We buy all the products we test — no freebies from companies. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission, which helps support our testing.
The right backpack keeps everything where it belongs, blending comfort so seamlessly that you barely notice it's there.
Our gear experts have tested hundreds of backpacks since 2010, putting each through real-world scenarios like school, work, travel, and hiking. A great pack is essential for life's adventures.
The North Face Recon is the best general-use backpack for most people. It's a 30-liter pack with plenty of room for most needs, an excellent laptop sleeve, and nice organization for all your stuff. It is equally at home commuting to the office, on the trail, or traveling.
If you are looking for a great carry-on travel pack, check out the Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L. It's our favorite travel backpack that is comfortable, and offers 50% more storage capacity than most backpacks. It can carry heavy loads well and features compression straps to cinch it down tight.
Those seeking a simple daypack for use on the trail might like the lightweight REI Co-op Flash 22, which is an affordable minimalist pack.
Water bottle holders are harder to use while wearing
Who this is best for:The North Face Recon is ideal for travelers and commuters seeking a versatile, organized backpack. It excels in our laptop backpack review but could easily live in our daypack review or travel backpack review, too. Its 30-liter capacity fits a 16-inch laptop, with smart pockets for office, airport, or library organization. Designed for longer torsos and all-day comfort, it appeals to professionals and outdoor enthusiasts with reflective loops, a sternum whistle, and a water hose port for adventures.
Why we love it: Our testers raved about its padded back and straps, which provide lasting comfort, and its ability to stand upright, with one reviewer noting, “It stands up anywhere—super handy.” The pack's clever organization and larger size make it ideal for bringing everything for both work and play, the day or the weekend.
Should you buy it? This feature-rich backpack is a great value for commuting or travel, with excellent ergonomics and organization. It's a third of the price of most of the models that scored higher in our review. However, the unpadded center panel may cause discomfort when cycling, and the roomy third pocket can crowd the main compartment if overfilled. The durable water bottle pockets are stiff and hard to access without adjusting the bag. Its versatility and size make it less nimble than other laptop backpacks, and it's harder to slide under a seat when fully loaded.
Volume: 30 L | Electronic Storage: 16" laptop and small tablet
Rugged design provides structure and support for packing
Easy access pockets and organization features
Comfortable carrying harness system
REASONS TO AVOID
Bulky
Doesn't lay flat when unzipped
Who this is best for: The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is our favorite travel backpack that is perfect for use on vacation, business, or adventure travel. Its 46-liter capacity holds clothes and gear, with internal and external compression straps to manage the load. Ideal for adventurers or professionals, it features a padded laptop sleeve with external zippers for electronics protection. Made from durable, 100% recycled ripstop nylon, it resists water and wear, suiting those who need a reliable, rugged travel backpack. “It's a game-changer for staying mobile,” says one reviewer.
Why we love it: The Porter impresses with its durable, water-resistant 100% recycled ripstop nylon construction, protecting gear from rough surfaces and rain. Its comfortable harness—featuring a supportive back panel, padded straps, and a firm waist belt—distributes weight effectively for long-term wear. The padded laptop sleeve ensures electronics stay safe, while compression straps keep the 46-liter load compact. This backpack combines toughness and comfort, making it a standout for travelers prioritizing mobility and gear protection.
Should you buy it?: This pack excels as a single travel bag, but overpacking can make it bulky, as one tester noted: “It got a bit bulky when I crammed it full of clothes.” Stiff external compression straps add structure but prevent it from lying flat when unzipped, giving it a duffel-like feel rather than suitcase-like access. Still, its comfort and durability make it ideal for weekend or work trips. If mobility and durability are key, the Sojourn Porter is worth it; otherwise, explore alternatives for easier access.
Available Sizes: 30L, 46L, 65L | Pockets with Exterior Access: 5
Who this is best for: The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is ideal for office workers and commuters who prioritize laptop protection and is our top recommended option from our laptop backpack review. It's designed for those carrying tech daily, with a dedicated padded rear pocket for a 17-inch (or smaller) laptop and an additional padded sleeve in the main compartment. Its sleek design and premium build make it a great fit for professionals who value both style and function, especially those with lighter loads of flat items like folders and notebooks.
Why we love it: we appreciated the thoughtful organization system and its comfort more than anything else. The cushioned back and straps provide excellent support, even when fully loaded, and promote airflow to keep you cool. Testers rave about its reliability, with one noting, “It's my go-to—keeps my laptop safe and my back happy.” The water-resistant exterior and waterproof bottom add durability, protecting your gear from wet surfaces. It's a premium choice for laptop safety and everyday practicality.
Should you buy it?: This may be the ultimate daily pack, but it is quite expensive and has limited space. It is not ideal for weekend trips, because its shallow depth limits space for bulkier items like clothing, and the exterior pocket only fits slim water bottles. Our tester sums it up: “It's sleek, spendy, and small - perfect for the day user but not the traveler.”
Volume: 20 L | Electronic Storage: 17" laptop & tablet
Who this is best for: The Osprey Nebula 32 offers a sleek, supportive fit and practical features, seamlessly transitioning from school or work to weekend adventures. Osprey, renowned for backcountry innovation, earned top marks in our favorite school backpacks. This versatile daypack suits students with ample storage and smart pockets, while professionals and travelers appreciate its compact design, fitting a 17" laptop and featuring a TSA-approved clamshell compartment for easy access in class or at airports. One tester said, “I love how it handles my daily grind and still feels ready for a spontaneous trip.”
Why we love it: The Nebula safeguards your shoulders, back, and gear with a robust suspension system offering structure, padding, and all-day comfort. Its water-resistant exterior and sturdy frame with thick foam excel from daily use to weekend trails, biking, or markets. Students and adventurers alike appreciate its lightweight durability and outdoor-grade support. For tougher trips, swap your laptop for a hydration pack via the neck pass-through, making it adaptable for various activities.
Should you buy it?: The Nebula 32's comfort, protection, and versatility make it worth its high price for daily use, but cost-conscious buyers may opt for cheaper alternatives that perform well. Its bulky, versatile design doesn't fit easily under airline seats when loaded and prioritizes durability over a fast, light feel.
Volume: 32 L | Electronic Storage: 17" laptop compartment with sleeve
The Nebula is at home, work, and school, and there is a little rain shower on the trail.
Who this is best for: The Volher Travel is an affordable, tech-savvy daypack ideal for commutes, airport travel, or classroom use. Its versatility suits gym trips, carrying a 15" laptop, or even serving as a diaper bag. With 30 liters, cushioned padding, and smart pockets, it's packed with features for students, professionals, or parents on the go. “This is a backpack built for people on the move,” our reviewer stated, highlighting its transit-friendly design with USB and headphone ports, a velcro-secured laptop sleeve, lockable zippers, a thick grab handle, and a back strap for suitcase attachment.
Why we love it: It stands out for its low cost and feature-rich design, offering ample padding and thoughtful additions like USB and headphone ports, lockable zippers, and a suitcase attachment strap. Its 30-liter capacity and velcro-secured laptop sleeve provide organized storage for daily essentials or travel needs. Despite its budget-friendly price, it delivers a transit-ready setup that competes with pricier options, making it a compelling choice for those prioritizing affordability and convenience.
Should you buy it?: The affordability and features make the Volher appealing, but its cost-saving design compromises durability and comfort. Limited fit adjustments and a weak suspension system may cause back and shoulder strain with heavy loads. Durability issues, like weak stitching, fabric holes, and faulty parts—our test bag arrived with a broken USB port—raise concerns. “It's a steal for the price, but I worry it won't last,” our tester noted.
Volume: 30 L | Electronic Storage: 15" laptop sleeve
The Volher Travel is relatively stylish in terms of price. You can't thrash it and expect it to hold up.
Who this is best for: The Incase Icon is ideal for tech-savvy professionals, students, or travelers who need a backpack to protect and organize multiple devices. With a 17-liter capacity, it features a laptop pocket, an embedded sleeve for a second laptop, and a separate tablet pocket, making it perfect for those carrying extensive tech gear. Its wide array of auxiliary pockets ensures work essentials stay neatly arranged, excelling at keeping gadgets organized during commutes, work, or travel.
Why we love it: The Icon earns top marks for its exceptional organization and protection, offering three separate compartments to keep large items orderly. The dedicated laptop pocket, second laptop sleeve, and tablet pocket provide robust device security, while numerous auxiliary pockets accommodate other necessities. Its thoughtful, tech-focused design makes it a standout for anyone needing a reliable, organized way to carry multiple gadgets without sacrificing accessibility or safety.
Should you buy it?: The Icon's specialized, compartmentalized design is perfect for tech-heavy users, but its multiple compartments and pockets may not suit those who prefer a single main storage area. At 17 liters, it's versatile for gadgets and essentials, though highly tech-focused. If you need a backpack tailored for multiple devices and don't mind the structured layout, the Icon is a great investment; otherwise, simpler or photography-specific options may be worth considering.
Volume: 17 L | Electronic Storage: 15" laptop, second laptop, & tablet
Who this is best for: The REI Co-op Flash 22 is ideal for budget-conscious hikers, commuters, travelers, or backpackers seeking a lightweight daypack. Weighing just 0.8 lb, this minimalist 22-liter pack suits quick trail hikes, running, or daily use, with updated pockets, side water bottle pockets, an ice axe loop, and external lashing options. “I've even used this pack for running,” our tester remarked, noting its versatility for those prioritizing a featherweight, affordable option for short adventures or errands.
Why we love it: The Flash 22 impresses with its unbeatable value and surprising comfort for an ultralight pack. Its thin foam pad and ripstop nylon construction keep it durable yet easy to patch, while new pockets and lashing options enhance functionality. At just 0.8 lb, it's a standout for minimalist hikers or commuters who value simplicity and portability. “After a decade of use, the latest Flash sets the bar for affordable, featherweight daypacks,” making it a reliable choice for various activities.
Should you buy it?: This backpack offers exceptional value, but its single-layer ultralight fabric sacrifices some comfort and durability, especially with heavy loads. “It's light and cheap, but I feel the trade-off on longer hauls,” one tester noted. It may bounce during runs and struggles with heavier gear, as expected from a sub-one-pound pack. If you need an affordable, ultralight daypack for hiking, commuting, or travel and don't mind minimal padding, the Flash 22 is a great buy; otherwise, explore sturdier alternatives.
Who this is best for: The Osprey Talon 22 is perfect for day hikers, commuters, or outdoor enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, versatile daypack. Weighing just 1.7 lb, it excels on fast, light trips with a feature-packed design, including a hydration sleeve, ice axe loop, pole holders, helmet system, and light attachment. Its robust suspension and padded hip belt ensure comfort, making it ideal for trails or daily use. “It's perfect for any trail—keeps me cool and steady,” says one reviewer. Women testers particularly love the Osprey Tempest 20 for its tailored fit.
Why we love it: The Talon earns its lightweight favorite title in our daypack daypack review for its agile, comfortable design. The AirScape back panel boosts airflow to reduce sweat, while the flexible frame and padded hip belt provide stability and support. At 1.7 lb, it handles weight well, with features like a hydration sleeve and pole holders enhancing trail functionality. “It's my pick for quick hikes—super agile,” a tester noted, highlighting its seamless movement and durability for day hiking or commuting.
Should you buy it?: This pack shines for light, fast day trips but isn't suited for bulky loads or extra layers. Its premium features justify the cost for trail enthusiasts, but budget-conscious women hikers may prefer more affordable options. If you prioritize agility, airflow, and trail-ready features for hiking or commuting, the Talon 22 is a top choice; explore alternatives for more capacity or lower cost.
The Osprey Talon 22 on a cold fall evening. This pack has enough room and lashing options to pack extra layers.
Credit: Jacob Clark
How We Tested
Over the years here at GearLab, we've tested more backpacks than we can count. We tested packs on the trails, on our bikes, at school, at the airport, during our daily commutes, at the crag… You name it, and we've been there. Additionally, we take empirical and quantitative measurements like volume, weight, and size to compare models side by side in each category. For example, we have purchased thousands of ping pong balls to measure volume: we don't just take the manufacturer's word for it as we find many companies measure volume differently.
For this review, we compiled test results from over 300 different models in total, all purchased at retail prices from many of the same popular merchants you likely shop at. You see more details of how we test in each of our backpack reviews. For example, see how we test travel backpacks.
Illustrating our GearLab testing method for determining volume by filling a pack with ping pong balls and then pouring them into our calibrated cylinder for measurement.
Credit: Ally Arcuri
Why Trust GearLab
To lead the extensive testing for this review, we have four contributors well-versed in the world of backpacks. Myrha Colt lends her experience from a lifetime of travel. Having lived on 6 continents, working, playing, and studying, Myrha knows the value of being prepared for whatever the day brings and rarely leaves home without a backpack. She leads our school backpack testing and offers valuable insights into testing for other types of packs as well. Sam Schild is an avid backpacker with close to 10,000 miles of backpacking experience. His list of completed big trails includes the Grand Enchantment Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Colorado Trail. When he's not out on a backpacking trip, you can find him mountain biking or trail running in Colorado's Front Range or bikepacking somewhere in the American Southwest. He uses a backpack to carry all the essential gear on all his adventures. Hale Milano has lived life on the road as both a weekend warrior, global traveler, and weekday business traveler. He's logged hours in airports, trains, and other types of travel carrying gear on his back in everything from a satchel to a 100-liter duffel bag, to dedicated hiking backpacks and specialized travel backpacks. Ben Applebaum-Back is an outdoor guide and student and has used backpacks for everything from daily school and work commutes to thru-hiking trails in northern New England. In addition to these four, our team includes a host of experts who use different styles of backpacks for international travel, backpacking trips, and during their day-to-day commutes; each one maintains an eye for meticulous evaluation when putting these bags to the test.
The Talon's back panel is very comfortable while riding and didn't impact our riding position or range of motion.
Taking three of our favorite options out for a stroll. From left, the Osprey Flapjack, followed by the Burton Tinder, and last but not least, the North Face Borealis.
We've tested all kinds of backpacks in all kinds of situations and environments.
Our teams tested and rated all these backpacks for different qualities depending on the pack type and its intended use. We tested for durability, comfort, weight, features, volume, ease of use, water resistance, style, accessibility, and more. We packed and unpacked them all. We hiked, biked, and went through airport security with them. We loaded up our precious laptops and tablets in them. In short, we put all these backpacks through the wringer to find the best of the best.
What Type of Backpack Is Best For You?
Picking the right backpack matters for your needs. It should handle heavy gear, fit comfortably, and organize long-wear essentials. While backpacks can overlap in use, the best design ensures quick access, weather protection, or comfort on hikes. We'll guide you through pack types to match your priorities.
Where Do You Want Your Pack To Go?
Know your plans before picking a backpack. A work or school pack differs in size and shape from a travel or backpacking one. For hiking, choose small for quick day trips or larger for multi-day treks—or just a hydration pack for basics. The right pack boosts comfort and ease for hikes, commutes, or travel.
Water and weather protection is a key feature to look at in any bag. A backpack should keep your belongings safe, snug, and dry no matter how you plan to use them.
Credit: Hale Milano
Travel Backpacks
Travel backpacks suit planes, trains, buses, and cars. Our top travel backpacks feature a spacious, accessible main compartment, ample pockets for gear organization, and versatile carrying options like removable straps, slings, and padded handles.
These packs will usually have minimal external features, so they can easily be stuffed into overhead bins, car trunks, or other tight spaces. They are typically moderate in size — somewhere between the size of a daypack and a large backpacking backpack — in order to meet airline carry on size requirements and to maintain a comfortable carrying weight. Our favorite models have great internal organization features, protective electronics pockets, and comfortable harness systems.
Travel backpacks are great for getting all your luggage to wherever you're headed next.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Laptop Backpacks
Laptop backpacks are typically small to moderate in size and have specific design features meant to carry a laptop and other electronic devices. They usually have a well-padded internal sleeve or multiple sleeves to protect your laptop or tablet. They might have specially designed compartments for things like extra battery packs or charging cords. Because these bags carry delicate cargo, protection is one of the most important and heavily weighted factors we consider in our testing.
Most laptop bags have a more sleek and stylish look that fits into an office or urban setting. However, there is a wide range of options available today, and you can find some that look more sporty, techy, or minimalist. Laptop bags are a great option for protecting your valuable electronic equipment, and many have enough extra space for things like textbooks, lunches, gym clothes, a compact umbrella, and other essentials to complete your commute to work or school.
A great laptop bag can be hard to find, but is invaluable in protecting your electronics while you're on the move.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Daypacks
A great daypack usually has a fairly simple and versatile design that makes it ideal for any type of day trip. Those day trips can be on a hike, a bike ride, or even just a stroll around the city. Depending on your intended use, may value different specs in your daypack, but in general, the bags on your shortlist should be comfortable, versatile, and easy to use.
Daypacks balance size—big enough for snacks, layers, a first aid kit, and more, yet small enough to avoid excess bulk. Ideal for commuters with dual water bottle pockets (coffee and water) and space for essentials. Hiking models add technical perks like hydration sleeves, hip belt pockets, and straps for helmets, poles, ice axes, or skis.
Daypacks fit everything you could need for a day in the mountains or around town.
Credit: Scott Ring
The North Face Recon (right) easily fits a travel pillow and a large scarf into its external stretchy mesh pocket.
There's some reference to Goldilocks in this photo of the Osprey Mutant 38 (left) and 52.
Going for an evening stroll with the North Face Borealis Sling.
We've tested dozens of kinds of bags for all different types of trips from around home to up the mountain to across the globe.
Our sling bag review also features fanny packs. Sling bags can provide a great place to store water, snacks, and your wallet, keys, and phone, but stay off your shoulders and back to reduce strain.
Bike commuters who want to reduce strain on their back, neck, and shoulders while riding can also use bike panniers that clip onto your bike rack. Some models even convert to backpacks.
Women's Backpacks
Many hiking daypacks and backpacking packs come in women's specific sizing, too. Although many women can and do comfortably wear men's or unisex models, women's packs are usually sized to more closely fit women's anatomy. This means a women's pack usually has a shorter torso length, narrower-set shoulder straps, and a wider hip belt.
How to Pick the Best Backpack for You
Once you've figured out the backpack style that best suits your needs, looking at the specific design features of different individual models will help you narrow down the field considerably.
Pack Size: Storage Volume and Weight
Choosing the right pack size depends on what kind of gear you need to carry and for how long you need to carry it. A bigger pack will obviously be able to hold more gear than a smaller one, but it will almost always weigh more than a smaller pack. This might not be so important if you're just carrying your pack on the bus or to the office, but it becomes more critical if you're hauling gear for longer distances or time periods — like around town for a full day, on a long hike, or on a multi-day backpacking trip.
Smaller and lighter packs usually have more minimalist features for supporting heavier loads and tend to get uncomfortable more quickly once you load them near their full capacity. Conversely, heavier packs with more robust suspension systems might feel awkward if they're only minimally loaded but will feel more balanced and comfortable when loaded with an appropriate weight that utilizes the hip belt and suspension system.
General Sizing Guidelines
Depending on your intended use, most packs will fall into these general size ranges:
5 liters to 20 liters: Most hydration packs and smaller daypacks; ideal for fast and light outings of a few hours.
15 liters to 30 liters: Most daypacks, school bags, and laptop backpacks; ideal for a full day's worth of gear for work, school, hiking, or around town.
30 liters to 45 liters: Larger daypacks, most travel backpacks, and smaller technical hiking and climbing packs; ideal for an overnight or weekend outing.
45 liters to 60 liters: Larger technical hiking and climbing packs and smaller backpacking packs; ideal for 2-4 day outings.
If you're looking for a versatile, softshell, briefcase-style travel pack, look no further than the Patagonia MLC, which at 45 liters in size, is the ideal travel and carry-on size.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Comfort and Fit
All backpacks have shoulder straps and a back panel. What sets different packs apart from one another in terms of comfort and fit is a suspension system is what distributes the weight of the pack between your shoulders and hips. If a pack has no suspension, then all of its weight will rest squarely on your shoulders. This is okay for lightweight loads, but for heavier loads, it will be a pain in the shoulders.
The most comfortable and supportive suspension systems include an internal frame that supports the weight of the pack, a padded hip belt that transfers the load to your hips, shoulder straps that comfortably help balance the load, load lifter straps that help adjust how the pack sits on your back, and a supportive and ventilated back panel. Together, these pieces make for a comfortable pack capable of carrying heavier loads more efficiently.
A pack's hip belt is just as important as the shoulder straps. Generally speaking, the more cushioned a hip belt is, the more comfortable it will be. A hip belt should also be wide enough to not dig into your hips or stomach. But, if a hip belt is too wide that can also cause discomfort. Hip belt comfort is very dependent on body type. So, it's best to try a few different packs to figure out what works best for your body.
A pack's hip belt is important for comfort, but not everyone finds the same qualities in a hip belt comfortable.
Credit: Jeff Mogavero
Lastly, a pack's back panel is what rests on your back. Not all back panels are created equally. A good back panel will have enough cushion to rest comfortably on your body. Our favorite back panels are made with some sort of mesh material to allow air to flow between the pack and your body. We've all had a sweaty back from wearing a backpack on a hot day; this mesh helps with that.
The trampoline-style mesh back panel of the Gregory Optic 58 does a good job of letting out moist warm air from behind your back.
Credit: Elizabeth Paashaus
Other Pack Features
It's important to look for a pack that has the features that you need and doesn't have a bunch of extras that you don't need. Don't just buy a pack with a lot of features because it has a lot of features. Buy a pack with the specific features you need. These extras are usually simple in design but have a specific intended use.
The convenient top zipper pocket is a handy spot to stash snacks, keys, wallets, or phones for easy access.
The hip belt pockets on the Endo 15 are useful for keeping small items easily accessible.
Knowing what you will bring helps you figure out what volume and organizational features are right for you.
If you plan to regularly carry a laptop in your backpack, then be sure it has a protective pocket or sleeve for a laptop. If you need to carry multiple drink bottles, get a bag with big, functional water bottle pockets. If you want to quickly access a rain jacket or other layers without opening your pack, then get a pack with a big enough outside mesh pocket.
If you're using your pack for travel, get one with enough compartments to carry what you plan to travel with and keep that stuff organized. If you want a pack that carries a hydration bladder, be sure it has a designated sleeve for that. If you need to carry a sleeping pad on the outside of your pack, be sure it has straps and buckles for that.
If you're going traveling with a pack it's helpful to have a wide opening to see all your gear.
Credit: Hayley Thomas
Conclusion
This guide should help make your backpack-buying decision a little bit easier. Be realistic about your goals and needs. The aforementioned list of packs is the best of the best. So, choose the one that fits your needs the best from this list and get out there. Rest assured that we will keep buying, using, and reviewing the best backpacks in the industry to keep this list current.
—Myrha Colt, Sam Schild, Hale Milano, and Ben Applebaum-Bauch
