A black backpack is are always a stylish choice for school, the workplace or the outdoors. Black matches both casual clothes and office outfits. Staples carries a wide selection of black backpacks from popular brands such as SwissGear, High Sierra and Jansport backpacks.

Choosing the Right Black Backpack
Torso height and shape largely determine the ideal backpack size for each user. To find one that fits well, make sure the bottom of the pack sits flush with the curve of the lower back or no lower than 4 inches below the waistline. Look for backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps. These straps distribute the pack's load evenly and reduce fatigue. If you plan on hiking with the bag, look for one with abdominal straps to help keep the load from shifting. Hikers may also prefer backpacks with internal or external frames. Frames provide a rigid structure that keeps the interior contents safe and helps to keep the load from disrupting the wearer's balance.

Consider the construction and material of the backpack, as well. Popular materials for black backpacks include nylon, polyester, leather and canvas. These materials are all very durable. Nylon and polyester are water-resistant, while canvas and leather are stylish and tough. Look for reinforced edges, thick stitching and sturdy frames when comparing the durability of various bags.

Consider Padding and Pockets When Shopping for Black Backpacks
Padded High Sierra backpacks protect the wearer's back and the items stored inside the bag. Many bags are designed to safely store laptops and other electronics with specially padded pockets. These may also feature straps to secure the devices. While a basic backpack usually has a main compartment and a front utility pocket, many black backpacks also have storage slots and side pockets. These exterior pockets provide quick access to items like water bottles, keys, phones, notepads and business cards. Headphone slots let you listen to music while keeping your player safe inside the bag. Note the overall capacity of a bag to be sure it can hold everything you need to carry.

How do you Wear a Sling Backpack?
Also called messenger bags, a sling backpack has only one shoulder strap, which distributes its load evenly between the back and the chest. While you can carry a sling backpack on one shoulder, this can cause fatigue in the long run. The correct way to carry these school backpacks is to sling it over the back, with the strap running diagonally across the chest.

What is a Hydration Backpack?
A hydration backpack is a pack with built-in water bladder and drinking hose. The rubber or plastic bladder serves as a refillable water reservoir. The hose connected to it allows the wearer to drink from the bladder hands-free. Hydration packs are popular among hikers, cyclists and long-distance runners and trekkers.

Can you Wash a Black Backpack?
Yes, you can wash most black SwissGear backpacks. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for details about how to clean your bag. If there are no washing instructions on the label, hand wash the bag or set the washing machine to gentle or delicate wash and use cold water to prevent color bleed.