Must-have backpacks to tote your message

By Melanie Vandenboogaard

Commuting. Camping. Carrying. Backpacks are practical accessories that can go just about everywhere—from daily work commutes to exciting travels. And people’s love of backpacks is stronger than ever. Last year, the global backpack market opens in new window was valued at $15.9 billion, and that number is expected to double by the year 2030.

Not only are backpacks practical and stylish, but they can also serve as walking billboards for your brand. The average promotional bag generates 3,300 impressions (PDF) opens in new window in its lifetime. That’s a lot of eyes on your logo, and with such a significant presence, promotional backpacks can be powerful marketing tools.

Gain brand exposure

Since backpacks get so much attention, they are a great way to build brand awareness. Hand out Budget Backpacks at trade shows and conferences. The vivid colors will draw attention to your logo, plus attendees are sure to appreciate having an easy way to carry everything they collect on the show floor. Bonus—the lightweight material makes it easy to pack, so they’ll be more likely to bring it home.

The 4imprint 15" Laptop Backpack and the embroidered Kapston Pierce laptop backpack are other great options for employees who frequently travel for work. They’ll love the usefulness of the rear trolley strap, padded laptop sleeve and extra pockets for all their commuting and traveling needs. Both make great recognition gifts for employees who meet or exceed their sales goals.

Increase customer engagement

Backpacks make lovely thank-you gifts and social media engagement incentives. Show appreciation to loyal customers by gifting them a Williamsburg Backpack Cooler. Its heat-sealed, leak-resistant PEVA liner makes it perfect for outdoor concerts, parks or picnics.

Give the Trek Backpack as a token of gratitude to loyal customers who give your organization repeat business. The top handle makes it easy to grab—no need to sling it over their shoulder. When they do strap it on, the dual adjustable shoulder straps and padded back panel make for a comfortable carry.

Host social media contests with sought-after giveaways to draw greater engagement. A Koozie^® Hydration Backpack has a built-in 2-liter container with a twist-open access port, push/pull bite valve and a replaceable tube. This unique giveaway is sure to generate buzz and encourage people to like, share and engage with your posts.

Tag along on hiking or camping trips by putting your name on the Hemlock Backpack Cooler. The insulated main compartment keeps food and beverages fresh. And the side pockets are perfect to store a Life is Good^® Refresh^® Mayon Bottle for easy access to hydration.

Create a themed backpack giveaway for the first few customers who sign up for a webinar or video series. A tech-themed Ollie Laptop Backpack with Duo Charging Cables helps keep devices powered up while on the go. Or go for a sports theme with a Tri-Tone Sport Backpack or Sport Stripe Backpack that appeals to a wide audience.

Do good for the community

Help charitable organizations in your community reach their goals by encouraging customers and employees to make a donation. Enter those who do into a prize drawing. The North Face^® Stalwart Backpack makes a great grand prize. The durable water-repellent finish protects against everything from coffee spills to rain. Recipients will love this high-quality bag and remember your organization as one that supports giving back.

Organize a back-to-school drive where recipients can donate school supplies, lunch bags, gym shoes and gift cards to area students in need. Deliver fully stocked Kelton Backpacks to recipients to help them start the school year with everything they’ll need.

A backpack drive is another great way to help the community. Encourage customers and employees to drop off gently used backpacks for a chance to win an OGIO^® Transit Backpack. The fleece-lined tablet pocket and trolley strap make this backpack a coveted prize.

Empower employees

Welcome new team members by presenting them with a Speedster Backpack filled with items they’ll need for success on the job. With multiple pockets for organization and two mesh side pockets for beverages, it’s sure to be put to good use. The Nike^® District 2.0 backpack is perfect for birthdays or milestone anniversaries. It can hold everything from a laptop to shoes, making it ideal for commuting, traveling or hitting the gym.

Organize a team-building hike to encourage employees to be active together. Foster a sense of unity by giving participants a Topher Backpack to help them carry their goods. Two bungees with cord locks can secure trekking poles, hiking sticks and other large gear.

Hold a mystery backpack giveaway for your employee holiday gift. Stock the Leadville 15" Laptop Backpack with items for a game night, movie night or outdoor adventure. Throw in a Klean Kanteen^® Rise Mug that’s perfect for any occasion. Team members will love the surprise and are sure to appreciate a pack filled with everything they need for a day or night of fun.

Add excitement to your promotions

Collaborate with influencers to promote your brand, share product or service reviews, and grow your audience. Send them product samples in a Kapston Natisino Laptop Backpack as a show of gratitude for their endorsement. With multiple pockets for everything from pens and paper to a phone and laptop, this bag is a thoughtful, yet useful, thank-you gift.

Are you exhibiting at a trade show or hosting an open house? Create an immersive experience where participants can use virtual reality to tour your facility, complete challenges or participate in product demos. Enter everyone who participates into a drawing for an Excursion Backpack Cooler. With a leak-resistant liner and 20-can capacity, people will be sure to take this to every barbeque, boat ride or picnic.

To drive more sales or promote a specific product, offer the Convertible Backpack Tote as a gift with purchase. It has handles that can be worn over the shoulders, and it can be packed into a small pouch for easy storage.

Carry your brand here, there and everywhere

Whether you need to make a stand-out statement or show customers and employees how much you appreciate their contributions and efforts, backpacks are memorable ways to imprint your brand in their hearts and minds.

Melanie Vandenboogaard

Melanie VandenBoogaard is a senior merchandising category manager with nearly two decades of experience in the merchandising industry. She specializes in bags—including backpacks, totes, and more—staying on top of trends to ensure 4imprint offers a wide selection that meets customers’ needs in both style and price. Melanie also leads product development for 4imprint’s private-label brands, where she enjoys creating, building, and designing new products.

All marks are the property of 4imprint or their respective owners.

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