Choosing the Right Backpack

The backpack is an essential piece of kit for travellers, students and commuters everywhere. The right bag can make the difference between a comfortable trip and a painful one, or between an efficient workday and a frustrating one. It can even be used as an expression of personality or identity, with a range of styles available to suit a wide variety of tastes and requirements.

But not all backpacks are created equal, and choosing the right one can be difficult. A good backpack should fit snugly and evenly on your back to prevent unnecessary strain. It should also provide a good distribution of weight to the strongest muscles in your back and hips, rather than to your shoulders. In addition, it should be made from materials that are both hard-wearing and water resistant. Finally, it should be easy to clean, with zipped pockets and compartments that are easily accessible.

A backpack is a type of bag worn on the back, with two parallel straps that hang over the shoulders and carry the weight of the pack. It can be padded or unpadded and may have a rigid or flexible frame, depending on the design. It has multiple compartments, with some designed to protect a laptop, and is often fitted with a water bladder for on-the-go rehydration. Backpacks come in a wide range of sizes and colours to suit different tastes, with many people using them for outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.

There is a growing market for specialised backpacks designed to meet the needs of specific sporting activities, such as hiking or cycling. These are typically small, body hugging designs that use compression straps to minimise movement and some have a bladder fitted for rehydration on the go. Many backpacks are now also available with reflective panels to increase visibility in low-light conditions and zipped panel pouches to store valuable items such as phones or passports.

There are also backpacks which can be worn as a messenger bag or briefcase, with the front of the pack extending to the bottom of the bag to create a flap that covers the bag opening. These are popular among commuters, allowing them to carry their essentials while leaving their hands free for other tasks such as holding a drink or tapping on their phone. Many backpacks are made from hard-wearing, durable man-made fibres, and can be brushed off or spot cleaned with a damp cloth to remove dirt. They are usually water resistant, and some are machine washable on a cold setting.