The 11 Best Backpacks for Men Who Commute, Lift, Travel, and Do It All
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A BACKPACK ISone of your closest gear companions, no matter whether you're adventuring on asphalt or dirt. We grew up throwing these things over our shoulders as we towed books and lunches to school and beyond. But now you're an adult and you deserve a backpack built for your present-day life.
In short, a top-shelf backpack can do way more than just schlep. It can wear with such ease that you barely even know it's on your person, 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 thieves alike. And it can wow with sophisticated features like magnetic clasps and special storage areas tailor-made for very specific devices.
Best Backpacks for Men
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Best Everyday Backpack: Fjällräven Räven 28
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Most Comfortable Backpack: The North Face Borealis
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Best Panel Loader Backpack: Cotopaxi Alla 26L Daypack
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Most Durable Backpack: Yeti Crossroads 22L Carry On Backpack
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Best Classic Backpack: Bellroy Classic Backpack
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Best Tote Backpack Hybrid: Peak Design Everyday Totepack
As with running shoes or smartwatches, there are a lot of subcategories 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.
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 on 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.
Fjallraven Räven 28
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-placed fox logo of the well-known Swedish brand. The pack wears comfortably 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 its water-resistant makeup).
Read More: Best Carry-On Backpacks
- Internal security pocket with zipper
- Fast-drying material
- Made of organic cotton and recycled material
- Cool angled pocket and logo
- Wears a little boxy when full
The North Face Borealis Backpack
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 quite a while, 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. When you do end up taking it off, the standup design makes it super easy to load and the iconic bungee straps just plain 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
- Bungee cords for added attachments
- Great back support
- Comfortable enough even for slow jogs
- Doesn't balance well on its own
- A little bulkier for commuters looking for something slim
Patagonia Refugio Daypack 26L
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 designated 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 for 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. The brand also just released a cool kid's version of the pack for all those intrepid parents out there.
- Ideal for active lifestyles
- Superior laptop sleeve
- Great for organizing
- Can find lightly-used backpacks on site as well
- Mesh pockets could be stronger
Bellroy Classic Backpack
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 significant 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.
- Intriguing colors like butterscotch, olive, and tahini
- Drop-down panel
- Six-year warranty
- Deceptively ergonomic design
- Could offer a bit more additional organizational compartments
Peak Design Everyday Totepack
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 relatively 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.
Read More: Reviewing the Modern Utility Tote/Backpack
- Expandable capacity
- Highly efficient design
- Streamlined build with reinforced base
- Ultra-modern aesthetic
- Tougher to access side pockets
- Heavier than some other packs we've tested
Cotopaxi Allpa 26L Daypack
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 nifty 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 your 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
- Six cool colorways
- Expandable water bottle holders
- Zippered laptop panel
- Lightweight at around just 30 ounces
- Could benefit from a padded grab handle
Yeti 22L Carry On Backpack
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-easily 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 you're 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.
- Impressive durability
- Lots of optional add-ons that work seamlessly with the pack
- Bold colors that stand out
- Thick enough to virtually insulate contents
- On the expensive side for an everyday backpack
- Could use a smaller pocket for little items
- Strap padding is not the plushest
Everlane The ReNew Transit
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 functional (and surprisingly 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 hopping on public transportation. In that sense, it arguably has the most street sense of any of the backpacks we tested.
- Excellent price point
- Fashionable, functional, and stylish
- Complements all kinds of outfits and outings
- Top magnetic closure not the most reliable when pack is full
July Carry All Backpack 20L
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 inclement 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.
- Intelligent hidden pockets
- Internal key hook
- Tasteful design elements from top to bottom
- Seven colorways (including two limited editions)
- Nearly $200
Timbuk2 Prospect Backpack
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 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 up a steep incline. Admittedly, 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
- Lifetime warranty
- Waterproof TPU liner
- Roll-top construction
- Full water bottles can crowd the bag
Peak Design Travel Backpack 2-in-1
After a triumphant Kickstarter campaign, the latest morphing backpack from Peak Design is here. 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, the outfit understands 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 30 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.
- Two distinctive packs in one
- Theft deterring features
- Sleek and contemporary aesthetic
- Hyper functional
- The most expensive backpack on the list (by far)
What to Consider
Capacity
Essentially the volume of the pack, this is 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 in all seasons and carrying items (tech, for instance) that might not stand up to the precipitation as well.
Weight
While the weights of everyday packs do 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).
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