Adidas Excel Backpack Review: Durable, Spacious, Mixed Comfort
Digging into hundreds of real-world reports, the adidas Excel Backpack for Men & Women emerges with a strong 9/10 rating from cross-platform consensus. While marketed as a large, athletic, and durable bag with a lifetime warranty, users confirm much of this — but they also reveal nuances about comfort, strap quality, and actual size perception that marketing glosses over.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — excellent for students, commuters, and athletes who carry varied gear daily, but strap durability and heat retention may concern heavy summer users.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Spacious compartments fit laptops, binders, gym clothes | Some straps lose padding or stitching over time |
| Comfortable LoadSpring shoulder straps ease heavy loads | Padding can feel warm in hot weather |
| Durable polyester shell resists light moisture | Lacks dedicated shoe compartment |
| Lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects | Decorative strap stitching may unravel |
| Multiple pockets aid organization | Very deep design may feel oversized for smaller users |
| Fits up to 16" laptops securely | Limited reflective materials reduce visibility |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing touts "LoadSpring shoulder straps" as a comfort breakthrough. While many agree, the lived experience varies. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: "The 'load spring' on the straps ease the pull on the straps/back and make it more comfortable. I’ve loaded it down with two 17" laptops and it handled the extra weight well and kept its shape." Yet Fakespot reports one buyer found "the straps have the same label as LoadSpring but the cushion is paper thin... the strap is practically ripped off by February."
The brand also claims "durable, water-resistant polyester" and a lifetime warranty. Marathon Man from Middleagemarathoner.com confirmed: "Really durable. Withstands the rigors of daily use... handles light moisture, not heavy rain or submersion." This aligns with most reviews, though no one suggests it’s suitable for downpours without extra protection.
Finally, adidas positions the Excel as a versatile work-gym-travel bag. Shoppers on Men’s Journal’s sale alert back this up: "Great bag for packing for the gym and traveling for overnight stays... it’s more spacious than any other backpack." This narrative holds across student, commuter, and athletic personas — but some smaller-framed users found the depth excessive.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Reddit, Amazon, and Trustpilot-style feedback, storage capacity is the headline win. Parents repeatedly highlight its ability to fit bulky school gear. One Amazon buyer explained: "My oldest carries a huge trapper keeper, a laptop and a lunch bag… when the bag isn’t filled, it compacts nicely and looks just like any other backpack."
Comfort features also resonate. Marathon Man detailed how "LoadSpring shoulder straps helped absorb bounce when the pack is stuffed… no annoying digging into my shoulders." Students echo this, noting reduced back strain during long days.
Durability stories bolster trust: multiple users report multi-year use. A Reddit user shared: "Had this for 5 years… would have lasted longer if it didn’t have mold from storage." Another added: "We’ve had them 2.5 years… still in fantastic shape."
Common Complaints
Despite the praise, strap integrity emerges as a recurring sore point. Decorative strap stitching unraveling was noted by several, though it usually didn’t affect function. Heat buildup under strap padding in summer is another minor but mentioned issue for athletes.
Size perception also divides buyers. One college freshman enthused: "Pretty big backpack, a lot of room… lasted since freshman year of high school." But another warned: "It is very deep, quite deeper than I was expecting… if you want a traditional-sized backpack, I’d recommend something else."
Divisive Features
The absence of a dedicated shoe compartment frustrates some gym-goers, though Marathon Man offered a workaround: use a drawstring bag inside. Reflective detailing is minimal, which some commuters consider a miss. Yet others prioritize aesthetics over safety features, praising the colorways and sleek profile.
Trust & Reliability
Long-term users back adidas’s durability claims. Multi-year survival through rough school use — including being "thrown around and dragged on the ground" — is common. The lifetime warranty inspires confidence, though few report needing to use it.
Trustpilot-style feedback via Fakespot notes occasional strap wear as the only significant structural failing. No widespread reports of counterfeit sales emerged, and resale markets like eBay list numerous new-with-tags units with consistent features.
Alternatives
The adidas Prime Backpack is a logical comparator. One parent noted: "The Prime is much larger than the Excel — it’s my overnight suitcase… I needed the daily traveler for work and life." Prime suits those needing maximum volume, while Excel offers a more compact but still spacious fit.
Other adidas lines like the Stadium 3 and Utility Pro 2.0 appear in resale channels, but user consensus keeps Excel ahead for balanced comfort, capacity, and price.
Price & Value
Official MSRP hovers around $60–$65, but sale events drop it as low as $27, as Men’s Journal spotlighted. Resale prices on eBay range from $32–$44 new, with older models dipping under $30. Community buying tips stress timing purchases with seasonal adidas sales for maximum value, given the longevity.
FAQ
Q: Is the adidas Excel Backpack suitable for high school students with heavy loads?
A: Yes. Multiple parents report it handles binders, laptops, lunch bags, and sports gear daily, with LoadSpring straps easing strain.
Q: Does it fit a 17" laptop?
A: Officially rated for up to 16", but several users successfully carried 17" laptops without issue, noting secure fit and maintained shape.
Q: How water-resistant is it?
A: It resists light moisture well, but isn’t designed for heavy rain. Users recommend a rain cover for wet commutes.
Q: Is this backpack too big for younger students?
A: Some find the depth excessive for smaller frames; others appreciate the space. It compacts when not full, reducing bulk.
Q: Does it have a shoe compartment?
A: No dedicated compartment. Gym-goers use separate drawstring bags inside for footwear.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a student, commuter, or athlete needing a spacious, comfortable, and durable daily backpack with strong organization. Avoid if you prioritize minimal size or need high-visibility features for night commuting. Pro tip from community: watch for adidas seasonal sales — under $30, this pack becomes one of the best value buys in its category.
