Choosing a backpack: a practical buying guide for school, work and travel

A backpack seems easy to choose, until you find yourself carrying a laptop, books or heavy shopping every day. That’s when you soon discover whether the shoulder straps are comfortable, the laptop compartment really fits and the bag can handle a Dutch downpour.

Marketing copy can sometimes make things more confusing. Look out for these three common pitfalls:

1. “Water-repellent” is mistaken for waterproof. A water-repellent backpack may help keep out light rain, but it won’t necessarily protect your belongings in prolonged or heavy rain.
2. A large capacity doesn’t tell you much about the layout. A large backpack without separate compartments can be awkward to use. Your laptop, charger and books can quickly end up jumbled together.
3. Comfort is judged by appearance alone. A backpack may look sturdy but still be uncomfortable to carry if the back panel doesn’t sit properly or the shoulder straps offer little adjustment.

What should you look for when buying a backpack?

1. Check the size and laptop compatibility

If you’re looking for a 15.6-inch laptop backpack, don’t rely on the product title alone. Check the stated laptop size and the internal dimensions, if available. The width and thickness of a 15.6-inch laptop can vary between brands and models.

Also think about what else you carry each day:

• Schoolbooks and A4 folders: choose a main compartment that’s wide enough and doesn’t become difficult to close.
• Work and commuting: a separate laptop compartment and smaller organiser pockets can save you time.
• Travel: a luggage strap is useful for sliding your backpack over the handle of a suitcase.
• Everyday use: side pockets are handy for a water bottle or umbrella.

A backpack with a laptop compartment isn’t automatically well protected. Check whether the compartment has its own padding and whether your laptop sits directly on the bottom of the bag.

2. Consider the material and rain protection

Many models are made from polyester, Oxford fabric, canvas or leather. Each material has different properties:

• Oxford fabric: often chosen for a lightweight, hard-wearing school backpack or travel backpack.
• Canvas: has a casual look and works well for everyday use, but the level of water protection varies by design.
• Leather: offers a smart look. For example, the MICHAEL KORS JAYCEE Large 2 Zip Pocket Backpack is listed as having a 100% grain leather exterior. Leather does need care and, according to the product information, should be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth.
• 900D fabric: a heavier textile that may be suitable for a roomy bag, but the number alone doesn’t prove how well the whole backpack will stand up to wear and tear.

When choosing a water-repellent backpack, read the wording carefully. According to the product information for the NINETYGO backpack, its material has a water-repellency rating of 4. The same information also states that the bag isn’t fully waterproof and shouldn’t be exposed to heavy rain for long periods. If you’re carrying valuable electronics, consider using a separate protective cover.

3. Assess comfort and weight

A comfortable backpack distributes weight more effectively when its shoulder straps are wide, adjustable and well padded. A chest strap or a well-shaped back panel can add stability when the bag is full, but these features aren’t available on every model.

Check the backpack’s own weight. A leather backpack may be heavier than one made from synthetic fabric. You’ll notice the difference most when carrying a laptop, books and accessories every day. Don’t fill a bag more than necessary: a large backpack gives you plenty of room, but carrying too much weight can still be a strain.

Which backpack suits your needs?

The selection below matches verifiable product details to different uses. Product claims about features such as luminous patterns or water repellency are based on the supplied product information and aren’t presented as a guarantee of performance.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Large Capacity Backpack Durable Lightweight Rucksack Multi Pocket Casual Daypack

Why it suits this type of user: A simple, roomy option for students and anyone looking for one bag for school, work or a day out.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product title mentions a large capacity, multiple compartments and adjustable straps. Before buying, check that the layout suits your laptop and books.

Key benefit and advantages

Roomy design, multiple compartments and suitable for men and women.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality

MICHAEL KORS JAYCEE Large 2 Zip Pocket Backpack Black

Why it suits this type of user: A good choice if you’re looking for a leather backpack for the office, your commute or a short weekend away, and value a smart appearance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The stated dimensions are 30,5 × 43 × 17,8 cm. This makes it easier to compare the size in advance, rather than relying on the word “large” alone.

Key benefit and advantages

100% grain leather exterior, a zipped main compartment and a separate tech pocket, according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs and frequent use

NINETYGO College-Style Dual-Shoulder Backpack

Why it suits this type of user: A practical option for commuters, students and professionals who often carry a laptop, bottle, charger and other essentials together.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information explicitly states that the bag isn’t fully waterproof. This makes it clear that water repellency doesn’t mean protection from prolonged heavy rain.

Key benefit and advantages

900D tear-resistant fabric, water-repellency level 4 according to the product information, and a side zip for quick access to your laptop.

Suitable for: School pupils and students

Kono School Bag Anime Luminous School Backpack

Why it suits this type of user: Designed for young people looking for a distinctive school backpack with room for a laptop, A4 books and school essentials.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list a laptop compartment for devices up to 15,6 inches, a main compartment for A4 books and several organiser pockets. This gives you a clearer idea of the layout before you buy.

Key benefit and advantages

30-litre capacity, Oxford fabric, two side pockets and a built-in USB port; power bank not included.

Frequently asked questions about backpacks

What capacity should a good school backpack have?

A medium to large backpack is often practical for a laptop, a few books and everyday essentials. Don’t look only at the number of litres: check for a separate laptop compartment, pockets for accessories and room for an A4 folder too. If you often carry a lot, you could choose a large backpack, but pay extra attention to comfort and the total weight.

Is a water-repellent backpack suitable for cycling in the rain?

It depends on how heavy the rain is and how long you’re out in it. Water-repellent fabric may help keep out light rain, but it isn’t the same as waterproof material. If you cycle every day, a rain cover or an extra laptop sleeve is a sensible choice when carrying electronic devices.

How long does a backpack last?

Its lifespan depends on the material, how heavily it’s loaded, the zips, seams and how well it’s cared for. Overfilled compartments and prolonged exposure to rain can speed up wear and tear. Follow the product’s care instructions, clean the bag appropriately and check the shoulder straps and zips regularly. Consumers in the EU are also covered by the statutory guarantee; the product information for the MICHAEL KORS model mentioned above states a minimum two-year statutory guarantee.