When it comes to looking for and ultimately purchasing a backpack there are many choices which quite frankly can get very confusing.  The technology that is available in backpacks changes frequently which does not make choosing the right backpack easier.   It is important to evaluate backpacks to find the one with the best balance of fit, quality, comfort, storage space and other features.

Go into any office supply, sporting goods, or department store  and just take a look at the hundreds upon hundreds of styles of back packs. It becomes quite apparent that if people weren’t using packs for virtually everything under the sun, there wouldn’t be so many brands and styles to choose from!

Here is a list of just a few of the many types available to the consumer today:

• School backpacks
• Hiking backpacks
• Hydration backpacks
• Sports type backpacks
• Leather backpacks
• Day packs
• Laptop backpacks

Key Components Of A Quality Backpack

Storage Space:

When it comes to deciding on which backpack is right for you storage space is probably the most important factor.  For the average adult backpacks can range anywhere from about 2500 cu. in. to about 4500 cu. in. give or take a few cubic inches.  You can virtually hold a few books, a laptop, a pair of sneakers, and various other items if you so choose.  On the other hand if you are on a camping trip you would want a larger bag with enough storage space to include clothing, sleeping  bag, rain gear as well as other items.  The Moral of the story is that you want a backpack that is not too small or too big which will be determined by what you intend to use it for and the approximate amount of contents that you will be putting in your pack.

Durability and Construction Quality:

I recommend that before purchasing your new backpack inspect it thoroughly.  Look at the stitching and inspect for loose threading which may be a indication of poor construction.  The edges of the fabric should be finished and not raw so that the likelihood of fraying is reduced and the possibility of the fabric getting stuck in the zipper is reduced.  Make sure the zippers have covered fabric flaps so they do not allow water to seep in.

Reflectors or reflective fabrics are desirable on the pack to add visibility when kids travel to and from school at dusk or dawn.

Obviously your backpack should protect the contents within. Therefore it is extremely important that the material it is constructed from is waterproof and will in fact repel water.

Comfort:

What becomes apparent when evaluating backpacks is that one size does not fit all.
Ideally, the bottom of the bag should be aligned with the curve of your lower back, and ideally should not extend four inches below the waistline.

You should try to find a backpack with wide, padded, contoured shoulder straps that distribute the pack’s load over a large area of your shoulders. With the larger packs used for camping an abdominal strap is helpful because it can help distribute the pack’s weight evenly on your back, waist, and hips.

Accessories:

As if the modern pack wasn’t all inclusive by itself, there are many accessories you can buy to complement your pack. Some examples include bottle holders, rain covers, cell phone cases and other equipment holders.

Add on pockets are one of the handiest accessories that can be added to your backpack. These allow for extra storage space for last minute items. Although you can easily increase or decrease the size of your pack depending on the number of pockets you add on be sure you don’t add too many additional pockets. Always remember the more you carry the heavier the pack becomes and thefore increases the strain on your back.

BackpacksOnSale.org recommends the following brands which manufacture with  quality in mind, and have comfort as well as safety in mind:

Kelty Backpacks
The North Face Backpacks
Jansport Backpacks