Roller Backpacks

Molly Moore
11 min readJun 10, 2024

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Welcome to our thrilling exploration of the Roller Backpack! In this article, we’ll journey through the finest selection of roller backpacks the market has to offer. Join us as we share an in-depth review of each backpack’s features, durability, and performance on the go. Get ready to uncover the best roller backpack for your adventures, whether it’s for work, travel, or outdoor leisure.

The Top 5 Best Roller Backpacks

  1. Wenger Synergy Wheeled Roller Backpack 16 — The Wenger Synergy Wheeled 16-inch Laptop Backpack, available in Black/Gray, features a shock-absorbing design for ultimate protection of your devices, while offering both convenience and comfort for on-the-go essentials.
  2. Targus Compact 16" Laptop Roller Backpack for On-The-Go Professionals — For a stylish and functional laptop carrying solution, the Targus Compact 16" Rolling Backpack offers an impressive combination of fashion and storage capacity with its durable design, large compartments, and convenient features.
  3. Matein Waterproof Roller Backpack for Colleges — Pack light and stay secure with Matein’s modern Waterproof Rolling Backpack for college students and professionals, featuring lockable double zippers and a comfortable wheel design.
  4. Kipling New Zea Rolling Backpack in True Blue Tonal — The Kipling New Zea 15" Rolling Backpack offers an attractive design, increased capacity, and comfortable features in a lightweight package, making it an ideal choice for travelers and students seeking well-made storage solutions.
  5. Navy Jansport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack — Easy, Comfortable Travel — Maneuver your busy life with the JanSport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack, featuring a large capacity, convenient storage design, and a comfortable, weather-resistant experience.

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Reviews

Wenger Synergy Wheeled Roller Backpack 16

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I recently had the opportunity to try out the Wenger Synergy Wheeled Laptop Backpack, and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The backpack is designed to protect your laptop and other essential items while on the go, and it does so with ease.

One of the standout features of this backpack is its shock-absorbing shoulder straps. They provide excellent comfort, even when carrying a heavy load. The sturdy polyester material also ensures that the backpack can withstand rough use while traveling, thanks to its anti-scratch interior.

The wheeled design of the backpack is perfect for those in a hurry, as it allows you to move quickly, even in crowded areas. The triple protect pocket offers padded safety for most laptops up to 16 inches, while the dedicated tablet pocket holds most devices up to 12.9 inches.

However, there are a few downsides to this backpack. It is quite heavy, which can make it uncomfortable to carry for extended periods. Additionally, the backpack’s compartments are designed in a way that only allows for so much to be fitted inside, despite their spacious appearance. Lastly, the wheels feel weak, and the bottom of the bag can start degrading easily with repeated impacts.

In conclusion, the Wenger Synergy Wheeled Laptop Backpack is an excellent choice for those who need to protect their valuable mobile devices during their travels. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, its overall convenience and large capacity make it a worthwhile investment for those who are always on the move.

Targus Compact 16" Laptop Roller Backpack for On-The-Go Professionals

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The Targus 16" Compact Rolling Backpack has been my daily companion for a while now. The sleek, black design complements my personal style, and it’s roomy enough to hold all of my necessary items for a day on the go. The quiet roller wheels and retractable handle make it a breeze to transport my belongings, while the soft-lined interior pocket keeps my media tablet safe and protected.

One of my favorite features of this backpack is the large compartment for storing books, documents, and folders, along with the separate section for my accessories, key fobs, and pens. The 2 side mesh pockets, one of which is zippered, offer even more storage space for smaller items. I also appreciate the elastic straps that can hold a change of clothes, which makes this backpack especially versatile.

However, while the wheel cover fabric is useful in protecting the backpack when worn as a backpack, I found that it’s a bit too thin and doesn’t always fully cover the wheels when in use. Additionally, the hard bottom of the pack near the wheels could be more comfortable for me. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Targus Compact Rolling Backpack is lightweight, comfortable, and functional, making it a great choice for those in need of a reliable carrying case for their laptop or gadgets.

Matein Waterproof Roller Backpack for Colleges

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Matein’s Wheeled Rolling Laptop Backpack offers a modern, fitted design to make your college experience or business travel hassle-free. Made with waterproof material, this backpack is perfect for carrying laptops of up to 15.6 inches in size, along with books and other essentials. It features lockable double zippers to ensure your belongings stay secure during transport.

Although the bag is hand wash only, it offers a large capacity compared to previous rolling laptop bags. One downside is that it doesn’t have a luggage strap to attach to suitcases. Overall, the wide backpack strap and spinner wheels make it a comfy and practical choice for your college or business needs.

Kipling New Zea Rolling Backpack in True Blue Tonal

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Just recently, I had the chance to try out the Kipling New Zea 15" Laptop Rolling Backpack in True Blue Tonal. I must say, I’m quite impressed with its sturdy exterior, made of nylon, and the interior lined with recycled polyester. The retractable handle and spinner wheels make it incredibly easy to glide along, whether I’m walking on pavement or through sand.

One of the standout features is the dedicated laptop compartment, which not only keeps my laptop secure but allows me easy access when needed. And let’s not forget the spacious pockets inside and out, perfect for stashing essentials like textbooks, snacks, and water bottles.

However, I did face a minor inconvenience: the spinner closure can be a bit tricky to use when I’m in a rush, often leaving me with lugging the backpack for a few seconds longer than necessary. But overall, I found it to be a pretty durable and comfortable option for carrying my laptop and daily essentials.

Would I recommend it? Absolutely. It’s a solid choice for anyone in need of a spacious and reliable backpack, especially those who want to avoid carrying a heavy load over long distances.

Navy Jansport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack — Easy, Comfortable Travel

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I’ve been using the Jansport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack for a while now, and it has been quite the experience. Firstly, the navy color is a handsome touch and adds a sense of class to the backpack. The polyester material feels sturdy, which is important when you’re lugging around all your essentials.

One of the things that stood out to me was the closure type — the zippers are easy to open and close, making it a breeze to access my belongings. I particularly love how there’s a convenient front gear pocket to keep my travel essentials handy. I also appreciate the front stash pocket where I can keep my phone or smaller items securely.

The side water bottle pocket is also a nice touch, especially during those hot summer days. The backpack also has an extendable handle that goes up to 22 inches, which is perfect for my height. Plus, the smooth inline skate wheels make for a comfortable and controlled motion as I wheel my way around.

Now, onto the comfort factor. The fully padded back panel is a lifesaver, providing a good cushioning and support while I carry my backpack across campus or on short trips. The telescoping handle is also quite user-friendly — it opens and closes easily, making it an enjoyable experience.

That being said, I’d like to point out a couple of things that could be improved. For one, the backpack could have more pockets for organizing smaller items. Also, the weather resistance could be a bit better, considering how often I’m out in various weather conditions.

Overall, the Jansport Driver 8 Rolling Backpack is a great choice for those who want a stylish, comfortable, and practical backpack. While it isn’t perfect, it is definitely worth considering, especially if you’re in need of a good-sized wheeled daypack or a reliable travel companion.

Buyer’s Guide

If you’re in the market for a roller backpack, you’ll want to consider several factors before making your purchase. In this buyer’s guide, we’ll walk you through the most important considerations, general advice, and features to look for when selecting the perfect roller backpack for your needs.

Size and Capacity

Consider the size and capacity of the roller backpack you need. Some backpacks are designed for a specific type of gear, such as laptops, while others are more versatile. Look for a backpack with an adequate capacity to accommodate all your items, including any electronics, clothing, or other essentials you plan to carry.

Wheels and Mobility

The wheels and mobility of the roller backpack are crucial for ease of use and convenience. Look for backpacks with durable, smooth-rolling wheels that can handle different surfaces and terrains. Additionally, consider the backpack’s overall weight and balance, as well as its handle height, for comfortable transportation.

Comfort and Ergonomics

Your roller backpack should be comfortable to wear and carry for extended periods. Look for backpacks with padded straps, back panels, and waist belts to distribute weight evenly and reduce strain on your shoulders and back. Consider the backpack’s overall design and how well it fits your body shape, to ensure maximum comfort during use.

Materials and Durability

The materials and durability of the roller backpack are essential for long-term use and resistance to wear and tear. Choose backpacks made from high-quality materials, such as durable nylon, polyester, or ballistic fabric, that can withstand everyday use without showing signs of damage. Additionally, consider the backpack’s stitching, zippers, and other hardware to ensure their reliability and longevity.

FAQ

What is a roller backpack and how does it work?

A roller backpack is a type of luggage that combines the convenience of a rolling suitcase with the versatility of a backpack. It works by having wheels on the bottom that allow the user to roll the bag along the ground, while the backpack straps provide a secure and comfortable way to carry the load when necessary. This design makes it more comfortable and convenient for carrying items, especially when navigating through crowded spaces or uneven terrain.

Roller backpacks usually have a retractable handle, which can be adjusted to the user’s height for easy maneuvering. The backpack straps are typically adjustable to ensure a proper fit and even weight distribution. They are ideal for travel, commuting, or any situation where you need to carry multiple items effortlessly.

What are the advantages of using a roller backpack?

There are several advantages to using a roller backpack. First and foremost, they provide a more comfortable and convenient way to carry items compared to traditional backpacks or suitcases. The wheels on the bottom allow you to easily roll the bag along the ground without straining your back or shoulder muscles. Additionally, the backpack straps can be used when you need to climb stairs, walk through narrow spaces, or when the terrain becomes uneven.

Roller backpacks also offer more storage capacity than traditional backpacks or suitcases, as they can be larger in size without compromising their ease of use. This makes them ideal for long trips or when you need to carry multiple items at once. Furthermore, they tend to be more durable and resistant to wear and tear than traditional backpacks, thanks to their reinforced wheels and frames.

What are some features to look for when choosing a roller backpack?

When choosing a roller backpack, there are several features to consider. First and foremost, ensure that the backpack is made of high-quality materials that are durable and resistant to wear and tear. This includes the frame, backpack straps, and wheels. Look for backpacks with reinforced stitching or zips, as this will help prevent damage to the bag over time.

Next, consider the capacity of the backpack. Make sure it can hold all the items you need for your trip, commuting, or daily use. Pay attention to the dimensions of the backpack, as this will determine how much you can fit inside. Also, look for backpacks with multiple compartments or pockets to help keep your belongings organized and easily accessible.

What is the difference between a roller backpack and a traditional suitcase?

Roller backpacks and traditional suitcases serve similar purposes, but they have some key differences. First and foremost, traditional suitcases have wheels on all four corners, while roller backpacks only have wheels on the bottom. This means that roller backpacks are more versatile and can be used as a standard backpack when necessary.

Another difference is in terms of storage capacity. Traditional suitcases tend to be larger and more rigid, while roller backpacks are designed to be more compact and flexible. This means that roller backpacks can be easily stored in tight spaces, like overhead compartments on airplanes or under train seats. Additionally, the adjustable straps on roller backpacks allow for more even weight distribution, making them more comfortable to carry over long distances.

How do I care for and maintain my roller backpack?

To ensure your roller backpack remains in good condition, it is essential to take proper care of it. First, clean the exterior regularly with a soft cloth and mild detergent. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals, as this can damage the backpack’s materials or finish. Additionally, ensure that the wheels are free of debris, as this can prevent the backpack from rolling smoothly.

If the straps or zippers become damaged, repair them promptly to prevent further damage to the backpack. It is also a good idea to store your roller backpack in a dry, cool place when not in use, as this will help to prevent mold or mildew growth. Proper care and maintenance will help your roller backpack remain in good condition for years to come.

Are roller backpacks suitable for outdoor activities?

While roller backpacks are ideal for travel and commuting, they may not be the best choice for all outdoor activities. For example, they can be less suitable for hiking or backpacking, as the wheels may not perform well on uneven terrain or when navigating through dense vegetation. Additionally, roller backpacks may not be as durable or resistant to wear and tear as traditional backpacks designed for outdoor use.

If you plan to use a roller backpack for outdoor activities, consider one with extra padding and protection to help protect your belongings from potential damage. It is also important to ensure that your roller backpack is properly secured when not in use, as this will help prevent it from rolling away or being stolen.

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