Do you find it difficult to choose the best material for your backpack?
Hisuper HernándezShare
21 Materials for Backpacks
Backpacks are widely used in our daily lives, such as outdoor backpacks, school bags, laptop bags, commuter bags, etc. Due to the different uses in different occasions, the backpack materials required also vary.
Do you know what a backpack is made of? Are you finding it difficult to choose the best material for your backpack? Don't start choosing one without fully understanding the different materials and their advantages and disadvantages. Here, I'll give you the definitive guide to help you.
I've divided this guide into three sections. Click on the section you're interested in for more details.
1. 21 types of backpack materials
You may have struggled to choose the best material for your backpack due to the wide variety of materials available. You should consider durability, weight, strength, waterproofing, and more.
Therefore, it's essential to compare different materials from different perspectives to choose the perfect one for you. Here, I'll list 21 materials and their characteristics for your reference.
Nylon
Nylon is the world's first man-made synthetic fiber, also known as polyamide . Travelers often consider nylon backpacks their top priority due to their excellent abrasion resistance, water resistance, high resilience, and softness.
The main disadvantages of nylon are that it is prone to difficult recycling and generating static electricity.
Polyester
Polyester is the highest-performance and most widely used synthetic fiber in the world. It has a natural resistance to wrinkles and creases.
It's also durable, lightweight, and affordable, making it a good choice for school backpacks. However, it's breathable, and stains are difficult to remove.
Cotton
Cotton, a soft and fluffy staple fiber, has been used for decades. Cotton backpacks are generally lightweight, affordable, and easy to clean, ideal for casual occasions. However, they are prone to fading and wear, unlike other materials like nylon or polyester.
Canvas
Canvas is a cotton-based product. Canvas backpacks have been in fashion for a long time. They're also stronger and more durable than cotton ones, thanks to their thicker thread. They're also more versatile in our daily lives.
Genuine leather
Leather was one of the common materials used to make backpacks in the past. Genuine leather includes processed or dried hides from animals such as goats, cows, and pigs.
However, they are more expensive than other types of materials and require more attention and care to maintain quality, although they are very durable, comfortable, and elegant.
Vegan leather
While the quality of vegan leather backpacks may not be as good as genuine leather backpacks, vegan leather backpacks can almost look, smell, and feel like genuine leather.
They're also more water-resistant and less expensive. However, they're also less durable and resistant.
Oxford
Oxford, a synthetic polyamide material, is made of nylon or polyester. For everyday use, the Oxford backpack is durable and affordable enough.
However, its durability and wear resistance are reduced if it is subjected to excessive loads over time. It is also often used as a lining or compartment for backpacks.
Sanity
Cordura is another synthetic polyamide material, composed of nylon and cotton. Cordura backpacks are more durable and abrasion-resistant than Oxford backpacks, but they're also much more expensive.
Ripstop nylon
Ripstop is a well-known type of nylon used by some brands due to its excellent resistance to tearing and ripping. Therefore, it is one of the main materials used in backpacks, including the surface, the outer pocket, and other components.
But ripstop backpacks are not suitable for warm climates because they retain heat.
Ballistic nylon
The main difference between ballistic nylon and nylon is its durability. Thanks to its high resistance to wear and tear, it's even more durable than nylon, polyester, or cotton, so ballistic nylon backpacks can last a long time.
Of course, there is a downside: ballistic nylon is difficult to dye, so ballistic nylon backpacks are generally black.
Nylon fabric for packages
This type of backpack is soft and silky to the touch. It also offers excellent abrasion and puncture resistance at a reasonable price. It also absorbs heat easily and keeps moisture out.
Denim
Denim is a type of woven cotton fiber. It's so strong and durable that denim backpacks can be used for decades. Plus, they're always in style.
Polypropylene
Polypropylene, a type of plastic, is not commonly used in backpack manufacturing. However, polypropylene backpacks are very durable and waterproof. They are also reusable and easy to make. However, they are flammable despite their high melting point, which can pose a potential risk.
Mesh
Mesh backpacks have become a popular fashion accessory. They are strong and durable, large enough to carry multiple items. Initially, they were designed for those who spend a lot of time in the water. Obviously, the belongings inside must be waterproof, as they could get wet.
Rattan
Rattan bundles made from palm trees are widely used for packing beach items. They're also popular for any occasion. They're durable, affordable, and stylish.
Neoprene
Neoprene, also known as synthetic rubber, ensures the backpacks' durability and flexibility. These backpacks are recyclable and waterproof, but sensitive to high temperatures.
Sequin
Sequins are a traditional backpack fabric, made of cotton or tulle, with small, shiny, and shaped beads. Sequin backpacks have a unique and attractive appearance. They are often stylish and fun for children.
PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
In modern society, PVC backpacks are a symbol of fashion, as they allow you to create a unique, transparent or candy-colored backpack that looks shiny and fashionable. PVC is also lightweight and inexpensive. However, they are not strong or durable, so it's best to store lighter items inside.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
TPU is highly elastic and incredibly resistant to abrasion and stains. It's also an environmentally friendly material. Furthermore, compared to PVC, TPU is more expensive.
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate)
EVA is often bonded to other backpack fabrics, such as nylon, polyester, canvas, and so on. It's shiny, smooth, and highly water-resistant. EVA backpacks are durable and reusable, and are currently very popular.
2. How to choose the right material for the backpack?
As mentioned above, backpacks are made from different types of materials. When choosing the right materials, you should consider the quality of the materials from different perspectives, such as durability, waterproofing, tear resistance, comfort, and weight.
First, you should consider what type of backpack you're looking for. Is it durable? Stylish? Or affordable? Do your research to learn how to choose the backpack that best suits your needs. The ideal material depends on what you're looking for. Here are some tips on the following two aspects:
The most durable material for backpacks
In terms of durability, the toughest materials are Cordura and ballistic nylon. It's hard to say there's an absolute winner between the two.
Cordura is used in various products, including military clothing. Similarly, ballistic nylon can protect wearers from bullets and artillery shells. Of course, it depends entirely on your practical application and personal preference.
In general, some prefer Cordura because it's composed of a series of textured fibers that give it greater abrasion resistance, while others prefer ballistic nylon for its superior tear resistance.
In general, if you want to carry extremely heavy loads, you might want to consider a ballistic nylon backpack first due to its excellent tensile and tear resistance; if you want your gear to be much more portable, you can use a Cordura backpack, which is relatively lighter.
Waterproof material for backpacks
If you don't want your backpack to get moldy and wet, you should make sure that the material is water-resistant or waterproof.
In short, several materials, including nylon, leather, polypropylene, and neoprene, are water resistant.
A high-quality backpack will keep your belongings dry and safe in wet conditions. However, if the backpack falls into water, the contents could unfortunately be damaged. Therefore, using a truly waterproof PVC and TPU backpack is essential to avoid these types of situations.
Therefore, if you need to do activities like sailing, it's best to choose a waterproof backpack. Besides the material, the backpack's zippers also affect its waterproofing.
3. 15 backpacks that our customers usually choose
Choosing the right material is essential when choosing a backpack. You should also consider size, organization, style, and uses. We have a list of backpacks our customers frequently review.
Diaper backpack
A diaper bag is a must for some new parents, as babies need a lot of things. When you're not at home, a diaper bag not only offers plenty of storage space but also keeps your hands free.
Diaper backpacks come in a variety of styles and are always made of a water-resistant fabric, such as leather, nylon, or polyester.
If you're looking to buy diaper bags wholesale from China, you can read this blog for more information. Or contact us for help finding them.
Drawstring backpack
Drawstring backpacks are versatile, practical, and affordable. They come in a variety of designs, shapes, and colors. Plus, they're always made of durable materials, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
Backpack
A backpack is large enough to hold everyday essentials, such as books, cameras, clothing, or other accessories. A good backpack is ideal for outdoor activities, work, or indoors; it's also perfect for people of different ages and is unisex.
Satchel backpack
A satchel backpack has a flat base and two short handles at the top for hands-free carrying. Its main material is leather. A typical satchel backpack is designed as lighter luggage. However, satchel backpacks vary in size, unlike tote backpacks.
Randoseru
The randoseru is a Japanese backpack, specifically designed for school-aged children. It's essentially a large, sturdy backpack. A typical randoseru features softer leather or other materials.
Laptop backpack
These days, life without laptops, cell phones, and other electronic devices is essential. Therefore, choosing a laptop backpack made of durable, lightweight material is an excellent way to protect them.
A laptop backpack usually has a middle layer that generally provides better cushioning. This middle layer also protects the laptop from damage caused by other objects inside the backpack.
Canvas backpack
One of the important advantages of canvas backpacks is their recyclability. They can be reused multiple times without polluting the environment.
Plus, its raw material, breathable canvas, is easy to clean. Canvas backpacks are comfortable and soft to carry.
Tote Backpack
Its simple shape and design make this bag both attractive and practical. It's easy to pack and unpack.
They're durable thanks to their simple construction, whether made of leather or canvas. With proper use and maintenance, they can last for several years.
Cycling backpack
There are different types of cycling backpacks, and you should consider their durability and weight before choosing your cycling backpack.
Since there are different types of cyclists, there are different types of cycling backpacks, but they all tend to be durable, waterproof, or adjustable.
Hiking backpack
If you use a backpack for hiking, choose a comfortable one. Hiking backpacks are designed with an efficient storage system, a fully adjustable suspension system, external straps, and loops. They offer excellent support and protect you in an emergency.
Travel backpack
The best travel backpacks are made of waterproof material to keep them dry. They feature lockable zippers and multiple compartments to keep your belongings safe and make it easy to find what you need.
Backpack with frame
There are two types of frame backpacks: internal and external. External frame backpacks are uncommon but more affordable. Many come with a waterproof cover and lifting straps to reduce the load.
Shoulder bag
A sling bag is similar to a regular backpack, but with a single strap. It's typically worn across the body for quick access to belongings or across the chest to protect valuables.
Hydration bag
A hydration pack is a special type of backpack designed with a hydration system. It allows you to carry water and drink comfortably and efficiently. It's ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and running.
Backpack
Canvas and waterproof materials are typical materials for backpacks. Backpacks are functional bags that offer comfort thanks to their shoulder strap design. Backpacks are also typically smaller and have fewer pockets than traditional backpacks.
Conclusion
Ultimately, each backpack is made of different materials and designed in different styles. You should consider this carefully before making a decision. If you have any questions about backpack materials, I'd love to hear from you soon and will be here to answer them.
