Thanks for tuning in to this post about, the best backpacks for back pain. I like many other people use a backpack to transport all of my “stuff” to and from work. All of my “stuff” includes a laptop, lunch, water bottle, glasses, and whatever else I think I will need during the day. The best way I have found to transport my gear is by using a backpack.
I in this post, I will outline what to look for when choosing a backpack as well as how to properly use one. This may sound simple but think about it from someone who suffers from back problems.
I much prefer a backpack to a laptop bag, and the reasons are pretty simple. I have a bad back, so using a backpack allows me to distribute the weight more evenly, so I am not overloading one side of my body. The laptop bag is hard to keep on one shoulder and makes me unbalanced.
Using a backpack also lets me have both of my hands-free, which allows me to walk smoother and swing my arms. This also helps me open doors easier since I have both hands free. All of these are things that I think about as a guy who has back pain. The easiest way to get from point A to point B with my gear and do so with the least amount of pain possible.
Tips for choosing the right backpack:
- Lightweight: I like a backpack that is not made from a heavier material, like leather, instead find something that is made of durable, lightweight material. This will make the pack itself lighter and help to keep the overall weight down. It seems like everything is getting lighter weight these days, so find yourself a lightweight backpack to start with.
- Well-padded straps: You will ideally want a pack with wide straps with plenty of padding. Padding is light and shouldn’t add much to the overall weight. Thin straps will dig into your shoulders, then you will not only have back pain but sore shoulders
- Multiple compartments: This will let you distribute the weight in your pack better. Rather than having all of the pressure in one place, bending you backward, multiple compartments will allow you to spread the load for a better fit. A lot of packs have a space for your laptop that is close to your body, which I think is a big help. For example, look for a pack with a laptop compartment, a larger space for other stuff, and a sleeve for a water bottle.
- Hip and chest belts: I never really gave this too much thought until I started using these additional straps. Hip and chest belts help to keep your pack secured around your torso. Anytime you are carrying something, a load of laundry, for instance, it is best to keep things close to your body. This is especially true if you have back problems. So, using the hip and chest straps can help to keep your pack more compact and maintain a better fit to your body.
- Padded back: It is nice to have padding where the backpack contacts your back, this just makes for a much more comfortable experience, and you will not have your laptop or other gear poking you in the shoulder.
Some things you want to avoid or watch out for when using or purchasing your backpack:
- Don’t overfill your pack: Ideally, the pack should only weigh about 10 percent of your body weight. This can be tough, especially for students, who have to carry a lot of gear with them. Too much weight in your pack will cause to your lean forward to support all that weight, and this can put extra strain on your neck and back.
- Use both straps: I know when I was a kid, carrying your backpack with only one strap over your shoulder was the cool thing to do. Well, now that I am an adult, and I am no longer cool, I totally understand using both straps. Carrying your pack with both shoulders helps to distribute the weight and keeps you properly aligned, so you are not favoring one side of your body. Using both shoulder straps also allows your hands to be free which can be a big help as well.
- Make sure your pack fits you: Using a backpack that is too big will cause the pack to sit really low, and this can cause extra strain. You want the pack to be snug and fit you well. When items are closer to your body, they are easier to carry. Be sure to purchase a backpack that fits you well.
Given all of these tips, let’s find some great packs!
Best Backpacks for Back Pain
SwissGear Travel Gear 1900
SwissGear is well known for designing quality packs, and this one is no exception. This backpack has a lot to offer and comes in a wide variety of colors.
Features
There are plenty of compartments to store all of your gear and keep you well balanced. Multiple pockets inside the pack to keep your accessories organized. The laptop sleeve is essential to a good backpack, and this unit also has a floating sleeve for your tablet as well.
The side of the pack has space for even more accessories and has a pocket for your water bottle. An integrated and very sturdy grab handle on top of the pack is super useful when you are in a hurry.
Pros
- Large main compartment
- Laptop compartment
- Floating tablet sleeve
- Lays flat for easy scanning at the airport
- Excellent padding for your back
- Contoured shoulder straps are adjustable for just the right fit
Cons
- Does not have a chest strap
Verdict
This is a great backpack that is capable of transporting your gear and helps to keep you organized. I recommend this pack for everyday use or travel.
- Tech Backpack: Pack all your essentials in the 1900 ScanSmart 17-inch laptop backpack specifically designed to speed you through airport security by allowing laptop-in-case scanning
- Secure Storage: This laptop backpack for men and women features an enhanced laptop compartment with zippered access for a 17-inch laptop and a padded TabletSafe tablet pocket
- Effortless Organization: Computer bag includes a main compartment with an accordion file holder and a RFID-protected organizer compartment with a removable key/fob clip and multiple divider pockets
- Multiple Pockets: Add-a-bag trolley strap slides over telescopic handles, 1 front and 2 side quick-access pocket secure essentials, and 2 mesh side pockets accommodate water bottles and umbrellas
- Comfortable To Carry: Lay-flat laptop bag includes ergonomically contoured, padded shoulder straps, adjustable compression straps, airflow back padding, and a reinforced, molded top handle
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack
This pack weighs in at around 1.5 pounds, and that is a definite bonus when you are trying to save your back. The large main compartment is designed to fit a lot of your gear. The front pocket is great for organizing miscellaneous accessories.
Features
There are a lot of compartments built in to help keep you well balanced and organized. The pack is durable, stylish and has a luggage strap that will attach to rolling luggage when you are traveling. Complete with an anti-theft pocket tucked neatly in the lower back area, this is perfect for keeping your passport or other valuables safe.
Pros
- USB charging port
- Carrying handle when you are on the go
- Water bottle holder on the side
- Laptop compartment and separate tablet sleeve
- Super-secret hiding spot for your valuables
- A lightweight and stylish pack
- Added padding in the back where you need it most
- Available in a wide variety of colors
Cons
- Does not have a chest or hip strap
Verdict
This is a great backpack for a lot of different users, including students, and travelers and business folks alike. There is a lot to like about this pack, and it has a lot of positive customer reviews. I like the variety of colors available. Padding, style, and functionality make this one of the best backpacks for back pain.
- ★LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE&POCKETS: One separate laptop compartment hold 15.6 Inch Laptop as well as 15 Inch,14 Inch and 13 Inch Laptop. One spacious packing compartment roomy for daily necessities,tech electronics accessories. Front compartment with many pockets, pen pockets and key fob hook, makes your item organized and easier to find
- ★COMFY&STURDY: Comfortable soft padded back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, gives you maximum back support. Breathable and adjustable shoulder straps relieve the stress of shoulder. Foam padded top handle for a long time carry on
- ★FUNCTIONAL&SAFE: A luggage strap allows backpack fit on luggage/suitcase, slide over the luggage upright handle tube for easier carrying. With a hidden anti theft pocket on the back protect your valuable items from thieves. Well made for international airplane travel and day trip as a travel gift for men
- ★USB PORT DESIGN: With built in USB charger outside and built in charging cable inside,this usb backpack offers you a more convenient way to charge your phone while walking. It's a great tech gift for him from wife, daughter and son. Please noted that this backpack doesn't power itself, usb charging port only offers an easy access to charge
- ★STURDY MATERIAL&SOLID: Made of Water Resistant and Sturdy Polyester Fabric with metal zippers. Ensure a secure & long-lasting usage everyday & weekend.Serve you well as professional office work bag,slim USB charging bagpack, back to college backpacks. Recommended age range: 5 years old and up
AmazonBasics Travel Laptop Backpack
This is the pack I own and use every day. There are a lot of great features, and I think this is a solid buy.
Features
What I love about this pack is the contoured, padded shoulder straps, making it very comfortable to wear, even for a long time. There are plenty of pockets, and a separate laptop compartment helps to keep you well balanced when you are on the go.
The large main compartment provides ample space, although there could be more internal pockets within this pouch. The grab handle is substantial and durable, and the pack has room for a water bottle on each side.
Pros
- A middle compartment can house a tablet and books, files or other such items
- The laptop compartment can easily fit a 17” computer
- The main zippered compartment is spacious
- The front pouch helps to keep you organized
- Side pockets with zippers
- A well-padded back really provides a comfortable fit
- Chest straps are an excellent added feature that helps to keep the pack snug on your body
Cons
- Could use some more pockets in the main compartment, but not a deal breaker
Verdict
This is an excellent backpack, and I love the shoulder straps, the chest strap, and the carrying capacity. It is a very comfortable pack to wear for extended periods, I highly recommend this backpack.
- Multi-compartment laptop backpack equipped with one large packing compartment, separate laptop compartment, tablet holder, and front pocket organizer
- Fits most 17-inch laptops; separate padded laptop compartment with zippered side entry for easy access and velcro strap to keep laptop in place
- Built-in padded tablet holder next to the laptop compartment for easy storage; fits iPad Air 2, iPad Mini 4, Samsung Galaxy Tab S2, Google Nexus 9, Amazon Fire HDX, and other tablets up to 12 inches
- Padded shoulder straps and back padding offer extra back support and comfort; top loop handle for a secure hold when picking up or moving the backpack
- Internal cell phone pouch with headphone port; water bottle pouches; removable key ring
Mancro Laptop Backpack
Features
Staying with the lightweight theme, this pack weighs about 1.5 pounds, which is a great starting point. This sleek pack comes in a variety of colors and holds a laptop less than 17 inches. This pack has a compartment for your laptop and can put other accessories in there as well.
Pros
- Built-in USB charging port
- Large comfortable shoulder straps that will not cut into your shoulders
- A small zipper pouch on the front for “little stuff”
- Water bottle holder on each side of the pack
Cons
- Does not have a grab handle on top
- No chest strap
Verdict
I like the fact that this pack is on the smaller side compared to some of the others. It is big enough to handle your gear, but not too big to weigh you down. I think this is a solid option, as it is a very nicely designed pack. Other customers are very pleased with this backpack.
- PERFECT SIZE & STORAGE SPACE: Laptop backpack with perfect size to hold things and your 15.6 inch laptop or 15 inch, 14 inch Macbook/Laptop. Convenient main pockets for iPad, charger, binders, books, clothes, ect. Inside pockets keep your wallet, phone. Front slanted pocket perfect for quick finds such as your ID for work, keys for open door, two side pockets for water bottle and compact umbrella make your items organized.
- USB PORT DESIGN: The usb charging durable bag with built in USB charger outside and built in charging cable inside, you can plug a mobile power hub into on the inside,then you just connect your usb cable to your waterproof backpack and plug in your device for easy charging.
- SAFETY & ANTI THEFT LOCK: This anti theft backpack for laptop comes with a LOCK so you never have to worry about someone stealing your laptop, ipad, business file, homework and anything value, keep you a nice peace of mind. Durable metal zippers close and open smoothly, ensure a secure and long-lasting usage everyday or weekend.
- COMFY & STURDY: Made from durable nylon fabric with Two "S" curve PADDED shoulder straps, relieve the stress of shoulder, simple but comfortable back design offers your great back support, making your working, journey and travelling more convenient wherever you go.
- MULTIPURPOSE & SIZE: 20 x 12.2 x 5.7 Inch, perfect to throw under your seat on an airplane when you are traveling or on business trip. Good choose for a business laptop backpack, backpack for travel, work backpack, laptop bag for men and women, also will be a good gifts for women, gifts for men, gifts for men or women and gift bag for travelers. THIS ITEM IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER
Conclusion: Best backpacks for back pain
There are a lot of backpacks on the market, and with so many options it can be very challenging to narrow it down. I have done some of the legwork for you with these selections.
If you press me to choose one, I would have to go with the one that I own, AmazonBasics. This pack has a lot of space for your gear and is easy to travel with. I love the chest strap, which helps keep the pack snug on my body. The only thing missing from this pack is the external USB, but other than that it is a solid choice.