Clearance backpacks

The Padded Pak'r, a classic since 1976

Eastpak was born in 1952 in Massachusetts under the name of Eastern Canvas Products, a supplier of bags for the American army. In 1976, the brand launched the Padded Pak'r, a simple bag with a large compartment, a zippered front pocket, and padded straps, which became the bag for generations of students. The Day Pak'r retains this shape while adding a padded laptop pouch and more storage; the Padded Pak'r Sparkly glittery and the Day Pak'r in Los Angeles Lakers colours bring some fun. A sign of their durability, Eastpak bags are guaranteed for thirty years: the brand was the first to offer a lifetime warranty, later limited for legal reasons.

The other clearance items

The luggage clearance also includes:

• Handbags.
• Suitcases.

All clearance items are grouped on the luggage page.

Bag for back and laptop: the padded compartment

For the office or university, the backpack must protect a laptop. The Eastpak Day Office and the Out Of Office reserve a padded compartment for the laptop, separate from the rest, often elevated so the device doesn’t touch the ground when setting down the bag. The Solo New York, from the American brand specialized in laptop bags, follows the same logic but with a more understated look. Check the advertised screen size in inches, then compare the pouch dimensions with those of the device, as the thickness and edges can vary even with the same screen size. A padded and breathable back prevents the bag from sticking to your back during journeys.

Roll-top and city bags: Got Bag, Guess, Desigual, Ryłko

The roll-top, like the Got Bag Rolltop Adventure, closes by rolling the top of the bag several times before clipping it: the opening becomes waterproof and the volume adjusts to the content, a plus when cycling. Got Bag weaves this model from plastic collected from the sea by Indonesian fishermen. For the city, the structured Guess Manhattan and Milano backpacks replace the handbag and can also be worn on one shoulder. The Desigual Half and Notus models feature prints, and the multi-position model switches from back to shoulder. The Ryłko, made of leather from the Polish leather and footwear house, develops a beautiful patina over the years.

Adjusting the straps and choosing for a child

A backpack should be adjusted to sit high on the back, with the bottom of the bag above the waist: with straps tightened equally, it presses the load against the spine and prevents pulling the shoulders back. Wearing it on one shoulder throws off posture. For a child, the bag must be their size, not wider than their shoulders: the Fabelab, a Danish brand in organic cotton, and the Eastpak Orbit, in small format, are suitable for the youngest, while the Nomadict Harry Potter, featuring the Golden Snitch, is for fans of the saga. It is often recommended that a loaded bag should not exceed about a tenth of the child's weight.

Frequently asked questions

What size of bag for cabin luggage?

Companies distinguish personal items, which can be slipped under the seat, from luggage stored in the overhead compartment, with specific dimensions for each and sometimes dependent on the ticket price. Measure your filled bag, including straps, and compare with your airline's conditions before departure.

How many litres for a bag for everyday use?

Between fifteen and twenty-five litres carries a laptop, a meal, and a raincoat: this is the volume of most urban bags, like the Padded Pak'r, which is around twenty-four litres. Beyond thirty litres, the bag becomes bulky on public transport.

Does a leather bag need to be maintained like a canvas bag?

No, leather is dusted with a dry cloth and nourished two to three times a year with suitable balm, to prevent it from drying out and cracking. Avoid soapy water, which is for canvas bags only, and let it dry away from a radiator if it gets wet.

Can an Eastpak backpack go in the washing machine?

The brand suggests hand washing instead, using warm water and mild soap with a soft brush, as the machine can damage the foam on the back and the coatings. Then let the bag air dry, open and upside down.

What to do if the zip of a backpack breaks?

A slider that doesn’t close can often be tightened with pliers, gently, from each side. If the teeth are damaged, a cobbler or alteration shop can replace the zipper; for an Eastpak, the warranty covers manufacturing defects.