Inspection Results
Nearly 70% Fail; Online Stores Have Higher Quality than Physical Retailers
Waterproof, slash-resistant, wear-resistant, lightweight... Currently, hiking backpacks on the market vary greatly in price and variety, and the claimed functions are also diverse. This inspection purchased 50 batches of samples from both physical stores and online platforms, with the results showing a qualification rate of only 33.0%.
It is worth noting that the qualification rate of online stores is slightly higher than that of physical stores. “The qualification rate for online purchases is 36%, while that for physical stores is 30%,” said Lu Bing, director of the Provincial Special Protective Products Quality Inspection Center. This may be related to many manufacturers now directly setting up direct-sale stores online. “In the past, many online stores purchased low-cost goods from large markets and then sold them online, so product quality could not be guaranteed.”
Modern Express reporters noted that some well-known brands such as “Jack Wolfskin,” “Toread,” and “SWISSWIN” also appeared on the list of non-compliant products. “There are two reasons for this: one is that some unscrupulous merchants falsely label their products under these well-known brand names, and the other is that there is variability in the production quality of the manufacturers—each batch is not exactly the same,” explained Lu Bing.
Main Issues
Four in Ten Hiking Backpacks Fail Seam Strength Tests
Many consumers complain that their newly bought hiking backpacks break—either the shoulder straps snap or the bag body splits—after just a few uses.
“This indicates that the shock impact performance of the backpacks is not up to standard,” said Lu Bing. A total of 56 batches failed the shock impact test, with a qualification rate of 44%. The main issues included bag body cracks, broken handles, and seams coming undone at connection points.
Poor seam strength at the stitching of hiking backpacks can cause the seams to rupture during use, leading to items falling out. The inspection found 39 batches failed the seam strength test, with a qualification rate of 61%.
Less Than 10% Qualification Rate for Bags Under 50 Yuan
Be cautious if you're buying a hiking backpack at a very low price. This inspection showed that the qualification rate for products under 50 yuan was very low, only 7.7%, and the rate between 50 and 100 yuan was also not high, at only 27.5%. However, the qualification rate reached 48.0% for backpacks between 100 and 150 yuan, 46.2% for those between 150 and 200 yuan, 40.0% for the 200–250 yuan range, and 25.0% for those between 250 and 300 yuan. Lu Bing stated that the relatively low qualification rate in the 250–300 yuan range might be due to non-compliant products being passed off as premium goods.
Hiking Backpacks Claiming Waterproof Are Mostly Misleading
Many hiking backpacks on the market boast waterproof capabilities. In this risk monitoring test, inspectors found that 70% of hiking backpacks performed poorly in rain resistance, with some even allowing water to seep through and soak the contents during rain tests.
Lu Bing explained that this is related to manufacturers not placing enough emphasis on the waterproof performance of the outer fabric of the backpacks. “Although they indicate on the labels that the fabric is waterproof, they do not actually use fabrics with good waterproof properties.” This not only leads to leakage but also adds to the backpack’s weight.
Purchasing Tips
Check Whether the Seams Are Sturdy
Color Matters Too
Hiking backpacks can be divided into two types: large backpacks with a volume between 50–80 liters, and smaller backpacks with a volume between 20–35 liters, also known as “assault packs.” Large hiking backpacks are primarily used for transporting gear during mountain hikes, while small ones are generally used for high-altitude climbing or summit assaults. Hiking-specific backpacks are designed for extreme environments. Typically, the bag is slender and the back is contoured to fit the natural curve of the human body, ensuring the pack stays close to your back and reduces pressure on your shoulders from the straps. When purchasing, aside from considering the design based on your needs, make sure to choose products from reputable manufacturers that include labels and certifications, clearly stating the manufacturer’s name, address, phone number, capacity, functionality, and other information. Additionally, always check whether the backpack’s seams are solid—otherwise, they can easily get damaged during travel.
Experts advise choosing a backpack made of waterproof fabric when possible. Also, it’s best to select different backpack colors based on your destination. For jungles with wildlife, opt for darker-colored backpacks, while bright colors are better suited for suburban trips and can serve as distress signals if needed.