Carrying inline skates for prolonged periods can be quite a hassle, especially when the skating spots are a considerable distance from home. So, how can you conveniently transport your skates via public transit or by walking? One efficient method is using a skate backpack that not only holds your skates but also other necessary gear. This backpack should be functional, long-lasting, and stylish. In this piece, we'll delve into what makes a skate backpack exceptional and offer top picks from the Bladeville backpack offer.
Characteristics of a perfect skate backpack
Most of us own a general-use backpack, which comes in handy for various activities. As a result, some might wonder if a skate backpack is genuinely essential. While at a cursory glance, a skate backpack might resemble any ordinary backpack, it boasts unique features that set it apart.
- Compact Design - This backpack is crafted with a design that's just the right size to neatly fit inline skates and their accessories. Its flat structure means skates can be stored efficiently, like placing one skate vertically upward and the other in the reverse direction.
- Accessible Pockets - Added pockets cater to essentials like phones and wallets, ensuring they're always within easy reach when you're on the move.
- Built to Last - Crafted with materials resistant to abrasion, the backpack defends against wear from the inside out – whether from falls or when placed on rough terrains.
- External Skate Holder - A special attachment allows skates to be fastened to the backpack's exterior. This design choice not only keeps the interior clean but also frees up space inside. Various innovative methods are used for this, from semi-open pockets to straps. It's much like attaching a sleeping bag to a rucksack, ensuring the skates remain secure and steady.
- Comfort and Breathability - The backpack promotes comfort and spine protection, featuring a padded back panel and a carry system. To enhance breathability, it incorporates strategically placed straps and materials that allow air to flow freely.
Smaller or larger model?
Skate backpacks usually come with a standard capacity ranging from 15-20 litres. But if you're looking at the Bladeville collection, there are choices that go beyond this typical range. The right pick is largely determined by your intended use and the duration of your outing. What you need and plan to pack is key. For those days stretching from dawn to dusk, a more spacious option with multiple pockets might be what you need. Think about packing a laptop, reading materials, snacks, extra apparel, and the myriad of other day-long essentials. The benefit of these multiple compartments? Simplicity in organization and ease in finding what you need.
Conversely, the more compact backpacks tend to feature a single main pocket complemented by a few smaller ones. They are perfect for housing larger gear like inline skates. Simultaneously, they let you stow away smaller crucial items – think wheels, bearings, or your mobile – in accessible places, ensuring they're always within easy reach.
Large-Capacity Skate Backpacks
Leading our review for the high-volume skate backpacks is a recommendation from the esteemed FR brand. The standout feature of the FR Skates Backpack 30L is its superior skate attachment system. Beyond just straps, it offers dual flaps that both anchor the skates firmly and offer protection. Notably, this model comes with a water-resistant orthalion cover.
- Volume: 30L
- Size: 50.8 cm x 38.1 cm x 11.43 cm
- Compartments: 2 spacious main sections
- Specialized Slot: Designated area for laptop or tablet
- Pockets: 5 zippered side pockets and a dedicated bottle pocket
- Enhanced Features: Zippers come with extended handles for ease of use
- Additional Support: Hip belt for optimal weight distribution and stability
The Powerslide Sports backpack serves as a formidable rival to the FR Skates Backpack 30L model, showcasing a design that mirrors its counterpart. One of its standout features is the easy-to-access skate attachment system, especially useful in scenarios like airport checks, allowing quick unbuckling and reattachment of skates. Despite its slightly reduced volume of 27L, it's optimal for daily usage and is crafted from nylon that's resistant to wear and tear.
- Volume: 27L
- Size: 50x35x30cm
- External cords for securing a sweatshirt or tee
- Clips included for helmet attachment
- Concealed back pocket for documents.
The Powerslide We Love to Skate backpack stands out prominently in its category. Boasting a generous 38L capacity, its front section features a meticulously designed organizer, replete with several tiny compartments. Not only does it have ample space for gear like pads and a helmet, but the skates also secure snugly on its sides through adaptable compression straps. Adding to its appeal, the backpack features a 20 mm padded back for enhanced comfort, and is complemented by broad straps fortified with stabilizing ones. Essentially, this model is the premium variant to the Powerslide Sports backpack.
- Volume: 38.5 L
- Size: 55x35x20
- Detailed organizer, perfect for items like phones, paperwork, and keys.
- Compartment tailored for laptops
- Audio equipment slot with a media port for headphones
- Ingenious design: skates can be discreetly tucked into zipped side pockets, distinct from the principal section.
The Razors Metro backpack, tailored for aggressive skaters, is distinct from its predecessors. This Razors skate backpack has been infused with features specifically beneficial for this skating niche. Notably, there are zipper-guarded pockets on its side, perfect for stashing an extra set of frames. Razors Shift skate enthusiasts will especially appreciate this, as it allows for a swift frame setup switch without needing to dismantle them. Additionally, these optional side pockets serve as excellent storage for shoes, segregating them from the primary compartment – a thoughtful design element.
- Size: 50 x 20 x 33 cm
- 3x primary compartments
- Designated area for laptop or tablet
- 6x zipper pockets
- Separate shoe storage
- Media access point
- Specialized lined pocket for glasses
Compact skate backpacks with minimalistic design
A prominent category in skate backpacks is the streamlined, low-volume designs. These backpacks, typically with a capacity of up to 20L, offer single-compartment structures, primarily aimed at carrying inline skates or protective gear. Their reduced size and weight are tailored for extended skate journeys and are also well-suited for younger users. Standouts in this category include:
The Razors Humble Backpack Predominantly favoured by aggressive skaters, its design features an exterior skate-holding mechanism, reminiscent of the iconic Senate backpacks from the early 2000s.
- Upper zipper pocket tailored for audio devices, complete with a handy headphone port
- Side mesh pockets that can be easily reached, even while skating, perfect for smaller items
- Priced attractively
In this category, the Powerslide brand recommends the Fitness backpack. Notably lightweight and of unique dimensions, it's often the top skate backpack choice for kids. While it mirrors many features of the Razors Humble Backpack model, it also introduces some significant extras:
- A slightly enlarged flap for the skate suspension system, offering better protection for the skates. This flap also has convenient attachment points on the front, suitable for helmets or sweatshirts.
- Rubber patches on the backpack's base to prevent wear and tear when set on the ground.
- The Powerslide Fitness backpack comes in various colour options.
For those leaning towards eco-friendly options, the Rollerblade LT 20 Eco skate backpack, crafted entirely from recycled materials, stands out. Distinguishing features that set it apart include:
- The flap designed for the skate attachment system boasts not just 3, but 4 individual buckle straps. This ensures skates are held firmly and remain stationary during travel
- The padding on the back and the shoulder strap offer excellent airflow
- Size: 30 x 18 x 50cm
- Uniquely, for its compact size, it also features a cushioned laptop section
Concluding our list are two outstanding options which, we believe, strike the perfect balance between day-to-day utility and specialized excursions. These are the Seba Small Backpack and the FR Backpack 25L. Although more compact in design, these backpacks don't compromise on craftsmanship. They seamlessly act as a bridge between an everyday lightweight backpack and one tailored for more specialized expeditions.
Key features that make these backpacks exceptional include:
- Extended zipper handles: Ensures easy access even during activities like skating.
- Enhanced external straps: Designed specifically for mounting skates, with the FR Backpack 25L boasting up to five straps.
- The Seba Small Backpack features additional straps beneath the flap for a more secure grip on the skates.
- The FR Backpacks offer a vertical skate storage system. This arrangement minimizes side protrusion, making it more convenient in crowded spaces, like on an airplane.
To sum it up, selecting the right skate backpack is subjective and based on personal requirements. While the Bladeville collection boasts other larger bags such as the Powerslide UBC Commuter, UBC Road Runner, and K2 bags, our emphasis in this review has been on everyday-use solutions that come with specialized equipment attachment systems, the predominant method for transporting inline skates.
