When Should You Get A New Backpack? (Know the Signs)

How many backpacks do you own? Maybe you found the best backpack 10 years ago and since it never broke and still works, you haven’t bought a new one. Or, maybe you own five backpacks and have one for all the different things you need them for.

No one backpack is the same as the next. Backpacks differ in quality, function, comfort, size, and the list goes on.
So when should you get a new backpack? After all, a brand-new backpack can be an expensive investment, especially when it comes to high-quality products.

Let’s take a deeper look into all the reasons behind getting a new backpack so that you can be sure it is time to add one to your collection.

When Your Backpack Is Falling Apart or Not Functional Anymore

The most obvious reason to get a new backpack is when your current backpack has come to the end of its life. But, how long do backpacks last?

Eventually, every backpack will fall apart due to wear and tear. If you start finding issues like zippers not working, frayed fabric, buckles not closing, or straps wearing away, you have a good reason to get a new backpack.

Say you have a waterproof backpack, and it isn’t waterproof anymore, this is also another great reason to buy a new backpack.

But, this is not always the case. Even if your backpack is starting to break, it might not need to be thrown away as if it is high-end, chances are it came with a lifetime warranty.

Osprey, for example, has a lifetime warranty on all the backpacks and will repair or replace a backpack when it starts to wear out.

So, before you go shopping for a new backpack, pause and check the warranty on your current backpack, as you might just get a new one for free.

When You Need A Different Backpack For A Different Purpose

There are so many different types of backpacks on the market and for good reasons. One backpack simply can’t do it all, and we need different backpacks for different adventures.

Your work/travel backpack with a laptop compartment isn’t going to cut it when you go backpacking around Nepal for example.

I work on boats a lot and when I started out, the first thing I bought was a waterproof backpack. I couldn’t wade across rivers and ocean flats with my camera equipment in a normal backpack, I had to have a waterproof backpack to protect everything inside.

If you need a backpack for a specific purpose, like work/school/sports for example, then it is certainly worth considering buying a new one.

But, you should also think about how often you are going to use the backpack. If you are going sailing for a few days but do it once every three years, maybe getting a waterproof backpack is overkill.

If Your Backpack Doesn’t Carry As Much As You Need It To

Size matters when it comes to backpacks and you can easily find yourself needing to carry more in life than you did in the past.

Maybe you just started getting into overnight hiking and need a backpack that can handle it. Your old one for big backpacking trips will be too big or a work backpack will be too small and uncomfortable.

Or perhaps you just started studying again and need a backpack that you can carry all your books around comfortably between home and your lectures.

Things change in life and sometimes these changes call for a new backpack, so this is a great time to decide to go shopping for a new one.

When Your Backpack Isn’t Comfortable To Carry Around

Let’s face it, if a backpack isn’t comfortable to carry, then you are not going to use it. Unfortunately, backpacks can get less comfortable over time and therefore might need upgrading at some point.

Also, our body shapes change a lot depending on what we are doing. If you just started surfing every day, your shoulders will grow and your current backpack might start digging in and be uncomfortable.

To add to this, a backpack that is not comfy can cause back problems, especially when heavy. Luckily it is an easy problem to fix, simply go and grab a new backpack that gives you the support you need.

If You Care About Fashion and Your Backpack Is Outdated

Some people, myself included, like to meet the demands of current fashion. If you don’t like the look of your backpack anymore and think it is not cool, you are not going to use it.

Perhaps then it is time to go and find a new one that you feel good about wearing instead of wearing your old one and not enjoying using it.

What To Ask Yourself Before Buying A New Backpack

Now that we know when you should buy a new backpack, let’s take a look at what to think about so you can buy the right backpack for your needs the first time around.

What Do You Need It For?

The first question to ask is what do you want your backpack to do? A great backpack is one that makes your life easier in the activity you are going to use it in.

For example, I have a waterproof backpack that is submersible. It has held me afloat like a life jacket when I swim across creeks and rivers while keeping everything inside bone dry. So it makes life on the water as easy as can be.

Is your backpack for travel? Then good pockets with organization are key along with a laptop compartment that gives you quick and easy access at security. Also, a sleeve to attach it to your wheelie luggage handle will make a world of difference.

The same goes for a hiking/camping backpack. Does it have all the space, necessary separate compartments, hydration reservoir, and supportive straps you need when walking through the mountains?

Define what you would like your backpack to do before you even look for new backpacks, as you will be able to find exactly what you want with some research.

Where Are You Going To Use It?

Considering where you are going to use your pack defines a lot about how the pack needs to be.

For example, if you are looking for a work backpack but live in a rainy area and walk to work every day, you might want your backpack to be waterproof. This will make sure your laptop and other things are always safe and don’t get water damage.

If you are planning on hiking through the mountains, the build quality of your backpack really matters. It is going to experience harsh terrains, scrape rocks, and be left on the ground so it needs to be made of thick materials to handle it.

Is it Comfy to Carry?

Carrying comfort is one of the most important things about a backpack. If it is not comfy when full or might give you back problems when you wear it, it is not going to get used and is a waste of money.

Look for padded back panels that are breathable, padded shoulder straps, sternum straps that take the load off your shoulders, and for big packs – hip belts that take the strain.

Brand Warranty

Generally speaking, the better the brand the better the backpack and the warranty but the more expensive the pack is likely to be.

Think about the warranty you want with your backpack. Some brands (like Osprey) offer lifetime warranty whereas others only offer a 1-year warranty.

In my opinion, never get a backpack that doesn’t have at least a 2-year warranty with it. If a manufacturer doesn’t believe in their pack enough to back it for 2 years, then you probably shouldn’t either.

How Much Should You Spend?

Backpacks range from $30 to $400, but how much should you be spending?

Well, generally speaking, you pay for what you get in the world of backpacks and a cheaper option is out to wear out a lot quicker than a more expensive one. Also, more expensive options will usually be more comfortable and can do a lot more than cheap ones.

I would advise against ever buying a budget backpack unless you are only going to use it to carry light loads for short periods, like taking kids’ toys to the park down the road.

Otherwise, always go for mid-priced backpacks or above as they will be more comfortable, better quality, have more functions, better warranty, and you will enjoy using them more.