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17 Different Types of Backpacks: Their Styles and Uses

Usman Yaqub

February 3, 2023

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Conventional bags, designer handbags, and backpacks are essential for everyday use. They come in a variety of forms, sizes, and backpack designs. They each have distinctive features, fittings, and purposes. Each backpack form has a distinct function and set of advantages and disadvantages.

It might be challenging to determine which backpack style best meets your needs. Some people want backpacks with many pockets and some as less spacious. You can use the detailed guide to these backpack styles found in this post as a reference the next time you go backpack shopping and select the right one.

Overview of various Types of Backpacks

There are five significant categories of backpacks, i.e., Everyday backpacks, travel backpacks, tech backpacks, Hiking Backpacks, and sporting backpacks.

Everyday Backpacks

1. Mini Backpack
2. Sling Backpack
3. Daypacks
4. Work Backpack

Travel Backpacks

1. Carry on Backpack
2. Wheeled Backpack
3. TSA friendly Backpack

Tech Backpacks

1. Laptop Backpack
2. Anti-theft Backpack

Camping/Hiking Backpacks

1. Frameless Hiking Backpack
2. Framed Hiking Backpack
3. Military Tactical Backpack

Sporting Backpacks

1. Hydration Packs
2. Drawstring Gym sack
3. Cycling Backpack
4. Skiing Backpack
5. Running Backpack

Everyday Backpacks

Every-day backpacks are made to fit all the extras you may need in your day-to-day grind. People use these backpacks daily for school, work, gym, and other tasks.

Mini Backpack

A mini backpack is a stylish item that is bigger than a pouch but smaller than a regular backpack. The mini bag has a large front pocket, two shoulder straps, a grab handle, and the main compartment. It fits the necessities, such as snacks, a phone, a tablet, a book, etc.

Although it has limited capacity, it still offers the benefits of a typical backpack, which is more convenient than a shoulder bag or even totes.

Key features:

• Minimal stylish look
• Less spacious
• A substitute for a purse

Best for:

Mini backpacks are best for short day trips and everyday use.

Sling Backpack

Sling crossbody backpacks are the ones that go across the chest and one shoulder, leaving your hands completely free. Sling bags have a lightweight construction and provide rapid access to your possessions. However, there will be few pockets for organizing smaller items.

They are a more comfortable option since they equally distribute the weight of the luggage over your body. You have various alternatives based on your demands because they come in multiple sizes and styles.

Key features:

• Lightweight
• Distribute the weight over the body
• Spacious main compartment

Best for:

Sling backpacks are best for everyday use in school, college, and the office.

Daypacks

A daypack is a bag to carry items with two shoulder straps worn on the back. Most bags come with a roomy main compartment and one or two external pockets, while others might include extra pockets for managing your smaller belongings.

They have various sizes, colors, and thin padding. They are often relatively basic but roomy. They will occupy a volume of between 20 and 40 l in the front-loading main compartment.

Key features:

• Spacious than sling backpack
• Basic but roomy
• Lighter in weight

Best for:

Daypacks are best for school, college students, and office staff.

Work Backpack

Work backpacks keep business essentials organized, secure, and protected. Work backpacks are a more comfortable alternative to briefcases and have a boardroom-friendly style. A suspended and cushioned laptop sleeve, rigid materials, water-resistant zippers, and flexible storage options for paperwork and other office necessities are among the standout features of a work backpack.

Key features:

• Waterproof
• Compartments for office essentials
• Better than briefcases

Best for:

Work backpacks are best for office use.

Travel Backpacks

A travel backpack holds various gear you’ll need for your upcoming adventure. The different travel backpacks are carry-on, wheeled packs, TSA-and friendly backpacks.

Carry on Backpack

Carry-on is the primary backpack a passenger carries on board a plane. It is stowed in the overhead compartment and fits within your airline’s carry-on size restrictions. The interior of carry-on backpacks will be relatively spacious, with numerous smaller rooms for arranging stuff.

Carry-on backpacks are also quite sturdy and comfy, with thickly cushioned backs and shoulder straps. They are constructed in the ideal size to fit in airplane overhead bins. Most carry-on backpacks will work under the most typical restriction for carry-on luggage, which is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. But before traveling, check the carry-on guide with your airline.

Key features:

• Large and well-organized
• Lighter than a carry-on suitcase
• Comfy and Sturdy

Best for:

Carry-on backpacks are best for business travelers and those who want to travel light.

Wheeled Backpack

The wheeled backpack is a bag to move around like a suitcase. These backpacks are spacious and keep their shape when empty. However, wheeled backpacks will weigh more than conventional backpacks because they feature an integrated handle and wheels.

Rolling backpacks have dual functionality because they have straps and wheels. So you can carry them on your back or wheel them across long distances. Its carry-on requirement is also 22 x 14 x 9 inches so make sure it fits in your carry-on.

Key features:

• Heavy
• Suitable for seniors and those with back issues
• More Spacious
• Wear and tear-resistant

Best for:

Wheeled backpacks are best for seniors and long journeys.

TSA friendly Backpack

A TSA-friendly backpack can be unzipped so that laptops of both sizes can be laid flat. These backpacks are designed to breeze through TSA checkpoints without taking out your computer or even a bag of toiletries.

The specialized laptop pouch in these backpacks makes it possible for an X-Ray machine to quickly scan your computer without being hindered by any other items.

Unfortunately, having a pack compatible with checkpoints does not ensure that you don’t need to take your laptop out of your bag at a security checkpoint.

Key features:

• Maintains shape when empty
• Organized
• Quicker to get through airport security

Best for:                                                                                                                             

TSA-friendly backpacks are best for digital nomads.

Tech Backpacks

Some backpacks are designed for specific equipment. Although these backpacks have an exterior resembling a typical bag, they are structured differently. Tech Backpacks are made to organize, protect, and prevent scratches on your laptop, cameras, iPods, and other gadgets.

Laptop Backpack

A laptop backpack is made explicitly for carrying one. These bags are built with padded materials that keep your laptop safe and secure. They also had additional storage pockets for carrying items like adaptors, chargers, books, etc.

Laptop backpacks provide a professional look with padded straps and soft back side panels for comfort and keep their shape, whether half-filled or empty. Most laptops up to 17″ can fit in these bags. Depending on the size and kind of backpack, the capacity might be between 20 and 50 liters.

Key Features:

• It holds its shape when empty
• Padded straps
• Well-organized

Best for:

Laptop backpacks are best for regular office use and students.

Anti-theft Backpack

As the name suggests, Anti-theft backpacks have built-in security measures. They protect the contents of a person from theft or pickpockets. An anti-theft backpack had locks, concealed zippers, secret pockets, and robust material that resists slashing.

It even has built-in RFID protection that prevents handheld scanners from reading the chip on the passport or credit card. So, it prevents your stuff from electronic pickpocketing and identity theft. RFID protection is a technology that allows RFID devices to communicate with each other wirelessly.

Key features:

• Slash proof material
• Hidden compartments
• Built-in RFID protection

Best for:

Anti-theft backpacks are best for travelers who are visiting places that are known for pickpocketing.

Camping/ Hiking Backpacks

For hiking, the essential item and your primary companion is Backpacks. There are also different kinds of hiking backpacks.

Frameless Hiking Backpack

The frameless pack has become the go-to backpack for people who want to keep their pack weight as low as possible and is much more prevalent on hiking trails than anywhere else. The construction of a frameless backpack is sturdy and thick, but they are not waterproof. So, they are very light and lack “heavy” aluminum rods or plastic frame sheets.

When purchasing a frameless hiking backpack, ensure it is big enough, has a comfortable hip belt and chest strap, and is water-resistant/waterproof. In general, frameless rucksacks should only be utilized for loads weighing up to lbs. The bag won’t distribute the weight equally if you intend to carry more goods, and you’ll take too much weight on your shoulders.

Buying a backpack from known companies like Osprey, North Face, or Eagle Creek is a smart choice because they are durable, and a quality backpack is necessary.

Key features:

• Lightweight
•  Roomy
• Easy to store
• They frequently come with waterproof covers
• Affordable

Best for:

Frameless Hiking Backpacks are best for Traveling, trekking, and hiking.

Framed Hiking Backpack

Framed backpacks are excellent for long hikes. The framed gear consists of an aluminum frame, a pack, and a harness. These bags have a solid structure that equally distributes the weight; as a result, it puts more strain on your hips than your shoulders.

Most people believe they are extra heavy which is not valid. Because incredibly lightweight aluminum is used to create the frames. A framed hiking backpack is perfect if you want a bag that keeps everything orderly and upright.

If you choose to get a framed backpack, ensure that it is roomy, waterproof, water-repellent, and has a comfortable chest strap and hip belt.

Key features:

• Carry more weight
• Had large capacity
• Good ventilation
• Moderately priced

Best for:

Framed hiking backpacks are best for trekking, camping, and hunting.

Military Tactical Backpack

Tactical backpacks are designed with solid fabrics and robust zippers. ]They are great due to their toughness, functionality, and rugged military design.

Tactical backpacks have many compartments to organize your stuff orderly. They are also delightful to wear and water-repellent or waterproof. But these bags will weigh more, be a little less comfortable, and be smaller than typical hiking backpacks.

Key features:

•  Well-organized
• Durability
• It had a rugged camo look

Best for:

Military tactical backpacks are best for long-term hiking, military deployment, and other outdoor activities.

Sporting Backpacks

Sporting backpacks are, in simple terms, where a sportsman carries his clothing and equipment. Sporting backpacks are also of various types.

Hydration Packs

A hydration pack, often known as a drink bag, is a style of hydration system designed as a waist pack or backpack with a reservoir or “bladder” typically composed of rubber or flexible plastic. Their purpose is to give hands-free hydration while a sportsman rides so that he won’t need to stop and get off his bike frequently.

Hydration packs are compact, lightweight backpacks with a maximum capacity of 3 to 10 liters. Its main compartment is large enough to fit a hydration bladder. Only a few such bags come with an additional pocket for other essentials.

Key features:

• Affordable
• Alternative to carrying a bottle
• Moderate weight

Best for:

Hydration packs are best for running, cycling, or short hikes.

Drawstring Gym Sack

It is a small cloth bag with a drawstring closure at the top that is used to carry sportswear. Drawstring is primarily made of nylon, canvas, or water-resistant polyester. They include shoulder straps, a drawstring closing, and a backpack style.

These sacks are very lightweight, which is one of the reasons they are so well-liked. It’s incredible that even the most giant drawstring packs only weigh a few ounces. Additionally, these packs are frequently relatively compact, allowing you to throw them in another bag and keep them close at hand at all times.

Key features:

• Alternative for backpack
• Handy
• Lightweight and compact

Best for:

A drawstring Gym sack is best for gym or workout.

Cycling Backpack

Cycling backpacks are designed for cyclists to carry essential accessories. These backpacks are substantial, comfortable, and, most importantly, waterproof. There is only one sizable main compartment and no other organizational pockets. They don’t have any exterior zippers and are top loading rather than front-loading, which prevents water from entering.

Key features:

• Comfortable carrying
• Easy attachment to the luggage carrier
• Little expensive
• Water-resistant

Best for:

Cycling backpacks are best for those who cycle and use motorbikes.

Skiing Backpack

Backpacks for Snowsports are perfect for skiing and snowboarding. They are taller and slimmer than standard backpacks, and they have padded shoulder straps and a ventilated back, which makes them comfortable to wear when exercising.

The main compartment of snowboarding/skiing backpacks is roomy and big. Ski backpacks have distinct design features, including external ski or snowboard carry straps, several access points, and dedicated storage for equipment like goggles and gear.

Key features:

• Specific compartments
• Comfortable
• Insulated

Best for:

A skiing backpack is ideal for skiing and snowboarding.

Running Backpack

Running backpack is a relaxed way of carrying necessities while exercising. They look like e hydration packs;
however, they resemble vests more, which are considerably more comfortable to wear when
working out than backpacks.

The only difference between hydration packs and running backpacks is that running bags have
an interior capacity of 5 to 10 liters. These are excellent for cyclists and mountain runners who need
to bring more than water.

Key Features:

• It has room inside for a hydration pack.
• Affordable
• Comfortable and lightweight

Best For:

Running backpacks are best for short-term hiking, cycling, and running.

Final words

We have come to the end of different types of backpacks. I hope you’ve liked learning about the various kinds of bags and picking the best backpack type for your intended use.

See Also:

15 Types of Travel Bags & Luggage’s for your Trip
Best Travel Bags & Luggage for Teens

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