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A quality backpack is a must-have item for anyone who wants to transport supplies to school or work or pack accessories for a trip. To help you select the backpack that’s right for you, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best backpacks on Amazon. Here are our top five recommendations.
Top 5 Backpacks
- Most Customizable: HotStyle TRENDYMAX Backpack
- Best Storage Options: LOVEVOOK Backpack Purse
- Best Small Backpack: Himawari Travel Backpack
- Best Anti-Theft Features: Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack
- Best For Cameras: TARION Camera Backpack
Most Customizable
HotStyle TRENDYMAX Backpack
- $25
- $31.99
- 22% off
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 16 by 12 by 6 inches
- 30 design options
- Main compartment
- Front compartment
- Side pocket
- Back pocket
What Customers Are Saying
Customers who liked this backpack said that it was perfect for kids, adequately held textbooks, and was easy to clean. However, dissatisfied customers didn’t like that this backpack wasn’t waterproof or weather-resistant because they couldn’t use it outside during inclement weather.
Best Storage Options
LOVEVOOK Backpack Purse
- $33
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Key Features
- 16 by 12 by 7.5 inches
- Nine color options
- Main compartment
- Three front compartments
- Two side pockets
- Back pocket
- USB charging port
What Customers Are Saying
Positive reviews mentioned this backpack’s elegant design, spaciousness, and durability. However, other customers said that its stitching was cheaply made and that its USB charger didn’t work properly.
Best Small Backpack
Himawari Travel Backpack
- $36.99
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 16 by 11 by 6.3 inches
- 17 color options
- Two size options
- Main compartment
- Front compartment
- Two side pockets
- USB charging port
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that this backpack was sturdy, had a large storage capacity, and remained flat against their back even when it was filled with items. However, other reviewers said that this product had sharp, uncomfortable buckles and didn’t fit larger laptops.
Best Anti-Theft Features
Travelon Anti-Theft Classic Backpack
- $39.49
- $85
- 54% off
Prices taken at the time of publishing.
Key Features
- 16 by 12 by 6 inches
- Six color options
- Main compartment
- Front compartment
- Two side pockets
- Key clip with an LED light
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers liked this backpack’s several safety features, sturdy construction, and large storage capacity. However, dissatisfied customers said that the zippers were prone to breaking after a short period of ownership.
Best For Cameras
TARION Camera Backpack
- $46.32
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Key Features
- 17 by 11.8 by 6 inches
- Main compartment
- Side pocket
- Tripod clip
- Rain cover
What Customers Are Saying
Those who left positive reviews said that this backpack was comfortable to wear and spacious enough for all of their camera accessories. Dissatisfied customers said that the straps and handles ripped easily and that some of the pockets were prone to opening without warning.
Buyer’s Guide
When determining which backpack is best for you, these are some of the most important factors to consider.
Material
Backpacks are typically made from one of the following materials.
Nylon
Nylon backpacks are waterproof and easy to clean. Some backpacks are made from ripstop nylon, which is a stronger material that’s resistant to tearing.
Polyester
Polyester bags are lightweight. They’re weather- and UV-resistant, making them good for outdoor use.
Cotton Canvas
Cotton canvas backpacks are more rugged. Because of this tougher material, these bags are resistant to almost any type of damage.
Leather
Leather backpacks are also heavy-duty, but they look more polished than canvas backpacks.
Comfort
Finding a backpack that doesn’t cause back or shoulder pain is essential. Many backpacks have mesh backs and padded, adjustable shoulder straps to ensure comfort.
Function
Determine what you will be using your backpack for, and look for models that are specifically designed for that purpose. For example, if you’re going to be using your backpack for work, make sure it has a laptop compartment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I properly wear a backpack?
Backpacks should be worn high on both of your shoulders, as wearing the bag too far down on your back or only on one shoulder can cause discomfort.
How do I take care of my backpack?
To properly care for your backpack, avoid placing wet materials directly in the bag, as moisture can damage your belongings or the bag and lead to mold growth. Backpacks should also be cleaned every few months. It’s best to hand-wash backpacks with a mild detergent.
Are there health risks to wearing backpacks?
Backpacks are largely safe, but they can cause some health problems if they’re worn improperly for extended periods of time. If a backpack is too tight on the shoulders or has too many items in it, it can cause temporary or permanent shoulder and back pain. Headaches and muscle spasms can also occur when using a backpack.
Why Trust The This Old House Reviews Team
This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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