KNKG — formerly King Kong Apparel — makes three backpack lines. The CORE runs 25L or 33L at $150–$170, the PLUS is 26L at $200, and the CONQUER is 19L or 38L at $300. None reaches 45 litres. Cost per litre ranges from $4.55 to $7.89, against $2.22 for a 45L pack at $99.95.
KNKG builds some of the best-organised gym bags on the market. That is not a courtesy line — the CONQUER's magnetic divider system and the CORE's dedicated belt storage are genuinely better-thought-out than almost anything else in this category.
They are also the most expensive packs per litre in our fifteen-model comparison, and the largest one stops at 38 litres.
The KNKG backpack range
| Model | Volume | Price | $ / litre | Shoe capacity | Laptop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CORE Backpack Medium | 25 L | $150–$170 | $6.00–$6.80 | Size 10 | 15" internal sleeve |
| CORE Backpack Large | 33 L | $150–$170 | $4.55–$5.15 | Size 13 | 15" internal sleeve |
| PLUS Backpack | 26 L | $200 | $7.69 | Size 15 | 16" internal sleeve |
| CONQUER Backpack Small | 19 L | $300 | $15.79 | Not recommended | 16" dedicated compartment |
| CONQUER Backpack Large | 38 L | $300 | $7.89 | Size 15 | 16" dedicated compartment |
Prices and specs from knkg.com comparison guide, checked 16 August 2026. Prices change — verify current listings.
The brand publishes shoe capacity by US size, which almost nobody else does. Credit where it is due — it is the single most useful number on a gym bag spec sheet and KNKG is the only brand in this comparison that gives it.
Where KNKG is genuinely strong
The organisation is best-in-class. CONQUER ships with removable dividers creating six zones plus a shoe zone. You can pull them out on days you are packing something bulky. Nothing else in this price range does modular internal organisation properly.
Dedicated lifting belt storage on the CORE. External attachment designed for a belt, not repurposed webbing.
Published shoe sizing. "Fits size 13 shoes" tells you more than "spacious main compartment" ever will.
Structured build on CONQUER. A rigid frame feel means the bag holds its shape loaded or empty. If you hate a pack that slumps, this is the answer.
What to weigh before buying
Nothing reaches 45 litres. The largest KNKG backpack is the CONQUER Large at 38L. If your loadout needs 45, the range does not have it — you would move to their duffel line, which does go to 63L but is not a backpack.
Price per litre is the highest in the category. CONQUER Large at $300 for 38 litres is $7.89 per litre. The CORE Medium at $150 for 25 litres is $6.00. For comparison, five 45L packs sit between $1.89 and $2.89.
Laptop capacity tops out at 16". Fine for most, short of the 17" that IronBackpack and Built for Athletes publish.
Side-by-side: the closest match
The CORE Backpack Large 33L is the KNKG model nearest a 45L pack in capacity.
| Spec | KNKG CORE Large | IronBackpack Pro 45L |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $150–$170 | $99.95 |
| Volume | 33 L | 45 L |
| Cost per litre | $4.55–$5.15 | $2.22 |
| Shoe capacity | Size 13 (published) | Not published by size — 5 separated compartments |
| Laptop | 15" internal sleeve | 17" dedicated padded sleeve |
| Belt carry | Dedicated external storage | MOLLE webbing |
| Internal dividers | Optional add-on | Fixed 5-compartment layout |
| Opens flat 180° | Not published | Yes |
| Load rating | Not published | 20 kg / 44 lb |
| Warranty | Not published on product page | Limited lifetime |
| Free shipping | Not published | Every order, no minimum |
Specs from each brand's own site, checked 16 August 2026.
Which one fits you
Buy KNKG if internal organisation is the thing you care about most, if you want published shoe sizing so you can check the fit before ordering, or if you want a structured pack that holds its shape. The CONQUER in particular has no real equivalent — if modular dividers solve your problem, pay the $300.
Buy a 45L pack if you need the volume. KNKG's range stops at 38L, and their cheapest litre costs roughly twice what a 45L pack costs. The IronBackpack Pro 45L is $99.95 for 45 litres, a 17" laptop sleeve, five separated compartments, MOLLE for the belt, a limited lifetime warranty and free shipping on every order.
See the IronBackpack Pro 45L — $99.95 →
More: full 45L comparison · NOBULL backpack · Gymshark Tactical
FAQ
How many litres is the King Kong backpack?
KNKG, formerly King Kong Apparel, makes backpacks from 19 to 38 litres. The CORE comes in 25L and 33L, the PLUS is 26L, and the CONQUER comes in 19L and 38L. The brand does not currently make a 45-litre backpack, though its duffel line reaches 63 litres.
How much is a King Kong backpack?
KNKG prices its backpacks from $150 to $300. The CORE is $150–$170 in both 25L and 33L, the PLUS is $200 at 26L, and the CONQUER is $300 in both 19L and 38L. Prices change — check knkg.com for current listings.
What is the difference between the KNKG CORE, PLUS and CONQUER?
CORE is the flexible, streamlined line with dedicated lifting belt storage and a 15" laptop sleeve. PLUS is the spacious option with external shoe storage sized for a size 15 and a 16" sleeve. CONQUER is the structured, heavily compartmentalised line with removable dividers creating six zones plus a shoe zone.
Did King Kong Apparel change its name?
Yes. King Kong Apparel now trades as KNKG. Older listings, reviews and retailer pages still use the King Kong name, and both refer to the same brand and the same CORE, PLUS and CONQUER product lines.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a King Kong backpack?
Several 45L gym packs cost less than KNKG's smallest backpack while offering more volume. The IronBackpack Pro 45L is $99.95 for 45 litres with a 17" laptop sleeve and a limited lifetime warranty. TuffWraps' TUFF Pro 45L is $85. HolStrength's 45L is $108.
Does King Kong make a 45L backpack?
No. KNKG's largest backpack is the CONQUER Large at 38 litres. For 45 litres in a backpack you would need a different brand — options include the IronBackpack Pro 45L at $99.95, TuffWraps TUFF Pro at $85, HolStrength at $108, Serious Steel Fitness at $129.90 and WOLFpak from $177.95.
45 litres, half the cost per litre.
Shop IronBackpack Pro 45L — $99.95 · See all backpacks
