Backpacks are commonly used by hikers and students. They are often preferred to handbags for carrying heavy loads or carrying any sort of equipment, because of the limited capacity to carry heavy weights for long periods of time with their hands.

Large backpacks, used to carry loads over , as well as smaller sports backpacks (e.g., running, cycling, hiking, and hydration), usually offload the largest part (up to about 90%) of their weight