Our Fashion Director Picked the Best Backpack Brands to Shop Now

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WHETHER YOU'RE COMMUTING to the office, going on a hike or traveling out of town, you need a reliable backpack to get you there. Of course, the market has tons to choose from, but the best backpack brands offer options made with form and function. Best of all, there are backpack brands that specialize in all sorts of adventures, from weekend hikes to morning commutes.

To find the right backpack, look for convenient features that will keep you comfortable and organized as you're on the move. In other words, you want one with enough compartments to carry all your essentials—clothes, shoes, laptops, etc.—without weighing you down. Another key detail worth having is a water-resistant shell, which will keep your belongings dry during rainy commutes.

For the past couple years, our style editors, including Fashion Director Ted Stafford, have tested dozens of backpacks and narrowed down the 13 best backpack brands. We evaluated each pick on the list and its assortment based on comfort, functionality, style and weather protection. Keep reading to see our recommendations that cover all the bases from favorites like Away, Dagne Dover, and Troubadour. From roll-top styles to rucksack models, we’re sure one of these backpack brands has something that will pique your interest.

Troubadour

Minimal aesthetic, maximum performance—that's the design standard when it comes to Troubadour's bags and accessories. Take the Aero Backpack, a bestselling item and an all-time favorite of ours. Sure, its streamlined exterior is one thing to love, but the interior is really where it shines. Our Deputy Commerce Editor Christian Gollayan uses this backpack for his office commutes. "It fits my laptop, workout gear, and sweaty shoes," Gollayan says. "It stores everything I need, and also doubles as my travel backpack." Aside from its impressive capacity, the fabric is also lightweight, waterproof and scratch-resistant.

Away

Away is known for its sleek carry-on luggage. Much like its premium suitcases, the brand's assortment of backpacks merge both form and function. They're equipped with convenient features like a trolley sleeve, interior and exterior pockets, and laptop compartments. Another notable design spec: water-resistant shells that will keep your backpack dry during rainy commutes.

Rains

The Denmark-based rainwear lifestyle brand makes waterproof designs that spans apparel, bags and other accessories. From roll-top styles to cargo rucksacks, Rains offers various silhouettes and sizes of backpacks that can weather any storm. And you find one like this version, you'll be able fasten it to your chest during a bike ride for a secure fit.

Bellroy

Bellroy launched with the intention to make your journey smoother as you move around throughout the day. In doing so, the Australian label designed backpacks with padded shoulder straps for extra comfort and several compartments for easy organization. The Classic Backpack is no exception. Whether you're heading into the office or going away for the weekend, there's a style that will meet your needs.

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover may be seen all over Instagram, but unlike other Instagram-famous brands, this one lives up to the hype. The brand's cluster of backpacks includes the popular Neoprene Collection, which is derived from recycled plastic water bottles. Speaking of which, the Dakota style provide tons of storage with a separate shoe bag, zip pouch and an air mesh laptop sleeve.

Tumi

Tumi's products are designed to make your local and international adventures easier with convenient features and a little added security. The Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack is no different. It's made with modular accessories, padded compartments for a laptop or tablet, and weather-resistant fabric. Plus, you receive a complimentary tracer in case it gets lost or stolen while in transit.

Timbuk2

Believe it or not, Timbuk2 has been around for 35 years. That said, the San-Francisco-based bag manufacturer is an expert at making bags that will last for years to come. Take the Clark Commuter Backpack, a doubled roll-top style perfect for bikers and nine-to-fivers. Features includes a laptop sleeve, a water-resistant shell and a removable zip-away rainfly to keep the elements at bay. What's also neat: you can customize your very own backpack any way you want.

Monos

Monos is a fairly newcomer in the luggage department. Similar to the brand's hardshell suitcases, its Metro Backpack is super durable and resistant to wear and tear. Although it's only one style available, it's spacious enough to get you from Point A to Z.

Features include a waterproof compartment for sweaty gym clothes, a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a hidden pocket with magnetic closure for your passport or wallet. In addition, it comes with a detachable kit that serves as a dopp kit, which has a slot for everything from grooming products to a powerbank charger.

Osprey

Whether you're a winter sports enthusiast that enjoys hitting the slopes or A nature lover who prefers to take the beaten path, Osprey has your back—literally. The brand's assortment of backpacks runs the gamut of gear haulers and travel packs, which are designed with breathable hip-belts and minimal weight to make your adventure more comfortable. This option comes with an external toiletry pocket, so you can get through TSA quicker.

Maverick & Co.

The Hong Kong-founded brand is famed for its backpacks that have simple designs and practical features. Enter the Vista Waterproof Backpack option. There's a strapped laptop compartment, a waterproof external pocket for damp gym clothes, a suitcase sleeve, key holders and so much more. In other words, everyone from the frequent flyer to the fitness enthusiast can make use of it.

Thule

Thule has been on the map for more than 80 years, developing products to simplify your daily adventures and activities. Under this mission, the Sweden brand has created backpacks that are super durable, water-resistant, and padded with thick fabric to keep items like your laptop safe and secure. Most bags in its assortment are best for hiking, photography and travel. There's also hydration backpacks, so you never run out of H2O as you're on the bike or the trail.

Day Owl

Day Owl may have provide an option that is reminiscent of your classic school bookbag, but rest assured, it's a new and improved modern version. The American brand offers one style that comes in two sizes and muted tone colors. It also comes with a spill-resistant bottle pocket and a back panel for to fit your laptop.

Briggs & Riley

If you need extra space and then some, Briggs & Riley has it to offer with an army of expandable backpacks. This is especially true for the brand's Medium Cargo version. It's constructed with a three-section design and a variety of pockets that are strategically placed. Not to mention, the piece can take a beating since it's made with ballistic nylon outer fabric and durable YKK zippers, which are both abrasion resistant.

How We Selected

To find the best backpack brands for men, our editors and writers have tried pieces from over 30 labels in the last couple years. They put each brand's signature item to the test on different occasions, such as wearing Tumi's backpack to the airport, Osprey's travel pack to hike and Rains' rucksack to the office. We also consulted with our fashion director, Ted Stafford, who's been testing men's backpacks for more than 10 years.

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