Let’s take a moment to talk about the visual impact of a backpack. When someone buys one for themselves, they carry it everywhere. Whether that be to work, a college campus, or a trip to the grocery store, it’s always with them. Just think about all the places that backpack goes to and all the people that will get to see it, just in a day.
What if we told you there was a way to turn that backpack into a branding opportunity for your business by creating a custom backpack? After you learn how to customize a backpack, you’ll be able to take your branding to the next level.
If you don’t know how to make a custom backpack, we’re here to help. We put together a complete backpack buying guide to help you find the best backpack material and branding opportunities.
Keep reading to learn how to choose a backpack for your brand.
How to Choose a Backpack
When exploring the different backpacks, you may feel overwhelmed with the sheer number of options. To find the best possible style for your brand, you'll want to use this step-by-step backpack buying guide:
Step One: Identify Your Audience and Purpose
Knowing how you plan to use the backpacks and what audience you want to connect with will make it easier to find the best style for your project. You'll want to consider your audience's style, age, and lifestyle.
You'll also need to consider how the bag will be used. For example, if you're investing in backpacks for students on a university campus, you'll want to consider a high-quality laptop backpack with padded straps. If you need a backpack for a sporting event, consider a clear PVC bag that's allowed into stadiums.
Step Two: Budget
Before you start shopping, it's best to finalize your budget. Finalizing your budget will help you determine the best backpack for your marketing campaign. If you have a smaller budget, you'll want to stick with more affordable materials, like polyester. However, if you have a bigger budget, you can invest in a more durable material or a name-brand option from Nike or Ogio.
Step Three: Explore Styles, Colors, and Materials
There are endless backpack styles and options available. When exploring different styles, you'll want to narrow down your search by deciding what colors or materials you prefer.
You can also narrow your search by name-brand. Investing in name-brand backpacks is a great way to impress your target audience. These are backpacks that are made with durable materials and are worth the investment.
Step Four: Decoration Method and Branding Placement
Once you decide on a backpack, review the available decoration methods and imprint locations. If you're looking for a bold logo placement, consider a more central positioning on the top of the bag or front pocket. If you want something sleek or professional, consider the shoulder strap.
Step Five: Find a Reputable Supplier
There are countless promotional product companies online, but not all offer the best custom backpacks. When exploring different resellers, look for a reliable company with a large selection of backpacks. You'll also want to ensure they offer quick turnaround times, affordable shipping, and low minimum quantities. The promotional product company should act as your partner, helping you find the best possible solution for your branding.
Decoration Methods Available for the Best Custom Backpacks
There are many different decoration methods available for custom backpacks. When exploring the different decoration methods for the backpack you prefer, consider your unique design size, colors, and styles. Here's how the four most popular decoration methods compare:
Silkscreen
Silkscreen is the most affordable decoration method available for backpacks. It's the most popular option for simple one-color logos and designs. Most custom-made backpacks purchased in bulk also include a one-color, one-location silkscreen imprint at the price you see online. You can add additional colors or locations for an extra surcharge.
Embroidery
If you're looking for a professional, put-together look, consider embroidery. Embroidery is versatile and completely customizable. It's also more durable than other decoration methods, so it will likely maintain its pristine look for longer. Most custom backpacks come with 3,000 or more stitches per imprint. The exact size and location of the imprint will vary, depending on the backpack.
Heat Transfer
Heat transfer is a top choice for more colorful and intricate designs. It's versatile and vibrant, offering a photographic quality finish. This decoration method is also a more cost-effective option for designs with multiple colors.
Sublimation
If you have a full-color logo or design you want to showcase on a backpack, you can't go wrong with sublimation. Sublimation is a full-color, edge-to-edge imprint. It's going to provide you with a fun, vibrant finish on every corner of the material. This is great for creative design concepts, step-and-repeat designs, and any design with two or more colors.
Types of Custom Backpacks
There are different types of custom backpacks and materials you can choose from. As you start your search for the best backpack material for your brand, consider your marketing goals and the look you’re aiming to achieve with these promotional products.
Here are some of the best backpack materials and types we offer:
Corduroy
Looking for something stylish to showcase your brand? A corduroy backpack might be what you’ve been looking for. The corduroy material is soft to the touch and provides a more modern twist on the everyday custom backpack. You can customize a corduroy backpack or surprise your employees with a Weekender corduroy tote bag.
Natural Canvas
Who doesn’t love a natural canvas look? It’s a go-to style that will complement your brand and branding initiatives. The best part is that it's great for school, a trip to the park, or even a hiking trip! The thick canvas material will keep your belongings safe and provide your brand with a high-quality look and feel. You can choose from a natural canvas backpack or a canvas gusset tote.
Vegan Leather
Vegan leather has the same look and feel as genuine leather. It provides a more elevated appearance you won’t find anywhere else and is an easy way to upgrade all of your marketing initiatives. It's durable enough to use for school, work, or even a hike. Adding your logo to a vegan leather backpack will give your brand a next-level, stylish look. Choose from a custom vegan leather backpack, or if you need something smaller, check out our vegan leather tote bag.
Denim
Looking for a vintage yet stylish backpack? You’ve met your match. Branding a denim backpack is a great way to get your brand noticed and increase your brand's visibility. This trendy material is fun and will appeal to a younger crowd. Our top choices for denim are our denim backpacks or a denim drawstring bag.
Why Buy Custom Backpacks?
With a canvas as large as a backpack, you can bring your brand to life in the most creative ways. You can keep things sleek and simple with an embroidered logo or get more creative with a silkscreened fun design: the choice is yours.
Even though a custom backpack might be priced higher than other promotional products, it can also be more impactful. A branded pen or a notebook will only come out when it’s needed. However, a custom backpack will be seen wherever your customer goes.
Who Uses Custom Backpacks?
Everyone uses a backpack or some sort of bag. Whether that be to carry books to class or hold their snacks during a hike, your audience is sure to find a use for a custom backpack if you make them available.
A custom backpack is versatile and functional, making it appealing to a broader audience and helping your brand stand out. Just imagine all of the places you can go with a backpack. If you learn how to customize a backpack and it becomes your customer’s go-to bag, it will go everywhere with them! Whether it's the park, a store, a school, or work, eyes will always be on your brand.
Invest in Quality With Bagmasters
We hope this backpack buying guide helps you find the best possible style for your branding. If you need help deciding which style is right for your company, Bagmasters is here to help. We have hundreds of backpack styles available at affordable prices. We're here to help you narrow down your choices and find a style that complements your branding.
