This paragraph should be hidden.
Whether it's a hiking expedition or your everyday trip to campus, we've got the complete guide on how to choose your perfect backpack.
Sport Day Pack
These small packs generally do not contain an internal frame. They are ideal for short trips, such as day hikes, or as a hands-free way to keep everything together when you’re out and about.
Hiking Day Packs
These medium-to-large packs typically feature internal frames, shoulder and sternum straps, and a hip belt to distribute the weight evenly between the upper and lower body. Other features may include hydration reservoir compatibility, compression straps to tighten and balance a partial load, and a rain hood to keep your bag dry.
Collegiate Day Packs
These medium-sized packs may include features such as a padded laptop pouch, an audio port or a water bottle holder. These are great all-purpose packs for busy people on the move.
Laptop Backpacks and Shoulder Bags
Designed for the student or business commuter, these professional looking bags are ideal for transporting your personal laptop and office essentials.
Expedition/Travel Packs
With their large capacity, these packs are ideal for long trips under challenging conditions. Features may include a zip-off day-pack or waist pack, rain hood, lightweight internal aluminum frames, adjustable hip belts, padded mesh back and shoulder harnesses, tool loops and bottom and top loading options. Make sure to check how much weight your backpack can hold to determine if it fits all your gear.
Hydration Reservoirs and Bladders
A lot of sport and hiking backpacks have a built-in sleeve which holds a hydration reservoir/bladder. These offer the wearer a convenient spout which allows you to drink without the need to open up your bag to grab your water bottle. They should only be used exclusively in warm weather since they can freeze and crack at cooler temperatures.
See Backpacks and Packs >
Padded Shoulder Straps & Backing
Long days hiking or roaming around campus can be hard on your shoulders and back. Padding can help.
Water Resistance
If you need your pack to stand up to the rain, make sure you choose one that is either waterproof, water resistant or has an integrated rainfly.
Accessory & Tool Loops
Finished filling your backpack and still have more stuff? Look for options that have accessory and tool loops on the outside of the bag where you can attach extra gear.
See Backpacks and Packs >

When you visit any website, it may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. This information might be about you, your preferences or your device and is mostly used to make the site work as you expect it to. The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalized web experience. Because we respect your right to privacy, you can choose not to allow some types of cookies. Click on the different category headings to find out more and change our default settings. However, blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Canadian Tire Privacy Charter
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems. They are usually only set in response to actions made by you which amount to a request for services, such as setting your privacy preferences, logging in or filling in forms. You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable information.
These cookies may be set through our site by our advertising partners. They may be used by those companies to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but are based on uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will experience less targeted advertising.
These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. If you do not allow these cookies, the aggregated data will not include your visit.
These cookies enable the website to provide enhanced functionality and personalisation. They may be set by us or by third party providers whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies then some or all of these services may not function properly.