Buying guide for Best Herschel backpacks
A backpack is one of the most convenient bags you can carry. It can hold quite a bit, it leaves your hands free, and it works for a wide range of activities – from school to camping. But if you find that backpacks are a little too rugged or plain looking for your tastes, it might be time to upgrade to a Herschel backpack.
Herschel backpacks are available in a wide range of styles, so it can be tough to figure out which one is best for your needs. You want to choose the right size, material, straps, and other features to fit your lifestyle and activities.
If you’re in the market for a Herschel backpack, you can find all the tips you need to choose the perfect bag in our handy shopping guide below.
Herschel backpack features to consider
There are plenty of backpack manufacturers on the market, so you might be wondering how Herschel bags differ from any other backpack. Herschel backpacks are made to be stylish as well as utilitarian. But the brand isn’t about trends. Herschel backpacks have a timeless look that works in every season.
Quality
Herschel backpacks are constructed to be highly functional and as convenient to use as possible. The backpacks are also highly durable, so even if you take one on a camping trip, you don’t have to worry about the elements ruining it.
Lining
Many shoppers particularly enjoy the attractive lining in every Herschel backpack. Each one is lined with a stripe or paisley pattern for a bit of unexpected personality.
Capacity
When you buy a backpack, you want to be sure that it has the right capacity for the items you plan to carry in it. Herschel backpacks range in size from small, which can hold 14.5 liters, to extra large, which can hold up to 27 liters. Backpacks that measure 14.5 to 19.5 liters in size are usually ideal for everyday bags for school, work, or errands. Models that are 19.5 to 27 liters are usually large enough for one- or two-day hiking or camping trips.
Fit
Herschel backpacks vary in size based on capacity. It’s important to consider the size of the backpack to help you get the right fit, which is key if you want the weight of the items to be evenly distributed across your body to avoid straining your shoulders and back. For the best fit, the bottom of the backpack should hit at your lower back but no more than four inches below your waist. The anchor points of the straps should fall approximately one to two inches below the tops of your shoulders.
Style
Herschel backpacks are available in two main styles: those with a zipper closure and those with a drawcord closure. Zipper closures are ideal for everyday use because you can easily get books and other items in and out of the bag. The bags with a drawcord closure work well for hiking and camping because they have a larger capacity and are more forgiving when it comes to accommodating oversize supplies or equipment.
Material
Most Herschel backpacks are made of ripstop nylon, which is a particularly durable fabric that resists wear and tear and is commonly used for camping and hiking backpacks. It also has an extremely tight weave, so it doesn’t rip or unravel when punctured.
There are some Herschel backpacks made of a combination of nylon and polyester, which aren’t as durable as ripstop nylon bags. However, these backpacks are usually less expensive. The most affordable Herschel backpacks are those made of woven cotton canvas, which is fairly durable but doesn’t hold up to water exposure as well as synthetic materials.
Some Herschel backpacks also have faux leather accents near the bottom and sides that give them a more stylish look but don’t require the care or maintenance that genuine leather would.
Straps and support
The straps on a backpack may not seem like a significant feature, but they play a major role in how comfortable a bag is to wear, particularly when it’s loaded with your belongings. Herschel backpacks are equipped with adjustable straps, so you can get the perfect fit. Many of the larger backpacks also have contoured, padded shoulder straps to help distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and back.
Some larger Herschel backpacks also offer adjustable sternum support on the shoulder straps. This added support can help reduce the strain on your shoulders and upper back, so camping and hiking trips are more comfortable.
Pockets/compartments
For a backpack that’s as functional as possible, choose a style that offers extra pockets in addition to the bag’s main compartment. Herschel backpacks feature a wide range of pockets and compartments to make organizing your belongings easy. Some options include the following:
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External pockets
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Exterior front pocket with hidden key clip
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Hidden zippered top flap storage pocket
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Padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve (available for 13-inch and 15-inch laptops, depending on size of backpack)
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Internal media pocket for smartphones and other devices with headphone port
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Water bottle pockets
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Zippered storage for rain cover
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Internal key clip
Water resistance
If you plan to use your Herschel backpack for camping or hiking trips, it’s likely going to be exposed to water occasionally. Some of the backpacks are are made with fabric rated as 1500 mm waterproof, which is ideal for outdoor activities. Materials rated over 800 mm are generally considered to be waterproof, so you can trust that your supplies and equipment will stay dry even if your backpack gets wet.
Colors/patterns
What really sets Herschel backpacks apart from the competition is the wide range of available colors and patterns. You can choose from solids, including neutrals like black, gray, and navy and bolder shades like wine, aqua, and mustard. Other options include patterns like camouflage, floral, plaid, or animal print. There are also backpacks that feature a combination of two different solid colors or a solid and a pattern, so there’s bound to be an option that fits your personality and style.
Did you know?
Some large Herschel backpacks have a waist strap that helps provide additional support to prevent back and shoulder strain.
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Herschel backpack prices
Herschel backpacks vary in price based on size and material. In most cases, you can expect to pay between $40 and $150.
Inexpensive
Small Herschel backpacks made of cotton canvas cost between $40 and $60. Small Herschel backpacks made of nylon/poly range from $45 to $65.
Mid-range
Medium Herschel backpacks made of nylon/poly cost between $65 and $85. Medium Herschel backpacks made of ripstop nylon cost between $75 and $100.
Expensive
Large Herschel backpacks made of ripstop nylon range from $100 to $150.
FAQ
Q. What size Herschel backpack is most versatile?
A. If you want a backpack that will work for everyday and travel, it’s usually best to choose a model with a capacity of approximately 23 to 25 liters. This size is larger than most daily backpacks, but it isn’t so large that you’ll be uncomfortable carrying it to school or work regularly.
Q. How should I clean my Herschel backpack?
A. Herschel doesn’t recommend cleaning its backpacks in a washing machine because you could damage the bag. Instead, spot clean any stains with mild dish soap and warm water. If the backpack requires more extensive cleaning, you can hand-wash the entire bag with detergent and warm water.
Q. Do Herschel backpacks come with a warranty?
A. Herschel backpacks have a limited lifetime warranty if they’re purchased from an authorized retailer. The warranty only covers material and manufacturing defects, though. If your backpack suffers damage as a result of an accident, transport, misuse, neglect, or modifications that you’ve made to it, Herschel won’t replace or repair the bag.
