27 Grown-Up Backpacks You Can Carry With Confidence

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At one point or another, we've all been standing next to the same type of guy. You know the one we're talking about…The perfectly combed-through crew cut, light-grey half-zip jacket, schlepping around his company's logoed backpack (which, let's be honest, was given to him on day one of his job, and now, even though it's fraying at the bottom, he hasn't invested in a new one).

While the need to carry a backpack from point A to point B makes sense —commuting to the office, traveling out of state, going to the gym (there's a lot of stuff to bring, we get it!)—our fashion experts promise you there are much more stylish ways to do it than using a free bag from work. And luckily, these days, there is no shortage of backpack options that will get the job done for grown men trying to transport their belongings in peace.

From high-quality canvas numbers to heavy-duty, super-tactical styles ready for an impromptu spelunking trip, let alone the morning commute, we've got you covered with styles that look modern and polished. It's time to bring out the big boy backpacks.

The Best Backpacks Shopping Guide

• The Only Backpack You Really Need: Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack, $95

• Most Practical Backpack: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack, $195

• The Best Classic Backpack: Herschel Survey Backpack, $90

• Most Durable Backpack: Carhartt Cargo Series Large Backpack, $99

• Most Sleek Backpack: Troubadour Pioneer Backpack, $275

• Best Minimalist Backpack: Stratus Backpack, $188

• Best Luxury Backpack: Bleu de Chauffe Arlo Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather Backpack, $475

• Most Unique Backpack: Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack, $160

• Best Throwback Backpack: JanSport Right Pack Backpack, $53

The ReNew Transit Backpack

A stripped-down (and dare I say office-ready?) option sure to sync up seamlessly with any style. And the many pockets in and out will come in real handy.

Dakota Backpack

If you're carrying your gym clothes throughout the day, it helps to have a bag made to handle the task. Dagne Dover's signature neoprene is made to deflect sweaty smells, and it's super easy to wash when you need to.

Herschel Survey Backpack

Herschel has been doing its thing (and by "its thing," we mean putting up numbers in the backpack game) for a minute now, and the brand's hard-earned industry credibility is nothing to scoff at. It should be one of the first places you check any time you're in the market for an upgrade.

Large Backpack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler

A sturdy pack made from ripstop Cordura that's tough as hell and water-repellent. Plus, there's a removable three-can cooler that comes along with it. Perfect for when you want to hike but also crack open a cold one.

Pioneer Backpack

Troubadour makes backpacks with sharp silhouettes that really announce themselves. This one is streamlined on the outside and practical on the inside, just like you.

New Crew Backpack 22L

Life may get crazy, but this backpack will help keep you sane. With dedicated compartments for your laptop, workout gear, and water bottle, it will put you in an organized state of mind.

Backpack

Rain-proof, because real adults actually dress for the weather. (And guard their electronics from certain ruin in the process.)

Stratus Backpack

Caraa's backpack is the bottomless bag you need for packing all day long. It can fit a lot, and the waterproof fabric will keep what's inside safe.

Black Hole Pack

It's no surprise that your go-to outdoor outfitter also makes a go-to canvas backpack as ideal for the outdoors as it is for the indoors.

1ST CLASS BACKPACK

With this sleek and spacious backpack, you can skip the stress of checking a bag at the airport. It's every frequent flyer's fantasy.

Metro Backpack

Monotone, Monos. It's subtle, sleek, and honestly, kind of hot.

Custom Division Laptop Backpack

Timbuk2 allows you to create your dream backpack (we're not sure if anyone dreams about laptop bags, but if you do, go off) and has over 50 unique colors to choose from. It even gives you the option to add a bottle opener to your masterpiece so you can stay hydrated wherever you roam.

Mountain Daypack

Lightweight and durable, this TNF backpack is your workout partner that'll never skip out on an adventure.

Triboro Backpack

With this leather option on your back, we promise you'll never get mistaken for a student.

Padded Pak'r Backpack

Eastpak has cultivated a certain cultural cachet through its vaguely cosmopolitan vibe. The brand was founded in Boston, and it's the company that almost definitely sold your high school crush's backpack of choice. (Call me, Rachel!)

JanSport Right Pack Backpack - Travel, Work, or Laptop Bookbag with Leather Bottom, Black

A Jansport backpack will transport you right back to the days when the only property tax you had to worry about was in Monopoly. While this product was intended for those thirteen years or older, any adult can carry it around and look like they have their shit together.

F.A.R Backpack

Lightweight, recycled materials, a laptop pocket, and trolley sleeve make this a functional backpack that doesn't skimp on style.

Just In Case Backpack

Tumi keeps things simple, subtle, and sleek, with an all-black backpack that works for any environment.

Vista Waterproof Backpack

Maverick and Co. creates simple and sleek backpacks with very practical features. While their designs may not come with a whole lot of bells and whistles, they're spacious, light enough to carry around all day, and can hold just about anything.

Arlo Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather Backpack

Bleu de Chauffe's products are all handcrafted in France with the finest vegetable-tanned leathers. Inspired by the industrial universe of the 20th century, their professional bags are simple, practical, and stylish. In other words, you'll be the envy of your fellow commuters.

Day-to-Day Backpack

A roomy interior, zip pockets, and sleek colorway make this the ultimate luxurious backpack for the everyday.

Nike Heritage Eugene Backpack (23L)

What do professional ballplayers, TikTok stars, and fitness instructors have in common? They all agree these iconic swoosh backpacks live up to the hype.

Mountain Classic Cordura Pack

Old-school mountaineering vibes from the brand that does, as it turns out, still make a great backpack.

The Everyday Backpack

If you're a daily commuter, gym goer, weekend escaper, or all-weather cyclist, this one is for you. And if you're not any of those things, this ultra-sleek backpack will still look good wherever you wander.

Porter Tanker Rucksack

Compartments galore, courtesy of the master luggage-makers at Porter-Yoshida & Co.

Metro Backpack

Inspired by the grit and resilience of the alpaca, this backpack can adapt to just about any scenario. From urbanscapes to the outdoors, it will become your new can't-live-without sidekick (if only a real alpaca could be your other).

Backpack

A minimalist grab-and-go back, with outside pockets for water bottles, tumblers, and anything else.

Why You Should Trust Us

We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great.

Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams. When it comes to backpacks, you can rest assured that we’re hand-selecting styles that we’ve personally tested, tried, and loved, along with styles that the rest of our stylish colleagues here at Esquire endorse for their own wear.

We’ve had to go through a lot of trial and error, and these backpacks are the ones that are simply the best. Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there. No two tastes are the same, and no two men are the same. Your proverbial mileage may vary. But if you’re looking for the right place to start, with advice from folks who care (possibly too much!) about this sort of stuff, this is the place to be.

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