The short version
- Typical range: £15 – £70
- Biggest single factor: condition — see the table below
- Category: Bags & Handbags
- Cost to sell on WishThrift: nothing, at any price
What a used backpack is worth by condition
Condition does more to the price than anything else. These figures are worked from the top of the range for backpacks, so treat them as a starting point and adjust for the specifics of yours.
| Condition | Typical price | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| New with Tags | £70 | Unused, tags or seals intact |
| Like New | £59 | Barely used, no visible wear |
| Good | £45 | Light signs of use, complete and working |
| Fair | £31 | Heavily used, or a described fault or missing part |
| For Parts | £17 | Not working or incomplete, sold as seen |
These are the five grades WishThrift listings use, and sellers set the grade themselves — see what each condition grade means. Figures are shown in pounds as a reference point. On WishThrift prices display in your own currency, and sellers set their own asking price.
What raises the value of a backpack
- Recognised outdoor and heritage makers
- Intact zips, which are the usual failure point
- Undamaged straps, buckles and hip belt
- Waterproof coatings that have not delaminated
What lowers it
- Failed or sticky zips
- Delaminated waterproof lining flaking inside
- Frayed shoulder straps and worn stitching at the anchor points
- Generic school and promotional bags
How to work out what yours is worth
- Run every zip fully open and closed
- Turn it inside out and check for lining delamination
- Inspect the stitching where the straps meet the body
Once you have those three answers you can place your own backpack on the table above with reasonable confidence. If it sits between two rows, price it toward the lower one — items priced honestly sell faster than items priced hopefully.
Ready to sell it? Listing on WishThrift is free, there is no commission, and you keep the full amount you agree with the buyer — see how selling works or create a free account.
Frequently asked questions
Are used backpacks worth selling?
Technical outdoor packs and heritage brands sell well. Everyday and promotional bags sell for very little.
What fails first on a backpack?
The zips, almost always. Test every one and say clearly in the listing that they run cleanly if they do.
What is lining delamination?
The waterproof coating inside breaking down into a sticky, flaking layer. It is common on older packs and effectively ends their useful life.
More value guides: bags & handbags guides · all value guides · browse live bags & handbags listings.