Best Everyday Carry Backpacks
Check our special EDC backpack buyers’ guide after the list to see exactly what you should pay attention to before purchasing an everyday carry bag.
Nomatic Backpack: Best overall EDC backpack
The Nomatic Backpack is hands down the best everyday backpack out there. It steals the show in all the major categories: durability, useful features, and style appeal.
The best part of the Nomatic Backpack? The pending strap system. This allows you to seamlessly transition from backpack to briefcase in a matter of minutes. Head to the office with your bag on your back for optimum speed and comfort. Just before your meeting, transform your EDC backpack into a briefcase for a more professional look.
The bag is a slim but totally adequate 20 litres. It can also expand to 24 litres on days when you also need your gym kit or a change of clothes for your Friday night date.
Inside, you’ve got the all-important laptop sleeve. There’s also a sunglasses case so you always have your shades handy.
Hidden pockets and RFID storage keep your cards protected from theft. There’s also a retractable key leash, plus magnetic water bottle pockets so you can stay hydrated with minimum hassle.
All in all, this is one super functional rucksack, which—with its boxy black profile—also looks effortlessly cool on your back.
Best for: a feature-heavy backpack certain to make your life easier.
SHOP NOW
Size: 20 to 24L (15.5 x 11.5 x 1.5 inches)
Material: Waterproof tarpaulin
Available colours: Black
Tom Ford Full-Grain Leather: Best high-end backpack
While your average backpack might be practical and sensible, it can also be a bit boring.
At the other end of the spectrum, you have this Tom Ford Everyday Backpack. Proof—if you needed it—that rucksacks aren’t just for school kids and students.
If your usual messenger bag is in need of replacing, and you fancy making a sartorial statement on your daily commute, this backpack is sure to draw some admiring glances. The high quality of both the materials and construction are obvious to even the least fashion-savvy observer.
Crafted in Italy from a rich and soft full-grain leather, this thoroughly grown-up and sophisticated Tom Ford backpack just screams deluxe, with a chunky gold-tone zipper in opulent high-contrast to the jet-black body.
The interior is big enough to fit all your essentials: phone, wallet, laptop, or tablet. Pair with a smart jacket and trendy sneakers and you can turn even the most boring working day into something special.
Best for: those with a taste for life’s finer things.
SHOP NOW
Size: 16.1 x 11.8 inches
Material: Full-grain leather
Available colours: Black
Under Armour Hustle 4 Backpack: Best value
If you’re in the market for a budget-friendly everyday backpack, this functional and high-performance Hustle 4.0 Backpack from Under Armour could be the one. As the name suggests, it’s the ideal backpack for your daily hustle.
UA Storm technology makes this rucksack capable of battling all the elements. A next-level water-resistant finish will keep all your electricals and documents dry, no matter how bad the weather gets, while HeatGear fabric straps will keep your body cool so you can arrive at the office sleek and sweat-free.
As well as the laptop sleeve, you’ve got pockets on the front, a laundry or shoe pocket at the bottom—ideal for storing trainers for a lunch break workout—and two side pockets for water bottles.
This backpack comes in a whole range of colours. Our favourites include the academy blue and silver combination and the more classic black. But you’re the boss. Have a browse and see what appeals.
Best for: a wallet-friendly everyday backpack that can survive the most gruelling of workdays.
SHOP NOW
Size: 25L (19.3 x 13 x 9.5 inches)
Material: Water-resistant polyester and elastane with textile lining
Available colours: A range including blue, grey, and green
Aer Fit Pack 2: Best all-black backpack
Commuting is never fun. Whether it’s fighting for a seat on the train or queuing for a coffee in a crowded cafe, you’d always rather be back in bed. But with Aer’s Fit Pack 2 backpack accompanying you on your morning mission, it will suddenly feel a whole lot easier.
This has to be one of the most versatile everyday backpacks on our list. In simple and sophisticated black, it can be worn with any workwear, whether that’s a classic suit or a casual shirt and chinos, over a jacket in winter, or with a t-shirt in summer.
The Fit Pack 2 provides ample storage space without being at all bulky. You’ll have no problem fitting in gym and work essentials. There’s a quick-access top pocket where you can store your ID or phone charger for minimum faffing. A padded mesh back panel is comfortable and breathable.
Best for: unfussy practicality with a low-key aesthetic.
SHOP NOW
Size: 18.8L (18.5 x 12.5 x 8 inches)
Material: Water-resistant Cordura ballistic nylon
Available colours: Black, navy, and grey
Heimplanet Original: Best minimalist
Research has shown that our commutes are longer than they’ve ever been—around 30 minutes each way. Anything you can do to make this daily chore more manageable is worth it.
One good place to start is with a comfortable and high-performance everyday backpack that can carry all your essentials without putting stress on your back. The best backpacks, like the Heimplanet Original, are unfussy and straightforward. They do everything that you require from a rucksack—and do so in a no-nonsense way that’s perfect for minimalists.
The Heimplanet Original has a simple and clean aesthetic. The internal compartment can fit laptops up to 15 inches. There are also two rows of MOLLE webbing so you can put in additional pouches for further organisation.
Whether you just need to transport your laptop and lunchbox around the city, or want something durable and hard-wearing for outdoor adventures at the weekends, this is the backpack for you. No matter how demanding your day, this backpack—one of the best daily backpacks on the market—will take a load off your shoulders.
Best for: the minimalist commuter seeking a striped-back-to-basics aesthetic.
SHOP NOW
Size: 18L (18.9 x 5.91 x 12.6 inches)
Material: Cordura nylon
Available colours: Black, blue, and grey
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack: Best tech bag
If you’re looking for a practical and unfussy everyday backpack that can store all your tech gear, from laptops and tablets to cables and chargers, then take a look at this rucksack by Matein.
This feature-heavy backpack has heaps of storage space, including front pockets for stashing pens, notebooks, cards, and other assorted knick-knacks. There’s also an anti-theft safe pocket on the back for your most valuable items and a USB port so you can charge as you walk.
There’s a grab-and-go handle for speedy exits and the back is padded and ventilated for optimum support. The luggage strap means it can slide on top of a suitcase for easy carrying when travelling.
Whether you’re a student needing something super functional to carry around campus, or an avid techie with lots of gadgets to transport to and from the office, this everyday backpack will quickly become your new best friend.
Best for: for keeping all your tech organised and secure.
SHOP NOW
Size: 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches
Material: Water-resistant polyester
Available colours: Grey
Hugo Boss Crosstown Leather Backpack: Best luxury designer EDC backpack
You can’t judge a book by its front cover but you can judge a man’s by his backpack—in our opinion at least. So send out all the right signals with this Crosstown Leather Backpack by Hugo Boss.
This Hugo Boss backpack is a high-end everyday backpack that wouldn’t look out of place in the front row of Paris Fashion Week.
On the smaller end of the spectrum, but still bigger than a sling bag, this luxury everyday carry backpack is an ideal choice for those who only need to transport the essentials: phone, laptop, charger, and perhaps a water bottle.
The full-grain leather is supple and tactile while the padded mesh back provides additional comfort. The straps are adjustable so you can modify as necessary. We recommend teaming with one of the best men’s wallets. Because why stop at one stylish accessory when you can have two?
Keep your head in the fashion game with this exclusive rucksack that will look as good on the way to work in the morning as it does walking into the cocktail bar at happy hour.
Best for: lovers of luxury who are seeking a high-end but practical everyday carry.
SHOP NOW
Size: 40 cm x 30 cm x 16 cm
Material: Full-grain leather
Available colours: Black
Arc’teryx Arro 22: Best modern design
If you’re worried rucksacks are more the remit of happy campers than stylish and streetwise urban adventurers, the Arc’teryx Arro 22 is here to prove you wrong.
This ultra edgy and modern backpack will carry you firmly into the 21st century with a fashion-forward aesthetic that’s interesting without being too ostentatious.
The shape is ergonomic and streamlined, fitting all the features into one easy-to-carry package for you to slip on and whizz off around the city. It can fit a standard 15-inch laptop, and, to ensure maximum comfort, you’ve got dual-density shoulder straps, a hip belt, and a thermoformed back panel.
The bag also features a key clip to save you from rummaging around and a water bladder compartment and hose clip so you can stay hydrated as you race through the day.
Best for: a cool and contemporary everyday carry backpack.
SHOP NOW
Size: 22L (24 x 16 x 7 inches)
Material: Cordura nylon
Available colours: Black, blue, grey, and green
Herschel Heritage Backpack: Best for school
A reliable backpack is a campus essential. Between lectures and the library, you need something sturdy and dependable on your back. The best student-friendly backpacks are those that are affordable and hard-wearing. The Herschel Heritage is a great example.
Herschel creates good-quality and functional backpacks for the ‘everyday traveller.’ Those always on the go, from dawn till dusk, who need a trustworthy companion to haul textbooks and laptops around for them.
This backpack is strong and durable, able to survive a fair bit of abuse and bad weather. Inside, there’s the brand’s signature striped cotton lining as well as plenty of space for your computer, papers, folders, and even some spare clothes. All without looking overstuffed and bulky from the outside.
It’s simple and straightforward with no fussy extraneous features. It does what it needs to do and does it well.
Best for: students seeking something cool and campus-friendly.
SHOP NOW
Size: 18 x 12.25 x 5.5 inches
Material: Heavyweight cotton canvas
Available colours: A wide range including black, brown, and blue
Brooks England Pickwick Leather Backpack: Best for work
The Pickwick Backpack by Brooks England is a unique and eye-catching bag. This creative solution to the question of everyday carry items certainly scores plenty of points on the style factor.
With no exterior pockets cluttering up the exterior and an unusual roll-top opening, the bag instantly conveys effortless elegance. It’s crafted in Italy from long-lasting perforated leather and, at 26 litres, there’s ample space to fit a laptop and any other essentials.
Cyclists will be happy to hear that the bag also features reflective backing to provide high visibility when you’re out biking at night.
This is the ideal work backpack—even if you work from home. Spacious, functional, and hard-wearing, it would make a super stylish addition to a suit. And on casual Fridays, it will look fab with a summer shirt or bomber jacket.
Best for: an EDC backpack and those who cycle to work.
SHOP NOW
Size: between 21L and 26L (48 x 31 x 15 cm)
Material: Perforated leather
Available colours: Black
Bellroy Classic Plus: Best backpack for the weekend
At the weekend, you’re likely to need a practical carry item to transport your kit around the city or out in the countryside, meeting friends for brunch, or heading off for a hike.
This smart black backpack by Bellroy is destined to become your casual wear accessory of choice. Team with jeans and a fresh white t-shirt and you’re good to go. And capture the best of laid-back downtown style with the addition of a pair of top-quality headphones.
Of course, a backpack shouldn’t just look good. It should feel good too. This one fulfils all comfort requirements with a contoured panel to allow your back to breath and a sternum strap for added support.
One of the best all-purpose backpacks, Bellroy’s classic rucksack is super durable with YKK zippers—widely considered the best available. It’s also made from water-resistant polyester and leather.
Best for: action-loving individuals who are always ready for the weekend.
SHOP NOW
Size: 22L (20 x 12.2 x 11.8 inches)
Material: Water-resistant polyester and leather
Available colours: A wide range including black, green, and charcoal
Osprey Quasar 28 Backpack: Best for travel
Got a major case of wanderlust? Always dreaming of your next adventure? Then you need a dependable backpack to complement the thrill of the open road. Osprey’s innovative designs combine the highest quality materials with an intuitive understanding of what looks cool. The Osprey’s Quasar could be the travel buddy you’ve been waiting for.
Inside you’ll find a padded laptop and tablet sleeve—because no modern-day traveller goes anywhere without their gadgets. Stretch mesh side pockets allow for easy access to water bottles, suncream, and other traveller essentials.
And you can use the front stretch bungee to transport your jacket or bike helmet.
It’s not just for outdoor adventures either. The Quasar looks just as good on city streets as it does on dirt trails.
Check out our rundown of the best travel backpacks for more inspiration.
Best for: jetsetters eager to hit the road with a reliable travel companion.
SHOP NOW
Size: 28L (19.5 x 13 x 10 inches)
Material: Nylon
Available colours: A wide range including black, green, and blue
SwissGear ScanSmart: Best backpack for commuting
While we all dream of quitting the rat race and taking early retirement, for most of us, commuting to work is an inescapable daily reality. So why not invest in an accessory that makes this chore more enjoyable?
SwissGear’s ScanSmart backpack has all the features necessary to help you stay ahead. It’s one of the top city backpacks, a great commuting rucksack, and one of the best EDC backpacks available.
On the train and realise you forgot to reply to an email? Slip out your laptop from the easy access compartment and get typing. Reading the newspaper and some exciting opportunity catches your eye? Grab a pen from the front pocket and circle it there and then.
Need a sip of water? There’s a bottle compartment. Starting to rain? There’s an umbrella compartment.
Heading off on a business trip? ScanSmart lay-flat technology allows you to speed through TSA checkpoints without having to remove your laptop.
This is easily one of the best urban backpacks on our list. Made of 1200D ballistic polyester, it can survive heavy use and abuse, and has the potential to make your commute one of the best parts of your day.
Best for: making your commute smoother and more efficient.