The Best Backpack Brands Compared & Reviewed 2023

by Daniel | Last Updated Jan 10th, 2023

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Do you ever ask yourself, what is the best backpack company?
Sometimes finding the best backpack brands can be a bit of a challenge.
Backpacks are one of the best and easiest pieces of luggage to carry for any trip or even to work.

They can act as your primary piece of luggage or as your entertainment bag for long trips. Most quality luggage companies make some of the best backpack brands which are fantastic for traveling or just regular use.

While you can use different types of backpacks every day as a form of luggage when you purchase one of the best backpack brands that included considerations made for long trips, work, or school you quickly find that it is much easier to get around and stay organized. 

The lightest EDC luggage pieces are almost always backpacks, but there are some features that you want to look for in the following reviews of the best backpack brands to ensure that you can best find what you need when you need it. Not only will things move around whilst you are on the go, but the contents of your backpack will also be moved around while you look for things.

The best backpack brands take this into account and give you additional features like compartments for carrying headphones, mobile phones, laptops, and compartments for small EDC items you are likely to need during a trip or going to work for the day. They are also made of much sturdier material than average backpack brands. Best of all luggage companies also tend to offer a much wider range of colors and designs on their backpacks than on other pieces of luggage.

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BEST BACKPACKS BRANDS

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1. Herschel Supply Co. Classic
Best Backpacks Review

The Herschel Supply Co. was founded in 2009, but the Classic Backpacks by Herschel shows why they have gotten to be so popular since the company’s founding. The Herschel Supply Co Classic backpacks are both stylish and functional and one of the most affordable backpack brands on the market.

With a minimalist look, these EDC backpacks have everything you need for traveling light, short trips, or even just going to work each day.​

The exterior of the Herschel bags is made of a sturdy polyester that can take all of the use and rough handling your backpack is sure to take on the way to your destination and on the way home.

As you probably expect, the Herschel Supply Classic backpacks come in a wide assortment of colors and patterns, giving you plenty of options to find a look that best fits your style. 

• Black, Beech crosshatch
• Captain’s blue, Caramel, Carrot
• Dark shadow, Deep lichen green
• Eclipse crosshatch
• Grey
• Indian teal
• Light grey crosshatch, Limoges crosshatch/white polka dot

• Navy
• Pelican
• Raven crosshatch
• Shadow 
• Windsor wine, Winetasting crosshatch
• Steller
• Navy/Black Bandana
• Woodland Camo

The front section functions like any other backpack brand store writing implements, earphones, credit cards, external hard drives, or any other little thing that you may need while you are waiting to arrive at your destination. The interior of the EDC bag is lined with a bright stripe material that is red and white signature Herschel Supply fabric. 

The backpack straps are adjustable, so after a long day at work, you can let them out a little to let your shoulders rest. It is large enough to hold most laptops and books. If you are the kind of person who wants to use your backpack for more than just travel, this is one of the best backpack brands for daily use.

That way you can easily remove items you don’t need for a trip and add the few things that you do need for work or school. The Herschel Supply Classic Backpacks are durable enough to handle regular use, long trips, and then return to the usual without any trouble.

• PROS
• A large choice of designs
• One of the best backpacks for work or school
• Reasonably priced

• CONS
• Lacks internal pocket

Read The Best Herschel Backpacks 

2. Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

Fjallraven is a top backpack brand of durable EDC backpacks for your electronic devices. The Fjallraven Kanken laptop backpacks are specially designed to protect your belongings so that you can get around with them without worrying about harming them when your bag bangs up against stuff.

It is designed in a way that also keeps the bag closed, unlike the other types of backpack brands. There are handles on the front and the back so that if you forget to zip it, you don’t have to worry about your stuff spilling out onto the ground.

This particular EDC backpack brand and model actually has a long history. It was first released in 1978, long before electronic devices were a common item for travel.

The newest design takes into account the needs of modern-day travelers while keeping the distinctive look of the original. The result is an incredibly durable product with a long history of being one of the best backpack brands on the market.

The Fjallraven Kanken is able to hold laptops up to 15 inches in its laptop compartment. The front section can hold small objects that you may need while you are on the go, such as earphones, pens, external hard drives, or electric razors.

The interior is designed to hold your computer in place so that it isn’t jostled too much while you are on the go. The distinctive Fjallraven Kanken logo creates an interesting look and feel whilst making it easy to identify if you decide to check it. It is also designed to act as a reflector, making you more visible to drivers when you are out walking at night. 

The shoulder straps are not only adjustable but are padded so that they don’t cut into your shoulders if you have to walk with it for hours. In addition to the unique look, the Fjallraven Kanken also has a removable seat pad.

• PROS
• Perfect backpack for school or work
• High-quality material and design
• Cool backpacks for men or women
• Laptop compartment
• Padded straps

• CONS
• A slightly more expensive backpack brand
  

3. Reebow Gear Military Tactical Backpack

The Reebow Gear backpack looks like a military-approved bag and is designed to be just as sturdy and reliable as it is made with very durable fabric.

From the incredibly durable exterior to the heavy-duty zippers and overhang that keep the zipper from damage, this Reebow Gear backpack is able to go pretty much anywhere without you having to worry about it being able to withstand anything you may encounter. 

The exterior is made from nylon and coated to make it water-resistant. The back is padded so that the contents of your bag do not poke you and cause bruising if you end up walking around for hours with your EDC backpack. The straps are easy to adjust and are wide to more evenly distribute the weight.

The backpack’s brand has a unique look as well. The zip is covered with a small canopy, minimizing its exposure to things that could break the zipper’s teeth. The front pocket has a matching overhang, making sure that the contents don’t spill out. 

The inside of the Reebow Gear backpack can hold a fair amount of content which is great for school, camping, or hiking.

The laptop compartment is padded to secure your laptop or mobile phone that you need to take with you. There is a small mesh compartment inside as well, giving you a way to secure little items, like bottles of lotion, toothpaste, or other things that you don’t want rolling around with your other belongings.

• PROS
• Water-resistant 
• Internal section for storage
• Heavy-duty zippers
• Great for school 
• Laptop pocket

• CONS
• Not as many color options as other backpack brands

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4. Topo Designs Men’s Rover Pack

For a really unique look that takes you back to your childhood, the Topo designs flap pack is ideal. While causing you to smile at its friendly appearance, these backpacks are incredibly durable and perfect for long trips or just everyday use such as school or work.

The material used for every aspect of this bag is made for years of use. Even the hardware, such as the straps and snaps, are made from heavy-duty plastic so that it will withstand long and difficult trips. 

While working to make sure that the Topo designs backpacks are able to withstand long and difficult trips, they are also made for your comfort.

The back is padded and the straps are contoured to keep from cutting into your shoulders. The breathable mesh on the back also keeps it clean and dry.

The top flap completely covers the contents and the heavy-duty straps that secure the flap ensure that your stuff remains safe and dry. 

As much time and thought have been put into the exterior, the interior was treated with the same level of detail and consideration.

The internal laptop sleeve will keep your computer safe. The interior pocket has a zipper that will keep other items such as earphones contained and secured. The front zipper gives you a way to carry smaller items so that they don’t get lost in the depths of the main section of these EDC backpacks. 

• PROS
• Comfortable design
• Laptop padded sleeve 
• Heavy-duty plastic hardware
• Laptop compartment

• CONS
• Slightly expensive

5. Chrome Unisex Barrage

For a completely unique look, the Chrome Unisex Barrage Backpacks are a great choice and a stylish backpack. It can secure your stuff and keep it protected while looking great. The exterior is made of a durable material that is waterproof.

You can also keep your electronics and liquids secured separately in the two different interior sections of this everyday backpack as there is a decent amount of storage space.

Chrome does recommend having a cover for your laptop as the interior is not padded. However, there is a pocket designed for the average laptop, so your laptop will be secure. There are also pockets on either side of these EDC backpacks so that you can carry water or other bottled drinks. 

If you are a cyclist or ride a motorcycle, this is probably your best option because there is an adjustable cargo net system for storing your helmet or shoes. The padded shoulder straps are made to be Ergonomically correct so that you can hold your back in comfort and protect your back. It also comes in three color pairings:

• Graphite and crimson
• Indigo and black
• Ranger and black

If you need something that is really durable, can carry a lot of unique equipment, and the usual types of stuff found in the best backpacks, the Chrome Unisex Barrage backpack is a great choice, and one of the best backpacks on this list

• PROS
• Waterproof 6oo denier military-grade truck tarpaulin liner
• Up to 26L of storage
• Two interior compartments

• CONS
• Slightly narrow 

6. Nike SB RPB Skateboarding

As you would expect from one of the most renowned sporting brands in the world, Nike’s Skateboarding Backpacks have almost everything you could want from an EDC backpack that will probably take a beating.

The synthetic exterior makes it incredibly durable, so if you drop it on your way home from school or going across a long stretch at a park on your skateboard, it will be perfectly fine. It also has a lot of compartments and places to hang items that you want to access quickly.

There are pockets on both sides so that you can carry bottles of water (that you are likely to need if you are out on your skateboard). The Nike SB everyday backpacks also come in over a half dozen colors and patterns. The buckle straps give you a way to carry your skateboard, freeing up your hands for other needs.
There is also a sternum strap that keeps the backpack nice and secure if you are skating or running.

The interior gives you plenty of space for most of your school needs (provided you don’t need to bring home three large textbooks and a couple of binders).

The back part of the interior has an area for mobile devices, with a padded laptop sleeve that can hold and a 15-inch laptop. This makes it safer to hold your belongings with a bit of added cushioning. The material between the inside and outside can also keep water and other liquids from seeping through to the items you are carrying unless it gets soaked.

There are also two zipper areas for carrying larger things, making it easy to store your mobile phone close to your back, and books and binders in their own area. This means that your papers will be at less risk of being crumpled when you have to remove your laptop or tablet.

Because the front area is for your skateboard, the two side pockets have zippers so that you can store pens, pencils, keys, and other little items you would usually keep in the front pocket. Both sides also have zippers so that you don’t have to worry about things falling out while you are on the go. 

• PROS
• Stylish design
• External water bottle pockets
• Good quality finish
• Great for school added laptop sleeve
• Perfect for everyday use

• CONS
• No cons, I really like this EDC backpack!

7. Under Armour Adult Team Hustle 3.0 

Under Armor is a great backpack brand that has created something both stylish and functional. The straps mirror the Under Armour logo while giving you additional support in a way that is also incredibly comfortable.

The additional thickness on the straps also ensures that your EDC backpack has a longer active life. Both sides have long compartments of netting, giving you a place to hold larger bottles of water for hiking, long walks, or camping away from home.

This is also ideal if you use the backpack for school because you will have a way to keep water with you as you race between classes.

The front section is best for carrying all of your little items, including external hard drives and small products. For anything that you want to ensure is safe, there is a small top pocket on the flap for carrying small things, like credit cards, wallets, and small devices.

Choose between eight different colors, some with different trims so that you can get the best look. The polyester exterior means that it will be durable and functional for several years before you will need to worry about buying another backpack.

The exterior is also water-resistant, so you will be able to keep the contents safe from spills and accidents, and the bottom of the EDC bag has an additional panel, extending the life of the bag, even if you regularly put it on concrete. 

Then the interior of the Under Armour backpack is spacious and looks similar to a cooler. With so much durable padding, you know that any liquid that penetrates the exterior material will encounter a second layer, keeping your things very safe and dry.

There is an additional storage area at the back of the interior for your mobile, up to a 15-inch laptop. You can easily store a number of large books and a binder or two in the rest of the bag. All of these features ensure you can take everything you need when going to or from home and keep your hands free for anything you may need to do (like checking your phone or riding a bike).

• PROS
• Soft lined laptop sleeve
• Perfect backpack for school
• A large everyday backpack with plenty of room

• CONS
• Not as versatile as similar bags in its price range

8. North Face Vault Backpack Women’s

As you would expect from a North Face product, the north face vault backpacks are both stylish and useful. Better still, it is perfect for hiking, camping, school, biking, or even to take to a café, without needing to take a purse. By using this particular North Face backpack, you will have an easy way to carry everything you need and leave your hands free for other activities.

It comes in several color combinations, all of which are reminiscent of a more futuristic design. The straps are reinforced with a mesh, making the straps a little more durable than those of traditional backpacks.

It is also ideal for traveling because you can use it as your second bag for planes – instead of taking a purse and making do with whatever you can cram in it, take this everyday North Face backpack and have room to carry a laptop and a book or two so that you can make the most of your travel time. 

The streamlined look is actually an accurate reflection of how easy it is to keep everything organized, even if it looks a little small. At a glance, it may look like you are going to be short on pockets, but that actually works in your favor.

There are pockets on the outside that are camouflaged so that would-be thieves are not likely to find them. On one side, you can carry smaller water bottles. On the other, there is a zipper pocket with an interior fleece lining for your smartphone or other small devices.

Just under the main area is another pocket where you can store all of your smaller items, including a brush, wallet, credit cards, and writing utensils.

There is also a hidden section at the top for carrying sunglasses and other things you may want to access quickly. 

The inside is accessible through the upper zippers. This makes it so much easier to store and remove items because the opening is bigger. You can put in the fleece-lined back to keep your laptop safe. 

• PROS
• Quality design and build
• Fleece-lined tablet sleeve
• Stretch-mesh water bottle pocket​

• CONS
• Would benefit from being a bit larger

9. Burton Tinder Pack

If you want a backpack brand that looks unique while giving you all of the typical functionality of modern EDC backpacks, the Burton Tinder Pack is probably the best backpack brand to consider.

There are over a dozen color options (from America themed to camouflaged to solid colors, you have a lot of looks to go through to find the one you really want), you will want to go over all of the different looks to find the one that is best for your personality.

With a look that is reminiscent of the stereotypical backpack, the Burton Tinder pack gives you so much more room than you get with many of the other bags. Because it has a more streamlined look, you won’t have to worry about it catching on protruding items or causing you problems when you are in a hurry. 

The only exterior storage area is on the top flap, so it will not be a problem to carry when you are on the go. Perfect for all of your writing implements and other small things, you can quickly retrieve these small items without having to spend a minute or more digging through several pockets.
Made of polyester, the exterior is very durable, just like the rucksack that this Burton bag is reminiscent of. 

The interior is accessed by flipping up the lid and undoing a drawstring. This gives you an added layer of security for your belongings and will last longer than many traditional zipper bags. The long body of this Burton bag lets you store larger laptops.

There is an additional area directly in front of the laptop compartment area for your tablet, earphones, or other belongings, giving you a secure way to carry multiple larger mobile devices.

The Burton Tinder Pack also comes with a lifetime warranty because it is made to be used for decades; not be replaced with the next new style. And you will probably want to continue using it for decades because the straps are cushioned and ergonomically constructed to evenly distribute the weight across your shoulders and back. 

• PROS
• Great for hiking, work, or camping
• Very roomy backpack for school
• Great backpack for guys or girls
• Laptop compartment

• CONS
• Slightly thin shoulder straps

10. Timbuk2 Parker Pack

The Timbuk2 Parker Pack looks more like a futuristic storage model than any of the other backpack brands we have reviewed. The storage model makes this bag far more space-efficient. With compartments covering the front and sides, you can easily get organized for long trips, hikes, camping, or daily activities.

One of the reasons that it has all of these additional features is because it was originally designed for bikers.

The exterior is weatherized, so that anything you store in the multitude of pockets is safe, even if you are biking in steady rain or snow. Many of the pockets have flaps, making it more difficult for liquid to get into the small areas. There is also a small hook near the bottom pocket so that you can attach a light, making you more visible in the dark.

Also hidden in the bottom is a weather cover. Simply remove it and place it over the front pockets to ensure your belongings do not get wet during a downpour. 

There is additional padding on the back to reduce discomfort from it rubbing on your back. At the same time, the padding is breathable so that your back doesn’t overheat while you are biking and toting your pack with you.  

The interior can be increased by unzipping the second zipper, which expands or contracts the bag based on your needs. The top pocket near the zipper is best for carrying your sunglasses or other items that you want quick access to while on the go. There is also a side area you can access from the outside where you can store wet items so that the wet items do not harm the contents in the main area.

The main compartment has room for laptops and large tablets, and since it is expandable, you can fit more into the bag if you find yourself bringing home more books from the library than expected.

• PROS
• Adjustable magnetic sternum strap
• Very good quality backpack brand
• Reflective material on base for visibility

• CONS
• Slightly heavier than similar EDC backpacks 

11. The Adventure Bag – Stubble & Co

The Adventure Bag by Stubble & Co is a high-quality and highly functional backpack that is designed to make your travel as easy as possible.
Boasting 42L of storage and weighing only 1.8kg, the Adventure Bag is perfect for everyday use or when going on a long trip, as it has a whole range of different compartments to store your belongings.

In terms of storage compartments there a quite a few options.
There is a padded pocket that has enough room to store a 16-inch laptop, then there is a nice little pocket on the left shoulder strap where you can store smaller items like a credit card, cash, or jewelry.
At the bottom end of the backpack, there is also direct access to a shoe compartment, which can come in handy, as trying to dig your shoes out of a normal backpack can be a bit tedious.
There is also a lateral bottle pocket that can fit a bottle up to 750ml in size.

When it comes to ease of use, there are adjustable straps that are ergonomically designed for comfort, there is also a removable waist strap that can be very useful if you are hiking on going on an extended trip.

Then if you are traveling on a plane, there is actually a strap cover to help keep the backpack contained, and when you have finished using it you can fold it down to optimize space in your home.

• PROS
• Removable waist strap
• Multiple storage compartments
• Plenty of room
  
  
• CONS
• A little more expensive than some other backpacks

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