Hey fellow students in Spain!
I’m a new student who just arrived in Madrid to start university. While unpacking, I realized my trusty old backpack has finally given out, so it’s time to find a new ‘companion’ here in Spain. However, I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the choices in the stores and could really use some advice.
My main needs are quite simple: First, it must be spacious enough to hold a 15-inch laptop, a few textbooks, and ideally have some room for a light jacket. Second, since I’ll be walking a lot for my commute, the carrying system of the university backpack recommendation for Spain has to be comfortable to avoid back pain. Lastly, style is also important! I’m looking for something versatile that I can use for everyday outings. As a student on a budget, I’m hoping to find something under €100.
A Few Brands I’ve Looked At
I went to El Corte Inglés over the weekend and checked out the following brands, but I’m still on the fence:
Comparison Dilemma
| Brand | Pros | Cons | Approx. Price |
|---|
| Fjällräven Kånken | Very stylish, huge range of colors, water-resistant fabric | Straps are too thin; feel like they would dig in with heavy loads | €80-€100 |
| Herschel Supply Co. | Fashionable designs, lots of styles, good laptop compartment protection | A bit too common, and it’s quite heavy on its own | €70-€120 |
| Eastpak | Extremely durable, comes with a 30-year warranty, great value for money | Design is quite plain, looks a bit like a high school backpack | €50-€80 |
I really love the look of the Kånken, but I’m afraid it might be more style than substance. The Herschel seems practical, but I have concerns about its quality. As for Eastpak, while it might be plain although its design is simple, its durability is incredibly appealing. So, I’d like to ask those who have used them: what’s your real-world experience with these brands? Or are there any other brands you would recommend, perhaps the Italian brand Tucano or other local Spanish brands? Any advice would be greatly appreciated
!
