Best Backpacks for Men

10 Best Backpacks for Men in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

(Last Updated On: February 2, 2023)

Whether you’re looking for an everyday carry. The best backpacks for men are comfortable, well equipped, and they cover what you need to carry. But they need to adapt to your lifestyle, too. Do you want to carry a backpack to work, the gym, or when you’re hiking? These are the questions you need to know, and if you’re a frequent traveler, the best backpack for you is one that has a multitude of compartments, including a TSA laptop sleeve that’s purposely designed to make traveling burden-free.

Knowing what you’re going to use a backpack for is a great start to choosing a good and long-lasting backpack. You’re going to need a pack that suits all your things and comes with a suspension system that can support your body and the weight you place on it. If you are a conventional backpacker, look for larger sizes made of lightweight materials that can also breathe. But, if you’re in minimalistic packing, choose the smaller and most compact models.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 12 hrs of research

Incase City Backpack

Incase City Backpack – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • The laptop compartment offers ample 360-degree protection for your laptop
  • There is a zippered compartment on the top outside of the backpack that is lined with a soft material, perfect for gadgets and thing you don’t want to get scratched
  • Provides adequate padding for comfort
  • The material is also water-resistant to an extent

Oakley Men's Kitchen Sink Backpack

Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack – Premium Pick

Why is it better?

  • Sits well on your shoulders and back even when it’s full and heavy
  • Clamps keep backpack closed. Easy to detach by hand
  • The front pouch is still accessible while strapped which is nice
  • The way the bag is designed, you could stand in the rain and none of your electronics would get wet

Best Backpacks for Men – Overview

Whether you’re going to work on Monday, running a trail, or biking through the forests on the weekend, nothing can get you from A to B like a trustworthy backpack for men. The challenge is to find one that does meet your needs and that will keep on to your adventures as well. It’s not unheard of to spend money on a bag just to get it to fall apart sooner than expected. This is why we have curated the best backpacks for men for you as well as a buying guide on features to look for.

Backpacks for Men Reviews

1. NOMATIC Travel Pack

NOMATIC Travel Pack

The NOMATIC Travel Pack was designed for everyday use. It is made with durable waterproof materials and zippers. Starting at 20L and expanding to 30L this bag is slim but expands when you need to pack more. The versatile strap system allows you to go from backpack to briefcase carry for those times when you need to look more professional.

Magnetic waterbottle pockets, RFID safe storage, and hidden pockets are just a few of the 20+ noteworthy features that make this travel pack the most functional travel pack ever! On top of being packed with incredible functionality, the NOMATIC Travel Pack has a sleek minimalist design and gives you confidence for your life on the move.

Key Features:

  • Easy pack clamshell opening
  • Cord pass-throughs
  • Roller bag sleeves
  • Sunglass hard shell
  • Magnetic water bottle pockets

Specifications:

  • Brand: Nomatic
  • Capacity: 20-30L
  • Dimensions: 21″ H x 14.1″ W x 7.5″ D
  • Weight: 4 lbs
Pros
  • The whole bag feels thick and the materials are rugged enough for an urban bag
  • Backpack is quite compact but can be expanded to 30L
  • It sits up easily and doesn’t fall unless you pack too much heavy items
  • This comes with a packing cube and the packing cube works well
Cons
  • The hard sunglass case takes up too much room

2. Incase City Backpack – Best Value

Incase City Backpack

Protect, organize and carry your MacBook and other essentials in the stylish Incase City Backpack. The City Backpack is constructed with durable 270 x 500D blended weave polyester and features a 360-degree padded, faux-fur lined laptop compartment for optimal MacBook protection. Features a front zippered compartment with organization features and two primary storage areas for carrying a MacBook and iPhone, along with purposeful pockets for organizing extra accessories, documents, and other essentials.

Created with soft design lines and a slim profile while maintaining the essential storage space every commuter needs. It also features adjustable shoulder straps with air mesh padding for added comfort and a customized fit. It has two zippered side stash pockets provide quick, on-the-go access to small essential items. Don’t forget to also check our guide to some cool backpacks for men.

Key Features:

  • 360-degree padded, faux-fur lined laptop compartment
  • Made with durable 270 x 500D blended weave polyester
  • Two zippered side stash pockets
  • Two primary storage areas
  • Front organization pocket

Specifications:

  • Brand: Incase
  • Capacity: 21L
  • Dimensions: 20.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 5.5″ D
  • Weight: 3.7 lbs
Pros
  • The laptop compartment offers ample 360-degree protection for your laptop
  • There is a zippered compartment on the top outside of the backpack that is lined with a soft material, perfect for gadgets and thing you don’t want to get scratched
  • Provides adequate padding for comfort
  • The material is also water-resistant to an extent
Cons
  • Does not come with a chest strap

3. Timbuk2 Unisex Blitz Pack

Timbuk2 Unisex Blitz Pack

Perfect size for a heavy packer’s weekend or a light packer’s week away, the Timbuk2 Unisex Blitz Pack plays to high and low volume in a single bag. Designed for easy packing and bulky items with a clamshell design. Compression straps and tuck-away backpack straps offer flexibility where you need it, and an air mesh back panel keeps things breezy in the back.

It also has a shoe pocket for convenience. Light internal organization offers an easy place to stash small stuff and a big grab handle eases heavy lifting. External compression straps are there for cinching or expanding. Pack light, pack heavy, and split.

Key Features:

  • An easy packing backpack duffel for several nights away
  • Internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small stuff
  • Padded laptop compartment fits a 15-inch laptop
  • External compression straps for cinching or expanding
  • Reflective hits

Specifications:

  • Brand: Timbuk2
  • Capacity: 28L
  • Dimensions: 22.8″ H x 13″ W x 5.9″ D
  • Weight: 3 lbs
Pros
  • It can fit a lot
  • The straps are pretty rough and thin
  • The overall style of it lets you use it as a travel bag, work bag and even as a camping bag
  • The material of the bag is lightweight (a polyurethane and polyethylene blend), yet sturdy and easy to clean and maintain
Cons
  • Sterum Strap is nice but not functional. They tend to slide down to the very bottom whenever not in use

4. Hynes Eagle Aurora Travel Backpack

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The Hynes Eagle Aurora Travel Backpack builds to offer a necessary selection of carry-on pack, travel weekender bag, packing accessories for each leg of your journey. With a clamshell design opening, it offers ample space to pack various travel essentials conveniently. This traveling backpack is designed with a front zip compartment, middle main compartment and a back laptop compartment that fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop.

Hide Away straps are padded with air mesh, can carry it comfortably like a backpack or you can easily convert it into a duffel bag with dual side handles. There is also a sternum strap that adjusts lengthwise and slides up and down the shoulder straps. Design for stabilization and carry comfort. It is also designed to fit the maximum size allowed on an airplane.

Key Features:

  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Removable sternum strap
  • Back laptop compartment
  • Clamshell open design
  • Flight approved size

Specifications:

  • Brand: Hynes Eagle
  • Capacity: 28L
  • Dimensions: 18.9″ H x 11.8″ W x 7.5″ D
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs
Pros
  • The different pockets are handy for separating clothes from papers, laptop, etc.
  • Perfect if you need to fly on an overnight trip with only a personal item
  • The construction quality seems strong and the zippers are not too lightweight
  • The straps conveniently stow away, great option
Cons
  • No water bottle pocket on the sides

5. Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack – Premium Pick

Oakley Men's Kitchen Sink Backpack

Outfitted with serious hardware and versatile storage options, the Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack is a complete package with heavy-duty appeal. Whether taking a day trip or extended excursion, specialized pockets inside and out organize items while abrasion-resistant fabric keeps them safe, including shoes and most 17″ laptops.

A padded back and adjustable mesh-lined shoulder straps keep you comfortable and cool when hauling over long distances. Equipped with a hard media-player compartment and reinforced clip and zip closures, the Kitchen Sink Backpack blends toughness, style and diverse function ideal for the unpredictable day. Lastly, the Bottom shoe compartment provides spacious storage.

Key Features:

  • Padded side-access sleeve for 17″ laptop 
  • Front organizer panel and mesh optics pocket
  • Compression-molded back panel
  • Adjustable shoulder straps for comfort
  • Bottom shoe compartment

Specifications:

  • Brand: Oakley Mens
  • Capacity: 34L
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 14″ W x 8″ D
  • Weight: 4.2 lbs
Pros
  • Sits well on your shoulders and back even when it’s full and heavy
  • Clamps keep backpack closed. Easy to detach by hand
  • The front pouch is still accessible while strapped which is nice
  • The way the bag is designed, you could stand in the rain and none of your electronics would get wet
Cons
  • This a heavy bag even when its empty, but it holds a ton of things literally size and weight wise

6. Briggs & Riley Unisex @work Medium Cargo Backpack

Briggs & Riley Unisex @work Medium Cargo Backpack

The Briggs & Riley Unisex @work Medium Cargo Backpack is the ultimate carry on and travel partner. With a sleek style and cavernous interior, you’ll feel confident in your luggage. Constructed from a proprietary two-tone nylon twill outer fabric has a fine weave for a sleek touch and non-bulky appearance; durable and lightweight fabric resists wear, moisture, dirt, and abrasion. With leather accents throughout. Zip closure featuring self-repairing YKK® RC zippers for smooth zipper action.

Aerated mesh back padding allows air to circulate against the body, keeping back cool while generously padded back panel adds lumbar support. Laptop compartment can accommodate up to a 15.6″ laptop. Two front zipper pockets, each with their own purpose. The top SpeedThru™ pocket is lined in a vibrant orange fabric to alert you when it is left open as well as help you to access your on-hand items at the airport. The front-facing pocket features organizational pockets as well as a padded tablet compartment. The main compartment can accommodate all of your necessities. Our guide to the best work bags for men offers more great products like this.

Key Features:

  • Interlocking handle system
  • Slip-thru back panel
  • Made with 1600D ballistic nylon outer fabric
  • Laptop compartment
  • Durable genuine top-grain leather accents

Specifications:

  • Brand: Briggs & Riley
  • Capacity: 27.3L
  • Dimensions: 18″ H x 13.5″ W x 8″ D
  • Weight: 2.6 lbs
Pros
  • It has a good professional look without being too boring
  • Great organizational system
  • The structure, quality, and feel of this bag is exceptional
  • Easy to navigate on train and crowded streets
Cons
  • The lining will sometimes became caught in the zipper

7. eBags Professional Weekender Carry-On Backpack

eBags Professional Weekender Carry-On Backpack

Loaded with pockets to keep all of your essentials organized, the eBags Professional Weekender Carry-On Backpack is simply perfect for every trip. The Weekender is crafted from twisted poly fabric and features a convertible design so that it can be carried as a backpack, briefcase, or hands-free crossbody bag. The eBags Professional Weekender is available in Black, Brushed Indigo, and Heathered Graphite so you have a lot of options to suit your taste.

With a protective, padded laptop compartment, a clothing compartment to hold overnight essentials, and an organizer to hold all sorts of small accessories, this bag is detailed with unique features such as lockable D-rings and zippers, a side-mounted water bottle pocket, exterior pockets, and a zip-around front organizer with multiple mesh pockets and slip pockets. The Professional Weekender even has hide-away backpack straps so it can maintain its minimalistic look while on the go. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best weekender bags.

Key Features:

  • Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 14″ or up to 18″ with AC adaptor garage removed
  • Fleece lined padded tablet sleeve
  • Removable TSA compliant zippered pouch for 3-1-1 items
  • Removable crush-proof AC adaptor garage for cord management
  • Breathable, padded air-mesh back panel for comfort
  • Removable, adjustable sternum strap

Specifications:

  • Brand: eBags
  • Capacity: 32L
  • Dimensions: 21″ H x 14″ W x 8″ D
  • Weight: 3.43 lbs
Pros
  • The shoulder straps can be totally stowed away
  • The quality of the build. From the zippers to the material everything is top notch
  • Tons of compartments
  • It is perfect for business or for personal use
Cons
  • Bottle holder is gimmicky

8. Kattee Men’s Canvas Leather Hiking Travel Backpack

Kattee Men's Canvas Leather Hiking Travel Backpack

Are you looking for a backpack that is stylishly designed to suit any situation without compromising on strength and functionality? If so, the Kattee Men’s Canvas Leather Hiking Travel Backpack is the perfect travel backpack for you! It’s perfect as a travel, hiking or school canvas backpack.

Whether you want a travel backpack or as a school backpack to carry A4 magazines, laptops, tablets, etc; this unisex backpack is perfect. The front pocket with a single-buckle flap and magnetic closures is great for quick-access items while side-pockets provide extra room for accessories. Complementing the fantastic design are thick, comfortable and adjustable shoulder straps. You may also be interested in some of the best backpacks for day hikes from our list, so check them out.

Key Features:

  • Interior with 15-inch main pocket
  • Decorative buckles with high-efficiency magnetic button closures
  • Made with high-density canvas and trim with genuine cow leather
  • Vintage style

Specifications:

  • Brand: Kattee
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 12.5″ W x 7.5″ D
  • Weight: 3.1 lbs
Pros
  • The pockets close securely and stay closed
  • Perfect size for a day or two, longer if you can pack light
  • Lots of external pockets and a few internal ones including two with zippers
  • Side pockets fit water bottles well
Cons
  • The bag is completely canvas cloth so it has no rigidity to it all. So if there’s nothing inside it it will completely collapse down to a puddle on the floor

9. The North Face Borealis

The North Face Borealis

With a modern refresh, The North Face Borealis is perfect for stashing your gear quickly and hitting the road now offers updated features and an improved suspension system for all-day comfort. The main compartment features a padded, highly-protective laptop sleeve and the front compartment is equipped with a tablet sleeve to protect and organize your electronics.

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. Finished with easy-access, stretch-mesh water bottle pockets and an external bungee cord that allows you to lash on additional gear. Reflective bike-light loop, reflective water bottle tabs and reflective shoulder strap webbing create 360 degrees of reflectivity. Be sure to also check out our list of North Face backpacks for more great items like this.

Key Features:

  • Dedicated, highly protective 15″ laptop compartment
  • 360-degree reflective bike-light loop
  • Two extended mesh water bottle pockets
  • External, fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or electronics

Specifications:

  • Brand: The North Face
  • Capacity: 28L
  • Dimensions: 19.75″ H x 13.25″ W x 9.75″ D
  • Weight: 2.68 lbs
Pros
  • Comfortable to wear during normal activities
  • Sternum strap has a whistle for emergencies
  • Bag has a hip-strap to take off the weight from your shoulders/back
  • Thick padding on shoulder straps makes it so it doesn’t wear you out physically and the ‘aerodynamic’ back-padding lets your back breathe during activities
Cons
  • Hip-strap has no padding – just nylon webbing

10. TUMI – Alpha Bravo Davis Laptop Backpack

TUMI - Alpha Bravo Davis Laptop Backpack

A versatile and sleek backpack featuring a comfortable, adjustable shoulder strap and precisely designed compartments for your laptop, tablet and other daily essentials. Perfect for use as a commuter bag or carry-on. TUMI – Alpha Bravo Davis Laptop Backpack brings you rugged yet refined pieces that will take you from the office to the outdoors and beyond. Made from ballistic nylon, which withstands the wear and tear of everyday use.

Additional features for this backpack include a front straight zip pocket with protective lining, a quick access back pocket with hidden magnetic snap, and a webbing top carry handle with a leather accent. Effortlessly carry items at the same time with one hand using the Add-A-Bag Sleeve.

Key Features:

  • Add-a-Bag Sleeve
  • Tumi Tracer
  • eReader pocket
  • Padded laptop compartment

Specifications:

  • Brand: TUMI
  • Dimensions: 16.5″ H x 11.5″ W x 4.25″ D
  • Weight: 2.7 lbs
Pros
  • Sufficient padding for a laptop as well as a tablet pocket
  • Very comfortable
  • Slip-in pocket located on top of the bag for easy access
  • It is truly amazing how many items you can fit into this relatively compact bag
Cons
  • Not for a petite woman

Buying Guide

Intent

The first thing you need to remember while going on a backpack hunt is why you’re buying one. Do you need one to pack your important equipment for that epic backpacking trip? Do you want one as a sleek fashion accessory when you’re in town for a day? Do you need it for school? Do you need it to carry your sports equipment? Or simply just a work backpack.

Closure

There are several forms of backpack closures out there. A rolltop that’s perfect for protecting your equipment from the rain. A drawstring that offers a less formal look, which is more common in daypacks. The lock closure that provides the most protection and security for your stuff inside and can be a great feature if you carry valuables. The magnetic closure that’s perfect if you need to get something inside fast when you’re in a hurry. Finally, a zippered closure will always cover your things with the quick unzipping of your backpack.

Fabric

The fabric in which the backpack is created will have a significant influence on its style and durability. Some of the most common backpack fabrics are canvas, nylon, and leather. You won’t always see cotton-like fabrics that are more popular in far less robust daypacks.

Compartments

The most common compartment is one for general storage, and the majority of your things will be stored here. There are also outer pockets that are designed to give you an easy-to-access place to hold your things. The inclusion of these additional pockets leaves the general storage space uncluttered and free from loose objects and helps you to quickly access things that you may need throughout the day.

Adjustable Torso

Some backpacks for men offer the ability to change the torso portion, depending on the bag, usually via a connectable strap. This feature gives you enhanced security and the ability to keep your backpack attached to your body so that it doesn’t just bounce off your back.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best backpacks for men as well as our guide on features to look for in a backpack for men. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.