How to choose the best backpack
Choosing the right backpack very much depends on your lifestyle and unique needs, with the most important questions being, how will you use it and what will you use it for?
For instance, if you’re a runner or cyclist and need a robust backpack that fits snugly on your back, then the OMM Ultra 8 Marathon Pack is a good choice, whereas if you’re looking for a more stylish backpack that comfortably fits your laptop and other work essentials then you might like the Matt & Nat BRAVE Vegan Backpack.
If you’re still undecided, here are some of the most important features to look for in a backpack.
Your budget: Sounds fairly obvious, but your budget plays a big role in the type of backpack you choose. Most good-quality backpacks range from £30 to well over £100, but general consensus is that you get what you pay for in terms of quality and longevity.
Colour and style: Are you looking for an oval-shaped backpack, a square design, or a more rectangular shape that’ll comfortably fit your large laptop and notebook?
Perhaps you need a backpack with multiple zipped pockets for your smartphone, keys, purse and other important documents versus one with just one main compartment and fewer pockets. Is black your colour or would you prefer something a little bolder with a pop of colour? The good news is that there are so many different types of backpacks out there in a wide variety of colours and styles.
Size: Backpacks come in all shapes and sizes including smaller types like the Mia Tui Jess Backpack, which is ideal for quick commutes or trips to the park. Or you may need a larger, more practical design.
Outer material: Are you looking for a classic leather backpack, or is faux leather more your thing? If you’re on the hunt for a waterproof, durable material, then a canvas-style backpack or a flexible nylon fabric will undoubtedly keep your contents dry.
Number of pockets: Before you settle on the right design for you, it’s important to consider the number and size of the pockets on the backpack you’re looking at. Also, you’ll need to determine whether you prefer larger, more visible, easy-access pockets or hidden, anti-theft pockets on the inside of the backpack.
Laptop compartment: Most backpacks we’ve vetted come with a separate laptop sleeve/compartment, but they vary in size. For instance, the Sandqvist Roald Ground Organic Cotton Backpack can comfortably carry a 15” laptop (the standard size), whereas the Targus Newport Backpack is only suitable for 12” laptops, iPads or other tablets. It’s important to take note of this before you buy.
Type of zipper: Are you looking for a dual zipper that closes from both sides like the one you’ll find on the Lekesky Laptop Rucksack Bag or is one main zip easier for you to manage? Additionally, some zippers also come with zip tags which act as a zipper pull extension, making it simpler to open and close. The type of zipper is also something to consider. Some of the most popular zippers on backpacks include plastic, metal, nylon, coil and plastic. Ultimately, you want a smooth, flexible zipper that’s easy to use.
Shoulder straps: If you’re going for comfort over style and need a practical backpack to take on longer trips and commutes, then wider, padded shoulder straps that have a contoured to your shape are a must. If, however, you’re looking for a modern, stylish backpack that can double up as a tote, then a sturdy handle and thinner, straighter shoulder straps might be a better choice.
When it comes to shoulder straps, it’s also wise to check whether they’re adjustable or not, as well as how simple it is to adjust them. Do they have plastic adjuster buckles or metal buckles like you’ll find on the Fossil Women's Tess Laptop Backpack.
What are the best bargain backpacks?
There are various backpacks to buy in the UK and you’ll find many at a decent price. However, when it comes to value for money and good-quality backpacks that are affordable, we’ve picked the Lekesky Laptop Rucksack Bag. It’s stylish yet robust and has several pockets, plus a large main compartment (24 litres) to store your 15.6” laptop. This bag is a firm favourite amongst Mumsnetters too.
For running or cycling, we’re also fans of the OMM Ultra 8 Marathon pack. At £40, it’s good value for money and offers everything you need to keep your stuff safe and dry on the move.
What's the best women's backpack to buy?
After considering more than 20 backpacks for women on the market and assessing all the feedback we received on the Mumsnet forums, we picked the Sandqvist Roald Ground Organic Cotton Backpack as our overall winner.
Mumsnetters love the overall quality of the brand as well as the attention to detail of this backpack. It stands out as being super comfortable to carry (thanks to its streamlined shape and padded shoulder straps, plus it has plenty of internal space and pockets to carry everything you need. Fans don’t seem to mind the slightly higher price tag as many believe it’s a great long-term investment.
How we chose our recommendations
We’ve thoroughly researched the best backpacks you can buy this season including tried-and-tested experiences from a wide range of honest, trusted sources. Here’s how we narrowed it down to our top picks.
Mumsnet community
When it comes to stylish, comfy backpacks which offer all the bells and whistles in terms of storage, Mumsnetters know a trusty carrier when they see (and use) one.
We first assessed all the recommendations from the Mumsnet community, getting feedback on the best backpacks they have personally used, reviewed and rated, including their favourite models, and must-have features such as hidden pockets and adjustable shoulder straps. We also considered the reasons why Mumsnetters would avoid certain backpacks, with ‘value for money’ being a big deciding factor.
Expert opinions
We know that choosing the right backpack takes a lot of thought and consideration, so we made sure our recommendations were well received within the bags and luggage industry, rated or recommended by travel experts and industry leaders.
Trusted consumer reviews
Finally, we scrutinised honest customer reviews on retailer sites such as Amazon, Wiggle and John Lewis to get wider consumer opinions on the products on our shortlist. Through this research, we were able to weigh up the top backpacks for a variety of needs including commuting to work, travel and running, and gain a greater understanding of the pros and cons of each.
About the author
Tammy Jacks has 15+ years' experience in the publishing industry, enjoying a long and fruitful career as Managing Editor and Health & Beauty Editor for Woman & Home magazine in South Africa. She later went on to become Assistant Editor of popular South African parenting title Living and Loving, and has written for lifestyle publications including Oprah Mag SA, Health Intelligence, Your Family and Longevity. She has also edited books for popular fitness influencers and health professionals.
Tammy has always been passionate about fitness, wellness and nutrition and is a keen marathon runner and cyclist. She is also a mum to a busy six-year-old girl.
Why you should trust us
Mumsnet has been helping parents make their lives easier since 2000 and, in those years, we’ve seen, tried and reviewed thousands of products in a wide variety of categories.
We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums and online bestseller lists to find products that real parents rate.
Transparency is important to us and that's why we're always upfront about the research we do, and where we find our recommendations. We write about products that we feel offer the best value to most parents – the ones that our users would recommend to their own friends and family and strive to offer impartial advice across the board.