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

DICOTA D32125 backpack Casual backpack Camouflage Fabric

DICOTA D32116-RPET backpack Casual backpack Black Polyester, Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET)

DICOTA D32124-RPET backpack Casual backpack Brown Polyester

DICOTA D32126 backpack Casual backpack Camouflage Polyester

DICOTA D32123-RPET backpack Casual backpack Lime Polyester, Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET)

Targus Octave III backpack City backpack Blue Polyester

Targus Octave III backpack City backpack Cream Polyester

Targus Octave III backpack City backpack Black Polyester

Targus CitySmart backpack Casual backpack Black, Grey Faux leather, Polyurethane (PU)

PGYTECH OneMo backpack Travel backpack Green Polyester, Polyurethane (PU)

HP Travel Plus 30L 17-inch Laptop Backpack

HP Campus XL Tartan Plaid Backpack

HP Campus XL Tie Dye Backpack

HP Campus XL Marble Stone Backpack

HP Campus Lavender Backpack

HP Campus Green Backpack

HP Prelude Backpack 15.6

HP Prelude 15.6-inch Backpack

HP Renew Travel 15.6-inch Backpack

Backpacks Price Comparison