How to Buy a Backpack

Whether you are backpacking through Europe or simply backpacking to school, buying a backpack is easy depending on what you need it for.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• some cash

1. Determine your need for the backpack. If you are buying a backpack for long term use, then I suggest a more durable material but if you are buying a backpack that you will be changing out yearly, then any material will help. Be careful on the cost though.

2. Once you determine your need, identify what type of backpack you are looking for. Are you looking for muli-pockets or simply a bag on your back? What exactly will you be carrying? Are you carrying a laptop that will need protection or are you simply carrying things such as books? Are you carrying equipment on your back? All those things need to be determine to identify what type of material you will need the backpack to be made of. One suggestion is always canvas or leather. They work great for just about any use but be careful about this. If you will be out in the weather constantly, then I suggest a waterproof bag. Depending on your need for a backpack, the cost ranges from nearly $10 to $300. Brand is another consideration that could increase prices also.

3. Make sure to ask the specialist in these fields of shopping, they are pretty familiar with what works/what has been returned/what doesn't work and will be more than likely truthful to you.

Tips & Warnings

• another piece of advice if you're strapped for cash but want a really nice bag is try a specialty store first. gain your knowledge about these bags from there, and then shop around.
• If using a backpack for kids, devices on some of these backpacks can be dangerous so be careful.

[Kilogramm]

on 10/22/2008 I usually stick to the jansports from the old school, this is a great article!

[karmatu2]

on 10/21/2008 pretty cool article, google gave me an e-bags ad so I clicked on that! In addition to people shopping at specialty shops, once they find out the brand/type that they want they can head over to ebay or another place that might have it for a lesser price.

[karmatu2]

on 10/21/2008 pretty cool article, google gave me an e-bags ad so I clicked on that! In addition to people shopping at specialty shops, once they find out the brand/type that they want they can head over to ebay or another place that might have it for a lesser price.

[soulmates]

on 10/15/2008 I am going to send this article to santa claus so he will know what type of backpack I want. I think I'll tell him to get the $300 backpack for me.

[2besure]

on 10/15/2008 Great tips. A lot of people buy a backpack just because it is their favorite color, only to find out that is in not very functional.