We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
Everyone needs a way to slog their stuff around town, whether heading to the office, campus, or the airport. When it's time to load up, you'll want a backpack that fits all your essentials, blends in wherever you take it, and isn't a pain in the neck (literally).
The best daily backpack for most people is the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe. This pack has an understated, professional look and a tight organization style that makes it well-suited to carrying work or school materials, and it's comfortable on long walking commutes. While on the smaller side, it still makes a good companion for air travel. If we had to buy just one backpack, this would be it.
If you're on a tighter budget, The North Face Recon is a slightly lower-cost option with a sportier vibe and a slightly more comfortable carry. Aside from the lower price, we like the versatility of the larger size and more open packing space. It's great if you want a bag that you can use for work, a weekend getaway, and even a short day 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: The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is our favorite backpack for daily use. It's a medium size that fits most body frames comfortably, and the internal storage offers some compartmentalization without boxing you into a single packing style. It works well for laptops, notebooks, and accessories like charging cords and pens, and can still fit larger items like a sweater or a pair of sneakers. We used it most often as a commuter bag when heading to work or school. It's understated but not boring, and manages to keep a slim profile even when fully loaded.
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. 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 throughout. If you're loading up with a laptop, textbooks, notebooks, and a water bottle, you can start pushing 20lbs, at which point your shoulders will thank you for choosing a bag with supportive straps and padding.
Should you buy it? The Timbuk2 is not cheap, but it's not the most expensive bag out there either, and we're confident in its build quality and durability. If you want something you can use for years to come, then it's worth the investment. We have continued to use this bag even after our “official testing” period ended, and still find it comfortable enough to wear every day. It doesn't offer as much storage as some other bags we've used, but most of our crew felt it hit a perfect Goldilocks size: it holds all our daily essentials without being so big that we are tempted to overload it. When facing a lineup of 20+ backpacks, this is the one we would reach for again and again.
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 an affordable backpack that gets an extra boost of value because it can be used for just about any activity, from your morning commute to an after-work pickleball session. We tested this bag in an earthy yellow, but it's available in more muted colors if you need to tone it down for the office. Its 30-liter capacity is larger than most, so you won't run out of room, even if you're packing a bulky jacket or an extra pair of gym shoes. It fits a 16-inch laptop and a small tablet, with additional smart pockets for office, airport, or library organization.
Why we love it: The Recon is a slightly bigger bag that fits well on longer torsos, but delivered all-day comfort for most of our testers. While not a dedicated hiking daypack, we took it on a few weekend hikes, and it fared surprisingly well thanks to its supportive padding. It also has outdoor-specific features like reflective gear loops, a sternum whistle, and a water hose port if you want to stuff a hydration pack inside. 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 backpack 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. Also, because of the larger capacity, it's easy to overstuff this backpack and end up with a too-heavy load. We also noticed that the roomy third pocket can cannibalize the space in the main compartment if overfilled. Its versatility and size make it less nimble than sleeker packs, 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 backpack that works well if you just need somewhere to stuff your stuff before heading out the door. Don't expect any miracles; it's best for casual use, 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).
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 gets 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 appeal to professionals searching for a high-quality sanctuary for their tech, and for good reason. 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) but still need something professional-looking when they walk into the office. The stiff shell is extra protective and never looks slouchy or sloppy, whether it's stuffed full or completely empty.
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.
Should you buy it? This bag is pricey, but 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. We found very few negatives during two months of use and testing, and we don't think you'll have many either. At just 15L, it fits just the essentials, and some may find this bag too small. However, the smaller size keeps the bag slim and sleek on your back, and doesn't bog you down with extra weight and bulk. It expands up to 20L for those days when you need to carry just a little more. If you've got the budget for it, we don't think you'll be disappointed with the Nomatic Navigator 15.
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 was still flexible enough to be shoved into an already-full overhead compartment or under the seat in front of them. The Nimbus also doubles well as a general day pack when you get to your destination and just want to be a tourist, and it would work equally well as an everyday carry at home. So don't hesitate to throw down some change if you like what it has to offer.
Why we love it: Wandrd is a brand first known for its camera backpacks, and the Nimbus carries a flavor of the build quality and durability typical of a protective camera bag. A plastic plate spans the entire backside of the Nimbus and a solid metal spine runs down the center, providing structure for the bag and creating a seemingly uncrushable haven for your laptop. It also protects your things from being crushed if an unwanted carry-on shifts in the overhead bin during takeoff or landing.
Should you buy it? If you never leave home without your laptop, the WANDRD Nimbus 18 is a no-brainer. 18L is on the smaller side, but it holds more than you'd think (we had enough room for in-flight essentials and a change of clothes). Even better, this pack's shell fabrics make it pliable and packable, so it also fits nicely into your checked bag or carry-on without taking up a ton of extra space. These features made the Nimbus a go-to when we were heading to the airport, but that's not the only place we would use this bag. It has an aesthetic that leans more rugged than sleek, but it's still professional enough to use as a daily commuter bag when you're not jet-setting.
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: Digital nomads and business travelers listen up. 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 Black Hole Micro MLC is like a mini carry-on travel backpack. It has one large open compartment that is great for stashing clothes, shoes, and toiletries. A second compartment houses a “tech panel” that has multiple zippered pouches and a laptop sleeve.
Why we love it: The Black Hole Micro MLC has a clamshell-style opening, which means it lays flat for easy packing, so go ahead and load up if your travel work plans include an overnight stay. The exterior is understated, and we love how it can easily morph into three different packs — backpack, shoulder bag, or briefcase. If all of this freedom resonates with you, then we think this Patagonia just might be your spirit animal in pack form.
Should you buy it? If you like work or laptop packs that beam with functional, relaxed vibes, then you should look into buying the Patagonia Black Hole Micro MLC. It comes in a fun colors and muted tones to suit your style, 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. It's also too small for anything but a quick overnighter, so if your trips usually last 3+ days, we'd either pair it with a traditional suitcase or size up (Patagonia also makes 30L and 45L versions of the MLC pack).
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're tired of breaking out the heavy luggage for every weekend trip, or you are working to perfect your minimalist packing routine, the Allpa is an amazing travel companion. Its organization features are geared more toward clothing than tech, but it has a separate padded compartment for your laptop that you can easily access when going through TSA without unpacking your whole bag. The shoulder straps and back panel are comfortably padded and it has a removable hip belt to support heavier loads. We tested the 35L, which we think is the perfect size for a 4-5 day trip, but it comes in a wide range of sizes, so you can choose the one that works best for you, whether your trips last one day or one month.
Why we love it: The Allpa is basically a suitcase that you wear on your back. The clamshell design allows the bag to lay flat while packing (similar to hardsided luggage), and a collection of zippered mesh compartments lets you skip the packing cubes and still stay organized during your trip. There are a few small pockets for keeping little travel accessories organized, but the exterior has few zippers or gear loops that could potentially snag on a luggage carousel or get caught up in an overhead compartment.
Should you buy it? Opting for a backpack over a traditional suitcase gives you freedom of movement you didn't know you needed, with the caveat that all your belongings are resting on your shoulders. On longer travel days, this can become fatiguing, so make sure you either pack light or your shoulders and back are up to the task. But 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.
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 Co-op Trail 25 is an outdoorsy-looking bag that works great for day hikes, but makes a seamless transition to use around town. It's lightweight, comfortable to carry, and though it's not the absolute best daypack we've tested, it stands out for its ability to be used as an everyday backpack. We'd gladly load this up for a morning hike and then tote it around town to run errands, head to class, or carry our laptop while we bike to the coffee shop. 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.
Why we love it: The Trail 25 offers a versatile design that has numerous gear loops, stretch pockets, and an internal hydration sleeve, yet has enough pockets to keep electronics, cords, and pens organized. 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.” 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. Plus, the price is hard to beat.
Should you buy it? If your day takes you to the trails more often than it takes you to the office (lucky you), the Trail 25 might be the perfect fit. It can carry a laptop safely and could be used as a work bag in more casual settings, but it is really made for adventure. This backpack is well suited for carrying your gear on day hikes or bike rides, then checking out the local brewery scene in the nearest mountain town afterward.
Volume: 30 L | Tech Storage: 15" laptop and photography gear
Who this is best for: The Peak Design Everyday is first and foremost a camera bag, and it does its job excellently. However, it's also a great option if you switch up what you carry from week to week. Removable velcro dividers allow you to add padding and “cubicles”, or leave them out, as needed. On the whole, it is highly protective and can adapt to a wide range of tech and creative gear, from camera and lenses to audio equipment and a laptop.
Why we love it: The centerpiece feature of the Everyday is its packing system, which uses Flexfold dividers that section off the main compartment based on the size and shape of your load. If you are carrying two camera bodies and 5 lenses, the Everyday has you covered. If you're heading to work, you can just as easily use the bag to carry your laptop, lunch, and a change of clothes for the gym afterward. If your work is your camera, the 30L capacity is large enough to carry both camera gear and daily essentials.
Should you buy it? A dense, water-resistant shell and reinforced, waterproof bottom liner add weight to the Everyday, and the pack feels a bit stiff on your back because of all the padding. However, if your work or hobbies keep you on the move with your expensive tech and gear, the extra protection and security are well worth it. 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.