If you need to lug around heavy school textbooks or a laptop for college, or need sturdy gear for traveling, hiking, and backpacking, a good quality backpack is a versatile and portable way of keeping your day-to-day essentials safe and secure and ready to access.
The 8 Best Backpacks
- Venture Pal Daypack
- JanSport Unisex Right Pack Expressions Backpack
- Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 Men's Backpacking Backpack
- Kelty Women's Redwing 40 Liter Backpack
- Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack (Our Top Pick)
- The North Face Unisex Vault TNF Backpack
- Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
- High Sierra Swerve School Backpack
Our Top Pick for the Best Backpack
Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack
This top quality backpack features a simple but classic design that works well for all types of lifestyles, whether you are a college student or heading off to the office. Combining both functionality and a minimalist sleek look, the Carhartt backpack is the perfect traveling buddy.
There is ample room inside the backpack for textbooks, business files, and other personal items, and an exterior pocket and sleeve for all your techy gadgets, while the durable Rain Defender® material, sturdy Duravax abrasion-resistant base, and strong zippers will make sure that your gear stays safe and secure.
The Backpack: Perfect Storage choice for Outdoor and Indoor Lifestyles
A backpack is a perfect choice for carrying gear in our fast-paced, modern lifestyle. Whether you are a daily commuter to the office, a high-flyer who travels a lot, a school or college student, a gym junkie, or a hiking enthusiast, the backpack is designed to fit all types of outdoor and indoor lifestyles.
If you need ample internal storage space for textbooks, a DSLR camera, clothes and travel supplies, a backpack has got you covered. A backpack has extra compartments and sleeves for your laptop and tablet, zippered pockets for your cell phone and travel documents, and mesh pockets for your water bottle and umbrella.
Backpack manufacturers are constantly re-creating the humble backpack to offer you a high level of support and comfortability, which is so important for protecting your shoulders, back, and neck. If you are carrying a lot of weight on a hiking trip or lugging around heavy books when you are at school or university, having good shoulder and lumbar support is a top priority.
Functionality and ergonomic design are not the only features that sit at the top of the manufacturer’s list, but also the style and overall look of the backpack. Backpacks are made out of different types of material and they have different designs and colors.
- There are canvas backpacks that feature a simple and classic design, which is a great choice for the office.
- Backpacks can be made from a strong cotton and polyester blend, with super funky designs that are perfect for school and college students.
- If you are fashion conscious, there are backpacks with a range of attractive colors.
- There are canvas backpacks that feature a simple and classic design, which is a great choice for the office.
- If you are an avid backpacker, you will also need a backpack that is tough, stretchy and water-resistant, with high tenacity nylon material to endure rough conditions and bright colors that look great, but also allows you to be seen when you are walking along the side of the road in low light conditions.
Whatever type of lifestyle you have and whatever your design preferences are, there is a backpack to suit you.
How to Choose the Best Backpack
Consider the Size
The size of the backpack is very important, especially for ladies or for those people who have a smaller stature. If you choose a backpack that is too big for your body size or frame, it will not only feel uncomfortable, but it can be very harmful to your physiological health. The size of the backpack can be determined by its capacity.
Backpacks made for hiking or backpacking have a 28-liter capacity, so they are ideal for a person who has a petite size, while there are daypacks that come in a compact size but still give you a good amount of storage space.
There are more sturdy backpacks that can carry up to 40 liters, which allows you ample storage for all of your camping gear, but these types of backpacks may feel heavier and bulkier. For more substantial hiking or trekking, some backpacks have an extra-large capacity like the Osprey Atmos 65, which gives you the choice of small, medium or large sized packs. The great thing about this type of hiking pack is its streamlined design helps to evenly distribute the weight.
Size is important of course, but sometimes you cannot negotiate the size of the backpack, especially if you are backpacking around the world and you have to live out of the pack. If you have a lifestyle where you need to carry a lot of weight like camping gear or heavy textbooks, then you need to consider the ergonomic support and comfort level of the backpack.
Ergonomic Support and Comfort
The ergonomic support or comfort level of the backpack is incredibly important. You have to think about the strain that can occur on your shoulders, neck, and back, which can cause long-term problems. Make sure that the backpack is made from strong material that can take the weight of heavy items like books and a laptop and camping equipment. A carrying handle also makes the backpack easy to move around, especially if you need to lift it up for the security checkpoint at the airport.
Adjustable Padding and Straps
Padded shoulder straps protect your shoulders from the pack's material that can rub against your skin and can cause painful blisters and they also give you extra support. To spread the weight more evenly over your body, a padded hip strap is essential. A hip strap goes around your hips and helps to balance and place the weight towards your center of gravity, which will relieve some of the strain off your back and shoulders.
As well as shoulder straps and a hip strap, look for a chest strap or compression straps. Dual upper side compression straps can also help to distribute the weight evenly. Also, an adjustable harness allows you to easily adjust the torso length of the pack.
Easy to Access Compartments and Pockets
When I am looking for a backpack I always look for extra compartments and pockets. It is very handy to have more than just the inside of the pack to store things. Also, having easily accessible compartments or pockets are very handy so that you can find those important items instead of having to rummage around inside the backpack. It can be incredibly frustrating to find that much-needed item has firmly lodged itself at the very bottom of the bag. Side pockets give you quick access to all your essential items.
Having a compartment or sleeve for your iPad or laptop is also a good use of space, but the compartment needs to be large enough to get your hand in to remove the item.
Staying hydrated throughout the day is essential, especially if you are on the move in hot and humid weather, so having a mesh pocket on the side of the pack gives you quick access to your water bottle. If there is an extra mesh pocket on the other side of the pack, you can store an umbrella.
Best Backpacks – 8 Great Reviews
1. Venture Pal Daypack
With great functionality, durability, lightweight material, plenty of compartments for easy storage, and a range of fashion colors, the Venture Pal Daypack is the essential travel buddy.
If you are hiking along the trail, the Venture Pal is made from high quality waterproof and lightweight, tear-resistant material, and the strong double-layer bottom piece means you can carry quite a lot of weight in the pack, and there are bar-tacks at major stress points to ensure longevity.
The daypack has a very good level of comfortability, with wide breathable mesh shoulder straps that have plenty of sponge padding to help relieve the stress from your shoulders. The length of the shoulder straps is adjustable, and the chest strap has a whistle buckle to help you securely lock the pack in place.
The 35-liter daypack has multiple compartments to keep you super organized: one main zipped compartment with two separators that have heavy-duty two-way SBS metal zippers. Two zipped front pockets that give you quick and easy access to important items, and two mesh pockets on either side of the bag where you can store a water bottle or an umbrella.
One of the highlights of the Venture Pal daypack is that it is a great space saver, which is very useful if you need to pack it away in your luggage, as it can be easily folded down into its own handy pocket. The Venture daypack comes in nine attractive colors and it is very good value for money.
Pros:
- Very good value for money
- Good quality
- Lightweight
- Can hold up to 35-liter capacity
- Multi-compartments
- Water-resistant
- Breathable mesh
- Padded shoulder straps
- Comfortable
- Strong zippers
- Chest strap with sturdy whistle buckle
- Can be packed away in its own handy pocket
Cons:
- Not fully waterproof: ideal for light rain only
- Thin material
- Bulky when fully packed
2. JanSport Unisex Right Pack Expressions Backpack
The JanSport Unisex Right Pack Expressions Backpack is made out of strong cotton/polyester (1000D) blend and it has a sturdy suede leather bottom. There is a large interior space, so there is plenty of room for your books, a 15-inch zippered laptop sleeve for a laptop or tablet, and a front utility organizer pocket for any small items that you need for quick and easy access.
For all-day comfort, the backpack is a medium compact size and the shoulder straps are padded and there is an extra carrying web haul handle. This backpack is unisex, and there are 42 of colors and styles to choose like Cyber Pink/ Leopard, Chambray Sweet Blossom, or Blue Denim.
Pros:
- Good quality
- Unisex
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Good sized interior space
- Strong suede bottom
- Zippered sleeve for a tablet and small laptop
- Large sized organizer pocket
- Large range of colors and designs
Cons:
- Not ideal for carrying a lot of weight
- No pockets for a drink bottle
3. Osprey Packs Atmos AG 65 Men's Backpacking Backpack
If you are looking for a strong and sturdy backpack that has plenty of support and storage space, the Osprey Atmos 65 AG is a great choice for all trail and wilderness exploration. Osprey has re-designed their backpack with a host of revolutionary features like a top-loading main compartment that is fully padded for extra comfort. Upper and lower side compression straps help to reduce bulk and stabilize loads for optimal weight distribution.
Although this pack is primarily designed for men, the Fit-on-the-Fly hip-belt accommodates different hip sizes, and the adjustable harness allows the user to adjust the torso length of the pack by using the easy release cams that are located behind the harness yoke.
For extra comfort in hot weather, the backpack has an Anti-Gravity ventilated seamless mesh back panel that extends from the top of the back panel to the hip and contours automatically to your body, which provides an outstanding fit and unrestricted movement.
The removable floating lid contains dual zippered pockets and web-attachment points. An adjustable stretch mesh front panel pocket provides external storage options. You can stash your sleeping bag in a zippered compartment. Dual access mesh side pockets give you plenty of room for quick essentials. Ready for rough weather, the integrated FlapJacket™ protects your hiking gear from the elements.
If you need to use trekking poles for challenging terrain, the Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system allows you to stow your poles hands-free. Dual upper and lower compression straps not only stabilize loads but are useful for carrying extra camping gear. Additional features include an internal 3-liter hydration sleeve and a sternum strap with an integrated safety whistle.
The Osprey also comes in small, medium and large, and 3 colors: Abyss grey, Rigby red, and Unity blue. Osprey also makes a backpack that is specifically designed for Women.
Pros:
- Excellent quality
- Durable
- Super comfortable
- Adjustable hip belt and shoulder harness
- Great ventilation and support
- Very good organizational and storage features
- Adjustable harness and support system
- Internal hydration sleeve for a 3-liter reservoir
- Sternum strap with an integrated safety whistle
- Well ventilated Anti-Gravity suspension back panel
- Easy to reach water bottle pocket
- Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system
Cons:
- Expensive
- Not as supportive for loads over 45 pounds
- Zippers on the hip pockets can be hard to open
4. Kelty Women's Redwing 40 Liter Backpack
This comfortable and spacious backpack is tailor-made for the ladies. Whether you are looking for a backpack for hiking or a lightweight backpacking option that you can take on the plane with you, the Kelty Redwing is the ideal traveling backpack for all your adventures.
The Redwing has a massive 40-liter capacity, so there is plenty of space to pack away all your essential items while you are on holidays. The pack is made from strong polyester and has very good ergonomic suspension features like the padded shoulders and adjustable hip straps, which is really important for when you have to carry a heavy, bulky load. The load lifter and adjustable chest straps with easy to fasten clips help to evenly distribute any weight from your shoulders.
The main compartment has a sturdy U-zip and there are two easy to access zippered pockets, one on the front and another on the side of the pack for carrying important travel documents, a cell phone, or tablet or small laptop, and also a very handy side zippered pocket for a drink bottle.
The Redwing's bright blue color gives the backpack a sporty look, but there is also a smart black option as well.
Pros:
- Very good quality
- Durable
- Very comfortable
- Ergonomic design
- Lots of storage space
- Easy to access zippered compartments
- Attractive, sporty look
- Adjustable straps
- Great bright blue color
Cons:
- Not lockable
- Not ideal for petite sized women
5. Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack
Super stylish, extremely sturdy, and at an affordable price, the Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack is an excellent choice for work or college. The backpack features a classic design and it is made from a durable 1200d Rain Defender® water-repellent polyester construction with solid brass zippers and flawless heavy duty stitching and a sturdy Duravax™ abrasion-resistant base.
There is a large main zippered compartment for quick and easy storage of books, a camera, or important business documents, or a pocket that can fit a 15” laptop, and a padded zippered compartment where you can safely stash your small tablet or cell phone.
The contoured shoulder straps fit snugly on your shoulders and the padded air mesh backing keeps you cool and comfortable when you are rushing between classes on-campus or commuting into the city for an important business meeting. The Carhartt backpack comes in brown and black.
Pros:
- Excellent quality
- Great price
- Superior design and workmanship
- All American
- Stylish
- Strong zippers
- Good storage capacity
- Comfortable
- Good sized compartments for a laptop and tablet
- Unisex
- Water-repellent material
Cons:
- Not ideal for storing a lot of heavy items
6. The North Face Unisex Vault TNF Backpack
The North Face is famous for its outdoor equipment and unsurpassed dedication to quality and innovative design. Once more The North Face delivers the goods with their compact and stylish Unisex Vault backpack. The 27-liter backpack has a rugged build and its spacious storage space makes it the perfect choice for daily day trekkers, work commuters, high school college students, and gym enthusiasts.
Built to last, this completely re-designed backpack is made from strong water-resistant polyester construction. For very good support and breathability, the FlexVent suspension system includes compression-molded shoulder straps, a full-length ventilated air mesh back pad, a strong spine channel, and an adjustable sternum strap with a whistle buckle.
There is a good-sized main compartment, and the secondary compartment has a padded 15” laptop sleeve that can fit a MacBook, and they both have strong zippers. If you need to store your water bottle or umbrella, there are two mesh side pockets and easy-access pockets for pens.
For increased 360-degree visibility, the pack has a reflective bike-light loop, reflective shoulder strap webbing, and reflective water bottle tabs.
Pros:
- Great quality
- Very good value for money
- Compact
- Robust polyester build
- Comfortable
- Very good level of support
- Good storage space
- Stylish
Cons:
- Not enough storage space for large items
- No small-sized compartment for phone or keys
7. Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
With that old-school, all-American classic style and great functionality, the Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack is one of the coolest backpacks around, so whether you are a school or university student, an office worker or a hiking enthusiast, this high-quality backpack is extremely good value for money and can fit any type of lifestyle.
You will certainly make a fashion statement and be the envy of your class and workmates as the backpack features classic lines and superbly crafted design, and with over 22 colors to choose from, there is a lot to love about this amazing backpack.
Although it isn’t waterproof, the Little America backpack is made from strong and sturdy polyester canvas, which can be easily waterproofed with a can of waterproof spray. The straps are made from synthetic leather and the magnetic strap closures have metal pins and the adjustable buckle drawstring closure will keep your items safe and secure.
The Little America backpack's chic design does not stop with the exterior that proudly bears the classic woven Herschel label. The liner has an attractive red-and-white striped fabric that is unique to the Herschel Supply Co. brand. As well as its super cool look, it has a generous amount of internal storage space: a padded and fleece-lined sleeve that will protect a 15” laptop, a front pocket with a hidden zipper, and a key clip. If you want to listen to your music, there is an internal media pocket with a headphone port.
For all-day comfort, the contoured, padded shoulder straps and air mesh back padding gives you good support and stop your shoulders from chafing.
It is so easy to keep the backpack clean, just wipe it over with a damp cloth. The Herschel Supply Co. offers a ‘Limited Lifetime Warranty', which is their guarantee that every Herschel Supply Co. item is free of material and manufacturing defects. This warranty covers common and everyday use for the duration of the original purchaser’s lifetime, beginning on the date of purchase from an authorized Herschel Supply retailer.
Pros:
- Fantastic design
- Stylish
- Great functionality
- Strong and durable material
- Large capacity for storage
- Padded and fleece-lined sleeve for a laptop
- Internal media pocket with headphone port
- 22 colors to choose from
Cons:
- Expensive
- No side pocket for a water bottle
- Only one external pocket
- Not waterproof
- Straps are not made from real leather
8. High Sierra Swerve School Backpack
If you need a new backpack for college or the kids need a new school bag, the High Sierra combines functionality and cool design, which makes it the perfect choice for middle school and college students.
The backpack is made from strong material and its padded bottom panel can handle tough school conditions. A padded back panel and yoke-style padded shoulder straps fit securely and comfortably across the shoulders.
The large, multi-compartment design means there is plenty of room for books and other school-related items. A fully padded Cushion Zone computer sleeve accommodates most laptops. An integrated Tech Spot computer sleeve on the outside of the backpack can easily fit a tablet, and a zippered accessory pocket has a USB Port.
The two mesh pockets are perfect for a water bottle or an umbrella. You will love the super cool designs and High Sierra offers a massive range of 21 colors/designs to choose from.
Pros:
- Very good quality
- Great price
- Cute and functional
- Multi-compartments
- Very sturdy
- 2 mesh side pockets
- Zippered accessory pocket has a USB port
- Comfortable straps
- Cool colors and designs
Cons:
- Not ideal for storing a lot of heavy items
Our Top Pick for the Best Backpack
Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack
This top quality backpack features a simple but classic design that works well for all types of lifestyles, whether you are a college student or heading off to the office. Combining both functionality and a minimalist sleek look, the Carhartt backpack is the perfect traveling buddy.
There is ample room inside the backpack for textbooks, business files, and other personal items, and an exterior pocket and sleeve for all your techy gadgets, while the durable Rain Defender® material, sturdy Duravax abrasion-resistant base, and strong zippers will make sure that your gear stays safe and secure.
