Many backpack models have one or two large compartments and perhaps one other small compartment. Having just one or two compartments might be fine for some people, however it can turn out to be a nuisance. The problem of having a few compartments is that it is sometimes difficult to find certain items, especially those items that end up at the bottom of the backpack. From experience I know that sometimes it is necessary to get most of the items out of a backpack in order to find certain small items. In dimly lit, cloudy or dark places the issue of finding a small item in a backpack usually becomes more evident.
The above is the main reason why I prefer backpacks with a lot of compartments. Having a lot of zipped compartments makes it easier to get all items organized into separate compartments. While it might still be necessary to get some items out of the bag in order to get small objects that reside at the bottom of a compartment, it is never necessary to get all items out of the bag at once.
The best types of multi-compartment backpacks are perhaps military backpacks and rucksacks. Military backpacks usually come in different sizes but one particular feature that is usually common is the inclusion of many zipped compartments. As a matter of fact, most small to medium sized military backpacks include two large compartments, one medium compartment and one small compartment. Some military backpacks also include two small side pockets.
Another advantage of military backpacks over any other backpack is the inclusion of several MOLLE attachment points. The term MOLLE means Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment and enables one to attach MOLLE compatible accessories or pouches to the backpack itself. One particular useful MOLLE attachment is the water bottle pouch.
Top of the range military backpacks cost over $150 (about GBP 92 or €116). I would not mind forking that amount of money for a large robust hiking backpack for; however I would not fork that amount of money for a small to medium sized backpack. As a matter of fact, one can still buy decent small to medium sized military backpack for less than $50 (about GBP 31 or €39). Some of the bestselling Military bags and MOLLE compatible accessories on the Amazon marketplace are the following:
Military Bags on Amazon.com:
Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Flecktarn Camo Backpack – http://www.amazon.com/Military-Tactical-Rucksack-Backpack-Flecktarn/dp/B004LSBBS2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_7?ie=UTF8&refRID=1CJM1DW5TFJPF63Q8E4W
Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Coyote Tan Backpack – http://www.amazon.com/Mil-Tec-Military-Tactical-Rucksack-Backpack/dp/B004LSO1U2/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=1CJM1DW5TFJPF63Q8E4W
Condor Outdoor Convoy Backpack – http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ESOXHDQ?psc=1
3V Gear Paratus 3 Day Operator’s Pack – http://www.amazon.com/Operators-Military-Compatible-Tactical-Backpack/dp/B00CICGI2W/ref=pd_sim_sbs_sg_26?ie=UTF8&refRID=1CJM1DW5TFJPF63Q8E4W
MOLLE Compatible Pouches on Amazon.com:
Rothco Water Bottle Pouch – http://www.amazon.com/Rothco-MOLLE-Compatible-Water-Bottle/dp/B00GJZA8VG/ref=pd_sim_a_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0PV6Y8N200R5D741YJV5
Red Rock Outdoor Gear Utility Pouch – http://www.amazon.com/Red-Rock-Outdoor-Gear-Utility/dp/B00M1U8O00/ref=pd_sim_a_6?ie=UTF8&refRID=0PV6Y8N200R5D741YJV5
Military Bags on Amazon.co.uk:
Woodside Tactical Assault Backpack – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nitehawk-Assault-Backpack-Tactical-Rucksack/dp/B009NSKRNU/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1410012783&sr=8-15&keywords=tactical+backpack
LYNCOL Tactical Military Backpack – http://www.amazon.co.uk/LYNCOL-Tactical-Military-Rucksacks-Backpack/dp/B00H93FAQU/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1410012783&sr=8-8&keywords=tactical+backpack
Tinxs Tactical Military Backpack – http://www.amazon.co.uk/tinxs-Tactical-Military-Rucksacks-Backpack/dp/B00G357CK2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1410012783&sr=8-3&keywords=tactical+backpack
Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Black Backpack – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Patrol-Assault-Tactical-Rucksack-Backpack/dp/B005KDBHWM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1410012783&sr=8-4&keywords=tactical+backpack
Mil-Tec Military Army Patrol Coyote Tan Backpack – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Military-Backpack-Assault-Hiking-Coyote/dp/B004LSO1U2/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1410012783&sr=8-12&keywords=tactical+backpack
MOLLE Compatible Pouches on Amazon.co.uk:
Mil-Tec Tactical Utility Multi Purposes Pocket – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Military-Tactical-Utility-Purposes-Airsoft/dp/B005MYALUS/ref=sr_1_9?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1410022630&sr=1-9&keywords=MOLLE
MFH Multipurpose Bag – http://www.amazon.co.uk/MFH-30610A-Multipurpose-Bag-Molle/dp/B006MUJTEU/ref=sr_1_36?s=sports&ie=UTF8&qid=1410022630&sr=1-36&keywords=MOLLE