Best Lightweight: JanSport Mesh Pack Backpack

Why get a mesh backpack?

Some schools, businesses and public places (think stadiums) require see-through backpacks as a security precaution. 

Other folks love their mesh backpacks for the gym or beach, to help keep air circulating around wet or sweaty clothes. 

Another advantage to a mesh backpack you might not have thought of: mesh stretches! That means you can fit in more stuff compared to a fabric backpack.

After trying out several brands of mesh backpacks, we liked JanSport’s Mesh Pack as the best lightweight option. At 13 ounces, it was anywhere from one to four ounces less than others we tried.

Here’s more:

What We Liked

• Great for the beach.

• Square design works well for adults.

• Exterior pocket.

• Variety of colors in case you don’t like black.

• Adjustable shoulder straps are comfy.

• Interior small pocket. We loved this small pocket that can hold a phone, keys or other items you don’t want to sink to the bottom of the pack:

Best Mesh Backpack interior pocket of Jansport

 

What Needs Work

• No water bottle pocket.

• Not ideal for smaller kids or adults, thanks to odd squarish-shape. This isn’t a big deal for adults, but we think other mesh backpacks would be better when it comes to smaller kiddos.

Best Budget Friendly: Heavy Duty Semi-Transparent Mesh Backpack

There are several reasons why this backpack rose to the top. The curved or tapered top makes it better for kids than the Jansport above. And the water bottle pockets are most appreciated . . . at a price that doesn’t break the bank.

What We Liked

• 2 side water bottle pockets.

• Good job at holding books, school supplies.

• Tapered top better for kids or smaller adults.

• Easy to see inside.

• Padded straps are comfortable.

• Affordable.

• Lightweight at 12.8 ounces.

What Needs Work

• Too small for bigger folks.

• Front pocket is rather small.

Best Tried & True Brand: adidas Unisex Hermosa II Mesh Backpack

When we try products like mesh backpacks, we always include a few better-known name brands. Why? We know some folks prefer a tried and true brand for durability and features.

If that is you, we think adidas Unisex Hermosa II is the best bet among the brands we tried. It had the best overall quality construction and features—note the internal pocket that is often missing on cheaper no-name brands.

What We Liked

• Durable.

• Strong mesh quality.

• Internal pocket.

• Side water bottle pockets.

• Nice color variety in case you don’t like black.

• Padded straps are easy to adjust.

What Needs Work

• Pricey.

Best For Kids: Eastsport Active Mesh Backpack

This bag is more compact and tapered, compared to others we tested—as such, it is probably best suited for kids who need a see-through bag for school. We liked the overall quality and design (yes, there are two water bottle pockets).

What We Liked

• Lightweight at 12.8 ounces.

• Variety of colors in case you don’t want pink.

• Front pocket is zippered the full length of bag.

• Comfy straps.

What Needs Work

• Small overall size may not be best choice for adults.

About the Authors

Denise & Alan Fields are consumer advocates and best-selling authors. The Fields have authored 12 books with three million copies in print, including the best-selling guide to baby gear, Baby Bargains.

The Fields have been featured and quoted in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Los Angeles Times.

As consumer products experts, the Fields have been guests on the NBC Today Show, Good Morning America and ABC’s 20/20.

How We Pick Products To Recommend

We often turn to our readers (3 million strong!) to find products to recommend. We ask our parent readers for their favorites and consider their real-world experiences in our recommendations.

When we test a product, we always purchase it with our own monies. We do not take free samples, as we believe that compromises our independence.

We also fact check manufacturer information with our own measurements. If a maker claims a product weighs X pounds, we will weigh it to make sure. If the battery life is supposed to be six hours, we will see how it stands up in the real world.

In some cases, we will do interviews with experts in the field to get additional feedback on products.

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We make our living from affiliate commissions, but we always recommend what we think are the best bets for our readers (not the ones that are the most expensive). We are always looking for products that offer the best bang for the buck.

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