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
- The Only Backpack You Really Need: Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack, $95
- Most Practical Backpack: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack, $195
- The Best Classic Backpack: Herschel Survey Backpack, $90
- Most Durable Backpack: Carhartt Cargo Series Large Backpack, $99
- Most Sleek Backpack: Troubadour Pioneer Backpack, $275
- Best Minimalist Backpack: Stratus Backpack, $188
- Best Luxury Backpack: Bleu de Chauffe Arlo Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather Backpack, $475
- Most Unique Backpack: Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack, $160
- Best Throwback Backpack: JanSport Right Pack Backpack, $53
best everyday backpack
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
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.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
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Dimensions | 17.5"H x 7.25"D x12"L |
Volume | 27L |
Features | Fits a 15" laptop, luggage sleeve, internal and external water bottle pockets |
Water Resistant | Yes |
best all-occasion backpack
Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
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.
Material | Neoprene |
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Dimensions | 11.5” L x 5” W x 17” H |
Volume | 16L |
Features | Fits a 13" laptop, luggage sleeve, shoe bag, detachable key leash, zip top pouch |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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Best Classic Backpack
Herschel Herschel Survey Backpack
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.
Material | EcoSystem™ 600D fabric made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles |
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Dimensions | 16.25"(H) x 12.25"(W) x 6.00"(D) |
Volume | 20.0L |
Features | Hidden zippered storage sleeve, magnetic strap closure, fits a 15"/16" laptop, water bottle pocket |
Water Resistant | Yes |
best durable backpack
Carhartt Large Backpack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler
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.
Material | Cordura |
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Dimensions | 12"W x 20.25"H x 9"L |
Volume | 30L |
Features | Fits a 15" laptop, attachable 3-can insulated cooler, Hook-N-Haul system for attaching other cargo bags |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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.
Material | Recycled Polyester |
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Dimensions | 11.8"W x19.3"H x6.3"D |
Volume | 23.5L |
Features | Fits a 16" laptop, luggage sleeve, shoe compartment |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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best newly released backpack
lululemon New Crew Backpack 22L
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.
Material | 100% Nylon |
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Dimensions | 29cm x 18.5cm x 42cm (11.4" x 7.3" x 16.5") |
Volume | 22L |
Features | External zippers, interior pockets, trolley-compatible sleeve, fits a 15" laptop |
Water Resistant | Yes |
Rain-proof, because real adults actually dress for the weather. (And guard their electronics from certain ruin in the process.)
Material | 100% Polyester |
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Dimensions | 18.9"H x 11.8"W x 4.7"D |
Volume | 13L |
Features | Fits a 15" laptop, carabiner closure |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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.
Material | 100% Recycled Nylon |
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Features | Fits 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 Resistant | Yes |
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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.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
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Dimensions | 18.8"D x 11"W x 5.9"D |
Volume | 25L |
Features | Fits a 15" laptop, luggage sleeve, daisy chain lash to store gear externally |
Water Resistant | Yes |
Best carry-on backpack
travis mathew 1ST CLASS BACKPACK
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.
Material | 100% Polyester |
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Dimensions | 7.1” x 12.6” x 19.5” |
Features | Expandable, padded laptop compartment, secure phone pocket, fleece-lined sunglasses pocket |
Water Resistant | Yes |
Monotone, Monos. It's subtle, sleek, and honestly, kind of sexy.
Material | Vegan Leather, Nylon Twill |
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Dimensions | 11.5"W × 16.5"H × 6"D |
Volume | 18L |
Features | Fits 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 Resistant | Yes |
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most unique backpack
timbuk2 Custom Division Laptop Backpack
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.
Material | Neoprene |
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Dimensions | 17.3"H x 11"W |
Volume | 18.00 L |
Features | Water bottle pocket, laptop pocket, external compression straps for cinching or expanding, internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small stuff |
Water Resistant | Yes |
best lightweight backpack
The North Face Mountain Daypack
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.
Material | Recycled Nylon |
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Dimensions | 12.1"W x 6.35"D x 17.5"H |
Volume | 20L |
Features | Fits a 15" laptop, internal zip pocket, mesh pocket, key ring, and pen holders, internal water bottle pockets |
Water Resistant | Yes |
With this leather option on your back, we promise you'll never get mistaken for a student.
Material | Leather |
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Dimensions | 11"L x 6"W x 18"H. |
Features | Luxe yet durable pebbled leather, interior padded laptop sleeve, padded shoulder straps for all day wear, exterior trolley pass through for travel ease |
Water Resistant | No |
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best versatile backpack
Eastpak Padded Pak'r Backpack
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!)
Material | 100% Polyester |
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Dimensions | 15.8"H x11.8"W x 7.1"D |
Volume | 24L |
Features | Fits a 15" laptop |
Water Resistant | No |
best iconic backpack
JanSport JanSport Right Pack Backpack - Travel, Work, or Laptop Bookbag with Leather Bottom, Black
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.
Material | Premium Cordura fabric |
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Dimensions | 3 x 10 x 8 inches |
Features | Side water bottle pocket, internal sleeve that fits 15" laptop |
Water Resistant | Yes |
Lightweight, recycled materials, a laptop pocket, and trolley sleeve make this a functional backpack that doesn't skimp on style.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
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Dimensions | 19"H x 12.6"W x 7.7"D |
Volume | 26L |
Features | Fits a 15" laptop, two water bottle pockets, front webbing loops, luggage sleeve |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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Tumi keeps things simple, subtle, and sleek, with an all-black backpack that works for any environment.
Material | Nylon |
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Dimensions | 15.5"H X 12.3"W X 4.5"D |
Features | Zip pouch that attaches to interior, add-a-bag strap, fits a 15" laptop |
Water Resistant | No |
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.
Material | High Performance Synthetic Leather |
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Dimensions | 40 cm (L) x 29 cm (W) x 12.5 cm (D) |
Volume | 14.5 L |
Features | Fits a Macbook Pro 16,"breathable back paneling, suitcase sleeve, 2 key holders, elastic organizer |
Water Resistant | Yes |