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What are the best wheelchair backpacks to carry personal possessions while traveling in a chair?
That’s an excellent question because not all wheelchair backpacks are well-designed to suit the needs of a person with limited mobility.
But after careful consideration, we’ve picked the 8 best backpacks for wheelchairs to narrow down your choices.
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Table of Contents
3 Things to Consider Before Buying Backpacks for Wheelchairs
Let’s talk about what to consider when buying the best wheelchair backpacks.
Size
Wheelchair backpacks and bags come in a variety of sizes. Think about what you’ll need to fit in the bag and check the measurements to ensure it’s spacious enough.
Material
The best wheelchair backpacks are made of durable materials, such as nylon or polyester. Ensure that the material is thick and waterproof but lightweight.
Easy Access
Depending on the model, backpacks have zippers or Velcro closures for quick access. Both types have pros and cons, so consider which one would be easier for you.
Let’s start with a quick look at our top picks, then keep reading for all the glorious details.
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Best Wheelchair Backpacks Top Picks at a Glance
- Winner: The Large Wheelchair Bag
- Best for Women: Wheelchair Backpack Organizer
- Best Budget-Friendly: Vive XL Wheelchair Bag
- Best Multipurpose: Wheelchair Backpack Bag with Cup Holder
- Best Compact: Medipaq Deluxe Wheelchair Bag
8 Best Backpacks for Wheelchairs (Reviews)
At first, a backpack doesn’t seem like the best wheelchair accessory. Most users think about portable ramps, cushions, wheelchair armrest pads, etc.
That’s not surprising since studies point out, “users experience seating and mobility problems related to their wheelchair.” And cushions and pads help with the discomfort.
But it’s also not easy to carry books, snacks, or drinks and maneuver a manual or power chair. And no one likes it when they don’t have easy access to their personal items.
Fortunately, these discomforts are easy to remedy with wheelchair bags for the back of the chair.
1. Winner: The Wheelchair Bag
Thanks to this fantastic chair bag- aptly named “The Wheelchair Backpack,” shopping or carrying your favorite books/electronic devices has never been easier.
Physical Attributes
- Black
- Nylon material
- Two pockets
- This large bag boasts a durable Oxford nylon design with one rear pocket with Velcro closure for storing personal possessions and an open-top one for items you need close by.
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 14 x 19 inches
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Very affordable | No zipper, which can be an advantage if you have hand tremors |
| The entire bag is 100% washable | Not the most secure attachment |
| Easily attaches to your wheelchair with a simple loop system | Only one single pocket (again, also a pro) |
| Suitable for most types of wheelchairs and slips easily over the push handles to avoid damaging your chair. |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- Fewer pockets than other models but very spacious
- Affordable
- Light and easy to remove when you don’t need it
How the Product Evolved
The Wright Stuff is one of the leading sellers of mobility aids, and they’re constantly improving their selection to ensure they meet their client’s needs.
Expert Tips
- You should handwash the bag. Even though it’s 100% washable, don’t risk putting it in the washing machine.
2. Best for Women: Wheelchair Backpack Organizer
If you’re wondering how to carry things in a wheelchair, this best wheelchair backpack organizer will be an excellent alternative to your usual purse.
Physical Attributes
- Polyester
- 10 compartments
- Velcro straps
- High-quality zipper, which is easy to pull even with trembling hands
- Waterproof material with double-stitched seams and reinforced stress points for durability, so you can use it daily
- Five straps for secure attachment, allowing you to fill the bag to the brim without worrying about it falling off your chair
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 16″ x 11.75″ x 6.5″
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| One of the biggest bags for wheelchair users, excellent for carrying personal necessities, water bottles, blankets, or a small oxygen tank | Bulky |
| 10 compartments for storing various knicks and knacks safely | Too fancy for some |
| Suitable for electric chairs, manual chairs, electric scooters, rollators, and more thanks to the adjustable Velcro straps |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- More spacious than the average wheelchair backpacks
- Great for larger items
- More adjustable straps than traditional backpacks
How the Product Evolved
- Improved design and Velcro attachment system
Expert Tips
- You can fold the bag along with your chair, so you don’t have to attach/reattach it every time.
3. Best Budget-Friendly: Vive XL Wheelchair Bag
is another popular company that produces some of the best wheelchair accessories, and they don’t disappoint with their bag.
Physical Attributes
- Nylon
- Four compartments
- Velcro straps
- Three convenient outer pockets to ensure you can reach your essential items and mobile phones quickly
- A large inner pocket for medical supplies, books, and other necessities
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 19″ x 14″
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Easy to attach to a transport chair, a standard wheelchair, a walker, etc | Rips quickly, according to customer reviews |
| Adjustable straps to secure the bag to the chair and a carrying strap for convenience | No zippered pocket |
| 60-day money-back guarantee | Too wide for narrow travel chairs |
| Machine washable and easy to maintain | |
| Added reflexive strip on the outer pocket for visibility in the dark and extra safety |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- Available in more colors than other models
- Larger compared to the other brands we’ve reviewed
- Suitable for a wide range of mobility devices
How the Product Evolved
- Improved fabric with reinforced seams for extra durability
Expert Tips
- Wash with cold water and ensure the bag is well-dried before you use it.
- Vive has one of the best seat cushions.
4. Best for Men: EZ-Access Wheelchair Bag
EZ-Access is the brand to choose when you’re looking for something classy, functional, and durable.
Physical Attributes
- Buckle attachment
- Two compartments
- Made from waterproof nylon for durability and easy maintenance
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 17.5″ x 16.5″ x 4.5″
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The large inner pocket with Velcro closure is the right size for personal effects or a small portable oxygen tank | Not the most secure buckles |
| You get a 1-year warranty, so you can return the backpack to the manufacturer if it rips apart. | No inside pockets to separate items, so it’s hard to find what you’re looking for |
| The front mesh pocket is perfect for your phone, tablet, or pills since you can grab them quickly. | |
| Easy to attach to the rear handle with the adjustable buckle straps and won’t compromise the manual wheelchair performance |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- It has plenty of storage space compared to traditional bags
- Fewer pockets than other brands
How the Product Evolved
EZ-Access is constantly expanding its product range, and they’ve got similar bags suitable for walkers and crutches.
Expert Tips
- Be careful since the top doesn’t close with a zipper, so it’s not the best for valuable items.
- Check the EZ-Access EZ-Accessories wheelchair pack if you want something smaller.
5. Best Multipurpose: Wheelchair Backpack Bag with Cup Holder
Power wheelchair users will be delighted with these electric wheelchair backpacks, so spacious you can carry almost anything in them.
Physical Attributes
- Multiple compartments
- Reflexive strip
- Strap closure
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 19″ x 14.5″ x 2″
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Multiple pockets with plenty of space for storing personal belongings, including two spots for your cups/bottles, credit card compartments, and an insulated pocket for lunch boxes | You can’t fold the chair without removing the backpack |
| Reflective tape to increase visibility at night | Not the cheapest option |
| You can wear it on your back as a regular backpack | |
| Orange color inside to make it easy for you to locate what they need | |
| A padded compartment to store and protect your laptop, phone, or tablet from damage | |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- One of the most spacious wheelchair backpacks
- Suitable for electric/manual wheelchairs or mobility scooters
- Not as easy to apply/remove as other brands
How the Product Evolved
- Bigger and more compact than Pf’s wheelchair-side bag
- Available in smaller versions for rollators, knee walkers, and crutches
Expert Tips
- Be careful how many items you put inside the backpack, or it can become too heavy.
6. Best Deluxe: Diestco Deluxe Seatback Bag
If you’re looking for a deluxe wheelchair bag, Dietsco is the perfect brand with its unique style and design.
Physical Attributes
- Made from durable, water-resistant nylon, so you can carry heavier items with no problems.300-yard reflective strip
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 16″ x 14″ x 4″
- It’s suitable for power chairs and mobility devices with 7″ – 21″ seatbacks.
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Plenty of storage space and compartments so that you can carry common items or your medical supplies | Not the cheapest option chair backrests |
| Reflective tape for increased visibility in low-light settings | It takes time to attach/detach the bag to the chair backrests |
| Well-made to withstand everyday use without tearing | |
| A mesh exterior pocket for quick access to your belonging and convenient side pockets for your drinks, keys, or phone |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- Unique attachment design
- Similar capacity to the other large wheelchair backpacks we’ve reviewed
How the Product Evolved
- Improved deluxe version with more compartments than the standard model
Expert Tips
- Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions about how to attach the bag to your chair.
7. Best Expandable: Pembrook Wheelchair Backpack Bag
Pembrook has a great wheelchair backpack bag, suitable for any manual wheelchair user in need of plenty of space
Physical Attributes
- 70-Denier DuroTec nylon fabric
- A reflective strip
- Strap attachment
- The bag is 18 inches wide and 16 inches tall, but it expands (up to eight inches) to accommodate all your everyday items.
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 18″ x 16″ x 8″
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| The DuroTec nylon fabric is water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about liquid damaging your possessions when traveling. | The lightweight nylon material is too flimsy for some customers |
| This best wheelchair backpack is suitable for most wheelchairs and has a reflective strip for extra visibility. | |
| You have a zipped inner pocket to store your valuables, while the hook-and-loop closure allows you quick access to your stuff. |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- Expandable to accommodate larger items
- Unlike other brands, it doesn’t have front mesh pockets
How the Product Evolved
- Bigger than similar wheelchair pouches by Pembrook
Expert Tips
- Check the Pembrook Wheelchair side bag if you’re looking for something more compact and lightweight.
8. Best Compact: Medipaq Deluxe Wheelchair Bag
If you’re looking for compact backpacks for wheelchairs, Medipaq is an excellent brand to consider.
Physical Attributes
- Made from waterproof polyester for maximum durability to protect your personal items from damage in bad weather
- Loop strap attachment
- Four compartments
Quantitative Measurements
- Measures 14″ x 13″ x 7″
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
|---|---|
| Easy to maintain | Not the best for heavier items |
| Zippered front pockets, which are ideal for storing valuable objects, such as your cell phone, keys, tablet, and credit cards | |
| Adjustable loop straps for quick attachment to most standard chairs, power chairs, mobility scooters, etc |
How it Compares to Others and Why
- One of the lightest wheelchair backpacks
- Available in several color options
- Zippered pockets instead of hook-and-loop ones
How the Product Evolved
- Improved design
Expert Tips
Clean the bag with a damp cloth or hand wash and leave to air dry.
Check other gifts for someone in a wheelchair.
FAQs
How to Carry Things in a Wheelchair?
You can use backpacks, pouches, or totes to carry things in your chair. Backpacks usually attach to the rear handles, while totes attach to the chair arms or under the seat.
Does a Wheelchair Count as Luggage?
No, your chair doesn’t count as luggage since it’s an assistive device. In planes with over 100 passenger seats, you can also ask the crew to stow the chair in the cabin.
What Are Some of the Most Common Things to Have in Your Wheelchair Backpack?
You can store anything you want in your chair backpack, but most people use it to keep their medicine, water bottles, phones, books, or blankets close by.
Conclusion
Wheelchair backpacks and bags can make all the difference when you’re traveling or need quick access to your necessities.
However, backpacks add weight to your chair and make it difficult to propel yourself. And you can lose your possessions if the bag slips off the handles without you noticing.
As such, it’s essential to pick a heavy-duty wheelchair bag, which will last you a while. Or, as one wheelchair user explains, you can always modify an outdoor bag to fit your individual needs.
Final Recommendation
Among all these amazing wheelchair backpacks and bags, we highly recommend the Large Wheelchair Bag by 1800wheelchair.
It’s spacious enough to fit the essentials, and it’s made of heavy-duty material to withstand prolonged use. And the bag is suitable for most standard chairs.
What do you think about these 8 best wheelchair backpacks? Which one is your favorite? Share your opinion in the comments.
What a great invention for a shell chair fir those to carry all their items with ease.
It looks like there are a lot of fantastic choices of backpacks here. I’ll keep them in mind!
A backpack is so needed form those in a wheel chair. This is a good list to explore.
This is a comprehensive list of backpack options here that I am loving! Great for wheelchairs and beyond! Thank you for this one and will be checking a few out 😉
This is a great idea to have backpacks that are good for wheelchairs. It is hard enough for those in wheelchairs, so it’s nice to have a good backpack.
This seems like a must for wheelchair users. It is good to know which ones work well.
I like the clear backpack so that I can carry all of my personal belongings that I might need while out and about. I don’t carry a purse now unless I have too.
Wow, there are so many amazing backpacks to choose from here! I’m definitely keeping them in mind for my next adventure with sister in law.
This is such a great list! Backpacks are definitely so useful for wheelchair users!
It’s nice there’s a lot of options. Extra storage for a wheelchair seems super helpful.
These all look like great options. I especially see the benefit of #5 for all the different functions
It’s great that there are so many options for wheelchair accessories!
These are some great options for those in wheelchairs. I like the one with all the hearts.
What a timely post! I need to share this info with my cousin today. Great list!
Wow, those backpacks look amazing! I would love to share these with others, thanks!