Buying guide for best backpacks
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Few bags are as versatile as the classic backpack. Whether you’re headed to school, commuting to work, or packing for a trip, the best backpacks make it easy to carry all your essentials hands-free, often with plenty of room to spare.
Choosing the right backpack to meet your needs can be difficult, though. The pack should be large enough to carry everything you need, with wide straps to help distribute the weight more evenly. It should also have plenty of padding for comfort and durable materials that stand up well to wear and tear, plus enough pockets and compartments to make it easy to organize your belongings.
We’ve researched dozens of backpacks to help determine which is the best, and The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack earned our top spot. Its 30-liter capacity provides plenty of room for daily use and has plenty of pockets to organize your items, including a laptop sleeve that can keep your computer protected from bumps and falls.
Which backpack is best?
The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack
Best of the Best
Capacity: 30 L | Laptop Size: Up to 16” | Weight: 2 lb | Materials: Recycled polyester and nylon ripstop
For those looking for a premium backpack for everyday use, The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack checks all the boxes. It has a 30-liter capacity, so it’s large enough to carry plenty of daily essentials. And it’s designed with organization in mind, offering a variety of compartments, including two mesh water bottle pockets and an external, fleece-lined pocket for delicate items like electronics and glasses. The large main compartment can hold books and other large items, while the laptop sleeve ensures that your computer is always protected.
If you have back issues or pain, you’ll definitely appreciate that the Recon’s design is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. It has a rounded back and articulated shoulder straps that contour to the body to ensure that the weight inside is distributed evenly. The backside of the pack is also covered in a soft chemise fabric, so it won’t irritate the skin.
We also love how durable this backpack is. The Recon comes in solid-color options that are made of 210-denier nylon ripstop as well as heathered shades made of 300-denier recycled polyester ripstop. Both materials have a water-repellent finish that keeps the items inside dry in the rain. The pack also features smooth-gliding YKK zippers that are easy to grab, so it’s a cinch to open and close the pack.
Volher Laptop Backpack
Great Value
Capacity: 25 L | Laptop Size: Up to 15.6” | Weight: 2.2 lb | Materials: Polyester
The affordable Volher Laptop Backpack offers many of the same features as higher-end packs but at a fraction of the price. It’s comfortable to carry because it has wide, adjustable shoulder straps and soft, multipanel padding to provide excellent back support. The straps and back are also ventilated to ensure that air flows comfortably while wearing the backpack. If you don’t want to wear it on your back, though, it has a padded top handle for carrying, too.
This backpack offers several pockets and compartments for organization. It has a large main compartment ideal for carrying books and binders or filling with clothes for travel. It also has a separate laptop compartment that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop. The external mesh pockets are perfect for not only water bottles but also your umbrella or other items you might need to grab quickly.
Travelers will appreciate the luggage strap, which allows you to attach the backpack to the upright handle of a rolling suitcase. The pack also has a concealed, anti-theft pocket at the back to protect your valuables and important travel documents. It even has a built-in USB charger and charging cable to keep your phone and other devices charged during your travels.
Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack
Best Travel Backpack
Capacity: 40 L | Laptop Size: Up to 16” | Weight: 3.5 lb | Materials: Polyester and nylon
The Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack is designed with frequent travelers in mind. Its dimensions meet the carry-on size restrictions for most airlines, so it’s perfect for shorter trips. Despite its airline-friendly size, it still has a 40-liter capacity that can hold plenty of clothing and other items. The main compartment also has dual front compression straps that allow you to maximize your packing space.
The Farpoint’s main compartment features lockable zippered access that lets you secure your belongings, too. For items you need to grab more quickly, it has a quick-access zippered pocket. The padded laptop and tablet sleeve can protect devices up to 16 inches, and the front mesh pockets can accommodate most water bottles. It also has an external zippered toiletry pocket that helps organize smaller, travel-sized items.
The backpack has a comfortable shoulder harness and hip belt that distribute the weight of items inside. Both are made of mesh to improve air flow and reduce the risk of chafing when your bag is fully packed. The harness and belt can also be hidden beneath a zippered panel when you check the bag to keep them from getting in the way.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35-Liter Travel Pack
Best Carry-On Backpack
Capacity: 35 L | Laptop Size: Up to 15” | Weight: 3.5 lb | Materials: Recycled polyester and nylon
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35-Liter Travel Pack is another backpack perfect for regular travelers. Its compact size meets most airline carry-on restrictions, but it’s still large enough to pack for weekend trips. The pack has a suitcase-style design with a zipper that spans three sides and allows it to open flat. That makes it easier to pack than a traditional top-loading backpack. It has a luggage strap, too, that easily slips over the handle of a rolling suitcase for easy transport through the airport.
This pack can help keep your belongings organized. In addition to its large main compartment, it has a well-sized mesh compartment on the right side and a divided, zippered mesh compartment on the left side. The padded laptop and tablet sleeve protects devices up to 15 inches from bumps and falls, and the exterior stretch bottle pocket makes it easy to stay hydrated while traveling.
You don’t have to worry about this backpack holding up to frequent travel, either. It is made of recycled polyester and nylon, so its exterior is highly durable and doesn’t show obvious signs of wear and tear even with regular use. It also has security YKK zippers that don’t snag or get stuck, as well as a rain cover to protect your belongings from inclement weather.
Troubadour Apex Backpack
Best Laptop Backpack
Capacity: 25 L | Laptop Size: Up to 17” | Weight: 2.2 lb | Materials: Recycled polyester
If you need a bag to carry your laptop to school or the office, the Troubadour Apex Backpack is one of the best options. It has a 25-liter capacity, making it one of the smaller packs on our list. However, it can fit laptops up to 17 inches, so it will work with nearly any computer. The laptop compartment features NanoCushion to protect your tech equipment when you’re on the go.
The backpack features other pockets to help organize your belongings. The smaller pockets are ideal for pens, chargers and other laptop accessories, while the bottle holders make it easy to stay hydrated. Additionally, the exterior is made of fabric produced from recycled plastic bottles and has a waterproof exterior and zippers to ensure that your belongings are dry and protected from rain and accidental spills.
Best of all, though, the Troubadour Apex is designed to be comfortable enough for all-day wear even when fully packed. Its sculpted shoulder straps are padded and feature an S-shape that fits the contours of the shoulders to reduce strain and discomfort. The back of the pack is made with a breathable material, so you don’t get too sweaty even in warmer weather.
SHRRADOO Extra-Large Travel Laptop Backpack
Best Oversized Backpack
Capacity: 50 L | Laptop Size: Up to 17” | Weight: 2.8 lb | Materials: Faux leather, polyester and nylon
The SHRRADOO Extra-Large Travel Laptop Backpack is perfect for chronic overpackers. Its 50-liter capacity is large enough to hold enough items for trips or hikes of three to five days. It is ideal for organization, too, because it has 20 pockets that can accommodate items of various sizes. Its three main compartments can hold larger items, while its small pockets make it easy to find pens, chargers and other small items. It also has a zippered exterior pocket for easy access to essentials and side elastic pockets for water bottles or umbrellas.
You won’t have to worry about your phone or other devices running out of power with this backpack. Its external USB port and built-in charging cable make it easy to keep your devices charged on the go. It also has a padded laptop compartment that can fit computers up to 17 inches and protect your device from bumps and drops.
Despite its large size and capacity, this backpack is still very comfortable to carry. It has wide, breathable mesh straps that feature sponge padding to ensure that there isn’t too much pressure on your shoulders. The back also has a U-shaped three-dimensional ventilation design that keeps you from getting sweaty or overheated when carrying a full pack.
Peak Design Travel Backpack
Best for Photographers
Capacity: 45 L | Laptop Size: Up to 16” | Weight: 4.5 lb | Materials: Nylon
The Peak Design Travel Backpack is designed with customization in mind. Its default 35-liter configuration allows it to meet international carry-on standards, but it has dual expansion zippers that provide an extra 10 liters of storage space for a total of 45 liters. The pack is also compatible with Peak Design packing cubes and camera cubes to help you organize and protect your gear.
We also love that this backpack offers multiple access points. The dual side zippers provide quick access to your camera and other items, while the full rear access with dual zippers makes it easy to remove large items from the pack. Additionally, you can easily grab your laptop or tablet via the main back zipper.
You don’t have to worry about the backpack or the items inside getting damaged. It’s made of durable, abrasion-resistant fabric that’s treated with a weatherproof coating to prevent moisture damage. Its zippers are also extremely sturdy and can hold up to years of use without breaking down.
KROSER Laptop Backpack
Most Versatile
Capacity: 20 L | Laptop Size: Up to 15.6” | Weight: 1.82 lb | Materials: Nylon and PU leather
For those looking for a more stylish take on the traditional backpack, the KROSER Laptop Backpack certainly fits the bill. It has all the functional features you’d expect, including a durable design. Its edges are reinforced, and the main compartment has a steel frame that helps it maintain its shape. It’s also comfortable to carry, offering both handles and wide shoulder straps. When traveling, you can also use the luggage strap to attach it to the handle of a rolling suitcase.
However, the backpack’s compact, lightweight design helps it look more fashionable than larger packs. It has multiple compartments, including an open pocket that can hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop and a mesh pocket for smaller items like your keys and credit cards. It also has a built-in USB port that you can use to charge your phone with a connected power bank.
The pack’s exterior is made of faux leather, which gives it a sleek, polished look. It also comes in some shades that feature quilted details on the exterior pocket — making it look a bit more expensive than it actually is. The bag’s interior has a nylon liner, which is water-resistant and easy to clean.
Timbuk 2 Never Check Expandable Backpack
Best Personal Item Backpack
Capacity: 24.5 L | Laptop Size: Up to 15” | Weight: 2.55 lb | Materials: Cordura nylon
With its expandable design, the Timbuk 2 Never Check Expandable Backpack is an ideal travel pack. However, despite its 24.5-liter capacity, its compact shape fits easily in tight spaces, so you’ll never need to check it at the airport. It has a padded laptop compartment that can accommodate computers up to 15 inches and provides convenient side access. We also love the external pocket that provides quick access to your travel documents and other essentials.
This backpack is also exceptionally durable. The main exterior is made of 2,000-denier Cordura nylon and features weatherproof zippers that keep all your items protected. The brand is so confident in the pack’s craftsmanship that it even offers a lifetime warranty for any issues arising from defects in the materials or craftsmanship.
Travelers will also appreciate how comfortable this pack is to carry. It has padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel to ensure that you don’t experience any back pain. It also has a removable sternum strap and padded top and side handles if you prefer carrying your bag rather than wearing it.
Aer Fit Pack 3
Best Gym Backpack
Capacity: 18.7 L | Laptop Size: Up to 16” | Weight: 2.5 lb | Materials: Cordura nylon
For quick trips to the gym, heading into work or as a travel bag, the compact Aer Fit Pack 3 can keep all your must-haves safe and secure. Made of durable 1680-denier Cordura nylon, it’s water-resistant and can protect your belongings from moisture damage. It also has YKK zippers that glide smoothly and won’t get jammed even when you’re in a rush.
But what makes this bag especially perfect for the gym is its interior lining. Treated with an antimicrobial coating, it can prevent bacteria from growing inside your bag. It also has a ventilated shoe compartment that can fit men’s shoes up to size 13 and keeps your backpack smelling fresh.
In addition, it has a padded and suspended laptop pocket that can accommodate laptops up to 16 inches, so you can go from the gym to work without missing a beat. The exterior water bottle pockets help you to stay hydrated throughout the day, while the top pocket provides quick access to items you reach for frequently.
How we analyzed
Finding a backpack with the right capacity to hold your must-haves, is still comfortable to carry and is durable enough to take wherever you need it isn’t always easy. To help us find the best backpack, we analyzed customer reviews from across various online retailers to see which bags best met customers’ needs. In particular, we considered how much storage space each had, how comfortable they were to wear, how sturdy their materials were and how easily they made organizing items. Overall, we considered over three dozen backpacks and chose our favorites based on capacity, durability, comfort and organization.
Key features to consider
Fit and comfort
Adjustable straps
Unlike other bags, which typically have handles or a single strap for carrying, backpacks have at least two straps that allow you to wear them on your back. The best packs feature adjustable straps that allow you to get the fit just right, and many even offer additional straps to make wearing them more comfortable.
- Shoulder: Every backpack has adjustable shoulder straps. When they are pulled tight enough for the right fit, they ensure that the weight in your bag is evenly distributed across your back and shoulders, so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Shoulder straps generally come in three styles: S-shaped, J-shaped and straight. S-shaped straps are the most ergonomic and help with weight distribution, so you’ll usually find them on packs for hiking, camping or traveling. J-shaped straps can also help with weight distribution, so they’re sometimes found on backpacks for daily use that can carry a heavier load. Straight straps are found on casual backpacks that are designed for lighter loads.
- Sternum: Some backpacks have an adjustable sternum or chest strap that spans the top of your chest from shoulder to shoulder. This extra strap helps place some of the pack’s weight on your chest, so your back doesn’t have to bear all of it. If you are only carrying your backpack to school, work or through the airport, a chest strap isn’t essential. However, if you’re headed out camping or hiking with a heavier load, you’ll appreciate the extra help.
- Hip: In addition to a sternum strap, many larger backpacks have an adjustable hip strap or belt. Like the chest strap, it helps better distribute the pack’s load to prevent straining your back. It isn’t usually necessary for a backpack for school or the office, but you’ll definitely want one for a hiking, camping or traveling backpack with a heavier load.
Padding
Many backpacks feature padding to prevent the straps and the pack itself from digging into your shoulders, chest or hips. Padded straps and the back of the pack have just enough cushioning to make carrying even heavier items more comfortable. The padding is typically made of foam, such as EVA foam or PU foam, but you can also find some packs with gel padding.
If you want the most comfortable backpack, though, opt for one with contoured padding. It follows the curves of your shoulders and back to provide more targeted cushioning and strain reduction.
Breathability
Wearing a heavy backpack can make you sweat, particularly if the weather is warm or you’re hiking. That’s why some packs feature a breathable design for their straps and backside that helps reduce sweating and possible chafing to keep you more comfortable. These backpacks typically have mesh straps or a mesh panel on the backside of the pack that allows air to flow more freely.
Our top picks: Fit and comfort
- The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack: This backpack has chest and hip straps that help balance its weight, so users rave about how comfortable it is to carry.
- Volher Laptop Backpack: Users appreciate the thick padded shoulder straps and padded back panel that help reduce back strain.
- Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack: Travelers love that this backpack’s shoulder straps can be tucked behind a panel if you use it as a carry-on for flights. The waist strap also helps balance heavier loads while hiking or camping.
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35-Liter Travel Pack: Users love this backpack’s padded shoulder straps, which don’t dig into the shoulders even when the pack is full.
- Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 25-Liter Premium Laptop Backpack: This backpack earns major points for comfort from users because of its padded straps and breathable back panel. They’re also easy to adjust for the right fit.
Size and materials
Size and capacity
In general, the larger a backpack is, the more storage space it has. Backpack capacity is usually measured in liters, with most ranging from 8 to 80 liters.
Choosing the right size backpack depends on how you plan to use it and what you need to carry. These guidelines can help you narrow down your options:
- 8 to 10 liters: Backpacks with a capacity under 10 liters are typically best for small essentials, so they work best as a handbag or a purse. You can also use them for day hikes or walks.
- 10 to 20 liters: These backpacks can hold slightly more, including laptops up to 13 inches. They can make good school or office packs for those who don’t need to carry much.
- 20 to 30 liters: This size pack is usually the sweet spot for students and those looking for a work bag. They can typically hold laptops up to 16 inches and plenty of books and binders.
- 30 to 40 liters: A pack of this size is usually large enough for weekend trips. If you are flying with your pack, check that its dimensions meet airline carry-on restrictions.
- 50-plus liters: These supersized backpacks are ideal for longer trips, especially for hikers and campers who need to carry quite a bit of gear. For trips longer than five days, opt for a 60- to 80-liter backpack. Because they’re larger and designed for heavier loads, chest and hip straps are essential for packs of this size.
Durable materials
Whether you’re carrying your backpack to class or onto the hiking trail, you want a bag durable enough to hold up to wear and tear. Of course, traveling, hiking and camping packs require sturdier materials, but even packs for daily school or office use require high-quality materials.
Some of the most common backpack materials include:
- Nylon: Nylon is one of the most popular materials for backpacks because it is abrasion-resistant and highly durable. For travel, hiking and camping, sturdier nylon varieties like ballistic nylon, ripstop nylon and Cordura nylon are the best bet.
- Polyester: Like nylon, polyester is widely used for backpacks because it’s so durable. It offers greater water and ultraviolet (UV) light resistance than nylon but isn’t as abrasion-resistant.
- Cotton and canvas: If you prefer natural materials, you can find cotton and canvas backpacks. Cotton is very soft but not very durable and offers no water resistance. As a result, cotton canvas backpacks are often treated with wax to make them more water-resistant. Duck canvas is the most durable option but can be very heavy, so it may not be practical for hiking and camping.
- Leather: Leather backpacks certainly outclass other materials in terms of style, so they work well as everyday bags for school or the office. Leather is also fairly durable, though it does require proper maintenance. It’s also heavy and expensive.
Our top picks: Size and materials
- The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack: Users find this backpack the ideal size for students, easily fitting a laptop, textbooks, notebooks and more. They are also fans of the polyester and nylon combination that makes up the back because it is water-resistant and doesn’t show dirt easily.
- Volher Laptop Backpack: This compact pack is the perfect size to serve as a personal item on flights, as users find it fits easily under airplane seats. They also like how durable and high-quality its material is.
- Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack: According to users, this backpack’s 40-liter capacity is large enough for 10-day trips. However, it doesn’t fit all carry-on size restrictions outside the United States.
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35-Liter Travel Pack: Users like the size of this backpack because it’s large enough for trips of about three days but still fits most airline carry-on guidelines. Its material is also thick and durable enough that it doesn’t snag easily when rushing through the airport.
- Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 25-Liter Premium Laptop Backpack: This backpack is compact and easy to carry even for smaller users but still large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop. Users say it’s a perfect option for daily commuting.
Organization and design
Compartments and pockets
All backpacks have a main compartment for larger items like textbooks and notebooks. To help you organize your belongings, they typically have additional compartments and pockets that make it easier to find an item when you need it.
Some packs have an internal pocket specially for your phone, as well as other smaller pockets for your keys or other items that might get lost in the large, main compartment. Many also have a dedicated compartment or sleeve for your laptop and a secret pocket for valuables that need extra protection.
In addition to all these interior pockets and compartments, the best backpacks also have external pockets for items you want quick, easy access to, such as side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella.
Laptop protection
You don’t want your pricey laptop to get knocked around in your backpack, so many bags offer special protection for computers. Backpacks often include extra padding in the laptop compartment or sleeve, so the computer is cushioned if you accidentally drop or bang your pack. Others also have a soft lining to prevent scratches and other damage on your laptop’s exterior.
Zippers
Your backpack should have high-quality zippers that move easily and hold up to repeated use. You can find packs with plastic or metal zippers, but metal tends to be sturdier and more durable, making it a better option for a backpack that sees regular use.
Some backpacks also have twin zippers — two zippers that glide along the same track — so the pack can be opened in both directions. In addition to convenience, these zippers allow you to lock your backpack, which is an especially helpful feature for travel.
Weatherproofing
Having a weatherproof backpack is essential for traveling, hiking and camping, but it’s also important for school and office packs if you want to keep your belongings safe and protected. Polyester backpacks typically offer the best water resistance, but polyester, nylon and canvas packs are often treated with a waterproof coating to make them weatherproof.
Additionally, the most weatherproof backpacks have waterproof seams and zippers that keep moisture out of the bag. Travel and hiking packs may come with a rain cover, too, which fits tightly around the pack to provide additional protection against heavier rain.
Top handle
While backpacks are generally worn on the back or shoulder, some have a top handle. This handle allows you to carry the pack one-handed, which is often more convenient when navigating the tight aisles of a plane or train. The handle can sometimes enable you to hang your pack, too, though you have to be careful not to overload it.
Color and style
Most backpacks have a pretty casual style, but those typically designed for hiking and camping tend to have a more rugged, utilitarian look. If you want a more polished backpack, consider a leather style with a more streamlined line.
You can find backpacks in just about every color. The most common are neutral shades, such as black, gray, beige and navy, but many brands offer bolder options, including red, yellow and purple. Some even have patterned backpacks that are fun for everyday wear.
Our top picks: Organization and design features
- The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack: Users appreciate this backpack’s offering of pockets and compartments, which include two main compartments, a laptop sleeve and multiple zippered pockets. The zippered, fleece-lined pocket is a favorite for storing items discreetly that you still want easy access to.
- Volher Laptop Backpack: This backpack’s zippers earn praise for holding up to daily use without any issues. Users also appreciate that it has two exterior and one interior bottle pocket.
- Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack: Some users are big fans of this backpack’s minimalist organizational design that offers one main packing compartment and one zippered mesh compartment, but others wish it offered additional external pockets.
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35-Liter Travel Pack: This backpack features loops that prevent its zippers from opening without your knowledge, which travelers appreciate. Its unique design, which allows it to open sideways like a suitcase, is another favorite feature.
- Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0 25-Liter Premium Laptop Backpack: Users praise this backpack’s rubberized waterproof zippers but wish the laptop compartment had two zippers because it can be difficult to close when the pack is nearly full.
FAQ
Q. How much does a backpack typically cost?
A. Backpacks generally cost between $15 and $400. Size and material quality are the two biggest factors in a backpack’s price.
Small or mid-size daily-use backpacks are usually the most affordable, ranging from $30 to $100.
For midsize to large packs made of high-quality nylon or polyester that can hold up to the elements, you’ll typically pay $100 to $250.
The largest, most weather-resistant and durable packs that feature the highest-quality nylon and polyester and offer plenty of convenient storage compartments usually cost between $250 and $400.
Q. How should you wash a backpack?
A. If you want your backpack to last, don’t toss it in your washer with a load of laundry. Instead, use lukewarm water and mild soap to clean your pack. You can use a sponge or washcloth for general cleaning, but a soft-bristled brush or even an old toothbrush works well for scrubbing off stubborn dirt. Wipe the backpack with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue and allow it to air-dry in the shade.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has covered home, kitchen and lifestyle products for BestReviews for eight years. She has written more than 100 articles on ice cream makers, carpet cleaners, luggage sets and more. She likes having a backpack as part of her travel gear and favors a small Osprey daypack for carrying her travel essentials.
