String-closure backpacks are called drawstring bags, also known as cinch bags or gymsacks.
You see them at school gyms, swim practice, stadium giveaways, and festivals. Light fabric, two cords, and a simple top that tightens. The design looks basic, yet it’s handy. So what’s the right name? Short answer: the standard term is drawstring bag, with close cousins like cinch bag, sackpack, string backpack, and gymsack. Retailers and teams use different labels, which is why shoppers search, “what are the backpacks with strings called?”
Backpacks With Strings: Common Names And Uses
The core idea is a soft sack that closes by pulling two cords. Those cords also act as shoulder straps. You pull to tighten; you loosen to open. Because the closure is the defining feature, many sources use drawstring as the base term. Dictionaries describe a drawstring as a cord used to close a bag or clothing opening — see the Merriam-Webster definition and the Oxford dictionary entry.
Quick Name Map
Here’s a one-glance guide to the most common labels, where you’ll hear them, and what people typically stuff inside.
| Name You’ll See | Where You’ll Hear It | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Drawstring Bag | Dictionaries, retailers, craft sites | Everyday carry, giveaways, light errands |
| Cinch Bag | Sports brands, promo merch catalogs | Gym clothes, day trips, PE class |
| Cinch Sack | Team stores, swim shops | Pool gear, quick change kits |
| String Backpack | General e-commerce listings | Casual carry when pockets aren’t enough |
| Sackpack | Team sports and fan gear | Practice gear, cleats in a shoe bag |
| Gymsack | UK/EU retailers | Training shoes, towel, water bottle |
| Drawstring Backpack | Fitness brands, outdoor outlets | Ultralight carry, warm-ups, accessories |
| Laundry Sack | Dorms, camps | Dirty clothes, linens |
| Shoe Bag (Drawstring) | Golf, travel | One pair of shoes or spikes |
What Are The Backpacks With Strings Called? Types In Stores
When you see this question, the safe, clear answer is drawstring bag. Many stores add a tag line, so you might read “drawstring backpack” on one site and “cinch sack” on another. The build stays the same: two cords, a soft body, and a top that closes with a pull. The exact phrase — what are the backpacks with strings called? — pops up because the item straddles bag and backpack. It sits on your back like a pack, yet the closure is a drawstring, not a zipper.
Why So Many Names?
Different markets grew up with different nicknames. Team shops liked sackpack and gymsack. Promo vendors liked cinch bag. Craft and DIY communities stuck with drawstring bag. Each term helps buyers find a familiar item in their slice of the world, but they all point to the same simple design.
When To Say “Drawstring Backpack”
Use this label when the cords act as shoulder straps and the bag rides on your back. A flat tote with a drawstring closure at the top isn’t a backpack. A small pouch with a drawstring that lives inside a larger bag isn’t one either. The backpack label fits when the cords create two shoulder loops and the sack sits between your shoulders.
Build, Capacity, And Comfort
Most models use woven polyester or nylon for quick-dry performance. Cotton canvas appears in fashion lines and gift sets. Mesh panels show up on swim versions so goggles and suits can air out. Lightweight construction keeps the carry simple, but it also means these bags aren’t meant for heavy textbooks or a full laptop rig. For daily class loads, a framed daypack is better. For a towel, shoes, and a bottle, a drawstring bag shines.
Core Features That Matter
- Cord Channel: Smooth fabric or webbing at the top lets the cords glide without snagging.
- Grommets Or Bar Tacks: Reinforced corners stop tearing where cords meet the body.
- Adjustable Length: Simple knots let you shorten cords so the bag sits higher.
- Back Panel: Some versions add a thin liner to stop pointy items from poking you.
- Pockets: A small zip pocket up front keeps keys and cards handy.
Typical Capacity
Most drawstring backpacks land in the 10–20 liter range. That fits a pair of shoes, a compact towel, a tee, and a bottle. Brands rarely list liters on these listings, so look at size in inches or centimeters and compare to a daypack you own.
Differences From Regular Backpacks
A standard backpack relies on a zipper or buckle system and often hides a padded sleeve, frame sheet, or load lifters. A drawstring bag skips all that. You trade structure for speed and weight savings. That trade makes sense for quick trips to the gym or field. It doesn’t make sense for a laptop commute or a stack of binders. If you need order and padding, pick a daypack. If you need light and fast, a cinch bag wins.
What About Sling Bags And Totes?
Sling bags use one wide strap and ride across the chest or back. Totes use two handles and a top that stays open or zips shut. Both can include a small drawstring pouch inside, but that doesn’t turn them into drawstring backpacks. If the cords don’t form two shoulder loops, it isn’t this category.
How To Choose The Right One
Start with use. Gym and team practice? Pick polyester or nylon with corner grommets. Swim? Add mesh. City errands? Cotton canvas looks sharp and takes prints well. Giveaways or events? Non-woven polypropylene cuts cost for bulk orders. If you’ll carry it daily, step up in fabric weight and stitching.
Fit And Feel
Try it on with a typical load. If the cords bite, tie simple overhand knots near the base to create a small stop that spreads pressure on your shoulders. You can also swap the cords for soft paracord. Many models let you re-thread with ease. If the cords still rub, thread on short foam sleeves cut from plumbing pipe insulation, which adds cushion without adding weight. Try soft jersey cord.
Security And Care
A drawstring closure is quick, but it isn’t lockable. Keep valuables in a zip pocket or on your person in crowded spaces. For care, shake out grit that chews through fabric. Spot clean with mild soap. Air dry flat so the body keeps its shape.
Sizing And Packing Tips
Check the flat measurements on the product page. A common size is about 17 by 13 inches. Slim shoes fit well; bulkier sneakers may need a roomier model. Pack soft items toward your back so the shape stays smooth. Roll clothing to save space and to keep moisture from pooling at one spot.
Material Cheat Sheet
The chart below matches popular fabrics to real-world trade-offs. It’s a handy way to align your pick with what you carry most days.
| Material | Pros | Watch-Outs |
|---|---|---|
| Polyester | Quick-dry, colorfast, budget-friendly | Can feel slick; melts near heat |
| Nylon | Strong for weight, smooth draw | UV fade over time; pricier |
| Cotton Canvas | Soft hand, easy to print | Holds moisture; heavier when wet |
| Recycled PET | Lower-impact fiber reuse | Quality varies by mill |
| Mesh Panels | Ventilation for wet gear | Snags on rough surfaces |
| Leather Accents | Polished look, corner strength | Needs care; not pool-friendly |
| Non-Woven Polypropylene | Light and low-cost | Shorter life under heavy use |
Smart Uses Beyond The Gym
Travel day? Use one as a shoe sleeve to fence off dirt. Beach afternoon? Sand shakes out fast, and wet trunks won’t soak your back if you keep them near the outer panel. Commute? Toss in a lunch box and a light jacket. Parents like them for park days because kids can carry snacks and a small bottle without fuss.
DIY And Custom Prints
Because the front panel is a broad canvas, teams and events love these bags for screen prints and heat-transfer graphics. Cotton takes ink best; polyester holds color well with the right process. If you make your own, follow pattern guides and use wide, smooth channels so the cords pull cleanly.
Care And Longevity
Rinse out chlorine after swim practice. Knock out sand before loading a car. If a grommet loosens, back it with a fabric patch inside and restitch the corner. Cords are easy to replace; standard 4–6 mm paracord fits most channels. Simple upkeep keeps a cheap sack going for seasons.
Price, Value, And Where To Shop
Pricing runs from bargain multi-packs to designer pieces. Bulk non-woven models can cost less than a single lunch, which suits clinics, races, and school events. Mid-range polyester or nylon bags add a front pocket and better stitching. Fashion lines use canvas, leather trim, or a print collab and cost more. Shop by use, not just price. If you need a season of hard play, pay for stronger fabric and reinforced corners. If you need a hand-out item for a one-day event, the low-cost route makes sense.
How Retailers Phrase Listings
Search terms vary by region and sport. In the US you’ll often see “drawstring bag,” “cinch bag,” and “sackpack.” In the UK you’ll bump into “gymsack.” Some listings use two names in the same title to catch both audiences, like “Drawstring Backpack Gym Sack.” That mix can feel messy when you’re trying to find the right thing, which is why the question “what are the backpacks with strings called?” keeps trending.
Bottom Line
You asked, “what are the backpacks with strings called?” The best umbrella term is drawstring bag. Retailers also use cinch bag, sackpack, string backpack, and gymsack. Pick the label that matches your crowd, then pick fabric and size to match your load. With the right build, this tiny pack earns its keep.