Backpacks aren't one-size-fits-all. If you're considering a bulk backpack order for your next event, you need to take more than backpack size into consideration.
But with the number of backpacks on the market today, how do you know which one to choose? After all, you don't want to end up in a situation where you buy a bulk order of custom-printed backpacks only to find that you've gotten the wrong type (and can't return them).
This is where our guide comes in. Whether your next company event is a national conference or a team-building wilderness trip, this article has you covered.
Keep reading for our ultimate backpack buying guide to show you how to choose a backpack for your next event.
How To Choose a Backpack: Backpack Types
If you're planning your next event and wondering "what kind of backpack should I get?", then the first step is to get acquainted with some of the different types of backpacks.
Your employees or team members will feel more valued if you show that you put a lot of thought into getting them backpacks that they will use and enjoy for years to come.
Here are some common types of backpacks that you can include in your next company event as part of a prize draw or in swag bags for attendees:
- Computer Backpacks
- Drawstring Backpacks
- Customized Backpacks
- Sports Backpacks
- Fashionable Backpacks
- Cooler Backpacks
The type of backpack you select for your event depends on whether you want people to use the backpack at the event itself or if you want to give people the backpack as a souvenir to commemorate the event.
An example of a backpack you could use during an event would be a hiking backpack. Hiking backpacks are a great option for team-building trips or summits where hiking will be one of the activities. Plus, employees could use them for future hiking and wilderness trips.
Customized bags are great souvenirs after a conference or company event such as a 10-year anniversary. These bags are perfect for corporate gifting, which can help increase employee morale and help employees feel more valued.
If you're on a budget and you have a mid-size or large company, then consider drawstring bags. These are a nice way to commemorate your company event and you'll be able to give one bag to each person. Plus, employees will enjoy how lightweight these bags are.
Backpack Sizes
The next step in determining which backpacks to order is learning how to choose backpack size.
Backpack sizes are often measured in liters. Many backpack stores also describe their backpack size in inches, including height, width, and depth.
If you're unsure of which sizes to get, consider offering employees a size guide and a survey so that they can let you know. This way, you'll know how many of each size you need when you place your bulk order.
Focus On the Occasion
If you're wondering, "what size backpack do I need?", then the first thing you should start with is determining the occasion. This will help you decide how many items people need to put in their backpacks, which will determine backpack size.
If you're wondering how to choose a backpacking pack, such as for a multi-day hiking trip, you'll want a larger backpack (such as 35-50 liters) to hold each person's change of clothes, water bottles, food, and any camping equipment.
If you're wondering "what size pack do I need?" for custom company swag, then a regular-sized backpack (such as 20-30 liters) would be best. This way, you give your employees a backpack they can use every day.
Many backpacks these days have laptop pockets, which will make it more convenient for your employees to use the backpack for work. Best of all, you can get a branded backpack with your company logo on it to boost everyone's sense of belonging within the company.
Backpack Material
Choosing the right backpack also involves choosing the right material for your needs, whether you need something durable, light, or waterproof for your next event.
Some common backpack materials include:
- Canvas (great durability)
- Polyester (a standard backpack material)
- Nylon (one of the strongest backpack materials)
- Cotton (lightweight)
- Tarpaulin (heavy-duty and waterproof)
Backpack materials also determine the price of the backpack, so make sure to take your budget into consideration.
One advantage of buying in bulk is that you can save money on backpacks that would be more expensive if you bought only one, so consider this buying option if you need to buy a large number of backpacks in a more expensive material.
Where Will You Use the Backpack?
Again, you want to consider your organizational needs when choosing a backpack material. If you're a fitness center, for example, your employees might only use the backpack to take their workout clothes from the car to the gym. In this case, you wouldn't need to order anything waterproof, and canvas and cotton would be a good way to go.
For any outdoor activities, you want to consider a waterproof backpack to account for any type of weather people might encounter.
And if your company is traveling to a conference, consider getting TSA-compliant backpacks to make the journey as stress-free as possible.
Weather Considerations
If you know your employees walk or take transit to work and often carry their laptops with them, then you want to consider getting them waterproof backpacks if you live somewhere where it tends to rain or snow.
When getting a waterproof backpack, make sure the zippers are also waterproof so that water doesn't leak inside the bag. A backpack with waterproof, welded-front zippers is an excellent choice for those commuting in rainy weather.
Backpack Features
Just because a backpack has many features doesn't mean it's the right backpack for your event. Plus, you can end up going over budget if you only look at the number of features a backpack has.
The best backpack features for your event include what features your team members would most appreciate in a backpack and what your team members will be using the backpack for (such as work or a corporate event).
The Best Bag for Devices
Not only do you want to let people shield their backpacks from the elements, but you also want to help them shield any electronic devices inside the backpack itself.
For example, if your employees have a water bottle or a pair of shoes in their backpacks, you don't want these items scratching or damaging their laptops or tablets.
Thankfully, some backpacks have built-in device pockets that people can use to shield their devices. You can also get backpacks with built-in device organizers, and even backpacks with built-in charging ports so people can charge their devices on the go.
These built-in charging ports are a great option if your team members need to be working during your event, such as at a retreat, site visit, or when attending an international conference.
Ventilation
If your team members will be walking for long periods of time with the backpack on, then you want to make sure that the backpack has proper ventilation.
For example, many backpacks on the market today have what's called a suspended mesh panel on the back of the backpack. This means that the mesh goes outwards about an inch or so from the edge of the backpack itself.
When your back isn't touching the backpack and instead only touches the grooves of mesh, there's more room for ventilation and lets your back breathe for more comfortable movement.
Pockets
Interior pockets aren't the only pockets a backpack should have. Stretchy side pockets are excellent if your employees need to put water bottles in their backpacks but don't want to put them in the same pocket as their laptops.
Other good locations for pockets include at the top of the backpack, the sides, and detachable side pockets that your team members can remove if they don't need to carry as much on a certain day.
Ease of Access
Another important element of choosing the right backpack is determining how people will access different pockets of the backpack. For example, are the backpacks for traveling to a corporate retreat where people won't need to open their bags often?
Or do people need to be able to slide the backpack off of one shoulder and take things out on the go, such as with a camera crew? In this case, a bag with easy-access pockets is a great choice for your event.
Ready To Choose Your Perfect Backpack?
Figuring out how to choose a backpack doesn't have to be stressful or confusing.
By following these tips, you can choose the perfect backpack for your next event, as well as for your employees' needs and lifestyles.
At Bagmasters, we focus on giving your company the lowest prices at the highest quality. As a direct promotional products manufacturer, you can customize backpacks with us in any way imaginable and at 20 to 40 percent off your purchase.
From computer backpacks to sports varieties, shop our wide selection of backpacks to find one that's right for your next event.
