Handy for far more than just carrying around books in your grade school days, the best backpacks are among some of the most useful men’s accessories ever invented. Unlike sling bags that don’t evenly distribute weight, backpacks even displace the weight on both shoulders, allowing you to carry stuff without compromising your back, as most modern backpacks are designed to offer really comfortable and cushioned shoulder straps.
When choosing the right backpack for you, it’s important to consider style, capacity (usually measured in liters), the number of compartments, reviews, and price. And if you need a backpack for a specific purpose, such as securely transporting your work or school laptop, it’s important to find a design that’s up for the task. Most backpacks now come with a laptop sleeve that’s tucked away so it won’t interfere with the other items you need to store.
Whether you’re looking for a dedicated laptop backpack, a backpack for day hikes, a backpack for commuting, or a backpack for the gym, we’ve got you covered with these 12 options for any activity. With vibrant colorways, handy features, and plenty of storage space, these backpacks will help you get to wherever your travels take you — and will take you there in style.
Ranking the Best Men’s Backpacks of 2020:
For Spring and Summer 2020, these are the top backpacks to consider. Check out our list and keep reading for our review of each specific product.
- Topo Designs Rover Backpack ($99.00)
- Patagonia Atom Backpack ($79.00)
- Mission Workshop Rhake Backpack ($370.00)
- The North Face Jester Backpack ($95.15)
- Herschel Little America Backpack ($71.64)
- Incase CL55452 City Compact Backpack ($79.00)
- JanSport Right Backpack ($56.90)
- Timbuk2 Authority Backpack ($129.00)
- Killspencer Utility Daypack Backpack ($675.00)
- Rains Field Backpack ($89.00)
- Winter Session Waxed Canvas Backpack ($289.00)
- Epperson Mountaineering Climb Backpack ($180.00)
1. Best Backpack for Men – Topo Designs Rover Backpack
BEST OVERALL
The Colorado-based Topo Designs has its roots in outdoor gear, which makes all of their packs ready-made to hit the mountain, slope, airport, and classroom in equal measure. The Rover is the brand’s classic daybag that’s constructed with versatility in mind, featuring a tough nylon exterior for extended use, an internal laptop sleeve, a spacious interior compartment, and a zipper front pocket for quick access. With a variety of visually striking patterns, there are all sorts of options to fit your personal stylish preference. You’ll happily reach for the Rover time and time again, knowing you can count on it to satisfy all of your needs.
2. Patagonia Atom Backpack
RUNNER UP
Patagonia frequently makes some of the absolute best gear around, so if you don’t spring for that Topo Designs bag for whatever reason, this Atom backpack is a fantastic secondary option. While its exterior is inherently minimalist, the interior is anything but: a dedicated laptop ensures safe and secure storage while a bountiful interior offers plenty of room for your daily essentials. The exterior is durable enough to hold up if it gets tossed around, while breathable mesh on the back makes it so your back doesn’t get too sweaty when you’re carrying it.
3. Mission Workshop Rhake Backpack
BEST FOR TRAVEL
If you’re flying and want plenty of room to gear a variety of items, Mission Workshop’s Rhake travel backpack is the bag for you. Whether it’s camera gear, a laptop, or even extra clothes, the Rhake has significant storage room to stuff it full of whatever you need to bring with you — while making sure you’re still comfortable. Totally weatherproof, you don’t have to worry about the elements. The real game-changer has to be the included luggage handle sleeve, making it easy to tote through the airport from flight to flight.
4. The North Face Jester Backpack
BEST FOR COLLEGE
It’s no secret that we love North Face bags. And college students in need of an all-purpose bag that can conveniently hold a variety of textbooks and a laptop will find The North Face’s Jester backpack a helpful solution. With plenty of storage room and a comfortable set of straps, it’s great for campus strolls. Plus, its floating padded laptop sleeve can hold up to a 15″ computer and provides a bit of cushion should the bag get tossed around a bit too much.
Buy: The North Face Jester Backpack $95.15
5. Herschel Little America Backpack
BEST VALUE
Herschel was a frequent entry on our list of the best backpacks for college students, and their entire product line is worth a look. Sitting at the intersection of affordability and elegance is this striking backpack from Herschel. Accented with synthetic leather straps, the brand’s Little America backpack evokes classic mountaineering-style bag. A toploading drawing string closure provides extra security and plenty of storage. Plus, it has the luxury of being an Amazon’s Choice product with more than 4,500 reviews and an average of 4.5 stars.
Buy: Herschel Little America Backpack $71.64
6. Incase CL55452 City Compact Backpack
BEST LAPTOP BAG
Incase backpacks fall into the category of often imitated, never matched. If you’re looking for a modern laptop bag with a minimalist design, then go for the Incase City Backpack. At just $80, it’s an affordable laptop backpack that will carry all of your tech and EDC gear with ease. This laptop is designed to securely hold a 15″ laptop while you travel, commute or head to school, with enough room leftover to hold books, clothes or gym gear. Both the laptop compartment and shoulder straps are padded, so you can protect your devices and back at the same time.
Buy: Incase CL55452 City Compact Backpack $79.96
7. JanSport Right Backpack
BEST CLASSIC
JanSport’s classic style backpack — otherwise known as the Right — more than likely evokes feelings of nostalgia from your days of grade school. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it; while it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop sleeve or anything of the like, it’s great to use as an overnight backpack or just a general holdall in a pinch. Plus, you’ll get bonus points for rocking a throwback classic.
Buy: JanSport Right Backpack $59.99
8. Timbuk2 Authority Backpack
BEST FOR COMMUTING
Whether you’re head to the office on a bike, bus, or public transport, you’re going to want a backpack that will safely and securely hold your laptop and other essentials through the hustle and bustle. Fortunately, the Timbuk2 Authority backpack does just this. A dedicated rear laptop sleeve keeps your computer close to your back and provides more space in the main compartment for other items, bottom buckles can provide quick access to something like an umbrella or rain jacket, and the grab handle is durable for quick lifting.
Buy: Timbuk2 Authority Backpack $114.99
9. Killspencer Utility Daypack Backpack
BEST LEATHER BACKPACK
If you’re looking for the best black backpacks for men, you’re spoiled for choice, as this list proves. But if you’re specifically hunting for a premium leather backpack from a brand you can trust, you can’t do better than Killspencer’s Utility Daypack Backpack. Made from a combination of full-grain black leather and suede, this Killspencer bag is made entirely in the USA from premium materials for a truly luxury and elegant backpack. The price might give you pause, but Killspencer bags will last for years with virtually no wear and tear. This bag comes with a compartment for everything, including a separate zippered laptop compartment that will fit 15″ laptops. Plus, the exterior of the backpack is entirely waterproof.
10. Rains Field Backpack
BEST WATERPROOF BACKPACK
Mother Nature is often unpredictable — and the last thing you want to have your gear ruined by getting caught in the rain. That’s why the aptly named Rains Field backpack is a great option for those who want an entirely waterproof backpack. The minimalist option is sleek and refined, offering plenty of interior space (its capacity is 16 liters) and a dedicated laptop sleeve. But that waterproof material will be a godsend if you’re caught off guard.
11. Winter Session Waxed Canvas Backpack
MOST STYLISH
Style shouldn’t stop at how you dress but should also extend to the accessories you carry too. Case and point: this eye-catching waxed canvas backpack from Winter Session. Made from a waxed canvas that’s only going to look better the more you use it, the backpack has two side bottle holders, a quilted back panel for comfort, a padded laptop sleeve, and other storage options. Get the form, without ever having to sacrifice function.
12. Epperson Mountaineering Climb Backpack
BEST SPORT PACK
Who says stylish backpacks and hiking backpacks can’t be one and the same thing? While this backpack from Epperson Mountaineering was originally designed for heavy outdoor and climbing use, it’s more than capable of fulfilling the need of a dedicated sports bag. The Daisy chain webbing makes it easy to cinch the bag down or up depending on how much gear you need to fit into it, while the Cordura nylon fabric can be easily cleaned after you toss sweaty clothes into its seam-sealed inner compartments. Plus, if you need it, there is a dedicated laptop sleeve.
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