Backpack vs. Bookbag — What's the Difference?

A bag with shoulder straps that allow it to be carried on one's back, typically made from strong, durable material.

Designed for short-term carriage of books from home to school and back.

Often used for transporting a variety of items from books to camping equipment.

A bag used primarily by students to carry textbooks and school supplies.

Can be specialized for different activities like biking or hiking.

Often features a large main compartment and sometimes a small outer pocket.

Usually features ergonomic designs to distribute weight evenly.

Typically lighter than a backpack and designed for less rigorous use.

May include various technologies for comfort and functionality.

Rarely includes additional features like waist straps or hydration systems.

A backpack—also called knapsack, rucksack, rucksac, pack, sackpack, booksack, bookbag or backsack—is, in its simplest frameless form, a fabric sack carried on one's back and secured with two straps that go over the shoulders, but it can have an external frame, internal frame, and there are bodypacks. Backpacks are commonly used by hikers and students, and are often preferred to handbags for carrying heavy loads or carrying any sort of equipment, because of the limited capacity to carry heavy weights for long periods of time in the hands.

A small backpack or other bag used to carry books and papers.

A sturdy bag designed for carrying articles on a person's back, having shoulder straps and often mounted on a lightweight frame.

A bag for holding books for school.

A piece of equipment, often containing life-support devices, designed to be used while being carried on the back

To hike or travel while carrying a backpack.

To carry in a backpack.

A knapsack, sometimes mounted on a light frame, but always supported by straps, worn on a person’s back for the purpose of carrying things, especially when hiking, or on a student's back when carrying books.

A similarly placed item containing a parachute or other life-support equipment.

(intransitive) To hike and camp overnight in backcountry with one's gear carried in a backpack.

(intransitive) To engage in low-cost, generally urban, travel with minimal luggage and frugal accommodation.

To place or carry (an item or items) in a backpack.

A bag carried on the back, supported by straps looped over the shoulders.

To hike while carrying a backpack; - often used in the form go backpacking; as, to backpack through the forest.

A bag carried by a strap on your back or shoulder

Hike with a backpack;

Students might prefer bookbags for their simplicity and ease of carrying books and school supplies without extra weight.

Not all, but many backpacks designed for heavy loads or outdoor activities include waist straps.

Bookbags are not ideal for hiking as they lack the necessary features like waist straps and adequate padding.

Yes, many backpacks come with specialized compartments for laptops, hydration packs, and other specific items.

Bookbags are commonly made from lighter materials like canvas and polyester.

Many backpacks can be customized with additional pouches, reflective strips, and other accessories.

Bookbags generally have a lower weight capacity, suitable primarily for books and light supplies.

Backpacks are used for a variety of purposes, including travel, hiking, and daily commuting.

Bookbags typically feature a large main compartment and minimal additional pockets or technical features.

Yes, backpacks are available in various sizes to accommodate different needs and body sizes.

Yes, backpacks are typically made from more durable materials and are designed to withstand varied conditions.

Backpacks may have padded straps, back panels, and ergonomic designs to distribute weight and enhance comfort.

A bookbag may not be suitable for long-distance travel due to its lack of supportive features and limited capacity.

Generally, bookbags can be cheaper due to simpler designs and less durable materials.

Someone might choose a backpack for school due to its durability, extra compartments, and ergonomic features that are beneficial for carrying multiple items and electronics.