The 18 Best Men’s Backpacks for Travel, Work and More
Our top-tested picks include everything from lightweight packs to luxury leather styles.
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An uncomfortable backpack that doesn’t sit right, fit your water bottle or stay organized is a hassle. Our pros researched the best men’s backpacks to help you find one that truly performs.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, our experts evaluate almost every style of backpack from the best travel backpacks and backpacks for kids to the best daypacks. When testing the best men’s backpacks, we analyzed almost 40 different styles in the Lab and among consumer testers. To determine our top picks, we measured fabric durability and considered each backpack’s organizational and support features.
After tabulating these data points, we narrowed down our list to the best 18 backpacks for men. We included backpacks at a variety of price points and for different uses so you can find the right style without going over budget.
- Best Overall: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack
- Best Value: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
- Best Travel:
- Best Carry-on: BAGSMART Travel Laptop Backpack
- Best Leather:
- Best Hiking: Osprey Farpoint Men’s Travel Backpack
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack
Pros
- Comfortable padded straps and back panel
- Convenient organizational features
- Removable sternum strap helps distribute weight
Cons
- Limited colorways
The Authority Laptop Backpack combines quality construction with high-functioning organizational features that let you store workday essentials with ease. Not only does the laptop sleeve fit models up to 17 inches wide, but there are internal organizers for smaller items like pens and your phone, plus a main compartment and a side pocket for your water bottle. Our pros like that the bottom section can be cinched up, thanks to the compression straps.
You will appreciate the padded straps and back panel for comfort when carrying a full backpack. We also like the removable sternum strap that gives you the option to better distribute the weight. Good Housekeeping Test Engineer Alec Scherma tested the Authority Laptop Backpack and found it comfortable to wear even for a long time. While he wished it was a bit more spacious, he noted that it “fits on my suitcase pretty well when I am traveling with it, and goes underneath the airplane seats.”
Dimensions: 11.4″ x 5.3″ x 18.9” | Capacity: 28 L | Material: 100% recycled nylon
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes external USB port with a cable
- Anti-theft pocket for personal items
Cons
- Not the most stylish backpack
This Matein backpack has over 100,000 Amazon reviews with an overall 4.7-star rating and was a most-bought product by our readers ahead of the back-to-school season. It comes with an impressive amount of design features but is still budget-friendly at under $40 (or less, when on sale).
The backpack has designated pockets for your laptop, phone and pens, plus a key fob hook and an external USB port with a cable for charging devices. Our analysts appreciate the padded straps for comfort as well as the hidden anti-theft pocket and luggage strap to use while traveling. It may not be the most aesthetically pleasing backpack on the market, but for its price and features, we can overlook it.
Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 7.8″ | Capacity: 30 L | Material: Polyester
Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack
Pros
- Excelled at our packing test
- Water-resistant coating and included rain cover
- Interior mesh compartments
Cons
- Pricey
We have included Cotopaxi products in various product guides including the best daypacks and men’s rain jackets. When we tested this travel backpack in the Lab, it fit everything in our standard packing test and then some.
Its mesh compartments make it easy to see what you put inside and we appreciate the breathable mesh back. It has chest and hip straps as well as padding in the shoulder straps for comfort. Not only does the backpack have a water-resistant coating, but it also comes with a rain cover. These features come at a heftier price of over $200, though.
The pack comes with a laptop sleeve so you can easily bring your tech on trips. It is also popular among online shoppers, earning a 4.7-star rating on REI. Our tester liked the color-blocked design and found the backpack was spacious enough to fit everything he needed for a two-night camping trip. “I fit a sleeping bag, some tent equipment, clothes, some toiletries, and food and water,” he said, adding that the mesh fabric allowed for nice airflow.
Dimensions: 22″ x 12″ x 10″ | Capacity: 35 L | Materials: 100% recycled nylon and polyester
BAGSMART Travel Laptop Backpack
Pros
- Outperformed pricier backpacks
- Expandable design to 40 L
- Compression straps
- Includes two packing cubes and a shoe pouch
Cons
- Not super fashionable
Our analysts in the Textile, Paper and Apparel Lab often recommend Bagsmart pieces because of its affordable pricing that doesn’t correlate to lower performance. In fact, this travel backpack outperformed pricier styles in our most recent test of the best carry-on backpacks.
It is expandable so you can alternate between a 30- or 40-liter bag as needed and has compression straps so you can fit the most, while cutting down on bulk. The backpack boasts interior and exterior zippered compartments as well as two packing cubes, a shoe pouch and a laptop sleeve. Our tester found the bag “incredibly spacious” and added, “I really pushed it to its limits but was always able to fit what I wanted inside.”
It may not be the most stylish carry-on available on the market, but when it comes down to a top-performing carry-on backpack you can take on your adventures without spending too much, this is our best pick.
Dimensions: 18.5″ x 12.2″ x 10.23″ | Capacity: 40 L | Material: Polyester
Leatherology Sloan Backpack
Pros
- Made from buttery soft leather
- Built-in laptop sleeve
- Side pockets for water bottles
Cons
- Leather texture varies by backpack
Leatherology is known for its premium leather goods, and we most recently tested a travel jewelry case from the brand. Made from full-grain leather designed to be buttery soft, the Sloan Backpack has a built-in laptop sleeve, two side pockets for water bottles, a zippered exterior pocket and two interior pockets. Its main compartment can fit everyday essentials you need for work or school, and you can also opt for the Sloan Mini if you want a smaller backpack.
Choose from several neutral shades, but note that each backpack may have a different texture that varies from a fine to a lightly pebbled grain.
Dimensions: 12″ x 5″ x 16″ | Capacity: Not listed | Materials: Full grain leather and nickel hardware
Osprey Farpoint Men’s Travel Backpack
Pros
- Excellent lumbar support
- Laptop or water reservoir compartment
- Breathable mesh padding
Cons
- No water bottle pockets
GH analysts often recommend Osprey backpacks for hiking and backpacking — and many staffers own a pack from the brand as well. We evaluated the Farpoint in our most recent test of the best carry-on backpacks and found that it provides excellent lumbar support, thanks to a wide, removable hip belt equipped with padding.
Not only is the Farpoint comfortable to wear, but it also has impressive organization features that make it versatile beyond outdoor adventures. It has a compartment for a 16-inch laptop or a water reservoir, plus interior pockets, exterior loops to hook on additional items like your water bottle and front compression straps. Mesh padding along the straps and back provides ample airflow. The backpack also has a built-in whistle you can use while hiking.
While the backpack can fit a water reservoir for staying hydrated during your hike, we wish the backpack also had side water bottle pockets.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14″ x 9″ | Capacity: 40 L | Material: 450D recycled twist dobby polyester with DWR finish
Patagonia Black Hole MLC Pack
Pros
- Made from recycled materials
- Comfortable to carry even when fully packed
- Can use with luggage via trolley sleeve or as a duffel
Cons
- Boxy design may not be for everyone
Patagonia is one of our favorite outdoor brands not only because of its , but also its durable products that can withstand rugged adventures. We tested the 45-liter Black Hole MLC Pack and were impressed with how comfortable it was to carry even when fully packed. It has padded shoulder straps, adjustable chest straps and a wide hip belt that offers great lumbar support.
Its convenient design features don’t end there. The trolley sleeve allows the bag to easily slide onto luggage and the backpack straps can tuck away so you can use it as a duffel bag too. Our pros like the designated tech storage area that has a laptop sleeve as well as pouches for smaller gadgets. The pack is made from recycled high-denier polyester, which is not only a more sustainable option but also more durable compared to a lower-denier material.
Our tester appreciated the backpack’s durable exterior that “did not soil easily nor readily absorb water” and can hold its own against ever-changing seasons in upstate New York. They also liked that it was lightweight and featured interior buckles to secure your laptop or tablet.
Note that some GH analysts weren’t fans of the boxy design and one felt it was a bit too bulky on her petite frame. A pro tip from one staffer is to use this convertible backpack as a weekender bag or duffel when car camping. Even if the bulkier structure feels overwhelming at times, it allows for more space you will appreciate when traveling.
Dimensions: 22″ x 14.5″ x 7.6″ | Capacity: 45 L | Materials: Recycled ripstop polyester, recycled TPU-film laminate, recycled polyester with polyurethane coating, recycled nylon
Peak Design 45L Travel Backpack
Pros
- Unique design
- Access your belongings from the front, back or sides
- Compression features
Cons
- Doesn’t have a ton of pockets and sleeves for organization
Our travel experts say it can be hard to find a backpack that can handle various types of trips. This model from Peak Design, however, is a unique backpack that lets you access your belongings from the front, back and sides — it can open up wide like a suitcase or from the top like most backpacks.
Similar to the Patagonia Black Hole MLC Pack, you can tuck the backpack straps away and slide it onto your luggage. While we appreciate you can compress the backpack to 30 or 35 L, this backpack doesn’t have as many separate pockets and sleeves.
Dimensions: 4.72″ x 12.99″ x 21.06″ | Capacity: 45 L | Material: 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas with DWR finish
Fjällräven Kånken Laptop
Pros
- Popular, simple design
- Laptop compartment
- Fully unzips on both sides
Cons
- Doesn’t have as much padding
Even though the Swedish brand’s backpack styles have been available since 1978, you may remember the Fjällräven logo popping off a few years ago. The trend remains strong today and our pros particularly like the Kånken style which adds laptop storage to the original simple design.
Even though this backpack has less padding than our other recommendations, we love its timeless look that can function as an everyday bag for school, work and general exploring. The top fully unzips on both sides and you can snap the handles together.
While our tester noticed the seams on the bottom of the backpack would break and turn into holes, they appreciated the pack’s compartments and lightweight design. Choose from a variety of solid colors from a versatile black or a fun terracotta brown.
Dimensions: 11″ x 5.5″ x 17″ | Capacity: 45 L | Material: Vinyl
THE NORTH FACE Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack
Pros
- Can fit a lot without becoming uncomfortable
- Fleece-lined zipper pocket for glasses and front bungee system
- Held up to abrasion and water-resistance tests
Cons
- Doesn’t stand up on its own, according to online reviews
When I was in high school, The North Face was probably the most popular school backpack in our school’s halls because its basic design lends itself to being a go-to backpack beyond senior year. The Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack in particular impressed our pros with how much it can hold while still being comfortable to wear.
It has a separate padded compartment for your laptop as well as a fleece-lined zipper pocket for glasses and a front bungee system to hold a sweatshirt or jacket. It has padded shoulder straps as well as chest and waist straps that testers reported helped make the backpack comfortable to carry — even when stuffed.
In Lab tests, the backpack’s exterior fabric held up to abrasion and water-resistance tests, which makes the under $100 price tag all that more worth it. Our tester appreciated the well-designed compartments. “I love the side pockets built into the interior; they’re the perfect size for my water bottle and umbrella,” they reported. While they liked using it for commuting and as a personal item, they wished the shoulder straps were a bit thicker.
Dimensions: 12″ x 6.5″ x 19.5″ | Capacity: 28 L | Materials: 300D heathered recycled polyester with non-PFC DWR Finish
Herschel Supply Co. Tech Kaslo Backpack
Pros
- Fleece-lined laptop compartment
- Reinforced stitching in top handle
- Lightweight
Cons
- More functional than stylish
If you have a long commute to work or school, then you know the importance of having a convenient way to store your laptop so it doesn’t poke out from your bag or take up too much space so you can fit other essentials. That’s why our pros recommend this lightweight backpack that will keep your tech well protected.
It has a 16-inch, fleece-lined laptop compartment that helps minimize potential scratches as well as reinforced stitching in the top handle, straps and a luggage sleeve. One Textiles Lab analyst uses the Tech Kaslo Backpack both for commuting and when traveling if she needs her laptop to be easily accessible.
This is definitely more of a functional backpack that may not be the most fashionable, but its helpful features make up for it.
Dimensions: 16″ x 12″ x 18.5″ | Capacity: 28 L | Material: Recycled post-consumer water bottles (RPET)
TUMI Alpha Bravo Search Backpack
Pros
- Brand is known for long-lasting luggage
- Spacious interior, according to testers
- Has held up for more than a decade, according to tester
Cons
- Expensive
Although expensive, TUMI is known for its long-lasting luggage that may be worth the splurge if you travel often, especially for business. GH staffers reported the Alpha Bravo Search Backpack was very spacious and felt high quality. A GH analyst used this backpack on both domestic and international flights for school and work over more than a decade.
Close to $600 is not a small sum to spend on a backpack, but you will receive free repairs and a to help you track lost luggage.
Dimensions: 8.25″ x 13.98″ x 16.93″ | Capacity: Not listed | Material: Ballistic nylon
Nike Brasilia Medium Training Backpack
Pros
- Designed to be water-resistant
- Water bottle pockets
- Affordable
- Padded back and shoulder straps
Cons
- May not last super long, according to Amazon reviews
We have evaluated Nike products in the Lab and among testers, from the best Nike shoes to its clothing and accessories. The Brasilia Medium Training Backpack has an overall 4.7-star rating on Amazon with 3,600 customer reviews. It is the ideal size for holding gym essentials like a pair of sneakers and clothes, plus there’s a laptop compartment so you can wear it to work if you hit the gym after your 9-to-5. Many Amazon shoppers reported the bag fits everything they need.
The backpack is designed to be water-resistant and features a padded back and shoulder straps for comfort. It also has a pocket for your water bottle. At under $50, it’s also an affordable backpack that can be used for more than one purpose. Some Amazon reviews did note that it wasn’t the most long-lasting backpack.
Dimensions: 7.87″ x 5.91″ x 1.97″ | Capacity: 24 L | Materials: Not listed
lululemon Packable Backpack
Pros
- Folds into a small pouch
- Includes trolley sleeve and water bottle pockets
- Easily hooks onto luggage
Cons
- No interior pockets to help with organization
One thing I never regret when traveling is packing an extra bag. Whether it’s a foldable tote or a lightweight backpack like this one from Lululemon, it’s helpful to have another option for daytime adventures or more space for items you accumulate during your trip.
The Packable Backpack is designed to fold up into a small pouch that you can hook onto your other luggage, thanks to a hanging loop. It has adjustable straps, a trolley sleeve and side pockets for your water bottle. The exterior zippered pocket can store items when in-use, and otherwise flips inside out to fit the entire folded backpack inside. We wish there were small interior pockets to help with organization, though.
Dimensions: 12.4″ x 6.7″ x 24″ | Capacity: 32 L | Material: 100% recycled polyester
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Pros
- Sleek design with functional features
- Magnetic closure is easy to use
- Built-in luggage strap
Cons
- Online reviews wished straps had better padding
Our style pros like Everlane for its stylish basics, whether white T-shirts or flats for work. The ReNew Transit Backpack has a sleek and minimalist design with functional features, like a 15-inch laptop pocket, two water bottle pockets, two zippered pockets and two interior pockets. We found that its magnetic closure was easy to open and close, and appreciated the built-in luggage strap so you can slip it on your suitcase while traveling.
One five-star reviewer who used the backpack as their personal item during a two-week vacation wrote, “I packed it pretty full, and it was heavy, but stood up well and was very comfortable when wearing.” Other reviews wished the straps had more padding given the higher price tag.
Dimensions: 17.5″ x 12″ X 7.25″ | Capacity: 27 L | Material: 100% recycled polyester
JanSport Right Pack Backpack
Pros
- Great for all ages
- 20+ colors and patterns
- Padded back and shoulder straps
- Sturdy yet lightweight
Cons
- Laptop sleeve is not padded
If you live near a school, then you have probably seen your fair share of JanSport backpacks bopping around the neighborhood. The quintessential backpack remains a go-to school backpack for almost all ages, whether you’re in middle or high school, college or graduate school.
You’ll appreciate the 23 different colors and patterns to choose from as well as the affordable price. Our experts call out the padded back and shoulder straps to help make carrying multiple textbooks more comfortable. We also like the reinforced suede bottom that will help prolong its lifespan. When we tested the Right Pack Backpack in the Lab, we found it to be a sturdy yet lightweight option and testers liked the spacious front pocket that allows easy access to your ID, phone and more.
While we wish the Right Pack had a padded laptop compartment, we appreciate that it at least has a sleeve for a 15-inch model.
Dimensions: 3″ x 10″ x 8″ | Capacity: 22 L | Materials: Cordura fabric and suede
L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack
Pros
- Lightweight
- Convenient pockets
- Padded foam back panel and shoulder straps
Cons
- Doesn’t perform well in rain, according to our tester
We included the Stowaway Pack in our guide to the best daypacks because its compact design lends itself to being an optimal lightweight pack for day hikes. Even if you don’t plan on using this backpack for hiking, you will still appreciate the abundance of handy pockets for small and large items. “You can put a dog leash in the large front pocket and even stick a jacket on the outside in this non-zippered section,” said Senior Reviews Writer & Analyst Olivia Lipski.
The pack also has water bottle pockets as well as a padded foam back panel and shoulder straps for comfort. Lipski did find that the backpack doesn’t do as well in the rain, so keep that in mind if you live in an area that gets a lot of rain.
Dimensions: 19″ x 10″ x 7″ | Capacity: 22 L | Material: Recycled polyester ripstop
Troubadour Apex Backpack
Pros
- Sleek design
- Laptop and luggage sleeves
- Convenient zippered pockets
Cons
- Expensive
We named the Apex best backpack for work in our latest evaluation of the best laptop backpacks. It has a super sleek design that features a faux leather trim. The backpack also has a padded 17-inch laptop sleeve and multiple pockets including a zippered pocket in the shoulder strap that is ideal for stowing a commuter pass or work ID. Plus, a luggage sleeve makes it easy to use this backpack as your personal item during travel.
At nearly $250, it is not an inexpensive backpack, but it isn’t our most expensive pick on this list and may be a worthwhile purchase if you want to invest in a work backpack that will hold up overtime.
Dimensions: 2.17″ x 4.53″ x 6.3″ | Capacity: 25 L | Materials: Recycled polyester fabric and faux leather trim
How we test backpacks for men
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, we evaluate all kinds of men’s and women’s backpacks and bags from the best carry-on backpacks to the best tote bags and garment bags.
When testing backpacks in the Lab, our experts use specialized equipment to evaluate fabric durability. Pros also analyze the pack’s construction, including strap design and other support features. We then send products to consumer testers who use the backpacks in their daily lives to report back on comfort, appearance and more.
What to look for when shopping for the best men’s backpacks
✔️ Capacity: Under 20 liters is a good size for an everyday backpack, while somewhere between 20 and 30 liters gives you more wiggle room to use the backpack for a weekend trip. More than 30 liters makes for a sizable backpack that can handle longer vacations. Check the listed dimensions and capacity to make sure the pack is large enough to fit everything you need.
✔️ Support: The best way to find a comfortable backpack is to look for support features that will make carrying the load easier. Our pros recommend padded shoulder straps to help prevent back pain. Chest and hip straps will better distribute weight and help with back, neck, or shoulder pain.
✔️ Organizational features: Regardless of how you plan to use your backpack, whether for commuting, traveling or hiking, you want a pack that will help keep your essentials organized. Look for a padded laptop sleeve, accessible front pockets, water bottle holders and interior pockets.
Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.
Emma Seymour (she/her) is the associate director of the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
