Urban men's backpacks: what are they and how to choose?

The backpack is a great alternative to a bag for any activity in the city - study, work, walks and sports. Like everything practical and comfortable, they are appreciated by men of all ages. Among modern models, you can choose the best option that will meet all the necessary requirements. Let's take a closer look at what are and how to choose urban men's backpacks.

In fact, a city backpack is the same bag, but equipped with straps, with the help of which it is fixed behind the back. They are especially convenient for urban life, as they have a number of positive characteristics, namely:

• small volume, since such a product, unlike a sports or tourist one, is designed for a certain set of things that an ordinary person will need during the day;
• leaves hands free, which is especially convenient when changing activities quickly, traveling in different modes of transport and being busy with several things at the same time;
• their design allows it is convenient to place all things inside and get quick access to any of them;
• ergonomic back and shoulder straps allows you to minimize the load and does not harm your health;
• wide range of makes it possible to choose a product depending on the style of clothing, situation or other individual preferences.

Men's requirements for ideal backpacks are quite simple, namely:

• ease of wearing, the ability to adjust the backpack for yourself;
• thoughtful organization;
• placement of all things that will be needed for a certain time period:
• protection not only from weather factors, but also from theft;
• suitable appearance.

Urban backpacks mean a fairly large number of varieties. Like all bags, they differ not only in external size, but also in internal volume. The small backpack only holds a laptop, wallet and keys. However, there are also more voluminous models (up to 30 liters), which can accommodate even a small set of products, changeable clothes, shoes, and so on. However, the external and internal parameters do not always coincide. Externally, a compact backpack can be quite roomy and vice versa.

All city backpacks are divided into the following types:

• rigid frame - solid parts are sewn into them, which allow the product to maintain a given shape and not wrinkle the contents;

• frameless - their shape can be maintained only due to the rigidity of the material and the number of things laid.

The internals of the backpacks are also different, namely:

• classic model for study or work consists of one large compartment with internal clips and shock absorbers for gadgets; for convenience, some products have dividers;

• there are models with two insulated compartments and at the same time quite roomy; it is necessary to sort things by purpose;

• in addition to voluminous, the backpack also has small pockets in the front (for small items) and narrow pockets on the side (for water or other objects of suitable shape); internal pockets are designed to store valuable items and documents;

• modular backpacks while they are a novelty, among them there are simpler options with modules for flat or voluminous objects that need quick access; the upgraded version has a set of removable modules that can be attached to the backpack depending on current needs.

Since we are talking about shoulder bags, the backpack can be as follows:

• two-strand - for an urban model, additional fixing belts are not needed, at most - a waist belt;

• single-lined - this model is easier to use, since it is enough to roll it forward over your shoulder and at the same time do not take it off yourself.

Finally, don't forget about specialized backpacks. They are used by people to carry accessories for a particular field of activity. For example, this includes backpacks for cameras, quadcopters and similar equipment. Some men, by virtue of their profession, are forced to carry a set of tools with them and are much more convenient when they fit in a backpack that, moreover, does not look like a worker.

A separate category includes backpacks focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and playing sports in an urban environment (from workout to freeride). Many men ride bicycles, scooters and other forms of street transportation.

One of the main criteria when choosing a backpack is its material. Moreover, if from the aesthetic side, its texture and method of processing are more interested, then from the practical side - strength, reliability, durability and resistance to moisture, pollution, temperature changes. Today, the most popular fabric materials for the manufacture of backpacks are the following:

• Oxford - quite durable and pleasant in appearance, does not fade, wears out slowly, keeps the contents from water, is useful in any life situation, including on a business trip or outing into nature;

• cordura - has a high density, therefore, this material is resistant to abrasion, heavy, has water-repellent properties; it is interesting in texture, a little rough to the touch;

• matting - lightweight, inexpensive material that is not harmed by any outdoor factors - including high and low temperatures; as a material for the manufacture of backpacks has the advantage of a water-repellent impregnation;

• polyester - affordable, although without treatment with polyvinyl chloride it gets wet and torn; it does not deform, does not stretch, it is easy to clean, wash and dry;

• nylon - its quality directly depends on the density and processing; thin fabric with sparse weaving is easy to damage, but better quality with special impregnation will last for several years.

Leather is also popular for everyday backpacks, as are fabrics. Outwardly, a leather item will look more representative, but it will require special care. Backpacks made from artificial substitutes can give a different impression. A good leatherette or eco-leather is quite suitable for the intense rhythm of a city dweller, although it has a shorter service life.

Men are as concerned about how they look as women, so they select accessories with great care. In this matter, you can rely on both your own perception and fashion trends. When choosing a backpack, you can immediately see the difference between business and casual styles. In the first case, the product will look more restrained. The shape of such backpacks is usually close to the correct geometric, besides, their decor is very conservative. TThe traditional colors in this case are black, gray and brown, with little variation in shades.

The design of backpacks for everyday wear is usually suitable for any clothing. In this direction, the choice in shape, color and decor is more diverse. As before, the favorites are the typical "masculine" colors of blue, green, sand, terracotta, khaki and so on. But you can find brighter ones - red, orange and even unnatural acidic ones.

In general, urban style with its dynamic pace of life provides for simplicity and practicality. However, all people, including men, want to stand out from the crowd, show their individuality. This desire is often reflected in backpacks. This is especially true for youth models. Even a simple study backpack can have colored or reflective inserts. Accessories can also be noticeable - locks, buckles, zippers, runners and pullers.

Another way to express yourself is choose a backpack with a pattern or inscription. Themed or avant-garde images, unusual color schemes are ideal for a city backpack.

The perfect backpack does not exist, because for every man some characteristics may seem insignificant, but others will come to the fore. Therefore, when compiling a list of the best models, you can only rely on the reviews of those who have already used them. So, the top 10 popular branded backpacks for the city might look like this:

• Arcteryx Blade 6 (Canada) - its small internal volume is designed to carry only the most necessary things, but its appearance allows you to appear at events of varying degrees of formality;

• Cocoon MCP3401 Slim (Austria) - waterproof, compact urban backpack for carrying gadgets and small items with a special system of internal organization;

• Topo Rover Pack (USA) - has earned good reviews in terms of price, quality and functionality; it attracts thoughtful design and content, as well as good protection from external factors;

• XD Design Bobby Hero (Netherlands) - a modified model with a rigid frame and a front panel that cannot be cut through; additional protection is a hidden zipper and durable waterproof fabric, it has many pockets and holders, and has a charging port.

• Pacsafe Venturesafe x18 (China) - a backpack with several degrees of protection - from weather conditions, tears, cutting with a knife (including on the straps), theft and reading cards using radio waves; it features a wide selection of bright colors, light weight, ease of use, good organization both inside and out;

• Lifeproof Squamish 32 (USA) - lightweight and high-quality men's accessory with excellent strength and waterproofing performance; despite the large internal volume, it is easy to carry and does not seem too large;

• Polar П955 (Russia) - a typical men's backpack in a semi-sporty style with good load distribution; despite its usual appearance, it shows itself to be reliable both in the city and in nature;

• Dakine Foundation 26 (Germany) - is an example of a standard roomy backpack with average performance; it has a nice design and several interesting colors;

• Thule Crossover Sling (Switzerland) - durable single-strand backpack with built-in organizer; in addition to papers and electronic devices, it will fit lunch or a sports uniform, it is made of waterproof material with reliable zippers;

• Dakine HUB Sling (Germany) - a flat, but rather wide sling backpack with a case for iPad; it is available in three colors with a dynamic design.

No one forbids walking in the city with a tourist or sports backpack, but it should be remembered that they are not always convenient in this environment and will not be appropriate in some establishments. Therefore, such importance is attached to the process of choosing the right city backpack. The following features should be taken into account:

• before making a choice, you need to analyze your lifestyle - time spent outside the home, activities, places visited, use of different modes of transport, and so on; of course, many would like to acquire one backpack for all occasions, but it is not easy to implement this in practice;
• even the small weight of the contents when worn daily can affect health, so it is important that to make the backpack ergonomic - with anatomical backrest and wide adjustable straps; in places of contact with the body there must be a special fabric that facilitates ventilation;
• The easiest way determine the required internal volume - make a list of things that you will often have to carry with you; it is not worth purchasing a product with a margin, as it is inconvenient, and unfilled backpacks without a frame do not look right;
• not all beautiful backpacks will be equally practical, first of all, it is necessary to pay attention to the quality of the material, and this also applies to the lining; the weak point in such products are locks, zippers and seams - they must be carefully examined;
• branded backpacks are not always justified by their cost, but proven manufacturers monitor the quality of their products to a greater extent, for example, Swiss firms give a guarantee of up to 20 years;
• the choice between two straps or one is a matter of habit; according to the same principle, it is worth choosing the content, over time even the use of complex organizers becomes commonplace, but they really help to put things in order and not waste time searching.

Even though some backpacks make a lasting impression, they should not be considered as a separate accessory. It is not difficult to choose the right option so that the image looks holistic and emphasizes all the dignity of a man.

• Minimalistic black rectangular backpacks remain always relevant.... They will suit any man and will look stylish regardless of time and fashion.

• Bags are still in trend which can be worn as backpacks and vice versa. With them, a man has more ways to feel confident and free.

• For those who do not want to constantly think about their appearance, it is better to choose something simple and neatbut with a pretense of expressing individuality and a sense of style.

• Emphatically sporty design, energizing colors and a streamlined shape are all that is needed to declare an active life position and a willingness to develop.