Here we review the best backpack choice for heavy books. For this type of application you will need a capacity size of 45 litres and above. Now of course the exact size will depend on the amount you can carry and how strong you are, but even in this digital age people are still having to carry a lot of books.
As you may already know, backpacks come in all shapes and sizes, from small to large. We have explained those sizes just below so as you have all the information. You will be looking for something that's pretty strong and is still comfortable to carry for long periods.
Backpack Capacity Comparison Guide
It is never simple to be 100% accurate about the size or capacity of a backpack. That is because the many makers of these use different rules to measure the actual capacity.
The best definition, and the one that most manufacturers use, is to measure the volume of their backpacks by adding up the total volume of the closed storage on their packs. That includes the main compartment, and the various pockets on the pack.
Some smaller manufacturers will include open pockets like side water bottle pockets or rear mesh pockets in addition to the closed storage. It isn't always easy to directly compare like for like.
Backpack capacity is measured in litres, and in all honesty, that type of measurement doesn't really help most people. which is why we have helped explain what it really means in the above table.
In summary, a 30-35 litre backpack will work for a weekend away if you are a light packer. A 35+ litre backpack will be the best choice for a weekend if you intend to be able to bring enough clothes and accessories.
Backpack Size Comparison Chart UK
Capacity | Average Size | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
18 litres | 18 x 9 x 7" | Ideal for cycling, running or light hiking |
20 litres | 19 x 10 x 6" | Small backpack mainly used by runners or for short walks |
23 litres | 19 x 13 x 5" | Good to hold some books, notebooks, writing instruments and a laptop |
33 litres | 19 x 14 x 8.5" | Good for daily business use and will have various compartments, padded straps and a laptop compartment |
35 litres | 19 x 11 x 6" | Good for carry on luggage (On average about 10 Kg when packed) or a hiking daypack, or for school and college |
39 litres | 21 x 13 x 9" | Good for a universal backpack and most of these are expandable which is what we would recommend for a weekend trip. Also very good for carrying a number of heavier books. |
50-70 litres | 23 x 15 x 8.53" | Suitable for camping and hiking. Ideal if you have a lot of heavier books to carry |
My Top 7 Picks for Heavy Books
1. Della Gao Large Laptop Backpack
- Available in 5 colours, black, blue, grey, purple and red
- This is a 45 litre backpack and big enough to hold a laptop and/or heavier books
- It is very light at only 0.76 KG and has 20 different pouches
- It has an anti-theft combination lock, built-in USB charger, headphone hole and night reflective designs on the pack
- It is well made, durable, with a padded back, shoulder straps and scratch resistant
- This model is very good value and definitely a great choice for heavy use
Pros
Cons
Check Amazon UK - Average UK Price £37
2. Asge Backpack for School
- Available in 3 colours, black, pink and checked pink
- This is big enough to hold a laptop and/or heavier books
- It is very light at only 0.7 KG
- It can be washed with a damp cloth to help keep it clean
- It is well made, durable, waterproof and scratch resistant
- This model is very good value and definitely a great choice for heavy use
Pros
Cons
Check Amazon UK - Average UK Price £30
3. G4Free 50L Rucksack
Pros
Cons
Check Amazon UK - Average UK Price £48
4. Doshwin 70L Heavy duty Backpack
- Available in 4 colours
- Large capacity: 70L
- Lightweight: only 1.2 KG (2.7 lbs)
- Multi-pocket: 10 pockets
- Durable, water and scratch resistant
- Multi-purpose: hiking, camping, travelling, trekking, etc.
- This model is very good value and definitely a great choice for heavy use
Pros
Cons
Check Amazon UK - Average UK Price £55
5. MOUNTAINTOP 80L/55L Backpack with Internal Frame
- Available in 15 colours
- Large capacity: Up to 80L
- Lightweight: only 2.25 KG
- Comes with an internal frame for extra strength
- Durable, water and scratch resistant
- Multi-purpose: hiking, camping, travelling, trekking, etc.
- This model is very good value and definitely a great choice for heavy use
Pros
Cons
Check Amazon UK - Average UK Price £81
6. YUHAN 60L Backpack
- Available in 2 colours
- Large capacity: 60L
- Lightweight: only 2.25 KG
- Made from High Qualtiy Oxford cloth
- Durable, water and scratch resistant
- Multi-purpose but built for heavy loads
- This model is very good value and definitely another great choice for heavy use
Pros
Cons
Check Amazon UK - Average UK Price £55
7. HOMIEE Hiking Backpack 45L
Pros
Cons
Check Amazon UK - Average UK Price £50
Backpack for Heavy Books Buying Guide
What weight are books?
- The average weight of a paperback book is 442 grams (15 ounces).
- The average weight of a hard back book is 878 grams (31 ounces).
- The average weight of a 500 page text book is 1.2 Kg (42 ounces)
- The average weight of a 1,000 page text book is 2.3 Kg (83 ounces)
What determines the weight of the book is the type of cover (hard or paper back), the number of pages and the type of paper used.
The typical person going to High School typically brings 4 text books a day and those have an average weight of 8Kg (18 lbs) So as you can see from the above a few books, a laptop and some basic food can quickly add up and be a considerable weight to carry.
How many Kg can a backpack hold?
The first thing to note is that a backpack capacity is always measured in litres. For heavier books you will want a 55-70 litre sized backpack. The number of Kg a 55 litre backpack can hold is 14Kgs and a 70 litre backpack can hold 20Kgs.
Important backpack for heavy Books buying questions?
- How many books do you plan on carrying?
- What is the combined weight of the contents of your backpack?
- What size or capacity do you need? - we would recommend something with a 55-70 litre capacity
- What other features do you want in your backpack? - do you need a water bottle holder, anti-theft feature, USB port etc
- Do you have a preferred look or appearance for your backpack?
- Do you have a preferred brand?
Buy the Right Size
We have mentioned the size quite a lot. For heavy books you need to get the right size and we would recommend a backpack between 55-70 litres in size.
Locks and Zippers
A big weakness in most luggage is the quality of the zippers. Not only do these come off, but they can often stick and jam. Always look for good quality metal zippers, ideally dual zippers, that can be pulled together, and then a lock attached to the ends of the zippers.
Hidden Compartments
Some backpacks, but not all, will have hidden compartments. These can be useful especially for important documentation. They are not foolproof but they at least offer some level of protection.
Other Features
This does need quite a lot of thought. Over the years backpacks have become much better designed and manufacturers have added many features. We have listed the main ones below:
- Size of the main compartment - this is one of the most important features and is often overlooked.
- Padded straps - these provide comfort when carrying the backpack. They should be wide and comfortable to stop them digging into your shoulders.
- Water bottle pocket - some people prefer to have a water bottle or drink's holder. This is available on some backpacks, and on some models there are a couple of these, usually on the side of the pack
- USB charging - today a lot of backpacks come with a charging point using a USB to charge up phones etc.
