Joybuy Insights

Buying a Backpack: How to Find the Right Model for School, Work and Travel

A backpack needs to do more in everyday life than simply provide storage space. School pupils need room for books and A4 documents, while students often look for a laptop compartment, commuters prioritise low weight and professionals value a clear compartment layout. When travelling, dimensions, carrying comfort and suitability as hand luggage are also important.

Many poor purchases result from three common marketing pitfalls:

  • “Water-repellent” is confused with waterproof: A water-repellent surface can keep out light rain. However, in heavy rainfall, with leaky zips or during prolonged exposure to moisture, the contents are not automatically protected.
  • The capacity appears larger than the usable storage space: A backpack with lots of small compartments may hold many litres on paper, but offer little continuous space for a jacket, books or shoes.
  • The stated laptop size is not compared with the actual internal dimensions: The term “15.6-inch backpack” does not necessarily mean that every 15.6-inch device will fit. The thickness of the casing, display bezel and padding all affect compatibility.

Parameters to Check Before Buying

1. Laptop Compartment and Internal Dimensions

When choosing a laptop backpack, the stated screen size is not the only factor that matters. Measure your device at its outer edges and compare the measurements with the manufacturer’s specifications. A backpack with a laptop compartment should hold the device securely wherever possible, without allowing it to slide around inside the main compartment while you are carrying it.

A compact model may be sufficient for tablets and smaller notebooks. If you need to carry a 15.6-inch laptop, power supply, documents and accessories, look for a padded compartment and sufficient depth. For larger devices, a model with a designated 17-inch compartment, such as the Inateck RollTop Backpack, may be a suitable option.

2. Capacity, Dimensions and Weight

A daypack for short journeys generally needs less space than a travel backpack for a weekend away. As a practical guide:

  • 10 to 15 litres: small everyday items, tablet, water bottle and light clothing
  • 20 to 27 litres: school, university, office or day trips
  • 30 to 40 litres: short breaks, sports equipment or a larger amount of hand luggage

The backpack’s own weight should suit its intended use. According to the product information, the Xiaomi Mi Casual Daypack weighs 165 g and has a capacity of 10 litres. A larger 40-litre travel backpack, on the other hand, may weigh considerably more, but offers additional storage space and organisational features.

Also compare the external dimensions. When travelling by air, the requirements of the relevant airline and the fare you have booked apply. A hand-luggage backpack with suitable dimensions is not automatically accepted by every airline.

3. Material, Zips and Carrying System

Polyester and nylon are widely used materials in the backpack sector. The key factors are the quality of the construction, reinforced stitching, the quality of the zips and the padding on the back and shoulder straps.

A water-repellent backpack can protect you from light rain, provided that the material, seams and fastenings have been designed accordingly. A protection rating such as IPX4, which is specified for the Xiaomi Casual Daypack, describes limited protection against splashing water. It does not replace a waterproof cover during prolonged rain.

For heavier loads, look for:

  • padded shoulder straps
  • a supportive back panel
  • adjustable chest or hip straps
  • sensible weight distribution
  • easily accessible outer pockets

Our Selection by User Profile

The following models meet different requirements. The information is based on the respective product descriptions and should be checked against your personal measurements and intended use before buying.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Eastpak Red Unisex Backpack

Eastpak Red Unisex Backpack

Why this product suits the profile: The 24-litre backpack is designed for school, leisure and everyday journeys and, according to the product information, can accommodate A4 documents.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The specifications provide concrete dimensions, capacity and weight rather than vague capacity claims. According to the description, the backpack weighs 400 g.

Main benefit & strengths

Padded back, padded shoulder straps, front pocket and reflective strips on the zips.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality standards
Eastpak Blue Unisex Backpack

Eastpak Blue Unisex Backpack

Why this product suits the profile: Its 27-litre capacity and separate compartment for laptops up to 13.3 inches make it suitable for professionals, students and commuters carrying compact technology.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The laptop size is clearly specified, making it easier to check whether your own device will fit before buying.

Main benefit & strengths

27-litre capacity, front pocket, padded back panel and shoulder straps. Material: 60% nylon and 40% polyester.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
Inateck RollTop Backpack 25 L to 30 L

Inateck RollTop Backpack 25 L to 30 L

Why this product suits the profile: The flexible roll-top system is designed for university, the office, cycling, sport and weekend trips.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The adjustable height accommodates different loads. Water-repellent material and zips are specified, but the model remains splash-resistant rather than fully waterproof.

Main benefit & strengths

25 to 30 litres of capacity, laptop compartment for devices up to 17 inches, two access points and several internal and external pockets.

Suitable for: Travellers with strict baggage limits
Kono Cabin Bag 40x20x25

Kono Cabin Bag 40x20x25 for Ryanair

Why this product suits the profile: Its specified dimensions of 40 × 20 × 25 cm and 20-litre capacity are designed for under-seat storage on Ryanair flights.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The external dimensions and weight of 500 g are clearly stated. Before flying, check your fare, route and the airline’s current requirements.

Main benefit & strengths

Trolley sleeve, chest strap, padded shoulder straps, suitcase-style opening and several compartments for a laptop and travel documents.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacks

What size backpack is practical for everyday use?

For school, university and the office, 20 to 27 litres is often a practical capacity. If you also need to carry sportswear, shoes or clothing, you can choose a model with 30 litres or more. The key is to avoid permanently overloading the backpack and to adjust the shoulder straps correctly.

Is a water-repellent backpack waterproof?

No. “Water-repellent” generally means that the surface offers limited protection against light moisture or brief rain. During prolonged exposure to wet conditions, seams, openings and zips may allow water through. For sensitive electronics, an additional waterproof protective cover is recommended.

Which backpack is suitable as hand luggage?

This depends on the airline, the fare and the permitted storage position. For an under-seat backpack, the external dimensions need to be particularly accurate. A model such as the Kono Cabin Bag is designed around the specific requirement of 40 × 20 × 25 cm, but the airline’s current regulations remain decisive.