Anatomy of a Backpack - Common Terms & Definitions
A quick guide on common backpack terms and definitions. Learn all there is to know so you can make an informed choice when shopping for a new backpack.
We have updated this guide! Click here for an updated Anatomy of a Backpack.
The Anatomy of a Backpack guide is a quick breakdown of common backpack terms and definitions so that you can make the best informed decision when shopping for a new backpack in-store or online. Below we break down a simple everyday backpack and define feature.
Featured backpack: Vaschy Classic Backpack (Amazon)
Common backpack features DEFINED:
Loop handle - Usually made out of nylon or leather in higher end backpacks. A loop handle is usually present for easy handling or for the ability to hang up the backpack on a hook or closet when not in use.
Bike light attachment - A small square sewn on to the front of the backpack that most commonly made out of leather or synthetic leather material. Originally a safety feature to help bicyclists on the road, it's main purpose is to have the ability to attach a clip-on bicycle light although some fashion brands use it as a decorative feature.
Front Pocket - A smaller zipper pocket found on the front of the backpack for quick access to smaller items like pens, wallets or cell phones.
Side Pocket - Narrow and deep pockets found on the side of a backpack. Usually used to hold water bottles and umbrellas. Some backpacks add velcro or zippers to keep these pockets closed when not in use.
Reinforced Bottom - Usually made of leather or another tough synthetic material. This feature prevents the bottom of the backpack from premature wear and tear when being placed on the ground. Not all backpacks have this feature, but it's a nice addition and one to look out for when shopping for a new backpack.
Padded back - Most backpack backs are padded to provide a nice cushion when worn. Some backpacks include extra back features to aid in overheating or extra padding for comfort. These features can be different with every manufacturer.
Shoulder straps - Should straps can be made of a variety of material and like padded backs, can include special features to be more ergonomic when worn. Most backpacks have padded shoulder straps, especially ones made for heavy load carry like hiking or school backpacks.
Shoulder strap adjustments - The hardware on the shoulder straps that allow you to adjust it length. This allows for the wearer to adjust where the backpack sits on their back when worn. Most modern backpacks have this feature.
Main Compartment - The largest pocket in the backpack is called the main compartment. Some main compartments feature smaller accessories pockets to compartmentalize smaller items.
Mesh pocket - A small pocket usually sewn into the main compartment made out of mesh.
Other common terms:
Laptop Compartment - A piece of foam or material that creates a pocket in the main compartment that can fit a laptop or tablet. Laptop compartments can be padded for extra protection.
Hardware - A term used that refers to the zippers and other small parts in a backpack. For example: Metal hardware i.e. metal zippers, zipper pulls, etc.
Pull tabs - Usually a piece of leather, nylon or other material attached to the end of a zipper to make it easier for the user to open and close the zippers.
Campus Style: 6 Cute Backpacks for College 2018
Our top picks of cute backpacks for college that are functional and stylish. Discover which college backpacks for women made the list for the 2018 school year.
State Kent Backpack (Buy on Amazon)
Doughnut Macaroon Backpack (Buy on Amazon)
Marc Jacobs Nylon Biker Backpack (Buy on Amazon)
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack (Buy on Amazon)
Jansport Big Student Backpack (Buy on Amazon)
Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Mid-Volume Backpack (Buy on Amazon)
Having a great backpack should be an essential item on your back to school list. But we know how tough it can be picking out the perfect college backpack with so many options currently available.
In this list we showcase our top 6 picks for super cute backpacks that are also functional for everyday carry at school. Yes, we avoided all those little backpack satchel purses that you often see on fashion blogs. Instead, these cute backpacks have enough room for books, a laptop or tablet and other college essentials.
We also focused on college backpacks for women, meaning these backpacks will be a better fit on smaller frames unlike those common bulky backpacks you may see other students carrying on campus or in stores.
Most of these backpacks come in multiple colors and patterns so make sure to click on the Amazon links to see the most current pricing and what colors are currently available.
Our top 3 - Cute Patterns & Functional design
Our top 3 picks for the best backpacks for college that are super cute yet packed with enough features to make it through the school year like a champ.
Jansport Big Student Classic Backpack
Jansport makes tons of super cute college backpacks and the Big Student Classic backpack is no exception. The backpack is designed for ultimate organization with tons of inside and outside pockets for your daily essentials. Below is what we absolutely love about this backpack:
Dimensions: 17.5 x 10 x 13 inches
24 liter capacity - One of the largest backpacks to make our list.
Ergonomic curved shoulder straps to relieve stress from your shoulders.
Mesh pocket on side the fit a water bottle and other smaller items.
Two large main compartments can fit multiple books, notebooks and binders.
Accessory pockets for phones, pens, headphones and more.
The Jansport Big Student Backpack also comes in a variety of other cute designs and colors. Check the Amazon button above for available options.
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
The Kanken laptop backpack by Fjallraven makes our top 3 for good reason: It's has a clean design, comes in a ton of awesome colors, and has ton of room for your everyday essentials like books, a laptop and extra shoes. Here are some of our favorite specs:
Weatherproof: Can be worn in the rain without worrying about the contents inside getting ruined.
Padded laptop sleeve keeps your Macbook or PC safe during transport.
Comes in a variety of sizes to fit your laptop: From 13" to 17"
Special shoulder straps are ergonomically designed to disperse weight off of your shoulders and back so you can carry a heavier load with ease.
The Fjallraven Kanken backpack is available in a variety of beautiful colors to fit your vibe. Check the Amazon button above to see what's currently available.
Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Mid-Volume Backpack
Herschel Supply Co. brings you a neatly designed backpack with a great fit with their Settlement Mid-Volume backpack. Unlike their original Settlement backpack, the Mid-Volume version is smaller in size and perfect for people with smaller frames. Although smaller, it still has tons of great features like a padded compartment for laptop carry and tons of room for your college essentials. Here are some of the main features of this super cute backpack:
Dimensions: 16.6 x 11.25 x 4.5 inches
Padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 13 inches
Convenient front pocket
Inside you can find a media pocket with a headphone port
Beautifully crafted with a clean and minimalist design.
The Herschel Settlement Mid-Volume backpack comes in a dozen different colors and design. So you are sure to find one that fits your lifestyle and mood.
Runner Ups: Cute College Backpacks for Women
We've reviewed our top 3 backpacks above, now let's take a closer look at the rest of the backpacks on the list. Not only do these backpacks have a cute fun style but they also make amazing backpacks for college. They are the perfect blend of on trend style and everyday function.
STATE Women's KENT Backpack
STATE is a backpack brand that blends beautiful minimalist design with great features that are perfect for an everyday college backpack. Their Kent backpack is especially made to fit a woman's frame and isn't too bulky. It's understated design makes it a cute backpack for school, work or a daytrip. Here our our favorite features:
Dimensions: 15 x 11.75 x 5.75 inches
Padded sleeve for a laptop up to 13 inches
Quick front stash pocket for small items
Special iPad pocket on the inside
The STATE Kent Backpack is the ideal backpack for those of you who want a clean design while still keeping a cute backpack look around campus.
Doughnut Women's Macaroon Backpack
Doughnut is a Hong Kong based brand that mixes fun designs with full functionality for school or travel. We absolutely love their new Macaroon backpacks that mix wanderlust vibes with cute elements like brass buckles and leather accents.
The generous main compartment has enough room to fit your books and other school essentials. A padded laptop sleeve and interior zip pockets make tech organization a breeze.
Dimensions: 14” x 11” x 6”
Padded laptop sleeve
Internal organizers in main compartment for pens, chargers and other small items.
Designed in Hong Kong
Made of durable tech twill material.
Marc Jacobs Nylon Biker Backpack
Marc Jacobs has recently released a nylon version of their popular Biker Backpack and we absolutely love it. It’s made of a durable nylon that is lightweight and won’t hold you down on your busiest days on campus.
This backpack is small-medium in size so it’s not ideal for those who need to carry more than a few classes worth of books. But for a couple of books and binders, this backpack would be awesome. Plus it looks absolutely great. This backpack is an easy way to upgrade any campus look.
Dimensions: 15” H x 12” L x 7” W
Roomy main compartment for daily essentials
Two smaller front zip pockets for smaller items
Made of lightweight nylon
Booq Daypack Backpack
The Booq Daypack is a roomy and functional backpack that is made for everyday carry for school. The roomy main compartment is large enough for multiple textbooks, notebooks and binders. A dedicated laptop sleeve is perfect for laptops up to 15 inches. The ergonomically shaped padded shoulder straps make the backpack comfortable even under heavy loads. The Booq Daypack is available in multiple colors making this cute backpack for college that will match any style.
Dimensions: 18.5” x 13” x 6.3”
Capacity: 19 Liters
Padded sleeve for laptops up to 15.6”
Made of cotton canvas
