Best BackPacks for Back Pain- Our 5 Top Picks
Backpack back pain is something you can easily avoid by using backpacks that offer optimal back support and comfort. The good news is that most quality backpacks offer just that and so much more. Below is a comprehensive review of the best backpacks for back pain.
If you’re in a rush, here is a summary of the 5 backpacks;
Comparison Table
Things to Consider When Choosing a Backpack for Back Pain
First things first, before we look into the best backpacks for back pain, let’s discuss some of the things to look for in a backpack for back support.
• Choose a Backpack with a Contoured/Padded Back
A contoured, padded, or lumbar-shaped backpack basically distributes weight more evenly, preventing excess strain to your lower back.
This feature is incredibly important as this is a backpack that you’ll be using on a regular basis. It’s easier to avoid back pain with this kind of a backpack.
Moreover, a padded/contoured/lumbar-shaped allows for a more natural arch which ensures there is no back pain, not to mention preventing posture problems.
Also, by creating a natural arch on your back, this sort of a backpack creates a small space which allows for airflow, keeping your back cool and comfortable.
• Choose a BackPack with an Adjustable Back System
When it comes to choosing the most comfortable backpack for back support, be sure to go for one with an adjustable back system.
Why is that?
Because it allows you to adjust the backpack up and down on your back until you achieve the most comfortable position.
• Choose a BackPack with Wider, Padded Shoulder Straps
It’s never a good idea to buy backpacks that have super narrow shoulder straps, and those that are not padded.
The thing is, shoulder straps that are narrow and unpadded can dig into your shoulders, putting excessive pressure on your nerves, in addition to interfering with circulation.
This can cause severe shoulder pain, and a lot of strain to your back and neck.
If you’re looking for a comfortable backpack that won’t put a strain on your shoulders, go for one with wider, padded shoulder pads.
• Choose a BackPack with Padded Hip Belt
Part of the weight you will be carrying on your backpack will be pushed down to your hips. That’s exactly why choosing a backpack with a padded hip belt is crucial.
A padded hip belt will distribute the weight more evenly on your back and provide the much needed back and hip support, causing less strain.
Read Also: Best Baby Carrier for Bad Backs
Do Backpacks Cause Back Pain?
Backpacks offer a practical way for everyone- from children, college students, to adults-to lug their items without much hassle.
For students, backpacks offer an easy way to transport their books, lunches, and other school stuff without experiencing much fatigue- well unless the backpack is overloaded.
Backpacks also allow laptop owners to safely and comfortable carry their laptops and fragile gadgets like tablets, thanks to the extra padding.
When worn correctly, a backpack allows your weight to be distributed evenly across your shoulders and your back, thus reducing the risk of shoulder, back, or neck strain.
On the other hand, when worn incorrectly or filled with too much stuff, backpacks can be a significant cause of lower back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain.
But these are not the only reasons why your backpack can lead to back pain.
Habitual carrying of the wrong backpack can lead to back pain, shoulder pain, neck pain, as well as poor posture.
Why is that?
Because most cheap backpacks in the market lack the sturdy back padding that offers great support and comfort to your back.
Another reason is that some backpacks are made with heavy-weight materials which further add to the weight of your stuff, straining your back, especially the spine further.
Yet another important reason is the lack a hip strap, waist belt, or ergonomic frame to help redistribute the weight of the backpack from your shoulders and back to the pelvis.
Other backpacks lack padded shoulder straps which further cause the entire weight of the backpack to be dumped on the back, leading to shoulder pain, neck pain, and lower back pain.
The only way to prevent back pain is choosing the right backpack with excellent back support.
That’s all.
Read Also: 10 Seat Cushions for Back Pain
Best BackPacks for Back Pain
1. eBags TLS Mother Lode Weekender Backpack
The eBags TLS Mother Lode Convertible Carry-On Travel BackPack is not your usual backpack. First of all, the backpack is not only beautifully designed, but it’s also one of the best-selling backpacks that carry a high-price tag.
We know that most backpacks available for sale in the market are quite affordable. However, only a few of them can offer the unmatched comfort and back support the way the eBags Travel Backpack can.
So why is it our top pick for the best backpacks for bad backs?
Well, the eBags comes with a Padded Air-Mesh Back Panel that offers excellent breathability and comfort.
Now, as we’ve mentioned earlier, one of the best tips for choosing the right backpack for back support is checking for a padded, contoured, or lumbar-shaped back.
The eBag passes one of these tests- it has a Padded Air-Mesh Back Panel.
With this sort of top level comfort and back support provided by this backpack, you have a guarantee that your back will be well protected.
In addition to preventing back pain, the eBags’s padded shoulder straps will prevent further strain and pain on your shoulders.
Now:
As far as the size is concerned, this travel backpack is large enough to pack your stuff. Most importantly, it can fit your 19” laptop comfortable and safely.
Designed for travel, you will be happy to know that the backpack comes with lockable rings on the zippers for added security while travelling.
Other incredible features worth noting about the eBags travel backpack include:
• Comes with two main compartments with many organizational compartments• Comes with a fold-down shelf for splitting the main compartment in half• Easily accessible• Secure ID pocket for luggage tag• Lightweight, at 3.7 pounds• Sturdily constructed for durability and additional weight capacity
2. Swiss Gear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack – 19″
Our review for the best backpacks with excellent lumbar support wouldn’t be complete without one of Swiss Gear’s remarkable creations.
If you’ve heard about Swiss Gear, then you’re probably aware that its one company that proudly stands by the quality craftsmanship of its backpacks, travel bags, luggage, belts, wallets, Swiss watches, and more.
The SwissGear Travel Gear Laptop BackPack is proof of the company’s dedication to providing only the best quality backpacks in the market.
The Swiss Gear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack is an extra-roomy backpack with all the necessary features to suit your laptop storage and comfort.
One of the main reasons why it has earned our second position is the fact that it comes with a Heavily Padded Back Panel. The back panel also features an Airflow Ventilation technology.
Now:
As you already know, the best backpack with back support is one that has a padded back. Without a padded back, all the weight will be dumped on your back and hips, causing excessive strain and pain.
This is something you would want to avoid, right?
The good news is that in addition to the padded back panel, Swiss Gear goes a step further to create an Airflow Ventilation technology to keep your back cool. You will need this when you have to keep your bag on your back for extended periods, and especially during hot days.
And we cannot forget to mention that the Swiss Gear 1900 features padded contoured shaped shoulder straps that are constructed with mesh fabric. This is important as it can help prevent shoulder pain and bruises.
If you plan to use this backpack for carrying your laptop, you will love the built-in ScanSmart lay-flat technology for the ultimate laptop-in case TSA scanning.
Other incredible features worth noting include:
• A highly protective floating TabletSafe table pocket• An organizer compartment• Water bottle pockets• An accordion file holder• Multiple internal accessory pockets• A molded top handle• Side accessory• A padded media pocket with a headphone cord port• A carabiner and webbing daisy chain• Front pocket for quick access• Reflective shoulder straps for safety during the night• Lightweight backpack at 2.65 pounds
Read Also: 5 Most Supportive Cushions for Pressure Sores
3. The North Face Borealis Backpack
For over 50 years, The North Face has been crafting and designing activewear, outdoor sports gear, camping , lifestyle clothing, and so much more without every compromising on the quality.
In fact the name North Face has for a long time been associated with quality and performance, and one of their top backpacks makes- the North Face Borealis Backpack- does not disappoint!
The North Face Borealis Backpack is a USA-made backpack that is constructed with 210D Cordura nylon mini-ripstop for exceptional sturdiness and durability.
Besides its durability, the North Face backpack also happens to be one of the best backpacks for back pain.
The backpack comes with an incredibly comfortable padded mesh back panel and a super breathable lumbar panel that ensures maximum breathability and comfort all day long.
Looking for the best laptop backpack? Well, the North Face Borealis Backpack doubles as an excellent laptop backpack, thanks to its Highly Protective Laptop Compartment.
It also offers more room to store your tablet-an extra padded tablet sleeve.
You will also love its:
• Comfortable padded top handle• Reflective bike-light loop• Shoulder-strap webbing that creates 360 degrees of reflectivity• Removable waist belt for added support• Sternum strap with whistle buckle• Multi-use pockets.
The backpack is also incredibly lightweight. At only 2 pounds, you don’t have to worry about additional weight to strain your back.
4. YOREPEK Extra Large Backpack
Now:
One thing you should probably know is that YOREPEK, the backpack’s manufacturer, is a company that mainly focuses on producing backpacks.
When it comes to quality, ergonomic, and durable backpacks, YOREPEK has not left behind.
We absolutely love YOREPEK Extra Large Backpack for so many reasons.
Of course, we love the extra space the backpack offers. Who doesn’t love extra-large backpacks for stuffing gear anyway? They can carry almost everything and are super comfortable to carry!
Anyway, our main focus here is back support. Does the YOREPEK offer exceptional back and shoulder support?
Well of course yes!
We love the fact that it comes with a heavily padded and breathable mesh back panel. The padding literally protects your back from experiencing much strain from your gear. Additionally, the fact that the back panel is breathable means that you don’t have to worry about dripping with sweat on your back!
That’s not all.
This backpack sports an ergonomic design that ensures the dispersion of gravity of the backpack. This makes the bag exceptionally comfortable even when it’s packed with your gear.
Moreover, the YOREPEK backpack is made with durable Polyester Fabric that ensures long-lasting usage. It’s also WaterProof and pretty much stylish.
The backpack also comes with useful features like Headphones Holes and a USB Port. It’s designed for laptop storage and checkpoint friendly.
And the good news is that it’s pretty affordable compared to our top 3 picks, not to mention that its one of the bestselling backpacks in the market.
So you pretty much have yourself a good deal here.
Read Also: 5 Back Support Belts for Your Back Pain
5. Targus Drifter II Backpack for 16-Inch Laptop, Black/Gray (TSB238US)
Yet another affordable backpack with excellent back support.
The Targus Drifter II Backpack does not disappoint as well, especially when it comes to preventing back and shoulder pain.
Of course, this has to do with the fact that it comes with a thick Padded Back Panel that offers excellent lumbar support to your back, not to mention making it pretty comfortable to carry.
The backpack also comes with heavily padded shoulder straps that provide great comfort, especially during travel.
We also love the sturdy molded plastic handle that allows for hassle-free lifting and carrying.
As for storage, the Targus Drifter II can pack almost everything in an organized way, thanks to its numerous compartments. It will even fit your 16” laptop.
The backpack is affordable, durable, lightweight (at 2.6 pounds) and pretty large to accommodate all of your essential stuff.
Best Backpacks for Back Pain- Verdict
Personally, I love ergonomic backpacks- whether it’s a hiking backpack, day backpack, or laptop backpack.
These kind of backpacks will save you from back pain and even protect your shoulders from unnecessary strain and bruises. Chances of developing a poor posture are also minimal.
Although most people assume that carrying a backpack incorrectly is the only cause of back pain, I believe that using the wrong backpack can be dangerous as well.
There are literally hundreds of backpacks out there, but we find these 5 to offer excellent back support.
Of course, there are more affordable backpacks that offer good back support as well, but a majority are not built for long-lasting use.
We are always after quality and durability when it comes to choosing the ideal backpack, and our top 5 picks reflect just that.
Good luck choosing the best backpacks for back pain!
Also read about sacroiliac belts that help with si joint pain
