Whether you’re a trendsetting business traveller or an inner-city commuter, the perfect backpack combines functionality, craftsmanship and style. But with so many different types of backpacks, how can you pinpoint the perfect over-the-shoulder accessory? We’re here to help.
Contents
Why knowing the sizes and types of backpacks matters
Types of backpacks and when to use them
Carl Friedrik backpack comparison table
Backpack sizes and capacities
How to choose the best backpack for your lifestyle
Why knowing the sizes and types of backpacks matters
Would you debut a technical trekking pack in the boardroom? Probably not. To avoid looking out of place, it’s crucial to pick the right tool for the job.
Size also matters. Too small and you’ll struggle to accommodate your everyday carry (EDC). Go too big, and you’ll be lugging a clumsy, oversized bag with poor weight distribution and the wrong aesthetic.
Tough materials, like nylon, nubuck and grained leather, enhance longevity, futureproofing the investment for years to come. Thoughtful design aids comfort, while well-placed pockets and interior compartments enhance functionality.
Types of backpacks and when to use them
We’ve curated a comprehensive backpack taxonomy for modern-day professionals and style-conscious urbanites. That said, there’s a fair bit of overlap between them.
Business backpack
Aimed at the cosmopolitan professional, the business backpack is ideal for whisking between the office and meetings. Compartmentalised interiors optimise organisation for documents and tech, and it’s easy to carry thanks to a demure, pint-sized frame.
One prime example is Ayrton Backpack, a refined 15 L backpack crafted from premium vachetta leather. This minimalist silhouette promises an understated aesthetic, while functional components, including a 16-inch laptop slot, make work life easier. When travelling, an in-built luggage holder slides onto your suitcase for a streamlined airline experience.
Ayrton Backpack
Travel backpack
Whether embarking on a business trip or a weekend getaway, the travel backpack features enough space to stow three days' worth of clothes. Most lie within the 20-30 L range to squeeze into confined spaces, including the overhead cabin. Nifty features like compression straps, laptop holders and internal compartments enhance functionality on the road.
Ideal for short trips, the 72-hour Backpack favours a unique half-suitcase-half-backpack design. With a 25 L capacity, it also has a roomy main compartment that unfolds outwards, facilitating hassle-free access and more efficient packing.
Choose from nubuck leather for a suave aesthetic, or a premium nylon canvas exterior with a matte finish. Both options feature elegant vachetta leather detailing and comfortable padded mesh fabric straps.
72-hour Backpack
Commuter backpack
Designed for lugging between home and the office, the commuter backpack looks the part in the boardroom and at post-work festivities. A compact, lightweight design featuring plenty of space for business and day-to-day essentials. Most come with an ergonomic form — no more sore shoulders in transit — and a sophisticated look that blends into any business setting.
Keen on a commuter? City-hopper Backpack is perfect for on-the-go office workers. This 23 L professional backpack features a clever fold-top design to adjust the capacity depending on what you’re carrying. A padded 16” laptop compartment protects devices, while a subtle side water bottle pocket keeps refreshment within easy reach. Choose from four neutral colours and a durable nubuck or nylon exterior.
City-hopper Backpack
Compartmentalised backpack
Sporting a plethora of handy pockets, compression straps and enclosures, the utilitarian compartmentalised backpack is all about maintaining order and control.
These options mimic military-style backpacks, albeit with contemporary nods and functionality. Most are marginally larger and heavier than other backpack types.
Ideal for weekend travellers and everyday urbanites, Traverse Backpack is an elegant, compartmentalised backpack with 11 individual pockets. From laptop sleeves to water bottle holders and accessory pouches, its orderly design covers every conceivable item. A drawstring cord closing the flat-top fold crowns the 20th-century-inspired nylon or nubuck bag. And with 27 litres of space, it’s great for a multi-day escape.
Traverse Backpack
Carl Friedrik backpack comparison table
| Model | Capacity | Type/Design | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ayrton Backpack | 15 L | Streamlined business backpack with a minimalist design | Every day business use |
| City-hopper Backpack | 23 L | Commuter backpack with space-saving fold-top design | Daily commuting for office workers |
| 72-hour Backpack | 25 L | Travel backpack with a convenient suitcase-style opening | Short trips and business travel |
| Traverse Backpack | 27 L | Compartmentalised backpack for short trips away | Organised urban explorers and weekend travellers |
Backpack sizes and capacities
Manufacturers measure luggage in litres, which refers to the amount of liquid you could theoretically fit inside (don’t try this in real life). So, how big is big enough for a backpack? It depends on what you’re planning to carry.
- 15-24 litres is the sweet spot for a day-use backpack. At this size, you’ll get space for business essentials and EDC. While okay for an overnighter, even minimalist packers will struggle to use this one for a longer trip.
- 25-30 litres is when you enter weekend travel or work-trip territory. Depending on the precise size and how you pack, this gives you enough space to hold 3-5 days' worth of clothes, plus small portions of the usual travel accessories.
- 30-40 litres just squeezes into the overhead cabin to save on checked baggage fees. While you won’t be able to fit in an extensive cold-weather wardrobe, you can generally carry 5-7 days' worth of clothes. At this size, backpacks become too cumbersome for standard everyday use.
- 50-80 litres is prevalent among long-term travellers and outdoor adventurers. These provide abundant space to hold clothing for any climate, plus stacks of accessories and specialist gear. Explorers on rugged multi-day expeditions can carry sleeping and cooking equipment.
While we don’t offer any backpacks above 30 L capacity, our range of premium hard-shell luggage is perfectly suited to journeys further afield. From 39 L right up to 120 L, there is an option for every jetsetter.
And if you’re not sold on backpacks, stylish alternatives include briefcases, totes and weekend bags.
How to choose the best backpack for your lifestyle
Take a moment to ponder the most important requirements.
- Capacity: Would you prefer a small backpack to carry everyday items or a larger option for multi-day trips?
- Aesthetics: Do you want the backpack to blend into an office or urban environment (or both)?
- Materials: Luxurious leathers like vachetta leather and nubuck look elegant and offer long-lasting durability.
- Craftsmanship: Expertly crafted artisanal backpacks will last years longer than faux-leather alternatives.
- Compartments: Do you prefer a compartmentalised, utilitarian design or a sleek, minimalist look? Find the right balance between practicality and appearance.
What are the main types of backpacks?
What is the best backpack size for work or travel?
Can a leather backpack be used for business travel?
What makes a professional backpack different from a casual one?
How do I determine the right size backpack?
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