<p class=”body-text”>From high-quality canvas numbers that could easily replace your beloved briefcase to <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/lifestyle/g44154404/best-hiking-backpacks/” target=”_blank”>heavy-duty, super-tactical styles</a> ready-made for an impromptu spelunking trip, let alone the <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g34496573/best-loafers-men/” target=”_blank”>morning commute</a> (to the, uh, desk in your living room), we’ve got you covered with styles that <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-fashion/g40618589/dad-shoes/” target=”_blank”><em>don’t </em>look adolescent</a><em></em>. It’s time to bring out the big boy backpacks.<br></p><p>But, really, when all else fails, why not embrace the backpack’s tinge of youthful whimsy and track down the preferred style from your own childhood? I’ve got a hunch L.L. Bean that still makes a real solid option. </p>”/>
best everyday backpack
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

best everyday backpack
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Now 29% Off
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.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
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Dimensions | 17.5″H x 7.25″D x12″L |
Volume | 27L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, luggage sleeve, internal and external water bottle pockets |
Water Resistant | Yes |
best all-occasion backpack
Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

best all-occasion backpack
Dagne Dover 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.
Material | Neoprene |
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Dimensions | 11.5” L x 5” W x 17” H |
Volume | 16L |
Features | Fits a 13″ laptop, luggage sleeve, shoe bag, detachable key leash, zip top pouch |
Water Resistant | Yes |
Herschel has been doing its thing (and by “its thing,” I 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.
Dimensions | 15.75″H x 11.25″W x 6″D |
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Volume | 20.5L |
Features | Fits a 13″ laptop |
Water Resistant | No |
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best durable backpack
Carhartt Large Backpack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler
best durable backpack
Carhartt Large Backpack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler
Now 21% Off
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.
Material | Cordura |
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Dimensions | 12″W x 20.25″H x 9″L |
Volume | 30L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, attachable 3-can insulated cooler, Hook-N-Haul system for attaching other cargo bags |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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.
Material | Recycled Polyester |
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Dimensions | 11.8″W x19.3″H x6.3″D |
Volume | 23.5L |
Features | Fits a 16″ laptop, luggage sleeve, shoe compartment |
Water Resistant | Yes |
Rain-proof, because real adults actually dress for the weather. (And guard their electronics from certain ruin in the process.)
Material | 100% Polyester |
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Dimensions | 18.9″H x 11.8″W x 4.7″D |
Volume | 13L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, carabiner closure |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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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.
Materials | 100% Recycled Nylon |
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Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, luggage sleeve, has 15 total pockets, interior and exterior water bottle compartments, back passport pocket, pocket for umbrella, documents, and shoes |
Water Resistant | Yes |
best iconic backpack
JanSport Mono SuperBreak Backpack

best iconic backpack
JanSport Mono SuperBreak Backpack
An OG style that looks as good today as it did when your long-suffering mother first forced you to, “Pick it up off the floor and take it your room, young man.”
Dimensions | 18.9″H x 15.35″W x 1.18″D |
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Water Resistant | Yes |
No surprise that your go-to outdoors outfitter also makes a go-to canvas backpack equally ideal for the outdoors as it is for the indoors.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
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Dimensions | 18.8″D x 11″W x 5.9″D |
Volume | 25L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, luggage sleeve, daisy chain lash to store gear externally |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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Monotone, Monos. It’s subtle, sleek, and honestly, kind of sexy.
Material | Vegan Leather, Nylon Twill |
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Dimensions | 11.5″W × 16.5″H × 6″D |
Volume | 18L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, hidden magnetic snap closure pocket for small valuables, privacy compartment with waterproof fabric, luggage sleeve, comes with exterior snap-on kit |
Water Resistant | Yes |
best lightweight backpack
The North Face Mountain Daypack

best lightweight backpack
The North Face Mountain Daypack
Lightweight and durable, this TNF backpack is your workout partner that’ll never skip out on an adventure.
Material | Recycled Nylon |
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Dimensions | 12.1″W x 6.35″D x 17.5″H |
Volume | 20L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, internal zip pocket, mesh pocket, key ring, and pen holders, internal water bottle pockets |
Water Resistant | Yes |
best versatile backpack
Eastpak Padded Pak’r Backpack

best versatile backpack
Eastpak Padded Pak’r Backpack
Eastpak has cultivated a certain cultural cachet through its vaguely cosmopolitan vibe—the brand was founded in Boston—and the fact that the company almost definitely sold your high school crush’s backpack of choice. (Call me, Rachel!)
Material | 100% Polyester |
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Dimensions | 15.8″H x11.8″W x 7.1″D |
Volume | 24L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop |
Water Resistant | No |
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Lightweight, recycled materials, a laptop pocket, and trolley sleeve make this a functional backpack that doesn’t skimp on style.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
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Dimensions | 19″H x 12.6″W x 7.7″D |
Volume | 26L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, two water bottle pockets, front webbing loops, luggage sleeve |
Water Resistant | Yes |
Tumi keeps things simple, subtle, and sleek, with an all-black backpack that works for any environment.
Material | Nylon |
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Dimensions | 15.5″H X 12.3″W X 4.5″D |
Features | Zip pouch that attaches to interior, add-a-bag strap, fits a 15″ laptop |
Water Resistant | No |
best nostalgic backpack
L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Cordura Pack

best nostalgic backpack
L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Cordura Pack
Old-school mountaineering vibes from the brand that does, as it turns out, still make a great backpack.
Material | Cordura Nylon |
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Dimensions | 19″H x 11″W x 5″D |
Volume | 22L |
Features | Fits a 15″ laptop, two side water bottle pockets, key fob attachment |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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best chic backpack
Porter-Yoshida & Co. Porter Tanker Rucksack

best chic backpack
Porter-Yoshida & Co. Porter Tanker Rucksack
Compartments galore, courtesy of the master luggage-makers at Porter-Yoshida & Co.
Material | 100% Nylon |
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Features | Drawstring fastening, hidden zippered pocket inside, two front 3D pouch pockets with concealed zippers |
Water Resistant | Yes |
A minimalist grab-and-go back, with outside pockets for water bottles, tumblers, and anything else.
Material | Polyester, PVC, Nylon, Metal |
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Dimensions | 17 1/2″H x 13″W x 7″D |
Features | Padded laptop pocket, interior and exterior pockets |
Water Resistant | No |
best luxury backpack
Montblanc Sartorial Medium Cross-Grain Leather Backpack

best luxury backpack
Montblanc Sartorial Medium Cross-Grain Leather Backpack
For a classy, elegant backpack you can take into the office, Montblanc has the very one which will put you off briefcases forever.
Material | Calf Leather |
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Dimensions | 15.7″H x 11.4″W |
Features | Front zip pocket, interior lining |
Water Resistant | No |
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best high-end backpack
Carl Friedrik Day-to-Day Backpack

best high-end backpack
Carl Friedrik Day-to-Day Backpack
A roomy interior, zip pockets, and sleek colorway make this the ultimate luxurious backpack for the everyday.
Material | Nubuck Leather |
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Dimensions | 11.8″W x16.5″H x 7.5″D |
Features | Fits a 16″ laptop, tack buttons to collapse and pack, two pen slots and two fabric pockets in interior, hidden zip pocket, luggage sleeve |
Water Resistant | Yes |
best roomy backpack
GORUCK x Huckberry Slick GR2 Backpack

best roomy backpack
GORUCK x Huckberry Slick GR2 Backpack
With 40 liters of space, this holds everything you need and then some.
Material | Cordura Nylon |
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Dimensions | 12.5″W x 22”H x 9”D |
Volume | 40L |
Features | Opens flat to pack and organize, waterproof bottom panel, fits a 17″ laptop, removable hard plastic frame sheet, inner and outer pockets and webbing |
Water Resistant | Yes |
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