Roll Top vs Zipper Backpack - Pros and Cons Visual Guide

What's the difference between a rolltop backpack and a zipper backpack? Is one style better than the other?

Among the different types of backpacks, two of the most common designs are roll-top backpacks and zipper backpacks.

Roll top backpacks are known for their waterproof construction and unique expandable main compartments, making them a popular choice for outdoor adventures. But they have also found their way into everyday carry thanks to some brands adding extra features such as laptop sleeves and extra pockets.

On the other hand, zipper backpacks are often the go-to bag design for school, work and travel thanks to their easy access to compartments and endless styles to choose from.

Both roll top backpacks and zipper backpacks have their own pros and cons, and in this visual guide we will delve deeper into the differences, so that you can make a better decision when choosing between the two.

Roll Top Backpacks: Pros and Cons

Roll top backpacks are usually designed as one large main compartment. Think of these bags as big buckets with large top openings. Although this isn't true of all rolltop packs, these bags will often have less exterior pockets and overall compartments due to their straightforward "bucket" design.

What is a roll top closure?

Rolltop backpacks are designed with extra fabric on the top that allows you to "roll down" in order to close the main compartment. Most roll top packs include a buckle and strap to hold down the rolled fabric and keep it in place. This design is called a roll top closure.

Shown: WANDRD PRVKE Backpack with expandable roll top closure

Roll Top Pro #1: Expandable Storage

Did you know that a roll top backpack is expandable by design?

A big advantage of a roll top closure is that you can control the size of the main compartment. Simply, roll down the backpack for a more compact bag and roll up the fabric when you need more packing room. Simply roll down the backpack for a more compact bag and roll up the fabric when you need more packing room. This ability to control the size of the backpack is what gives a roll-top backpack its edge when compared to zipper backpacks with fixed capacities.

Another alternative is to keep the roll-top completely open to haul oversized gear. Since roll-top bags are designed like big buckets, this makes it very easy to haul large items on your back securely. This design feature comes in handy for outdoor activities where oversized items are common.

Shown: Got Bag Rolltop Backpack with roll-top closed to create waterproof seal

Roll Top Pro #2: Better Waterproof Protection

A roll top closure is often the go-to design for many waterproof backpacks, and it's easy to see why. The folding down of the fabric creates a natural waterproof barrier, and when paired with waterproof fabric, you get a waterproof seal with no way for moisture to sneak in. You'll often see roll top designs in dry bags made for outdoor adventures for this reason.

Unlike waterproof zippers that need to be maintained to keep functional, the mechanical nature of a roll top makes it much more reliable since there is less chances for failure. So if you want a reliable waterproof backpack with less headaches, stick with a roll top made with waterproof materials.

Shown: Inside a rolltop backpack

Possible Con: Fewer Pockets

The most basic roll top backpacks are comprised of a main compartment and not much else. When compared to a zipper backpack, you can expect less access points to your stuff and fewer pockets overall. This is most clear with roll top laptop backpacks that feature a laptop sleeve inside the main compartment instead of in a separate exterior laptop compartment. Although, some brands are getting better with this and have started including exterior zippers for quick access to tech or attaching side pockets for water bottles.

Other Common Roll Top Features

Since many rolltop packs are designed for outdoor use in mind, its common to find features like attachment points and external straps for gear. Comfort wise, it's common to see a sternum strap, hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps for a more comfortable fit.

These features aren't exclusive to roll tops but they are more common in outdoor backpacks.

Zipper Backpacks: Pros and Cons

Unlike roll tops and flap backpacks, a zipper backpack is any backpack that uses a zipper for its closure and is often the most common type of backpack you'll encounter for daily carry.

Because zipper backpacks vary so much in design, you have more options in terms of style and ability. Need an anti-theft backpack? There are backpacks with lockable zippers. What about a backpack that can open like a suitcase? Plenty of travel backpacks with zippers allow you to do just that.

Shown: The North Face Recon backpack - Quick access to laptop and other essentials

Zipper Pro #1: QuickER Access

A major advantage that zipper backpacks have over roll tops is how much easier it is to access the things inside! Zippers are quick and easy to use, while a roll top enclosure takes time to unbuckle the clasp and then unroll the top to gain the same access.

A great example of quick access is with laptop and tech carry. While many rolltop backpacks have a laptop pocket inside the main compartment, it is usually easier to access with a zipper backpack since there is no unfolding of fabric to handle before reaching the laptop. Many zipper backpacks also have laptop compartments that can be accessed from the outside of the bag for even quicker access.

Shown: Matein Laptop Backpack with 3 zipper compartments

Zipper Pro #2: More Pockets

Remember how we described rolltop packs as big buckets? Zipper backpacks have a much larger variety in their design, and as a result, they generally include more pockets on the inside and outside of the bag.

Zipper backpacks also often have many more external pockets than roll top backpacks. This includes zipper pockets on the outside for easy access to smaller items, extra top pockets where a roll top fabric usually would be, as well as separate zipper compartments for a laptop and other tech.

If having lots of pockets is important to you, then going with a zipper backpack will be your best bet!

Shown: Zippers on the North Face Recon backpack are not water resistant

Possible Con: Less water resistant

Whereas a roll top backpack has water resistance built into its design, a backpack with a zipper is prone to be less water-resistant. Unfortunately, most zippers are not water-resistant and can even act as weak points for water to leak through.

If you would like better protection with a zipper backpack, you can always go with a backpack with a water-resistant zipper or a dry bag with waterproof zippers. Backpacks with these special zippers are often more expensive than backpacks with regular zippers but may be well worth it for travelers and daily commuters who encounter rain often.

Conclusion: Roll Top Backpacks vs Zipper Backpacks

The differences between roll top and zipper backpacks are pretty clear once you look at them side by side.

In general, roll top backpacks are great for outdoor activities where bad weather is an issue or for those who want to control the size of their bags depending on what they carry that they. Their simple construction also make them more durable in the long run, since are less zippers and hardware that could fail over time.

On the other hand, a backpack with a zipper is a better choice for daily carry where organization and easy access matter. This is why so many work and school backpacks are made with zippers instead of roll top closures - ease of use. You also have many more design options to choose from, ranging from larger carry-on bags for travel to small backpacks for just the essentials.

Roll Top Backpacks

• Better waterproof protection

• Expandable main compartment

• Less pockets and compartments

• Minimalist style

• Better for outdoor activities where weather is an issue

Zipper Backpacks

• Easier to grab items inside

• More pockets and compartments

• More designs to choose from

• Better for school, work and daily laptop carry

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