Whether you want a backpack for school, everyday carry, work, or travel, it will make your life much easier to choose a bag with lots of pockets. Compartments help you remain prepared so that you don’t have to search for pens and pencils, smartphones, or your other tech. Having enough zippered pockets in your bags to prevents you from damaging your stuff and keeping your valuables away from prying eyes or would-be robbers.
To suit everything we need and to properly arrange every item we have, some of us pack lovers need a backpack with lots of pockets and compartments. Every item will have its assigned location, from the side pocket to the secret compartment. Most customers are used to a popular backpack with one or two pockets and a sleeve or two inside in the main compartment. Over the years, designers have been very good at finding new ways to draw customer attention and one of their inventions is to make the perfect backpack with lots of pockets and compartments. These packs below give you what you need. They come with several different features and for the curious, we also added a few stylish backpacks with lots of pockets.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
Targus Legend IQ Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- It’s very durable and comfortable to have on
- Slimmer than many large backpacks that stick way out
- Lots of pockets and pouches
- Rugged and durable material, all-metal zippers
OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Lots of room and plenty of organization
- Great materials and feels solid
- Stands up by itself
- There is a hardened small area where you can stash your glasses, sunglasses, phone, etc
Best Backpacks with Lots of Pockets and Compartments – Overview
Pack organization is essential when it comes to your everyday backpack. This is why we have done the research to get you 10 of our favorite backpacks for everyday use with lots of pockets and compartments. With so many backpacks available on the market, we chose to concentrate on the best everyday bags that you can use for work, school, and maybe your commute. Nobody wants to search in messy pockets, so we just recommended backpacks that have a great ability to keep items clean and organized. These backpacks are exactly what you need, from large organizer panels to special tech pockets.
Backpacks with Lots of Pockets and Compartments Reviews
1. Targus Legend IQ Backpack – Best Value
The Targus Legend IQ Backpack is perfect for the on-the-go techie. It’s durable and has plenty of multi-purpose pockets, including a large padded pocket for a laptop up to 15.6” and a separate section for your tablet that’s lined with soft-touch material.
There’s also a media pocket with a built-in cord and headphone jack so you can keep the tunes going while you walk. The Legend IQ has two padded adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel that promotes airflow for comfort on the go. And when you need to set it down this backpack will stand upright so that it’s easy to reach your gear and still looks sharp when it’s not on your back.
Key Features:
- Pockets throughout for organization, including a tablet pocket
- Media pocket Custom fit with a built-in cord and headphone jack
- Trolley strap easily attaches to your rolling luggage for convenient travel
- Soft-touch handle and padded back panel provides airflow
Specifications:
- Brand: Targus
- Dimensions: 19″ H x 15″ W x 4″ D
- Weight: 1.76 lbs
- It’s very durable and comfortable to have on
- Slimmer than many large backpack that stick way out
- Lots of pockets and pouches
- Rugged and durable material, all-metal zippers
- Top zippered pocket isn’t fully enclosed
2. Everki EKP121-1 Atlas Checkpoint Laptop Backpack
If traveling for business is your thing, then this laptop bag is the ideal companion. From its subtly stylish, handsome exterior to its thoughtfully-organized interior, the Everki EKP121-1 Atlas Checkpoint Laptop Backpack is designed to meet the expectations of even the most serious traveling professional. In addition to featuring a Checkpoint-Friendly design that makes passing through airport security a breeze, this bag also debuts Everki’s innovative adjustable laptop slot – three separate panels that allow the user to set his or her desired size and secure using sturdy Velcro strips.
Like many of Everki’s bags, the Atlas comes equipped with a multitude of useful, highly-functional features, including a felt-lined iPad/Kindle/tablet pocket, a trolley handle pass-through slot, and a convenient newspaper/magazine pocket, to name just a few. Combine these with lightweight construction, durable, high-quality zippers, numerous well-organized compartments and slots, a key ring buckle, high-contrast orange lining, and lots of leftover interior space, and you’ve got everything you can possibly ask for in a laptop bag. Our handy guide to the best laptop backpacks features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Trolley handle pass-through
- Easy-adjust strap management system
- High-contrast lining
- Large zippers and metal pulls
Specifications:
- Brand: Everki
- Capacity: 32L
- Dimensions: 18.9″ H x 13.4″ W x 9.1″ D
- Weight: 4 lbs
- Lots of pockets
- Strong grab handle on top doesn’t tear when you grab and go
- The zippered side pockets will not only hold your miscellaneous items but will also hold your water bottle
- Highly adjustable
- Front buckle that connects straps across chest is non-removable
3. OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack – Premium Pick
Ogio is a leader in marketing and supplying the Powersports industry with performance gear comprised of bags, packs, ramps, stands, and other accessories. OGIO’s focus on innovative products is paralleled with the finest quality construction using premium materials that have been rigorously tested against blowouts, abrasion, color fading. OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack comes with an armor protected dedicated laptop compartment with RSS fits most 15” laptops and select thin 17″ laptops.
The integrated foam panels keep your electronics and other valuables protected. For comfort, it comes with fully adjustable ergonomic shoulder straps with sternum strap. This pack also features two zippered side utility pockets, dual side water bottle/accessory holders, quick access expandable phone pocket, and a deluxe organization panel with a zippered stash pocket.
Key Features:
- Increased shoulder strap foam padding creates Sweet Spot comfort zone
- Two zippered side utility pockets
- Quick access expandable phone pocket
- EVA molded laptop compartment
Specifications:
- Brand: OGIO
- Capacity: 29.4L
- Dimensions: 19.5″ H x 14″ W x 10″ D
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Lots of room and plenty of organization
- Great materials and feels solid
- Stands up by itself
- There is a hardened small area where you can stash your glasses, sunglasses, phone, etc
- Bag by itself is heavy
4. eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack
The eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack boasts supreme organization, unlike any other backpack you’ve ever seen. With a streamlined look and sophisticated design, this pack will take you everywhere you need to go from nine-to-nine, no pit-stops necessary.
Featuring several padded tech pockets for all your devices and several internal and external pockets make this bag a dream come true. Plus, the vented airmesh back panel and contoured straps make for an incredible fit-absolutely ideal for a lengthy commute.
Key Features:
- Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 17″
- Side zip water bottle pocket
- Easy-access compartments
- Air-mesh back panel
Specifications:
- Brand: eBags
- Capacity: 21L
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12.75″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 1.81 lbs
- Great weight distribution
- Compartment at the bottom to stow charging cables
- Material is very good quality
- Different zippered compartments, pockets and sleeves are so well organized
- It would be great if the back section unzipped completely to lay flat open but it doesn’t
5. Targus CityLite Pro Backpack
Slim, lightweight, and radiating understated style, The Targus CityLite Pro Backpack keeps your devices (and more) organized and protected – for whatever your day has in store. Premium protection Includes our patented dome shock-distribution system to safeguard your laptop and a pocket for your tablet.
Organize your gear for max Efficiency with the customizable accessory holder system, partitioned main compartment, and built-in workstation. Keep your phone powered with the USB pass-thru port. Easily convert from backpack to briefcase With stow-away shoulder straps and side carry handle. It’s good-looks keep going for the long haul thanks to the rugged base and smooth, heathered material that resists fading, stains, and wetness. Make sure you also check our selection of the best commuter backpacks.
Key Features:
- Rigid, impact-resistant EVA-protected top pocket
- Tuck-away padded shoulder straps to convert backpack to briefcase
- Ruggedized, stand-up, weather-resistant base
- Air mesh back panel with hidden lumbar pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Targus
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12.01″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 3.53 lbs
- There’s a side pocket designed to carry a phone
- Overall quality of fabric and construction is good
- The main compartment has a pocket with a hook and loop (Velcro) strap to secure it in place for a tablet
- Numerous pockets and compartments throughout the pack including seven exterior zippers alone
- The top section only opens on two sides, which can make it quite hard to get to the bottom right of the backpack itself
6. YOREPEK Large Travel Backpack
YOREPEK Large Travel Backpack has 20 independent pockets for large storage and organization for small items. 3 spacious main multi compartments with many hidden pockets can accommodate lots of stuff like college supplies, travel accessories, clothes, stationery, notebook, cord organizer, side deep zipper pocket for easy access essentials, Side elastic net pockets conveniently hold travel gear umbrellas or water bottles.
At the checkpoint, you can unfold this extra-large backpack freely 90-180 degrees making you quickly through the airport security and keep items tidy, exclusive designed for airplane travel. Comes with back U shaped three-dimensional ventilation design help for air convection, ventilation, and heat elimination. Comfortable wide breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge pad help relieve the stress from your shoulder.
Key Features:
- Removable key ring
- Inside phone bag
- Side adjustable straps
- Water resistant material
Specifications:
- Brand: YOREPEK
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 13.9″ W x 8″ D
- Weight: 2.43 lbs
- Lots of compartments and places to stow items
- The material for the bag feels durable
- The cushion back and padded shoulder straps are really nice when walking
- Has built in cable for connecting a powerbank
- No padding on bottom of laptop compartment
7. Targus Strike Large Gaming Travel Backpack
Comfortably take your gaming to go — and take on the universe. Targus’ First Tech backpack designed specifically for mobile gamers, the Targus Strike Large Gaming Travel Backpack offers a durable nylon exterior, with an oversized padded compartment for large laptop and console, Plus a reinforced base to protect your gear from damaging impact. It balances capacity and mobility — for every gaming journey.
Dedicated pockets and loops make for easy storage of peripherals like keyboard, mouse, hard drive, power brick, sunglasses, USB flash drives, and large Headphones. A padded top handle, shoulder straps, and ventilated back padding ensure comfort while on the move, while reflective strips and an integrated reflective rain cover increase visibility for added protection. Ready for serious portability? Game on!. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best gaming backpacks.
Key Features:
- Dedicated pockets and loops for your gaming kit
- Sternum straps
- Ventilated back padding, and padded shoulder straps for comfort and even weight distribution
- Hidden pocket in the back panel safeguards ultra-valuables like keys and wallet
Specifications:
- Brand: Targus
- Dimensions: 21″ H x 14″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 2.72 lbs
- Great laptop compartment
- The main compartment zippers completely open, which makes this so much easier to access
- The two detachable pockets on the front are really nice
- The raincover is stored in a little padded pocket on the back that serves as lumbar protection
- No padding on bottom of laptop compartment
8. The North Face Unisex Recon
The North Face Unisex Recon comes with a stretch front stash pocket and improved organization. A spacious main compartment with a padded fleece-lined 15″ laptop sleeve protects your computer. The FlexVent suspension system features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel, and a breathable lumbar panel for comfortable ventilated support.
Two extended mesh water bottle pockets double as multi-use pockets. The front compartment has an extra padded tablet sleeve and zip pockets. An external fleece-lined pocket stores small items or electronics. For school, commuting or travel, this backpack has a top handle for easy grabbing and a removable waist belt for a custom fit. A sternum strap with whistle buckle adds extra support and safety. Reflective details help you stand out. Love North Face? Check out our review of the best North Face backpacks for our top picks.
Key Features:
- FlexVent suspension system
- Highly protective 15″ laptop
- Large main compartment for books and binders
- Two extended mesh water bottle pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: The North Face
- Capacity: 30L
- Dimensions: 19.25″ H x 13″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Not too big, not too small
- The back is sturdy, which is great
- There’s a bunch of compartmental spots in the front pocket, as well as a specific pocket that’s fleece for sunglasses
- Very comfortable to wear
- No padding on bottom of laptop compartment
9. AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack
The AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack was designed to protect and hold your laptop while on the move. The backpack features multiple storage compartments and features for additional supplies and accessories. When you travel with your computer, there is no need to bring an additional bag or sleeve. The padded interior features a separate interior space that is able to hold up to 17-inch laptops and notebook computers. The backpack also has a smaller pouch for tablets.
The AmazonBasics backpack’s adjustable, heavily padded, shoulder straps make the backpack comfortable to wear even when loaded with all your gear. A mesh compartment on the left strap provides a quick-access space for cell phones or other small items.
Key Features:
- Mesh water bottle pockets at the side
- Organizational compartments for pens, keys, and cell phone
- Large multi-compartment backpack with a padded sleeve for laptops
- Holds up to 17″ notebook computer
Specifications:
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Capacity: 30L
- Dimensions: 19.29″ H x 13.39″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 1.98 lbs
- Water resistant against light rain
- Lots of convenient pockets
- Mesh Pockets are functional
- Straps work great for holding larger things
- Bottom is a little thin, so dropping it on hard surfaces is not something you should do
10. Samsonite Unisex Tectonic 2 Perfect Fit 17″ Laptop Backpack
Commute in sleek style with the help of the Samsonite Unisex Tectonic 2 Perfect Fit 17″ Laptop Backpack! Constructed from a poly ballistic fabric with durable ripstop accents. Zip closure. Top carry strap and padded, contoured dual-density shoulder backpack straps.
The laptop compartment can accommodate up to a 17″ laptop. The front panel features an oversized pocket for over-the-ear headphones or any travel necessities. An Interior organization features a tablet/iPad pocket and an essential business organizer. A smart sleeve at back secures the backpack to an upright.
Key Features:
- Oversized pocket for over the ear headphones, sunglasses, etc.
- Front pocket organization
- SmartStrap slides over upright handles for easy mobility
- Perfect fit adjustable laptop system
Specifications:
- Brand: Samsonite
- Dimensions: 19″ H x 13″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 3.09 lbs
- Very durable with a well built handle on the top
- Pocket on the side for a water bottle or other beverage
- Tons of pockets
- Well designed shoulder suspension
- Can get a little hot in the heat since its black
Buying Guide
Pockets
Some of the most important considerations are the number and arrangement of the compartments in each pack. All the bags here have excellent storage choices and structure, but each is marginally better for some uses than others. Although some are strictly for leisure, others are designed to be taken somewhere. There are those with particular travel laptop compartments, reinforced laptop compartments, impressive organizing pockets, and more.
Materials
Durability and water-resistance, are defined by the material the backpack is made of. In this review, the quality of e bags varies, but they are all pretty good, though some are fully water-resistant and others are not. Make sure you match these variables with the bag you pick whether you live in a rainy place or if you know that your bags take a pounding on a day to day basis.
Size
It’s best to consider and then pick just what you want your backpack to do for you. Will it have to be capable of going everywhere? If so, a 30L would be a reasonable choice. Or is it for work purely? A 17L alternative should be appropriate in which case. They are often, size-wise, in the day or overnight range. Choose a smaller one if you want to travel light, and if you want more space to go to work and have enough storage for a couple of days away, choose one of the larger ones.
Comfort
From the padding of the straps to the waist belt, and weight distribution. You want to make sure the backpack your planning to purchase will be able to handle the load and weight of your items. Most of the backpacks listed here are strong enough to carry your laptop and other necessities but if you anticipate more items, then just make sure you pick the right one.
Price
Although most bags with lots of pockets tend to be on the expensive side. We still included some budget options to suit those who prefer affordable options. The choice is really up to you if you want to spend less but still have a durable bag, we are confident that are budget options here should last you for several years so don’t worry about going for the cheaper option.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best backpacks with lots of pockets and compartments as well as our guide on features to look for in a backpack with lots of pockets and compartments. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.