Backpacks

Reviews, care guides, and buying advice for backpacks of all types.

Amazon Basics Bags Review

Amazon's house-brand bags won't out-engineer Bellroy or Tumi. But for a laptop bag you'll replace in three years anyway, here's what holds up and what to skip.

5 Best Charging Backpacks (USB Built In)

Five backpacks with built-in USB ports for charging phones and tablets on the move. What actually works, what's gimmicky, and the safety caveats nobody mentions.

7 Best Under-Seat Backpacks for Flying

Seven backpacks that fit under any airline's under-seat measurement and still hold a 15-inch laptop, a passport, and a change of clothes. Field-tested.

Caring for Leather Bags and Backpacks

Clean and store a leather bag according to its finish. Practical care for smooth leather, suede, nubuck, patent, and coated materials, without one-size-fits-all treatments.

7 Types of Backpacks for Every Occasion

Hiking, commuter, school, tactical, sling, duffel, daypack — seven backpack categories compared on capacity, comfort, and the use case each one was actually built for.

Are Tumi Backpacks Worth It? Owner's Guide

Tumi backpacks carry a steep premium. An owner's view of the organization, durability, comfort, and warranty, plus a less expensive alternative.

How to Wash a Dickies Backpack

Check your Dickies backpack’s care label before cleaning. Start with loose dirt and spot treatment; do not assume every fabric, lining, and trim can be soaked.

Are North Face Backpacks Waterproof?

Most North Face backpacks are water-resistant. Check the exact model and protect electronics separately when rain could soak through the fabric, seams, or zippers.

How Much Should a Backpack Weigh?

School, day-hiking, and overnight packs have different weight guidelines. Weigh the full load and use fit and comfort alongside the percentage, not as an afterthought.

How to Fix a Backpack Zipper

Identify a snagged zipper, damaged teeth, worn slider, or broken pull before choosing a repair. Some fixes are simple; others need a matching part or sewing repair.

How To Pack a Hiking Backpack (4 Rules)

Four rules for arranging a hiking pack: keep dense gear close to your back, cushion it, organize for access, and secure the load.

What Are Backpacks Made Of? Materials Explained

Compare nylon, polyester, canvas, and leather backpacks, and learn what denier, ripstop, coatings, and waterproof construction actually tell you.

How to Wash a Herschel Backpack

Clean a Herschel backpack according to its label and materials. Start with light cleaning, use deeper washing only where appropriate, and air dry away from heat.

How to Wash an Osprey Backpack

Osprey’s hand-cleaning guidance covers removable parts, gentle washing, rinsing, and drying. Check model-specific exceptions before immersing a pack.

How to Wash a Jansport Backpack

JanSport recommends gentle cleaning with a damp cloth, spot treatment as needed, and air drying. Avoid machine washing, and take extra care around leather or suede.

How to Wash a Kanken Backpack

Clean a Kanken with the method for its fabric. Vinylon F and G-1000 need different treatment, especially when it comes to wax; avoid machine washing.

Are Kanken Backpacks For Guys?

Yes, Kanken backpacks are unisex. Choose by fit, strap comfort, and laptop dimensions; the compact shape matters more than the color.

Backpack vs Messenger Bag: Which Wins?

Choose a backpack for longer walks with a heavier load, or a messenger bag for quick access to a smaller daily carry. Compare fit, organization, and capacity.

17 North Face Backpack Alternatives

Seventeen backpack alternatives for outdoor trips, travel, and everyday carry. Compare layouts, capacity, and practical trade-offs before choosing.

7 Best Backpacks for Grad School

Seven backpacks built for the grad-school carry: laptop plus textbooks plus lunch, daily for three years. Picks spanning budget to splurge.

19 Best Backpacks for Day Hikes

Nineteen daypacks reviewed for trail use — capacity, hip-belt comfort, water-bottle access, and weather resistance. Picks spanning budget to premium.

The Wiz Backpack | An Awesome and Iconic Bag from the 80s

Remember the Wiz backpack? This iconic 80s personal locker bag was every kid's must-have. Here is the full story behind the nostalgic classic.

My Backpack Smells Like Mold — Now What?

A musty backpack needs inspection before cleaning. Separate ordinary odors from visible mold, follow the care label, and assess whether the fabric and padding can be saved.

How to Wash a North Face Backpack

The North Face recommends spot cleaning backpacks with a damp cloth and air drying. Check the model before using detergent, soaking, or reproofing treatments.