Definition
A drawstring backpack is a lightweight bag closed by two cords that run through the corners and double as shoulder straps. Pull the cords and the top cinches shut. Slip the loops over your shoulders and it becomes a pack. It is one of the most affordable carry items in branded merch.
Definition
A drawstring backpack, sometimes called a cinch bag, gym sack, or string bag, is a simple pouch with two cords threaded through channels or corner eyelets. Tightening the cords closes the top and pulls the straps taut against your back. There are no zippers, buckles, or rigid frames. A festival hands out a printed drawstring backpack at the entrance, and every attendee has somewhere to stash a water bottle, a program, and a jacket within seconds.
How a drawstring backpack works
The construction is deliberately minimal. Two panels of fabric are stitched together, with the cord fed through a hem channel at the top or through reinforced corner tabs at the bottom. When you pull both cords, the mouth of the bag gathers shut and the loops shorten into straps. Because the load pulls the cords tighter, the bag naturally stays closed under weight.
Material choice sets the tone. Polyester and non-woven polypropylene keep the cost low and print well for high-volume giveaways. Cotton and recycled RPET feel more premium and suit brands that want a considered handout. Heavier canvas or ripstop nylon adds durability for repeat use. Weight typically sits between 60 and 220 grams per square meter, so the whole bag folds flat and ships cheaply.
The trade-off is capacity and comfort. Thin cords can dig into shoulders under a heavy load, and the open-top design offers no security or structure. That is the point. A drawstring backpack is built for light, short-term carry, not for commuting with a laptop. For that, look at a tote bag or a structured laptop backpack.
Drawstring backpack in branded merch
- Event and festival giveaways. Hand them out at the gate so attendees can carry everything they collect. The large print area turns every guest into a moving billboard.
- Sports clubs and gym kits. Members use them for shoes, towels, and shin guards. Add a club crest and a sponsor logo for a piece that gets used every week.
- Onboarding and campus packs. Fill one with a bottle, a notebook, and a lanyard, then hand it to new hires or students. It doubles as the packaging and the keepsake.
A drawstring backpack is a soft, cord-closed bag whose two drawstrings tighten the opening and act as over-the-shoulder straps.
5 tips to elevate your Drawstring backpack strategy
| Tip | Steps |
|---|---|
| Pick the right weight | Use 210D polyester for giveaways and canvas or RPET when you want a bag people keep. |
| Reinforce the corners | Choose bags with fabric or leatherette corner patches so the cords do not tear out. |
| Design for the fold | Keep artwork centered and clear of the seams, since the bag creases when empty. |
| Match the cord color | Use a cord that echoes your brand palette for a finished, intentional look. |
| Order in bulk early | Lead times climb before event season, so lock in quantities well ahead. |
Key Terminologies
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a drawstring backpack used for?
It is used for light, short-term carry such as gym kit, event handouts, and festival essentials. People reach for it when they need a cheap, packable bag rather than a structured everyday pack.
What is the difference between a drawstring backpack and a cinch bag?
There is no real difference. Cinch bag, gym sack, and string bag are all regional names for the same cord-closed backpack.
What material is best for a branded drawstring backpack?
Polyester and non-woven polypropylene are best for high-volume giveaways because they are cheap and print cleanly. Cotton and RPET suit brands that want a more premium, reusable feel.
How do you print a logo on a drawstring backpack?
Screen printing suits large, bold logos and long runs. Heat transfer and sublimation handle full-color or photographic artwork, with sublimation working only on polyester bags.
Are drawstring backpacks waterproof?
Most are water resistant rather than waterproof. The open drawstring top lets water in, though coated polyester and ripstop nylon shrug off light rain.