There is no excuse for any man to turn his back on a cool backpack style of a pack. Rich fabrics, sleek forms, and convenient compartments make it perfectly appropriate for men to carry their equipment anywhere. The coolest backpacks for men tend to lighten the load on your pants pockets and look a lot more comfortable than your beat-up gym bag.
There are numerous bags on the market designed for a number of purposes, including hiking, gym and work, traveling, camping, and even school. In general, bags are required for our day-to-day activities, as they help us to bring all our stuff around with ease. Yet, new backpacks come with a range of innovative features such as anti-theft features, zip pockets, and spaces for all your tech devices to make life more comfortable.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
Timbuk2 Rogue Laptop Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The build quality is decent, it has a waterproof/life rubber coating on the main front, and bottom panels
- The straps are made strong and they are attached to a beefy strap material
- The buckles are the main tie-down for the top flap with a velcro part as well under the flap
- There is a zippered pocket that can store a phone, wallet, etc.
Thule Subterra Daypack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Great lumbar support, secure pockets for a 16-17 inch laptop and your tablet
- Pockets for pens, a hard shell for your shades, and space for your cell phone
- Water repellent unless you are caught in a storm
- The material used for this backpack is of high quality and well built
Cool Backpacks for Men – Overview
Indeed, there’s no lack of bag types that get the job done for grown-ups trying to look grown-up. But for cool style, you don’t have to rule out the backpack. Given the number of stylish backpack choices for every guy’s style and budget, check out the 10 cool backpacks for men below to feel like a total alpha, while bringing all your daily stuff with ease.
Cool Backpacks for Men Reviews
1. Timbuk2 Rogue Laptop Backpack – Best Value
The Timbuk2 Rogue Laptop Backpack is a top-loading daypack for urban adventure near and far. A military-inspired backpack with a slim, urban profile, the Rogue samples went fast in the Timbuk2 office. Clean on the outside, the Rogue is rather clever on the inside. A stretchy, air mesh laptop sleeve keeps your laptop safe and cool and internal organization provides a place for pens and power cords.
On the outside, its cushy straps are super comfortable and come with a bottle opener for hydration emergencies. Water-resistant TPU exterior keeps rain and grime out. Front zip pocket for small bits. Elasticized external side pocket for water bottle or U-lock. As a nod to the hardcore, daisy chain webbing provides attachment points for your U-lock, carabiners or more serious strap-on accessories. The ventilated back panel ensures to give your back breathing room. Be sure to also check out our list of tech backpacks for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- Water-resistant TPU exterior keeps rain and grime out
- Internal stretch pocket fits up to a 15″ Macbook
- Large main compartment also fits books, lunch, and a light jacket
- Custom-fit strap design
- Removable sternum strap
Specifications:
- Brand: Timbuk2
- Capacity: 20L
- Dimensions: 18.9″ H x 12.2″ W x 6.3″ D
- Weight: 1.76 lbs
- The build quality is decent, it has a waterproof/life rubber coating on the main front, and bottom panels
- The straps are made strong and they are attached to a beefy strap material
- The buckles are the main tie-down for the top flap with a velcro part as well under the flap
- There is a zippered pocket that can store a phone, wallet, etc.
- The water bottle pocket expands inwards, so it takes up some internal space and makes it difficult to insert a bottle if you have the main compartment fully loaded
2. Victorinox Luggage Altmont 3.0 Flapover Laptop Backpack
A slim design and an expandable main compartment make the Victorinox Luggage Altmont 3.0 Flapover Laptop Backpack the perfect companion whether you need extra space or are just carrying a few items. Padded laptop compartment holds up to a 15.6-inch laptop. 10-inch padded portable electronic device pocket to protect an iPad, Kindle, tablet or other e-readers. Interior organization includes a zippered mesh pocket.
Exterior organization includes a flap over the main compartment with buckle closures, a vertical-zip, gusseted front pocket, two hidden front pockets, and webbing loops. Expands .5 inch for extra capacity on demand. Adjustable, padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel and a haul handle for easy carrying. A webbing loop on the shoulder strap conveniently holds a pair of sunglasses.
Key Features:
- Durable Versatek main body fabric with abrasion-resistant Isynetic ballistic nylon base
- Holds up to a 15.6” laptop
- 10″ padded portable electronics pocket
- Adjustable, padded shoulder straps
- Expands .5″ for extra capacity on demand
Specifications:
- Brand: Victorinox
- Capacity: 13L
- Dimensions: 16.9″ H x 11.8″ W x 3.9″ D
- Weight: 1.76 lbs
- The flap over feature really seems capable of keeping the rain out
- Very durable and comfortable handle at the top for moving it around quickly when not on your back
- Very room laptop space
- Overall construction seems very good
- It needs more pockets with small-item organizers
3. Burton Annex Backpack
The heritage-inspired Burton Annex Backpack is a rugged bag to keep your belongings safe and secure when commuting through the concrete jungle or finding solitude on an empty trail. Multiple pockets help organize your everyday tools. You can strap an extra layer, yoga mat, or rolled-up poster to your back with the adjustable webbing straps.
The rucksack design has a rustic look with modern features like a laptop compartment and a tablet sleeve. This pack features an ergonomic shoulder harness with adjustable sternum strap and load lifters for comfortable carrying. Additional storage pockets include an internal zippered mesh pocket with key clip, external fleece-lined accessory pocket on bucket top, and secured external accessory pockets for storage
Key Features:
- Zippered bucket top opening to the main compartment
- Adjustable webbing system
- Ergonomic shoulder harness
- Internal zippered mesh pocket with key clip
- Externally and internally accessible padded laptop compartment
Specifications:
- Brand: Burton
- Capacity: 28L
- Dimensions: 20″ H x 10.5″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 1.85 lbs
- It’s spacious and has enough pockets to separate your chargers, pens and pencils, and other little things
- Stylish, great lightweight material that seems somewhat durable
- Laptop compartment with quick access pocket is great also
- Build quality is amazing
- The front straps that frequently unhook from loops
4. Thule Subterra Daypack – Premium Pick
The Thule Subterra Daypack is a commuter-inspired Daypack with flexible capacity, quick-access compartments and dedicated protection for a 15 MacBook plus iPad10.1 tablet. It has superior bumper protection, thanks to SafeEdge construction within the laptop compartment. Duffel-style zipper opens the main compartment wide for easy packing and full visibility.
The quick-access front pocket expands to hold large items such as a U-lock or power brick for a laptop. Hidden, vertical pocket stores frequently used mid-sized items such as headphones, a hat or gloves. Interior, zippered mesh pocket keeps small items visible yet secure and the integrated daisy chain attachment system for carabiner or bike light.
Key Features:
- Quick access to laptop and tablet through secondary side zipper
- Duffel style front zipper
- Interior mesh zippered pocket
- Expandable front pocket
- Daisy chain attachment system
Specifications:
- Brand: Thule
- Capacity: 25L
- Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 13″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 2.18 lbs
- Great lumbar support, secure pockets for a 16-17 inch laptop and your tablet
- Pockets for pens, a hard shell for your shades, and space for your cell phone
- Water repellent unless you are caught in a storm
- The material used for this backpack is of high quality and well built
- The lid should really have a zipper pouch
5. Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Backpack
Normal 40-hour work weeks don’t exist anymore, creating the need for a versatile go-anywhere, do-anything pack. The Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Backpack is that pack. 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.
This pack has one large, main compartment complete with a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve as well as a spot for your tablet. Two mesh pockets on the side are perfect for water bottles, work gloves and other gear. There are also two zippered pockets on the front; including an organization panel inside with key fob, pen loops and smaller slash pockets. The padded, contour fit shoulder straps with daisy chains make hauling any load a breeze. Air mesh, padded back panel provides additional comfort. Our handy guide to the best work bags for men features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Made of durable 1200D Poly with Rain Defender
- Zippered exterior organization compartment
- Contour fit padded shoulder straps
- Daisy chains
- Padded air mesh back panel
Specifications:
- Brand: Carhartt
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 1.4 lbs
- Generally minimalist design
- Curved shoulder straps are comfortable
- Rubber bottom is a nice option
- The bag stands on it’s own, much better than flopping over
- Cell phone pocket could be a little bigger
6. Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
Started by two guys who love the outdoors and wanted to create innovative products that would support their ongoing passion for exploration. The Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack is made to hold more than just the basics. Tuck in a sleeping bag, clothes for up to two, food, and more. By day, have it carry and protect all your gear. By night, use it as a camping pillow so it will never leave your side. Recommended for trips up to 1.5 weeks.
MOLLE system looping on the front of the bag, providing anchor points to latch onto while boating, biking, or kayaking. Or attach your favorite accessories, to take along with you on your adventures. Easily access items without having to unroll your bag with the large front pocket. This splash-proof pocket makes it easy to grab items on the go when you need them. For valuables, tuck them away in the bag’s two interior pockets both mesh and zippered, where it will be completely protected by the superior quality of your bag. Every Batman needs his Robin. With every earth pak product, an IPX Waterproof Phone Case is included, so that you can have extra protection for your phone. Love waterproof? Check out our review of the best waterproof backpacks for travel for our top picks.
Key Features:
- 100% waterproof
- Roll-top closure and single reinforced strip
- Large splash-proof zipper on the outside
- Convenient D-Rings attached to both shoulder straps and MOLLE system
- Ergonomic padded backpanel
Specifications:
- Brand: Earth Pak
- Capacity: 35L
- Dimensions: 19″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- It very spacious and has a pocket in the inside and outside for easy access
- Verified waterproof
- The straps are extremely comfortable very well padded so you don’t feel the so much weight
- The material is very good and sturdy
- No hip belt
7. Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink
The Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink is a utility designed backpack made of nylon and polyester. It comes with padded shoulder straps with accessory pockets, sternum and waist straps. The padded storage sleeve with side access to accommodate a 17 in laptop. Abrasion-resistant bottom panel for enhanced durability.
Other features include a structured top lid with D-ring tie-downs, compression-molded eyewear pocket, the waterproof bottom shoe compartment that provides spacious storage. Compression-molded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort. Top two-way zip closure and the bold Oakley logo at the top.
Key Features:
- Machine Washable
- Padded side-access sleeve for 17″ laptop and brushed media pocket at the top for protective storage
- Front organizer panel and mesh optics pocket
- Compression-molded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort
- Bottom shoe compartment
Specifications:
- Brand: Oakley
- Capacity: 34L
- Dimensions: 20″ H x 14″ W x 8″ D
- Weight: 3.97 lbs
- The interior pockets are nice and all of the exterior hardware is without fault
- The metal parts are perfectly cast/milled/sculpted and the plastic parts are a quality, high density plastic instead of being cheap
- There’s a bottom pocket for dirty shoes or wet clothes that will keep them from your dry stuff
- The waist strap is nice and wide so keeping a heavy bag tight to the body is easy to manage
- The top flap/compartment that folds over the other main pockets is more or less molded/sculpted to be held closed and in place with the metal clips
8. Kenneth Cole Reaction Back-Stage Access Backpack
Sleek and sophisticated, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Back-Stage Access Backpack is perfect for the modern on the go professional. Crafted from a rich full-grain Colombian leather with a roomy fully lined interior. Loaded with features including a padded laptop pocket that holds most laptops with up to a 16-inch screen, RFID protection pocket, checkpoint-friendly EZ-scan section that includes a full-length zipper pocket and two zippered accessory pockets.
Front exterior includes small zipper pocket lined with brush polyester to protect your valuables, lower easy access zipper pocket and larger zip down pocket which features an extensive organizer to hold a variety of business essentials including a padded phone pocket and key fob. The exterior features a trolley tunnel to fit over trolley handles for hands-free carrying, and a sturdy padded top handle for easy carrying.
Key Features:
- Holds Most Laptops With Up To 15.6” Screen
- Padded tablet pocket
- Checkpoint friendly / EZ-Scan feature
- Genuine full-grain Colombian leather
- Slim construction
- Trolley tunnel fits over most luggage handles
Specifications:
- Brand: Kenneth Cole Reaction
- Dimensions: 16.2″ H x 12.5″ W x 4.5″ D
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- It has some internal structure so it stands up by itself
- Straps are also super comfortable
- Bag leather is soft
- Bag is compact and fits nicely in airplane overhead bins
- There is no padding for laptop to land on. Hence if you drop your bag, your laptop might get impacted
9. Travelon: Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack
The Travelon: Anti-Theft Heritage Backpack carries and keep more items organized than everyday bags. From multiple storage pockets to an interior wall wallet so you don’t have to carry the extra weight of a wallet. With a 5-Point Anti-Theft security system that helps prevent the 5 most common pedestrian types of theft, it is one of the most loved bags. Both body and straps have barriers that prevent bag slashers from accessing your valuables or running off with them.
This roomy bag’s main compartment has an organizer with RFID blocking slip pockets and a zippered pocket. Padded sleeve holds up to a 15.6″ laptop. Front and rear zippered compartments for extra storage. Rear pass-through strap for sliding over wheeled luggage handle. The shoulder strap is adjustable for your perfect fit. An interior tethered key clip with LED light helps you find items in your bag. Water and dirt resistant fabric that wipes clean. Make sure you also check our selection of the best anti-theft backpacks for travel.
Key Features:
- Roomy main compartment with a padded sleeve to hold a laptop to 15.6 inch
- Two easy access, lockable front zippered pockets
- Mesh expansion pocket holds a water bottle
- Zippered organizer compartment with zippered RFID blocking pocket
- 2 open-top wall pockets and a tethered key clip with LED light
Specifications:
- Brand: Travelon
- Dimensions: 17.5″ H x 13″ W x 6″ D
- Weight: 3.15 lbs
- It easily fits a laptop, iPad, camera, cords, wallets, etc.
- Nice clip feature on the zippers
- The zips are very sturdy
- Comfortable to wear
- The zipper tabs are made of plastic
10. Fossil Leather Backpack
Don’t skip a fashion beat with this poised Fossil Leather Backpack, it gives you character on your casual days. Made of smooth leather, zipper closure, top carrying handle with dual adjustable padded, shoulder straps., exterior front zip pocket. The flat base provides upright structure with padded mesh detail at back.
Protect your laptop and digital devices, hold all your important documents and store anything else you might imagine with comfortable leather handles, or use the removable shoulder strap for a crossbody option for those who need hands-free commuting. Other features include a signature logo embossed detail in front, lining made of cotton, and two interior multifunctional slip pockets.
Key Features:
- 100% genuine leather
- 2 leather and mesh adjustable shoulder straps
- Dedicated laptop pocket
- Top carrying handle
Specifications:
- Brand: Fossil
- Dimensions: 21.2″ H x 16.2″ W x 7.5″ D
- Weight: 2.74 lbs
- The padding on the back and on the under part of the straps makes it very comfortable
- Appealing exterior and classy design
- Genuine leather
- This being a nylon and not a metal zipper, it runs quite smoothly
- A bit expensive
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding cool backpacks for men. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.