Joybuy Insights

Buying a backpack: how to choose a model for school, work and travel

Buying a backpack sounds simple, until you realise each day that your laptop does not fit, the shoulder straps dig in or there is not enough room for lunch, sportswear and a charger. Many models look practical in photos, but important details can sometimes be easy to miss in the product information.

Pay particular attention to these common pitfalls:

  • A laptop compartment that is too small: a bag for a 15.6-inch laptop should not only state the screen size. Check the compartment’s dimensions and shape too.
  • Confusing water-repellent with waterproof: a water-repellent backpack can help keep out light rain, but it does not automatically protect against prolonged rainfall or immersion.
  • Lots of litres without good organisation: a spacious backpack is not always practical. Without separate compartments, books, cables and smaller items can get mixed up.
  • Comfort that disappoints over time: look for adjustable shoulder straps, a padded back panel and, on larger models, possibly a chest strap.

Which specifications matter before buying a backpack?

1. Size and capacity

Choose the capacity according to how you plan to use it. For a school day with books and lunch, a school backpack of around 12 to 20 litres may be sufficient. For work, commuting or a short trip, a spacious backpack of 20 to 30 litres is more practical.

A 25-litre capacity provides room for everyday essentials. An expandable model can offer extra capacity when you are taking clothes or other necessities with you. Do check that the bag remains comfortable to carry when full.

If you are looking for a children’s backpack, it is worth looking beyond the appearance. Measure the length of the child’s back and compare it with the height of the bag. A bag that is too large or filled too heavily can feel awkward to carry.

2. Laptop compatibility and protection

A laptop backpack should have a separate compartment that keeps the device securely in place. When choosing a backpack for a 15.6-inch laptop, look at:

  • the maximum laptop size;
  • the dimensions of the laptop compartment;
  • any padding around the computer;
  • the position of the compartment, preferably not directly on the bottom;
  • space for a charger, mouse and documents.

A description such as “suitable for 15.6 inches” is useful, but with a large or robust laptop, check the external dimensions too. Not every laptop with the same screen size has the same casing.

3. Material, fastening and comfort

Polyester, coated canvas and similar materials are often used for a lightweight backpack. Check the manufacturer’s description and look out for practical details such as a sturdy zip, adjustable straps and side pockets for a bottle or umbrella.

With a water-repellent backpack, it is still advisable to carry electronic devices in a protective case. According to some brands’ own product information, a coating can help repel water, but this does not guarantee that the contents will stay dry in heavy rain.

A travel backpack may include extra features such as lockable zips, a chest strap or a hidden pocket. Treat these features as practical aids, not as a guarantee against theft.

Choosing a backpack for your needs

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Large Capacity Backpack Durable Lightweight Rucksack

Large Capacity Backpack Durable Lightweight Rucksack

Why it suits this profile: A versatile model for everyday use, school, work or a short outing. The adjustable straps and multiple compartments make it a straightforward, practical choice for getting started.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The description mentions multiple compartments and a spacious layout. Before buying, check the exact dimensions and whether you need a laptop compartment.

Key benefit & highlights

Lightweight design, multiple storage compartments and adjustable shoulder straps.

Suitable for: Buyers looking for premium quality
MICHAEL KORS JAYCEE Medium Logo Backpack VANILLA

MICHAEL KORS JAYCEE Medium Logo Backpack-VANILLA

Why it suits this profile: A stylish backpack for commuting, city use and customers who value a polished appearance.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The bag has a separate tech compartment, a zipped front pocket and internal slip and zipped pockets. This provides more organisation than a single main compartment.

Key benefit & highlights

Dimensions of approximately 30.5 × 38 × 17.8 cm, a tech compartment and coated canvas with polyester and polyurethane.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
HP Travel 25L 15.6-Inch Blue Laptop Backpack

HP Travel 25L 15.6-Inch Blue Laptop Backpack

Why it suits this profile: Designed for laptop users, travellers and commuters who want to carry plenty of belongings in an organised way.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications list a separate laptop compartment for up to 15.6 inches, a capacity of 25 litres and expandable capacity of up to 30 litres.

Key benefit & highlights

900-gram packaged weight, chest strap, multiple compartments, lockable zips and a hidden RFID-blocking pocket according to the product information.

Suitable for: Families and younger users
PUMA Phase Small Backpack Black Kid's

PUMA Phase Small Backpack Black Kid's

Why it suits this profile: A compact children’s backpack for school, sport or everyday outings, with a capacity of 13 litres.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions and capacity are clearly stated, so you can assess in advance whether books, a drinks bottle and other belongings will fit.

Key benefit & highlights

Dimensions of 12 × 25 × 37 cm, padded and adjustable shoulder straps, a padded back panel and a reflective element according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

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

Frequently asked questions about buying a backpack

How many litres should a school backpack hold?

That depends on how many books and belongings you carry. For a compact school day, 13 to 20 litres is often suitable. If you combine a laptop, lunchbox, sportswear and books, it is better to look at 20 to 30 litres. Check the external dimensions too, as a large capacity can make the bag heavier and less manageable.

How long does a backpack last on average?

Its lifespan depends on the material, load, use and maintenance. A bag that is filled heavily every day will wear more quickly at the seams, base and zips. Do not overfill the backpack, distribute the weight and follow the manufacturer’s care instructions. For the HP Travel backpack, the product information states that at least the statutory two-year guarantee applies in the European Union; additional rights may vary depending on the circumstances and country.

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

A water-repellent coating can help keep out light rain, but it does not automatically make a backpack waterproof. Use a protective case for a laptop or tablet and take a rain cover with you in prolonged rain. Check whether the product information only mentions “water-repellent” or specifies a particular waterproof rating.