Custom backpacks are the better choice for long-term student use and higher brand visibility, while custom drawstring bags are better for lightweight, budget-conscious, and easy-to-distribute Back To School events.

Backpacks and drawstring bags are two of the most common bag options for Back To School campaigns because both provide storage, portability, and branding space. However, they serve different needs.

The right choice depends on student age, event environment, storage requirements, carrying comfort, imprint needs, and distribution logistics.

Back To School Products

Quick Comparison: Backpacks vs Drawstring Bags

Understanding The Two Product Types

Custom Backpacks

Custom backpacks are structured carrying bags designed for students who need to transport books, notebooks, technology accessories, and personal items.

They usually include:

• Adjustable shoulder straps
• Zipper compartments
• Larger storage capacity
• Structured panels
• Multiple branding locations

Explore: Backpack

Best suited for:

• Elementary school programs
• School enrollment campaigns
• College orientation packages
• Scholarship programs
• Community education initiatives

Custom Back To School Products

Custom Drawstring Bags

Custom drawstring bags use a lightweight pouch-style design with a simple closure system.

They usually include:

• Single compartment storage
• Lightweight materials
• Easy carrying design
• Compact packaging

Explore: Drawstring Bags

Best suited for:

• College welcome events
• Sports programs
• Student clubs
• Large-scale giveaways
• Outdoor campus activities

Choose Custom Backpacks If…

1. Students need daily school storage

Choose backpacks when recipients carry:

• Books
• Folders
• Lunch items
• School supplies
• Personal belongings

The larger structure makes backpacks more suitable for regular school routines.

2. The campaign goal is long-term visibility

Backpacks often remain in use for months or years.

Choose backpacks when:

• Brand exposure matters beyond the event
• Students will carry the product publicly
• The organization wants repeated impressions

3. You are targeting younger students

Elementary students typically benefit more from backpacks because:

• They carry more school supplies
• They need organized storage
• Parents value practical items

4. You want higher perceived value

Backpacks usually feel like a larger investment because of:

• Construction
• Storage capacity
• Everyday usefulness

They work well for:

• Scholarship programs
• Community initiatives
• School sponsorships

Choose Custom Drawstring Bags If…

1. The event requires fast distribution

Drawstring bags are easier for:

• Registration tables
• Campus events
• Large crowds
• Outdoor activities

Their lightweight structure simplifies transportation and storage.

2. Students need a portable event bag

Drawstring bags work well for carrying:

• Event materials
• Water bottles
• Small supplies
• Personal items

They are especially useful when recipients already own school bags.

3. Storage space is limited

Organizations managing large quantities often prefer drawstring bags because:

• They stack efficiently
• They require less warehouse space
• They are easier to transport

4. The giveaway includes multiple products

Drawstring bags are useful as part of a larger kit.

Example:

College welcome kit:

• Drawstring bag
• Notebook
• Pen
• Keychain
• Campus information materials

Branding & Imprint Considerations

The printing method and artwork style can influence the final appearance.

Custom Backpack Branding

Best locations:

• Front pocket
• Main panel
• Shoulder strap area

Best artwork:

✓ School logos

✓ Mascots

✓ Short slogans

✓ Simple graphics

Avoid:

• Extremely detailed artwork
• Small text blocks
• Thin lines

Drawstring Bag Branding

Best location:

• Large front-facing panel

Best artwork:

✓ Bold logos

✓ Event names

✓ Simple illustrations

Because drawstring bags often have a flatter surface, they can support highly visible graphics.

Which Product Has Better Logo Visibility?

Backpack visibility advantages:

• Larger structured surface
• Multiple imprint locations
• Visible during daily use

Best for:

Brand recognition over time

Drawstring bag visibility advantages:

• Flat front panel
• Easy viewing when carried
• Good for event branding

Best for:

Short-term campaign visibility

Operational Factors: Distribution, Storage & Handling

Transportation

Backpacks

Consider:

• Larger shipping volume
• More storage space
• Higher handling requirements

Drawstring Bags

Advantages:

• Lightweight cartons
• Easier movement
• Compact storage

Event Setup

For large Back To School events:

Drawstring bags are easier for:

• Registration areas
• Outdoor distribution
• Volunteer teams

For smaller targeted programs:

Backpacks provide stronger recipient value.

Quantity Planning

Small School Program

Approximate range:

50–250 units

Recommended:

• Backpacks for selected students
• Drawstring bags for general attendance

Medium Event

Approximate range:

250–1,000 units

Recommended:

• Drawstring bags for broad distribution
• Backpacks for premium programs

Large Campus Campaign

Approximate range:

1,000+ units

Recommended:

• Drawstring bags for efficiency
• Backpacks for targeted groups

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are backpacks or drawstring bags better for Back To School giveaways?

Custom backpacks are better for long-term school use, while custom drawstring bags are better for lightweight, large-scale event distribution.

The right option depends on whether the priority is daily student use or efficient giveaway management.

2. Which bag is better for elementary school students?

Custom backpacks are usually the better choice for elementary students because they provide organized storage for books, folders, lunch items, and school supplies.

They also offer stronger value for parents and students.

Explore:

3. Are drawstring bags good for college orientation events?

Yes. Drawstring bags are popular for college events because they are lightweight, easy to distribute, and large enough to carry orientation materials.

4. Which product gives better brand visibility?

Backpacks generally provide longer visibility because students often use them throughout the school year.

Drawstring bags provide strong event visibility because logos are displayed on the front panel when carried.

5. Can backpacks and drawstring bags be used together?

Yes. Many organizations use backpacks for priority recipients and drawstring bags for broader event distribution.

This creates different product tiers without changing the overall campaign theme.

6. Which bag is easier to transport for large events?

Drawstring bags are usually easier to transport because they are lightweight, compact, and require less storage space.

7. What printing works best for backpacks and drawstring bags?

The best printing method depends on material and artwork. Large logos and bold designs generally perform well on both products.

8. How many bags should a Back To School campaign order?

Organizations should estimate expected attendance, add quantities for staff or volunteers, and include approximately 5–10% additional units for unexpected demand.