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A great backpack is one that you'll want to bring along on life's adventures, whether that means jetsetting across the globe or taking the train to the office each morning. We've outlined our favorite picks across styles, from school and commuter packs that can carry your tech safely, to travel backpacks that can replace your luggage.
The best daily backpack for most people is the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe. This pack has an understated and professional style that is at home just about anywhere: the office, school, airplane travel, weekend trips. Plus it has a protective laptop sleeve, and it's comfortable to carry even when loaded to its full 20L capacity.
If you want to maximize your purchase, The North Face Recon is a slightly lower-cost option with a sportier vibe and larger capacity that works well if you want to use the same bag for work and then a weekend hike.
Our gear experts have tested hundreds of backpacks since 2010, putting each through real-world scenarios like school, work, travel, and hiking.
Who this is best for: We think the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is a great option for just about anyone. From students to high-rise professionals, this pack fits the bill. Everyone on our testing panel liked its style. It's understated but unique enough to have its own distinct look. They also loved how it protected their laptops and other tech. So whether you're travelling by foot, bike, subway, bus, car, or skateboard, the Timbuk2 provides a great place to store your stuff while you do what you need to do in order to get where you need to go.
Why we love it: It doesn't take long to discover the next-level comfort of the Authority Deluxe. It has the right amount of padding in the right places, making it an easy fit for most. We absolutely loved the soft, checkerboard cushions that cover this pack's entire back panel and shoulder straps. This design translates into more airflow and better flexibility. The Authority Deluxe also has a first-rate, zippered laptop compartment. It's large enough to hold a 17-inch device, but compact enough to ensure any sized laptop is snugged firmly in place. It's also one of the best-padded sleeves we've seen. Other features that caught our eye included two large main compartments, cinching cargo straps, and a luggage trolley strap.
Should you buy it? If you want something you can use for years to come, then yes. We love it, and have continued to use this bag even after our “official testing” period ended, and we believe you'll love it too. The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe doesn't offer a ton of organized storage and some of our testers thought its overall dimensions were a little narrow. However, most of our crew had very few complaints, which is why we feel it's more broadly appealing to most people than most of the packs in our lineup. This model is built-to-last, weather-resistant, roomy, and comfortable. It will cost you a little more, but based on our experience, we don't feel it's overpriced.
Water bottle holders are harder to use while wearing
Volume: 30 L | Tech Storage: 16" laptop and small tablet
Who this is best for:The North Face Recon is ideal for travelers, commuters, students, or anyone seeking a versatile, organized backpack for everyday carry. Its 30-liter capacity fits a 16-inch laptop, with smart pockets for office, airport, or library organization. Designed for longer torsos and all-day comfort, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate features like reflective loops, a sternum whistle, and a water hose port for adventures.
Why we love it: Our testers raved about its padded back and straps, which provide lasting comfort, and its ability to stand upright on the ground, with one reviewer noting, “It stands up anywhere—super handy.” The pack's clever organization and larger size make it ideal for bringing everything for both work and play, for the day or the weekend.
Should you buy it? This feature-rich backpack is a great value for commuting or travel, and we even brought it on a few short day hikes. It has excellent ergonomics and organization, and it's a third of the price of many premium laptop packs in our review. However, cyclists take note: the unpadded center panel can be uncomfortable on the spine when bent forward on a bicycle. We also noticed that the roomy third pocket can crowd the main compartment if overfilled. Its versatility and size make it less nimble than sleeker packs, and it may not fit in as well in more professional settings. But if you don't mind the casual nature of this do-it-all bag, we think you'll end up bringing it just about everywhere.
Who this is best for: The Volher Travel is a simple and affordable backpack that works well for short commutes, occasional airport travel, or classroom use. Don't expect any miracles, but for those who like to keep it simple, this bag fits the bill. With 30 liters and smart pockets, you can easily fit a day's worth of supplies (notebooks, laptop, lunch, spare shoes). “This is a backpack built for people on the move,” our reviewer stated.
Why we love it: It stands out for its low cost and featured design, offering thoughtful additions like USB and headphone ports, lockable zippers, and a suitcase attachment strap. Its 30-liter capacity and Velcro-secured laptop sleeve provide organized storage for daily essentials or travel needs. Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivers a transit-ready setup that you don't often find in budget bags, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing affordability and convenience.
Should you buy it? We've tested a lot of backpacks, and we wouldn't rate this as the most durable or comfortable pack we've seen, but it is better than we expected for the low price. It will get less comfortable with heavy loads, and we definitely don't recommend choosing this bag for the USB port feature, because ours arrived broken. However, for everything the Volher does right, we think it's a steal for the price.
The Volher is a well-padded and affordable laptop pack, although the USB port arrived in non-working condition.
Volume: 15-20 L | Tech Storage: 16" laptop and tablet
Who this is best for: The Nomatic Navigator 15 will definitely appeal to professionals searching for a high-quality sanctuary for their tech. This bag perfectly blends beauty with brawn, making it a clear-cut choice for doing battle with the daily home-to-work routine, especially those who take public transit. Office workers will see the Nomatic's allure, but we also think it's a great choice for small business owners, graduate students, or anyone else who is on the move with their tech but wants a case that has more style and protection.
Why we love it: First things first: we love this pack's distinctive look. Typical of most Nomatic products, the Navigator has a style of its own. It's sleek, smooth, and classy. It also offers several features that provide added protection against common menaces found in most cities. Its interlocking zipper pulls are a good deterrent against pickpockets, and an interior RFID safe pouch shields credit cards, passports, or ID badges from unwanted electrical scanners. We also loved the Navigator's top-tier laptop protection, tuck-away water-bottle pouch, and amazing shoulder and back padding. It also expands up to 20L for those days when you need to carry just a little more.
Should you buy it? If you're willing to spend more money, we don't think you'll be disappointed with the Nomatic Navigator 15. We found very few negatives during two months of use and testing, and we don't think you'll have many either. Some may find this bag too small, but others may appreciate that it is just big enough for the office essentials and doesn't bog you down with extra weight and bulk. One of our trivial complaints was that its shell is stiff (because it's protective) so it doesn't squeeze into tighter spaces very well. Another nag was that it's only available in one color. However, if you're the type of person who tends to seek out the best products — regardless of what you're buying — we think this pack should be added to your short list.
Who this is best for: We feel the WANDRD Nimbus 18 is perfect for jet-setters who need a personal item that can also protect their laptop from the turbulence that is inherent with most travel plans. A few of our testers used the Nimbus during their spring and summer travel and loved that it could carry a lot, but was still flexible enough to be shoved into an already-full overhead compartment or under the seat in front of them. Sure, this pack also would be a great fit for just about anyone, so don't hesitate to throw down some change if you like what it has to offer. But, for those of you who like to travel by planes and trains, the Nimbus should definitely be high on your list.
Why we love it: The Nimbus is super reinforced. During testing, we combed it over piece by piece and liked what we found. This pack is shielded by a durable plastic plate that spans the entire backside of the Nimbus. Even better, this plate also houses a solid metal spine that runs the entire length of the pack. We loved this added structure and feel it increases the Nimbus's ability to withstand direct impact. It also protects your things from being crushed if an unwanted carry-on shifts in the overhead bin during takeoff or landing. We also loved this pack's laptop sleeve, padding, two amazing water-bottle pouches, and very inconspicuous secret compartment. The Nimbus also doubles well as a general day pack when you get to your destination and just want to be a tourist.
Should you buy it? If you never leave home without your laptop, the WANDRD Nimbus 18 is a no-brainer. It's relatively lightweight, holds a decent amount of stuff, and it's super reinforced. Even better, this pack's shell fabrics make it pliable and packable, so it stows well, but it also fits nicely into your checked bag or carry-on without taking up a ton of extra space. But, if you aren't much of a traveler, there's no need to fret. This pack is a great option for you too. After our thorough testing, we're confident that anyone who purchases this pack will love it as much as we do.
The Nimbus is a perfect travel buddy. It protects your laptop and other electronics while in transit, but it also doubles well as a day pack for any adventure. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Who this is best for: Do you like having options? Then the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC just might be your new best friend when it comes to carrying your clothes, tech, and work accessories. This pack really works for the casual employee or student who values versatility and simplicity over fashion and pinpoint organization. The Patagonia is understated, can be carried several different ways, and has a wide-open storage system that lets you pack anyway you want. If all of this freedom resonates with you, then we think this Patagonia just might be your spirit animal in pack form.
Why we love it: We love how the Black Hole Micro MLC can easily morph into three different packs — backpack, shoulder bag, or briefcase. On the inside, half the bag is one wide open compartment with a zippered mesh top that we liked to dedicate to carrying clothing, so go ahead and load up if your travel work plans include an overnight stay. We also liked the Patagonia's simple, lightweight design, although we don't feel it's as tough as some of the other models we've tested. Lastly, most of our users felt its comfort was above average, and our testing showed that it fits well on most body types.
Should you buy it? If you like work or laptop packs that beam with outdoorsy, relaxed vibes, then you should look into buying the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC. It comes in a few fun colors, and it's built by a reputable company that loves and cares for the environment. If your packing style is more meticulous, you probably wouldn't like this bag's free spirit. But, if you value simplicity and versatility, we think you'll see the value this model brings to the table.
The cross-body strap is not padded, but it is adjustable. Credit: Jason Wanlass
We found ourselves using the briefcase more than we expected to. It's unbelievably handy if you're just hopping from seat to seat. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Our preffered use for the Black Hole Micro MLC was one half for clothing and the other half for tech. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Who this is best for: If you frequently find yourself taking quick trips and don't want to break out the heavy luggage, the Allpa is an amazing travel companion. We love this bag for long weekend trips by car, plane, or train, and if you're a savvy packer, you can get away with longer trips with this bag. If you travel by plane frequently, there is a padded compartment for your laptop (up to 15 inches) that you can easily access when going through TSA.
Why we love it: The clamshell design opens all the way up to reveal mesh compartments that zip closed, allowing you to skip the packing cubes and still stay organized during your trip. It's comfortable to carry, with a removable padded hip belt, and features a water bottle pocket on the side that can hold a 32-ounce Nalgene. There are also small pockets for keeping little travel accessories organized. And, though it's not listed as fully waterproof, it did well in our water resistance tests.
Should you buy it? If you like the idea of quickly darting through an airport with everything you need perched (comfortably) on your back — no baggage claim required — the Allpa is your bag. If you're more of a roller bag traveler, check out our favorite wheeled carry-ons.
Available Sizes: 20L, 28L, 35L, 42L | Pockets with Exterior Access: 4
Hydration bladder clip works best with Gregory brand bladder
Shallow top pocket
Lacks a rain cover
Volume: 24 L | Weight: 2.3 lbs
Who this is best for: The Gregory Zulu 24 LT is a great pack for hikers seeking a super comfortable way to carry their things. We had no problem fitting a day's worth of gear into it, and it has a great frame offering support for heavier loads. We also think this pack is great for toting stuff around town, to the gym, or even to work in a pinch (it's not designed specifically for a laptop, but one will fit). It's also a great pack if you already own a Gregory brand bladder, since the clip in the pack is designed for it.
Why we love it: This pack took the crown for its comfort in our daypack review. It has great padding on the shoulder straps, a wire mesh frame, and has a suspended mesh back panel that allows airflow between the pack and your back, so you don't get as sweaty. We like its U-shaped zipper opening and its large hip belt pockets, which are easy to access.
Should you buy it? If you're in the market for a new daypack and looking for one that's super comfy, this is our top recommendation. On the other hand, if you're looking for a backpack that can be used for more casual activities, this isn't it. Great suspension and comfort features take priority here, and it's not as well suited to carrying tech, or blending into urban environments. However, if you want something to hit the trails with, this is a great bag.
An integrated whistle and a hydration hose clip are integrated into the Zulu. We appreciate the hose clip, which prevents it from bouncing around as we hike. Credit: Byron Adams
Sometimes your hike includes crawling through a cave. Thankfully, this pack is up to the task. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
You can see the curvature created by the back panel, which can prevent items from lying flat. However, the pack opens wide, making it easy to access the base. Credit: Tara Reddinger-Adams
Thoughtful trail features (rain cover, tool attachments)
REASONS TO AVOID
Below-average weight-to-volume ratio
Minimal hip belt support
Volume: 25 L | Tech Storage: 15" laptop
Who this is best for: The REI Trail 25 is a great fit for shoppers who want a single bag that can keep up with them on the trail and transport a laptop to the office. It offers a versatile design that fits a water bottle and a rain layer for outdoorsy adventures, yet has enough pockets to keep electronics, cords, and pens organized. As one of our lead backpack testers commented, “This has become one of my daily commuter packs, because I often end up taking a quick hike before or after work, and I appreciate having the hip belt when I'm carrying a full load.”
Why we love it: The Trail 25 strikes a great balance between outdoor capability and everyday usability for those who are more outdoorsy. Its layout makes packing straightforward, whether you're loading up layers and snacks or a laptop and notebooks, and the main compartment has enough room to handle both packing lists without feeling cramped. On the trail, features like trekking pole attachments and the included rain cover are very useful, while the semi-rigid back panel provides a comfortable mix of structure and freedom of movement. It's not the lightest option, but the durability and feature set make it useful across a wide variety of days.
Should you buy it? If you want one pack for work and recreation, the Trail 25 might be just what you need. It doesn't have as much support for loads over about 20 pounds, but for day hikes, most don't need a high weight capacity anyway. As long as the weight of the Trail 25 isn't a deal-breaker, it boasts phenomenal value, at a more approachable price point than premium backpacks.
Volume: 30 L | Tech Storage:15" laptop and photography gear
Who this is best for: On the whole, we feel the Peak Design Everyday is well-suited for those seeking a bag that can adapt to a wide range of tech and creative gear — namely camera equipment. However, this pack is also a perfect option for you if your work or play requires you to switch up what you need to carry from week to week. If what you're looking for is a bag that offers solid protection for your laptop and a versatile storage system that can adjust to your needs, look no further.
Why we love it: The centerpiece feature of the Everyday is its packing system. Its interior offers several Flexfold dividers that can be removed and re-positioned in a myriad of configurations. This allows the user to section off “shelving” or “cubicles” within the Everyday based on the size and shape of what they need to transport. We also loved this pack's dense shell (400-denier nylon canvas) and its reinforced and waterproof bottom liner that makes us less hesitant to place the Everyday on the ground.
Should you buy it?If your work or hobbies keep you on the move with your expensive tech and gear, we think you'll like the convenience and security of the Peak Design Everyday. You should consider buying it for its ability to pack away and carry a wide range of equipment, keeping it protected from rain, snow, bumps, and bruises. You don't need to be a photographer to own this bag, but if you are one, we think you'll absolutely love having it on your gear shelf.
Over the years here at GearLab, we've tested more backpacks than we can count. We tested packs in the office and around town, on the trails, on our bikes, at school, at the airport, during our daily commutes, at the crag… You name it, and we've been there. For this review, we compiled winning products from multiple backpack categories, totaling over 300 tested models in total, all purchased at retail prices from many of the same popular merchants you likely shop at. Here you see our 10 favorite packs.
Our teams tested and rated all these backpacks for different qualities depending on the pack type and its intended use. We tested for durability, comfort, weight, features, volume, ease of use, water resistance, style, accessibility, and more. We repeatedly packed and unpacked them all. We hiked, biked, and went through airport security with them. We loaded up our precious laptops and tablets in them and shoved them in overhead bins and below airline seats. In short, we put all these backpacks through the wringer to find the best of the best. You can see more details of how we test in each of our backpack reviews.
Water and weather protection is a key feature to look at in any bag. A backpack should keep your belongings safe, snug, and dry no matter how you plan to use them. Credit: Hale Milano
Why Trust GearLab
To lead the extensive testing for this review, we have several contributors well-versed in the world of backpacks. Our team includes a host of experts who use different styles of backpacks for international travel, day hikes, and during their morning commutes; each one maintains an eye for meticulous evaluation when putting these bags to the test.
Jason Wanlass leads testing for laptop backpacks and is our expert in all things luggage and travel. Jason takes multiple international trips a year, sometimes to hike remote mountain trails, other times to stroll the city streets of Europe. He always brings a backpack on these trips, and uses one to commute around town most days.
Zach Lovell leads testing for our travel backpack review. He is a professional mountain guide and spends nearly half of his time on the road (or in the air) each year. Having a comfortable, well-organized, and livable backpack helps him stay sane while travelling.
Myrha Colt lends her experience from a lifetime of travel. Having lived on 6 continents, working, playing, and studying, Myrha knows the value of being prepared for whatever the day brings and rarely leaves home without a backpack. She leads our school backpack testing and offers valuable insights into testing for other types of packs as well.
Hale Milano has lived life on the road as both a weekend warrior, global traveler, and weekday business traveler. He's logged hours in airports, trains, and other types of travel carrying gear on his back in everything from a satchel to a 100-liter duffel bag, to dedicated hiking backpacks and specialized travel backpacks.
We've tested dozens bags of all kinds for all different types of trips, from around your city to up the mountain to across the globe.
How to Pick the Best Backpack for You
Before you resort to closing your eyes and pointing blindly at the page to pick your next backpack, here are a few pointers to get you started.
Types of Backpacks
Let us walk you through some of the basics of pack styles so you can more easily narrow down the one that will best suit your lifestyle. While a great backpack can be used in a variety of scenarios, most are designed to fill a specific need, for example, bike commuting to work, or lugging your books to class. Secondary uses are a nice bonus.
Using the weekend evening to catch up on work. Credit: Jason Wanlass
Laptop Backpacks
Laptop backpacks are typically small to moderate in size and often fall into the “daily carry” category. Most backpacks can fit a laptop inside, but what sets these models apart are their tech-protective features. They usually have a well-padded internal sleeve or multiple sleeves to protect your laptop or tablet. They might have specially designed compartments for things like extra battery packs or charging cords. Because these bags carry delicate cargo, protection is one of the most important factors we consider in our testing.
Best For: Daily office/school commutes, digital nomads
REASONS TO BUY
Slim and trim
Protective padding
Accommodates tech
Office-appropriate style
REASONS TO AVOID
Less capable for outdoor use
Sometimes too small for everything
Can be pricey
Most laptop bags have a sleek and stylish look that flies under the radar in an office or urban setting. However, there is a wide range of options available today, and you can find some that look more sporty, techy, or minimalist. We even included some tote and messenger styles in our testing. Laptop bags are a great option for protecting your valuable electronic equipment, and many have enough extra space for things like textbooks, lunches, gym clothes, a compact umbrella, and other essentials to complete your commute to work or school.
The Troubadour has a style of its own. We liked its smooth edges. Everything on this bag is tucked neatly into place. Credit: Jason Wanlass
School Backpacks
A backpack for school used to be simple — it needed the ability to carry books, folders, and pens/pencils. Today, tech is a huge part of school curricula, so often these packs need to include a way to safely carry a laptop or tablet, too. Look for the ability to comfortably carry heavier loads and enough internal organization for the items you'll carry daily.
Best For: Students, casual use
REASONS TO BUY
Affordable
Can be used for various activities
Often come in more fun colors and patterns
REASONS TO AVOID
Laptop sleeve not guaranteed
Not always as comfortable
A colorful selection of school backpacks from our last round of testing. Credit: Myrha Colt
Daypacks
A great daypack usually has a fairly simple design that makes it ideal for any type of day trip. Those day trips can be on a hike, a bike ride, or even just a stroll around the city. These packs prioritize comfort and often have features like ventilated back panels, internal bladder storage, and robust waist belts that help you stay comfortable during long days on foot. If you're using one for travel, you'll want to find a backpack that can pack down small in your luggage. If you want to be able to go on a hike right after work, you'll want to look for one that can carry your office essentials as well as hiking clothes.
Best For: Hiking, biking, walking city tours
REASONS TO BUY
Comfort focused
Hydration compatible
Men's and women's specific fits
Often packable
REASONS TO AVOID
Not as office appropriate
Minimal organization
No tech protection
You can see how the pack curves away from the back for maximal airflow. Credit: Byron Adams
Finding a size balance is important. A daypack should be big enough for snacks, layers, a first aid kit, and more, yet small enough to avoid excess bulk and not weight you down. Hiking models add technical perks like hydration sleeves, hip belt pockets, and straps for helmets, poles, ice axes, or skis.
A great daypack can take you from the mountains to town.
Travel Backpacks
Travel backpacks hold more stuff, generally featuring a spacious main compartment, plenty of pockets for organizing gear, and versatile carrying options like removable straps, slings, and padded handles. These bags are meant to complement, or potentially replace, your carry-on luggage, and have space to pack a week's worth of clothing, toiletries, and any tech you want to travel with. If you want it to be carry-on friendly, try to stick within the 30L-45L range. Our favorite options have great internal organization features that keep us from needing to use packing cubes, protective electronics pockets, and comfortable harness systems.
Best For: Weeklong trips, non-traditional travelers, digital nomads
REASONS TO BUY
Hands-free travel
Suitcase style packing
Avoid checking a bag at the airport
REASONS TO AVOID
Too big for daily use
Can get bulky and heavy
Not as protective as traditional luggage
These packs are usually streamlined with minimal external features, so they can easily be stuffed into overhead bins, car trunks, or other tight spaces. They are typically moderate in size, but can be quite heavy when fully loaded, so look for one with a sturdy waist strap if you are prone to overpacking.
Some of the top bags in our travel backpack lineup. Credit: Hale Milano
Comfort and Fit
If you plan to carry your backpack on a daily basis, it had better be comfortable. You'll want to pay the most attention to points of contact: the back panel, the shoulder straps, and the waist belt, if there is one.
In the back panel, you'll want more structure so the bag doesn't sag against your back, with contoured foam that offers support in the right places, and mesh or other types of ventilation that will allow some airflow and prevent you from getting sweaty. In the shoulder straps, you'll want to check for dense foam padding, a wider width, and a contoured shape that will fit comfortably around your torso without digging into your ribs or neck. You'll also want to make sure the straps adjust enough to fit your body and don't slide loose throughout the day.
For larger packs and heavier loads, you'll want to look for a backpack with a waist belt. Check for one with thick padding that can take some of the load off your shoulders, as well as load lifter straps that can help keep the weight of the bag closer to your body so you can better maintain your center of gravity.
Some different back panel and strap styles. The curvature of a strap can have an impact on comfort. For hiking packs, we like back panels with breathability features, like suspended mesh that allows for some airflow.
Features
Make sure you consider what features are important to you. Don't just buy a pack with a lot of features because it has a lot of features; buy a pack with the specific features you need. These extras usually have a specific intended use that tailors the bag to your lifestyle.
Waterproof or water resistant material: This is super important for walkers or bike commuters, or those who take public transportation. Protecting the contents of your bag in the even that you get caught in an unexpected drizzle can be a lifesaver. However, waterproofing can often increase the weight and the price of the bag, so if you simply go from home to car to office, and don't have to worry as much about the weather, you can probably skip it.
Water bottle holders: Most people rarely leave home without a trusty water bottle, and for good reason. As such, most backpacks have a dedicated pocket to place your bottle. You can choose between internal and external pockets, but make sure they are large enough to accommodate your preferred size bottle. Hiking day packs are also usually compatible with hydration bladders.
Laptop compartment: If you plan to regularly carry a laptop with you to work or school, then be sure your backpack has a protective pocket or sleeve for your tech, as well as compartments for accessories like charging cables and headphones. If you want to go the extra mile, look for a suspended laptop sleeve. This design raises the bottom of the laptop compartment a few inches above the bottom of the bag, so your computer doesn't take the brunt of the impact if you set your bag down a little too hard.
External mesh/bungee straps: These features come in so handy if you want quick access to a rain jacket or outerlayer. This also allows you to pack bulkier items without taking up space inside the bag.
Knowing what you will bring helps you figure out what volume and organizational features are right for you.
Pack Size
For habitual overpackers out there, it can be tempting to buy the biggest bag you can find… just in case! In reality, a bigger bag can be less functional than a well-organized, mid-sized bag. And a smaller bag will be easier on your back, too. This becomes especially apparent if you walk-commute to work every day, or if you're wandering around a new city for 5+ hours on vacation.
The Peak Design Travel 45 can fit a ton of stuff, but it can get bulky on the back. Credit: Zach Lovell
For daily use, we recommend going with something in the 18L-24L range, depending on what you need to pack. This can typically handle a full day's worth of stuff, including a laptop, notebook, lunch, water bottle, and an extra jacket. If you don't carry a laptop, you can go smaller. If you carry around larger items like a camera or want to pick up groceries on the way home, go larger.
The Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC is 22L. In our opinion, this is the sweet spot for capacity without bulk for an every day bag. Credit: Jason Wanlass
The Patagonia swallowed up our laptop, accessories, and two days' worth of clothes. Credit: Jason Wanlass
If you want your backpack to double as an overnight bag or personal item while flying, you'll want to go a bit larger and should look at packs in the 30L-40L range. This is where travel backpacks excel. They are large enough to handle a change of clothes, a pair of shoes, toiletries, and usually a laptop as well.
The 45-liter Patagonia MLC is a versatile, briefcase-style carry-on loved by our travel pack review. Credit: Hayley Thomas
Other Backpacks to Consider
Osprey Metron 18 Messenger - If you're not married to a dual-strap design but still need a decent storage capacity, you might be able to get by with a larger messenger bag. The Metron has a structured and supportive single strap that rides across the chest and is padded like a backpack strap. It has an additional thin strap to keep it in place when riding a bike, and the 18L size can even fit a small laptop!
Fjallraven Kanken 15 - If you're going for style, check out the Kanken. Our test team has appreciated this pack for everything from school to using it as a personal item while flying and general everyday carry around town. It's not the most protective for your laptop, nor does it offer the comfort of the more built-out strap and suspension systems, but it's a fun pack for lighter loads or a quick overnight, and comes in a ton of different colors. If you have a bigger laptop, there is also a Kanken that holds a 17" laptop.
Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L - This is a favorite of our travel team, who have romped the globe wearing the Sojourn Porter on their backs. It features Osprey's great suspension system and is comfortable to carry, even when all 46 liters are maxed out. The compression straps allow you to attach another (smaller) daypack to the pack for easy carrying.
Whether you need to tote a weeks worth of clothes, or just get your laptop from home to desk every morning, there's a backpack out there for you. Credit: Mark Lovell
Conclusion
This guide should help make your backpack-buying decision a little bit easier. Be realistic about your goals and needs. The aforementioned list of packs is the best of the best. So, choose the one that fits your needs the best from this list and get out there. Rest assured that we will keep buying, using, and reviewing the best backpacks in the industry to keep this list current.
