body weight.