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The 25 Best Backpacks For Men for Work, Travel and More

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Backpacks. We may not buy them very often, but when we do, it’s important for them to be both stylish and comfortable. Think about it—when you went back to school shopping, what was one of the most important items on the list? Backpacks, right? If your family was anything like mine, then having a cool backpack was a must. Sometimes we would visit multiple stores to see who had the best selection, and there was nothing like packing your bag the night before the first day of school knowing you were going to pull up in style. That said, you have to look for different things when it comes to the best backpacks for men for work, for travel, for hiking, or any other practice. Whatever the reason might be, we've got you covered with some of the best backpacks on the market. 

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When selecting a backpack, there are many different questions that come to mind. Do you need the bookbag for work/school, or for day to day activities? Comfort is also a huge factor to keep in mind, as well as your shoulder and back health, as many people have suffered pain in those areas from carrying around heavy bags all day. While those details may seem small, it is important that you keep those things in mind in order to avoid paying a difficult price later. Now that we covered those bases, let’s get into the different backpacks that are ideal for most situations/scenarios. We have compiled a list of the best 25 backpacks for work or wherever else you may need to take them:

The Best Backpacks for Men, at a Glance

Our Editors' Pick for Best Work Backpack: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack, $29.99

Our Editors' Pick for Best Hiking Backpack: L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack, $59.95

Our Editors' Pick for Best Travel Backpack: The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack, $75

Our Editors' Pick for Best Leather Backpack: Lululemon New Crew Backpack, $98

Our Editors' Pick for Best Laptop Backpack: Lenovo Laptop Backpack, $49.99

The Best Work Backpacks for Men:

Sure you could opt for the traditional briefcase, but you can also switch up your work attire a bit by carrying a backpack. Here's some good options to choose from.

1. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

matein
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack / Amazon

Our Editors' Pick for Best Work Backpack

  • Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches | Volume: 35L | Material: Polyester Fabric  | Capacity: 28L

The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is an excellent bag for both work and school. Most of us have laptops for work, and can agree that our biggest fear is dropping/damaging them when we are walking around, driving, etc. The Matein Backpack comes with a laptop pocket, as well as phone and pen pockets. It also has a hefty handle, adjustable straps, and luggage straps in case you're traveling. Reasonably priced, this is a decent investment.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $49.99

2. Adidas Prime Backpack

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Adidas Unisex Backpack / adidas
  • Dimensions: 12.5" x 11" x 20.25" | Volume: 21L | Material: 100% Polyester  | Capacity: 27L

Featuring five outlined zipper pockets, as well as a separate laptop pocket, the Adidas Unisex Backpack is a crisp bag providing you both style and comfort. The padded sleeve and Loadspring shoulder straps help take the load off carrying heavier items throughout the day, and the reflective details increase visibility in low-light conditions, which will be especially helpful at nighttime and during foggy conditions. 

BUY NOW AT ADIDAS, $56

3. Oakley Men’s Enduro 2.0 30L Backpack

oakley
Oakley Men’s Enduro 2.0 30L Backpack / Amazon
  • Dimensions: 12 1/2"W x 19"H x 8"D  | Volume: 30L | Material: 100% Polyester  | Capacity: 30L

While this is a little pricier compared to some of the other backpacks on this list, this bag is definitely worth the money. Designed with separate compartments for all of your items, the Oakley Enduro backpack is made with a strong long-lasting fabric to help keep your gear secure. While the bag is water resistant, it can only withstand lighter amounts of rain. So you’ll have to check the weather before wearing it outside.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $81.33

4. Pans Backpack for Men Large Military Tactical Travel

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Pans Backpack / Amazon
  • Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 24 inches  | Volume: 64L | Material: ‎Polyester | Capacity: 64L

Equipped for 3-day traveling, the Pans backpack has four spaces for your cellphones, wallets, and keys, and the bag is spacious enough for just about anything you might need or require. The middle compartment is meant for larger items, while the main compartment can hold your clothes, and any miscellaneous items you wish to bring on your trips. The Pans backpack also has a separate water bottle mesh pocket located near the side, and two walkie-talkies pouches, which can be found on the back strap of the bag. 

Obviously this backpack is best suitable for those in the military, but it could also be helpful for those heavily into camping and hunting as well—though you probably won’t need the walkie-talkie pouches

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $38.99

5. Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack

carhartt 1
Carhartt 2-in-1 Insulated Cooler Backpack / Amazon
  • Dimensions: 12.5 x 8 x 17.75 inches  | Volume: N/A | Material: ‎Polyester | Capacity: Can hold up to 24 cans

The Carhartt Backpack is a 2-in-1 backpack cooler is a five-star bag that has an insulated base compartment, a main compartment with mesh pockets for food, tickets, keys, etc. The cooler compartment can hold up to 12 beverage cans and has an ice pack to keep everything cold for at least 24-hours. The main compartment can hold non-perishable food items and clothes (though we recommend not storing the two together), and the mesh side pockets are another valuable feature that the bag has to offer. The Carhartt 2-in-1 has received high ratings for its durability and comfort.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $64.99

The Best Hiking Backpacks for Men

If you're planning on hiking anytime soon, you're going to need a sturdy backpack to carry your belongings. Here are some suggestions

6. L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack

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L.L. Bean Backpack / L.L. Bean

Our Editors' Pick for Best Hiking Backpack:

  • Dimensions: 19"H x 10"W x 7"D  | Volume: N/A | Material: ‎Polyester Shell Material | Capacity: 1,343 cu. in

L.L. Bean's Stowaway Backpack is another good option to take with you on the trails as it's lauded for its lightweight and storage ability. There's an internal stow pocket for smaller items, two individual pockets where you can put your water bottles, and the straps are adjustable. Another bonus is the sweat-wicking back panel, which adds to the overall comfort level of the bag.

BUY NOW AT L.L. BEAN, $59.95

7. Air Jordan Fluid Backpack

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Air Jordan Fluid Backpack / Amazon

  • Dimensions: 22'' H x 11'' W x 5.5'' D  | Volume: 14 cm | Material: ‎Polyester | Capacity: N/A

While this might not be your first thought when considering a hiking backpack, this entry from Jordan is actually pretty well-suited to the trail. Designed to give you a ton of room, the bag has plenty of space for storage with a large main compartment for bigger items, and a line top-zip pocket for smaller ones. The Fluid Backpack also has two additional side pockets just in case you need more space. Oh, and once again, it's Air Jordan. You can never go wrong with anything Jordan.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $59.99

8. Cotopaxi Surprise Backpack

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Cotopaxi Backpack / Cotopaxi

  • Dimensions: 53.3 x 30.5 x 22.86 cm  | Volume: 26L | Material: ‎Nylon, Polyester | Capacity: N/A

For your next hiking adventure, consider purchasing Cotopaxi's Surprise 26L backpack which has some cool features such as an internal hydration sleeve, stowable ice axe loops, side trekking pole attachments, and the ability to store a 13in laptop if need be. The Surprise backpack comes highly rated, being described by hiker enthusiasts as a "hiker's dream."

BUY NOW AT COTOPAXI, $130

9. Temu 80L Outdoor Tactical Waterproof Backpack

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Temu Backpack / Temu

  • Dimensions: N/A  | Volume: N/A | Material: ‎Polyester | Capacity:  80L

For this bag being under $30 you sure do get a lot. According to those who have purchased, the Temu Tactical bag is not only waterproof, but it is larger than expected with the ability to store up to 80L. The quality is great, there's tons of pockets, and like we just said, the bag is under $30. This is a steal for sure.

BUY NOW AT TEMU, $26.79

10. NIKE Hayward Backpack 2.0

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Nike Hayward Backpack / Amazon
  • Dimensions: 19" H x 13" W x 9" D | Volume: 26L | Material: ‎Polyester | Capacity: 26L

A clean and sporty backpack that can be used for all events, the Hayward bag has plenty of room for anything you might need to carry with you for the day. The backpack features a dense weave for lasting durability, and elastic shell straps on the outer part of the bag for a cutting-edge look. Padded adjustable shoulder straps allow you a comfortable carry, and there is one main storage pocket that can hold all of your essentials. The backpack also has an alternate haul loop which gives you the option of not carrying the bag directly on your back if you wish.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $54

The Best Travel Backpacks:

Backpacks make for the perfect carry-on. Here's some that are perfect for you next flight.

11. The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack

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Jester School Laptop Backpack / Amazon

Our Editors' Pick for Best Travel Backpack:

  • Dimensions: 11” x 8.25” x 18.13” | Volume: 28L | Material: ‎Recycled Polyester | Capacity: 28L

The North Face is known for their incredible bag selection. Designed specifically for students, the Jester Laptop backpack features a 15" laptop sleeve, as well as a larger main compartment in the front of the bag to store books and binders. The shoulder straps are super comfy, and the padded mesh back panel and lumbar panel provides back support. A comfortable carry that is great for commuting, this is also a relatively inexpensive bag that gets the job done.

BUY NOW AT amazon, $75

12. Reebok Trainer Gym Backpack

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Reebok Trainer Gym Backpack / Amazon
  • Dimensions:  6 x 11.5 x 16 inches | Volume: 28.25 L | Material: ‎Nylon | Capacity: 28L

A basketball bag is an essential item for any hooper, and Reebok is one of the best at providing them. Described as being a compact bag, the Reebok trainer works well for the gym and school, offering storage, support, and comfort. The backpack also has thick-padded back and shoulder straps, alongside dry/wet compartments with ventilated sides. A 15” Laptop Sleeve is also built into the trainer, meaning you could go to the gym straight from work/school without worrying what to do with your laptop. While labelled as being a trainer bag, you can definitely use this for traveling as well. 

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $39.75

13. YOREPEK Backpack for Men

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YOREPEK Backpack for Men / Amazon

  • Dimensions: 14.6 x 10.2 x 19 inches | Volume: 50 L | Material: ‎Polyester | Capacity: N/A

Talk about a diverse backpack. The YOREPEK has a grand total of 20 pockets for both large and small storage. The backpack also has three spacious compartments with hidden pockets to organize your work and school supplies, clothes, travel accessories, and more. The YOREPEK features elastic net pockets that can hold your travel gear, and the bag is structured to make TSA checkpoints a little less stressful as the bag can be easily unfolded to get you through the Airport checkpoints without much difficulty. 

The YOREPEK also comes with a USB port that includes a set-in charging cable for your electronic devices. If you look close enough, you will also find a small hole in the backpack that you can plug your headphones into. As if all of these features weren’t enough, the bag also has side compression straps that allow you to play around with the sizing. 

This is probably the most resourceful backpack on the list, and it is quite inexpensive considering all it offers. The ratings are decent as well, with most buyers giving the bag a four or five-star rating. 

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $27.19

14. Mark Ryden Laptop Bag

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Mark Ryden Backpack / Amazon
  • Dimensions: 7.9 x 13 x 19.7 inches | Volume: 26 L | Material: ‎Oxford Fabric | Capacity: 26 L

Travelers could really benefit from having the Carry+ Professional Laptop Backpack. The bag also offers advanced protection for your gear, with hidden back and side panel pockets for extra storage. With easy travel features such as light handle grips, and removable back straps, the bag makes TSA checkpoints a breeze. The double nylon is water resistant and back cushioning is added to make an already awesome backpack even better.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $68.99

15. Under Armour Contain 4.0 Backpack Duffle

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Under Armour 4.0 Backpack / Under Armour
  • Dimensions: 12"W x 11"H x 23.86"L | Volume: 46 L | Material: Polyester | Capacity: N/A

A spacious bag that will never leave any of your belongings hanging, the Under Armour 4.0 Contain Backpack is one of the toughest bags you can find. Made from strong and durable polyester, the bag is equipped with an abrasion resistant bottom, making it suitable for many different weather conditions. A padded interior zip laptop compartment is one of the bag's top features alongside mesh water bottle pockets, and interior zip pockets to hold your smaller valuables. With more than one color option available, the bag makes for a stylish and comfortable accessory. 

BUY NOW AT UNDER ARMOUR, $59.97

The Best Leather Backpacks

Leather backpacks are a stylish tried and true go-to whether you are heading to work or the airport. Here's some suggestions to try out.

16. Lululemon New Crew Backpack

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Lululemon New Crew Backpack / Lululemon

Our Editors' Pick for Best Leather Backpack

  • Dimensions: 29cm x 18.5cm x 42cm | Volume: 22 L | Material: Leather | Capacity: 22L

Lululemon's New Crew Backpack is all-leather, and all about the organization. While the backpack is a wee bit on the slimmer side, there's still multiple compartments that hold your laptop, workout, gear, and water bottles while still having room for a few more essentials.

BUY NOW AT LULULEMON, $98

17. Fossil Leather Backpack

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Fossil Leather Backpack / Fossil

  • Dimensions: 12" L x 7.25" W x 15.75" H | Volume: N/A | Material: Leather/Polyester Webbing, Polyurethane Trim | Capacity: N/A

With the option to choose between a black or dark brown color, Fossil gives you a super cool leather back that is also very comfortable with padded straps. Additionally, there's a place for you to store your laptop, and while the pockets are a decent size, they aren't too distracting from the overall look of the bag.

BUY NOW AT FOSSIL, $155

18. Michael Kors Cooper Pebbled Leather Backpack

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Michael Kors Leather Backpack / Michael Kors

  • Dimensions: 13"W X 16.37"H X 8"D | Volume: N/A | Material: Pebbled leather | Capacity: N/A

Michael Kors definitely delivers as it's a simple minimalistic style that's roomy enough to store your laptop, but not too big to where it ruins the outfit you're pairing it with if you get our drift. There's also zip pockets where you can keep your handy dandy wallet within the reach.

BUY NOW AT MICHAEL KORS, $239

19. HUGO Leather Backpack

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HUGO Boss Leather Backpack / HUGO Boss

  • Dimensions: Height: 42 cm Length: 29 cm Width: 14 cm | Volume: 22 L | Material: Leather | Capacity: 22 L

Or you can rock with HUGO, who has their Logo-patch leather backpack that can be dressed up or down depending on mood, preference, and event. HUGO Boss never disappoints in terms of quality and durability, so this is a bag that can last you a hot minute.

BUY NOW AT HUGO BOSS, $160

20. Maverick and Co. Explorer Light Backpack

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Maverick and Co. Leather Bag / Maverick and Co.

  • Dimensions: 16¼"W x 11½"H x 2½"D | Volume: N/A | Material: Leather | Capacity: N/A

Maverick Co. provides quality leather bags that check both style and functionality off our lists. There's plenty of pockets including one for your phone and another for your business cards, and we especially love the hidden-zipped anti-theft pocket located towards the back of the bag.

BUY NOW AT MAVERICK AND CO., $179

The Best Laptop Backpacks

And of course, you need a bag that's going to be able to store your laptop as well. Here's a few.

21. Oscaurt Laptop Backpack, Anti-theft Travel Backpack

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Oscaurt Laptop Backpack / Amazon

Our Editors' Pick for Best Laptop Backpack:

  • Dimensions: 11.02 x 4.92 x 16.93 inches | Volume: N/A | Material: Polyester | Capacity: N/A

One of the biggest fears of having something attached to your back is the possibility of a sneaky pick-pocket stealing your stuff without you noticing—this is especially prominent in bigger cities.

The Oscaurt Laptop backpack eliminates that fear with hidden zippers on the main pocket and a secret pocket at the back to ensure your belongings stay safe. Additional features include: a built-in charging cable on the inside of the bag, a USB charging port located on the outside, compartments for storage items such as pens and notebooks, and adjustable shoulder straps with EVA material for back protection. Similar to the Adidas backpack, the Oscaurt also has reflective panels, which again make nighttime travel much safer.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $35.99

22. New Balance Concept One Backpack

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New Balance Concept / Amazon
  • Dimensions: 5.5 D x 17.7 H x 12.2 W  | Volume: 25 L | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 25 L

New Balance is so nice we had to do it twice. The Concept is a nice sturdy backpack that holds up well over time. While not the biggest backpack, it still has an adequate amount of space that you can use to store your items, and is a good bag for those smaller trips that don’t necessarily require you to carry a heavy load. Two color options are available, and the backpack has received near-perfect reviews with customers praising the design and the bag’s ability to withstand bad weather conditions without damage.

BUY NOW AT AMAZON, $43.99

23. PUMA Men's Evercat Contender 3.0 Backpack

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PUMA Men's Evercat Contender / JCPenney
  • Dimensions: 19 Height/Inches, 6 Depth/Inches, 13 Width/Inches | Volume: N/A | Material: Polyester | Capacity: N/A

At first glance this backpack may not look very spacious, but don't let the overall appearance fool you. The Evercat can hold a 15" laptop, books, binders, and anything you else you may need through the day with its compartments and smaller pockets. Many buyers have also used this bag for traveling noting its room to hold some of their lighter traveling objects, as well as the comfortable straps. With many different colorways, the Puma Evercat does its job well, often being overlooked due to the deceptive nature of its size. If you are looking for a backpack that is relatively lightweight but still sturdy, then the Evercat could be a solid option.

BUY NOW AT JCPENNEY, $29.99

24. Timbuk2 Spirit Laptop Backpack

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Timbuk2 / Timbuk2
  • Dimensions: 10 x 15.4 x 9.84 | Volume: 16 L | Material: Nylon, Polyester | Capacity: 16 L

Built with modern features to assist you in both school and work, the Timbuk2 Spirit laptop is small enough to easily carry around for the entire day without discomfort. It has quite a few pockets and is able to store most laptop sizes. TSA-friendly too which is always a bonus.

BUY NOW AT TIMBUK2, $89

25. CALPAK Kaya Laptop

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CALPAK Travel Bag / CALPAK
  • Dimensions: 15.5” x 11.5” x 4.5” | Volume: N/A | Material: Faul Leather | Capacity: N/A

And a little bag from CALPAK to finish things off.

BUY NOW AT CALPAK, $138
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