Striking men's rolltop backpacks for the modern man

What is a Rolltop Backpack for Men?

A rolltop backpack for men is a versatile and stylish companion that stands out with its unique closure mechanism. This backpack style features a flexible top part that is rolled to secure access to the main compartment. The rolltop construction allows for flexible adjustment of storage space as needed, giving the backpack a modern look that's ideal for urban lifestyle, commuting, and leisure activities.

Rolltop backpacks for men come in various sizes and designs to fulfill individual style and practical requirements. 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 men who value versatile and stylish accessories.

Since When Have There Been Rolltop Backpacks for Men?

Rolltop backpacks for men have their origins in the 90s, inspired by the design of bicycle courier backpacks known from major cities around the world. This trendy rolltop look was shaped by the versatile backpacks of bicycle couriers that adapted to the needs of urban commuters. A distinctive feature is their variable size, which allows the backpack to be rolled up or down according to content, ensuring flexible storage volume adjustment to specific requirements.

Is the Roll Closure Practical for Rolltop Backpacks?

The rollable edge on the rolltop backpack for men is extremely practical. This closure mechanism offers several advantages. Firstly, it provides flexibility in adjusting storage space. You can roll the backpack tighter or looser, depending on the amount of items you want to carry. This makes the roll closure particularly suitable for situations where the backpack's content may change.

Secondly, the rolltop closure offers increased water resistance. As the upper part of the backpack is rolled, eliminating a traditional zipper or buckle opening, the risk of water penetration is reduced. This is especially beneficial for outdoor activities or rainy weather, as it better protects the contents from moisture. Overall, the practical roll closure contributes to making the rolltop backpack a functional and versatile choice for various occasions.

How Much Storage Space in a Backpack with Rolltop Function?

The optimal amount of storage space for a rolltop backpack can vary depending on individual needs, intended use, and personal preferences. However, a good rule of thumb for a versatile rolltop backpack is about 20 to 30 liters of volume.

This size provides sufficient space for daily essentials such as a laptop, books, water bottle, and possibly a jacket, without overloading the backpack. It's important to have enough room for planned activities without compromising comfort and freedom of movement. If you have specific requirements, such as longer trips or carrying sports equipment, a backpack with a larger capacity may be useful. Keep in mind that in addition to the main compartment, additional pockets and compartments for organizing small items are important. Our Rolltop Backpack Dale offers particularly large storage volume that can be expanded to 60 liters.

What Compartments Should a Foldtop Backpack for Men Have?

A rolltop backpack for both men and women should have some essential pockets and compartments to ensure functionality and organization. A backpack with an adjustable roll closure offers versatile storage space that can expand or compress depending on the content.

A padded laptop compartment is essential for securely transporting electronic devices. Additionally, well-placed interior and exterior pockets are crucial for keeping personal items organized and easily accessible, whether it's for keys, phone, or water bottle. Consider the number and types of pockets and compartments you need to keep your items organized, such as a laptop compartment, water bottle holder, interior pockets, etc.

A side pocket for water bottles or PET bottles is also practical.

A compartment for charging cables, chargers, and laptop accessories is also useful. You'll find such a gadget compartment at the front of our Arthur backpack.

Which Material is Best for Rolltop Backpacks for Men?

In addition to plastics, there are various material categories that are suitable for rolltop backpacks for men (and women). Some popular options include:

Canvas:

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

Waxed Canvas:

A wax-coated fabric like waxed canvas provides additional protection against water and wear. The coolest trend for backpacks in the lineup!

Leather:

Leather gives rolltop backpacks for men an elegant design and lasting character. However, leather can be a bit heavier and requires some care to maintain its quality. The price of leather backpacks may also be somewhat higher.

When choosing the material, consider both aesthetics, details, and functionality to ensure that the backpack meets your needs and personal style.

Plastic/Polyester:

Backpacks made of plastic or polyester dominate the market, and there are only a few brands consciously avoiding plastics. While plastic has many advantages, such as low weight and water resistance, it's not environmentally friendly because it's often not biodegradable, takes a long time to break down, and can pollute the environment through contamination and microplastics.

Are the Men's Rolltop Backpacks from DRAKENSBERG Waterproof?

Many of our backpack models for men and women are not designed for complete waterproofing or water resistance.

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

To maintain authenticity, the remaining items in our range are intentionally kept in their natural, non-impregnated state. However, our backpacks for men and women can be relatively easily impregnated for everyday use to make them water repellent. For this purpose, colorless impregnating sprays for leather and textiles are suitable, such as IMPRÄGNOL Universal Impregnating Spray. Alternatively, the cotton fabrics can also be treated with wax, such as Dr. Gee's Impregnating Wax. We recommend testing the wax according to the instructions beforehand in an inconspicuous area on the material before treating the entire bag. Please note: The impregnating wax can typically make the color 1-2 shades darker.

100% waterproofness is only achievable if the bag is entirely made of plastic, which we reject for formal aesthetic reasons.

What Can I Use a Rolltop Backpack For?

Rolltop backpacks for men and women are versatile all-rounders for leisure, daily life, education, and work.

Daily Use:

A men's rolltop backpack is perfect for everyday use. It can be used to carry books, laptop, tablet, snacks, and other personal items for school, university, work, or leisure use. We offer a wide range of daypacks in various colors and shapes in our online shop.

Commuting:

If you commute, whether to work or school, a men's rolltop backpack provides ample space for everything you need during your journey, including a laptop, documents, water bottle, and more.

While on Vacation:

Men's rolltop backpacks are also suitable for vacation trips. You can use these models for weekend getaways or city explorations to conveniently store clothes, travel documents, a camera, and other travel essentials.

Hiking and Outdoor Activities:

Some men's backpack models are robust enough for hiking and outdoor activities. They provide 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 distances, relieving the back. Our recommendations are the Dale backpack and the Adam rolltop backpack, currently available in the colors Forest Green and Khaki Sand.

Cycling:

Inspired by bicycle couriers, rolltop backpacks for men are ideal for cyclists. They offer a compact way to carry essential items such as PET bottles, tools, and personal belongings while cycling.

University and School:

Male students can use a men's rolltop backpack to organize their textbooks, notebooks, pens, and other school supplies. A laptop compartment protects tablets and laptop computers during transportation to university or school.

Leisure Activities:

Whether you're going to the gym, the park, or the beach, a rolltop backpack can easily accommodate your sportswear, snacks, sunscreen, hygiene items, and more. Its flexibility in size suits all leisure activities.

Work:

In work environments where a more casual style is acceptable, a rolltop backpack can be a stylish way to carry work documents, laptops, and other work essentials.

What is the Best Foldtop Backpack Brand for Men?

The bag models from DRAKENSBERG are far from ordinary. Sustainability is not just an empty slogan for us; it's an integral part of the design and characteristics of our products. We focus on authentic travel companions that could have been made in a similar form over 200 years ago - from natural materials like pure cotton and full-grain, vegetable-tanned leather. Moreover, it's eco-friendly and human-friendly.

Currently, there is a lack of role models in the top brands for women's bags. Even large companies continue to rely on traditional chrome tanning for their products and manipulate leather surfaces. The widespread use of plastic lamination, where foam inserts are used to mimic the thickness of leather, is also problematic.

"Vegan" leather is often made from conventional plastics. True leather-like outer fabrics that are 100% plant-based are extremely rare. The term "genuine leather" is often overused. Leather reinforced with foam does not meet our definition of "genuine leather"; it is of inferior quality.

In the 21st century, a high-quality backpack should not only be functional but also convey an authentic and honest feel. At DRAKENSBERG, we largely avoid the use of plastics. Our leather and canvas are not coated with plastic. Our top materials do not contain nylon or polyester. The leather we use is sustainably and mostly vegetable-tanned - even if not entirely without the use of chrome. Our products are originals with character and honesty, even if they have edges and corners. Loyal companions for adventures in travel or nature.