How to buy a backpack: choosing a practical model for school, work, sport or travel

Choosing a backpack might seem straightforward – until you realise the size isn’t right, the shoulder straps dig in, or your laptop has nowhere safe to go. Marketing often focuses on a stylish look, plenty of pockets or a lightweight design, but those features don’t always tell you enough about how it actually performs day to day.

Three common pitfalls keep cropping up:

• Not paying enough attention to capacity: a 20-litre backpack sounds roomy, but some of that space can be lost to small pockets or a narrow opening.
• A laptop compartment with no clear sizing: always check the maximum laptop size. A “laptop backpack” isn’t automatically suitable for every 15- or 16-inch model.
• Confusing comfort with soft padding: a padded back panel helps, but the fit, adjustability and weight distribution also determine how comfortable a backpack feels to wear.

The right choice therefore depends mainly on how you’ll use it every day. A black backpack for the office needs something different from a lightweight backpack for trail running.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Capacity and dimensions

Don’t just look at the number of litres – also consider the external dimensions and the internal layout. A 20-litre backpack is often suitable for daily essentials, a packed lunch, clothing and accessories. For school or commuting, 22 to 24 litres can be more practical if you also carry A4 documents or sports kit.

Look out for these points:

• Does an A4 folder fit upright in the main compartment?
• Is the opening wide enough for everyday use?
• Are there separate pockets for keys, phone and water bottle?
• Does the backpack stay stable when it’s half full?

A larger capacity isn’t automatically more convenient. A backpack that’s too roomy can become unnecessarily heavy when you fill it every day.

2. Laptop protection and organisation

If you’re looking for a work backpack or laptop backpack, it’s worth comparing your laptop size with the internal space. According to the product information, the Eastpak Out Of Office has a padded laptop compartment for most devices up to 14 inches. The PUMA Academy Backpack states a maximum compatible device size of 18.7 inches. Always check your own laptop’s dimensions in centimetres too, because screen sizes don’t always reflect the total external size.

A backpack with a laptop compartment is more practical when:

• the compartment is padded all the way around;
• the laptop can’t fall loose against the bottom;
• the main compartment still has enough room for your charger and documents;
• the zips close smoothly without pressing against the device.

3. Material, comfort and care

Polyester and polyamide are widely used in sporty and everyday models. According to the product information, the Salomon Cross 12 uses 100% polyamide with a polyester lining. The PELLIOT models are made from grid polyester and have an adjustable harness. Leather models need different care: a leather backpack shouldn’t go in the washing machine and is best cleaned with a soft, dry cloth.

Also check:

• Adjustable shoulder straps: important for different body heights.
• Padded back panel: can improve the feel when worn, especially for daily use.
• Chest or hip strap: useful when the backpack needs to stay stable during walking or cycling.
• The weight of the bag itself: a lightweight backpack leaves more carrying capacity for your belongings.
• Care instructions: water, heat and harsh cleaning products can damage the material and coating.

Reflective details increase visibility according to the product description, but they don’t replace lighting or other traffic safety measures.

Our recommendations by usage profile

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

PUMA Phase Backpack Black-Gold-No.1 Unisex

Why this fits the profile: The 22-litre capacity and combination of a main compartment, front pocket and side pocket provide a clear, basic layout for school, work or sport.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists specific dimensions and capacity, so you can better match the space to your daily essentials.

Key benefit & highlights

22 litres, padded back panel, adjustable shoulder straps and, according to the product information, at least 90% recycled materials.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

MICHAEL KORS JAYCEE Medium Pebbled Leather Backpack Black

Why this fits the profile: This black women’s backpack is designed for urban use, combining a leather exterior with an organised interior layout.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The dimensions of 22.22 × 30.48 × 10.79 cm make the carrying capacity more concrete than a general description like “medium”.

Key benefit & highlights

100% textured leather according to the product information, two compartments, adjustable straps and internal zip and slip pockets.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

Salomon Cross 12 Tahitian Tide/Black C21858

Why this fits the profile: According to the product information, this hiking backpack and trail running backpack is designed for day trips and intensive outdoor sports, with a 12-litre capacity.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The double chest straps and padded back panel are concrete carrying features; just check beforehand whether the fit suits your body.

Key benefit & highlights

12 litres, polyamide outer material, pockets for drinks bottles and compatibility with a 1.5-litre hydration system; bottles are not included.

Suitable for: Daily commuting

EASTPAK Out Of Office Black Medium Unisex

Why this fits the profile: This unisex backpack is made for the office, study and travel, offering space for A4 documents and a laptop up to 14 inches according to the product information.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The laptop compartment and internal organisers make the layout easy to check. Compare your own laptop dimensions with the stated size.

Key benefit & highlights

Polyester outer fabric, padded back panel, adjustable shoulder straps and a recommended maximum load of 10 kg according to the product information.

Frequently asked questions about backpacks

How big should a backpack be for daily use?

For daily use, around 18 to 24 litres is usually practical. Go for around 18 litres if you only need to carry lunch, accessories and a thin jumper. If you’re taking a laptop, documents and sports kit, you’ll generally be better off with 20 to 24 litres. Always check the dimensions and the internal layout.

What should I look for in a laptop backpack?

Compare the maximum laptop size with the external dimensions of your device. Also look for a padded compartment, secure closure and enough room for the charger. A laptop backpack with a separate compartment keeps your equipment more organised, but doesn’t guarantee protection against damage from drops or knocks.

How do I care for a leather backpack?

Gently wipe a leather backpack with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid prolonged moisture, direct heat and harsh cleaning products. Always follow the manufacturer’s care advice. Fabric models can sometimes be cleaned with a slightly damp cloth, but even then, submerging them isn’t always allowed.