WHEN IT comes to backpacks, we men should not settle for anything less than perfect. Hence, in this guide, we bring you the best backpacks for men that'll be your functional companion for carrying essentials while exuding a statement-making style.
When it comes to finding the best backpacks for men, it's important to consider your packing needs, design preferences, and personal lifestyle. For venturing out into the world, the best backpacks for men should be versatile enough to store and protect your belongings while providing comfort on the shoulder and back. As for features, the best backpacks for men need to offer spacious compartments and smart storage to keep your gadgets, devices, and other essentials organized and easily accessible.
Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products
Moreover, the best backpacks for men need to have a design that matches your personal style or intended activities, from the fabric to the pockets inside and out. All in all, the best backpacks for men should be an effortless blend of functionality, versatility, and style in order to become an indispensable part of your daily routine.
Whether you're a savvy traveler, a city dweller, a student juggling books and gadgets, or just a modern man constantly on the move, our style and gear experts have tested and found the 25 best backpacks for men that'll cater to your unique needs and lifestyle. From travel backpacks to laptop backpacks to hiking backpacks, these 25 best backpacks for men will never leave your side.
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Bellroy Classic Backpack
Bellroy Classic Backpack
| Capacity | 20L |
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Bellroy made a super-nifty backpack for stowing your everyday tech life—one laptop compartment, one padded tablet pocket, one mesh pocket for cables, one front pocket for power banks, and one top pocket for smartphones and earbuds—discreetly. And you will rest assured wherever you go, you need only worry about your destination; Bellroy's comfortable, sturdy build will take care of the lump on your back. Plus the 100% recycled nylon build provides a lightweight, water-resistant option for all types of uses.
Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack
Lululemon Wunderlust Backpack
| Capacity | 25L |
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Whether you use it solely for the gym or for everyday use, you're bound to get a lot of miles out of this stylish bag. What's great is that Lululemon's Wunderlust is designed with a water-repellant shell and with ample pocket space to store all your gear—like your phone, water bottle, and laptop. We love that it has both side and zipped exterior pockets for quick access, and interior pockets specifically meant for sweaty gym clothes or food and snacks.
Troubadour Pioneer Backpack
Troubadour Pioneer Backpack
| Capacity | 23.5L |
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This one is streamlined on the outside and practical on the inside, just like you. Really, Troubadour's pioneer is an absolute monster: big, tough-as-nails, and ridiculously useful with pockets on top of pockets, compartment next to compartment. If you've seen far too many laptop backpacks crap out when the occasion calls for more is more, never again will you be disappointed with the Pioneer. It's got a shtick for everything you can possibly put in there, shoes included. In fact, I love it so much that it's now my go-to backpack for commutes, work, traveling, flights, and sometimes hiking. It's the jack-of-all-trades backpack that absolutely means business.
Peak Design Travel Backpack
Peak Design Travel Backpack
| Capacity | 30L |
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Sizable, sleek, and hidden with features in all the right places, Peak Design's Travel Backpack is the ultimate airport bag. Thanks to its shell design and theft-proof zippers (you can clip the zipper loops into each other for an interlocking hold), the chances of someone pickpocketing you in a crowd are significantly lowered. It takes a second to get used to opening up the main compartment, but when you realize how much easier it is to lay out your gear you'll be happy with the adjustment. And if you really want to take your packing to the next level, you can score some of Peak Design's packing cubes and optimize your organization even further.
Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
| Capacity | 25L |
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Herschel's signature backpack ain't, by any measure, "little," we can tell you that. We also call this Herschel bag the "student" backpack because it's perfect for lugging your work and laptop around (of course) but also due to the fact you get a ton of value for the price. Not only because we like how it looks, but also because we like how it works—easy-peasy and tough, and not too busy with pockets. Moreover, it's actually a mountaineering backpack reimagined for casual day-to-day stuff. That's pretty cool.
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
| Capacity | 27L |
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Everlane's backpack will go well with an afternoon of thinking about life on the subway or just trolling around the city. My favorite part is that not only does it simply look sleek, but it's also sized for keeping a laptop, water bottle, sunscreen, lunch box, wallet, and some more stuff secure under the flap closure. With a water-resistant finish at a volume of 27 liters, we found that its life belongs in the city, in some office in a soaring skyscraper, or in the roaring underground metro world. And it really packs like a beast, with smart compartments inside, catch-all zip pockets, interior slip pockets, and two water bottle holders.
Carhartt Single-Compartment Backpack
Carhartt Single-Compartment Backpack
| Capacity | 27L |
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Built to survive in dangerous job sites as well as tumultuous daily life, Carhartt's tough backpack is armored with a water-repellent, abrasion-resistant build. We that its large main compartment inside isn't too busy with pockets—just two sleeves—and the back has a padded air mesh panel to cool you down. The shoulder straps feel especially good during testing, so our guys casually like to carry this backpack all day long.
Rains Rolltop Rucksack
Rains Rolltop Rucksack
| Capacity | 13L |
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Great for carrying light for just a regular day out or a short casual day trip, this rucksack is also made with Rains’ signature waterproof PU fabric that feels smooth, light, and yet hella durable. We love how easy it is for on-foot commutes or bikes, and the rolltop opening is especially accessible. For work or the office, we love that it's byy far one of the most stylish roll-top-style backpacks we’ve ever seen, this slim stunner fits all the essential gear you need, but with an elegant exterior to give your briefcase a much-needed breather.
Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic
Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic
| Capacity | 20L |
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Here is a minimalist backpack for those who are experienced in traveling light. It holds up to 20L of goods, which is still enough in our experience of using this bag for work, outdoor activities, or traveling. Our favorite part is that this bag provides a slim and no-frills way of getting from point A to point B, with organized pocket space for optimized packaging arrangements. The rugged nylon base also stands out because we found that it could really take a beating.
Mack Weldon Ion Convertible Backpack
Mack Weldon Ion Convertible Backpack
| Capacity | 35L |
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Is it a backpack? Or a messenger bag? The answer is: yes. Mack Weldon's convertible bag is all of these things, and more, thanks to its suite of detachable straps that let you switch between bag styles. And because this is Mack Weldon, it's made with performance in mind. The interior lining has anti-stink capabilities, the handles are non-slip, and the zippers are waterproof.
Patagonia Black Hole® Pack
Patagonia Black Hole® Pack
| Capacity | 25L |
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Like a gazebo for your belongings, this waterproof backpack from Patagonia is made with recycled polyester ripstop material and a highly weather-resistant TPU laminate, making it almost impossible for moisture to get in. Elsewhere, mesh back panels improve ventilation and woven external side pockets keep your belongings within reach.
L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack
L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack
| Capacity | 22L |
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The Stowaway pack goes beyond the typical packable backpack by adding padded shoulder straps and ample storage space. Keep one of these bad boys under your car seat and break it out whenever you need on-the-go storage.
Public Rec Pro Pack Plus
Public Rec Pro Pack Plus
| Capacity | 26.5L |
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Public Rec believes that backpacks made for the gym or hiking category are great for those activities, but are lackluster in the actual style department. Or bags made to be stylish at the expense of functionality. So it made the Pro Pack. We love rocking this to the gym in the morning and then to the office, and even to a swanky restaurant after work. We also found that the water-resistant poly-twill fabric is really high-quality, as is the fit and finish on the waterproof zippers and bottom.
Filson Dry Backpack
| Capacity | 28L |
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Filson's Dry Backpack is one of the best cooler bags around thanks to its insanely waterproof (and flexible) 840D nylon TPU shell. Throw a couple of cold ones in here on your next trip to the park or keep your valuables rolled up inside on your next hike. And in the oft chance this bag falls in a river or lake, you'll be happy knowing the Dry Backpack will stay afloat and airtight.
Yeti Crossroads Backpack
| Capacity | 22L - 35L |
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If you're planning for an upcoming trip, this sturdy style has multiple compartments for everything you could need, whether that's your laptop, a water bottle, or an extra outfit.
Dange Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
Dange Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
| Capacity | 10.73L |
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New dads looking for a bag to carry all their baby gear will be stoked to find this gem. This backpack has all the compartments you’d find in a diaper bag with a much cooler look.
The North Face Borealis Backpack
The North Face Borealis Backpack
| Capacity | 28L |
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At under $100, you get a backpack that's the perfect size for storing your laptop, gym kit, and other belongings away without feeling bulky. We love how the bungee cord system always keeps your items secure, inside and out, and how the carrying mechanism at the shoulder and back actually feels comfortable. Inside, the compartments and pockets galore really help you organize and pack to the best of your ability. In fact, our editors have even stowed an entire overnight trip's worth in it.
Nike Nike Utility Training Backpack
Nike Nike Utility Training Backpack
| Capacity | 32L |
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With multiple zipped pockets on the outside and a spacious main compartment on the inside, this backpack is designed for those of you who lead an active lifestyle both in and out of the gym. Built to last, with practical external compartments, the Utility Elite will keep your gear secure when making your way through the hustle and bustle on your work commute. And with its cushioned straps, you won't arrive at your desk peeling the bag from your shoulders.
Beckett Simonon Logan Backpack
Beckett Simonon Logan Backpack
Luxury backpacks can be, well, a little bit tacky sometimes. That's far from the case with Logan. The black leather bag is wonderfully sturdy and comes in a goldilocks size (not too big or too small), and we love how the fabric will develop a beautiful patina over time. But what ultimately catches our eye is the construction: it's not too busy with interiors and pockets but does provide enough room for work and commutes or flights.
Osprey Talon 22 Hiking Backpack
| Capacity | 22L |
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In terms of functionality, Osprey waterproof backpacks take some beating, and the Talon 22 is an ideal bag for hiking or trekking the trails. Two straps—on your chest and hips—help keep the bag stable, while a ventilation panel on the rear keeps you cool during your on-foot activities. Two bottle pockets feature alongside an added external pocket for quick stowaways. The 'lid lock' is especially handy when you want to quickly grab something.
Banana Republic BR ARCHIVES Backpack
Banana Republic BR ARCHIVES Backpack
Rugged-looking and extra hunky, with a spacious interior compartment for your gear as well as functional exterior pockets for quicker access, we also love how versatile this knapsack is for vacations, commutes, or just running errands.
Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack
Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack
| Capacity | 21.2L |
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This delightfully boxy business backpack will replace your briefcase without hopelessly clashing with your suit. The leather material elevates this backpack to fit in even the most professional workplaces. We also love how from the time it's new to years down the road when it develops a fine patina.
| Capacity | 34L |
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Tumi rules business travel, hence my choosing it for my first travel backpack. This is the one I would've gotten if I really wanted to shell out. It doesn't just open up, it opens out to reveal the true abundance of pockets here, there, and, oh, there too. While it is a tad heavy, I love how it slides over the luggage handle seamlessly.
NOMATIC Travel Bag
NOMATIC Travel Bag
| Capacity | 40L |
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Nomatic’s 40L Travel Bag is arguably the most versatile travel bag. It’s a “duffelpack” designed with shoulder straps and a sturdy handle to carry like any and all of these, depending on what your travel day calls for. It’s packed with clever features perfect for digital nomads, including a lay-flat, TSA-friendly laptop sleeve, an RFID-safe pocket (that works just like the best RFID-blocking wallets), a cord pass-thru for charging your devices on the go, and even a dedicated shoe compartment. Wherever or however you travel, if you’re a backpacker or duffel aficionado, this travel bag is ready to tackle it all.
WANT LES ESSENTIELS Kastrup Leather-Trimmed Shell Backpack
WANT LES ESSENTIELS Kastrup Leather-Trimmed Shell Backpack
| Capacity | 17L |
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A laptop backpack should be light, look functional, and never be too gimmicky. WANT Les Essentiels lets you house your laptop with a backpack perfectly balanced between style and substance. It simply looks good, we can all concur with that. Then there's the inside-and-out function—multiple interior pockets plus some exterior rings and straps for hanging onto more stuff. Coming from a designer home, it's the backpack fitted for your expensive laptops.
What to Look for in Backpacks for Men
Durability and Quality: The best backpacks for men should be built to last, whether it's used for a daily commute, outdoor adventures, or travel. Look for backpacks constructed from sturdy materials like polyester, nylon, or Cordura nylon, as they tend to be durable and resistant to abrasions. Reinforced stitching, strong zippers, and robust hardware also help extend the lifetime of a backpack.
Functionality and Storage Capacity: The best backpacks for men should offer ample storage capacity and functional features to accommodate their specific needs. Does it have enough compartments and pockets to keep belongings organized? Are there designated spaces for laptops, tablets, or other gadgets? Are there any convenient access points such as front-loading zippers or side pockets? More importantly, is it big enough without being too bulky?
Comfort and Ergonomics: Look for features like padded shoulder straps that distribute weight evenly and alleviate strain on your shoulders, with padded back panels for cushioning and airflow to reduce sweat and heat, as well as water-resistant or weatherproof materials for added protection. Also, make sure the backpack is fitted well through the shoulder and back straps so that you can wear it for hours on end without feeling fatigued or pain.
How We Selected
To find the best backpacks for men, our style and gear editors have personally tried on a variety of laptop backpacks, travel backpacks, day packs, and just everyday backpacks and put them to the test on different occasions, such as carrying Herschel's Little America or Troubadour's Pioneer to the office, packing all the workout and sports gear in Nike's and Public Rec's gym backpacks, or commuting in Everlane's The ReNew Transit and Rains' waterproof rucksack.
Read more: Learn How Men's Health Tests Products
From there, we evaluated these backpacks based on their style, capacity, performance such as resistance to weather, and overall functionality such as pockets and organization to make the final top picks. Specifically, we're looking for styles of backpacks for men that are not trendy or trend-chasing; instead, our picks of the best backpacks for men all will work great from the office to the great outdoors, provide a ton of value at reasonable price points, and come in styles that will look great years from now.
Why Trust Us
At Men’s Health, we don’t produce product reviews that don’t actually involve testing anything hands-on or in person. For each product, we always use items ourselves first before considering whether to include them. Therefore, rest assured that our product recommendations derive from first-hand experience. You can read more about our testing process here.
More importantly, at Men’s Health, we have a whole fashion closet dedicated to calling in, trying out, and selecting the best as well as the newest products. We put them on ourselves to see how the items look and feel before making our final decision. And we constantly go into the fashion closet to feel a product’s materials and test it.
Lastly, you can trust our opinions on product recommendations and tips. Not only do we have Fashion Director Ted Stafford and Deputy Editor, Commerce Christian Gollayan who know the pros and cons of materials, but we also have a panel of influencers, stylists, and experts—including designers at top brands or retailers—whom we regularly seek shopping guides from. Therefore, our product recommendations and buying tips are all driven by professional, expert opinions.
Maverick Li is the Style & Commerce Editor of Men’s Health, where he covers clothing, footwear, watches, and grooming. He was previously the Assistant Commerce Editor at Esquire.
John Thompson is the Gear and Commerce Editor at Men’s Health, where he covers fashion, grooming, gear, and technology. He was previously the Style & Gear Editor at BroBible.com, and a commerce writer for TheManual.com. His interests include shopping for rare vintage clothes and following his favorite baseball team, the Kansas City Royals.
As Men's Health's Deputy Editor, Commerce, Christian Gollayan oversees all shopping content on menshealth.com. He relocated back to New York by way of Portland, where he was the Associate Managing Editor at TheManual.com. Christian's work has also been featured in InStyle, Food & Wine, the New York Post, and Tatler Asia.
Ted Stafford is the Fashion Director of Men’s Health. He oversees all style and fashion content for the brand, and also styles their fashion stories. His active lifestyle informs his passion for translating great designs into real-life style, a favorite part of his job. Prior to joining Men’s Health he worked at GQ magazine and Calvin Klein
