Quick guide to purchasing a backpack

 

The purpose of this article is to give you 6 tips towards choosing an allday backpack.

Among all the different backpack designs that are available online and in stores, how do you pick the one quality backpack that will be perfect for you and will not disappoint you?

It really depends on what kind of end use you will have for your backpack. Do you need a large travel backpack? A daily backpack? A tech backpack?

Whether you are looking for an everyday bag or a casual travel backpack that you can also take on short hikes, to go errands or just walk your best friend around the neighborhood, you are at the right place.

In my opinion, most everyday backpacks out there are unnecessarily large and bulky, and we end up overloading them and having to log around all this useless weight. Our ability to carry weight diminishes with age.

The GoApe™ backpack is a smaller size in the realm of backpacks but it is roomy enough for everyday use and day outings/hikes. This size of backpack is not common on the market.

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So, when choosing a day backpack maybe go for a smaller size, let’s say a capacity of 10 liters or under. 

With this 9 litre backpack, you will not be carrying more stuff than you need to. This means that the weight of the bag will remain in check. Feel free to check the other blog post "HOW MUCH FITS IN THIS BACKPACK".

Happy in the company of my wonderful GoApe™.

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Wide and adjustable straps

Straps should be fully adjustable and at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Backpacks with narrower straps are a no-no unless they are mini backpacks.

The GoApe straps are not padded but they are wide (1.5", 4 cm) and thick enough for a comfortable feel. They do not slide off your shoulders. They are also fully adjustable so that you can fine tune the right fit for you. Once your straps are adjusted the adjustment will stay put and you will not have to readjust them for quite a while.

 

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A real top handle

Yep it is very useful. It enables you to grab your backpack and go. It also allows you to hang it from a hook or even a door knob in public bathrooms so that you do not have to set your backpack on the floor.

 

 

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Make sure the backpack you are about to buy has a secure fastening

I read too many reviews of people complaining that the backpack they just bought will not stay closed when it’s full. Whether it’s a magnetic or Velcro closure, this is a common problem and it makes the bag unusable. The magnets we use in this backpack have been factory-tested for a load up to 17 pounds/8 kg. 

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Own two different backpack sizes

It is suggested to own a smaller backpack like the GoApe™ for daily use, and a larger one with padded shoulder straps and a sternum/waist strap too. This way if you really need to carry more weight than the GoApe™ should take, you can switch to the larger backpack and hopefully still be comfortable. This larger type of backpacks abound online and in stores.

But beware, the question of weight is still valid with larger backpacks, and in the end it will depend on how much weight your back can take.

Another type of backpack that is offered is the expandable type with a zipper that releases an extra compartment, which is like having two backpacks in one. I find this type very cool, but a little stiff and a bulky for a small backpack.

This happy customer told me she wears her GoApe every single day.

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The washability

Many backpacks are not washable. I do not understand this. What if there is a spill inside your main compartment? Or your cat knocks off a coffee mug on it? In a general way, bags usually get dirty fast even if no accidents happen, and need to be washed to remove possible smells and be given a fresh new look once in a while. 

This hemp backpack, despite its light color, does not get dirty easily. I can wear it for months before I have to wash it.

Thank you for reading this blog post. I hope it helps. Cheers!