Worried about fitting in A4 files or your laptop? How to choose a functional backpack to treat yourself to at the start of a new life.

Not just new students and new employees, but also those starting a new job after changing careers, or anyone who simply wants a fresh start this April—what you need right now is a "backpack." This is the season when your load tends to grow, with files, documents, and even that heavy laptop, so it's the perfect time to have a backpack that can hold everything with ease.

What should you look for in a backpack this spring?

DANTE/Blue

A backpack you want at this time of year shouldn't be limited to "sunny days only" or "when you don't have much to carry." Instead, you want one you'll reach for year-round, no matter the occasion. Here are three checkpoints to consider.

First and foremost, it fits an A4 file perfectly!

There are plenty of backpacks that claim to "fit A4 size," but depending on the shape, you might find that while A4 documents fit, a binder or clear file holding those A4 papers ends up with bent or crushed edges. If you could find a backpack with just the right size—not too big, yet roomy enough to hold a full file of A4 documents—you'd probably want to wear it every day.

Unbothered by rainy days

On rainy days when you're holding an umbrella, you'll definitely want a backpack that keeps both hands free. Even with an umbrella up, the backpack on your back can end up soaked through as you walk. Choosing a backpack with water-repellent properties or made from special materials can prevent your belongings from getting wet or your bag from getting dirty in sudden rain.

Adaptable in shape to suit the occasion

Being able to change how you carry your backpack or adjust its size depending on the occasion is more convenient than you might think. For example, if you can adjust the size to match the amount you're carrying, you can travel light, and if the backpack can also be carried as a business-like handbag, it gives you peace of mind on business casual days or for unexpected visits.

We checked the sizing against A4 files and laptops

We've picked out three items recommended for your new life. To find backpacks that can comfortably hold A4 files, we tested them by inserting A4-size files, binders, and laptops.

Entry 1: DAILY DAYPACK GREY／STANDARD SUPPLY

This is a standard-size backpack from STANDARD SUPPLY, a brand popular at ZUTTO as well. At first glance it looks like a simple bag with no unnecessary decoration, but it's actually quite functional, with plenty of pockets.

On the front, there's an organizer pocket for keys and your phone, complete with a small inner pocket and even a hook for attaching keys. One side has a pocket for a bottle, while the other has a pocket that closes at the top with Velcro. Inside, there's also a small-item pocket secured with a belt, so you can keep your belongings, which tend to get jumbled together, neatly sorted.

We tried putting in a file that holds A4-size documents together.

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The result was that it fit with room to spare, both in width and length. Thanks to the gusset, you can confidently pack in items like pouches, books, or reference materials without worry. It's easy to see why this size is so popular as a unisex option.

Entry 2: 2-Way Kanken Bag Brick／FJALLRAVEN

The iconic fox logo, boxy silhouette, and abundant color variations—Fjällräven's Kanken bag is a long-selling favorite loved by people all over the world. Not only functional but also charming in appearance, it's a backpack used by people of all ages and genders. 

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The file fit perfectly into the square-shaped Kanken bag, right into the corners. It's a snug fit for an A4-size file, and anything larger would likely be a tight squeeze. Since the contents don't shift around inside, the bag feels stable, and its ease of carrying really shines when you're loaded down with heavy items.

The Kanken bag is a favorite among our staff too. It's roomy enough to easily fit a 13-inch laptop.

2-Way Kanken Bag Brown

There's also a protective pad built into the back, making it a great choice for anyone worried about their laptop or tablet getting damaged even when stored in a case.

Entry 3: Backpack LINEN KWICK 12Lt／BROOKS

BLACK

A new collection that reimagines BROOKS's standard, long-selling item—hugely popular among cyclists—in a linen version. The coated linen fabric provides solid protection against rain. Born in rainy Britain, it's a fine piece that combines water-resistant and water-repellent functionality with a real consideration for everyday use.

The main material of the backpack is a fabric certified by bluesign®, with a waterproof finish. bluesign® is a certification granted when a fabric has been made with consideration for the natural environment and for people, in terms of resource productivity, consumer safety, wastewater, air emissions, and occupational health and safety.

The accent parts and components use vegetable-tanned leather, the same kind used for bicycle saddles, making this a bag you can enjoy watching age over time.

CREAM

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Files fit in neatly as well. Thanks to the PC pad on the back panel, the bag stays sturdy and light without becoming too floppy, even though it's made of a soft, water-repellent-coated linen fabric. It's a recommended item for this season.

A laptop (13 inches), files, a pouch, and a water bottle. Since it can also fit women's-size sneakers and training wear, it should also come in handy as a backpack for gym days.

This bag also has a plush, padded storage compartment, making it perfect for holding laptops and electronic devices that you still worry about even when they're in a case.

A bag you can use even on rainy days

The dreary commute to work or school on a rainy day. The damp humidity, the extra belongings to carry. And the constant worry about your clothes or bag getting wet. Rainy days are especially troublesome for anyone carrying a laptop around. For those looking for a bag with more peace of mind than water-repellent cotton fabric can offer, we recommend the RAINS backpack.

Back Pack Mini

Black

Field Bag

Blue

Here we introduce two types of backpacks by RAINS, made of 100% polyester with a polyurethane resin coating. With their minimal, refined, and beautiful form, these backpacks give off an urban impression. With just the right thickness and just the right size, they keep a tidy look even when packed full, and can be used by both men and women.

A separate fabric is used on the back panel, so it doesn't get too stuffy even on humid days, and there's also a pocket on the inside for a laptop. This is a stylishness we'd love for you to enjoy not just on rainy days, but as part of your everyday wear.

Because it doesn't have much depth, the bag keeps a stylish impression, so it's best to choose slim items such as a water bottle, a folding umbrella, or a lunch box. When you actually put things inside, the moderate depth prevents small items from rolling around and getting jumbled up inside the bag. Taking things out is smooth and easy too.

What is a bag that can change its shape and size?

If you carry a large bag when you don't have much to put in it, the contents can shift around inside, and there are also times when you'd rather not look too casual carrying a backpack. In such cases, it's handy to have a bag that can change shape to suit the occasion and the amount you're carrying.

Roll Top Backpack / Kurashiki Hanpu

Left: Natural, Right: Taupe

The Kurashiki Hanpu roll top backpack is made of hanpu (canvas) fabric accented with the texture of leather. The opening is wide, forming a tube-like shape, and the top of the backpack has enough spare material to be rolled up. This means you can extend the rolled section when you need extra bulk, or roll the top down neatly when you're carrying less, letting you adjust the size according to what you're carrying.

Once you put it on, the beautiful selvedge along the side becomes an accent, letting you see at a glance that this backpack is made from high-quality Kurashiki Hanpu. A bag that can be made compact when you have little to carry, and expanded when your load increases, proves to be extremely convenient once you actually try using it.

Daypack / QWSTION

Washed Black

This Daypack is an all-around performer that can change into three different shapes depending on the occasion. Its design stands out for its simplicity, born from thoroughly thinking through ease of use.

Here are the key points.

It can be worn as a backpack, carried as a vertical hand bag, or carried as a horizontal hand bag. (The handle is removable.)

Washed Black

Plenty of storage capacity, in just the right size that's easy for women to carry, too.

A cushioned interior, plus a dedicated pocket that fits laptops up to 15 inches

Zippers run along two sides all the way around, so the opening spreads wide no matter which of the 3 ways you're using it

Organic Raw Duotone

Not just for everyday or business use, this Daypack can also be brought along on an overnight trip, and having one on hand is sure to prove invaluable.

▽There's still more. Backpacks