Compare Rucksacks and Bags from the Ultimate Buyer’s Guide & Selection in 2025
It’s rare that you can observe such a revolutionary shift in an industry in your lifetime, but the British bag market has evolved at an astonishing rate over the last 30 years. School satchels and weekend holdalls have given way to a whole ecosystem of specialist bags and carryalls, each painstakingly designed for a specific purpose or style of life.
The bag-buying consumer of 2025 faces a smorgasbord of options, from ultra-lightweight hiking rucksacks with a carrying capacity of under a kilo, to wheeled holdalls that could comfortably fit a guest-room wardrobe. In order to make sense of these myriad options, here we’ve compiled a breakdown of each option to help you navigate the modern bag-buying landscape, whatever your carrying needs.
"Weekend warriors, carry-on connoisseurs, and daily commuters, rejoice – you have choices."
We've selected some of the best rucksacks and bags that are ideal for camping, travelling, Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions and day trips out for 2025.
Rucksacks and Backpacks: The Backbone of British Bags
It is fair to say that if you have to buy one type of bag to cover the majority of life’s carrying needs, then a rucksack is that option. Covering every lifestyle, activity, and purpose from schoolbags to expedition packs, a rucksack is a British institution and buying one comes with certain cultural in-jokes to appreciate.
Rucksacks and Backpacks: The Backbone of British Bags
Backpacking and Expedition Packs
Holdalls and Duffel Bags: The Flexible Alternatives
Cabin Bags and Travel-Specific Options
Size Guides and Capacity Planning
Brand Landscape and Market Positioning
Technology Integration and Modern Features
Security and Anti-Theft Design
Rucksack Bags
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Daysacks & Backpacks
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Holdall and Duffle Bags
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Hydration Packs
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Travel Bags
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Dry Bags
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Belt Packs
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Kids Backpacks
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Child Carriers
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Ski Helmets
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Rucksacks and Backpacks: The Backbone of British Bags
It is fair to say that if you have to buy one type of bag to cover the majority of life’s carrying needs, then a rucksack is that option. Covering every lifestyle, activity, and purpose from schoolbags to expedition packs, a rucksack is a British institution and buying one comes with certain cultural in-jokes to appreciate.
Day Packs and Urban Rucksacks
It’s fair to say that the 15 to 35-litre day pack and urban rucksack is the backbone of British carryall use. A bag you can chuck everything into is a winning formula that is explored and rehashed by every rucksack brand around, and is the number one rucksack subcategory.
Performance brands like Osprey are the current front-runners in this category, with the Talon series being the most prominent recent release. The large feature on this line is the use of an adjustable torso length in its packs that are designed to be carried using the SpinePad frame, along with the integrated rain covers these rucksacks feature.
The urban rucksack has a constantly changing set of requirements attached to it, with the laptop pocket, cable management and quick-access pockets for phones and transport cards all being standard expectations in a carry-on. Another trend we see in this category are the sustainable backpacks, such as ROKA London’s range, who produce stylish rucksacks made with recycled materials to keep both your personal style and your sustainability values on full display.
Hiking and Trekking Backpacks
It’s a fair assumption to state that this is the most technical part of the rucksack market, and as such it can be a very confusing category to find your feet in. 25-litre day hiking backpacks, 50-litre family packs and 80+ litre expedition beasts, the hiking backpack is as diverse in its style and purpose as any other bag category in the market.
Osprey still sits at the apex of the market when it comes to trekking and backpacking rucksacks, with their Exos (men’s) and Eja (women’s) line of backpacks illustrating exactly why that is. Originally released in 2009 and then rereleased with new tech in 2014, these rucksacks remain some of the most popular due to their ultralight weight and comfortable carrying feel.
The technical hiking backpack market is one that has never shied away from the demands of weight reduction and comfort, and brands like Berghaus have managed to take that to new levels recently. The Remote Hike 25 is a great example, being a functional hiking backpack with 25 litres of carrying capacity. It has very thick shoulder straps, hipbelt and back padding, all covered in mesh, which really work to distribute weight well and also give it a sense of stability on your back.
Backpacking and Expedition Packs
There’s a good chance you will have heard of these before, it’s the biggest and most technical rucksack subcategory in terms of design and purpose, catering for self-supported, multi-day adventures, and where every gram matters.
The Deuter Aircontact is a very sturdy, functional and versatile backpack that is perfectly suited to long self-supported hikes. It has a carry capacity that can be extended from 60 to 70 litres, so is a really good option for backpacking. The Air Contact panel on the back and the padded hip belt are big positives too, as you get used to wearing it on longer days.
As with any multi-day carryall, durability of materials and construction is key. An example is the Vango Apex backpack which is made from the brand’s Ripstop fabric (used to make their tents as well), showing how outdoor brands use the same material tech innovations to develop luggage that can last in some of the most extreme conditions on the planet, but also without adding unreasonable weight.
Holdalls and Duffel Bags: The Flexible Alternatives
Holdalls are the outlier of the British bag market, a breed apart in many ways and existing outside the more highly regulated flight or construction based constraints of other bags, meaning they offer maximum storage flexibility, and no structured approach.
Traditional Canvas Holdalls
These heavy-duty bags are a classic that continue to be made to this day because they work so well, even if their general aesthetic isn’t as ‘fashion’ focused as a wheeled holdall. Their style lends itself to the classic canvas construction with leather trim, and typically simple zip or drawstring closure. Ideal for a weekend trip, gym, or other uses where bag shape flexibility matters more than any other quality.
Wheeled Holdalls
The wheeled holdall is where the high variation in this category comes from. Some wheels, plastic internal construction and a thin canvas fabric and they can retail for as little as just £10 but all the way up to £200. Why is the huge variation you may ask? It is all about quality and the size and features of the individual bag. So this price variation reflects huge quality differentials in wheel quality, fabric durability, and overall construction.
Ideal for British travellers on public transport, the wheeled holdall can be carried if needed but also rolled at will on smooth surfaces, and this combination of utilitarian function and fashion-focused design make this a flexible carryall that is adaptable to a huge variety of activities. Premium wheeled holdalls feature inline skate-style wheels that roll smoothly across a variety of surfaces, but cheap wheels are just the basic type you would expect to see on a suitcase, so only good on smooth floor surfaces.
Waterproof and Sports Holdalls
Specialised holdalls for specific activity-based needs continue to form a major area of interest for sports and adventure markets. The Ortlieb Waterproof Duffle 60 is more suited to weekends away camping, or canoe-camping trips, showing how specialist fabrics and bag construction can create waterproof bags that are capable of taking on complete water immersion but still offer user-friendly gear accessibility.
Sports holdalls are more commonly used for gym and fitness use. These are designed with space compartmentation for separating clean and dirty items, ventilation for breathability and external attachment points for kit. It serves the huge growth in fitness culture and gym membership in the UK, and also feeds into the broader outdoor activity market.
Cabin Bags and Travel-Specific Options
Arguably the most heavily regulated and complex subcategory due to modern airline constraints, modern travel has created its own bag from a combination of material science, stress tests, ergonomics and customer needs analysis.
Cabin-Compliant Bags
It’s fair to say this is an area where manufacturers go above and beyond in terms of design creativity, as bags of similar size can be very different in terms of capacity, durability, and comfort. Designing a bag to fit into that carry-on volume and weight allowance, yet still provide something functional for ground transport, is the 2025 travel bag’s engineering problem.
The cabin bag market really shows the creativity among the different manufacturers. With some going for maximum storage for a given size, others opt for increased comfort and carry features, as their cabin bags have to work for a variety of different travel needs and styles.
Business and Laptop Bags
Functionality is key here, and the key element in this category is the dedicated laptop and tablet holding pockets. Premium bags will also feature multiple devices, and external charging ports to make your technological world just that little bit easier on the move.
Anti-theft and RFID blocking are big elements for consideration in this category, to ensure that technology and devices are protected and your details are safe as well. Another trend we see in this category is remotes and hybrid work options, with people often still wanting to take office-friendly bags on the train or bus.
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Size Guides and Capacity Planning
Capacity is a critical consideration when choosing a bag, as it directly impacts both usability and comfort. Over-buying (purchasing a bag with more capacity than necessary) or under-buying (realising too late that a bag is too small for one’s needs) can both lead to dissatisfaction.
Small Bags (10-25 Litres)
Day Packs, School Bags, Minimalist Travel Bags
A capacity of ten to fifteen litres is sufficient for most day-to-day essentials: laptop, paperwork, toiletries, and a few personal items. A twenty to twenty-five litre capacity is suitable for day hiking gear, long commute bags, or overnight packs for minimalist travellers.
Lightweight and compact, small bags focus on reducing weight and increasing comfort for prolonged wear. They are more likely to feature simple suspension systems but include organisational pockets and comfort padding.
Medium Bags (25-50 Litres)
Weekender Bags, Day Hiking Bags, General-Purpose Travel Bags
The thirty to thirty-five litre range typically accommodates a weekend trip with moderate packing. The forty to fifty litre range is suitable for longer weekend trips or day hiking trips with additional camping gear.
Medium bags offer the most diverse design philosophies, as manufacturers cater to a wide array of use cases within a similar capacity range. Some bags in this range may be designed with travel in mind, offering organisation and security features. Others will prioritise day hiking or light backpacking, where durability and weather resistance are key.
Large Bags (50-80+ Litres)
Backpacking Packs, Expedition Packs, Heavy-Duty Travel Bags
The fifty to sixty litre range is well suited to most one to two-week backpacking trips. Seventy to eighty litres is targeted at extended expeditions or winter camping trips where bulkier and warmer gear is needed.
Large capacity bags require well-designed suspension systems to provide comfort and load distribution for prolonged wear. They are more likely to have a modular approach that allows users to customise organisation and access points.
Brand Landscape and Market Positioning
Osprey is the market leader in the technical backpack segment and is known for their innovative designs, durable construction, and well-developed sizing systems. Their reputation and extensive product range often set the standard against which other brands are compared.
Samsonite is a well-established name in the luggage market, with a strong presence in holdall and travel bag offerings. Their bags benefit from extensive research into materials and decades of global manufacturing experience.
Deuter is a German brand that has gained a reputation for precision and durability, particularly in the hiking and backpacking segments. They are known for their back panel systems and overall construction quality.
Vango is a British brand with a long history in the outdoor industry. Their products often focus on the needs and conditions found in the UK, and they have integrated technology from their tent range into their bags.
Lowe Alpine is another brand with a British heritage that combines international expertise with design influences from British mountaineering. Their products are designed to perform well in harsh conditions while also being practical for everyday use.
Decathlon, while known primarily for sporting goods, has made a significant impact on the budget segment of the bag market. They offer a range of products that, while less expensive, provide good technical competence.
ROKA London is an example of a brand that emphasises sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices without compromising on design and functionality.
Cycling and Urban Mobility
Messenger bags, for their part, remain popular among urban cyclists for their convenience and style. Backpacks designed for cycling are also common and often feature a lower centre-of-gravity design, weather protection, and visibility elements like reflective strips for safety.
Professional and Business Use
In the realm of business bags, the evolution continues towards accommodating changing work patterns and technological needs. Sleek laptop bags, messenger bags, and briefcases with updated features that cater to both the modern professional environment and casual settings are particularly relevant.
Travel and Adventure Tourism
Adventure tourism is on the rise, and with it, the demand for bags that can transition from city streets to mountain trails. These bags are designed to be technically constructed like outdoor gear but with aesthetics that fit well in urban settings.
Technology Integration and Modern Features
USB Charging Ports and Electronic Accessory Storage
USB charging ports, once a novelty, are now quite common and allow users to charge devices on the go. Charging pockets for smartphones and earbuds are also frequently incorporated.
RFID Blocking Pockets
RFID blocking pockets protect against electronic theft of credit card information and are increasingly standard in higher-end bags.
GPS Trackers and Smart Features
GPS trackers for added security and smart features that enhance functionality are becoming more prevalent.
GPS tracking systems can be either built into the bag or attached as a separate device, allowing owners to monitor their bag’s location via a smartphone app.
Security and Anti-Theft Design
Slash-Resistant Materials and Locking Systems
Materials that resist being cut with a blade are common in bags designed for urban environments. Locking systems, including lockable zippers and compartments, add security.
Hidden Pockets and Concealment Features
Hidden pockets and compartments designed to conceal valuables are other anti-theft features that have become more widespread.
Modular and Customisation Systems
Pod Systems and Attachable Modules
Pod systems and attachable modules allow users to customise their bag’s capacity and organisational system based on their needs. These range from simple attachments to more complex systems that change the bag’s functionality.
Capacity and Price
Introductory Price Analysis
Budget Options (£10-50)
Materials: Basic polyester, canvas, or nylon
Construction: Machine stitching, fewer reinforced areas
Features: Minimal to none; focus on essential functions
Mid-Range Price Point (£50-150)
Materials: Upgraded nylon, polyester, or canvas with some blend materials
Construction: Machine stitching with more reinforced stress points
Features: Added organisational pockets, better zippers
Premium Price Bracket (£150-400+)
Materials: High-denier nylon, Cordura, ballistic nylon, or quality canvas
Construction: Precision machine stitching, highly reinforced
Features: Multiple organisation systems, advanced zippers (like YKK), roll-top
Environmental Considerations
Recycled and Sustainable Materials
Many manufacturers are incorporating recycled materials without compromising performance, which also adds unique aesthetic qualities to the bags.
Durability and Longevity
Durability is the cornerstone of sustainability in bag manufacturing. Investing in a well-made bag that lasts longer reduces the need for frequent replacements and is better for the environment.
Repair and Maintenance
Offering repair services not only extends the lifespan of a product but also provides long-term value to customers and benefits the environment.
Regional Preferences and British-Specific Considerations
Weather Resistance and Material Choices
British weather conditions have led to a preference for bags that can handle sudden rain and are often treated for water resistance.
Public Transport Suitability
Size and comfort for carrying on public transport, as it’s commonly used in the UK, influence bag choices.
Outdoor Heritage and Technical Specifications
The UK’s outdoor culture means there’s a market for bags that are technically proficient enough for challenging conditions, which can influence even non-technical bag designs.
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