Joybuy Insights

Buying a backpack: how to choose one for school, work, sport or travel

A backpack seems easy to choose until you find yourself carrying an uncomfortable bag every day, your laptop doesn’t fit properly or the contents get wet. So if you’re looking to buy a backpack, it’s worth looking beyond the colour, brand and attractive product photos.

Common pitfalls include:

  • A capacity that seems larger than it is: litres don’t tell the whole story. A narrow 20-litre backpack may be less practical than a well-organised model with several compartments.
  • Confusing water-repellent with waterproof: polyester or nylon can help keep out light rain and splashes, but no backpack automatically protects your belongings from prolonged rain.
  • Looking only at laptop size: check the dimensions of the laptop compartment and its opening, as well as the space for a charger, documents and accessories.
  • Not checking cabin bag dimensions: a few centimetres can make all the difference for a hand luggage backpack. Always check the airline’s current rules, even if a model is advertised as a cabin backpack.

What features should you check?

1. Size and capacity

A capacity of around 20 to 30 litres is often practical for a school backpack or everyday commuting. That gives you room for A4 documents, lunch, a water bottle and small accessories. A roomy backpack with two main compartments helps keep books, clothes and electronics separate.

A smaller lightweight backpack is more convenient for short walks or a quick trip to the shops. Just remember to consider the balance between weight and capacity. A 194-gram bag is easy to carry when empty, but at 12 litres it serves a different purpose from a 24-litre school backpack.

For travel, the external dimensions are just as important as the capacity. A model measuring 40 x 20 x 25 cm is designed with commonly used under-seat dimensions in mind, but whether it’s accepted still depends on the carrier and your ticket.

2. Laptop compartment and layout

A laptop backpack needs more than just a laptop compartment. Also check:

  • the maximum laptop size;
  • how the device is secured;
  • the protection at the base and sides;
  • space for a charger, mouse and documents;
  • whether the opening is wide enough for everyday use.

According to the product description, Eastpak Out Of Office models have a padded laptop compartment for most 14-inch devices. The PUMA Academy is described as having space for a device up to 18.7 inches, but always check the exact dimensions of your own laptop before buying.

3. Carrying comfort and material

Padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel and adjustable straps can make a backpack more comfortable to carry. That doesn’t mean every backpack will suit every body equally well. Adjust the straps and avoid regularly filling the bag beyond the recommended load.

A water-repellent backpack mainly offers protection against light rain and splashes. The Eastpak Pinnacle is described as having a water-repellent exterior; according to its product information, the NINETYGO College-Style has a level 4 water-repellent rating. The product information also clearly states that this model isn’t fully waterproof and isn’t designed for prolonged exposure to heavy rain.

Materials such as polyester, nylon and reinforced 900D fabric tell you something about the construction, but they don’t guarantee an unlimited lifespan. Zips, seams and how you load the backpack are just as important.

Our recommendations for different uses

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Puma Phase Backpack Black

Puma Phase Backpack Black

Why it suits this profile: A straightforward backpack for school, everyday use or light sport, without a complicated layout.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications list a 22-litre capacity, a main compartment with a two-way zip and a separate front pocket. That makes it clear where you can store your everyday essentials.

Key benefit & advantages

22-litre capacity, weighs 300 grams, padded back panel and a mesh side pocket for a bottle.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for top quality
EASTPAK Pinnacle Black Unisex

EASTPAK Pinnacle Black Unisex

Why it suits this profile: Designed for people who carry a lot to school, university, the office or on the go.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The bag has two main compartments and an organiser front pocket. This means you don’t have to pile everything into one large compartment.

Key benefit & advantages

Two main compartments, suitable for A4 documents, a padded back panel and a water-repellent exterior according to the product description.

Suitable for: Specific needs & frequent users
Reebok Ashland basketball backpack 50cm black

Reebok Ashland basketball backpack 50cm black

Why it suits this profile: A sporty backpack for people who combine school, work, the gym and short trips.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists a roomy main compartment and extra pockets. This makes the bag useful for clothes, books, tech accessories and everyday essentials.

Key benefit & advantages

Roomy main compartment, extra storage pockets and adjustable shoulder straps for varied everyday use.

Suitable for: Travellers with limited hand luggage
Kono cabin bag 40x20x25 for Ryanair, under-seat travel carry-on backpack, cabin size, 20L, black

Kono Cabin Bag 40x20x25, 20L, Black

Why it suits this profile: Designed for travellers looking for a compact bag to fit under the seat on short trips.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm and 20-litre capacity are clearly listed. Still, check these measurements against your airline’s baggage rules.

Key benefit & advantages

Compact cabin size, 20-litre capacity and available in black and navy.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about buying a backpack

What capacity is suitable for a school backpack?

Around 20 to 30 litres is often suitable for books, A4 folders, lunch and a water bottle. If you also carry sports clothes or a laptop, look for a roomy backpack with two main compartments and a separate laptop compartment.

How do I clean a backpack?

Follow the brand’s care instructions. For several models in this guide, the recommendation is to clean the exterior with a slightly damp cloth and not to bleach or submerge the bag. Leave it to air dry, preferably out of direct sunlight.

How long does a backpack last?

It depends on the material, zips, load and how often you use it. A bag that’s filled heavily every day will wear out faster than one used occasionally. So check the recommended maximum load and pack heavy items close to the back panel.