If you’ve ever noticed that one shoulder aches more than the other, it’s likely because you’ve been carrying too much in your tote. Switching to a backpack might feel like a style compromise, but in this guide, you’ll find sleek designs with a more sophisticated look than the ones you remember from grade school. The best backpacks evenly distribute the weight of your everyday carry with two straps, all while leaving your hands free for smooth commuting.
Our top pick is the Patagonia Refugio, which is durable enough for your next outdoor adventure and spacious enough for long-haul travel. And if you’re looking for a backpack to gift to the student in your life, The North Face Jester Backpack is a trendy choice with a suspension system certified by the American Chiropractic Association. Our top choice for commuters, Dagne Dover’s Dakota Neoprene Backpack, is a bit of a splurge that’s well worth it thanks to its durable neoprene fabric and comfortable straps.
Our top picks for the best backpacks
Best overall: Patagonia Refugio – See at Patagonia
The Patagonia Refugio Daypack is highly durable and has special features to help balance heavy cargo and ease shoulder pain on long travel days.
Best for commuters: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack – See at Dagne Dover
The Dagne Dover Neoprene Backpack is water-resistant and hand-washable, perfect for when you’re on the go.
Best for college students: The North Face Jester Backpack – See at North Face
This backpack from North Face can hold everything you need for a day on campus with its large laptop compartment and water bottle holders.
Best for work-to-gym: Caraa Stratus Backpack – See at Caraa
The Caraa Stratus Backpack has vents on the bottom to keep your gym clothes ventilated and is made of super lightweight nylon.
Best customizable backpack: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack – See at Nordstrom
This popular backpack from Fjallraven comes in over 50 colors and multiple sizes, so you can customize it to your needs and aesthetic.
Best beach backpack: The Carhartt Medium Pack – See at Amazon
The Carhartt Medium Pack comes with a three-can cooler and ample storage for any outdoor adventure.
Best overall: Patagonia Refugio Daypack
The Patagonia Refugio Daypack is one of the best backpacks for both outdoor adventures and daily commuting because it’s noticably lightweight and comfortable to carry.
The shell is made from 100% recycled polyester, which proved to be durable and water-resistant. The bag itself won’t weigh you down when it’s fully packed, and it has a breathable padding in the back. The interior has a removable 15-inch laptop sleeve, and ample storage space with extra organizational compartments. There’s even a side strap to keep your water bottle secure.
With 26 liters of space, there’s plenty of room for all of your belongings, but if you need to really pack things in tightly, the pliable material makes it easy. You can feel good about investing in a Patagonia product, as they’re one of our most consistent favorites among the top B Corp retail companies.
Best for commuters: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
The Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack is one of the best backpacks among members of the Insider Reviews team. It’s a wonderful carrier because of its eight-color and three-size options. The backpack’s quick-dry neoprene material is water-resistant, hand-washable, and perfect for gym trips, work commutes, and day hikes alike.
There’s an interior pocket to store your laptop and even a pouch to hold an extra pair of shoes. This work-life balance bag, as Dagne Dover describes it, is also insulated and evenly distributes weight to add comfort to its sophisticated design.
Best for college students: The North Face Jester Backpack
For a backpack apt for carrying books, your laptop, and other study essentials, look no further than The North Face Jester Backpack. We’ve selected North Face backpacks as top carriers for college in our best backpacks for students guide, notably for its bags with large laptop compartments.
Whether you’re commuting to class or en route to the library, the backpack’s durably-padded design features a large main compartment, two mesh water bottle pockets, and even a reflective bike-light loop for evening campus walking.
Best for work-to-gym: Caraa Stratus Backpack
Caraa is an up-and-coming indie brand that makes thoughtful considerations for the wearers of their designs. The Stratus backpack is no exception, with its mesh netting interior compartments and removable pouch. Its exterior features clever details, such as with an inconspicuous pocket placed strategically on the flat back panel, and its exterior is constructed with a weatherproof cloudlike nylon.
“Starting with the material, you’ll find that it’s incredibly lightweight (we’re talking nearly unnoticeable), like a handful of feathers,” says Insider Reviews Executive Editor Sally Kaplan. What’s more, there are vents at the bottom that air out any damp workout clothes so the inside always stays fresh.
