Backpack Buying Guide: How to Find Your Perfect Companion

Whether it's for the office, a weekend getaway, or a mountain trail, choosing a backpack isn't a decision to be taken lightly. The selection is vast, and it's easy to get lost. Our mission? To give you the keys to finding the model that perfectly meets your needs, so you can make the right choice.

As a product specialist at Joybuy, my role is to break down the features of each model to help you make the best decision.

Key Criteria for Choosing the Right Backpack

Before diving into our selection, take a moment to define your needs based on three key points. This will guarantee you find a bag that's genuinely useful for your day-to-day life.

1. Primary Use: Office, School, Travel, or Hiking?

There's a right bag for every activity! This is the starting point for your decision.

• A work or school backpack should prioritise organisation. Look for dedicated compartments and, most importantly, a padded sleeve for your laptop.
• A travel backpack should focus on volume, easy access to your belongings, and ideally, security features for peace of mind.
• Finally, a hiking backpack is judged by its carrying comfort (ergonomic shoulder straps, a hip belt, a ventilated back panel) and its ability to withstand the elements.

2. Volume and Storage: A Matter of Organisation

Measured in litres, the capacity determines how much you can carry.

• 15 to 25 litres: Perfect for daily use (laptop, documents, essentials).
• 25 to 40 litres: Ideal for a weekend trip, as a carry-on bag, or for those who always carry a lot.
• Over 40 litres: Reserved for multi-day trips or trekking. This is the large-capacity backpack category.

But volume isn't everything. A well-designed interior with multiple pockets will be a game-changer for quickly finding your keys, smartphone, or water bottle.

3. Materials and Water Resistance: A Shield for Your Belongings

A good backpack is one that lasts. Durability is directly linked to the materials used. Fabrics like high-density polyester or nylon (measured in deniers, e.g., 900D) are a guarantee of resistance to wear and tear.

When it comes to rain protection, it's important to understand the difference. A water-repellent fabric will withstand a passing shower, whereas a waterproof backpack, with its special coating (like TPU) and reinforced zips, will keep your belongings dry even in a downpour.

Our Top Backpack Recommendations

To help you make your choice, here are three models that caught our eye, each tailored to a specific need.

NINETYGO College-Style Backpack

Why it stands out: Its key feature? Meticulous organisation for daily life. Its side zip access lets you retrieve a laptop up to 14 inches without having to open the entire bag. Made from ultra-durable 900D fabric, it features a level-4 water-repellent treatment to protect you from unexpected showers. Its multiple front and side pockets allow for methodical storage of all your essentials.

Pros:

• Quick, dedicated laptop access.
• Durable and highly water-repellent fabric.
• Numerous compartments for optimal organisation.
• Magnetic buckles for easy opening.

Who is it for? The smart choice for students and young professionals who want a functional, durable, and perfectly organised backpack for everyday use.

GASTON LUGA D?sh 16" Backpack - Black

Why it stands out: The D?sh by Gaston Luga is the perfect blend of minimalist design and materials that are as high-performance as they are sustainable. Made from recycled polyester with a waterproof TPU coating, it protects your belongings without compromise. Its 18L main compartment includes a padded sleeve for a laptop up to 16 inches. The detail that makes all the difference when travelling: a back strap allows you to slide it over a suitcase handle.

Pros:

• Waterproof material and made from recycled polyester.
• Sleek, modern design suitable for a professional environment.
• Luggage strap for easy travel.
• Padded compartment for laptops up to 16 inches.

Who is it for? Perfect for urban commuters and frequent travellers looking for a laptop backpack that is stylish, waterproof, and versatile enough to juggle between the office and weekend getaways.

PELLIOT 40L Trekking Backpack

Why it stands out: This hiking backpack was designed with one thing in mind: long-lasting comfort. Its alloy frame intelligently transfers weight to your hips to take the load off your shoulders. Its dynamic harness system adjusts to your movements, while the ventilated mesh EVA back panel ensures optimal airflow. With its 40L capacity, it's ready for 2- to 3-day hikes.

Pros:

• Technical carrying system with a frame for optimal weight distribution.
• Breathable back panel for enhanced comfort during exertion.
• Large-capacity backpack (40L) with multiple attachment points for gear (poles, sleeping pad).
• Abrasion-resistant fabric designed for demanding environments.

Who is it for? For hiking and trekking enthusiasts looking for technical, comfortable, and high-volume gear for multi-day outings.

Over to You!

These three models are just a glimpse of what's available. If your perfect match isn't here, feel free to explore other styles and capacities. The perfect backpack for you is just a few clicks away.

Discover our full collection of Bags & Luggage to find the model that's right for you.

Backpack Frequently Asked Questions

What litre capacity should I choose for my backpack?

It all depends on your plans. For daily use (school, office), 15 to 25 litres is more than enough. For a weekend trip or as a carry-on, aim for 25 to 40 litres. Anything over 40 litres falls into the category of bags for long trips or serious hiking.

How do I know if a backpack is truly waterproof?

Pay attention to the terminology. A water-repellent bag is treated so that water beads off it; it will protect you from light rain. A waterproof backpack goes a step further: its materials (like TPU-coated canvas or PVC) and special zips block water from getting in, even during a heavy downpour. Check the product description for these specific terms.

Is a laptop compartment really necessary?

Absolutely, if you carry your device every day. A dedicated, padded sleeve is the best insurance against bumps and drops. Furthermore, it keeps the laptop positioned against your back, which optimises weight distribution and significantly improves comfort.