How to choose a city backpack?

Having ceased to be an attribute of only travelers, tourists and athletes, the backpack has firmly entered the everyday life of the city dweller. Its advantages are obvious: it does not limit mobility; it is easier to carry a large volume of things in it than in a regular bag; the most necessary items are always close by; it is comfortable for the back and shoulders. But the main thing is that your hands are free and can easily control, for example, a smartphone or an electric scooter. By the way, it was the era of mobile gadgets that contributed significantly to the popularization of city backpacks.

How to choose a city backpack that will make your exciting voyage along municipal streets as comfortable as possible? It's very simple. Buying a shoulder bag for the city won't be a problem if you know what to look for when choosing.

1. Type of construction.
2. Optimal size.
3. What should be inside.
4. Reliability, ergonomics and comfort.
5. Popular models of city backpacks from leading outdoor brands.

1. TYPE OF CITY BACKPACK CONSTRUCTION

By design, backpacks come in two types: frameless and frame. In turn, frame backpacks are divided into semi-rigid and rigid (with a suspension system on an aluminum frame). The latter mainly include mountaineering and large-volume hiking backpacks, so we will not consider them in this article. There are two types left:

1. frameless backpack, also called soft;
2. framed semi-rigid backpack, also called anatomical.

As the name suggests, the soft backpack does not have rigid frame elements. The product is sewn from durable fabric in the form of a bag. It has straps, partitions, external and internal pockets. The volume of the backpack is small (up to 30 l), but for unforeseen purchases, unexpected hikes or excursions - it is quite enough.

• Advantages: low weight, takes up little space when folded.
• Disadvantages: demanding on the quality of packing, not convenient for heavy loads.

A semi-rigid frame backpack has become widespread. An aluminum (less often plastic) plate is integrated into its back. It gives the product vertical rigidity and allows it to retain its shape regardless of the nature of the load. Due to this design feature, frame backpacks are often called "anatomical". The volume of products is from 30 to 130 liters.

• Advantages: the backpack is not demanding in terms of the quality of packing, distributes weight evenly, allows you to carry the load with a straight back.
• Disadvantages: one disadvantage is the tight fit to the wearer's back. In certain conditions, this can cause hypothermia of the back and lumbar region.

2. OPTIMAL SIZE OF A CITY BACKPACK

Backpacks have their own size - this is the volume of the product. It is measured in liters. Depending on the type of active recreation, its "liter capacity" is selected:

• For long hiking trips - 80-140 liters.
• A week-long hike - 60-80 liters.
• A weekend hike - 40-60 liters.
• A day hike - 20-40 liters.

For the urban jungle, you don't need a large volume - 30 liters is quite enough. At the same time, the most popular models are 20-25 liters. This volume is quite enough to accommodate all those things that we usually take with us when we go for a walk in the city, go to work or go on a one-day trip to the countryside. City backpacks are classified as "carry-on luggage". They are convenient for storming public transport, they easily fit into most storage lockers and are very comfortable during flights.

When choosing a city backpack for a child, you should not buy a thing "for growth". Each age has its own parameters. The height of the back should strictly correspond to the child's height and age.

3. WHAT SHOULD BE INSIDE A CITY BACKPACK

The interior space in modern backpacks is divided by a fabric partition. Depending on the size of the accessory, there may be several. Almost all semi-rigid models have a section for a laptop - from 14" to 17". It is always located at the back of the backpack - this is the hardest and safest place.

For additional protection, the compartment is sealed and reinforced. It is often separated from the rest of the volume. And some manufacturers place the bottom of the laptop pocket 2 cm above the bottom of the backpack - this additionally protects the corners of the bag if the bag falls to the floor. Using the laptop compartment as a pocket for a hydration pack makes the backpack more versatile in use.

If earlier backpacks had pockets for a phone, charger and player, plus an output for headphones, then modern models in addition to all this necessarily supplement with compartments for a smartphone, power bank and tablet. The most advanced models can offer the option of a "solar battery".

There is enough space inside the city backpack for a change of clothes, there are also a large number of mesh pockets for toiletries, compartments-organizers for storing "office supplies", carabiners for keys. All this allows you to quickly access even the smallest item.

Pay attention to the presence of useful little things. They are not found in all models, but they greatly increase the ease of use. These include:

• Thick multi-layer walls that a knife can't cut.
• Secret pockets for small items and documents. The owner can always easily get things, a thief - never.
• A compartment for sunglasses in the form of a hard case.
• Anti-thief loops that block the zipper slider.
• Zipper sliders with holes for locks.
• USB port on the straps to charge your smartphone on the go from the power bank inside.

4. RELIABILITY, ERGONOMICS AND COMFORT OF A CITY BACKPACK

When choosing a backpack, pay attention to the details - they form an impression of the quality of the product. A conscientious manufacturer will not save even on the smallest details, because the fate of a city backpack is subject to enough tests. It is obvious that the product should be light, durable and easy to maintain. That is why the use of reliable fittings and dense, wear-resistant materials, like those of tourist counterparts, is completely justified.

• Look at the quality of the seams. Regular threads are a sign of poor quality. Lavsan (polyester) threads are better than others: they are durable, do not rot, and tighten the seams less.
• Backpacks are made from artificial and genuine leather, as well as wear-resistant textiles - polyester and nylon (oxford, cordura). The materials do not allow dust to pass through, are not afraid of water and are easy to clean.
• Special attention to fittings. Tractor and metal type zippers are not the best option: the teeth often break. Zippers should be twisted roller zippers: they hold the teeth for a long time and work well on curved surfaces.
• The straps play a significant role. They should not be too wide or narrow: 4-5 cm is quite enough for the city. But the shoulder straps must have soft non-slip inserts and adjustable fit. As for the shape, the most convenient is the "sickle-shaped" one - it "sits" better and is more comfortable.
• To ensure a circulation gap between the product and the back, frame semi-rigid backpacks must have longitudinal rollers made of breathable material.
• A chest strap is not a mandatory element for a city backpack, but it is nice if this option is provided. It allows you to evenly distribute the weight of the luggage, and also prevents the shoulder straps from slipping.

5. POPULAR TYPES OF CITY BACKPACKS FROM LEADING OUTDOOR BRANDS

Backpacks are better than bags! There is nothing to argue about here. Manufacturers never tire of inventing models for different occasions. School, student, sports, bicycle, office - the classification of modern products is lost in the variety of shapes and designs. But urban backpacks from outdoor gear manufacturers are especially popular, since the lion's share of all convenient innovations and technologies come from them.

Classic city backpack pink GF 0186, manufacturer FREEVER

A rectangular backpack with two straps is a classic version of a shoulder bag. Small volume, perfectly balanced design, anatomical straps, soft back, beautiful design - all this makes the product an ideal choice for everyday use in the concrete jungle.

If you decide to buy a city backpack for travel, sports, leisure, study or office, FREEVER has the best offer. Since 2012, the leading Ukrainian manufacturer has been producing clothes and accessories that make training, active recreation and life as comfortable as possible.

Here is an example of a medium-sized city backpack that will certainly win the hearts of a young fashionista. The model is ideal for study, work, city and country trips. The main and additional zipped compartments will allow you to place the necessary things. Thanks to the wide straps, the load is evenly distributed on the shoulder girdle, and the total weight does not harm the spine. The adjustable design allows you to adapt the product to its wearer. The backpack is very convenient to use, and even with prolonged wear does not cause fatigue. It looks stylish, is not afraid of dirt and rain.

Ergo-backpack (aka sling-backpack), manufacturer - Thule

Initially, an accessory for carrying a baby was produced under this name, but after some time, designers saw in it a convenient unisex shoulder bag. Thus, a compact, convenient, ergonomic sling backpack or ergo backpack with one strap appeared. It can be worn both on the back and on the chest. The main advantage is comfort and convenience. No more putting your wallet, phone, keys in your jeans or jacket pockets, thinking that they are too big. All this (and even more) easily fits into a sling backpack. You can access the contents without removing the accessory - just twist it along the strap from your back to your stomach.

Here is a sling backpack from the Swedish outdoor brand Thule. Obviously, the specific shape and small volume of the accessory will not allow you to fit a laptop in it. And it will not be enough for traveling either. But for meeting friends, walking, going to the pharmacy or store - it is quite enough.

Blade 28 Backpack, manufacturer - Arc’teryx

It is well known that formal clothes do not go with a backpack, unless it is a backpack-briefcase from the American company Arc'teryx. The Blade 28 model in a strict universal format is well suited for business looks. The backpack-bag can be carried by the transverse handle, like a briefcase, over the shoulder or on the straps. The accessory holds A4 papers. It has compartments for a 15-inch laptop, an organizer for office supplies, pockets for documents and a smartphone.

Folding backpack Ultra-Sil Day Pack Red, manufacturer - Sea To Summit

Tired of the "classic", "ergo" and "briefcase"? Want something unusual, for example, a roomy and at the same time compact solution? Pay attention to the folding backpack of the Australian manufacturer Sea To Summit. With its own weight of only 72 grams, it can withstand a load of 18 kg! In working condition, its volume is 20 liters, and when folded - no more than an average apple. The model is perfect for light city trips.

Want to buy a city backpack in Odessa, Kyiv, Dnipro or Lviv? There is nothing easier. Online store of clothes and accessories for sports and recreation Freever.ua also works offline. Find stores of the brand on the map of your city. Come, choose, touch and try on the model you like. If you want to buy a backpack for the city in the online store, FREEVER will send you your purchase to any locality in Ukraine.