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JL

Our Editors Have Tested Dozens of Backpacks. These 11 Are the Ones We Trust Most.

Top options from Fjallraven, Bellroy, Yeti, and more.

By
VerifiedReviewed by Senior Gear and Reviews Editor

A BACKPACK IS way more than something you throw over your shoulders. At least that's certainly the case for the finest of the bunch. The best backpacks function as much like trusty, hard-working sidekicks as they do carriers of your belongings.

A top-shelf backpack can do way more than just schlep. It can wear with such ease that you barely even know you're wearing it, whether you're hiking 10 miles or strolling to the subway stop. It can organize and protect valuables, insulate, and even fend off bad weather. And it can wow with sophisticated features like magnetic clasps and special storage areas tailor-made for very specific devices.

Best Backpacks for Men

    As with running shoes or smartwatches, there are a lot of sub-categories within the category itself. There are hiking backpacks built for the trail and brief stays out in the middle of nowhere. There are hydration packs engineered for outdoor pursuits like running and more. And there are travel backpacks made for frequent fliers.

    Here, we're after high-use backpacks with everyday appeal. You know, the kind that gravitate as much to the morning bike commuter as the person headed to the coffee shop with their laptop or even away for the night, not wanting to leave any essentials behind.

    What to Consider

    Capacity

    Essentially the volume of the pack, this a crucial figure as it determines how much you can carry. Everyday packs tend to be on the smaller end (under 30-liters), but the exact number can determine whether you can sneak in that last change of clothes or extra water bottle comfortably.

    Dimensions

    A more technical figure, the dimensions are good to know for travel purposes. You want to know where the pack can fit in transit and also how big it might be when packed to the brim. These numbers can also give you a better idea of the fit of the pack, depending on the size of the wearer.

    Computer Friendly

    Will you be packing that computer? Most everyday packs account for that, with specialized sleeves and protective cubbies (some better than others). You'll want to know the details as some can handle bigger laptops or tablets than others, and some may require a sleeve or something extra to protect your machine. Some, of course, don't wish to travel with their computers and don't need the extra setup.

    Weatherproof

    Will you be trekking into the elements? Walking through the rain in a pack that sticks out past your umbrella? Perhaps you're an all-weather cyclist commuter that needs some water resistance? This is an important feature if you plan to be outside all seasons and carrying items (tech, for instance) that might not stand up to the precipitation as well.

    Weight

    While the weight of everyday packs does not differ a whole lot, a little can make a big difference if you're down a long hiking trail or wearing that pack all day for work. Extra weight can equate to more durability, but that's not always the case (and perhaps something you don't want if you have back issues or plan to be towing heavier loads).

    How We Selected

    Myself, along with MH editors, have tested dozens of backpacks over several months specifically for this buying guide, putting them through everyday use. That's a generic term, we know, but think morning commutes to work, bike rides to the store, weekend outings, field trips, journeys to the gym and back, and more. We tried them during a mix of activities with varied weights, sometimes just a pack of clothes or a water bottle in the way to the park, other times filled with books and a computer on a 20-mile bike ride.

    In the end, we selected bags that were comfortable, functional, and offered deceptively helpful features. In addition to the above components, we analyzed online reviews, chatted up insiders on some of their favorite options, and looked for the newest and most improved packs from brands we've grown to respect and use ourselves.

    Read on for the 11 best backpacks for men, tested by our editors.

    Best Everyday Backpack

    Fjallraven Räven 28

    Räven 28
    Now 16% Off
    Credit: JL

    Pros

    • Internal security pocket with zipper
    • Fast-drying material
    • Made of organic cotton and recycled material
    • Cool angled pocket and logo

    Cons

    • Wears a little boxy when full

    There are some nice little details at play with this, our favorite everyday backpack for everyday activities. The angled rear zipper adds some character, as does the well-place fox logo of the well-known Swedish brand. The pack wears comfortable and the fleece-lined top pocket is ideal for things like mobile devices or sunglasses.

    This one is right at home in class, at the gym, on the bus, or thrown in the back of the car while embarking on a weekend adventure. The material is surprisingly rugged and can stand up to everyday wear and tear.

    While we're not exactly sure what makes this backpack windproof, we did appreciate how fast it dried after getting doused (not to mention it's water-resistant makeup).

    Read More: Best Carry-On Backpacks

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity28L
    Dimensions18.5 x 12.2 x 8.3 in.
    Computer FriendlyYes (up to 15 in.)
    WeatherproofWater resistant
    Weight2.2 lbs
    Most Comfortable Backpack

    The North Face Borealis Backpack

    A closeup of a lightweight outdoor backpack featuring a unique bungee cord design
    Backpack with storage features on display
    Backpack showcasing padded straps and logo
    Backpack with a zipper pocket and brand logo
    A closeup of a lightweight outdoor backpack featuring a unique bungee cord design
    Backpack with storage features on display

    Pros

    • Bungee cords for added attachments
    • Great back support
    • Comfortable enough even for slow jogs

    Cons

    • Doesn't balance well on its own
    • A little bulkier for commuters looking for something slim

    Our runaway in the most comfortable department, the Borealis from The North Face had the most organic fit. We've been wearing this bag for awhile, and the brand's sturdy reputation and our own experiences really solidify this one.

    The design really makes wearing the pack effortless, no matter how full you fill it. We loved that it can easily handle a laptop of up to 16-inch screen size and the lumbar support was so ample that even after full days out and about, there was never really a reason to take the thing off. The standup design make it super easy to load and the iconic bungee straps look nice (and double as nice means of attaching extra gear). The tech pocket is helpful and lined for extra protection and the sternum strap provides even more stability while on the move.

    Watch out for certain colors subject to significant discounts. You might end up with a super deal if you don't care as much about that sort of thing. On campus, on the trail, or at work, this is a great all-around backpack.

    Read More: Best Hiking Backpacks

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity28L
    Dimensions19.5 x 12 x 6.5 in.
    Computer FriendlyVery
    WeatherproofWater-repellant finish
    Weight2.5 lbs
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    Most Durable Backpack

    Yeti 22L Carry On Backpack

    22L Carry On Backpack
    $200AmazonAlso Consider
    Credit: JL

    Pros

    • Impressive durability
    • Lots of optional add-ons that work seamlessly with the pack
    • Bold colors that stand out
    • Thick enough to virtually insulate contents

    Cons

    • On the expensive side for an everyday backpack
    • Could use a smaller pocket for little items
    • Strap padding is not the plushest

    Yeti and toughness. By now, you probably know that the two go hand in hand. Same song and dance here with the brand's latest backpack drop. One of the coolest attributes is the side hustle pockets, which allow for quick and easy water bottle grabs without fully taking the bag off. That makes this one great for activities that require frequent hydration.

    The back breathes just fine and the straps adjust for a custom fit. We liked the array of pockets and never doubted the safety of our valuables inside. The shoulder straps do run a little narrow and could be more comfortable, so keep that in mind if your sensitive to that (or are a person with a larger build). There's a clean look to the pack, emphasized by the matching rear buckles and monochrome color schemes.

    We loved how easy it could be thrown atop a carry-on when wandering through the airport and the extra large opening for quick packing and unpacking. You might just want another one in the fleet (they make two larger sizes, FYI). Next year's model might benefit from one additional smaller pocket for little items.

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity22L
    Dimensions18.5 x 12 x 7.1 in.
    Computer FriendlyYes
    WeatherproofWater-resistant
    Weight3 lbs
    Best Classic Backpack

    Bellroy Classic Backpack

    Classic Backpack
    Now 32% Off
    Credit: JL

    Pros

    • Intriguing colors like butterscotch, olive, and tahini
    • Drop-down panel
    • Six-year warranty
    • Deceptively ergonomic design

    Cons

    • Could offer a bit more additional organizational compartments

    We love this pack because it feels both classic and modern at the same time. There's a timelessness to the pack, affording you some extra style points to go along with all that rear cargo space. While it doesn't look it, the pack can easily accommodate a laptop of up to 16-inches. Of the many backpacks we tried, this one had one of the most ergonomic builds, tracing the contours of the back surprisingly well for such a classic model.

    We also love the little touches like the small leather insignia and the fact that the zippers stay tucked under the main seam so as not to catch and accidentally open. It also doesn't hurt that it's mostly made from recycled polyester and comes with a six-year warranty.

    There's a breeziness to wearing this one while out and about and it makes hauling essentials feel more like a task you look forward to.

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity20L
    Dimensions16.9 x 13.8 x 5.9 in.
    Computer FriendlyVery
    WeatherproofTPU-coated front panel
    Weight1.5 lbs
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    Best Panel Loader Backpack

    Cotopaxi Allpa 26L Daypack

    Allpa 26L Daypack

    Pros

    • Six cool colorways
    • Expandable water bottle holders
    • Zippered laptop panel
    • Lightweight at around just 30 ounces

    Cons

    • Could benefit from a padded grab handle

    With Cotopaxi, you're likely going to get a piece that's equal parts eye-catching and well-made. That's certainly the case here, with some trademark flash and some fool features. For the techie, there's space for both your laptop and your tablet and extra gear can be thrown on via convenient daisy chain loops and exterior accessory pockets.

    There's a lot of recycled material in the mix and while offering plenty of storage space and durable traits, the pack comes in well under two pounds on its own. There's enough personality and volume here to make the Allpa you're new favorite choice for business travel and weekend excursions. Pro tip: Get the expandable packing cube set and really keep your goods in order.

    Read More: Best Packing Cubes

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity26L
    Dimensions20.5 x 13 x 9 in.
    Computer FriendlyVery
    WeatherproofWater-resistant fabric
    Weight1.875 lbs
    Best Tote Backpack Hybrid

    Peak Design Everyday Totepack

    Everyday Totepack

    Pros

    • Expandable capacity
    • Highly efficient design
    • Streamlined build with reinforced base
    • Ultra-modern aesthetic

    Cons

    • Tougher to access side pockets
    • Heavier than some other packs we've tested

    We fell for this backpack the moment we threw it over our shoulders. That's because it gracefully walks that tightrope between two major pillars in functionality and style. The modern aesthetic not only makes for a cool look but a streamlined design that will have you feeling all the more aerodynamic, no matter what you're up to.

    This writer loves the high IQ at play with this bag. From the smart (and perfectly soft yet durable) dividers inside to the sneaky extra pockets and clip rings, it's a pack that overdelivers. Even better, it maintains a nice light weight and wears like a charm. Tighten it up for those more athletic endeavors or let it hang a bit more for those commutes to the office. I found that it transported a large laptop just fine, keeping the tech nice and safe in a special compartment.

    For those who care about what materials they're dealing with, there's a lot to like as well. It's made of 100% post-recycled material and leather that's approved by the Leather Working Group. There are even some reflective accents to keep you safe when you're out after hours (or super early). About the only gripe I had while wearing this one day in and day out for a season was the relative limited access to side pockets. But the easy access from above, by way of a super-savvy magnetic-and-zipper combo upper, more than makes up for that. While a bit heavier than others, the pack offers such a well-tailored fit that you'd never know as much.

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity20-25L
    Dimensions18 x 15 x 6.75 in.
    Computer FriendlyVery
    WeatherproofWeatherproof bottom liner
    Weight2.75 lbs (with dividers)
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    Backpack with Cleanest Design

    Everlane The ReNew Transit

    The ReNew Transit
    Now 20% Off
    Credit: JL

    Pros

    • Excellent price point
    • Fashionable, functional, and stylish
    • Complements all kinds of outfits and outings

    Cons

    • Top magnetic closure not the most reliable when pack is full

    You'd never know this bag could handle almost 30 liters of stuff at first glance. It compresses cleanly while not full and expands just as gracefully when there's a larger payload in the picture. That makes for a stylish pack that can sometimes work as a fashion accessory while other times doing the literal heavy lifting.

    It's right at home attached to your roller bag handle for longer vacations but great in its own right, offering more than enough room for your typical weekend outing. Made entirely from recycled polyester, this backpack can even be thrown in the washing machine when needed.

    From a fashion standpoint, this bag tends to do well with just about any sort of outfit, whether you're dressing up for a work dinner or just popping on public transportation. In that sense, it arguably has the most street sense of any of the backpacks we tested.

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity27L
    Dimensions17.5 x 12 x 7.25 in.
    Computer FriendlyYes (up to 15 in.)
    WeatherproofWater-resistant finish
    WeightN/A
    Best Backpack for Town and Country

    Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L

    Refugio Daypack 26L
    Credit: JL

    Pros

    • Ideal for active lifestyles
    • Superior laptop sleeve
    • Great for organizing
    • Can find lightly-used backpacks on site as well

    Cons

    • Mesh pockets could be stronger

    Going with a Patagonia product is rarely a bad idea. This pack keeps pace with even the most extreme nomad, with a highly-breathable back panel and a hanger for hydration. There's a designation spot for a bike light and the interior is great for organizing office supplies or other small gadgets.

    The pack is created in a Fair Trade Certified facility and, in the end, comes in at right around one-and-a-half pounds. It's a sporty pack, for sure, but there's more than enough in the way of organizing in the interior to make it a great choice for town or country. We really liked it packing stuff while on the saddle of a bike or schlepping a camera, lunch, and extra rain gear on a long hike.

    If you're lucky, you might even find a lightly-used pack per Patagonia's site for a real steal. Although, it's already priced quite well.

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity26L
    Dimensions18 x 12 x 6.5 in.
    Computer FriendlyYes (up to 15 in.)
    WeatherproofWater-repellant finish
    Weight1.6 lbs
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    Best Designer Backpack

    July Carry All Backpack 20L

    Carry All Backpack 20L

    Pros

    • Intelligent hidden pockets
    • Internal key hook
    • Tasteful design elements from top to bottom
    • Eight colorways (including two limited editions)

    Cons

    • Nearly $300

    Backpacks can be ultra cool, just ask July. This one is modish on the surface and technical underneath the hood. We loved the discreet laptop sleeve, plenty padded and wonderfully situated. That, and the gunmetal zippers and a side pocket that's great for everything from water bottles to umbrellas. The straps proved to adjust the easiest of any pack we tested, with pull-tabs for efficient tinkering.

    Beneath that clean exterior are dividers for smaller goods and a lesser-known pocket with a magnetic closure. There's even soft leather at the carry handle and the quilted back makes wearing the thing feel like wearing your favorite blanket.

    Bonus points to July for the five-year warranty and fabric with a little more heft that can even stand up to some weather. The pack is a little heavier at around 2.2 pounds (especially considering its smaller overall frame) but the weight feels more like baked-in quality than anything else.

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    Features at a Glance

    Capacity20L
    Dimensions17.3 x 11 x 6.3 in.
    Computer FriendlyVery
    WeatherproofWeighted water-resistant fabric
    Weight2.2 lbs
    Best Backpack for Biking

    Timbuk2 Prospect Backpack

    Back view of a gray rolltop backpack being worn
    a gray backpack positioned on a wooden crate
    Back view of a gray rolltop backpack being worn
    a gray backpack positioned on a wooden crate

    Pros

    • Lifetime warranty
    • Waterproof TPU liner
    • Roll-top construction

    Cons

    • Full water bottles can crowd the bag

    Touting one of the best liners for inclement weather, this backpack is ideal for the biker. Even when you're cycling to work in the rain, this pack will keep things dry and organized. Speaking of the latter, you can do some serious compartmentalizing inside the backpack as it's chock-full of thoughtful dividers, pouches, and sections.

    Wear it more casually or buckle the chest strap for a more secure fit as you pedal hard. The bag is quite attractive and it's so nice not to have to worry about precipitation of any kind as you go about your business. We did notice that when lugging around a full water bottle or two, the volume was somewhat impeded, but we found workarounds (like a proper water bottle holder on your bike frame) and thought the bag overall functioned at a very high level.

    Read More: Best Bike Helmets

    Image no longer available

    Features at a Glance

    Capacity22L
    Dimensions18.5 x 12 x 5.3 in.
    Computer FriendlyYes (up to 15 in.)
    WeatherproofWaterproof liner
    Weight2.4 lbs
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    Best Forthcoming Backpack

    Peak Design 2-In-1 Travel Backpack

    Black backpack with adjustable straps and magnetic attachments
    functional backpack designed for travelers and commuters
    a sleek black backpack displayed on a wooden surface
    Black backpack with adjustable straps and magnetic attachments
    functional backpack designed for travelers and commuters

    Pros

    • Two distinctive packs in one
    • Theft-deterring features
    • Sleek and contemporary aesthetic
    • Hyper-functional

    Cons

    • Not yet available (June launch, mid-April to June fulfillment)
    • Expensive for a backpack system

    While it's only a Kickstarter dream at the moment (that's more than 17x backed!), the newest drop from Peak Design will certainly be a winner (and a reality come June with the public launch). We sang the praises of this brand at the top of the story and we're going to do the same again here. Quite simply, Peak Design gets the hybrid bag concept. Turns out, you don't have to have a 2-in-1 bag that, well, looks and wears like a 2-in-1 bag.

    This one is as slick as they come, with intelligent features and an aesthetic that comes off more like a single contemporary bag. The bigger base can do 3o liters of volume, ideal for those more adventurous outings, while the day pack accommodates around 10 liters, excellent for daily essentials and little tech items.

    The whole thing wears wonderfully thanks to smart straps and the clamshell opening makes loading and unloading super simple. It's tremendously durable and, as a perk to the artists out there, there's even camera cube integration, allowing you to neatly and safely stow all of your lenses and related gear. The shell is weatherproof and armed with theft-deterring pulls and, quite frankly, the bag looks cool as hell.

    Image no longer available

    Features at a Glance

    Capacity40L (together)
    Dimensions21.85 x 13 x 11 in.
    Computer FriendlyVery (up to 16 in.)
    WeatherproofWatetherproof exterior
    Weight5.4 lbs (together)
    Lettermark

    Mark Stock is a writer from Portland, Oregon who covers food, drink, travel, culture, outdoors, gear, and tech. He's formally trained in journalism but stumbled into the wine industry just when it was getting good and can't seem to fully let it go. His outlets are many, from Men's Health, Women's Health, and The Manual to Vinepair, SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, and others He's a devout soccer fan and thinks about Iceland daily.

    Headshot of Ryan  Brower
    Reviewed byRyan Brower
    Senior Gear and Reviews Editor

    Ryan Brower is the Senior Gear and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he tests the best products in outdoor gear and tech. Baseball, surfing, and camping occupied most of his time growing up. He also trained in martial arts for 12 years and holds a third degree black belt. He has written about the outdoors for nearly two decades and was previously the Managing Editor, Content Performance at Gear Patrol. He is also a Certified Beer Server and previously covered the craft beer industry. Ryan currently lives on the water in New Jersey with his wife and their dog.

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