The 25 Best Backpacks For Everyday Carry

You’ve likely used a backpack every day since grade school. Like a wallet or a keychain, it’s an essential piece that goes with you wherever you go, whatever you do, and that’s why you’ve got to get your hands on one of the best.

From work travel to vacation to your daily commute, perhaps you’ve always got it with you. In that instance, doesn’t it mean it would pay off to invest in one of the best backpacks for everyday carry, from hauling field books and pocket tools to hydration essentials, sunglasses, the works? That means you’ll want something that pairs up with light wash denim for spring and summer, or with your favorite pair of inky blue selvedge for the colder months. And you’ll want a backpack that can stand up to anything.

Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro

Built for those who brave the elements to commute to work every day, this Alpaka backpack is a working man’s ideal pick. The 26L interior is spacious but separated into enough compartments, pockets, and stash spots to ensure easy organization. The space cell foam padding on the shoulder straps keep the backpack riding comfortably on your shoulders even when it’s fully loaded, and the contoured back panel offers support to ease the burden on your spine. The 600-denier exterior and 300-denier interior fabric are both tough enough to withstand the rigors of both your daily commute and holidays abroad.

Filson Journeyman Backpack

Welders, mechanics, carpenters, and men of all trades, this backpack was built for you. The exterior is tough tin cloth (canvas duck finished with paraffin wax) and rugged twill that add excellent abrasion- and water-resistance, and the bag will take a beating in the trunk of your car or truck bed and still look good. For those who travel with electronics, the dedicated laptop pocket and zippered interior pocket give you space to store more delicate items along with your daily tools and work essentials. And to make sure you’ve got easy access to your most important items, the backpack is designed with a one-hand-opening snapped pocket.

Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech

Topo Designs’ backpacks stand out from the crowd, not only for their function, but also their form. While other brands are going for a more rounded, sleeker look, the Rover Tech Pack embraces a larger, space-maximizing, more eye-catching rectangular shape. It’s built with both an internal and external padded laptop sleeve, a water bottle pocket sized for even larger bottles, and daisy-chain webbing that lets you add on extra gear to the outside. The fabric is pure recycled nylon, a material that’s as sustainable as it is durable. Thanks to the drawstring cinch closure, your backpack’s contents are doubly protected against rain and wet.

Timbuk2 Clark Commuter Backpack

If you’re the kind of guy who likes to get work done on the bus, train, or plane ride, you’ll want the Timbuk2 Clark Commuter Backpack. The backpack is built to offer convenient access to all your gear, with a quick-access zippered laptop pocket, front pockets for smaller essentials, and a flat pocket for passports, keys, and bank cards. The rainfly doubles down on the protection against water and adds visibility if you’re cycling in low-light environments, but it can be removed on dry, sunny days to streamline your loadout. With the expansion roll top, you can add extra clothing or gear when packing for a long trip. It’s the ultimate travel and commuting backpack.

Ekster Grid Duffel Backpack

I love organizing everything I’m packing into separate compartments and maximizing space, and the Ekster Grid Duffel Backpack makes that a breeze. The modular clamshell design splits open down the middle and offers multiple inner pockets and compartments sized for everything from my DSLR camera to my running shoes to my laptop to my sunglasses. The bottom straps hold a towel or jacket for hands-free travel, and the zipper at the top allows for quick access to my computer or tablet. The waterproof exterior, RFID-blocking outer pocket, carry-on-compatible size, and protective frame make it the ideal companion to take on my beach vacation or business trip. Best of all, I can carry it like a duffel bag or wear it like a backpack—the ultimate versatile traveling buddy.

Mission Workshop The Rhake VX Backpack

You know the drill with Mission Workshop, or at least, let’s hope you do. The brand blends technical innovation and top-notch materials with sleek colorways and commute-ready gear throughout its entire line, be it a hard-wearing field jacket or the tough Rhake VX Backpack. Special pockets are designed to hold everything from your iPad to your water bottle to chargers and your EDC keychain. Named for the VX-21 diamond ripstop fabric, it’s as durable as it gets, too.

The Ridge Commuter Backpack

Color us extremely impressed by the fact that Ridge Wallet manages to cover your everyday carry from A-to-Z, from its durable slim wallets to this remarkable backpack. It’s only fitting that it’s one of the best backpacks for everyday carry, given that it comes from these guys. It’s weatherproof, right down to the Aquaguard zippers, and the 900D Ballistic nylon shell is durable and designed to take on anything. The RFID-blocking pocket keeps your wallet safe, and the shock-resistant laptop holder does the same for your remote work essentials.

Kuhl Eskape 20 Backpack

Light, compact, and ultra-portable, that’s what you get with the Kuhl Eskape 20 Backpack. It weighs less than most of the other backpacks I’ve tested, and though it’s small (just 20L), it’s well-organized to fit more even in the limited space. And because it’s built using weather-resistant laminated nylon, it’s both weather-resistant and tough enough to endure adventure travel.

Comfort features include a stowaway hip belt, ergonomic padded shoulder straps (with integrated load lifters), a sternum strap with a magnetic connector, and breathable mesh padding on the back panel to keep you cool even on a hard day’s hike. For convenience, it offers easy access interior pockets, a fleece-lined pockets for your sunglasses and other fragile accessories, a hidden pocket for you to stash an Apple AirTag or other tracker, and a zipper-secured key clip pocket where you can safely keep your car keys tucked away but still easily accessible. There’s even a laptop pocket sized for up to 17” laptops so you can take your work anywhere and everywhere you go. 

Patagonia Refugio Daypack

Patagonia’s Refugio Daypack 26L is an excellent daypack, one that’ll make commuting or an overnight trip out of town much easier and more comfortable. It’s also tough enough to take camping, hiking, hunting, or fishing.

Made with pure recycled polyester and finished with a PFC-free waterproof coating, it’s perfect for shrugging off rain, sleet, and snow while still being tough enough to endure mountain climbs or long-distance treks as well as your daily commute. Thanks to its tech-friendly organization—including a 15” padded laptop sleeve, desk caddy compartment, front-panel pocket, and spacious main compartment—you can haul all your work necessaries neatly organized. For those who cycle to work, it even has a bike-light clip point at the pack’s base so you can add an extra layer of protection to your cycling gear. At just over one pound, it’s light but still wonderfully resilient.

Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack

Stubble & Co. makes a wonderful kind of magic with their The Everyday Backpack, the ideal pack for working professionals. The interior is spacious enough to house all your gym gear, or you can fill it with your work essentials (including a laptop up to 16”, chargers, notepads, etc.).

The top zip pocket is perfect for keeping your valuables close at hand and safe from pickpockets when traveling, and there are even two side pockets sized to fit water bottles and/or umbrellas. Thanks to its water-resistant zippers, waterproof seams, and recycled PET polyester fabric, you can trust it to keep the rain out and your contents safe and sound. 

WANDRD PRVKE Lite Backpack

Photographers and videographers, this one’s for you. The WANDRD PRVKE Lite Backpack is built specifically for shutterbugs, with integrated padded packing cubes sized just right for your DSLR or digital camera and dedicated storage space aplenty for your accessories.

The quick side access lets you get at your camera in a second, but the roll-top ensures your bag’s contents are neatly organized and secured against theft and the weather. The expandable water bottle pocket on the side can easily accommodate a tripod, and there’s even a laptop sleeve to fit your computer so you can have it handy for on-site photo edits. Best of all, it’s fully weatherproof and resilient enough to take out into any environment.  

Yeti Crossroads Backpack

Yeti doesn’t just make hardcore coolers and travel mugs—they’ve also dropped this tough-as-nails, ultra-versatile 27L liter backpack that’s built to keep up with any jungle, rainforest, beach, or lake adventure. Built from abrasion-resistant TuffSkin nylon, the bag’s exterior can shrug off water with ease.

The large main compartment has storage space aplenty and a wide opening that makes it a breeze to pack and unpack. The built-in base lets it stand upright on the ground and provides protection against abrasions, scuffs, and dirt. Thanks to its EVA foam-padded contoured shoulder straps and no-pressure back panel, you can carry this bad boy fully loaded all day long without ever feeling the strain or overheating.

Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag

What makes the Roark Passenger 27L 2.0 Bag a backpack worth considering? First off, it’s built with a hyper-sturdy waterproof nylon made even more resistant to damp and wet by the YKK waterproof zippers. Then there’s the multitude of storage solutions—from the zippered sunglasses pocket to the hidden passport pocket to the internal mesh accessory pocket to the padded laptop storage with external access.

The quilted padding and air mesh padded straps also make for amazing comfort on the go, and the roll-top makes it even more accessible and waterproof. Put it all together, and you’ve got a backpack built just right for world travelers.

Jansport Right Pack

For the classic retro look that’s coming back in style, you can’t go wrong with the Jansport Right Pack. The Cordura nylon exterior is tough, but that durability doesn’t come at the cost of style. Every one of these backpacks is eye-catching, vibrant, and colorful, a bold fashion statement you’ll be proud to carry everywhere you go. 

It’s a “win” on form, but also function. The backpack features a padded laptop sleeve (for up to 15” laptops), a spacious main compartment, multi-function front pocket, and a side bottle pocket so you have plenty of space for all your essentials. With its padded back panel and adjustable straight-cut shoulder straps, it’s a bag you’ll be comfortable wearing on your daily commute, to school, or even cycling around town.

Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack

Matador practically has the market cornered when it comes to ridiculously lightweight backpacks that also double as heavyweight carrying machines. What we mean by that is although at first the Matador Beast18 Ultralight Technical Backpack might not seem like a lot, it’s got the ability to haul plenty, all thanks to its flexible frame design. The use of Robic nylon and a waterproof coated exterior helps with durability, too. Plus, the padded shoulder straps ensure all-day comfort.

Mission Workshop R6 Arkiv Field Pack

Mission Workshop is one of my (Andy) favorite brands because their backpacks are built tough, practical, and multi-functional. The R6 Arkiv Field Pack is among their most versatile and reliable offerings, everything you need for your daily commute, overseas holiday, or weekend getaway.

The 20L size is nicely spacious, especially when divided into the multiple interior and exterior compartments (including a padded, zippered pocket sized for a laptop up to 15”). The backpack is made using waterproof materials, and each of the inner and outer compartments have been further waterproofed to keep your gear fully secure from the rain and damp. Thanks to the integrated Arkiv rails, you can customize the pack and add on other Mission Workshop accessories for maximum convenience on the go.

Bellroy Transit Workpack

Bellroy has a knack for making thoughtfully designed, durable EDC pieces at every level of the game, from small cord-carrying cases to big-ticket items like the Bellroy Transit Workpack. It comes down to the clean design, the durable fabrics and the intentional way in which you can use the brand’s gear. In this case, the Transit Workpack is the right backpack for everyday carry and for the guy on the go through city streets.

Fjallraven Raven 28L Backpack

Fjallraven is certainly a brand prepared to outfit you from head-to-toe for outdoor adventures season after season, and it’s the brand’s backpacks that are arguably its greatest asset. Team your Fjallraven field jacket with a durable, rough-and-tumble number like the the Raven 28L Backpack, which offers plenty of bang for your buck, plus heritage-quality design. You won’t even have to think twice about packing up this durable bag and hitting the road: It’s ready for adventure.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Just as with the Peak Design Everyday Messenger, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is legendary among those who value ridiculously sturdy gear that gets the job done, no frills needed. Make no mistake, this bag raised more than $6 million on Kickstarter for a reason — from the innovative FlexFold interior dividers to the remarkably durable MagLatch closure system, and premium, weatherproof exterior, it’s the most durable and eye-catching backpack that you could own — and that’s certainly saying something.

Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack

Oakley really did throw everything but the kitchen sink into its aptly named backpack, fit for adventures — and plain old everyday life — the world over. With a plethora of sturdy zip pockets and padded shoulder straps for comfort, this bag looks like it’s built to carry just about everything — and with room for up to a 17-inch laptop, it nearly can do that. It even features a bottom shoe compartment and an abrasion-resistant bottom — the brand definitely thought of everything with this bag, make no mistake.

Chrome Industries Barrage Cargo Backpack

If at first glance a backpack looks remarkably tough and durable, there’s a good chance that it can live up to the hype — that’s definitely the case with the Chrome Industries Barrage Cargo Backpack. Featuring the brand’s iconic seatbelt buckle closure and waterproof construction, it’s a tough bag built for camping trips, outdoor exploration and cross-city bike rides. Pick it up in any one of the many colorways available, or go with the city-friendly all-black color for super-sleek looks and a smooth ride.

5.11 Tactical Rush 24 Backpack

For around $150, what type of bag do you think you can get? Well, you can get some serious bang for your buck with the 5.11 Rush 24 Backpack. With tactical functionality and tough style in mind, it might be the best value on the market. Starting with an amply sized interior compartment with mesh organizer pockets, the wraparound webbing platform carries that functionality through to its exterior, too. Sound too good to be true? Buy the 5.11 Rush 24 Backpack and see for yourself.

Killspencer Utility Backpack

Utility has gotta be the name of the game when it comes to your daily backpack, and Killspencer knows this too well. The Utility Backpack is handsome, striking and still performance-ready (with an investment-worthy price tag, to match). Made with premium full-grain leather and mil-spec webbing for toughness and durability, the Utility Backpack also features enough space for a 15-inch laptop. The lining is waterproof, too — Killspencer has thought of every last detail, and then some. That’s as good as it gets.

Mission Workshop Vandal Backpack

For pairing up with its commuter-friendly gear, Mission Workshop has cracked the code with the travel-friendly Vandal Bag, an effective complement to whatever you’ve got in store this spring and summer. With a lifetime guarantee and a flexible interior that can expand and contract, it’s like getting two bags for the price of one. Plus, throw in the carbon fiber reinforced internal frame suspension system and front-zippered pockets with enough space for a laptop, and you’re all set for anything life throws at you.

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack

The aptly named Urban Assault Backpack from Mystery Ranch really is geared toward taking on the most challenging city environments, whether you’re an average commuter or a hardcore biker or hiker. With a Cordura exterior and 3-zip closure, it’s got everything from an internal laptop sleeve to YKK zippers for extra durability. Fixed harnessing is yet another handy design feature on this bag, which you’ll surely want to use a lot given that it’s priced right.

GORUCK Bullet Ruck

You won’t find a tougher backpack for your EDC loadout than the GoRuck Bullet Ruck. Made from 500-denier Cordura nylon, it features a “bombproof” laptop compartment (sized for up to 16-inch laptops) and interior pockets that’ll protect your electronics from impact, collisions, drops, and falls. The integrated lumbar support and frame sheet lets you carry heavier loads without straining your back. Thanks to the open-flat design (similar to Special Forces medical rucks), you can get at your bag’s contents easily, then zip it back up and head out in a matter of seconds. It’s also packed with handy features: MOLLE webbing for accessories, glove-friendly zippers, and the necessary space and clips for a hydration bladder and hose.

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