Backpack

Backpacks for work, travel and hiking, from £9.90 to £191.90

This page brings together all our backpacks: laptop backpacks for the office, travel and cabin backpacks, hiking backpacks, cooler bags, changing bags and cat carriers. Each family has its own selection, linked below, so you can compare faster. Materials, capacities and screen sizes mentioned are those on the product pages.

Backpacks for work and laptops

For the office or studies, a laptop backpack protects the screen in a dedicated compartment. The 15.6" waterproof Oxford laptop backpack (£39.90) has a USB port; for larger screens, the 17-inch business travel backpack (£139.90) closes with a TSA lock and vacuum-compresses clothes. The whole range is on laptop backpacks, with selections for women's backpacks and for men's backpacks, and an anti-theft backpack selection for public transport. To pack your laptop well, read our advice on protecting your laptop in a backpack.

Travel and cabin backpacks

On a plane, a cabin backpack replaces the suitcase for a weekend. The 40x20x25 cabin backpack with shoe compartment (£64.90) keeps shoes apart from the rest; permitted dimensions depend on your ticket and on each airline. See the cabin backpack and, for longer stays, the Travel backpack, with expandable, compression or wheeled models.

Hiking, outdoor and military backpacks

For walking, the capacity depends on the length of the outing: 20 to 30 litres for the day, 40 to 50 litres for a weekend, more for a trek. The 90L waterproof hiking backpack (£59.90) is aimed at trekking and camping, and ultra-light foldable 20-litre backpacks slip into a suitcase. See the hiking backpack and military backpack for tactical Molle bags.

Rain-proof and cooler backpacks

Against the rain, see the waterproof backpack and Waterproof Backpack. For a picnic or the beach, the Cooler backpack keeps food and drinks cool: the 30L cooler backpack (£59.90) holds 36 cans according to its product page.

Backpacks for baby, child and cat

Changing bag backpacks have a changing pocket, bottle compartments and sometimes a foldable baby bed: see the changing bag backpack. For school, the kids' backpack; to take a pet along, the cat carrier backpack, in a transparent capsule or foldable version.

Frequently asked questions about backpacks

What size backpack should I choose?

For the city, 15 to 25 litres is enough with a laptop; 15L for light use, 25L if you are carrying sports kit. For cabin travel, look at the dimensions in centimetres rather than litres. For hiking, start from the length of the outing.

Women's backpack or men's backpack?

Most of our backpacks are unisex. Women's models often have a shorter back and slimmer straps; men's models, a wider cut. Compare the dimensions on the product page.

How do I care for a backpack?

Empty it, brush off the dust, hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild soap, then leave to air dry away from a heat source. Follow the instructions on the product page when it gives any.

Also see the mixed selection.