Question 1

What size backpack do I need for daily commuting?

Accepted Answer

For most commuters, a 20–25L backpack is the ideal size. It's large enough to fit a 15-inch laptop, a change of clothes, and daily essentials, whilst remaining compact enough to carry on public transport without inconveniencing other passengers. If you regularly carry gym kit as well, consider stepping up to 30L — but be aware that larger packs encourage overpacking and become heavier than necessary.

Question 2

Is the Fjällräven Kånken actually worth the price?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for most people — but not for the reasons often cited. The Kånken's Vinylon fabric is genuinely UV-resistant and holds its colour far better than standard polyester over years of use, and the construction quality justifies the cost over a cheap alternative you'll replace in two years. That said, it lacks a padded laptop sleeve and a ventilated back panel, so it's not the right choice if you're carrying a MacBook daily or sweating on a long commute. It's a lifestyle pack done exceptionally well, not a technical commuter bag.

Question 3

What's the difference between water-resistant and waterproof backpacks?

Accepted Answer

Water-resistant means the fabric has a coating (usually PU) that repels light rain for a short period — adequate for a British drizzle, not for sustained downpours. Waterproof implies a fully sealed construction, typically using a roll-top closure and taped seams, that keeps contents dry even when submerged briefly. Most backpacks in the 26 £–37 £ range are water-resistant at best; genuinely waterproof packs tend to sit above 37 £ and are more common in outdoor or cycling-specific ranges.

Question 4

Should I avoid cheap backpacks under 26 £?

Accepted Answer

Not categorically, but go in with realistic expectations. Sub-26 £ packs typically use thin polyester (under 400D), basic stitching at stress points, and generic zips that fail within a year of daily use. For occasional use, a school trip, or a child's bag, they're perfectly adequate. For anything you'll use five days a week, the false economy is real — a mid-range pack at 37 £ will outlast three budget ones and cost less in the long run.

Question 5

Are laptop backpacks from Targus or DICOTA better than general-purpose ones?

Accepted Answer

For laptop protection specifically, yes. Targus and DICOTA engineer their packs around device safety — suspended, padded laptop compartments, cable management, and often TSA-friendly layouts for airport security. General-purpose packs from lifestyle brands may have a laptop sleeve, but it's rarely as well-padded or as thoughtfully positioned. If your laptop is your primary concern, a dedicated tech pack from Targus or DICOTA is the smarter choice over a fashion-forward alternative.

Question 6

How do I know if a backpack's suspension system is good enough for hiking?

Accepted Answer

Look for three things: a padded hip belt (not just a thin strap), a load lifter strap connecting the top of the shoulder straps to the pack body, and some form of ventilated back panel. Without a hip belt, loads above 8–10kg sit entirely on your shoulders and cause fatigue quickly. The load lifter strap fine-tunes the angle of the pack against your back. Brands like Thule and EVOC invest heavily in suspension engineering; budget outdoor packs often include the components but execute them poorly — check reviews from Which? or TechRadar before committing.

Question 7

What does 'MOLLE compatible' mean on a backpack, and do I need it?

Accepted Answer

MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) refers to a grid of woven webbing strips on the exterior of a pack that allows compatible pouches, water bottle holders, and accessories to be attached and repositioned. It originated in military kit and is now common on tactical and outdoor packs. For most buyers, it's unnecessary — but if you want to customise your carry setup modularly, or you're buying for fieldwork or outdoor activities where quick-access pouches are useful, MOLLE compatibility is a genuine advantage rather than a gimmick.

Backpacks Price Comparison

Port Designs TORINO II backpack Casual backpack Grey Polyester

Targus TBB618GL backpack Rucksack Black

Targus CUCT02BEU backpack Black Nylon

Port Designs Courchevel backpack Casual backpack Black Nylon

Port Designs Houston backpack Casual backpack Black Nylon, Polyester

Getac GMBPX1 backpack Black

Lenovo ThinkPad Basic backpack Black

Port Designs Houston backpack Casual backpack Black Fabric

Stanley 1-95-611 backpack Black Nylon

Urban Factory Mixee Laptop Backpack 14.1" Black

HP HyperX Delta Backpack

HP HyperX Knight Backpack

DICOTA D31696 backpack Black Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)

Urban Factory Workee 13/14” backpack Casual backpack Navy Nylon

Targus Cypress backpack Grey

Targus City Gear 3 backpack Black Polyurethane

Targus CityGear backpack Casual backpack Black

ASUS ROG Ranger BP2701 backpack Black Polyester

Xiaomi Mi Casual Daypack Dark Blue

Urban Factory Dailee backpack Casual backpack Black Nylon

Urban Factory Dailee backpack Casual backpack Black Nylon

Urban Factory Dailee backpack Casual backpack Black Nylon

Lenovo GX41C86982 laptop case 43.9 cm (17.3") Backpack Black

Mobilis 003064 TheOne Backpack 14-15.6" Blue zip 30% RECYCLED

Backpacks Price Comparison