What is a men’s backpack?

A backpack for men 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.

A backpack for men 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, during sports, trekking 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 dimensions should a men’s backpack have?

A backpack for men can be of 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 is important when I buy a men's backpack?

Choosing the right backpack depends largely on its intended use. Both the functions and the size or volume should be tailored to this. Our vintage backpacks are primarily designed for day trips, i.e. as so-called day backpacks or daypacks, and are less suitable for longer tours. For day trips, we recommend backpacks with a capacity of 20-30 liters.

The size of the backpack should also correspond to the height of the wearer. The back length of the backpack should not exceed that of the wearer. 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 longer tours, we recommend the "Dale" backpack. This backpack offers two advantages: it is a space saver and waterproof. Its main compartment volume varies between 40 and 60 liters and offers enough space for clothes for 4-6 days.

The choice of the right outer material depends not only on the intended use but also on the price. The material "canvas" (pure cotton) is lighter and cheaper, but less dimensionally stable than leather. Leather, on the other hand, gives the backpack a classy look, but also comes with a higher price.

The decision regarding designs and colors also depends largely on personal preferences and the intended use. For trips into nature or for wildlife watching, it is recommended to choose muted colors such as green or beige in order to be less conspicuous. For all other backpacks, anything that brings joy is allowed in terms of color selection.

What types of backpacks are there for men?

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 for men 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 day packs.

Hiking backpack or travel backpack:

This backpack is specially designed for hiking, vacations, trekking tours 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 for men are ergonomically designed and have a rollable edge, making them particularly flexible. Rolling backpacks are also perfect for transporting sports equipment.

School backpack:

Backpacks with storage space that are specially designed for school or university use to carry books, notebooks and other school supplies. Ideally, models from 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 in your free time. They always have a cool look.

Are DRAKENSBERG men’s backpacks waterproof?

Most of our bags are not waterproof or water resistant.

The Adam and Dale items are made of waxed cotton and are water-repellent. These models 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. Our men's backpacks can, however, 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.

Are DRAKENSBERG's men's backpacks modeled on old military backpacks?

In fact, the classic 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.

What is the best brand for men's backpacks?

DRAKENSBERG products are anything but ordinary. Sustainability is not an empty promise for us, but an integral part of the look and properties of our products. Our mission is to create authentic travel companions that could have been made in a similar way 200 years ago, using natural materials such as pure cotton, full-grain and vegetable-tanned leather and YKK zippers, without the use of polyester or nylon.

Currently, there are no established brands for men's bags that we could use as role models. Even major brands still rely on traditional chrome tanning and modify the surfaces of the leather. The widespread plastic lamination, in which a thicker leather material is imitated with a foam insert, is also common in the industry.

The term "vegan" leather often conceals commercially available plastic. It is rare to find leather-like materials that are made 100% from plants. Even the term "natural leather" is unfortunately used too often these days. For us, leather reinforced with foam is not "natural leather" but inferior.

In the 21st century, a high-quality backpack should convey a good and honest feeling and not make empty promises. At DRAKENSBERG, we largely avoid plastics. Neither our leather nor our canvas is laminated with plastic, and our outer fabrics contain neither nylon nor polyester. The leather we use is sustainably and mostly vegetable tanned, although we occasionally use chrome. This makes our bags authentic, unique pieces with style and character.