Backpacks: how to choose

How to choose backpacks

Begin with the shape of your day rather than the label on the bag. A compact backpack that stays close to the body suits errands, coffee and an office desk; a structured square or bucket shape gives a tidier line for tailoring; a roomy travel pack is the better companion when clothes, a laptop or a folder come too. Our pieces include the compact PU leather convertible backpack at 27cm long, 30cm high and 13cm wide, sized for an umbrella, a cosmetics pouch and a glasses case, and the 40L waterproof nylon travel backpack with an inside computer pocket, a coin pocket and two front pockets.

Then think about how the weight will sit. Adjust the shoulder straps so the bag sits high and close to the back, and pack heavier items toward the base. If you carry a laptop, load the main compartment first and slide the laptop into the computer pocket so it rests flat against your back. A bag worn over both shoulders gives a balanced carry; a top handle is useful when you need to keep the bag in hand, as on the solid colour PU leather backpack with its 7cm top handle. For access, choose between a zip top and a flap closure: the soft matte PU leather bucket backpack uses a flap, while the waterproof Oxford 15.6-inch laptop backpack has multiple zip pockets. Choose the level of organisation you will actually use.

Materials, details and fit

Our backpacks are made in polyester, denim, leather, oxford cloth, PU leather, nylon, cotton, knit and canvas, with a matte finish across the pieces. Each material behaves differently in the hand and against the body. Soft leather gives a gentle drape on the soft leather day backpack; smooth PU leather on the solid colour backpack catches light with a soft sheen; grained PU on the textured square backpack holds a neat, upright shape. Waterproof oxford cloth on the 15.6-inch laptop backpack has a smooth, lightly technical finish, and waterproof nylon on the 40L travel pack gives a matte surface with a deep main compartment. Consider where the bag will go and how you like it to feel.

Details tell you how a bag is put together. Contrast stitching traces the soft PU travel backpack; houndstooth check, contrast trim and fine topstitching outline the rhombus panels of the houndstooth check PU backpack; rivets and visible topstitching give the houndstooth nylon shoulder backpack its structure. A stitched front pocket sits proud of the textured PU square backpack, and a flap closure folds over the soft matte PU leather bucket backpack. Padded air cushion straps on the large capacity water-resistant travel backpack spread the load, while lined interiors keep the inside smooth. Check dimensions against your contents: 32 x 31 x 14 cm on the contrast stitch soft PU travel backpack, 31 x 20 x 44 cm on the waterproof Oxford laptop backpack, and 27cm length, 30cm height and 13cm width on the compact convertible. The soft leather day backpack has three straps at the back, and the compact convertible has an adjustable strap for one or both shoulders.

How to style them

Start with colour and let the rest follow. Our backpacks come in black, blue, pink, red, white, grey, green, khaki, brown, purple, rose and orange, so there is a shade for a neutral wardrobe and a shade for a deliberate accent. The PU leather bucket backpack comes in solid black or black with brown trim: the first is clean and graphic, the second warmer and more classic. The soft leather day backpack runs from white to lake blue, which makes it easy to match to denim, knitwear or a summer dress. If your clothes are quiet, a colour can carry the outfit; if you are already wearing pattern, keep the bag still.

Shape sets the mood. A rounded bucket shape works with a trench and denim, with knitwear and tailored trousers, or with a dress on warmer days. A structured square backpack looks considered beside tailoring and plain denim, while a compact convertible shape stays close to the body and suits a day that moves between errands and a desk. The houndstooth check PU backpack is compact enough for all-day wear yet roomy enough for the essentials, and its tailored check gives a plain coat something to answer to. Print and texture are finishing notes: houndstooth or leopard on the houndstooth nylon shoulder backpack adds rhythm, while contrast stitching on the soft PU travel backpack and the matte surface on the soft matte PU leather bucket backpack are quieter details. One patterned or textured piece is usually enough.

Care and storage

Empty the bag at the end of the week and wipe the surface with a soft, dry cloth. For soft-sided shapes, avoid overfilling: a bag packed to the zip will lose its line and put strain on the seams. If your bag has a water-resistant or waterproof finish, dry it naturally after a wet walk rather than putting it near direct heat. Store it with a little light padding inside to hold the shape, and keep it away from prolonged damp. Follow any care note on the product page for the specific material.

Look after the straps and hardware as well as the body. Adjust the shoulder straps to a length that sits high and close to the back, and check that zips run freely before you load the bag. Use the top handle for lifting rather than swinging the bag by one strap. For leather and PU pieces, a soft dry cloth is enough for everyday dust; avoid abrasive cleaners and prolonged heat. A lined interior can be shaken out and wiped lightly, and small pockets should be emptied so crumbs and grit do not collect in the corners. After a trip, empty every pocket, including the coin pocket and front pockets on the 40L waterproof nylon travel backpack, and let the bag air fully before storing it.

Standout pieces

• Waterproof Oxford 15.6-Inch Laptop Backpack: A structured waterproof oxford cloth backpack with multiple zip pockets and room for a 15.6-inch laptop, measured at 31 x 20 x 44 cm for commutes and business travel.
• 40L Waterproof Nylon Travel Backpack: A 40L waterproof nylon travel pack with an inside computer pocket, a coin pocket and two front pockets, finished in a clean unisex line.
• Soft Leather-Look Day Backpack: A soft leather day backpack with a plain face, smooth polyester lining, three straps and a roomy 20-inch body in four colours from white to lake blue.
• Soft Matte PU Leather Bucket Backpack: A soft matte PU leather bucket backpack with a flap closure, a comfortable handle and interior pockets for a phone, cards and keys.
• Compact PU Leather Convertible Backpack: A fine-grain PU backpack measuring 27cm by 30cm by 13cm, with an adjustable strap for one or both shoulders and room for an umbrella, a cosmetics pouch and a glasses case.