10 Best Ergonomic Backpacks & Their Reviews For 2021
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If you are a backpack lover, then the concept of an ergonomic backpack is something you’ll find immensely appealing.
From ancient times, primitive people used bag-like constructions for transport, as scientists found out during excavations.
These original backpacks look quite similar to today’s modern models, which is a bag with two shoulder straps, taken on the back then as now, to comfortably carry heavy loads.
In a backpack, the weight is distributed over the back and shoulders, thus you can carry a lot more this way because you also have your hands free.
However, a backpack is not just a backpack, as there are some significant differences in the construction and design of the individual models.
In the advice section of this article, we also show you what to look for when buying an ergonomic backpack, and give you some helpful tips on how to handle and care for the backpack.
Finally, you will also find out whether the Stiftung Waren test and Öko Test, have already dealt with backpacks and have carried out a backpack test.
Table of Contents
1. Travelite Daypack Backpack, Black
This backpack from the Travelite brand, with the model name Basics, could be an option for you.
It is a model with consistently positive customer reviews, which is ideal for city trips or bike and hiking tours.
The Travelite Basics backpack is 45 cm high and has a capacity of 22 liters, however, this backpack is not available for order in many different colors
The manufacturer has designed the models from the Basics series so that you, the user, can easily access the individual subjects.
It is also worth mentioning the security compartment, which is equipped with a hidden zipper.
An expensive laptop is in good hands here and it is made difficult for thieves.
To maximize comfort, the brand also uses a breathable back panel, this means that the Travelite Basics backpack has all the prerequisites, making it a perfect all-rounder for everyday life.
Pros & Benefits:
- Large storage capacity
- Hidden zipper
- Breathable back panel
2. Fjallraven – Kanken Classic Backpack for Everyday
With the Kånken model, the manufacturer FJÄLLRÄVEN has created a backpack, that is made of durable nylon and equipped with a zipper, to open the entire main compartment.
Other features of this backpack include the removable seat cushion, a small front pocket, shoulder straps, and handles on the top.
The FJÄLLRÄVEN Kånken 23510-519 backpack is a classic and has been on the market since 1978, with a spacious main compartment that is easy to pack, thanks to the large zip opening.
In the two flat side compartments and the zipper compartment on the front, you can store all things that should be available to you on the go.
The seat cushion, made of PE foam, can be stored in the rear inner compartment when not in use and this prevents the contents of the backpack, from pushing through to the back.
The carrying system is simple but still very practical and it consists of handles on the top, and narrow, adjustable shoulder straps.
For your safety, the logo on the front is reflective and there is also an address label in the main compartment.
Use a soft brush and lukewarm water to care for the backpack.
Pros & Benefits:
- Spacious main compartment
- Reflective logo
- It has a seat cushion
3. Travel Laptop Backpack, Outdoor Rucksack
The KAUKKO backpack is a hard-wearing and easy-care backpack model, which is made from selected natural materials such as canvas or Oxford.
For example, the canvas is used in the manufacture of sailcloths in shipping, which speaks for the great robustness of this material.
The nylon outer material has a water-repellent surface, enabling you to use the backpack in any weather.
Opening and closing take place via an integrated zip or magnetic lock system, and the stainless materials ensure the longevity of the closure.
The KAUKKO backpacks should be characterized by first-class workmanship, as the typical stress points are always sewn twice.
Thanks to its functionality, this backpack can also be used as a school backpack for students, aged 10 and over.
This is supported, for example, by a generous, well-padded backpack back, which offers the child sufficient protection and comfort.
The wide, padded shoulder straps, which you can easily adjust in length, also serve to ensure high wearing comfort.
The unisex backpack by KAUKKO is designed for older schoolchildren, as well as for students and trainees, due to its look and feel.
However, this model is also very popular in the leisure sector.
The product details at a glance are; premium class material (840D and 900D twisted dobby fabric and nylon lining), many compartments for storing items, suitable for the transport of 17-inch laptops/notebooks, three small mesh compartments with zipping in the front compartment, and equipped with an organizer.
Pros & Benefits:
- Premium class material
- Many storage compartments
- Equipped with an organizer
4. Everest Junior Backpack, Turquoise, One Size
This is intended for girls and boys, as the school backpack is intended for secondary schools, from 4th grade, and is suitable for children and adolescents, with a height between 1.40 and 1.80 meters.
The backpack has a total volume of about 30 liters and this volume is divided into the following subjects; two large main compartments, an organizer pocket on the front, an insert pocket on the front, and two flexible mesh side pockets for drink bottles, up to 1-liter capacity
The characteristic of this backpack is the carrying system that comes from mountain sports and this distributes the weight of the backpack to the body, as best as possible.
This is done by the height-adjustable chest strap, the wide, removable hip belt, the stable aluminum rails, and the infinitely variable back length adjustment.
There is a padded handle on the top, which makes lifting the backpack easier and thanks to the ergonomic structure, the backpack supports an upright posture and thus helps to maintain health.
Thanks to the well, thought-out Ergobag ergonomic concept, the school backpack simply grows with the school child.
This model is made from durable, water-repellent PET bottle-recycled polyester.
Thanks to the reinforced hull, a stable stand on the floor are possible and the material protects the contents, from short, light rain showers or splashes water.
To ensure the safety of children on the road, the backpack has special reflective surfaces on the front and back.
The reflectors reflect the incident light and the backpack carrier is more noticeable to other road users.
The Satch backpack combines the features of modern trekking backpacks with everything a school backpack has to do.
Pros & Benefits:
- Supports an upright posture
- Made from durable, water repellent, PET bottle recycled polyester
- Has special reflective surfaces
- A volume of 30 liters
5. KROSER Backpacks – Well Suited for Laptops
If you are looking for a backpack, with which you primarily want to transport a laptop up to 17.3 inches in size, a model from the manufacturer KROSER would be quite suitable.
Hundreds of customers of the online shop Amazon confirm that this is a version with sufficiently large storage space and other advantages.
If you commit yourself to the KROSER backpack, you benefit from a multi-system.
The large and spacious compartments are separated from each other so that computers, tablets, or even power banks and other sensitive devices can be easily transported.
In addition to the comprehensive basic equipment, the manufacturer also placed great emphasis on a solidly processed luggage strap, as this enables you to easily attach the model to the trolley.
Especially for modern users who often carry electronic devices with them, the KROSER backpack is equipped with an integrated USB connection.
You need to equip the backpack with a power bank, as a result, the USB port is then ready, so you can plug in a smartphone on the go for example.
This results in very flexible applications in everyday life, since, you are of course not only dependent on your mobile phone.
Pros & Benefits:
- Integrated USB connection
- Suitable for laptops
- Spacious compartments
6. Lightweight Canvas Outdoor Travel Laptop Backpacks
The Scione backpack is a perfect companion in everyday life, but it is also very suitable for camping, outdoor, and sports.
With the compact dimensions of only 28 x 38 x 15 centimeters, it offers a lot of volumes.
This is enough to store the most important things for school or the office such as books, water bottles, umbrellas, cell phones, keys, or magazines.
The Scione model is also comparatively light: the backpack weighs just 580 grams.
The robust and waterproof material from which the backpack was made is polyester.
The fabric is hard-wearing and tear-resistant, so you can load the backpack with an additional weight of up to 15 kilograms. It is large enough to safely store a 12-inch laptop.
In your free time, you can use the backpack effectively while cycling, running, hiking, or climbing, as the bottom of the backpack, is made of synthetic leather.
This stabilizes the floor well and the synthetic leather protects the backpack from dirt or moisture.
Pros & Benefits:
- The bottom of the backpack is made from synthetic leather
- Comparatively light
- Tear-resistant and hard-wearing
7. EverVanz Canvas Backpack Made of Leather for 15-inch Laptops
EverVanz offers you the canvas backpack model, which is made of 100% cotton. It is provided with a leather trim, which makes the backpack soft and durable.
The backpack is robust and durable, which is ensured by the reinforced seams.
This practical backpack is very good for everyday use, for school, work, travel, or hiking.
The bottom of the backpack is extra reinforced and padded to protect the contents.
It has a front pocket with a hidden zipper, two side pockets with elastic and fastening strap, a vertical anti-theft device with zipping at the back, a large main compartment, lined with two slide-in pockets, and a padded laptop bag for a 15-inch laptop, while the outer compartment has enough space for a 17-inch laptop
The manufacturer has thought of the security of the backpack content in the concept.
The top flap is equipped with two magnetic closures and a drawstring closure for the main compartment to protect your belongings from loss or theft.
The inner protective cover also protects the devices inside, such as laptops or sound boxes.
The easily adjustable and padded shoulder straps and a soft, comfortable handle ensure the necessary comfort.
The terylene material offers high wrinkle resistance, elasticity, and durability.
Even if the backpack is folded, it quickly returns to its original shape.
Pros & Benefits:
- The top flap is equipped with two magnetic closures
- Made of quality terylene material
- Hidden zipper
8. AmazonBasics Campus Laptop Backpack
The AmazonBasics NC1612125F backpack offers you various storage options so that you can transport your valuables such as a laptop safely and comfortably.
The backpack is a successful combination of reliable robustness and good organization, which makes it easier for you to transport personal items.
The backpack is available in a variety of colors, including black, blue, and gray.
This model is made from 100 percent 600-denier polyester, with a protective coating, that protects the contents from rain and moisture, as well as dirt, for this reason, it is perfect for all seasons.
The peculiarity of this backpack is an insulated cooling compartment and in this compartment, you can keep food and beverages safely separated from other objects.
Your lunch, snacks, or drinks stay cool longer in the extra compartment, which is important on a trip.
The spacious backpack from Amazon with several compartments has a total capacity of 33 liters.
This includes a large main compartment, in which there is enough space for folders, files, and books as well as training clothes or your overnight equipment.
The product has a padded laptop compartment for screen diagonals of up to 15 inches, an insulated refrigerator compartment, and a spacious storage compartment with inner zip compartments.
It is made from 100 percent coated polyester, with a capacity of 33 liters, internal dimensions (53 x 34.5 x 17.5 centimeters), and external dimensions (53 x 38 x 21 centimeters).
Pros & Benefits:
- Padded laptop compartment
- Insulated refrigerator compartment
- Large storage space
- Made from 100% coated polyester
9. PUMA Phase Backpack 75487
With the PUMA Phase Backpack 75487 backpack, the transport of objects becomes an easy pleasure.
This PUMA model offers you a large main compartment with a zipper, an additional front pocket with a zipper and the side mesh pockets for water bottles.
Its straps can be adjusted, are anti-slip, and well padded, as this backpack accompanies you in your free time, on the way to school, and during sports.
The backpack is made of durable, robust polyester and has a two-way zipper for the main compartment and an additional zipped compartment in the front.
So your things are safely stowed and well protected from splash water and dirt.
The padded back part and a small handle, allow different carrying options so that the backpack model Phase Backpack by PUMA, is ideal for everyday and leisure.
It has a main compartment with two-way zip, a front compartment with zipping, polyester lining with PU reinforcement, with adjustable, padded, and shaped straps.
Its handle is made of woven material, with a padded back for optimal comfort, a metal zipper with woven ribbon, and a reflective strap on the front, for more safety in the dark.
Its external dimensions are 31.5 x 43 x 13.5 centimeters, with a volume of 20 liters.
Pros & Benefits:
- Contains a two-way zipper
- Padded, shaped straps
- Made of durable robust polyester
10. DAKINE Campus Lifestyle Backpack
Judging by the name, the DAKINE Campus 08130057 backpack is a model that was specially designed for the needs of older pupils and students.
From the outside, the backpack doesn’t look like a typical school backpack. Rather, it is a real all-rounder and, thanks to its carrying system, also well suited for a day hike.
With its spacious 33 liters volume, this model is one of the largest DAKINE backpacks, as with the spacious main compartment, you have plenty of space for books, folders, writing utensils, and pencil cases.
The second main compartment, with a clear organizer, is intended for cell phones and accessories.
In a modern backpack, a separate compartment for the storage of a laptop should not be missing, which is what we have with this model from DAKINE, which has a padded laptop compartment for notebooks, up to 15 inches in size.
The backpack by DAKINE is very functional, which is ensured by the two mesh pockets, a lined zip-up sunglasses compartment, and an insulated cooler compartment in the front area.
The quality of a backpack can be recognized by its comfort.
No questions are left unanswered, as this model is equipped with a padded back surface and ergonomically shaped, EVA-foamed risers, to make carrying it as comfortable as possible.
The classic DAKINE campus model is also available, in a more compact version, with a volume of 25 liters.
Pros & Benefits:
- Lined zip-up sunglasses compartment
- EVA-foamed rises for comfort
- Large storage space
What Is a Backpack?
A backpack is a practical companion if you want to have both hands free.
In its simplest form, a backpack is a fabric sack that you carry on your back and is secured with two straps.
Backpacks are most commonly used by hikers or students, and the backpack is usually preferred over a bag when carrying heavy loads or equipment.
Why Are Backpacks So Popular?
Backpacks shift up to 90 percent of the weight onto the padded waist straps, the shoulder straps are primarily used for stabilization.
This distribution improves the potential for carrying heavy weights because the hips are stronger than the shoulders.
This way of carrying also increases mobility and balance because the main load is closer to the center of weight.
The shoulder straps can be individually adjusted to the size of the wearer.
Types Of Backpacks
The type of backpack depends primarily on the material, shape, size, number of side compartments, and other properties.
For example, some special models are intended exclusively for the military, for certain sports, or even only for the transport of certain objects.
Added to this are the trendy backpacks, which correspond to the backpack visually, but with which you cannot carry heavy loads.
A knapsack is most similar to the original backpack model, which is still used in the military today, however, knapsacks have a hard inner compartment and are covered with fabric.
This makes them very stable, but they are uncomfortable to wear and the knapsack is the ancestor of a modern backpack.
From him then came the fabric bag with a shoulder strap, which we know today as a backpack, and the hiking or suitcase backpacks are also among the more stable models.
They are used when traveling, which is why they should be particularly comfortable when carried over several hours.
Also, the content should be effectively protected from wind, weather, shocks, and other influences.
However, the backpacks are most often used for everyday life, as they are sturdy and durable enough to last for years.
The backpack has several closure options: it is either tied up at the top, closed with a push button or Velcro fastener, or closed with a flap made of fabric.
How Does a Backpack Stay Comfortable Even With Heavy Loads?
With a heavy load, many backpacks also have a chest strap that distributes the total load somewhat differently.
You will find chest straps more often in sports and hiking backpacks as well as in the military models.
Thanks to the chest strap, the load of the backpack is no longer just on the shoulders of the wearer, where the weight could easily lead to back pain.
This way the backpack stays comfortable even in such situations.
How Important Are The Padded Straps For a Backpack?
The carrying straps of most backpacks are more or less well padded.
But keep in mind that a heavily padded belt does not automatically have to be more comfortable than a less padded belt.
On the one hand, the padding contributes to comfort, on the other hand, it enables you to survive backpacking tours of several days without any injuries on the shoulders.
What To Look For When Buying a Backpack
In general, you should pay particular attention to the following points when choosing a suitable backpack:
- The material
- The volume
- The dimensions
- The number of compartments and outside pockets
- The shoulder straps – padded or not padded
- Reflectors – present or not
Furthermore, the decision for a suitable backpack depends on comfort and external appearance.
The size and the volume:
The manufacturers usually specify the backpack sizes in liters.
The liter specification specifies how high the packing volume is. If in doubt, you should opt for a backpack with a smaller volume, because people tend to overpack.
We list the standard benchmarks for different occasions:
For day trips, school and university: 15 to 25 liters
Multi-day tours: from 35 liters
Extended hiking tours including camping equipment: from 50 liters
Also, it is crucial whether a man or a woman will carry the backpack.
For men, about 60 to 80 liters of the volume is fine, while for women the upper limit should be a maximum of 65 liters.
Special Backpacks For Women
If you are looking for a women’s backpack, there are enough models on the market that are specially made for women.
These backpacks have sophisticated carrying systems that are tailored to the specific physique of a woman.
The women’s backpacks differ from conventional models in the following points:
- The waist straps have been anatomically adjusted
- The chest straps are slightly longer
- The back section is shorter
How To Set Up Your Backpack Correctly?
How to set up a backpack correctly, we explain in this step-by-step guide:
1. First, Set the Back Length of the Backpack Correctly
Depending on the model, the decisive factor in this setting is either your height, which applies to the school backpacks, or the length in centimeters, between the seventh cervical vertebra and fifth lumbar vertebrae.
An ideal length is given when the shoulder straps are, exactly between your shoulder blades.
2. Try Loading the Backpack
For now, try loading the backpack with realistic weight, loosen the straps, and now shoulder the backpack.
3. Place the Hip Fin
The center of the hip fin should be at the level of the hip ridge before you close it.
If the position is too high, the belt would constrict the abdomen, if on the other hand, the fins are too deep, they rub on your groins when you run.
4. Tighten Shoulder Straps
Now tighten the shoulder straps, but not too tight, because the main weight is carried with the hip belt.
5. The Correct Position
Make sure the shoulder strap attachment on the backpack, is between the shoulder blades if possible.
6. Adjust and Close the Chest Strap
Finally, adjust the height-adjustable chest strap and close it.
However, the belt should not interfere with your breathing.
How Does The Backpack Fit Properly?
So that you can carry a backpack comfortably, there are a few tips to keep in mind:
The top of the bag should be flush with the shoulders; trekking and hiking backpacks with a lid pocket that exceeds this height are an exception.
The lower half of the backpack should end at the tailbone.
A properly adjusted backpack is only on the buttocks and shoulder blades; in the space in between, there is enough space to put a hand in between.
Final Thoughts
Ergonomic backpacks are a powerful tool, for those who know their worth and can fully utilize them.
Whether students or workers, child or adult, backpacks can make life easier, in the coordinated way they help in transporting our items.
We hope you found this article on ergonomic backpacks helpful and will use the information provided if, you ever need to get yourself one.
We love to hear from you, so please feel free to share your thoughts and comments about this article, in the comments section.
A quality backpack equals a healthy back!
