A good backpack is one of those bits of kit you use every single day without thinking about it, until you have one that does not work. Whether you are commuting, heading to college, catching a flight, or hitting the trail, the right pack carries your gear comfortably, keeps it organised, and stands up to constant use.

Our backpacks range covers everyday and street packs, commuter bags, hiking and camping packs, and compact sling and waist bags from trusted brands. Built around durable fabrics and smart storage, these are packs designed for real life, from the daily commute to a weekend in the hills.

Not sure which pack suits you? The guide below walks through the types, sizes, and features. Browse the range below, and take a look at our luggage range if you need something larger for travel.

What's in the Backpacks Range?

This collection focuses on packs you carry on your back, from compact everyday bags to larger hiking packs. It covers street and commuter backpacks for daily use, hiking and camping packs for the outdoors, and small sling and waist bags for carrying just the essentials. Whatever you need to carry and wherever you are going, there is a pack here to match.

The emphasis is on durability, comfort, and organisation. A backpack lives a hard life, so quality fabrics, strong zips, and comfortable straps are what set a good pack apart from one that falls apart.

Types of Backpack

• Street and everyday packs: versatile bags for commuting, college, and daily carry, often with a laptop sleeve
• Commuter backpacks: organised packs with padded tech storage for work and study
• Hiking and camping packs: larger packs with supportive harnesses for the trail and overnight trips
• Sling bags: compact single-strap bags for quick access to essentials
• Waist packs: minimal bags for keeping valuables close and hands free

Most people have a main everyday pack and add a sling or waist bag for lighter days and travel.

Choosing the Right Backpack

The right pack comes down to how you'll use it. Think about what you carry day to day, whether you need a laptop sleeve, and how much space you want to spare. Capacity is measured in litres: around 15 to 25 litres suits everyday carry and commuting, 25 to 35 litres gives extra room for longer days and college, and larger packs handle hiking and overnight loads.

Consider the kind of access you prefer too, from simple top-loading to panel openings that let you reach everything at once. Matching the pack to your daily routine makes it a pleasure to use rather than a compromise.

Features Worth Looking For

A few details make a backpack far more useful.

• Padded laptop and tablet sleeves: essential for commuters and students
• Comfortable, padded straps: spread the load and prevent shoulder strain
• Organised compartments: keep tech, documents, and everyday items separate and accessible
• Durable, water-resistant fabric: protects your gear in the rain
• Secure pockets: for valuables like phones, keys, and wallets

For hiking packs, a supportive hip belt that carries the weight on your hips becomes the most important feature of all.

Comfort and Fit

Comfort makes the difference between a pack you reach for and one you leave at home. Padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel keep an everyday pack comfortable, while a well-fitted hiking pack uses a hip belt and adjustable harness to carry heavier loads on your hips rather than your shoulders.

Load the pack sensibly, with heavier items close to your back and centred for balance, and adjust the straps so it sits snugly without pulling on your shoulders. A comfortable pack feels lighter even when it is full.

Caring for Your Backpack

A little care keeps a pack going for years.

• Empty it out regularly and shake out crumbs and grit
• Spot-clean marks and wipe down the fabric rather than machine washing
• Keep zips clean and free of grit so they run smoothly
• Air it out fully if it gets wet to prevent mould and odours
• Store it somewhere dry, loosely rather than crushed

Grit in the zips and damp left to sit are the main causes of wear, so a quick clean and a proper dry go a long way.

If you split your time between the commute and the outdoors, consider a pack that bridges both, or keep a dedicated one for each. A rugged everyday pack handles daily carry and the odd trip away, while a proper hiking pack with a supportive hip belt comes into its own on the trail and alongside your camping equipment for overnight adventures.

How Much Do Backpacks Cost?

Prices depend on the size, the materials, and the features. Simple everyday packs sit at the lower end of the range, commuter and street packs with tech storage fall in the middle, and larger hiking packs with supportive harnesses sit higher. A more expensive pack usually means tougher fabrics, better comfort, and a longer life.

For a pack you'll use daily, it is worth investing in comfort and durability, as a good backpack repays itself over years of use. You'll find a spread of budgets across the range.

Why Buy Your Backpack from Surface2Air Sports?

We have been serving active, on-the-go customers since 2002, with a shop in Poole and a full range online.

• Everyday, commuter, hiking, and sling bags in one place
• Trusted outdoor and lifestyle brands
• A spread of sizes and budgets
• Honest advice on sizing, comfort, and features
• In-store help and online support

Whether you need a daily commuter or a pack for the hills, we can help you find the right one. Explore our outdoor accessories and larger luggage ranges for more carrying options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacks

What size backpack do I need?

Around 15 to 25 litres for everyday carry and commuting, 25 to 35 litres for longer days and college, and larger packs for hiking and overnight trips.

Do your backpacks have laptop sleeves?

Many everyday and commuter packs include padded laptop or tablet sleeves. Check the product details for each pack.

What is the difference between a street pack and a hiking pack?

Street packs are designed for daily carry and commuting with tech storage, while hiking packs are larger with supportive harnesses and hip belts for carrying heavier loads on the trail.

Are the backpacks water-resistant?

Many use durable, water-resistant fabrics suited to the weather, though few are fully waterproof. Check the details for each pack.

What is a sling bag good for?

A sling bag is a compact single-strap pack for quick access to your essentials, ideal for lighter days and travel when a full backpack is more than you need.

How do I carry a heavy pack comfortably?

Pack heavier items close to your back and centred, and on hiking packs use the hip belt so the weight sits on your hips rather than your shoulders.

How do I keep zips working smoothly?

Keep them clean and free of grit, and wipe them after dusty or sandy trips. Grit is the main cause of stiff and failing zips.

Do you sell larger travel bags too?

Yes. Our luggage range covers larger travel bags, duffels, and wheeled luggage for trips away.