Finding the best minimalist backpacks for men is not a walk in the park. The inclusion of design features and components is often simpler than deleting them. Strip too much off and you sacrifice usability. Yet add too much in and you’re at risk of getting chaos. But for minimalists, everyday practicality is much more important. An exquisite presentation of the basics focused on aesthetics and clean lines, choosing sentiment over usability.
Sometimes less is more if you’re looking for the best minimalist backpack or the right backpack for work or your daily motorcycle commute. You’re not going to want big bulky hip belts or large branding. You want something that can be easily handled by the urban environment. A minimalist pack that will take a subway commute effortlessly, a trip to the local coffee shop, but still blend in at work.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
Incase City Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Slick and modern design
- It is light and compact but provides a lot of storage capacity spread across several compartments
- Materials are extremely high quality
- The MacBook/laptop compartment is very safe and secure
Sterkmann Minimalist Backpack for Men – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- All the pockets are very purposeful and functional, so you have a lot of versatility in terms of how you arrange your belongings in it
- The expandable compartment can be contracted to nothing, so can still keep it on its slim profile if you are not using it
- The bag is quite sturdy and has the look and feel of a more expensive pack
- The shoe, laundry and compression bags are a nice added touch
Best Minimalist Backpacks for Men – Overview
Classic designs that appear for years to come suitably understated. Whether you’re commuting to the workplace, going to college, just out and about on your off-days, or you are a travel junkie looking for a backpack for Europe. Our picks from the best minimalist backpacks for men strike a careful balance. Even if you
Minimalist Backpacks for Men Reviews
1. Incase City Backpack – Best Value
Store, transport, and protect your laptop, tablet and other gear with the minimalist Incase City Backpack. This sleek, streamlined backpack has a main compartment with a 360-degree padded sleeve for up to 17 “MacBook Pro. The backpack also has space for an iPad and personal items such as books and magazines. There is a storage panel with pens and other accessories in the zippered front pocket.
Carry your pack with the top handle or carry it with the padded shoulder straps. It also features adjustable shoulder straps with air mesh padding for added comfort and a customized fit. Also for comfort, the back panel features cushioned-mesh to wick-away moisture and soften impact, as well as channels to improve airflow. Constructed with durable 270 x 500D blended weave polyester, your City Backpack is solid as well as robust. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best commuter backpacks.
Key Features:
- Large organizer compartment
- Quick-access iPhone pocket with plush fleece lining
- Two zippered stash pockets
- 360-degree padding protects all sides and edges
Specifications:
- Brand: Incase
- Capacity: 21L
- Dimensions: 20″ H x 13.4″ W x 4.8″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Slick and modern design
- It is light and compact but provides a lot of storage capacity spread across several compartments
- Materials are extremely high quality
- The MacBook/laptop compartment is very safe and secure
- No water bottle pouch
2. Sterkmann Minimalist Backpack for Men – Premium Pick
The Sterkmann Minimalist Backpack for Men is perfect for 1-3 Day Trips & everyday use. It is made with durable waterproof coated Eco-Polyesters and Zippers. This travel backpack can be easily expanded from 20L to 30L when you need to pack more for long trips. The innovative strap system allows you to go from backpack to briefcase carry for times when you need to look more professional.
Dedicated space for all of your belongs plus useful accessories to help you stay organized & stress-free on your trip. Combining ergonomic features with a minimalistic design, this travel backpack not only provides comfort but also the style for your life on the move. The heavy-duty materials make our bag weigh more. If you prefer a lighter bag, this backpack might not be the best choice for you.
Key Features:
- Clamshell opening
- Full perimeter expansion from 20L to 30L
- Reflective strip
- Comes with a compression packing cube
Specifications:
- Brand: Sterkmann
- Capacity: 30L
- Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 12.4″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 3 lbs
- All the pockets are very purposeful and functional, so you have a lot of versatility in terms of how you arrange your belongings in it
- The expandable compartment can be contracted to nothing, so can still keep it on its slim profile if you are not using it
- The bag is quite sturdy and has the look and feel of a more expensive pack
- The shoe, laundry and compression bags are a nice added touch
- The side pockets fit a small water bottle at best
3. Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
The Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack will work best for people on a budget. The bag’s construction is powerful, with large compartments and good organization and external storage. However, the bag saves you money by using cheaper materials and buckles components. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, with heavy usage, you could fall into tears.
The thinner layer of polyester is not as flexible and durable as nylon. It’s water-resistant, but a little rigid, and in the long run it won’t be as robust. The buckles and straps are made of thinner plastic material. Ultimately, this might be a good choice for a new traveler in need of a cheap starting pack. If you want to fly further but don’t want to spend big bucks on an expensive bag, it might be a good option. Be sure to also check out our list of travel backpacks for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- Water repellent polyester
- Multiple exterior compression buckle straps
- Suppressible shoulder straps, easily to convert from duffel into a backpack in seconds
- Multiple organizing compartments
Specifications:
- Brand: Hynes Eagle
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 20.1″ H x 13.4″ W x 9.8″ D
- Weight: 2.31 lbs
- Great size for travel
- Lots of straps for securing it together and on your back
- The back part of the bag functions just like a suitcase, fully opening up, and everything fits in there super well
- The straps tighten/loosen/come off depending on how full your bag is
- No where to stuff some of the straps when you aren’t using them
4. Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Men’s Travel Backpack
Osprey Packs Farpoint 40 Men’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 the harness to the hip belt. A mesh back panel improves ventilation and the mesh on the harness and hip belt reduces chafing under load.
The entire suspension stows away under a zippered panel. Outside you’ll find a zippered front panel slash pocket to keep you organized and sewn attachment points to attach gear. Dual front compression straps keep gear stable while wearing the pack. Top and side padded carry handles are helpful when you need to hoist the pack. Our guide to the best 40l travel backpacks offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Large panel zip access to the main compartment
- Lockable sliders on main compartment zipper
- Stowaway back panel, harness, and hip belt with zippered rear flap for protection
- Heat-embossed scratch-free zippered slash pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Osprey
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 20.9″ H x 13.7″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Carry handles are very comfortable and low profile
- Main compartment is useful for packing lots of clothing, it fully opens suitcase/clamshell style
- The compression straps in the main compartment and the exterior can help save some space for carry on use
- Packing up the shoulder and hip straps can help with the in/out for airplanes
- Not enough pockets to aid in organization or quick retrieval of items from outside the pack. This means it’s great for using when traveling between destinations, but not ideal to be used as a day pack
5. Inateck Minimalist Backpack
Designed for travel, the Inateck Minimalist Backpack has a clamshell opening for the main compartment making it easy to pack and unpack. It’s a huge compartment that can store all your clothes for a multi-night trip. The simple things are one of the nicest things about this package. There are two handles, one at the top and the other at the side It’s such a simple feature, but it makes a huge difference as there’s enough padding in it to make it comfortable, which is crucial to bigger backpacks.
The backpack features a prolonged product life. Two handles have both undergone vibration test carrying a load of 10kg for 1000 times (The test item is set to vibrate within a vibration range of 4 inches for 1000 times at a speed of 30 times per minute.) The zipper has reinforced stitches for sturdy quality and smooth usage. You may also be interested in some cool backpacks for men from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Compression straps
- Anti-theft zippers
- Stowable shoulder straps
- Front organizational pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Inateck
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 21.6″ H x 13.4″ W x 7.1″ D
- Weight: 3.63 lbs
- It’s the size of a carry-on suitcase
- Sturdy material and well constructed
- It comes with a waterproof cover
- It has a place for water bottle, which was really handy
- It’s quite difficult to access contents inside if the bag is not empty
6. Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Backpack
A commuter’s best friend, the Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Backpack keeps your work gear organized and easy to access. It has a zip main compartment, two front zip pockets, and two side pockets perfect for stashing an umbrella or water bottle. The bag is made of heavy-duty material that sheds light rain, with a reinforced base for extra strength.
Built of heavy-duty 1200D Poly with Rain Defender durable water repellent, this bag can be set down anywhere, no matter the terrain—the Duravax abrasion-resistant base stands up to the test. The Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Pack also features YKK zippers, metal hardware, and triple needle stitching for reinforcement. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best gym and work backpacks.
Key Features:
- 1200-denier heavy-duty polyester
- Rain Defender durable water repellent (DWR) keeps your gear dry in light rain
- Contour fit shoulder straps
- Padded air mesh back panel
Specifications:
- Brand: Carhartt
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Construction quality looks appropriate
- Generally minimalist design
- Curved shoulder straps are comfortable
- The bag stands on it’s own, much better than flopping over
- Two zipper pulls on the front pockets would be much better instead of just one
7. Kensington Triple Trek Slim Minimalist Backpack for Men
The Kensington Triple Trek Slim Minimalist Backpack for Men features fleece-lined compartments that keep your smartphone and your laptop, tablet, or Chromebook safe from scratches. In between the device compartments is plenty of room for files. You’ll also appreciate the big accessory pocket that holds your power cord and other necessities.
The padded back support system and wide, adjustable padded straps make sure you can take it all with you in comfort. The backpack also includes a handy grab handle that doubles as a trolley strap, as well as reflective zippers for visibility at night. There’s also a hidden pocket to secure your devices and a stow-away water bottle holder to help keep you hydrated.
Key Features:
- Multiple compartments
- Accessible accessory pockets
- Adjustable straps and padded back support
- Reflective strips for visibility at night
Specifications:
- Brand: Kensington
- Dimensions: 14″ H x 10″ W x 4″ D
- Weight: 1.23 lbs
- Small enough that you don’t mind carrying it and it isn’t painful to do so
- It’s very well constructed
- It seems to resist water fairly well, but you probably would want a cover if you were in a rainstorm
- Both the laptop and tablet slots are made with a scratch-free material
- The straps are mildly uncomfortable under heavier loads, which is why this is best for minimalist packing
- The hidden water bottle pouch only accommodates small diameter water bottles
8. BOPAI Anti-Theft Minimalist Backpack for Men
The BOPAI Anti-Theft Minimalist Backpack for Men is a brilliant small anti-theft backpack for travel. This backpack is innovative in every way, featuring an invisible water bottle pocket and waterproof high-tech design. Such features make the Bopai one of the best backpacks for waterproof anti-theft.
The materials used to develop this pack serve to increase the capacity for anti-theft. The microfibre leather and durable ballistic nylon are almost indestructible. The design includes a hidden double-zipper design that boosts the security of the backpack’s contents. A hidden zip back located on the back allows you to store money, cards, checks, wallet, etc. Our guide to the best anti-theft backpacks for travel offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- 6 pockets inside
- Clear visibility with 45 degrees opening zipper position
- Flexible fixed water bottle or umbrella pocket
- Main pocket clings to your back, hidden zipper with anti-theft design
Specifications:
- Brand: BOPAI
- Dimensions: 17.7″ H x 11.8″ W x 5.5″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Its very stylish and the leather is high quality and very attractive
- The main compartment has a piece of fabric that lets you unzip it without letting your stuff fall out
- Has nice features: luggage strap, transit pass pocket on the shoulder strap, water bottle holder on the side, built-in charging plug
- It has organizational pockets inside. Not the best, but decent enough
- Not a lot of padding in the laptop compartment
9. Everki Studio Slim Laptop Backpack
The Everki Studio Slim Laptop Backpack is smartly designed for today’s mobile manager or commuting professional. Its small frame efficiently carries daily essentials, like a 14.1-inch laptop or a MacBook Pro 15, as well as an iPad or tablet. And being organized is easy with the studio because all of the features are exactly where you’d expect them to be, along with some nice surprises too – like the stash pocket in the wide, ergonomic shoulder strap and the secret pocket hidden on the trolley handle pass-through.
The exterior of the bag is constructed with high-quality materials, which make it durable enough to stand up to everyday use, while its size and discreet profile make it optimal for daily commuting by taxi or train. A pair of waist-level pockets keep water bottles close at hand; and you’ll also appreciate the pockets, pouches, and slots for pens, business cards, and phone. Our handy guide to the best tech backpacks features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Integrated laptop corner guard system
- Trolley handle pass-through
- Durable zippers and metal pulls
- Wide, ergonomic shoulder straps with zippered stash pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: Everki
- Dimensions: 15.8″ H x 11″ W x 4.5″ D
- Weight: 2.2 lbs
- Sleek and sits close to the body
- Great weight management for walking and riding
- Fits easily under airline seats
- Hidden zipper pockets
- No dedicated pocket for glasses
- Top load design makes for a deep reach sometimes
10. OUTJOY Anti Theft Minimalist Travel Backpack
The OUTJOY Anti Theft Minimalist Travel Backpack could be your best choice if you’re looking for a high quality, trendy and functional anti-theft backpack. This model is made of premium materials that withstand heavy loads and external scratches. This makes it a perfect choice for everyday use. The backpack comes with a top handle embedded with thick foam to boost your comfort and make sure your stuff is safe.
This waterproof backpack for travel includes an external USB interface with a built-in charging cable. The back panel and shoulder straps are crafted from comfortable and breathable pads with excellent ventilating construction. Boasting of secure anti-theft design, you can be sure that all your valuables are safe. This is facilitated by its double zippers that are concealed that the thief has to detour.
Key Features:
- Scratch proof & crush proof
- Strong water-resistant ability
- TSA friendly design
- Secure reflective strip
- Built-in Combination Code Lock
Specifications:
- Brand: OUTJOY
- Dimensions: 18.6″ H x 14.6″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 2.31 lbs
- Sleek & clean looks
- Very spacious inside but doesnt look bulky from the outside
- Fits snug and contours you your whole back
- Very comfortable (straps and back are padded very well)
- Not very lightweight
Buying Guide
Size
It’s a given that whatever minimalist backpack you’re going to use, it will be pretty small. Limiting what you can bring is the core of minimalist travel and theory on any given trip. Generally, a 35-40L backpack can give you the most flexibility, anything bigger than that is no longer a minimalist. If you’re just looking for a smaller backpack to complement your full-size hiking backpacker, your best bet is probably going with a 20-30L.
Organization
To get the most out of each backpack, some pretty ingenious organizing elements are developed by the developers of each backpack included in this review. Sure, certain backpacks are so well-downed with pockets, belts, and compartments that it’s difficult to classify the backpack even as a minimalist. You can be certain that any minimalist backpack has its own exclusive offerings. When it comes to buying your backpack, dial in what kind of features are important to you and factor that in your final decision.
Durability
Most backpacks over time take a beating. It doesn’t matter whether you send them around the world to work or travel. The backpacks need to be up to the task. Search for lightweight packs made from quality materials. Sure some are going to be better than others. As a simple rule of thumb, the higher price signifies higher quality.
Style
Minimalist backpacks tend to look great. By nature, they are sleek, stylish and chic. If you’re after a real minimalist backpack, the looks might be more important. That said, I’d always choose practicality first. The world’s most trendy looking bag is useless unless it does its job.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best minimalist backpacks for men as well as our guide on features to look for in a minimalist backpack for men. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.