• Backpacks are perfect for anyone who commutes to work every day or just tends to carry a lot of gear with them when they go out.
  • The Dagne Dover Dakota is the perfect bag for all occasions because it’s available in three sizes, and has ample usable storage for your daily commutes, traveling, and more.

I got really into using a backpack every day when I started working in an office. Simply put, I found it to be the best way to carry all my daily essentials – laptop, book for the commute, and lunch when I remembered to pack it – without destroying my already tension-prone shoulders.

Although the word “backpack” still reminds me of middle school, modern-day rucksacks are anything but childish. It’s entirely possible to find a backpack that’s equal parts cool and functional.

A good everyday backpack should fit what you need for a busy day in a well-organized manner, without being so bulky that it becomes difficult to carry. All of our picks can accommodate a laptop or tablet. The right daily backpack should cater to your lifestyle, but on the whole, our top picks will let you move easily between the gym, the office, and after-work plans.

Here are the best backpacks you can buy:

Updated on 03/10/2020 by Amir Ismael. Updated product categories and added all new picks. Updated formatting and links.

Best backpack overall

Available in three sizes and plenty of colors, the Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack can fit into just about anyone’s life – you can use it as your daily carry, gym bag, or weekend pack.

When it comes to backpacks, one size doesn’t always fit all. The Dagne Dover Dakota takes the same great backpack and offers it in three different sizes to better fit specific needs and lifestyles.

It's made from a high-performance neoprene that's water-resistant, dries quickly, and is shock-absorbent, effectively protecting your bag's contents. The neoprene also makes an otherwise simple backpack look more sporty, tapping into the still-going-strong athleisure trend. While the sporty appearance looks good in most settings, it may not be the best fit for formal settings and offices with stricter dress codes.

Dagne Dover's color curation for the backpack makes it even more appealing - colors rotate out, but they often lean toward dusky, muted colors, soft pastels, or bright jewel tones. At any given time, you'll find a color choice for every preference.

I personally recommend the Large bag, because you'll get the most out of the design. It features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, internal side pouches, and internal zippered compartments for storing smaller items. The Large backpack also comes with a shoe bag, so if you're carrying dirty shoes they won't soil the rest of the bag's contents.

Insider Reviews first reviewed the Dakota Backpack more than two years ago, and it's still one of our all-time favorite backpacks.

Pros: Available in three sizes, lots of storage compartments and color choices

Cons: Design may not be "grown-up" enough if you want to wear it with strictly formal attire

Best backpack for work

With full-grain leather accents, a waterproof fabric, foam-injected shoulder straps, and lots of storage, the Stuart & Lau Capstone Backpack is ideal for the office and everything that your commute brings.

While other backpacks on this list will appeal to different people for different reasons, the Stuart & Lau Capstone is by far my personal favorite. Since I first reviewed it in 2017, it's been my go-to backpack to carry to work.

In addition to the waterproof nylon material and the comfortable straps, the reason I like this backpack so much is that it's specifically designed to look great in work settings and has thoughtful storage compartments to make your commutes and daily travels more convenient.

With 25 liters of storage, the Capstone has space for everything I carry on a daily basis, but sheer volume isn't its biggest attribute. The main compartment can be accessed through the flap top or through the right-side zipper if you don't want to take the bag off your back. On the left side, you'll find a waterproof zippered compartment that's great for carrying a thermos or neatly storing an umbrella, whether it's wet or dry. There are also generous storage compartments on both sides and the front of the backpack.

Most backpacks have a laptop sleeve inside the main compartment, but Capstone's has a separate place on the back of the bag. The location provides enough room for up to a 16-inch laptop and makes it easy to access. You won't have to remove items in the main compartment to reach your laptop like most other designs.

The back of the bag has a suitcase attachment sleeve and a hidden storage compartment ideal for things you need quick access to like your passport or boarding passes. Other small but extremely useful features like the microfiber-lined glasses pocket and small hole for your charger (or maybe wired headphones if you still use those) really prove that Stuart & Lau didn't skip out on any details.

Pros: Waterproof, lots of useable storage, full-grain leather details, durable

Cons: Expensive

Best backpack for school

Foto: Source: Bellroy

With a 20-liter carrying capacity, a 15-inch laptop sleeve, and a document/tablet pocket with a spot for a pen, the Bellroy Classic Backpack is the perfect daily carry for high school and college students.

If you're a student, there's a good chance that spending several hundred dollars on a backpack isn't in your budget. At the same time, you don't want a cheap backpack that lacks durability, comfort, and carrying space.

We chose the Bellroy Classic Backpack as the best choice for students of all ages because of its classic design, moderate storage space, comfort, and most importantly, its affordable price.

Starting at $109, the Bellroy Classic Backpack features 20 liters of storage space, a 15-inch laptop sleeve, and organizational compartments for notepads and pens. It's not as big of a backpack as some of the others on this list, but it doesn't need to be. You'll have plenty of room to carry everything you need to stay on top of your schoolwork, whether you're in high school or college. And since it's not oversized, you won't feel encumbered while carrying it.

Comfort is key for any bag that you'll carry on a daily basis, and the Bellroy Classic absolutely delivers in this area. It features ample padding on the shoulder straps and back panel; it's reminiscent of an outdoor pack that's designed to carry a heavy load.

For those that are willing to spend a bit more, the Classic Backpack comes in a premium version, which includes extended leather paneling and monochromatic black and tan colors. I have the premium version in tan and it's the backpack I wish I had in high school and throughout college. It's not oversized, or too technical, and it goes great with almost every casual outfit.

If the Classic Backpack isn't exactly what you're looking for, Bellroy offers a wide selection of bags for professionals, students, commuters, and everyone in between. Check out our reviews here.

Pros: Affordable, stylish, quality materials, backed by a 3-year warranty, lot of color options.

Cons: Not the biggest bag if you need extended carrying space

Best backpack for the gym

Foto: Source: Caraa

The Caraa Stratus is a stylish and convenient alternative to carrying a bulky duffle bag to the gym - and everywhere else life takes you.

Inspired by stratus clouds, the Caraa Stratus is super lightweight, but its fluffy aesthetic shouldn't be confused with a weak design. With a total of 15 pockets and compartments, the Cara Stratus has loads of useable storage and a sporty look that's perfect for bringing to the gym or other athletic activities.

I recently switched from carrying a generic duffle bag to the Caraa Stratus as my dedicated gym bag and it's been a huge improvement. In the past, I'd always have to dig through the single compartment of the duffle bag to find smaller items like my gloves or my combination lock.

With the Caraa Stratus, I have more than enough room to carry a couple of sets of workout clothes, sneakers, a large water bottle in the main compartment and smaller essentials like body wipes, deodorant, workout gloves, and a combination lock in the zippered interior compartments. I really like that the Caraa Stratus comes with a pouch for storing items you want to keep separate. I prefer to use it for my sneakers, especially after I've packed my bag with fresh workout gear for the week.

The bag is a lot more versatile than a standard duffle bag, so when you've got other stops along the way, you won't look out of place carrying a typical gym bag. In addition to the lightweight design, the ergonomic shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry for extended periods of time.

If you do decide to use it for daily carrying rather than a dedicated gym bag, some of the features that you'll use regularly include the 15-inch laptop compartment, suitcase attachment sleeve, interior key hook, and quick-access zipper compartment.

Pros: Lightweight design, interior pockets for water bottle, umbrella, and 15-inch laptop, comes with a pouch for storing shoes or dirty clothes

Cons: Only four colors available

Best affordable backpack

Foto: Source: Herschel

The Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack is designed to carry all your daily essentials and look good while doing it - all at an affordable price.

I know. It seems like everyone has a Herschel Supply Co. backpack these days. But there's a good reason for that. The company's designs are iconic and they go with everything from polished work clothes to relaxed jeans-and-T-shirt outfits.

The Little America Backpack is our top choice because it's roomy and durable without being over-the-top. You don't need a hiking pack for a trip to the office, but this backpack comes with a 15-inch laptop sleeve that's padded and lined with fleece for scratch-proof travel, an easy access front pocket, a key clip, and an interior pocket that's ideal for storing headphones and chargers. Padded and contoured shoulder straps allow for maximum comfort during your commute.

This Herschel backpack is beloved by many. It has also been recommended by Popular Mechanics, Travel + Leisure, and The Strategist.

"I've been traveling with this backpack for a year and a half, and I love it! It's big enough to fit all of my essentials while being small enough to fit as a carry-on on all airlines," travel blogger Raya Encheva told The Strategist.

Pros: Roomy and durable, front pocket and internal "media pocket," padded for comfort, comes with a laptop sleeve

Cons: Not waterproof

Best convertible backpack-purse

Foto: Source: Senreve

Before you spend thousands of dollars on a designer bag, consider the Senreve Maestra convertible backpack-purse. It's made from high-quality materials and boasts style and versatility.

Starting at $875, the Senreve Maestra is pretty expensive, but we've found it to be a good value for people specifically looking for a high-quality style-focused bag. If you're into fashion, you've probably toyed with the idea of spending thousands of dollars on a designer bag from one of the iconic fashion houses.

While you will definitely find quality materials in the designer realm, you're essentially paying a premium for the brand name. You can also get high-quality materials from considerably lesser-known startups - and the Senreve Maestra is a prime example.

Senreve even managed to win over one of our editors who initially thought the price of the bag was "ridiculous." It did this by making a bag that's as practical as it is beautiful. There are eight interior compartments, including a padded tech compartment that can fit up to a 13-inch laptop and a main compartment that can fit up to a 15-inch laptop. There are also smaller, individual pockets for everything from your AirPods case to your sunglasses. The bag has a zippered top, covered by a flap top with a collar stud belt, so everything inside stays secure.

Another big draw of the bag is that it's convertible. Simply by pulling the shoulder straps up, you can turn it into a shoulder bag, crossbody, or satchel. Whether you want to switch configurations out of desire or plain necessity (e.g., when you're squeezing into a tight elevator or subway car and need to free up space), the Maestra can quickly adapt.

The Maestra is available in a handful of different colors and types of leather (some options can be upwards of $1,000), so it can fit into your wardrobe whether your style calls for calm and muted colors or bright and bold colors.

Pros: Sleek design, organized, convertible, many color options, comes with a lifetime warranty

Cons: Pricey, may feel bulky

The best high-capacity backpack

Foto: Source: Patagonia

The Patagonia Arbor Grande Pack has a generous 28 liters of storage space and is made from super lightweight materials, so the bag itself won't weigh you down when you're carrying a full load.

If carrying a lot of stuff - whether it be for a long outdoor camping trip or out of the habit of overpacking for vacation - is your biggest concern, the Patagonia Arbor Grande Pack is the answer.

For some people, having a backpack that can simply carry a lot of stuff is a must. Whether you need the extra room for a long camping or hiking trip or you're a habitual over-packer for vacations, the Patagonia Arbor Grande Pack is exactly what you're looking for.

As Patagonia's largest heritage-style backpack, the Arbor Grande Pack boasts 28 liters of storage space. While that may not seem like a substantial increase over the 25-liter Stuart & Lau Capstone on this list and other backpacks on the market, it makes a huge difference.

In addition to the extra three liters of storage space, the top-loading drawstring design and the flexible nylon material makes it super easy to fill the bag with a lot of stuff. At roughly 1.5 pounds, the bag itself is extremely light and won't weigh you down.

I own the smaller, but still very spacious 25-liter Arbor Pack and it's my favorite bag to travel with for a few key reasons: it holds everything I need and it's lightweight. I can fit my laptop, Dopp kit, two full changes of clothes, a pair of sneakers, and my packable jacket inside my Patagonia Arbor Pack (the Arbor Grande would be able to hold more).

I don't mind carrying slightly heavier backpacks to work because even as a commuter, I don't have to carry it for hours on end. But as a traveler, I much prefer the versatility and comfort of a lighter bag.

It makes moving through airports less of a workout and it can be used as a lightweight and comfortable day pack when you reach your travel destination.

Pros: Lightweight, large capacity, classic hiking-style

Cons: Too big for everyday carrying, not waterproof, laptop storage hard to access when the bag is full.

Best packable backpack

Foto: Source: Paravel

The Paravel Fold-Up Backpack saves space without sacrificing style, versatility, and durability. Fifteen recycled plastic water bottles are used to make its nylon material.

Backpacks are usually meant for storing things, but sometimes you actually need to store the backpack itself - and that can get tricky.

The Paravel Fold-Up Backpack is a brilliant choice for those instances when you might need some extra storage later on, but you don't want to commit to carrying around an empty backpack all day. This is what makes it a perfect travel companion - you can stash it in a suitcase and it'll hardly take up any room.

Made from 15 recycled water bottles, the Paravel Fold-Up Backpack features a lightweight nylon material that weighs only 10 ounces. There's isn't really any comfort technology incorporated into the design, but that's expected since its main function is to be packable. However, small leather accents on the zipper tags and gold hardware give this fold-up backpack an elevated aesthetic, and it also has adjustable shoulder straps. With the option to add a monogram, you can make it a bit more personal.

Pros: Packable, lightweight, option to add a monogram

Cons: Not designed for comfort or heavy loads

What else we considered

Foto: Source: ISM
  • ISM Classic Backpack ($235): Designed to neatly and safely carry all of your necessary tech items and other daily basics, the ISM Classic Backpack features 17.2 liters of storage capacity. The main compartment includes three useful storage pockets for keeping your belongings organized, and there's a separate zippered compartment for carrying a laptop on the back, which means you don't have to struggle to get other items out of the way before you can to get to your computer. Despite its high-end look, it didn't quite make the list because it's largest version is still quite small. I was able to fit all of my essentials in it, but had no room extra things I needed to carry home at the end of the day.
  • Nisolo Cordoba Backpack ($268): The Nisolo Cordoba Backpack is one of the best-made backpacks I own. It's handmade out of vegetable-tanned leather in Nisolo's ethical factory in León, Mexico - and it's very thick and durable. The zippers are also very sturdy. While the design is extremely durable and appealing to look at, the use of materials makes it pretty heavy for its size. The main compartment includes a sleeve that will fit a 13-inch laptop and a water bottle holder, but many of the thoughtful features in most modern backpacks are missing. Unless you're specifically looking for an amazing leather backpack, you can find a more user-friendly bag for less money.
  • Cuyana Leather Backpack ($375): Designed to convert into a shoulder bag, the Cuyana Leather Backpack offers the versatility of two classic bags in one. Insider Review senior editor Sally Kaplan wrote, "Though it's not the one I'd recommend if you plan to carry around a large laptop or other heavy items on a daily basis, it's still perfectly suited for the city commuter who's carrying around a book or Kindle, lunch, a sweater, sunglasses, and other everyday essentials." While she liked the bag for that type of use, it ultimately didn't make the list due to quality control issues. A shoulder strap that features faux stitching and glue rather than authentic stitching came undone and needed to be reglued.