Backpack Buying Guide
from Overstock.comWhether used as carry-on bags for travel, as a book bag for school or as everyday tote bags, backpacks are an essential part of your luggage collection. In an ever-widening array of styles and sizes, backpacks are available to suit every taste and need. Considering the array of options to go through, you may be wondering how to buy a backpack that is right for you. This backpack buying guide will help you sort through the many alternatives available to you when choosing a new backpack.
The word "backpack" may call to mind images of rushing to class and juvenile backaches; however, modern backpacks and bags have evolved to suit every possible use, from laptop bags to gym bags. When selecting a backpack, you may be concerned about making a decision between style and function; you'll be happy to discover that you can have both.
When choosing a backpack, it's important to consider what you'll be carrying inside of it. This is the criteria that will go the furthest towards deciding which bag is best-suited to your purposes. Other aspects to consider include style, durability and functionality.
Back to school with traditional backpacks
For textbooks and school supplies, regular backpacks -- both the shoulder backpack and wheeled varieties -- are always a good choice. Separate compartments will ensure that those heavy textbooks won't crush your lunch, and they can keep your calculator and MP3 player safe. Many backpacks are also expandable, so if your workload varies from day-to-day, you can still use the same bag.
You'll also want to consider backpacks that have S-shaped straps; their ergonomic design is meant to re-distribute weight evenly to reduce stress on your back. Padded straps will also help to keep your shoulders from aching at the end of the day. All that weight might make you worry that your bag will start to tear away at the straps; rip-stop fabric will alleviate those concerns. Made from weaving strong nylon fibers into the base material of your backpack, rip-stop fabric will help ensure that you can carry lots of weight without prematurely wearing out your backpack.
Get work done with laptop bags
Laptop bags are designed specifically to protect your computer and its peripherals as well as any other work-related equipment and supplies. Plenty of sizes are available to fit all kinds of laptops, so you'll want to check if the dimensions of your backpack match up with the size of your laptop. With compartments separate from the main computer pouch for notebooks and pads and pockets for all your writing utensils, you'll be secure in the knowledge that you're armed with everything you need to take on any situation.
Stay fit with gym bags
Gym bags are great for carrying around your fitness apparel and equipment, from sneakers to free-weights. Made of breathable, lightweight fabrics, gym bags are made to hold your gear without retaining all the smelly odors associated with working out. Exterior compartments keep your cell phone and other accessories from mingling with your sweaty exercise clothes.
Look stylish with fashion backpacks
When style and fashion are important to you, you'll want to look for backpacks made with prints and fabrics tailored to match all the latest fashions. Chic flap-over style bags recall the look of a fine purse. Leather backpacks, in a variety of colors and weathered looks, are a rugged, fashionable option that goes well with any outfit.
You may wonder if backpacks are only for young people; ask any professional who has had to deal with the restrictions on the size of travel bags while flying and you'll have your answer. Backpacks now come in an assortment of grown-up styles, from leather backpacks to canvas bags. One-shoulder style bags manage to look sophisticated while remaining functional.
Go green with eco-friendly bags
For those who are concerned with the environment, there are backpacks and other bags made partly or completely from recycled materials. With a variety of stylish models, you can reduce your carbon footprint without sacrificing anything in the way of fashion. These bags also retain all the functionality of traditional backpacks, with separate compartments and exceptional durability. For something unique, look for handcrafted bags from local artisans around the world. These backpacks are of the highest quality and provide you with a unique style that sets you apart from the norm.
Ease the strain with wheeled backpacks
While the classic model with two shoulder straps remains popular, one-shoulder bags and rolling backpacks are now available to ease the aforementioned strain on backs and shoulders. Wheeled backpacks are a great option for students and professionals who have to carry around increasingly heavier textbooks and equipment. Kids now regularly carry 10 to 20 percent of their body weight in their school backpacks, which can lead to serious health problems down the road; rolling bags are a safe and stylish solution to this problem, and many kid-friendly themes are available.
If you travel often, you'll definitely want to consider a wheeled backpack; having the option to take your bag of your shoulders and get it rolling on the ground is key when trying to make a flight. Retractable handles and wheel protectors ensure that your rolling backpack can easily transform back into a regular backpack when it's time to tuck it under your seat. Extra padding on the back panel will also keep that handle from being noticeable even after a full day of carrying your rolling backpack the old-fashioned way.
With the wide selection on hand at our online store, you can be sure that you'll find a bag that fits your personal sense of style and whatever uses you need it for. The backpacks we offer have all the conveniences and clever design elements you could want as well as styles to fit every personal taste.
What can I do to extend the lifetime of my backpack?
Common sense is your best ally as far as durability goes. Don't carry any toxic or corrosive items in your backpack. Avoid carrying anything exceedingly heavy in your backpack, not only to keep it from tearing, but also for the sake of your spine. Though individual models will come with their own specific care instructions, all the backpacks can be cleaned and washed in some way to keep your backpack looking as good as the day you got it.
How often will I have to replace my backpack?
While kids may need their school backpacks replaced yearly because of wear and tear, your backpack can last much longer. If you're careful about making your choice, taking into consideration all the factors mentioned in this guide, you may only have to replace your backpack about as often as you have to replace your other luggage pieces. That is, with proper use and care, your backpack can last you for decades. As is the case with luggage, you're more likely to buy a new backpack because you're eager to upgrade to a new model than out of any actual necessity to replace it.
Can I use my backpack as carry-on luggage?
Yes, but you'll have to take a couple of things into consideration. The vast majority of the backpacks we offer are small enough to fit into the bins that determine if your carry-on bag can be brought on board. Even some of the larger bags are made of flexible materials and can be made to fit; just make sure you follow TSA packing tips to keep the checkpoint process from becoming a nightmare.
The right bag for your workout
While gym bags are good for carrying your basic fitness supplies, you may find that some activities and sports require larger equipment that doesn't fit inside the average backpack. Sports like hockey, football and tennis, among others, necessitate large pads and gear; this is where our huge selection of duffel bags can help. Much longer and more flexible than other bags, you can cram hockey sticks, rackets and shoulder pads into a duffel with plenty of space left over for all your water bottles and post-workout clothes.
Convenience on wheels
Once you become accustomed to transporting your textbooks and PCs in a rolling backpack, you'll begin to wonder how much sense it makes to lug around your clothes and shoes in handheld suitcases. Traveling nowadays is stressful enough as it is, so exhausting yourself before even boarding the plane is no way to begin a trip. Not to worry; we have an assortment of rolling luggage sets and briefcases to ensure that your next jaunt down the airport concourse will be much less burdensome.
Protecting your finer threads
Do you like the peace of mind all the padding encompassing your laptop gives you? Perhaps you would also like knowing that your finer clothing items are being given the same sort of protection. If so, garment bags are the answer for you. Available in handheld versions for lighter fare (like your favorite suits or dresses) or rolling models for heavier gear, our garment bags fit all travel needs. And since they're made of the most durable materials with plenty of padding, you can be sure that your best clothes will be safe from even the most aggressive baggage handlers.
Matching sets
For those of you that are more style-conscious, you might be interested in matching your backpack to your other luggage. Whether you just want to match colors and fabrics or you want your luggage set to be of the same brand and style, you can find all you need right here. And don't be afraid to splurge; with our discount prices and always-low shipping rate, you can spend all you want on luggage and still be able to afford stuff to put in it.