Bag vs. Backpack: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 26, 2023
A "bag" is a general term for a container used to carry items, while a "backpack" is specifically designed to be worn on the back, typically with two shoulder straps.
Difference Between Bag and Backpack
A "bag" is a broad term that encompasses various types of containers designed to hold or transport items. From plastic grocery bags to fashionable purses, the spectrum of what can be classified as a bag is vast. Their designs can range widely, depending on their intended use. They can be closed with zippers, snaps, drawstrings, or left open, and they can be held or carried in numerous ways – by handles, over the shoulder, around the wrist, or even in the hand.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In contrast, a "backpack" is a type of bag characterized by its design to be worn on the back. Typically, backpacks come with two shoulder straps, allowing for even weight distribution, making them ideal for carrying heavier loads over longer distances. Often associated with students carrying books or hikers bearing gear, backpacks are designed for comfort and efficiency.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
While all backpacks can be classified as bags due to their primary function as containers, not all bags can be labeled as backpacks. The distinct feature of backpacks being worn on the back sets them apart from other bags. For instance, while a handbag can be a type of bag, it's not worn on the back and, thus, isn't a backpack.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In daily conversations, the term "bag" might be used more generically, whereas "backpack" is specific. If someone mentions they bought a new bag, it could be any type of container from a tote to a satchel. But if they say they got a new backpack, the mental image is clear – a bag with straps meant to be worn on the back.
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
Bag vs. Backpack Comparison Chart
Definition
A container for holding or carrying items
A bag with straps, worn on the back
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Carrying Method
Handles, shoulder straps, wristlets, etc.
Primarily two shoulder straps
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Structure
Can vary widely (totes, purses, pouches, etc.)
Generally has a consistent shape with compartments
Lucas
Sep 26, 2023
Bag vs. Backpack Definitions
◉Bag
A particular amount of something that is sold in a bag.
I bought a bag of chips for the party.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Backpack
A bag with shoulder straps, carried on the back.
He wore his backpack to school every day.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Bag
A container of flexible material, such as paper, plastic, or leather, that is used for carrying or storing items.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
To travel or hike carrying one's belongings in a backpack.
She decided to backpack across Europe for the summer.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
◉Backpack
A sturdy bag designed for carrying articles on a person's back, having shoulder straps and often mounted on a lightweight frame.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
A piece of equipment, often containing life-support devices, designed to be used while being carried on the back
a parachute in a backpack.
an astronaut's backpack.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A pouchlike or sagging organ or part of the body, such as a cow's udder.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
A knapsack, sometimes mounted on a light frame, but always supported by straps, worn on a person’s back for the purpose of carrying things, especially when hiking, or on a student's back when carrying books.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
A similarly placed item containing a parachute or other life-support equipment.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
(intransitive) To hike and camp overnight in backcountry with one's gear carried in a backpack.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
(intransitive) To engage in low-cost, generally urban, travel with minimal luggage and frugal accommodation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
a bag carried on the back, supported by straps looped over the shoulders.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
to hike while carrying a backpack; - often used in the form go backpacking; as, to backpack through the forest.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
hike with a backpack;
Every summer they are backpacking in the Rockies
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Backpack
An extended outdoor trip where one carries gear in a backpack.
We went on a three-day backpack through the mountains.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Backpack
A piece of equipment designed for a specific task that's worn on the back.
The firefighter wore a backpack pump to battle the brush fire.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
◉Backpack
To engage in low-cost, independent travel.
After college, he chose to backpack around Asia.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Bag
To fail to attend purposely; skip
bagged classes for the day and went to the beach.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
To stop doing or considering; abandon
bagged the idea and started from scratch.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A soft container made out of cloth, paper, thin plastic, etc. and open at the top, used to hold food, commodities, and other goods.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A container made of leather, plastic, or other material, usually with a handle or handles, in which you carry personal items, or clothes or other things that you need for travelling. Includes shopping bags, schoolbags, suitcases, and handbags.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
(colloquial) One's preference.
Acid House is not my bag: I prefer the more traditional styles of music.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
(baseball) The cloth-covered pillow used for first, second, and third base.
The grounder hit the bag and bounced over the fielder’s head.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
(preceded by "the") A breathalyzer, so named because it formerly had a plastic bag over the end to measure a set amount of breath.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
(mathematics) A collection of objects, disregarding order, but (unlike a set) in which elements may be repeated.
A bag of three apples could be represented symbolically as {a,a,a}. Or, letting 'r' denote 'red apple' and 'g' denote 'green apple', then a bag of three red apples and two green apples could be denoted as {r,r,r,g,g}.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A sac in animal bodies, containing some fluid or other substance.
the bag of poison in the mouth of some serpents
the bag of a cow
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A pouch tied behind a man's head to hold the back-hair of a wig; a bag wig.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A dark circle under the eye, caused by lack of sleep, drug addiction etc.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
(informal) To catch or kill, especially when fishing or hunting.
We bagged three deer yesterday.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
To provide with artificial ventilation via a bag valve mask (BVM) resuscitator.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
To expose exterior shape or physical behaviour resembling that of a bag
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
To (cause to) swell or hang down like a full bag.
The skin bags from containing morbid matter.
The brisk wind bagged the sails.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A sack or pouch, used for holding anything; as, a bag of meal or of money.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A sac, or dependent gland, in animal bodies, containing some fluid or other substance; as, the bag of poison in the mouth of some serpents; the bag of a cow.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A sort of silken purse formerly tied about men's hair behind, by way of ornament.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A certain quantity of a commodity, such as it is customary to carry to market in a sack; as, a bag of pepper or hops; a bag of coffee.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
To furnish or load with a bag or with a well filled bag.
A bee bagged with his honeyed venom.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
To swell or hang down like a full bag; as, the skin bags from containing morbid matter.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
a flexible container with a single opening;
he stuffed his laundry into a large bag
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
the quantity of game taken in a particular period (usually by one person);
his bag included two deer
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
place that runner must touch before scoring;
he scrambled to get back to the bag
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
a bag used for carrying money and small personal items or accessories (especially by women);
she reached into her bag and found a comb
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
a portable rectangular traveling bag for carrying clothes;
he carried his small bag onto the plane with him
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
an ugly or ill-tempered woman;
he was romancing the old bag for her money
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
an activity that you like or at which you are superior;
chemistry is not my cup of tea
his bag now is learning to play golf
marriage was scarcely his dish
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Bag
A container with an opening at the top, used for carrying things.
She carried her groceries in a reusable bag.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Bag
A loose, flabby part of the skin.
As he aged, he noticed bags under his eyes.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Bag vs. Backpack Frequently Asked Questions
Are all bags meant for carrying things?
Most bags are, but some like decorative bags or certain fashion bags might prioritize style over function.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
What's the primary function of a bag?
A bag serves as a container to hold or transport items.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
How does a backpack differ from other bags?
A backpack is designed to be worn on the back using two shoulder straps.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Is a backpack ideal for long durations?
Yes, backpacks distribute weight evenly, making them suitable for prolonged wear.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
Are backpacks only for students?
No, backpacks are used by people of all ages for various purposes, including travel, work, and hiking.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
How do you classify a bag's type?
Bags can be classified based on their design, function, and the way they are carried, like handbags, totes, or clutches.
Henry
Sep 26, 2023
Can a backpack be considered a bag?
Yes, a backpack is a type of bag designed for back wear.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
What materials are backpacks typically made of?
Backpacks can be made from various materials, including nylon, polyester, leather, or canvas.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Why are some bags called "shoulder bags"?
Shoulder bags come with a strap meant to be worn over one shoulder, differentiating them from backpacks.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
Which is more spacious: a bag or a backpack?
It depends on the design, but backpacks often have multiple compartments and can carry more items, especially larger or bulkier ones.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.