We Tested the Best Backpacks for 2025: See Our Reviews

If you thought hands-free styles belong in the classroom, or the ‘90s, our hands-on review of the best backpacks in 2025 will prove you wrong.

Gone are the days when a backpack was only meant for carrying stuff. Today’s designs are stylish, practical, and smarter than ever, with features that cater to every lifestyle and activity you can think of. But with so many great options available, knowing which one is the right fit for your needs becomes the hardest part.

While it’s virtually impossible to try out every product ever made, we’ve road-tested more backpacks than we can count over the last few years, evaluating everything from comfort and style to features and durability. We’ve gone through ultra-durable adventure packs constructed for rugged outdoor use, got our hands on some stylish, versatile backpacks for work and travel, and packed our gear in the coolest, most innovative camera bags out there.

To make your shopping experience easier and hassle-free, we’ve selected, tested, and ranked the best backpacks for 2025 within each category.

No time to read it all? Here’s a shortcut.

Best Backpack in 2025: Matador GlobeRider35

• Best feature: The clever clamshell opening and exceptional carrying comfort
• Dimensions: 20.2” x 12.5” x 9” (51 x 31 x 22 cm)
• Weight: 3.7 lb (1.6 kg)
• Volume: 35 L
• Material: 420D Bluesign® recycled nylon with waterproof PU coating

I never thought I’d say this, but the Matador GlobeRider35 actually got me choosing a backpack over my usual rolling suitcase, and not just once, but on several trips.

The clamshell design feels so familiar, like packing a suitcase, which made switching to a backpack way less intimidating for me. The inside is thoughtfully laid out with spots for everything, including a dual-access padded laptop sleeve that fits my 15″ MacBook Air perfectly.

What really impressed me was how comfy it stayed, even fully packed. The foam padding on the straps and back panel is legit cozy, and the hip belt actually takes the weight off my shoulders, which I wasn’t expecting. The hip belt is removable, though taking it off can be a bit tricky.

It’s also tough-looking but stylish enough to not scream “outdoor gear,” which I appreciate. My Arctic White version, initially a risky choice, has held up beautifully, proving surprisingly resistant to dirt and scuffs. The six strategically placed grab handles (top, front, back, both sides) are a small but impactful detail, making retrieval from any angle a breeze.

This backpack turned out to be way more practical and comfortable than I imagined. Honestly, it’s kind of changed how I travel.

If you’re ready to embrace hands-free travel without sacrificing organization or style, or if you’re a suitcase loyalist curious about the other side, the GlobeRider35 is, without a doubt, the best travel backpack in 2025 to convert you.

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Best Backpack for Women: Bellroy Melbourne Backpack Compact

• Best feature: The compact design
• Dimensions: 15.75″ x 11.02″ x 6.2″ (40 x 28 x 16 cm)
• Weight: 1.5 lb (700 g)
• Volume: 12 L
• Material: Recycled nylon

Small, stylish, and lightweight, Bellroy’s Melbourne Backpack Compact is my favorite pack for a day out. It has traveled with me all over Europe for the last four years, and based on the quality of its materials and how well it is built, I have a feeling I’ll be using it for a very long time.

The Lunar version that I have is decked out in durable, water-resistant recycled fabric with premium, eco-tanned leather trims, but the bag is also available in black, navy, and several interesting leather-free variants. Although the color I own handles heavy use very well, I do feel it has darkened a bit over the years. It’s still in perfect condition, though, with no visible stains or wear marks.

One of the reasons I opted for the Melbourne Compact in the first place, besides the good looks and compact size, was its accessibility. The main compartment is easily accessed via a unique side zipper and a wise magnetic fold top, both of which add to the bag’s minimalist, clutter-free aesthetic and provide intuitive one-hand access to contents on the go. However, the pack’s great accessibility comes with a price: the top flap tends to pop open when the backpack is tightly packed. This can be a major problem, especially in crowded places, so I usually place my scarf or spare sweater on top in an attempt to protect my camera and other precious items.

Other than that, I love Melbourne’s padded back and shoulder straps, which make for a comfortable wearing experience, as well as its light-colored, well-appointed interior. My iPad fits perfectly in the laptop sleeve, and there are enough smaller pockets to keep my wallet, keys, and other accessories in place.

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Best Backpack for Men: Ramverk Backpack 21L

• Best feature: Its versatility
• Dimensions: 18.8″ x 11.2″ x 5.7″ (48 x 28.5 x 14.5 cm)
• Weight: 2.2 lb (1 kg)
• Volume: 21 L
• Material: 100% GRS-recycled fabric

The Ramverk 21L Backpack has all the Db features we know and love in a compact size ideal for everyday carry. Think quality, hard-wearing materials, the patented Hook-Up system, which allows it to be connected with other roller bags in the range, as well as Db’s innovative Rib Cage Technology designed to protect the items inside without adding extra weight.

I prefer front-loading backpacks to top-loading ones, and this one opens flat like a suitcase. It has a large main compartment on one side and divided mesh pockets ideal for tech and small accessories on the other. There’s a separate zippered pocket in the back roomy enough for a 16” MacBook Pro and a pretty deep, quick-access one on top.

To wrap this up, this versatile backpack does a bit of everything: when combined with Db’s camera insert, it makes a great photography bag with room for other stuff too, and I have many times used it as a carry-on backpack in addition to other luggage pieces when flying smaller European planes that have limited space in the overhead bins. Otherwise, it’s robust enough to take out with you on outdoor adventures and stylish enough to be worn when strolling around the city in search of the next best coffee shop. It’s our pick for the best backpack for men – a rare combination of function, durability, and design.

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Best Camera Backpack: Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L

• Best feature: The thoughtful, feature-rich design
• Dimensions: 18.01” x 12.9″ x 6.6″ (46 x 33 x 17 cm)
• Weight: 3.66 lb (1.66 kg) / 4.43 lb (2.01 kg) with dividers
• Volume: 17 to 20 L
• Material: 400D double poly-coated DWR-impregnated nylon canvas

Out of all the camera backpacks we’ve tested, we often find ourselves coming back to the Peak Design Everyday Backpack. Why? It’s the right size, it’s comfortable to wear, and comes packed with more thoughtful design details than can be covered in this review.

The exterior is durable enough to withstand the elements and has a clean, modern aesthetic, while the inside houses a ton of smart pockets, including laptop and tablet sleeves.

I love that I can customize it according to the day’s packing needs (thank you, Peak Design’s origami FlexFold dividers!), but most of all, I love that I don’t need to open the top flap to reach my camera (or stow it away) while on the move – I just flip the backpack around my body and access the main compartment from either side of the bag. It’s that easy.

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Best Travel Backpack: Tortuga Travel Backpack 40L

• Best feature: The comfortable harness system
• Dimensions: 21.7″ x 13.8″ x 7.9″ (55 x 35 x 20 cm)
• Weight: 4.5 Lb (2 Kg)
• Volume: 40 L
• Material: Recycled polyester & ripstop polyester

Tortuga is one of the most recognizable names when it comes to travel backpacks. Their well-thought-out pieces are tailored to modern travelers, offering not only comfort and durability but also great organization. Continuing the tradition, their latest Travel Backpack 40L, which I tested, is an engineering feat with a fantastic harness system, convenient suitcase-style packing, and a wealth of organizational features.

Though made with recycled materials, the pack’s build quality is no joke. It features lockable, water-resistant zippers, top-notch hardware, and its SHELL200 fabric is both lightweight and resistant to wear and tear. Although we haven’t tested this new material’s durability over a long period of time, it feels extremely robust. After being unexpectedly caught in a downpour while wearing it, I can personally attest that it keeps your gear dry in wet conditions.

To get a sense of how it behaves as a one-bag travel solution, I packed the Tortuga Travel Backpack to the brim and headed off to Barcelona for a week of sightseeing and coffee shop-hopping. This gave me plenty of opportunities to test the pack in different scenarios, including as a carry-on and a daily carry. While it didn’t excel in every situation, at the end of the trip, it emerged as our favorite backpack for travel, with the strongest points being its brilliant organization and how comfortable it is to wear even when fully loaded.

Packing the bag was easy and pleasant thanks to its clamshell design that lets it split open for full access to the main compartment. Tortuga’s built-in, well-padded tech section is another highlight. Situated close to your back and lined with soft fleece, it’s home to both tablet and laptop sleeves, plus extra room for accessories. Likewise, the front travel organizer compartment comprises many pockets and a Kindle sleeve to keep your items tidy and easy to find.

Not only was I able to fit a week’s worth of essentials inside the Travel Backpack 40L, but the load felt incredibly comfortable on my shoulders thanks to its thickly padded straps, height-adjustable harness, and removable hip belt.

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Best Weather Resistant Backpack: Horizn Studios SoFo Rolltop Backpack

• Best feature: The expandable rolltop design
• Dimensions: 18.5″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″ (47 x 30 x 15 cm)
• Weight: 0.99 lb (450 g)
• Volume: 22 to 28 L
• Material: Water-sealed cotton canvas

Horizn Studios prides itself on its sustainable ethos, and the SoFo Rolltop Backpack is no different. Constructed from water-sealed cotton canvas, this piece is both durable and lightweight. Its design is sleek and modern and doesn’t scream “outdoorsy” like some rolltops, so it looks as good in a coffee shop as it does in the co-working space.

The rolltop feature not only adds a cool touch but also makes it easy to adjust the size depending on how much stuff I’m carrying. Whether I’m packing light for a day trip or need to cram in a bit more for an overnight stay, this backpack adapts effortlessly.

I’ve always been a fan of Horizn Studios’ vegan, innovative materials, and this one feels robust and high-quality. Despite regular use (including numerous beach outings), it shows no signs of wear and tear. Plus, the water-resistant coating gives me peace of mind on drizzly days, which is not something I can say about most backpacks I own.

Comfort is another area where the SoFo Rolltop shines. The padded shoulder straps are adjustable and distribute weight evenly, making it comfortable to carry even when fully loaded. The back panel is also well-padded, offering good support and ventilation, and I find the elastic luggage strap on the back really useful when traveling.

Lastly, this backpack is surprisingly roomy! The main compartment easily swallows my camera, a water bottle, snacks, a change of clothes for the gym, and even a light jacket. The hidden zipper pocket inside is a nice touch for keeping my phone and wallet secure, and I love that the separate laptop compartment is well-padded and easily accessible.

However, no product is without its flaws. While the SoFo backpack offers ample space and great laptop storage, I sometimes find myself wishing for a few more compartments to keep things separate and easily accessible.

Overall, Horizn Studios’ SoFo Rolltop Backpack is a stylish, durable, and functional choice for anyone in need of a versatile everyday bag. Despite a minor quibble about compartmentalization, its quality construction and thoughtful design make it a worthwhile investment for travelers and daily commuters alike.

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Best Everyday Carry Backpack: Urth Arkose 20L Modular Backpack

• Best feature: The smart organizational layout
• Dimensions: 18.1″ x 11″ x 5.9″ (46 x 28 x 15 cm)
• Weight: 1.98 lb (900 g)
• Volume: 20 L
• Material: Weatherproof 600D recycled nylon

I’ve used Urth’s Arkose 20L Modular Backpack for about two years now, and I have to declare it my favorite everyday carry backpack yet. It’s stylish, lightweight, and sustainable, and I just love its split-level design and streamlined minimalist aesthetic. It’s also the one that best adapts to my current everyday needs.

My Sony Alpha 7 IV and 24-105mm G lens fit perfectly in the lower compartment when paired with Urth’s camera insert, while the upper storage space is great for clothing or other personal items. And that’s barely scratching the surface in terms of organization as this discreet everyday pack comes with a total of 12 storage zones, including padded laptop/tablet sleeves, a stylus pen insert, and recessed zippered pockets on both sides of the bag. The YKK zippers run smoothly, and the fact that I’m able to fold the backpack flat and pack it into a suitcase in order to use it once I arrive is a dream come true.

Of course, there is room for improvement, but the Arkose 20L is an excellent choice for anyone in the market for a stylish everyday backpack that doubles as a camera bag.

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Best Backpack for Style: Bennett Winch Backpack

• Best feature: The quality of the materials and craftsmanship
• Dimensions: 17.7″ x 11.8″ x 5.5″ (45 x 30 x 14 cm)
• Weight: 2.8 lb (1.3 kg)
• Volume: 22 L
• Material: 24oz British dyed and bonded waterproof cotton canvas

The Bennett Winch Backpack is stunning. From the 24oz bonded canvas down to the golden solid brass hardware, it looks and feels like a piece of art. The one we’ve tested comes in a sand beige shade with chocolate brown leather details for that coveted heritage feel that gets even better with age.

However, beyond the stylishly rugged appearance and supreme quality, we were thrilled by its functionality. This refined backpack has a generous main compartment, a concealed external pocket for small EDC essentials, a padded laptop/tablet sleeve, and a detachable waterproof compartment ideal for gym gear, shoes, or toiletries. The YKK golden brass zips move like a dream, and the two-way main fastening runs the length of the bag, facilitating access and packing. At first glance, the shoulder straps may seem a bit thin, but don’t let that put you off; they’re designed for comfort, distributing the weight of what’s inside nicely.

The bag’s capacity sits right in the sweet spot – small enough for daily outings yet large enough to be useful for travel and commuting. I found it easy to fit everything I needed for an overnight trip inside without making the backpack feel too boxy and had no problems taking it on board some of the strictest airlines as carry-on luggage.

The only thing to note is that this level of quality and craftsmanship comes at a cost – the Bennett Winch is one of the most expensive items in our review guide.

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Best Affordable Backpack: Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic

• Best feature: The durable, heavy-duty construction
• Dimensions: 17″ x 11″ x 4.5″ (43 x 27.9 x 11.4 cm)
• Weight: 1.418 lb (643 g)
• Volume: 20 L
• Material: 1000D recycled nylon

I have quite a collection of backpacks hanging on my office walls, but the Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic sits the closest to the door. That’s because it’s the first one I grab whenever I need something uncomplicated and reliable for simple outings like going to the grocery store, a picnic in the park, or a short hike in the nearby hills.

Inspired by the retro-looking rucksacks of old, this simple backpack comes in the coolest of the cool color combos and has just the essentials: an internal laptop sleeve, easy access front pockets, and a straightforward harness system. The shoulder straps are lightweight and comfortable. Although I’ve never used them, it’s nice to know that you can count on a pair of compression straps to attach various items, such as a tripod or a jacket, to the side of the bag.

Also, the backpack’s bright yellow interior lining is not only fun but also helpful for finding stuff easily, and I really like that the main compartment is a big, open space because it allows me to quickly pack and go.

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Best Backpack for the Office: Troubadour Apex Compact

• Best feature: The premium, waterproof recycled materials
• Dimensions: 16” x 11.5” x 5.5” (41 x 29 x 14 cm)
• Weight: 2 lbs (900 g)
• Volume: 16 L
• Material: Recycled polyester fabric

Troubadour has always been able to strike the delicate balance between style and performance, so when I needed a great backpack for work, their Apex Compact seemed like the perfect fit. It’s a stylish, understated bag with practical organizational pockets, small enough to ensure comfort throughout the day yet large enough to hold a laptop and other work essentials. The overall quality is outstanding, and I love that it’s made from recycled materials.

I often leave the house carrying both my laptop and tablet, so the Apex Compact’s external laptop compartment, which is surprisingly roomy, comfortably padded, and complete with separated laptop and tablet sections, fits me like a glove.

And the thoughtful design details don’t stop there. The shoulder straps and back panel are ergonomically designed and padded with memory foam for a comfortable carry all day long, and I really appreciate that my gear stays dry and clean thanks to the waterproof fabric, lining & zippers. The interior lining is also antimicrobial to eliminate odors and bacterial buildup.

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Best Carry-On Backpack: Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

• Best feature: The smart design
• Dimensions: 22” x 13” x 9.5” (56 x 33 x 24 cm)
• Weight: 4.5 lb (2.05 kg)
• Volume: Standard: 35 L / Compressed: 30 L / Extended: 45 L
• Material: Weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas

Although designed with traveling photographers in mind, our extensive testing has shown that Peak Design’s Travel Backpack 45L has all the perks of a great carry-on: expandable storage, 360° grab handles for pulling the bag out of overhead bins, and a suitcase-style opening for easy packing, to begin with.

The exterior weatherproof 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas has held up extremely well over time, and I can’t help but highlight the pack’s brilliant design, which allows it to expand from 35L to 45L while prioritizing access to contents with intuitive weatherproof zippers throughout.

Storage is plentiful and practical courtesy of a zippered dividing panel that separates the bag into two compartments, as well as endless interior/exterior pockets fitting everything from passports, lenses, and toiletries to your laptop and tablet.

When not used for carrying camera gear, the backpack has room for a week’s worth of clothing, which makes it an excellent option for one-bag travel. Even better, it works great with Peak Design’s dedicated travel accessories and packing cubes and meets international max carry-on standards in the default 35L configuration.