27 Grown-Up Backpacks You Can Carry With Confidence (2024)

At one point or another, we've all been standing next to the same type of guy. You know the one we're talking about…The perfectly combed-through crew cut, light-grey half-zip jacket, schlepping around his company's logoed backpack (which, let's be honest, was given to him on day one of his job, and now, even though it's fraying at the bottom, he hasn't invested in a new one).

While the need to carry a backpack from point A to point B makes sense —commuting to the office, traveling out of state, going to the gym (there's a lot of stuff to bring, we get it!)—our fashion experts promise you there are much more stylish ways to do it than using a free bag from work. And luckily, these days, there is no shortage of backpack options that will get the job done for grown men trying to transport their belongings in peace.

From high-quality canvas numbers to heavy-duty, super-tactical styles ready for an impromptu spelunking trip, let alone the morning commute, we've got you covered with styles that look modern and polished. It's time to bring out the big boy backpacks.

The Best Backpacks Shopping Guide

27 Grown-Up Backpacks You Can Carry With Confidence (1)

best everyday backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

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best everyday backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

A stripped-down (and dare I say office-ready?) option sure to sync up seamlessly with any style. And the many pockets in and out will come in real handy.

Material100% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions17.5"H x 7.25"D x12"L
Volume27L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, luggage sleeve, internal and external water bottle pockets
Water ResistantYes

best all-occasion backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

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best all-occasion backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

If you're carrying your gym clothes throughout the day, it helps to have a bag made to handle the task. Dagne Dover's signature neoprene is made to deflect sweaty smells, and it's super easy to wash when you need to.

MaterialNeoprene
Dimensions11.5” L x 5” W x 17” H
Volume16L
FeaturesFits a 13" laptop, luggage sleeve, shoe bag, detachable key leash, zip top pouch
Water ResistantYes

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Best Classic Backpack

Herschel Herschel Survey Backpack

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Best Classic Backpack

Herschel Herschel Survey Backpack

Herschel has been doing its thing (and by "its thing," we mean putting up numbers in the backpack game) for a minute now, and the brand's hard-earned industry credibility is nothing to scoff at. It should be one of the first places you check any time you're in the market for an upgrade.

MaterialEcoSystem™ 600D fabric made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles
Dimensions16.25"(H) x 12.25"(W) x 6.00"(D)
Volume20.0L
FeaturesHidden zippered storage sleeve, magnetic strap closure, fits a 15"/16" laptop, water bottle pocket
Water ResistantYes

best durable backpack

Carhartt Large Backpack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler

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27 Grown-Up Backpacks You Can Carry With Confidence (6)

best durable backpack

Carhartt Large Backpack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler

A sturdy pack made from ripstop Cordura that's tough as hell and water-repellent. Plus, there's a removable three-can cooler that comes along with it. Perfect for when you want to hike but also crack open a cold one.

MaterialCordura
Dimensions12"W x 20.25"H x 9"L
Volume30L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, attachable 3-can insulated cooler, Hook-N-Haul system for attaching other cargo bags
Water ResistantYes

best sleek backpack

Troubadour Pioneer Backpack

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best sleek backpack

Troubadour Pioneer Backpack

Troubadour makes backpacks with sharp silhouettes that really announce themselves. This one is streamlined on the outside and practical on the inside, just like you.

MaterialRecycled Polyester
Dimensions11.8"W x19.3"H x6.3"D
Volume23.5L
FeaturesFits a 16" laptop, luggage sleeve, shoe compartment
Water ResistantYes

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best newly released backpack

lululemon New Crew Backpack 22L

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best newly released backpack

lululemon New Crew Backpack 22L

Life may get crazy, but this backpack will help keep you sane. With dedicated compartments for your laptop, workout gear, and water bottle, it will put you in an organized state of mind.

Material100% Nylon
Dimensions29cm x 18.5cm x 42cm (11.4" x 7.3" x 16.5")
Volume22L
FeaturesExternal zippers, interior pockets, trolley-compatible sleeve, fits a 15" laptop
Water ResistantYes

best rainy-day backpack

Rains Backpack

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best rainy-day backpack

Rains Backpack

Rain-proof, because real adults actually dress for the weather. (And guard their electronics from certain ruin in the process.)

Material100% Polyester
Dimensions18.9"H x 11.8"W x 4.7"D
Volume13L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, carabiner closure
Water ResistantYes

best minimalist backpack

Caraa Stratus Backpack

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best minimalist backpack

Caraa Stratus Backpack

Caraa's backpack is the bottomless bag you need for packing all day long. It can fit a lot, and the waterproof fabric will keep what's inside safe.

Material100% Recycled Nylon
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, luggage sleeve, has 15 total pockets, interior and exterior water bottle compartments, back passport pocket, pocket for umbrella, documents, and shoes
Water ResistantYes

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best sporty backpack

Patagonia Black Hole Pack

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best sporty backpack

Patagonia Black Hole Pack

It's no surprise that your go-to outdoor outfitter also makes a go-to canvas backpack as ideal for the outdoors as it is for the indoors.

Material100% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions18.8"D x 11"W x 5.9"D
Volume25L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, luggage sleeve, daisy chain lash to store gear externally
Water ResistantYes

Best carry-on backpack

travis mathew 1ST CLASS BACKPACK

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Best carry-on backpack

travis mathew 1ST CLASS BACKPACK

With this sleek and spacious backpack, you can skip the stress of checking a bag at the airport. It's every frequent flyer's fantasy.

Material100% Polyester
Dimensions7.1” x 12.6” x 19.5”
FeaturesExpandable, padded laptop compartment, secure phone pocket, fleece-lined sunglasses pocket
Water ResistantYes

best modern backpack

Monos Metro Backpack

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best modern backpack

Monos Metro Backpack

Monotone, Monos. It's subtle, sleek, and honestly, kind of sexy.

MaterialVegan Leather, Nylon Twill
Dimensions11.5"W × 16.5"H × 6"D
Volume18L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, hidden magnetic snap closure pocket for small valuables, privacy compartment with waterproof fabric, luggage sleeve, comes with exterior snap-on kit
Water ResistantYes

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most unique backpack

timbuk2 Custom Division Laptop Backpack

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most unique backpack

timbuk2 Custom Division Laptop Backpack

Timbuk2 allows you to create your dream backpack (we're not sure if anyone dreams about laptop bags, but if you do, go off) and has over 50 unique colors to choose from. It even gives you the option to add a bottle opener to your masterpiece so you can stay hydrated wherever you roam.

MaterialNeoprene
Dimensions17.3"H x 11"W
Volume18.00 L
FeaturesWater bottle pocket, laptop pocket, external compression straps for cinching or expanding, internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small stuff
Water ResistantYes

best lightweight backpack

The North Face Mountain Daypack

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best lightweight backpack

The North Face Mountain Daypack

Lightweight and durable, this TNF backpack is your workout partner that'll never skip out on an adventure.

MaterialRecycled Nylon
Dimensions12.1"W x 6.35"D x 17.5"H
Volume20L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, internal zip pocket, mesh pocket, key ring, and pen holders, internal water bottle pockets
Water ResistantYes

best leather backpack

Cole Haan Triboro Backpack

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best leather backpack

Cole Haan Triboro Backpack

With this leather option on your back, we promise you'll never get mistaken for a student.

MaterialLeather
Dimensions11"L x 6"W x 18"H.
FeaturesLuxe yet durable pebbled leather, interior padded laptop sleeve, padded shoulder straps for all day wear, exterior trolley pass through for travel ease
Water ResistantNo

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best versatile backpack

Eastpak Padded Pak'r Backpack

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best versatile backpack

Eastpak Padded Pak'r Backpack

Eastpak has cultivated a certain cultural cachet through its vaguely cosmopolitan vibe. The brand was founded in Boston, and it's the company that almost definitely sold your high school crush's backpack of choice. (Call me, Rachel!)

Material100% Polyester
Dimensions15.8"H x11.8"W x 7.1"D
Volume24L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop
Water ResistantNo

best iconic backpack

JanSport JanSport Right Pack Backpack - Travel, Work, or Laptop Bookbag with Leather Bottom, Black

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best iconic backpack

JanSport JanSport Right Pack Backpack - Travel, Work, or Laptop Bookbag with Leather Bottom, Black

A Jansport backpack will transport you right back to the days when the only property tax you had to worry about was in Monopoly. While this product was intended for those thirteen years or older, any adult can carry it around and look like they have their sh*t together.

MaterialPremium Cordura fabric
Dimensions3 x 10 x 8 inches
FeaturesSide water bottle pocket, internal sleeve that fits 15" laptop
Water ResistantYes

best sustainable backpack

Away F.A.R Backpack

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best sustainable backpack

Away F.A.R Backpack

Lightweight, recycled materials, a laptop pocket, and trolley sleeve make this a functional backpack that doesn't skimp on style.

Material100% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions19"H x 12.6"W x 7.7"D
Volume26L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, two water bottle pockets, front webbing loops, luggage sleeve
Water ResistantYes

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best elevated backpack

Tumi Just In Case Backpack

27 Grown-Up Backpacks You Can Carry With Confidence (20)

best elevated backpack

Tumi Just In Case Backpack

Tumi keeps things simple, subtle, and sleek, with an all-black backpack that works for any environment.

MaterialNylon
Dimensions15.5"H X 12.3"W X 4.5"D
FeaturesZip pouch that attaches to interior, add-a-bag strap, fits a 15" laptop
Water ResistantNo

best roomy backpack

Vista Waterproof Backpack

27 Grown-Up Backpacks You Can Carry With Confidence (21)

best roomy backpack

Vista Waterproof Backpack

Now 30% Off

Maverick and Co. creates simple and sleek backpacks with very practical features. While their designs may not come with a whole lot of bells and whistles, they're spacious, light enough to carry around all day, and can hold just about anything.

MaterialHigh Performance Synthetic Leather
Dimensions40 cm (L) x 29 cm (W) x 12.5 cm (D)
Volume14.5 L
FeaturesFits a Macbook Pro 16,"breathable back paneling, suitcase sleeve, 2 key holders, elastic organizer
Water ResistantYes
27 Grown-Up Backpacks You Can Carry With Confidence (2024)

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