Best Promotional Backpacks For 2020

Do you have a corporate client you would like to impress? Does your PTA need to boost the school’s spirit store? Is there a stand-out employee you would like to reward with branded company gear? Threds has access to a variety of backpack options. From multiple color choices, different material options and price points that fit your budget - Threds is your one-stop source for customized backpacks. We offer the name brands you know as well as more economical options that still offer long-lasting durability and high quality.

Here’s a list of our personal favorites, client picks and vendor heavyweights.

1. OGIO MARSHALL PACK

This pack protects your laptop, caters to your professional needs and delivers bold OGIO style at a price point that won’t break the bank.

This sturdy OGIO bag features a top-entry padded laptop compartment and fleece-lined valuables and a digital media pocket. Complete with all the extras like dual-sided beverage/accessory holsters and ergonomic adjustable shoulder straps. This sleek and stylish bag is sure to impress clients, and is perfect for those out-of-town over-nighters and events. Why else do we love it? Well, look at that logo space! Most bags offer an area only a few inches wide, but the Marshall Pack provides a large imprint area to highlight your brand.

Dimensions: 19.25"h x 13"w x 9.5"d

Laptop sleeve: 15.5"h x 10.5"w x 1.5"d; fits most 15" laptops

2. OGIO STRATAGEM PACK

One of our most popular packs due to its unique uni-body back panel. 

Meet the OGIO Stratagem. This backpack features plenty of compartments for storage and helps keep things comfortable with air-flow mesh built into the back. Other than being designed to help keep the sweat off your back, this bag also aims to keep you from feeling like you've been carrying a pack all day. When loaded down, this Ogio Stratagem stays firmly in place with the help of ergonomic chest straps and an adjustable cross-chest sternum strap. This backpack is ideal for clients who like to spend their time outdoors or travel frequently.

Laptop sleeve: 15.5"h x 11"w x 1"d; fits most 17" laptops

Dimensions: 19.5"h x 15"w x 10.5"d

3. THULE ENROUTE COMPUTER PACK

The team at THULE® has been engineering and designing products that work exactly as you want with styling that sets them apart from the rest.

This no-nonsense pack is built for commuters on the go. While not quite a full-sized pack, this stylish, compact bag comes with a quilted laptop compartment, accessory section and an expandable water bottle compartment. This sensible bag also features hidden high-visibility straps that help keep users safe and noticeable long after the sun has set. This unique computer bag is perfect for daily commuters or for those seeking a smaller, lightweight alternative pack. The ‘Enroute’ is an exceptional bag that is sure to make an impression and will likely become a favorite whether presented to clients or employees.

Laptop Sleeve: 15”

Dimensions: 17.3" H X 10.6" W X 9.1" D

4. MERCHANT & CRAFT ASHTON PACK

Simple essentials for a modern lifestyle.

This trendy rucksack style design also doubles as a computer bag with a 15” laptop sleeve accessible via a zipper inside the main compartment, which keeps laptops protected. This bag also features a small zippered accessory compartment perfect for keys, chargers, and more. The ‘Ashton’ also features a larger accessory compartment ideal for phones, small tablets, notebooks or other accessories. Unlike many rucksacks, Merchant & Craft have kept things real with the often overlooked hydration pouch sewn to the side of the bag. The ‘Ashton’ also features nicely padded ergonomic shoulder straps that you might not find on other price-minded bags. The ‘Ashton’ is a great choice for a retail offering, events, giveaways and more.

Laptop Sleeve: 15”

Dimensions: 18.75" H X 5" W X 12.75" D

5. HIGH SIERRA UBT DELUXE PACK

Deluxe pack with all the features.

Like most backpacks today, the UBT Deluxe pack features a laptop sleeve but, with a bit larger 17” compartment, complete with quilted padding to protect your investment while traveling. The main compartment features several mesh organizer pockets and has a second large compartment that offers several zippered pockets for additional odds-and-ends. One stand out feature is the quick-release key fob that keeps you from having to search for your keys when you need them. This bag also features two side-zip pockets perfect for water bottles. Its mesh back expands to reveal a trolley pass-through so you are not weighted down during long travel days. Sternum straps keep the pack locked in place. This UBT pack also comes with a limited lifetime warranty from the manufacturer.

Laptop Sleeve: 17”

Dimensions: 20" H X 8" W X 13.5" D

Have something in mind not on the list?

No problem, we can find the perfect fit for you. Contact Threds to start your custom backpack order today!

Service Tips, Top Picks, and a Trip Down Memory Lane.

August is our birthday month here at Threds and we are celebrating 25 years of service by sharing a timeline of how far we have come since 1994.

Rooted in humble beginnings, Threds officially launched in August of 1994 as a retail clothing store selling restored vintage jeans. Screen printing followed shortly two years later in 1996. To highlight our screen printing origins, we've provided a few tips on how to brand on a budget utilizing our services.

When planning a custom T-shirt order on a small budget, consider the following:

1. Select a simple 1-2 color design that will reduce the cost of your overall spend while still being able to maximize your logo or message. 

2. Utilize a one-print location verse multiple print areas on the garment. You can maximize brand visibility with a single front or left chest print option, like the examples below.

3. Comfort over brand name. Consider using a cheaper brand of shirt that can provide the same level of comfort. You’ll save on costs, but not at the expense of quality.

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In 1997, Threds included promotional offerings into our business portfolio. This allowed us to expand our overall custom branding capabilities and garner more corporate business. Check out our pick of the top 5 go-to promotional items for any occasion:

1.    Drinkware 

2.    Tote bags

3.    Writing instruments

4.    Koozies

5.    Notebooks

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Embroidery joined the family of offerings in 1999 to service clients who wanted a more formal branded apparel look and feel. Check out our list of items that are the best fit for embroidery services:

1.    Polo shirts

2.    Fleece 

3.    Hats

4.    Jackets (non-waterproof)

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Finally, in 2003 Threds introduced a fulfillment and e-commerce division, making us a full-service branding powerhouse with a national footprint. What does this service do for customers?

1. It provides an entire team of creative thinkers, committed to developing branded merchandise that resonates with your customers.

2. We have a dedicated account & design team that understands your brand.

3. Customer Service needs are handled in-house.

4. Our e-commerce division provides fast, affordable shipping options and tracking.

5. Design, production, inventory and order fulfillment all under one roof.

6. We provide accurate product sales and inventory reports.

Let Threds be a part of your brand’s story. We’ll do more than produce it; we’ll help you tell it. Start your custom apparel or promotional project today! 

Custom headwear at the same price as your regular promo hat.

It's easy to pick a hat from a catalog for your logo but, imagine that you could create a custom hat from the bottom-up for the same cost, and you wouldn’t have to pay for them until they were delivered. Sound good?

In today's noisy and cluttered market, it has become increasingly difficult for consumers and retailers to differentiate themselves. Rather than being forced to choose from headwear that is mass-produced, let's look at what goes into creating a more unique option for your brand.

With a bit of pre-planning, an amazing custom hat could be yours for the right price. Our overseas programs can create entirely custom hats from your unique design. Custom headwear options feature unique fabrics, multiple embroidery styles, patches, trims, colors, closures, profiles, custom labels and so much more! Such options can transform an ordinary hat into a true original, retail-quality piece of headwear. 

The entire process does take time. To take a piece of headwear through that process of ideation, design, and creation is generally about four months long. However, from the initial concept to the design, to construction and shipping, the sky is the limit! With so many options to choose from, a custom retail quality hat almost always outsells the competition. Consumers tend to appreciate the small details in a custom hat and are often willing to spend a few more dollars for something unique. In our book— that's worth the wait.

Take these two hats for instance. They are comparable in price. The primary difference is that the hat on the right took an extra 90-120 days to produce. Well worth the wait if you’re in need of 144-288 pieces, the standard production requirements. Get more bang for your bill, and try our overseas program today!

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Interested in unique, retail-quality custom headwear?

Contact Threds today to get started. We have great relationships with our overseas vendors, and our sales team and artists will work hard to help transform your idea into reality.