Backpacks and laptop bags buying guide
A good backpack is about fit, weight and how you carry things, not just size in litres.
- Check the laptop compartment size against your exact laptop, and whether it is padded.
- Padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a chest or waist strap make a heavy load easier on your shoulders.
- Water-resistant fabric and zips are handy, but only fully waterproof bags protect in heavy rain.
- Capacity in litres: about 20 L for daily use, 30 L or more for travel.
- Look for sturdy zips and stitching at stress points; they fail first.
Common mistake: Buying a large bag and filling it: extra space is extra weight.