Buying guide for Best Nike backpacks
Nike’s backpacks, like all of their products, combine style and functionality for reliable products that can last for years. Their backpacks are available at a variety of price points, making them suitable for students, professionals, and everyone in between.
Before you commit to a Nike backpack, consider a few factors. What do you plan to use this backpack for? If it’s for school, you’ll want a backpack big enough to hold a laptop. Look for larger backpacks with roomy interiors if you want space for sports equipment, clothing, and accessories. For something with more style, Nike's golfing backpacks have elegant polyester materials and zippered compartments for shoes, books, and laptops. Features such as extra pockets and a water bottle holder are nice bonuses, too.
If you are ready to take the plunge, we have a handful of top picks and additional recommendations to consider. To learn more about Nike backpacks and their features, continue reading our buying guide to learn everything you need to make an informed purchase. Before long, you’ll have your own stylish Nike backpack in tow.
Key considerations
Size
One of the most critical elements of a backpack is how much it will fit. This is especially important for student athletes, who’ll be lugging around textbooks, notebooks, and possibly athletic gear. Pay close attention to the dimensions of the bag to make sure it can accommodate your laptop. Luckily, the majority of Nike backpacks are generously sized, unless they’re mini or kid-sized.
Opening and compartments
Backpack openings largely fall into two categories: zippered or top-loading backpacks. Zippered backpacks are more common in Nike’s lineup. You can open these backpacks from any side where the zipper rests. Zippered backpacks have more compartments, such as an inner pocket for a pencil pouch or small purse and a front pocket to hold a phone. The downside of course, is that zippered backpacks give easier access to would-be thieves.
Top-loading backpacks have a main storage compartment that is accessible via a wide top opening. This opening may or may not include a cinch for reinforcement. All top-loading backpacks feature a flap that secures the bag with a hook-and-loop, plastic, or metal closure. Top-loading backpacks will hold items very securely. They can also better protect your things from rain and the elements. Unfortunately, top loading backpacks include fewer interior compartments.
Sports backpacks
Sports backpacks are specifically designed for those who have to carry sports gear. Though Nike is an athletic brand, not all of their backpacks are sports backpacks. A sports backpack is larger than average to hold athletic uniforms and shoes, and they may include a compartment for a basketball or soccer ball. Top-loading bags work nicely as sports bags.
Features
Color
Nike backpacks tend to be simple in style and patterns. This is a brand that favors clean lines and minimal patterns, save for their trademark swoosh. The majority of Nike backpacks are black, gray, navy-blue, or neutral-colored (such as camo print). That doesn’t mean you can’t find bags in more vibrant colors like pink, red, or blue.
Material
Like many modern backpacks, Nike backpacks are made from nylon or polyester blends. This means they’re generally more waterproof and more durable than canvas bags. This also means that Nike backpacks can be susceptible to heat damage, but this is only possible in incredibly high temperatures.
Accessories
Pencil case: You can consolidate all your writing utensils in a pencil case that fits in one of your backpack’s smaller compartments.
Water bottle: Stay hydrated all day! Get a backpack with a water bottle sleeve for safekeeping.
Nike backpack prices
Nike is a premier athletic brand, but while none of their products are dirt cheap, it’s possible to find a backpack you like within your budget. Nike backpacks typically range from $25 to $150, depending on their size and extra features.
Inexpensive
Nike backpacks in the $25 to $40 range are either mini backpacks or backpacks meant for kids. It’s worth noting that kids' backpacks have more playful colors than adult ones, so it’s perfectly possible to find a cute, small bag for under $35.
Mid-range
The majority of Nike backpacks will fall into the $40 to $75 price range. On the lower end of this spectrum, you’ll come across backpacks that are zippered with a simple front compartment. On the whole, these backpacks will be either black or gray. On the higher end, you’ll find more backpacks that are top-loading. Some of the models in this range are sports backpacks.
Expensive
Nike backpacks that are over $75 tend to fall into a specialty line, like Nike Elite or Jordan backpacks. Jordan backpacks alone can cost over $100. If these specialty backpack lines fit your style, the extra price may be worthwhile.
Tips
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Here’s a good way to test for sufficient padding: put two fingers on either side of the backpack material. Press your fingers together. The less you can feel your fingers touching, the better the padding is.
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The width of an everyday backpack shouldn’t exceed the width of your shoulders.
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Backpacks may double as a carry-on item for flying. Keep in mind that the standard carry-on dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches, though few Nike backpacks exceed this size.
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To find out whether the backpack you are considering can accommodate all of your gear, put the belongings you intend to carry day-to-day in a roughly rectangular pile. Measure the dimensions of this pile and compare it with the dimensions of a backpack for a rough idea of whether it will hold everything you need it to.
FAQ
Q. How long do Nike backpacks last?
A. A well-cared-for backpack can last as long as five years or more. If the bag will hold heavy materials on a regular basis, be sure that the straps are well-enforced with generous padding.
Q. How do I wash a Nike backpack?
A. First, make sure the bag is emptied of all materials. Then, place the backpack in a washing machine with 1/4 cup of mild detergent. Set the washing machine on a warm wash and a cold rinse. You can dry the backpack on delicate — or even better, air dry it.
Q. Do Nike backpacks have a lifetime warranty?
A. Nike backpacks do not have a lifetime warranty. It’s best to check the specific label of the product for warranties or return policies.
