Best Backpacks for Women

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

(Last Updated On: February 2, 2023)

Remember the time you go to the grocery shop and choose the best, most sparkly backpack you might find? Whether it was practical it didn’t matter as long as it was cool. The good news is that backpacks for women make a comeback, they’re no longer all shiny and sparkly. Brands are more involved in the organization, versatility, price, and design to carry you through all the hurdles in your everyday life. You can be sure that you’ll get a stylish and functional backpack for your daily life.

Backpacks for women are more than just your past school backpack; they’re the perfect backpack, even the mini backpacks, for wandering around a new area, theme park, camping, or just as a luggage substitute. No matter what thing you intend, there’s a look for you. Whether you’re looking for a sporty practical one or a more compact color-poped version, a backpack is an ideal bag to carry on the go.

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

Eagle Creek Global Companion Women's Ergonomic Travel Backpack

Eagle Creek Global Companion Women’s Ergonomic Travel Backpack – Best for Travel

Why is it better?

  • It zips to open like a suitcase
  • Comfortable to wear, great harness system
  • Great organizational pockets on front of bag
  • Hip belt is thick but so comfortable

Fjallraven - Kanken Classic Women's Backpack for Everyday

Fjallraven – Kanken Classic Women’s Backpack for Everyday – Best EDC

Why is it better?

  • Color is great and large variety for colors
  • Thin straps, but very durable
  • Surprisingly fits a lot, though objects can’t be too tall or wide
  • Cute design

Best Backpacks for Women – Overview

The days are over where you’d just see them on festival-goers’ shoulders and investing in a luxurious leather backpack has been just as rewarding as having your hands on the new Gucci or Loui Vuitton bag you’ve been watching. For every occasion — from the gym to the office — we have rounded up the best backpacks for women that will help you rethink carrying your tote the next time you head out of the house.

Backpacks for Women Reviews

1. Eagle Creek Global Companion Women’s Ergonomic Travel Backpack – Best for Travel

Eagle Creek Global Companion Women's Ergonomic Travel Backpack

For your next great adventure, there’s no better bag than the Eagle Creek Global Companion Women’s Ergonomic Travel Backpack ! Constructed from durable 450D Geo Ripstop, Bi-Tech™, and 600D Helix™ Poly. A large butterfly opening reveals two separate packing compartments for maximum organization.

Self-repairing lockable zippers with easy-grip zipper pulls can be used to secure even heavily stuffed luggage without the risk of breaking. Top zippers can be double secured by linking into the Central Lock Point. Padded & moisture wicking backpack straps. The back panel features a hip belt and sternum strap. Our handy guide to the best travel backpacks for women features more great products like this.

Key Features:

  • Ergonomically shaped for women with padded shoulder straps and hip belt with an external pocket
  • Fixed 19″ suspension features padded, moisture-wicking backpack straps, back panel and hip belt for long term comfort
  • Book-style opening reveals split packing compartments for maximum organization
  • Padded 17″ laptop sleeve in the main compartment

Specifications:

  • Brand: Eagle Creek
  • Capacity: 40L
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 13″ W x 3.5″ D
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs
Pros
  • It zips to open like a suitcase
  • Comfortable to wear, great harness system
  • Great organizational pockets on front of bag
  • Hip belt is thick but so comfortable
Cons
  • Not the lightest of bags

2. Dakine Women’s Garden Laptop Backpack

Dakine Women's Garden Laptop Backpack

The Dakine Women’s Garden Laptop Backpack for day hiking or school. In Hawaiian slang, “Da Kine” means the best and the company has lived up to this standard through attention to detail, focus on accessories and a notoriously thorough design process. This mid-sized packed is perfect for the minimalist student or regular everyday use.

The Garden features a large central compartment with a sturdy laptop sleeve, an organizer pocket, a fleece-lined sunglass pocket, and a low profile front zippered pocket and double mesh side pockets for water bottles. There’s space for anything in this cool, portable backpack.

Key Features:

  • Fits most 15 inch laptops
  • Fleece-lined sunglass pocket
  • Organizer pocket
  • Hidden front zippered pocket
  • Mesh side pockets

Specifications:

  • Brand: Dakine
  • Capacity: 20L
  • Dimensions: 17″ H x 11.2″ W x 6.5″ D
  • Weight: 1.4 lbs
Pros
  • There are organization pockets in the front zipper section
  • Two mesh pockets on the sides for water bottles
  • The laptop pocket in the main compartment is quite large
  • The colors are nice and sort of calming
Cons
  • The straps will twist when you put it on

3. Herschel Classic Backpack for Women

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This Herschel Classic Backpack for Women brings design and versatility to another level! This Classic Backpack is designed in minimalist and features all the requisite necessities. This backpack features the Herschel Supply Co signature striped fabric lining on the interior and the Herschel Classic woven label on the exterior.

This fully functional backpack features a front storage pocket for your smaller things like keys, pencils, or even index cards. The Herschel Classic Backpack features a compact interior and supportive padded shoulder strap for full support when bringing your textbooks and supplies around! Love Herschel? Check out our review of the best Herschel backpacks for our top picks.

Key Features:

  • Contoured shoulder straps
  • Durable prusik cord zipper pulls
  • Front pocket
  • Herschel’s classic woven label
  • Mesh side pockets

Specifications:

  • Brand: Herschel Supply Co
  • Capacity: 24L
  • Dimensions: 16.5″ H x 15″ W x 5.5″ D
  • Weight: 1.13 lbs
Pros
  • The quality feels really nice and durable
  • Even though this backpack does not look big, it can fit a lot of stuff
  • The straps are very comfortable
  • Minimalist design
Cons
  • No padded pockets on the side

4. The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack

The North Face Women's Borealis Backpack

Woman academics marvel at The North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack. Equipped with FlexVent suspension support, padded nylon forms the back and shoulder straps and integrates an intuitive lumbar panel and spine channel for ergonomic ease when wearing a backpack loaded with several textbooks and notebooks.

The internal padded laptop sleeve covers your laptop while the front zipper comes with an integrated organizer features a padded tablet case, a pen organizer for your highlighter set, and numerous small-item organizing pockets. The flexible sternum strap has a built-in whistle for campus protection and a reversible waist belt to help the backpack remain close to your body as you ride to the coffee shop for a community study session outside the school. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best North Face backpacks.

Key Features:

  • Padded, winged, stowable hipbelt
  • Secondary compartment with organization panel
  • Front stash pocket with zip closure
  • Mesh side water bottle pocket
  • Reflective light loop

Specifications:

  • Brand: The North Face
  • Capacity: 25L
  • Dimensions: 19″ H x 13.5″ W x 7.5″ D
  • Weight: 2.65 lbs
Pros
  • It is durable, sleek, and light
  • Fits very comfortably on back
  • Padding for the laptop is very nice especially with a rigid back
  • Can fit multiple books
Cons
  • The design makes it to where you must lean it against something, or else it will consistently fall over

5. Fjallraven – Kanken Classic Women’s Backpack for Everyday – Best EDC

Fjallraven - Kanken Classic Women's Backpack for Everyday

The Fjallraven – Kanken Classic Women’s Backpack for Everyday was initially crafted for Swedish school children in 1978 and holds your everyday needs safely packed in classic Scandinavian form. During light rain, the water-resistant Vinylon F fabric holds books and notepads covered, and the removable seat pad allows you a comfortable spot to lean back while waiting for the bus.

Top carrying handles and shoulder straps have flexible carrying possibilities. Although the zippered pocket at the front gives easy access to important objects. This pack is constructed from both water-resistant and dirt-resistant lightweight material, which is especially valuable if you are considering buying it for school use. Make sure you also check our selection of the best edc everyday carry backpacks.

Key Features:

  • Vinylon F material
  • Two-way zipper with rain flap for protection
  • Ergonomic shoulder straps
  • Dual top snap handles
  • Sitting pad for impromptu seating

Specifications:

  • Brand: Fjallraven
  • Capacity: 16L
  • Dimensions: 14.9″ H x 10.6″ W x 5.1″ D
  • Weight: 0.7 lbs
Pros
  • Color is great and large variety for colors
  • Thin straps, but very durable
  • Surprisingly fits a lot, though objects can’t be too tall or wide
  • Cute design
Cons
  • Straps are not adjustable

6. TUMI – Voyageur Carson Backpack for Women

TUMI - Voyageur Carson Backpack for Women

Spacious enough for your daily essentials, plus your laptop and a change of clothes, the TUMI – Voyageur Carson Backpack for Women offers the perfect combination of practicality and chic. It’s lightweight and features a water-resistant water bottle pocket, as well as a quick-access phone pocket, making this the one to choose when you’re on the go.

TUMI’s padded laptop compartment provides enhanced protection for laptops or eReaders no matter where your commute takes you. The back sleeve that slips over extended luggage handles allows you to stack and carry heavier bags on your wheeled luggage. A purposeful, practical design that doesn’t compromise on style: The Voyageur collection brings you versatile and lightweight nylon backpacks, bags, and accessories for women. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best Tumi backpacks.

Key Features:

  • Add-a-Bag sleeve
  • TUMI Tracer
  • Waterproof pocket
  • Padded laptop compartment
  • Quick-access phone pocket

Specifications:

  • Brand: TUMI
  • Capacity: 16L
  • Dimensions: 16.9″ H x 12″ W x 5.5″ D
  • Weight: 2.88 lbs
Pros
  • Dedicated laptop compartment
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Lots of cubbies and pockets for different items
  • The side pockets are big enough to hold water bottles
Cons
  • A bit expensive

7. Bellroy Classic Backpack for Women

Bellroy Classic Backpack for Women

The Bellroy Classic Backpack for Women is a smart everyday piece that is a modern take on a familiar style, one that’s value-packed with design detail and a surprising level of function. Internal storage keeps devices, clothing, snacks and personal items ordered, while an external access pocket lets you get to your phone, wallet, and glasses easily.

A protective sleeve holds your laptop snug when you’re on the move – no bouncing against your back. And we have engineered the shape of the bag’s back panel and shoulder straps for comfort and support. Even when fully packed, the bag contours to your body and ‘hugs’ your back.

Key Features:

  • Comfort shoulder straps
  • External quick access valuables pocket
  • Padded laptop pocket
  • Back padding system
  • Quick grab handle

Specifications:

  • Brand: Bellroy
  • Capacity: 17L
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 14.5″ W x 3″ D
  • Weight: 1.54 lbs
Pros
  • Great backpack for everyday use
  • It’s very comfortable and doesn’t feel heavy
  • The zippers themselves are big and of good quality
  • Leather-like material throughout
Cons
  • Quick-access pocket cannot be opened with just one hand

8. Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack

Osprey Fairview 40 Women's Travel Backpack

The women’s specific fit Osprey Fairview 40 Women’s Travel Backpack is perfect for a weekend getaway in the city or the wilderness and is built to meet most airline carry-on requirements. The LightWire frame suspension transfers the load from harness to hipbelt. A mesh backpanel improves ventilation and the mesh on the harness and hipbelt reduces chafing under load.

The entire suspension stows away under a zippered panel creating a sleek silhouette for transport. Two internal compression straps secure your load, so feel free to add an extra sweater and a pair of waterproof boots; this pack is designed to handle loads up to 40 pounds. The Fairview 40 also includes a padded shoulder strap for multiple carry options. Our guide to the best Osprey backpacks offers more great products like this.

Key Features:

  • Large panel zip access to main compartment
  • Lockable sliders on main compartment zipper
  • Dual front compression straps and mesh pockets
  • Heat-embossed scratch-free zippered slash pocket
  • Padded top and side handles

Specifications:

  • Brand: Osprey
  • Capacity: 40L
  • Dimensions: 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
  • Weight: 3 lbs
Pros
  • The bag has got great padding in the straps and back
  • Distribute the weight evenly across your back
  • There are two additional areas for tablets, books, phones, etc.
  • The main compartment opens like a suitcase
Cons
  • The bag doesn’t come with a duffel bag style strap to attach for if you need to stow the backpack straps

9. Heshe Women’s Vintage Leather Backpack

Heshe Women's Vintage Leather Backpack

The Heshe Women’s Vintage Leather Backpack is made from cowhide and manmade leather. A front zippered pocket and a rear zippered pocket, not only increase the capacity of the bag, is also convenient for you to access good. This bag contains 1 generous pocket including 1 inner zippered pocket and 1 invisible pocket. Easily carry your mobile phone, wallet, cosmetics, IPAD, umbrella and other daily essential things.

A front zippered pocket and a rear zippered pocket, not only increase the capacity of the bag but is also convenient for you to access good. The adjustable shoulder strap can be changed to be used as a backpack, messenger bag, shoulder bag, sling bag or a hobo. The straps are very comfortable and are adjustable, one side is leather and the other side is Durable Nylon Belt, more sturdy and can last a long time.

Key Features:

  • Zippered top closure with long shoulder handle
  • Contain 1 generous pocket, included 1 inner zippered pockets and 1 invisible pocket
  • Shoulder bag with buckle fastening adjustable shoulder strap
  • One side is leather and the other side is Durable Nylon Belt

Specifications:

  • Brand: Osprey
  • Dimensions: 13.38″ H x 11.41″ W x 4.52″ D
  • Weight: 2.03 lbs
Pros
  • The bag has got great padding in the straps and back
  • Distribute the weight evenly across your back
  • There are two additional areas for tablets, books, phones, etc.
  • The main compartment opens like a suitcase
Cons
  • The bag doesn’t come with a duffel bag style strap to attach for if you need to stow the backpack straps

10. Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack for Women

Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack for Women

Breathe easy crossing town, country or continent with all your essentials neatly stowed in the Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack for Women. This lightweight, water-resistant nylon pack features a roomy main compartment for storing books, binders, extra clothing, and other larger gear, plus a zippered front organizer for keeping your pens, cards, and small business, school or personal supplies neat and handy.

Side pockets provide easy access to your cell phone and other items you need to get to in a hurry, and the Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack has locking zippers and hidden, slash-proof, wire mesh chain-link construction for keeping its contents safe and secure. The perfect pack for special trips or for everyday use. You may also be interested in some of the best anti-theft travel bags from our list, so check them out.

Key Features:

  • Lockdown Straps
  • Locking Compartments
  • Slash-resistant Body
  • Slash-resistant Straps
  • RFID Blocking Pockets
  • Padded sleeves for a tablet and 13” laptop
  • Water and dirt resistant fabric

Specifications:

  • Brand: Travelon
  • Dimensions: 16″ H x 12″ W x 6″ D
  • Weight: 1.43 lbs
Pros
  • The straps are nicely padded and backed with breathable mesh though the back
  • This bag wears well
  • The square zippered pocket is protected by the steel mesh inside the material to prevent slashing/stealing
  • Vertical zipper pocket on one side with a elastic-net pocket inside and room for a small number of items
Cons
  • The opening to the main compartment is smaller than the chamber itself, so it’s hard to find things in there

Buying Guide

Opening Style

Front opening, top-loading, drawstring top, side zip (or a variation of each) – there are lots of choices for a women’s backpack in style. We are strong believers, though, for comfort and practicality, that the best women’s backpacks are the ones that open at the top, and usually with a zip all the way around – practically the same way you would open a conventional suitcase.

Durability

If you spend money on a backpack, then you want to be confident that it will last for as many trips as you expect to take. Buying a backpack is certainly an expense, so investing a bit more to ensure that the material used in its construction is of the highest quality, rip-proof, durable would guarantee that your purchase is a safe one.

Capacity

Unless you’ve lived your whole life with a small suitcase on wheels, you could be forgiven for feeling it’s easier to get a bigger one. So the larger the bag, the more you can fit in and the heavier it will be when you’re choosing a backpack. And as you wear it for several weeks or months on your back, it would easily be getting tiresome.

Strap Style

A lot of brands have gone to considerable lengths to guarantee that their women’s backpacks are secure, with tailored straps cut to a female form, with padded hip belts to help spread the weight equally around your hips, and less around your shoulders. It puts the weight closest to the gravity center and therefore making it harder to bear.

Other Extra Features

Side pockets, zippered pockets, organization schemes, laptop and tablet case, sternum straps – a number of possible additional features. Just be aware these extra features do not detract from the key purpose of buying a women’s backpack. For example, side pockets will help to hold smaller bits that you would prefer to have quick access to.

Conclusion

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