Mesh backpacks
Most people are familiar with the benefits of using a backpack to carry belongings: they leave your hands free and evenly distribute weight across your back better than a messenger bag. However, the perks of the mesh backpack aren’t as widely known. Many people who have carried a backpack may have discovered their back was drenched in sweat afterward.
A mesh backpack allows for ventilation, so you might find it helps with temperature control better than traditional models. Not only does your body breathe better against mesh, but so do the contents of the backpack, meaning items like sweaty gym clothes or a damp bathing suit might not smell as stinky after an hour in a mesh backpack.
The pros and cons of mesh backpacks
Mesh backpacks can be very useful in certain scenarios, and it’s important to understand the specific advantages and disadvantages of these items.
They have some stretch. Unlike backpacks made from more solid materials, mesh backpacks can typically stretch a bit to accommodate extra items.
They keep things easily visible. Because they’re partially transparent, they also make it easy to see the contents of your backpack. However, that same feature might not make them the best fit for carrying private or valuable items.
They’re lightweight and easy to pack. Since they naturally contain less material than traditional backpacks, mesh backpacks are extremely lightweight. They’re also quite easy to fold for packing when empty. While some mesh backpacks have a solid lining made of material such as nylon or polyester, others don’t and are entirely made of mesh.
They aren’t practical for storing sharp items or valuables. It’s a good idea to avoid storing sharp items in an all-mesh backpack, since it’s easy for such things to snag on or puncture the mesh. If you must keep things like pencils or protractors in a mesh backpack, be sure to put them in a smooth case first, and if you choose to store something private like a passport, put it in a concealed holder as well.
What size backpack do you need?
When selecting your mesh backpack, it’s smart to ask yourself what its primary purpose will be. Backpacks tend to fall into one of a few categories in terms of capacity.
6-10 liters: These are considered miniature backpacks and won’t hold much beyond what you might put in a large purse, such as a wallet, phone, sunglasses and a few other accessories.
10-30 liters: Often called daypacks, these are good for just what their name suggests — a day on the town. They can accommodate all the things you may need to get through the day away from your home, such as everything a mini backpack can hold, plus, in some cases, a laptop and perhaps some snacks and a change of clothes.
30-50 liters: You can swap these in for your weekend luggage, as they can carry a couple of changes of clothing and perhaps a laptop in addition to everything one might pack in a purse or day bag. They can also be good work/gym backpacks, since they can accommodate all the items needed to make that transition.
50 liters and up: When you get into the 50 liters and up range, you’re looking more at camping/expedition backpacks. Some training may be involved to get used to carrying one of these when full.
The best mesh backpacks
Adidas Air Mesh Mini Backpack: available at Adidas and Kohl’s
This compact backpack has adjustable straps and can be carried crossbody or in the traditional manner. It has a convenient hanging loop at the top, a front zipper pocket and durable polyester construction. It’s available in multiple colors to suit many styles.
Nike Brasilia Mesh Backpack: available at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
Thanks to padded, ergonomically designed straps, this backpack should be comfortable to carry for prolonged periods of time. It has multiple compartments of various sizes for organizing your belongings and the brand’s iconic logo on the front. The sturdy build should hold up to plenty of use.
JanSport Mesh Pack Backpack: available at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
This budget-friendly option has a simple design with a spacious interior pocket. It has padded shoulder straps and a strong grab handle that can double as a hanging loop. The two zippered compartments have large pull tabs for easy opening.
Speedo Deluxe Ventilator Mesh Bag: available at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
A partial-mesh option, this backpack has some solid parts, making it a good pick for consumers who want to conceal their belongings. It has an easy-to-use drawstring top closure and a zippered exterior pocket for small items, along with a stretchy mesh pocket for essentials like a water bottle or sunscreen.
Fila Wilcox Mesh Backpack: available at Amazon
This backpack sports multiple compartments of various sizes, including exterior and interior zipper pockets and stretchy side pockets. It’s ideal for lugging a full day’s worth of belongings between multiple activities. It has an integrated laptop sleeve and reinforced stitching at stress points.
Dickies Mesh Backpack: available at Amazon
With a tough nylon build and removable rain cover, this backpack should stand up to plenty of wear and tear. It has padded ergonomic straps, as well as a cushioned back panel for comfortable all-day wear. In addition to a front accessory pocket and main pocket, it also has a laptop sleeve.
Adidas Hermosa II Mesh Backpack: available at Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods
This backpack has zippered front pockets, a main pocket with interior compartments and side water bottle pouches, making it a good choice for active users. It comes with a lifetime warranty and is available in several stylish designs.
Puma Space Mesh Backpack: available at Dick’s Sporting Goods
Its simple all-black design means this backpack will match most apparel. It has a padded laptop sleeve as well as padded adjustable shoulder straps and the brand’s iconic rubber logo tag. The front zippered pocket contains an organizer for small items.
TYR Alliance Big Mesh Mummy Backpack: available at Amazon, Dick’s Sporting Goods
This model has a drawstring closure that makes it easy to quickly look in and see your belongings, along with a toggle for securing it shut. Its exterior has one zippered pocket along with one elastic compartment and the entire unit boasts a 25-liter capacity.
Julia Austin is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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