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The 10 best backpacks to buy in the UK

Picture of a backpack

There are many things to consider when trying to find the best backpack for your needs. With so many shapes, sizes, and styles to choose from, it can feel rather overwhelming when trying to find that right backpack.

What are backpacks?

A backpack is a large bag that is worn over the shoulders, usually by two straps, and used to carry various items. While they can vary in size, backpacks tend to be on the larger side to ensure they can carry much more gear. This is because backpacks are usually designed to be used by hikers or students, both of which require a spacious bag to carry various types of items. So when looking for the best backpacks it’s important that they are able to carry heavier loads.

Why should you buy a good backpack?

The potential uses for a backpack are almost limitless, so there are very good reasons to invest in one. Simply put, if you need to regularly carry things around then a backpack is one of the best ways to do so. Whether you are using it for school or college, sports or outdoor activities, or simply taking belongings to and from work, you can be certain you have plenty of occasions where a good backpack in needed.

How to choose the right backpack in 2024?

Another picture of a backpack

To guarantee that you find the best backpack for your personal or travel needs, there are a number of features that should be considered before making your final decision:

  • Capacity: Perhaps the most important thing to consider when looking for a backpack. Its capacity will determine how much use you can get from it. For example, a small backpack will offer around 10-20 liter capacity, which is great for everyday use but may not be good for traveling or hiking. In this case, a larger capacity of anywhere between 20 and 60 liters will be needed to ensure you have enough space.
  • Uses: Knowing your main uses for the backpack should make finding a suitable option easier. The best backpack for you should offer many benefits. Be sure to think about what you plan on using it for: For instance, if you are going for a single-day hike then daypack will be the best backpack for the job, but if you are walking a trail and camping, an external frame backpack will be much more suitable.
  • Fit: The best backpack for you should fit perfectly. This is very important as weight distribution will impact your ability to carry more weight and how it impacts your body, so you want a backpack that is designed to fit securely and offer the best possible support and compliment the natural range of motion of your body.

What is the best kind of backpack in the UK?

There are many types of backpacks that you can buy, all of which offer their own set of advantages. Here are some of the most popular types of backpacks and what they are best used for:

  • Small Backpacks: Typically offering small capacities, these are the best backpacks for days out, children, or sporting activities such as cycling. They are lightweight and thus easy to carry. Still, they can hold plenty of useful items such as food, water bottles, umbrellas and waterproofs.
  • Daypack Backpacks: With a capacity ranging from 10-30 liters, daypacks are one of the most widely used type of backpacks. As the name implies, they are the best backpacks for day trips, offering enough capacity to carry supplies needed for a single-day hike or walk. Larger size daypacks are available, too. They are better suited for a few days of traveling, such as weekend vacations or camping trips.
  • Internal and External Frame Backpacks: The best backpack in terms of size and carrying capacity. They are notable for their frames that give additional stability for larger capacities. So, even when carrying large loads these backpacks are great for distributing weight to make it easier to carry. They can take heavy loads, making them ideal for longer hikes, trails, and backpacking, along with other activities such as climbing or skiing.

Top 10 list of backpacks in the UK (2024)

The bestseller list compares brands and their backpacks. Which backpack is the best?
Best choice TOP 1
Image of MATEIN 100700GRY backpack
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, Work Bag Lightweight Laptop Bag with…
  • Perfect Travel Companion: Laptop bag with luggage belt let you pull suitcase with…
  • Superior Breathable Material: Laptop backpack 15.6inch, made of sturdy polyester…
  • USB Port Design: With builtin USB charger outside and builtin charging cable inside,…
BUY NOW
Offer TOP 2
Image of OMOUBOI  backpack
OMOUBOI Small Causal Daypack 14 Inch Laptop Backpack for Teenager…
  • GREAT WARRANTY SUPPORT: Although this work backpack is only available in single color,…
  • ERGONOMICALLY DESIGNED: The travel backpack with Two "S" Curve Padded Shoulder…
  • LARGE CAPACITY EASY TO ORGANIZE:The Causal Daypack backpack has a roomy main compartment…
BUY NOW
TOP 3
Image of Trespass UUACBAC10004_ELBEACH backpack
Trespass Albus Backpack Perfect Rucksack for School Hiking Camping…
  • Suitable for hikes, backpacking trips and daily commute to work
  • Side mesh pocket for water bottle and internal key ring
  • Three zip sections on the front
BUY NOW
TOP 4
Image of Dewellyoo APP-100622-B09GFWP3DM backpack
Dewellyoo Lightweight Hiking Backpack, Foldable Outdoor Camping Hiking…
  • Shop in Confidence-Contact us no matter what problems you may meet, we you help…
  • Occasion - This packable foldable rucksack folds up in a pleasant way, light and…
  • Daily Companion - Keep convenient and comform in mind. This is first priority. This…
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TOP 5
Image of KASIBON BonClare-LB backpack
KASIBON Laptop Backpack with USB Charging&Headphone Port,Anti-Theft…
  • USB Port Design: This USB backpack is more convenient for charging your phone. With…
  • Breathable & Comfortable: Breathable sponge mesh of the back and straps, gives…
  • Robust Material Solid: Made of knitted fabric composite material with smooth, high-quality…
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TOP 6
Image of VSNOON  backpack
VSNOON Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack, 15.6-17.3 inch Business Laptop…
  • Multipurpose Work Backpack19.5x 12.5 x 5.3 inch laptop bag for laptops up to 17 inches.…
  • Breathable FabricThe laptop bag is made of polyester, high quality eco-friendly oxford…
  • USB 2.0 Upgraded Charging PortThe upgraded USB charging port and headphone jack can…
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TOP 7
Image of Under Armour 1362365 backpack
Under Armour Unisex UA Halftime Backpack Backpack
  • Two water-repellent front valuables pockets to keep your stuff safe
  • Soft-lined laptop sleeve—holds up to 15" MacBook Pro or similarly sized…
  • Padded back panel and adjustable, ergonomically shaped straps for more comfortable…
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TOP 8
Image of KIRFEIHT KIRFEIHT backpack
KIRFEIHT Cabin Bags 40x20x25 for Ryanair Underseat Carry-Ons Travel…
  • [Multi-purpose backpack]: When traveling, it has a storage capacity of 20L as carry-on…
  • [Practical Design]: The trolley sleeve is used to secure the backpack to the luggage…
  • [Quality Travel backpack]: The KIRFEHIT backpack is made of high-quality, water-repellent…
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TOP 9
Image of FIORETTO FD4N23017 backpack
FIORETTO Lightweight School Backpack Womens, Cute School Bag for Girls,…
  • [CUSTOMER SERVICE]----We are committed to providing every customer with the highest…
  • [PERFECT GIFT]----FIORETTO backpack are ideal as a thoughtful gift for your kids…
  • [MULITIFUCTIONAL BACKPACK]----The classic & simple design make this backpack…
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TOP 10
Image of Under Armour 1380476 backpack
Under Armour Unisex UA Loudon Lite Backpack Backpack
  • Under Armour Unisex UA Loudon Lite Backpack Backpack
  • Effective product
  • Ideal functionality
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We participate in the Amazon Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We consider only products that are available on Amazon while the ranking is based on factors such as customer reviews, number of sales and keyword. Last Update: 2024/07/27.