The best backpacks for back pain are not always easy to find and a badly designed model can lead to poor posture, which can make your pain worse.
Backpacks for people with back problems need to be adjustable so that the load sits at the correct height, and have features that promote comfort at all times.
These include padded shoulder straps, multiple compartments to distribute items evenly, and plenty of back support made from breathable, well-ventilated materials.
This guide to the best backpacks for back pain contains seven high-quality backpacks that are good for your back, and ideal for everything from hiking and camping to use in the office or at school.
Osprey Farpoint 55 Travel Backpack
The LightWire frame suspension that transfers the load evenly from the harness to the hip belt makes this backpack one of the best backpacks for back pain when you need to carry heavy loads.
It has two internal compression straps to hold its contents in place, which is an important factor in avoiding back pain as it stops the weight from accumulating on one side.
Instead of having to carry the full weight the whole time, the detachable daypack gives you the opportunity to carry just as much you need for shorter trips.
Made with breathable mesh material, this backpack secures comfortably to your body with both the hip belt and a buckle across the chest, so it feels completely stable.
Able to carry loads of up to 50 lbs, it has a U-shaped main compartment with a 55L capacity, plus a laptop and tablet sleeve with lockable zippered access.
SHRRADOO Durable Anti Theft Laptop Backpack
These ideal backpacks are for people with back problems and provide outstanding value for money too!
These backpacks have a very comfortable, breathable sponge mesh on both the back and the shoulder straps, which provides plenty of cushioning and stops any uncomfortable build-up of heat.
The straps are S-shaped – a design recommended by experts to be the best for people with back pain as it allows the load to sit in the optimum position.
A luggage strap is included which makes it easy to attach the backpack to the handle of your suitcase when traveling long distances, and there are two handy binding straps at the side.
These are especially useful for keeping the load stable and evenly distributed – key factors that make this backpack good for your back.
Multiple pockets, lots of storage, USB charging, and an internal belt for your laptop all combine to make this a great multi-purpose backpack!
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
The Matein backpack is a great all-rounder, with a look that is professional enough for the office, yet with all the practical features and functionality you need for school, college or traveling.
It is available in a wide range of colors and in two different sizes, but most importantly it is incredibly comfortable to carry.
These are backpacks with good back support, using an airflow back design and soft, thick multi-panel ventilated padding.
The padded shoulder straps are fairly wide, so they distribute weight evenly and won’t dig in.
They are also fully adjustable, which is an important feature when you are looking for backpacks for back pain, as you need to be able to position the load high on your back, riding at least an inch over your hips.
This backpack is perfect for long trips as it has a luggage strap that slides over the upright handle of your suitcase, making it easy to carry and taking the load off your back for a while.
In addition to being ideal backpacks for people with back problems, these have tons of other great features too!
Lots of storage space, pockets, and a key fob hook make it easy to keep everything organized, whilst a built-in USB charger on the outside makes it possible to charge your phone from a power pack as you walk.
YOREPEK Backpack, 50L
If you are looking for travel backpacks that are good for your back but allow you to carry a decent amount of weight, look no further than the YOREPEK.
Although ideal for daily use, it comes into its own when used for traveling as it has so many cool features! With 20 independent pockets, keeping everything organized is a breeze.
Designed to make it easy to get through airport security, the backpack easily unfolds to 180 degrees so you can lay it flat.
The ergonomic, airflow back padding keeps you cool and comfortable, whilst the luggage strap allows you to hook the backpack onto your suitcase and give your back a rest.
The adjustable side straps help you arrange your load securely, giving you the stability you need to avoid straining your back on one side.
Well made and very spacious, this backpack also has an external USB port with a built-in charging cable.
FENGDONG 40L Waterproof
This backpack comes in several colors and is ideal for traveling, camping, and hiking.
One of the best backpacks for back pain, it is incredibly lightweight at only 1.9 pounds and is designed to be easy to carry even when every bit of the 40L of storage space is filled!
This is thanks to its excellent straps, which include one across the chest and a waist strap that holds the load at such a great position you can barely feel it!
There is lots of padding on the shoulder straps and back made from ventilated mesh, which keeps you cool even in the hottest temperatures.
It has multiple pockets and compartments, plus loops for external straps so you can attach extra items like a sleeping bag.
The North Face Recon Laptop Backpack
Fantastic all-rounders, these backpacks with back support are available in 25 designs and colors, so it’s easy to find one to suit your style!
They are designed using a FlexVent suspension system, with a flexible yoke featuring a breathable lumbar panel, a back panel made of padded mesh, and custom injection-molded shoulder straps.
A sternum strap with whistle buckle and detachable waist belt allows you to sit the backpack high on your back at the perfect position for avoiding back pain. It even includes reflective details for safety.
With a 30L capacity and made from durable nylon, this backpack makes it easy to get organized.
It has a spacious main compartment, pen pockets, and a very protective laptop compartment, along with a stretch front pocket and mesh holders for water bottles.
Diaper Bag Backpack
Not only is this backpack good for your back, but this backpack can also be used in lots of different ways!
With a smart design available in five different colors, it is designed primarily as a diaper bag backpack, with insulated packets for milk and elasticated sections to store all the items you’ll need when you are out and about with your baby.
But the great thing about this backpack is that it doesn’t look like a ‘mom bag’ and it can go on to be used as a travel bag, with all those compartments coming in handy for storing all the items you’ll need for your trip.
There are so many features that make this backpack good for your back! It has very comfortable reinforced cushioned shoulder straps and a padded back panel, which will distribute the weight evenly.
It also has convenient stroller clips that can attach the backpack to your stroller handles. This will continue to be an invaluable feature over the coming years as you travel with your child!
Final Thoughts On The Best Backpacks For Back Pain
As this guide has shown, the best backpacks for back pain combine a range of features that help you carry the maximum load with the least discomfort.
Even after your back pain has improved, using ergonomically designed backpacks that are good for your back is key to preventing future injury and ensuring that you maintain great posture at all times.
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