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Women’s backpacks are going through a renaissance, and we’re here for it!
The name may bring back memories of your grade school days, but today’s modern designs are serving a far different market. From busy professionals to photographers to world travelers, everyone needs an efficient way to carry their stuff, so why not do it in comfort and style with the perfect backpack?
If we’re talking ladies’ backpacks, size really does matter. Models shaped for a woman’s anatomy tend to be smaller, lighter, and narrower at the shoulders. However, don’t let gender specificity get in your way – if you like a unisex backpack or even a male-specific one, and it fits, go for it!
The ideal women’s backpack balances aesthetics and function – it should suit the purposes you need it for and be comfortable to wear without compromising style. Durability is important, and it’s also worth looking for features that will make your life easier, like organizational pockets, trolley sleeves, or expansion capabilities. You can always opt for a show-stopping piece that makes a powerful style statement, but in essence, the cleaner the design, the more adaptable it will be.
This being said, here’s a round-up of our favorite ladies’ backpacks this year. Whether you have in mind a sophisticated day pack for work meetings and urban exploration, an adventure-ready rucksack to conquer the world with, or an expandable backpack to use as a carry-on, these smart, feminine styles will have your back, literally.
Best Backpack for Women Overall: Bellroy Melbourne Backpack Compact
Modern, stylish, and comfortable enough to tote around all day, the Melbourne Backpack Compact is our pick for the best women’s backpack in 2023.
Crafted in durable, water-resistant recycled fabric, with chic eco-tanned leather details and a discreet magnetic fold top, this slim Bellroy backpack looks at home in any environment – whether it’s an office, the beach, or a busy sidewalk café.
Despite its streamlined silhouette, it can fit all your daily essentials thanks to a well-organized interior fitted with sidewall pockets, a 13” laptop sleeve, and an A5 document section. A clever side zipper offers quick full access to the main compartment, and subtle external side pockets keep your sunglasses and water bottle neatly tucked away.
Best EDC Backpack for Women: Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip
True to its name, this clean-looking, highly organized pack from Peak Design is made for everyday carry. With a 400D durable water-resistant nylon shell, pivoting shoulder straps, and breathable padding on the back, it withstands the elements without compromising on comfort.
Basically a streamlined version of Peak Design’s famous Everyday Backpack, the Everyday Backpack Zip maintains the same clever features and first-class build quality in a smaller, more refined format. Highlights include endless organizational pockets, dedicated sleeves for laptop, tablet, and documents, as well as 2 easy-to-configure flex dividers for the ultimate packing versatility. And yes, it makes a great camera pack for women!
Best Carry-On Backpack for Women: Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L
Designed for comfort, durability, and organization, this bag is the perfect companion for your next international flight.
Tortuga makes some of the best carry-on backpacks out there, and this bag is no exception. Made of tear-resistant, waterproof sailcloth and fitted with foam shoulder straps, load lifters, and a removable hip belt that transfers 80% of the weight from the shoulders to the hips, the Travel Backpack 40L is as robust and comfortable as they come. The interior revolves around three compartments: a spacious clamshell-style main compartment for packing your clothes, a padded laptop/tablet section, as well as an easy-access front panel overflowing with internal organizational pockets.
Best Work Backpack for Women: Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack
Finding a great work backpack for women – even in a market ripe with options – can be quite the task, but Troubadour has you covered. Featuring a sleek yet strong exterior, a separate laptop section, and a bevy of foam-padded pockets for every need, their Apex Compact Backpack has been designed for maximum functionality.
Made with durable waterproof fabric, smooth coil zippers, and stylish vegan leather details, this professional-looking rucksack feels satisfyingly sturdy without compromising comfort and style. The main compartment is roomy enough to hold snacks, books, and even a change of clothes, while the secondary, padded laptop compartment can easily stash your 16″ MacBook, tablet, and then some. Smaller pockets and sleeves keep pens, notebooks, and chargers organized, and there’s a retractable bottle holder on either side of the bag. Padded straps and a breathable mesh back panel help keep you comfortable between meetings, and the trolley sleeve on the back makes it an ideal companion on work trips.
Blending style and utility in a classic silhouette, this medium-sized backpack is all you need to make it through a day at the office and beyond.
Best Women’s Backpack for Millennials: Db Hugger Backpack 20L
For women who prefer adventure-ready performance in a modern silhouette, Db’s Hugger Backpack 20L is the one to check out.
With its durable materials, protective rib cage construction, and newfangled aesthetics, this sturdy pack is for days spent out in the wilderness as much as it is for urban adventures. The main compartment opens fully for streamlined packing, while a series of interior mesh pockets keep everything else in order. A thoughtfully designed pocket for grab-and-go essentials tops the structured, carry-on approved bag, and there’s also a separate, padded laptop compartment for up to 13-inch devices.
Best Leather Backpack for Women: Cuyana Leather Backpack
Made in a small family-owned Italian factory outside of Pisa, this beautiful leather backpack from Cuyana combines luxe fabrics with an elegant silhouette to make the perfect companion from work to weekend.
The detachable top strap offers a chic way to carry it on your shoulder, while a padded laptop sleeve and two large exterior pockets keep your necessities organized and on hand. The combination of premium pebbled leather and versatile design means you’re investing in a timeless bag that never goes out of style. The backpack comes in two sizes and can accommodate either a 13-inch or 16-inch laptop.
Best Commuting Backpack for Women: Béis The Backpack
While commuter backpacks can be as diverse as the commutes for which they’re used, we’re betting on this tasteful design from Béis, which can hold all of your work essentials without messing with your outfit.
The Backpack in Beige features a padded laptop sleeve, comfy shoulder straps, and several well-placed zips and pockets for organizing small necessities. The water-resistant cotton & faux leather exterior keeps contents nice and dry, and a trolley passthrough allows you to place the pack on top of a rolling suitcase when traveling. Stylish, functional, and with enough room for an overnight trip, this bag is sure to tick all your boxes.
Best Laptop Backpack for Women: Horizn Studios SoFo Rolltop Backpack
Aside from having its own padded laptop space, this urban-ready rolltop backpack from Horizn Studios scores major style points for its clean, contemporary lines and classy color options (available in 7 shades, including Sand, Dark Olive, Marine Green, and more).
The outer recycled cotton canvas is scratch and water-resistant, and the roll-top opening means carrying capacity can be easily adjusted to your daily requirements. Otherwise, SoFo’s layout is simple and intuitive; the main compartment features a hidden zipper pocket for holding small essentials, and the external laptop compartment makes it easy to access your device anytime without having to open the bag. Fresh and functional, this lightweight rolltop piece will take you from work to lunch and through to the weekend in effortless style. Then, when it’s time to hop on a flight, just slide the luggage trolley sleeve over the handle of your wheeled suitcase, and off you go!
I love taking this backpack on day excursions and overnight trips around Andalusia. It holds an impressive amount of stuff while remaining stylish and comfortable to carry. I usually pack all my daily essentials, including a sweater, snacks, and my Fuji x100F camera in the main compartment, but there’s definitely room for more thanks to the bag’s expandable design. And while I haven’t had the chance to use it as a carry-on yet, I’m sure it will be ideal since I can also use it as a day pack once I reach my destination.
Best Affordable Women’s Backpack: The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack
To those in the market for an affordable backpack, look no further. Already a classic, The North Face’s Women’s Borealis Backpack makes the perfect accomplice to afternoon hikes, bike cruises, beach days, and any other excuse to leave the house.
Enhanced with articulated shoulder straps and a women-specific FlexVent suspension system certified by the American Chiropractic Association, this backpack is incredibly comfortable to carry. It also comes with a padded laptop sleeve and 360-degree reflectivity for increased safety in low-light conditions.
The exterior is made of 210D recycled nylon ripstop with a water-repellent (DWR) finish and a front bungee system for additional storage. Bonus: the adorable Skylight Blue/LED Yellow hue gives the rucksack a welcome refreshing touch.
Best Women’s Backpack for Outdoor Adventure: Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic
Topo Designs knows a thing or two about outdoor gear, and the iconic Rover Pack Classic shows it.
Wrapped in durable 1000D recycled nylon, this handsome adventure-ready backpack is strong enough to handle your days on the trail but also versatile enough to take on urban walkabouts or weekend trips.
It features a spacious main compartment with room for a couple of days’ worth of clothes and a 15” laptop, as well as an assortment of exterior pockets for quick access to your water bottle and other smaller items. Take your pick from bold, bright colors like navy and red, or go for understated chic with an earthy olive hue that’s easy to pair with just about everything.
Best Lightweight Backpack for Women: Paravel Fold-Up Backpack
Part of Paravel’s Negative Nylon collection of soft-sided bags made from recycled water bottles, the Fold-Up Backpack is one of the most versatile travel accessories you can buy.
Designed with practicality in mind, this celebrity-loved, sustainable bag folds down completely flat for easy storage and portability when not in use. This makes it perfect to throw in your suitcase as an extra bag for souvenirs or to use on daily excursions during your travels.
Otherwise, its sleek, lightweight design makes an easy transition from the commute to the gym to the coffee shop. It’s also TSA-approved as a personal item on flights and easily slides over the handles of your wheeled luggage for hands-free transit. The fabric is durable, easy to clean, and has a luxurious satin-like feel in classic colors like safari green, scuba navy, flatiron grey, and canyon yellow. For a small added fee, you can personalize the backpack with a custom embroidered monogram.
Best for Practicality: Samsonite & Sarah Jessica Parker The Carried Away Convertible
Your quest to find a stylish, convertible backpack that can adjust to every situation ends here. Combining Samsonite’s expertise in travel luggage with Sarah Jessica Parker’s sense of style, this feature-packed woman’s carryall is one of the most versatile pieces we’ve seen.
Crafted from nylon fabric with water-resistant coating, The Carried Away Convertible can be carried as a backpack, tote, or crossbody, and comes with a removable clutch, which in turn can be worn across the body thanks to an adjustable, multifunctional strap.
The interior has an RFID protective lining to keep you safe from identity theft and is neatly organized with plenty of nooks and crannies for your work, travel, and everyday essentials. To name a few, there’s a zippered back pocket for stashing necessities on the go, an exterior side sleeve for your water bottle/ umbrella, and a dedicated laptop compartment sized to fit devices up to 14.1”.
Best Convertible Backpack for Women: Timbuk2 Jet Set Travel Duffel Backpack
One of the most convenient items on this list, the Timbuk2 Jet Set Travel Duffel Backpack can be worn three ways and has a soft, lightweight body that we just can’t get enough of.
Created in collaboration with fashion designer Phoebe Dahl, the convertible pack transforms into a shoulder bag, a tote, and a backpack to accompany life’s every occasion. Aside from the comfortable, multi-functional design, we love the detachable pouch that doubles as a shoulder bag once you arrive at your destination. Not only that, but the bag accommodates a 15” laptop, and its large main compartment is easy to access from both the top and back.
Best Camera Backpack for Women: Peak Design Everyday Totepack
Of all the options available on the market right now, the Peak Design Everyday Totepack takes the cake as the best camera backpack for women. While it’s technically unisex, its sleek, minimalist look and customizable internal organization make it a perfect fit for lady photographers with a sense of style.
Another big draw of this handsome bag is that it’s convertible, which means you can turn it into a tote whenever you feel like looking less sporty by stowing the padded shoulder straps into a back compartment. The weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas keeps contents safe, while inside, 2 FlexFold dividers, along with a dedicated laptop (15”) and tablet sleeves, plus a handful of small, stretchy pockets, hold everything in place.
Best Vegan Leather Backpack for Women: Black Mini Backpack
If you want the luxurious look and feel of leather in a 100% cruelty-free package, this classy hybrid design is a winner.
Handmade using high-quality vegan materials, this faux leather Etsy mini backpack is soft, lightweight, and Instagram-ready. Detailed with practical zipper pockets for your keys and other small essentials and capable of converting into a shoulder bag thanks to its detachable straps, it makes a magnificent alternative to your everyday purse.
Most Luxurious Women’s Backpack: RIMOWA Never Still Backpack
Keep your hands free and your style on point with the RIMOWA Never Still Backpack. If you can afford to splurge a little, this is the ultimate work/life accessory!
Part of the high-end luggage label’s collection of soft bags, this luxury backpack is crafted in Italy using a mix of premium water-repellent canvas and soft full-grain leather and has all the design hallmarks of a Rimowa product, including grooved detailing, a removable leather address tag, and the brand’s monogram and logo embedded in the hardware.
As well as being a superb addition to your everyday ensemble, this beaut channels functional luxury with two front zipped pockets, padded shoulder straps, a laptop pocket, and a discreet strap that allows you to slip it over your suitcase’s handle.
Best Women’s Backpack Under 100: Everlane The Renew Rucksack
If your ideal backpack combines contemporary aesthetics with versatile functionality and, most importantly, an affordable price tag, then you are going to love this elegant multitasker from Everlane.
Wrapped in machine-washable 100% recycled polyester and complete with a padded laptop sleeve, The Renew Rucksack makes for a stylish yet practical companion for all your everyday endeavors, be it commuting to work, hanging out with friends, or hitting the road. The 16.5L capacity is small enough to slip under the seat in front of you on a plane yet roomy enough for a change of clothes if you plan an overnight trip.
Best Waterproof Backpack for Women: Rains Trail Rolltop Backpack
Keep your stuff away from the water with this uber-cool waterproof backpack by Rains. Constructed from the brand’s signature polyurethane-polyester blend, the Trail Rolltop Backpack comes with padded shoulder straps & backside for wearing comfort.
A roll-up top loader leads to a spacious main compartment, and there’s also a side-access 16” laptop pocket and an exterior waterproof zip pocket for easy access to smaller items. The distinctive Scandinavian-style design makes it perfect for wet weather commutes, biking rides, and all kinds of urban adventures.
Most Stylish Backpack for Women: Cabana Backpack
Swap your purse for this classy, monogrammable backpack that fits just what you need. Made from Paravel’s signature ‘Ecocraft’ canvas (woven from 5 recycled water bottles) and adorned with eco-certified leather details in a contrasting tone, the Cabana Backpack will take you from morning commutes to cocktail hour with grace.
The adjustable straps in striped grosgrain fabric add visual interest and give the bag a sense of timeless sophistication, while the sustainable, water-resistant lining keeps your camera, cosmetics, and reusable water bottle luxuriously protected.
Best Minimalist Backpack for Women: Horizn Studios Gion Backpack
Clean Scandinavian design and smart functionality combine to create the ultimate everyday backpack for women – the Gion, a lightweight, minimalist wonder inspired by Kyoto’s geisha district from smart travel brand Horizn Studios.
In line with the company’s well-designed products, this super chic rucksack made from waterproof, vegan-tech materials (tarpaulin) in contemporary mint is proof that less is more. In addition to its sleek appearance, it comes with thoughtful protective compartments for storing your valuables and tech devices, including a designated 13-inch laptop sleeve and a hidden back pocket.
Add breathable padding on the back and shoulder straps, along with a nylon strap that conveniently slips on your luggage handle, and you’ll want to carry the Gion Backpack with you everywhere.
Best Small Backpack for Women: Vera Bradley Small Backpack
Way more practical than a purse but just as suitable for everyday use, there’s no doubt a small backpack will make your life easier.
If colorful designs are your aesthetics, look no further than the Small Backpack from Vera Bradley. This chic and compact carryall comes with adjustable straps and enough exterior and interior pockets to keep you organized. The playful, quilted exterior made of water-repellent polyester will brighten up any outing and offer lightweight protection for your essentials as you go about your day.
Best Mini Backpack for Women: Orion Backpack Mini by Herschel Supply Co.
If there’s something that you cannot miss this season, it’s a mini backpack!
A trendy option for when your pockets can’t fit all of your essentials, the Herschel Supply Co. Orion Backpack Mini sports a delicate ladylike vibe with its chic rounded shape in powder pink. Made of wrinkled nylon fabric and detailed with a smooth leather panel and slim shoulder straps, this cute miniature backpack proves that good things come in small packages!
Best Crossbody Backpack for Women: Osprey Daylite Sling
Whether for work, traveling, or everyday use, the Osprey Daylite Sling is a practical way to carry your essentials. The durable, bluesign-approved fabric protects your belongings in wet conditions while the breathable, anatomically shaped single shoulder strap helps distribute the weight evenly, making the bag comfortable to wear all day long.
Another nifty feature is the exterior zip pocket & key clip, which make it easy to keep your important things organized and easily accessible. Though it has a decidedly outdoorsy aesthetic, this streamlined crossbody bag is way more versatile than you might think.
Best Diaper Backpack: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
With a chic, sporty look, tons of storage space, and more organizational pockets than you can fill, the Indi Diaper Backpack is a millennial mother’s dream.
Made from the same winning combination of easy-to-clean neoprene and breathable air mesh, the diaper bag version of Dagne Dover’s signature Dakota backpack is thoughtfully designed with features like key leashes, a laptop compartment, a mini changing mat, and even a luggage sleeve for your next plane trip. It comes in three sizes and an array of tasteful, practical colors. Plus, don’t let the name fool you – it can easily double as a gym bag or an everyday carryall.
Best Travel Backpack for Women: Away F.A.R Backpack 26L
Finding the perfect travel backpack for women is no easy job, but F.A.R Backpack 26L by Away hits all the right notes with its clean-cut style, neatly compartmentalized interior, and contemporary features.
Crafted from recycled, water- and abrasion-resistant materials, this lightweight bag is versatile, comfortable to carry, and holds a lot while still maintaining a slim profile. Part of the company’s new outdoor travel line, it boasts a 15″ laptop compartment, a handy trolly sleeve, as well as a couple of external pockets perfect for keeping water bottles, phones, and other quick-access items in place. With a functional interior organization system and a capacity of 26L, this is a women’s backpack that adapts to multiple travel scenarios and can easily double as an overnight bag or a small carry-on on those impromptu work trips.
