Buying guide for Best Under Armour backpacks
If you are looking for a backpack that is constructed to hold up to outdoor use, travel, or stashing lots of school gear, chances are you'll be impressed with the quality and features that Under Armour has to offer. These backpacks are crafted with tough materials designed for longevity as well as comfort, making it easy to tote your items wherever your journeys take you.
Under Armour was founded in 1996 with a focus on manufacturing quality apparel, footwear, and accessories for sports and other performance activities. That's why the brand's backpacks are made with the needs of active lifestyles in mind. Their popular line of backpacks offers features like ample space, water-resistant materials, and sturdy stitching, as well as padding for comfort and protection.
If an Under Armour backpack sounds right for you, you'll need to consider features like size, pockets, straps, and your budget before you choose. In addition to offering our recommendations of the best Under Armour backpacks available, we've compiled this informative shopping guide to answer your questions and assist you in your decision.
Key considerations
Under Armour offers a selection of backpack styles with a range of features. By considering your needs and preferences, you can find a model that suits your needs perfectly.
Where do you plan to take your Under Armour backpack?
Under Armour backpacks are designed for outdoor use, so almost any model will do if you plan to use it for carrying items you use for outdoor activities. However, if you participate in activities that will test your backpack’s strength and longevity — including outdoor sports and frequent travel — you may want to consider one of the brand’s pricier models with extremely roomy pockets and extra secure strap systems.
Under Armour backpacks are just as practical for school use or daily, though their lighter backpacks with numerous roomy pockets are your best choice for a bag you can wear across campus. A protective laptop pocket is also a must-have feature for many students. Kids’ designs are available in smaller sizes that are more comfortable for youngsters to carry.
Do you carry a lot of gear?
A small backpack won’t do for consumers who need a lot of space — think sports gear like uniforms and balls or school supplies such as textbooks and a laptop. Fortunately, Under Armour makes backpacks in various sizes, including those with numerous pockets and large interior pockets. Additionally, the brand makes its backpacks with durable, adjustable straps that sport padding to make them comfortable and secure enough to carry heavy loads.
In our research, we’ve found that most Under Armour backpacks have elastic pockets on the outside designed for holding water bottles of various sizes.
We consider Under Armour backpacks that have plenty of space as well as those that are compact, lightweight, and stylish.
Many of the best Under Armour backpacks we evaluate have multiple zippered sections to help keep gear well-organized.
Since they’re designed for active individuals, we give special consideration to durable Under Armour backpacks that can withstand plenty of abuse.
Many of the best-rated Under Armour backpacks have enough room for a computer, notebook, headphones, and even a change of clothes.
The most expensive Under Armour backpacks we evaluate are built for heavy use with features such as waist straps and water-resistant materials.
Some of the most versatile Under Armour backpacks have compartments suitable for bulky items, such as workout gear and an extra pair of shoes.
We look for Under Armour backpacks with padded sleeves on the back panel for keeping laptops safe. Many can fit laptops measuring at least 15 inches.
We give high marks to Under Armour backpacks with especially durable and highly padded straps that are relatively easy to adjust.
The highest-performing Under Armour backpacks we review utilize a proprietary fabric technology called HeatGear that minimizes heat in the parts that touch the body.
Features
Materials
The two most popular materials that Under Armour uses to make backpacks are polyester and nylon. Both materials are strong and are crafted to resist water. However, you don’t have to compromise convenience for strength, as polyester and nylon are lightweight and easy to clean.
Pockets and compartments
Under Armour makes backpacks with numerous types and sizes of pockets in addition to one large center compartment. Laptop pockets, water bottle pockets, and front pockets are common, although some models even have separate compartments for laundry and shoes. Keep in mind that the number and style of pockets vary from backpack to backpack.
Straps
Under Armour backpack straps are typically padded and can be easily adjusted for a precise fit. In addition to shoulder straps, some larger models have waist or torso straps for added support and security.
UA Storm and HeatGear technology
These are two performance-boosting proprietary features that are found in many Under Armour products, including its backpacks. Fabric with UA Storm technology has a water-repellent finish and is used in the exterior and lining. HeatGear technology is a fabric designed to stay dry and cool when placed against the body and is integrated into the straps of Under Armour backpacks.
Padding and protective features
Whether you are roughing it outdoors, traveling, or heading to class, life can take a toll on a backpack and the items inside. That’s why you will find padding and protection throughout the construction of an Under Armour backpack. Common features include:
- Padded straps
- Padded back panels
- Soft laptop sleeves
- Rugged, easy-to-grip top handles
- Structured, padded bases
Did you know?
Under Armour has been making products designed for sporting and outdoor use since 1996, and their backpacks are structured with the same quality and tough materials as their clothing, jackets, and footwear.
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Under Armour backpack prices
Prices fall on a spectrum from around $20 to $125, with various features available at different price points.
Inexpensive
For $20 to $40 are smaller Under Armour backpacks with basic designs and fewer pockets, children’s models, and flexible, drawstring “sackpacks.” Backpacks in this price range are fine for light use or for consumers who don’t need to carry many items, but they aren’t the best choice for travel or outdoor use.
Mid-range
Under Armour backpacks that cost between $40 and $80 fit the needs of most consumers without being overly expensive. You’ll find options with plenty of roomy pockets and the brand’s durable, water-resistant materials.
Expensive
However, if you want a backpack that is structured for heavy-duty outdoor or travel use, you can expect to spend anywhere from $80 to $125 for Under Armor’s most expensive backpacks. These designs offer several features, including waist straps, extra pockets, and superior water resistance.
Expert Tip
Most standard-size Under Armour backpacks are around 18 to 19 inches in height and offer ample space for a 15-inch laptop.
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Accessories
We think you’ll find your new Under Armour backpack up to the task of carrying whatever you want to put in it, but if you are headed outdoors for a hike or an adventure, there are few accessories you may need:
Water bottle: From the gym to the classroom or the office, having a water bottle on hand helps you stay hydrated. Many Under Armour backpacks have a side pocket designed to hold your water bottle.
Portable power bank: A power pack keeps your gadgets fully charged when you’re away from an outlet.
Flashlight: Whether you are playing sports, taking long walks, or exploring, it’s always a good idea to keep a light source stashed in your pack.
Expert Tip
Under Armour backpacks are as attractive as they are durable, with modern styles that pair nicely with today’s outdoor, activewear, and casual fashions.
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Tips
- Do an inventory of the items you’ll be carrying in your backpack before you buy. Use your list as a guide in choosing a model that isn’t too small but also isn’t larger in size than necessary.
- If you are shopping for a backpack for a child, consider Under Armour’s selection of children’s backpacks.
- Are you planning to take your backpack on expeditions in hot weather? Look for one with mesh panels, HeatGear shoulder straps, and dual water bottle pockets for optimal comfort.
- Choose a backpack with lots of pockets if you have numerous small items to carry so you can easily organize and access your belongings and gear.
FAQ
Q. Will my laptop be protected in an Under Armour backpack even if I get stuck in the rain?
A. Provided you choose a model that has a laptop compartment and you stow your laptop securely, your device should be well protected from moisture.
Q. Are polyester and nylon durable materials?
A. Yes. Both polyester and nylon are synthetic materials that are made to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use both indoors and outdoors. What’s more, the polyester and nylon materials used in Under Armour backpacks repel water, so the items you place inside won’t get wet.
Q. What are Sackpacks?
A. Sackpacks are similar in construction and materials to backpacks but are lighter and more flexible. As the name implies, a sackpack is similar to a sack, and has drawstring closures, yet also has straps that enable you to carry it as you would a backpack. While not as durable as a backpack, a sackpack is a good option for anyone who prefers flexibility and a lightweight design.
