AS A former editor of various outdoors magazines, I have had the opportunity over the years to put to through their paces a huge assortment of backpacks, from foldaway to day to multi-day packs.
I was, therefore, curious to check out a line new to me and available through Castlepak, who showcase the coolest backpacks and also provide top-rated customer service. Based in the UK and shipping worldwide, Castlepak aim to provide a memorable experience when you shop on their online store. You will also find some handy articles on backpacking.
As the company states, searching for a backpack for any purpose can be a daunting task, whether the bag is for school, work, hiking, camping or travelling. There are a few factors that can help determine which one you ultimately choose. The amount of space you need, the right size for your body, the features you need, and what you are going to be doing with it all contribute to your decision. These are two that caught my eye.
Vintage Canvas Backpack
Vintage is the new modern. This canvas pack might hark back to a simpler era, but it offers a stylish yet casual look and a wealth of space. Reminiscent of the packs used by the early Alpinists, the vintage-styled drawstring backpack will prove perfect for either long-term travel or everyday use. Constructed of a high quality canvas material with soft, distressed leather straps, the pack features a zippered front pocket and two zippered side pockets, offering plenty of storage and with quick and easy access. Access to the main compartment is via the drawstring and two leather straps, where you will find three more pockets, two of them zippered, plus dedicated space for a 15-inch laptop. The back of the pack also contains a discreet zippered pocket for valuables. The padded straps are adjustable, and there is also a top looped carry handle. If we are talking value for money, at £27, it doesn’t come much better than this.
Union Blue Fashion Backpack
The ladies will love the Union Blue Fashion Backpack, with its chic design which is both classic and eye-catching. The soft-feel canvas material with its distinctive colourway has a nautical appeal. Access to the voluminous main compartment is via a zipper. The fully lined interior houses Velcro pockets, along with a separate padded laptop compartment. The pack also boasts a large outside zippered pocket. As for the colour, the top portion is solid blue, whilst the lower section comes in blue and white stripes, with cream-coloured back and the back straps hosting the same nautical blue and white stripes. Clearly designed with today’s tech-savvy female in mind, the Blue Fashion Backpack costs £17 and is ideal for carrying those handy essentials on a train or plane.
