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Backpacks and Sports Bags
Key Information
Why Choose Us
When you put your logo on a bag, you want it to be perceived as really good quality. We help you choose branded backpacks and sports bags people actually keep and use. Our process reduces the usual worries: weak fabrics, rushed branding, and missed deadlines.
- All-day strap comfort: We will always put forward items that are useful for the recipient. That’s why we prioritise padded shoulder straps and supportive back panels – because thin webbing digs in when you’re carrying kit all day. This build keeps the bag sitting properly so it can be used on the commute or at an event comfortably.
- Scuff-resistant outer fabric: We suggest tough fabrics like 600D polyester and recycled options because you want the product to be used time and time again. This reduces corner wear and stops the bag from looking tatty after a couple of uses, ensuring your brand stands out for the right reasons.
- Surface-matched branding: When you’re going to put your branding onto a product, you want it to land well. Our approach is to match the branding method – whether that’s printing, embroidery, engraving, or domed decals – to the bag’s finish. This prevents peeling prints and ensures the logo looks great and does the job you need it to do.
- Date-safe lead times: Lead time is a really popular question. We keep a shortlist of lines with genuinely fast turnarounds (often 5-7 days from artwork approval) if your event date is close. If you have an urgent deadline, we can usually make something work so you aren’t forced to swap into a flimsier bag at the last minute.
- Traceable recycled inputs: Sustainability is a real priority at the moment. We include GRS and rPET options, plus tracer tech on selected ranges, because it’s really important that we don’t greenwash. This keeps your “recycled” story tied to material evidence so you can be confident in your choice.
- Padded laptop separation: Technology is key in working lives. We steer you towards bags with padded sleeves and organiser storage to protect the tech people carry day-to-day. This keeps laptops safe and makes the bag feel like a high-quality retail piece, rather than just a promo freebie.
- Wet-kit separation: We include duffel/backpack hybrids and bags with shoe compartments for those with active lifestyles. This keeps damp gear away from clean clothes – making it a genuinely useful item for the gym or travel that won’t end up smelling like the boot of a car.
Our curated list above is the starting point—these are the benchmarks we use for feel, build, and brand safety. If you want ideas from us, our team can source bespoke bags and custom builds around your event date, budget, and branding method to help you narrow down the choice.
Our Backpacks and Sports Bags Range
- Padded commute carry: We think the Lugane Backpack is worth considering because its 600D polyester body plus padded back and shoulder straps stop the “collapse-and-dig-in” problem you get with thin event bags. It ensures the bag is useful for the recipient on their commute, so your branding stays visible day-to-day.
- Wipe-clean premium front: We picked the Wye Recycled PU Backpack – Full Colour because recycled PU handles rain and scuffs better than soft fabric – perfect for premium gifting. The trolley sleeve and rPET lining make travel days simpler, ensuring the product lands well with the client.
- Shoe compartment separation: We included the Herschel Novel 43L Recycled Duffle Bag because the shoe section is a really useful feature that keeps dirty trainers away from clean kit. This setup helps the bag stay in rotation for training and weekends, rather than becoming a one-off item.
- 35L quick-pack access: We chose the Aqua GRS Recycled Water Resistant Duffel Backpack – Full Colour because the 35L duffel-backpack format stops the faff of packing through a narrow top zip. If you’re working to a fixed deadline, this gives you one bag that takes full kit without needing a second carry.
- TSA-locked zip security: We selected the BrandCharger Phantom Anti-Theft rPET Backpack because the integrated TSA lock secures the zip pulls when travelling. This reduces theft risk and keeps the bag feeling like a proper business travel companion that leaves a lasting impression.
- Large full-colour panel: We picked the Benton 15L Laptop Backpack – Full Colour because the large branding area gives you maximum exposure across a whole team order. The laptop sleeve keeps it useful as a daily commuter bag, so you get the best of both worlds: practicality and visibility.
Jenni Burton
With over 15 years of design and marketing experience, Jenni brings a broad range of expertise covering everything from event planning to marketing.
Our Reviews
View All4 weeks ago
Second time ordering from Steel City. The team has been marvellous once again. Very attentive to my requests, and in this occasion - very short deadline. They were quick to respond, and delivered on time in spite of the challenge of time. Always respond quickly and very proactive. I highly recommend this company for any marketing needs. Their brouchure is full of ideas and nothing is out of reach. Thank you once again team!
Yael Leinman
3 months ago
“Really happy with service from start to finish! Quick turnaround from ordering to receiving products.”
andrew futter
3 months ago
Steel City supplied magnets for us recently on behalf of one of our charity sector clients. Both David & Rowan from initial quote, through to overseeing the project itself were brilliant. Very pleased with the finished product, and quicker than initially expected. Thanks again, Marc
Marc Bickers
3 months ago
Great service from start to finish and excellent product.
Toby Robinson
3 months ago
Fantastic all round, great communcation from Rowan and the team, products came exactly as described, really simply process would 100% recommend using them, very trustworty.
Kate Harvey
4 months ago
We used Steel City Marketing for company merchandising and had a brilliant experience. Quick turnaround, open communication, and high-quality on delivery! Shout out to Debbie and Rowan! Would absolutely recommend.
Zander Monty
7 months ago
Communication and customer service was excellent. High quality product. Thank you Rowan.
Mohammed Abdulla
8 months ago
James and Rowan were super helpful in helping us finalise our plans and delivered a product we are super happy with! :-)
Destination Ripon
9 months ago
A huge thank you to Rowan and Debbie at Steel City for all their help with our new merchandise for our rebranding launch! They were a dream to work with, super friendly and responsive! Communication was absolutely on point throughout the whole process, which made everything run so smoothly. The merch looks fantastic and really brought our new brand to life. I can’t recommend them enough!
Louise Fairhurst
10 months ago
Delighted with the service, the product and the prompt delivery - thank you 😀
Graham Dunn
10 months ago
Had a fantastic experience ordering products through Steel City. From very first contact through to delivery everyone was very helpful and professional, keeping me informed at every step of the way, and ensured a speedy outcome - an extremely efficient process from start to finish.
Jonathan Couch
11 months ago
These guys are super. They are all very personable and incredibly easy to work with, and will stop at nothing to make sure the order is exactly right. We have made three orders from them now and have been really pleased each time.
Jacob Baldwin
11 months ago
A really quick turnaround and they were happy to do whatever changes were needed. Amazing service, thank you so much!
Sophie Barnett
11 months ago
Great service from the whole team from ordering, through fulfilment to billing. Staff were all friendly and accommodating to our needs and made great suggestions to our order - thank you. Will use again!
Claire C
12 months ago
I ordered name badges from Steel City, the communication from Rowan and the final product were first class, I will definitely use them again.
David Roberts
1 year ago
We have used Steel City a number of times and this order was no different - a fast, friendly and efficient service from start to finish! Highly recommended for any and all branded goods!
Chantries and Pewleys Estate Agents
1 year ago
Excellent customer service throughout the whole process - from initial contact through to delivery. I was kept informed at each stage. Friendly and helpful staff. Thanks.
Rebecca Norton
1 year ago
Ordered loads of branded merch from them (we're talking in the 1000s) multiple times over the past few years and they never fail to be absolutely spectacular with their customer service, general friendliness and their helpfulness! The merch is top notch quality, and will happily continue using Steel City for many orders to come! Hugely recommend!
Jordon Horn
1 year ago
We have ordered several branded products from Steel City, and we have been extremely impressed by both the quality of the products themselves and also the service we've received from their fantastic team. Georgia in particular has been brilliant - her friendly demeanour and genuine willingness to help us make the right decisions for our business made the entire process seamless. No question was too trivial, and no request was ever too much trouble for her. Steel City has earned our trust as a reliable and customer-focused company, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for high-quality branded products with exceptional service to match. Thanks guys!
Carleys
1 year ago
I have known Steel City Marketing for many, many years and always find them extremely professional. The whole process: from responding to my initial inquiry; through to tracking delivery is managed in a super professional way. On top of that - they are lovely, friendly people ... highly recommended :-)
Patrick Ross
1 year ago
Seamless from start to finish. Very helpful company, brilliant product and delivery on time. Couldn't recommend more.
Catriona McDonald
1 year ago
We are delighted with our branded hoodies. The team are a pleasure to work with and provided an excellent service on a tight deadline. Thoroughly recommend Steel City Marketing.
Richard Kerr
1 year ago
Good quality products, competitively priced with excellent communications throughout the whole process.
Dave Lawrence
1 year ago
Fabulous fast and friendly service, cracking banner :)
Mai Mai Steele
1 year ago
Very helpful and friendly customer service, and great job on pin badges produced for our Freshers campaign
Showroom Cinema
1 year ago
Absolutely A-1 in every area. From design, to communication, to delivery, processing, speed, quality of products - exceptional!
Katie Bell
1 year ago
My first time using Steel City BM, what a great service, we delayed things and messed them about a bit but they still came up trumps, got the merchandise we wanted, printed with our Logos and delivered within the very short timeframe we gave them, excellent service. I would highly recommend using them
anth thompson
1 year ago
I am a repeat customer for a good reason and have been for years. Never let me down, courteous, friendly service, quality goods, lovely efficient firm to deal with (exemplary COMMUNICATION as well, which seems to be a commodity fast diminishing between client and supplier these days) and going forward I’ll be back again - at least twice a year with ever increasing volumes. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Great firm.
Milly Johnson
2 years ago
Recently sourced products from Steel City and couldn't be happier! From the initial enquiry to the delivery of the products, every step of the process was handled with the utmost professionalism and care. The quality is exceptional, the customer service is outstanding, and the delivery was prompt. I highly recommend them to any business looking for reliable, high-quality suppliers. Thank you for exceeding our expectations!
Georgina T
2 years ago
Ordered a bulk order of 500 branded notepads on the Monday and they had been delivered on the Friday! Impressively fast. Great quality products, and the customer service is the best i've experienced- both Rowan the Sales Administrator and Debbie the Account Manager were excellent, very rapid email response with all the info needed. We will continue to use Steel City for our company's branded merch.
Amber Robinson
2 years ago
Can't rate the team at Steel City Marketing highly enough. I've ordered a few different promotional items just recently and every single time, from start to finish, the service from Georgia & Rowan in particular, has been first class. Each item we have had (leather key fobs, feather flags and printed bags) are of an excellent quality and have been produced to a very high standard. I've always been pleasantly surprised at the quality, speed and with the exceptional service this company has always fulfilled our orders.
Grooms Garage
3 years ago
Brilliant service from start to finish. Rowan went that 'extra mile' to keep me informed on progress.
John Nix
2 years ago
Highly recommend Steel City for all promotional items and gifts. The team were very helpful and supportive in helping us source what we were looking for and sent multiple free samples for us to test the quality prior to us making a final decision. Highly recommend Steel City and look forward to working with them again in the future. - Review on behalf of AUMA Actuators Ltd.
Callum Hopkins
2 years ago
“As always, the service was fast and reliable with my favourite bit being the communication. As a customer you know exactly what to expect at every point of the process because your expectations are managed beautifully and all information is communicated well.”
Kimberly Sewell
2 years ago
Excellent service and produced items once again from Debbie and the whole team at Steel City. I won't go anywhere else for my promo items.
Andrew Williams
2 years ago
Super speedy process and the team were on hand throughout! Highly recommend - thank you again!
Hannah Williams
2 years ago
Fantastic experience using Steel City from the minute I emailed James about my requirements to the finished product being delivered. Can't speak highly enough of Rowan for her regular communication and letting me know how things are progressing.
Karen Leeder
2 years ago
Great experience of using Steel City, nothing was too much trouble, everyone within the team that we dealt with were really helpful, will definitely be using them again!
Katie Peel
2 years ago
Good Products, good service - kept informed all the way - Steel City met my expectations which are pretty high - nicely done SC...
Martin Wilson
2 years ago
The team at Steel City have been extremely helpful whilst ordering new merchandise for a small charity. They came up with suggestions for the products, enhanced the logo and offered an excellent price. Overall very friendly and efficient and we are delighted with the final products.
Anne S
2 years ago
Excellent customer service and communication, good turnaround times and a quality product. Many Thanks!
Joy Arnott
2 years ago
Excellent customer service
Helen Wathall
2 years ago
Great communication, good prices and excellent quality products. Thank you.
Lisa Woodhouse
2 years ago
The process of placing the order as always was handled well and a pleasure to work with you and your team at Steel City.
Clare Holden
2 years ago
Great communication, quick delivery, excellent range of products.
Ericka Hill
2 years ago
great, professional and amazing team. exactly the kind of company yo'd want ot do business with!!
Renee Gilliland
2 years ago
An amazing company to work with! I ordered some corporate gifts for our company and everyone I spoke to was incredibly helpful, they made all changes I asked for and managed to get everything to us in time for an event we were attending!
Ashleigh Birch
3 years ago
Great price, prompt delivery. Great customer service. Debbie and Rowan are great and I really recommend their services.
Mandeep Singh
3 years ago
Always the best service from Steel City, they are such a helpful team and the end product I recently received was perfect. Highly recommend and thank you to Team Steel City for all their help!
Caitlin Hallatt