What is a rolltop backpack?

A roll-top backpack is a versatile and fashionable companion that stands out thanks to its unique closure mechanism. This style of backpack has a flexible top part that is rolled to close access to the main compartment. The roll-top construction allows for flexible adjustment of the storage space as needed and gives the backpack a modern look that is ideal for the urban lifestyle, commuting and leisure activities.

Rolltop backpacks come in a variety of sizes and designs to suit individual style and practical needs. They often offer multiple pockets and compartments for organizing items such as laptops, water bottles, and other daily essentials. With their combination of functionality and aesthetics, rolltop backpacks are a popular choice for modern women and men who value versatile and stylish accessories.

Rolltop backpacks have their roots in the 90s, inspired by the design of bicycle messenger backpacks that are familiar from the big cities of the world. This trendy rolltop look was influenced by the versatile backpacks of bicycle messengers that adapted to the needs of urban commuters. A striking feature is their variable size, which allows the backpack to be rolled up or down depending on its contents, thus ensuring flexible adaptation to the respective requirements.

Is the roll closure on the rolltop backpack practical?

The rollable edge of the rolltop backpack is extremely practical. This closure mechanism offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows flexibility in adjusting the storage space. You can roll the backpack tighter or wider, depending on the amount of items you want to transport. This makes the roll closure particularly suitable for situations in which the space requirements of the backpack can change.

Secondly, the roll-top closure offers increased water resistance. Since the top part of the backpack is rolled and there is no traditional opening with a zipper or buckle, the risk of water ingress is reduced. This is particularly advantageous during outdoor activities or rainy weather, as the contents are better protected from moisture. Overall, the practical roll-top closure helps make the roll-top backpack a functional and versatile choice for different occasions.

How much storage space does a backpack with roll top function have?

The optimal amount of interior space for a roll top backpack for men and women can vary depending on individual needs, intended use and personal preferences. However, a good guideline for a versatile roll top backpack is around 20 to 30 liters of volume.

This size offers enough space for daily essentials such as a laptop, books, water bottle and maybe a jacket without overloading the backpack. It is important to have enough space for the planned activities without compromising comfort and freedom of movement. If you have special requirements, such as longer trips or carrying sports equipment, a larger backpack might be useful. Remember that in addition to the main compartment, additional pockets and compartments are also important for organizing small items. Our Dale roll-top backpack offers you a particularly large storage volume. This model can be expanded to 60 liters.

Which compartments should a rolltop backpack have?

A roll top backpack for men and women should have a few key compartments to ensure functionality and organization. A backpack with an adjustable roll top closure offers versatile storage space that can be expanded or compressed depending on the contents.

A padded laptop compartment is essential for keeping electronic devices safe and secure. Additionally, well-placed interior zippered pockets and exterior pockets are essential for keeping personal items organized and easily accessible, whether it's for keys, phone or water bottle. Think about the number and type of compartments you need to keep your items organized, e.g. laptop compartment, water bottle holder, interior pockets, etc.

A side compartment for water bottles or PET bottles is also useful.

A particularly practical compartment for charging cables, chargers and laptop accessories is available. You will find such a gadget compartment at the front of our Arthur backpack.

Which material is best for rolling backpacks?

In addition to plastics, there are a variety of material categories that are well suited for backpacks with a roll-top function. Some popular variants are:

Canvas: Canvas is durable and flexible at the same time. It gives the backpack a classic look and can also be treated to be water-repellent.

Wax-coated canvas: A wax-coated fabric such as waxed canvas offers additional protection against water and wear. The coolest look for backpacks in the range and a mega trend!

Leather: Leather gives rolling backpacks an elegant design and a durable character. However, leather requires a certain amount of care to maintain its quality. The price of leather backpacks can also be a bit higher.

Plastic/polyester: Backpacks made of plastic or polyester dominate the market and there are only a few brands that consciously avoid plastic. Although plastic has many advantages, such as being lightweight and water-resistant, plastic is not environmentally friendly because it is often not biodegradable, takes a long time to decompose and pollutes the environment with pollution and microplastics.

Are DRAKENSBERG rolling backpacks waterproof?

Many of our unisex backpack models are not designed to be completely waterproof or water-resistant.

The Adam and Dale models are made from waxed cotton fabric and offer water repellency. They can withstand light rain and retain their shape thanks to the wax incorporated into the upper material.

In order to preserve authenticity, the other products in our range deliberately remain in their natural, unimpregnated state. However, our backpacks can be relatively easily impregnated for everyday use to at least make them water-repellent. Colorless waterproofing sprays for leather and textiles are suitable for this, such as the IMPRÄGNOL Universal Waterproofing Spray. Alternatively, the cotton fabrics can also be treated with wax, such as Dr. Gee's Waterproofing Wax. We recommend testing the wax on an inconspicuous area or side of the material according to the instructions before treating the entire bag. Please note: The waterproofing wax can usually make the color 1-2 shades darker.

What can I use a rolltop backpack for?

Rolltop backpacks are versatile all-rounders for leisure, everyday life, training and work.

Daily use:

A unisex roll-top backpack is perfect for everyday use. It can be used to carry books, laptops, tablets, snacks and other personal items for school, city, work or leisure use. We offer a large selection of daypacks in many colors and shapes in our online shop.

On holiday:

Rolltop backpacks are also suitable for vacation trips. You can use these models for weekend trips or city explorations to conveniently store clothes, travel documents, cameras and other travel items.

Hiking and outdoor activities:

Some backpack models are robust enough for hiking and outdoor activities. They offer space for equipment such as water bottles, snacks, hiking maps, sunscreen and even a light jacket. The padding on the straps offers comfort on longer journeys and relieves the strain on the back. Our recommendations are the Dale backpack and the Adam rolling backpack. These are currently available in the colors: forest green and khaki sand.

Ride a bike:

Inspired by bike messengers, roll-top backpacks are ideal for cyclists. They offer a compact way to carry essentials such as pet bottles, tools and personal items on your back while cycling.

University and school:

Pupils and students can use a roll-top backpack to organize their textbooks, notebooks, pens and other school supplies. A laptop compartment protects tablets and laptop computers when transporting them to college or school.

Free time activities:

Whether you're heading to the gym, taking a trip to the park or the beach, a roll-top backpack can easily hold your workout clothes, snacks, sunscreen, toiletries and other essentials. Plenty of flexibility in size for all leisure eventualities.

Work:

For work environments where a more casual design is acceptable, a roll-top backpack can be a stylish way to carry work documents, laptop and other work essentials.

What is the best roll top backpack brand?

The roll-top models for men and women from DRAKENSBERG are anything but ordinary. Sustainability is not just an empty advertising statement for us, but an integral part of the design and properties of our products. We rely on authentic travel companions that could have been produced in a similar form 200 years ago - from natural materials such as pure cotton and full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather. It is also kind to the environment and to people.

Currently, we lack role models in the field of top companies for women's and men's bags. Even big brands continue to use traditional chrome tanning and manipulate the leather surfaces in their products. Also widely used is plastic lamination, which uses a foam insert to imitate the thickness of the leather.

A high-quality bag in the 21st century should not only be functional, but also convey an authentic and honest feeling. At DRAKENSBERG, we largely avoid using plastics. Our leather and canvas are not coated with plastic. Our outer materials contain neither nylon nor polyester. The leather used is sustainably and mostly vegetable tanned - although not entirely without the use of chrome. Our products are real eye-catchers with character and honesty, even if they have rough edges. Faithful companions for adventures while traveling or in nature. And all of this at a fair price, thanks to the elimination of middlemen.