Buying guide for best backpacks
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Few bags are as versatile as the classic backpack. Whether you’re headed to school, commuting to work or packing for a trip, the best backpacks make it easy to carry all your essentials hands-free, often with plenty of room to spare.
Choosing the right backpack to meet your needs can be difficult, though. The pack should be large enough to carry everything you need, with wide straps to help distribute the weight more evenly. It should also have padding for comfort and durable materials that stand up well to wear and tear, plus enough pockets and compartments to make it easy to organize your belongings.
We’ve researched dozens of backpacks to help determine which is the best, and The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack earned our top spot. Its 30-liter capacity provides plenty of room for daily use and has plenty of pockets to organize your items, including a laptop sleeve that can keep your computer protected from bumps and falls.
Editors' picks
The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack
Editors' Favorite
Capacity: 30 L | Laptop Size: Up to 16” | Weight: 2 lb | Materials: Recycled polyester and nylon ripstop
For those looking for a premium backpack for everyday use, The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack checks all the boxes. It has a 30-liter capacity, so it’s large enough to carry plenty of daily essentials. And it’s designed with organization in mind, offering a variety of compartments, including two mesh water bottle pockets and an external, fleece-lined pocket for delicate items like electronics and glasses. The large main compartment can hold books and other large items, while the laptop sleeve ensures that your computer is always protected.
If you have back issues or pain, you’ll definitely appreciate that the Recon’s design is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. It has a rounded back and articulated shoulder straps that contour to the body to ensure that the weight inside is distributed evenly. The backside of the pack is also covered in a soft chemise fabric, so it won’t irritate the skin.
We also love how durable this backpack is. The Recon comes in solid-color options that are made of 210-denier nylon ripstop as well as heathered shades made of 300-denier recycled polyester ripstop. Both materials have a water-repellent finish that keeps the items inside dry in the rain. The pack also features smooth-gliding YKK zippers that are easy to grab, so it’s a cinch to open and close the pack.
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
Great Value
Capacity: 30 L | Laptop Size: Up to 13” | Weight: 10.6 oz. | Materials: Polyester
Looking for a reliable backpack with a classic design? The JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack fits that mold perfectly. It retains the retro JanSport look and offers plenty of storage space for high school and college students to carry books, pencil cases, electronics and more.
It’s a lightweight backpack, weighing just 10.6 ounces and boasts a 30-liter capacity. It’s crafted from 100% recycled materials and features a front utility pocket with dividers to help you keep small items organized. The padded straight-cut shoulder straps and the padded back panel provide excellent comfort, and the lift handle allows you to lift and carry it effortlessly. Plus, it has an interior sleeve for storing laptops as large as 13 inches.
The minimalist design makes this backpack excellent for any student who wants to carry less bulk. It’s not too big, but it isn’t that small either, and you can choose from more than 30 stylish colors.
CROSSGEAR Large Waterproof Travel Backpack
Large Capacity
Capacity: 30 L | Laptop Size: Up to 17.3” | Weight: 2 lb | Materials: Polyester
When you have a lot to carry and need it to stay secure, the CROSSGEAR Large Travel Backpack is an excellent choice. It has a built-in combination lock to protect your belongings and a padded compartment with a fixed strap to keep your laptop safe.
Made to last, it features a tough, water-resistant polyester exterior. There are also plenty of pockets and a built-in organizer so you can easily find what you need. Plus, a hidden back pocket is the perfect place to stash your passport or wallet.
We also love that it's built for comfort on the road. It features breathable mesh shoulder straps and back panel as well as a padded top handle that you can carry it with. There's a pocket for a power bank and built-in USB-C cable for charging your devices anywhere.
Lovevook Laptop Backpack
Most Stylish
Capacity: 34-40 L | Laptop Size: 15.6” | Weight: 31.7 oz. | Materials: Polyester, leather
The Lovevook Laptop Backpack was designed for the woman on the go. Whether you love traveling or work as a nurse, this bag provides plenty of storage for all your essentials. It has a rectangular frame, a stylish silhouette and a functional design that makes it a terrific bag for traveling
It features five main compartments, 19 pockets and an integrated sleeve that can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop or a tablet. The elastic side pockets can hold water bottles up to 42 ounces and a hidden pocket to keep your most valuable belongings secure. The USB charging port lets you juice up your devices when they run out of power, and the padded foam straps and breathable back panel provide improved comfort.
The large 24-to-40-liter capacity makes this bag one of the best options for those who want enough space for all their essentials while on the go. It’s surprisingly comfortable given its hefty build, and it’s available in 22 colors.
Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack
Best Travel Backpack
Capacity: 40 L | Laptop Size: Up to 16” | Weight: 3.5 lb | Materials: Polyester and nylon
The Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack is designed with frequent travelers in mind. Its dimensions meet the carry-on size restrictions for most airlines, so it’s perfect for shorter trips. Despite its airline-friendly size, it still has a 40-liter capacity that can hold plenty of clothing and other items. The main compartment also has dual front compression straps that allow you to maximize your packing space.
The Farpoint’s main compartment features lockable zippered access that lets you secure your belongings, too. For items you need to grab more quickly, it has a quick-access zippered pocket. The padded laptop and tablet sleeve can protect devices up to 16 inches, and the front mesh pockets can accommodate most water bottles. It also has an external zippered toiletry pocket that helps organize smaller, travel-sized items.
The backpack has a comfortable shoulder harness and hip belt that distribute the weight of items inside. Both are made of mesh to improve air flow and reduce the risk of chafing when your bag is fully packed. The harness and belt can also be hidden beneath a zippered panel when you check the bag to keep them from getting in the way.
How we analyzed
Finding a backpack with the right capacity to hold your must-haves, is still comfortable to carry and is durable enough to take wherever you need it isn’t always easy. To help us find the best backpack, we analyzed customer reviews from across various online retailers to see which bags best met customers’ needs. In particular, we considered how much storage space each had, how comfortable they were to wear, how sturdy their materials were and how easily they made organizing items. Overall, we considered over three dozen backpacks and chose our favorites based on capacity, durability, comfort and organization.
Key features to consider
Fit and comfort
Adjustable straps
Unlike other bags, which typically have handles or a single strap for carrying, backpacks have at least two straps that allow you to wear them on your back. The best packs feature adjustable straps that allow you to get the fit just right, and many even offer additional straps to make wearing them more comfortable.
- Shoulder: Every backpack has adjustable shoulder straps. When they are pulled tight enough for the right fit, they ensure that the weight in your bag is evenly distributed across your back and shoulders, so you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Shoulder straps generally come in three styles: S-shaped, J-shaped and straight. S-shaped straps are the most ergonomic and help with weight distribution, so you’ll usually find them on packs for hiking, camping or traveling. J-shaped straps can also help with weight distribution, so they’re sometimes found on backpacks for daily use that can carry a heavier load. Straight straps are found on casual backpacks that are designed for lighter loads.
- Sternum: Some backpacks have an adjustable sternum or chest strap that spans the top of your chest from shoulder to shoulder. This extra strap helps place some of the pack’s weight on your chest, so your back doesn’t have to bear all of it. If you are only carrying your backpack to school, work or through the airport, a chest strap isn’t essential. However, if you’re headed out camping or hiking with a heavier load, you’ll appreciate the extra help.
- Hip: In addition to a sternum strap, many larger backpacks have an adjustable hip strap or belt. Like the chest strap, it helps better distribute the pack’s load to prevent straining your back. It isn’t usually necessary for a backpack for school or the office, but you’ll definitely want one for a hiking, camping or traveling backpack with a heavier load.
Padding
Many backpacks feature padding to prevent the straps and the pack itself from digging into your shoulders, chest or hips. Padded straps and the back of the pack have just enough cushioning to make carrying even heavier items more comfortable. The padding is typically made of foam, such as EVA foam or PU foam, but you can also find some packs with gel padding.
If you want the most comfortable backpack, though, opt for one with contoured padding. It follows the curves of your shoulders and back to provide more targeted cushioning and strain reduction.
Breathability
Wearing a heavy backpack can make you sweat, particularly if the weather is warm or you’re hiking. That’s why some packs feature a breathable design for their straps and backside that helps reduce sweating and possible chafing to keep you more comfortable. These backpacks typically have mesh straps or a mesh panel on the backside of the pack that allows air to flow more freely.
Our top picks: Fit and comfort
- The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack: This backpack has chest and hip straps that help balance its weight, so users rave about how comfortable it is to carry.
- JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack: It has padded 15-inch drop shoulder straps that allow for a custom fit and improved comfort.
- Matein Travel Laptop Backpack: The soft multipanel ventilated padding and breathable shoulder straps provide superior comfort.
- Lovevook Laptop Backpack: The shoulder belt and back have high-quality foam pads, which reduce pressure and strain on the back.
- Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack: Travelers love that this backpack’s shoulder straps can be tucked behind a panel if you use it as a carry-on for flights. The waist strap also helps balance heavier loads while hiking or camping.
Size and materials
Size and capacity
In general, the larger a backpack is, the more storage space it has. Backpack capacity is usually measured in liters, with most ranging from 8 to 80 liters.
Choosing the right size backpack depends on how you plan to use it and what you need to carry. These guidelines can help you narrow down your options:
- 8 to 10 liters: Backpacks with a capacity under 10 liters are typically best for small essentials, so they work best as a handbag or a purse. You can also use them for day hikes or walks.
- 10 to 20 liters: These backpacks can hold slightly more, including laptops up to 13 inches. They can make good school or office packs for those who don’t need to carry much.
- 20 to 30 liters: This size pack is usually the sweet spot for students and those looking for a work bag. They can typically hold laptops up to 16 inches and plenty of books and binders.
- 30 to 40 liters: A pack of this size is usually large enough for weekend trips. If you are flying with your pack, check that its dimensions meet airline carry-on restrictions.
- 50-plus liters: These supersized backpacks are ideal for longer trips, especially for hikers and campers who need to carry quite a bit of gear. For trips longer than five days, opt for a 60- to 80-liter backpack. Because they’re larger and designed for heavier loads, chest and hip straps are essential for packs of this size.
Durable materials
Whether you’re carrying your backpack to class or onto the hiking trail, you want a bag durable enough to hold up to wear and tear. Of course, traveling, hiking and camping packs require sturdier materials, but even packs for daily school or office use require high-quality materials.
Some of the most common backpack materials include:
- Nylon: Nylon is one of the most popular materials for backpacks because it is abrasion-resistant and highly durable. For travel, hiking and camping, sturdier nylon varieties like ballistic nylon, ripstop nylon and Cordura nylon are the best bet.
- Polyester: Like nylon, polyester is widely used for backpacks because it’s so durable. It offers greater water and ultraviolet (UV) light resistance than nylon but isn’t as abrasion-resistant.
- Cotton and canvas: If you prefer natural materials, you can find cotton and canvas backpacks. Cotton is very soft but not very durable and offers no water resistance. As a result, cotton canvas backpacks are often treated with wax to make them more water-resistant. Duck canvas is the most durable option but can be very heavy, so it may not be practical for hiking and camping.
- Leather: Leather backpacks certainly outclass other materials in terms of style, so they work well as everyday bags for school or the office. Leather is also fairly durable, though it does require proper maintenance. It’s also heavy and expensive.
Our top picks: Size and materials
- The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack: Users find this backpack the ideal size for students, easily fitting a laptop, textbooks, notebooks and more. They are also fans of the polyester and nylon combination that makes up the back because it is water-resistant and doesn’t show dirt easily.
- JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack: This backpack has a 30-liter capacity and is made of polyester, giving it a minimalist design.
- Matein Travel Laptop Backpack: The polyester and nylon materials give this backpack a water-resistant exterior, protecting the content from the elements.
- Lovevook Laptop Backpack: It has an ample 34-to-40-liter capacity and is made from a blend of polyester and leather, giving it a durable design.
- Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack: According to users, this backpack’s 40-liter capacity is large enough for 10-day trips. However, it doesn’t fit all carry-on size restrictions outside the United States.
Organization and design
Compartments and pockets
All backpacks have a main compartment for larger items like textbooks and notebooks. To help you organize your belongings, they typically have additional compartments and pockets that make it easier to find an item when you need it.
Some packs have an internal pocket specially for your phone, as well as other smaller pockets for your keys or other items that might get lost in the large, main compartment. Many also have a dedicated compartment or sleeve for your laptop and a secret pocket for valuables that need extra protection.
In addition to all these interior pockets and compartments, the best backpacks also have external pockets for items you want quick, easy access to, such as side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella.
Laptop protection
You don’t want your pricey laptop to get knocked around in your backpack, so many bags offer special protection for computers. Backpacks often include extra padding in the laptop compartment or sleeve, so the computer is cushioned if you accidentally drop or bang your pack. Others also have a soft lining to prevent scratches and other damage on your laptop’s exterior.
Zippers
Your backpack should have high-quality zippers that move easily and hold up to repeated use. You can find packs with plastic or metal zippers, but metal tends to be sturdier and more durable, making it a better option for a backpack that sees regular use.
Some backpacks also have twin zippers — two zippers that glide along the same track — so the pack can be opened in both directions. In addition to convenience, these zippers allow you to lock your backpack, which is an especially helpful feature for travel.
Weatherproofing
Having a weatherproof backpack is essential for traveling, hiking and camping, but it’s also important for school and office packs if you want to keep your belongings safe and protected. Polyester backpacks typically offer the best water resistance, but polyester, nylon and canvas packs are often treated with a waterproof coating to make them weatherproof.
Additionally, the most weatherproof backpacks have waterproof seams and zippers that keep moisture out of the bag. Travel and hiking packs may come with a rain cover, too, which fits tightly around the pack to provide additional protection against heavier rain.
Top handle
While backpacks are generally worn on the back or shoulder, some have a top handle. This handle allows you to carry the pack one-handed, which is often more convenient when navigating the tight aisles of a plane or train. The handle can sometimes enable you to hang your pack, too, though you have to be careful not to overload it.
Color and style
Most backpacks have a pretty casual style, but those typically designed for hiking and camping tend to have a more rugged, utilitarian look. If you want a more polished backpack, consider a leather style with a more streamlined line.
You can find backpacks in just about every color. The most common are neutral shades, such as black, gray, beige and navy, but many brands offer bolder options, including red, yellow and purple. Some even have patterned backpacks that are fun for everyday wear.
Our top picks: Organization and design features
- The North Face Recon Everyday Backpack: Users appreciate this backpack’s offering of pockets and compartments, which include two main compartments, a laptop sleeve and multiple zippered pockets. The zippered, fleece-lined pocket is a favorite for storing items discreetly that you still want easy access to.
- JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack: With one primary compartment, a front pocket with dividers, and an internal laptop sleeve, this backpack is excellent for traveling light.
- Matein Travel Laptop Backpack: It can accommodate a laptop up to 15.6 inches and features six pockets, including a utility front pocket for arranging small items, such as keys and cards.
- Lovevook Laptop Backpack: It features five main compartments, 19 pockets and a hidden anti-theft pocket for storing valuables out of sight.
- Osprey Farpoint 40-Liter Travel Backpack: Some users are big fans of this backpack’s minimalist organizational design that offers one main packing compartment and one zippered mesh compartment, but others wish it offered additional external pockets.
FAQ
Q. How much does a backpack typically cost?
A. Backpacks generally cost between $15 and $400. Size and material quality are the two biggest factors in a backpack’s price.
Small or mid-size daily-use backpacks are usually the most affordable, ranging from $30 to $100.
For midsize to large packs made of high-quality nylon or polyester that can hold up to the elements, you’ll typically pay $100 to $250.
The largest, most weather-resistant and durable packs that feature the highest-quality nylon and polyester and offer plenty of convenient storage compartments usually cost between $250 and $400.
Q. How should you wash a backpack?
A. If you want your backpack to last, don’t toss it in your washer with a load of laundry. Instead, use lukewarm water and mild soap to clean your pack. You can use a sponge or washcloth for general cleaning, but a soft-bristled brush or even an old toothbrush works well for scrubbing off stubborn dirt. Wipe the backpack with a damp cloth to remove any soap residue and allow it to air-dry in the shade.
Our expertise
Jennifer Blair has covered home, kitchen and lifestyle products for BestReviews for eight years. She has written more than 100 articles on ice cream makers, carpet cleaners, luggage sets and more. She likes having a backpack as part of her travel gear and favors a small Osprey daypack for carrying her travel essentials.
