What is a backpack?

A backpack is a bag in the shape of a sack that is traditionally carried on the back with two shoulder straps. This is a great advantage, especially on longer trips, as the weight of the luggage is evenly distributed across the back and shoulders. People have valued these advantages and properties for over 5,000 years, as evidenced by finds from the Neolithic period.

The backpack is the most popular piece of luggage, also because of its high utility value. A backpack is an excellent practical companion when traveling, in everyday life, hiking or as a replacement for a handbag. Backpacks are ideal as a light bag for bicycle and motorcycle trips.

Backpacks with a laptop compartment are ideal for work, school or university.

What are the dimensions of a normal backpack?

A normal backpack for men and women can have different sizes as they are made in different designs and for different purposes. However, the sizes of an average backpack can usually be something like this:

Height: 40 cm - 50 cm and width: 20 cm - 30 cm and depth: 15 cm - 25 cm

It is important to note that these backpack sizes are just averages and there can always be models that deviate from them depending on the brand, feature, material, design, model and intended use. There are small daypacks for everyday use, medium-sized backpacks for hiking and large travel backpacks for longer trips or outdoor adventures.

What do I need to consider when buying a backpack?

It is important what purpose the backpack is used for. The function and size or volume should be based on this. Many of the vintage backpacks in our range are primarily intended for day trips (so-called day backpacks or daypacks) and not for long tours. Small to medium backpacks with a capacity of 20-30 liters are ideal for day trips.

The size of the backpack also depends on the size of the wearer. The length of the back of the backpack should not exceed the length of the wearer's back. When trying on the backpack, the shoulder straps should be adjusted so that the backpack ends above the lower back.

If you are looking for a companion for a longer tour, we recommend the Dale backpack. This backpack has two advantages: It is waterproof and does not need a rain cover. The main compartment volume is variable from 40-60 liters and offers you plenty of space for clothes for 4-6 days.

When choosing the right upper material, the price is also important, in addition to the intended use. Canvas (pure cotton) is a little lighter and cheaper, but also less dimensionally stable than leather. Leather is particularly classy, ​​but unfortunately it also has its price.

The choice of design and color also depends very much on personal preferences and the intended use. We tend to recommend a muted color, such as green or beige, for trips into nature and for wildlife observation, in order to be less conspicuous. For all other backpacks, any color that you enjoy is allowed.

What types of backpacks are there?

There are a variety of products designed for different purposes and activities. Here are some of the most common types of backpacks:

Daypack:

Small, lightweight backpack that is ideal for everyday use, whether at school, at work or when strolling around town. A daypack is perfect for a trip into the city. That's why these backpacks are also called city backpacks.

Hiking backpack or travel backpack:

This backpack is specially designed for hiking, trekking and world travel. It generally offers much more comfort, details, storage space and is equipped with useful functions such as a hip belt, back system, carrying system, chest strap, ventilation or additional attachment options for accessories.

Laptop backpack:

Specially designed backpack with a padded compartment to safely carry a laptop and other electronic devices.

Roll-top backpack or bike backpack:

These backpacks are ergonomically designed and have a rollable edge, making them variable in size. These designs are also perfect for transporting sports equipment.

School backpack:

Bags that are specially designed for school use to carry books, notebooks and other school supplies. Ideally, backpacks in this range are lightweight and have a compartment for a laptop. However, the items in our current range are not suitable for children under 12 years of age.

Military backpack:

Robust backpacks that are valued by military personnel and outdoor enthusiasts for their durability and features. As classic marching gear, they are also perfect for hiking. They always have a cool look.

Are DRAKENSBERG backpacks waterproof?

Most of our products are not waterproof or water resistant.

The Adam and Dale items are made of waxed cotton and are water-repellent. These backpacks can withstand a lot of rain and are particularly dimensionally stable thanks to the wax incorporated into the outer material.

For reasons of authenticity, we deliberately leave the rest of our range in its natural and non-impregnated state. However, our backpacks for men and women can be relatively easily impregnated for everyday use and are then at least water-repellent. Colorless impregnation sprays for leather and textiles are suitable for this, e.g. IMPRÄGNOL Universal Impregnation Spray. Alternatively, our cotton fabrics can also be treated with wax. For example, with Dr. Gee's Impregnation Wax. We recommend testing the wax on an inconspicuous area of ​​the material according to the instructions before treating the entire bag. Please note: The color usually becomes 1-2 shades darker with the impregnation wax.

You can only get a bag that is 100% waterproof if it is made entirely of plastic.

Is the Henry backpack based on the Swiss Army design?

In fact, the classic Swiss army backpacks are very similar to our looks and designs. However, we have based the style more on the civilian form of mountain backpacks. In terms of quality and functionality, however, our designs are in no way inferior to the classic military backpacks. Perfect companions for everyday life.

What is the best backpack brand?

DRAKENSBERG bags are anything but ordinary. Sustainability is not an advertising statement for us, but part of the look and the features. We are interested in authentic travel companions that could have been made in a similar form 200 years ago. In other words, with natural materials, without polyester or nylon. Instead, pure cotton, full-grain and vegetable-tanned leather and every zipper from YKK.

There are currently no top brands for men's and women's bags that we could look up to. Even the big brands continue to use classic chrome tanning and manipulate the surface of the leather. Plastic lamination, in which a foam insert is used to imitate a thicker leather material, is also widespread in the industry.

“Vegan” leather is often a form of commercially available plastic anyway. It is very rare to find leather-like materials that are actually made 100% from plants. The term natural leather is also currently experiencing inflation. For us, leather that is reinforced with foam is not “natural leather” but rather inferior leather.

In the 21st century, a good backpack should convey a good and honest feeling and should not make empty promises. At DRAKENSBERG, we largely avoid using plastics. Our leather or canvas is not laminated with plastic. Our outer fabrics do not contain nylon or polyester. The leather used is sustainably vegetable tanned, even if not completely free of chrome. An original with rough edges, but an honest character.