We Researched the Best Backpacks—Here Are Our Favorites

Best Overall

The North Face Borealis Backpack

5

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The North Face’s Borealis Backpack replaces the need to own multiple bags. This versatile backpack can take you from a hike to a vacation to your morning commute—and since it’s loaded with different compartments, you’ll always have an easy way to store your must-haves. This bag is crafted from a durable blend of nylon and polyester with a water-resistant finish, so you don't have to worry about getting caught in the rain.

It comes equipped with tons of compartments—including a laptop sleeve, a padded tablet sleeve, and a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses and keys. It also boasts two pockets to hold your favorite water bottles—and these can double as classic pockets any time you need extra space. With a lifetime warranty and design details for back and shoulder support, this is a backpack that you'll want to use for many years.

Price at time of publish: $97

_{Size: 12 x 6.5 x 19.5 inches | Materials: Polyester, nylon | Compartments: 3 | Pockets: 2 zippered, 2 water bottle pockets | Capacity: 28 L}

Best Budget

Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

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Laptop bags are a must-have to keep your electronics safe and secure while you are on on the go. Matein’s Mlassic Travel Laptop Backpack may be budget-friendly, but it’s loaded with useful features that make its affordable price point even sweeter. The backpack is crafted from a polyester material that promises to be both durable and water-resistant, and it has plenty of pockets and compartments to keep your must-haves organized. It boasts a laptop sleeve, a phone pocket, and even an interior hook for your keys. And even better: It comes complete with a built-in USB port you can use to charge your phone in a pinch.

Price at time of publish: $42

_{Size: 12 x 7.8 x 18 inches | Material: Polyester | Compartments: 2 | Pockets: 4 zippered, 2 water bottle pockets | Capacity: 27.5 L}

Best for Pets

K9 Sport Sack Air 2 Forward Facing Dog Carrier Backpack

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Looking for a backpack that doubles as a dog carrier? K9 Sport Sack has you covered. The brand’s Air 2 Dog Carrier Backpack is designed to comfortably house dogs up to 30 pounds, and since it’s available in four different sizes, you can easily score an option that suits your pooch. The bag comes equipped with a buckle-lined strap you can use to secure your backpack—and your dog—to your body. And since the top of the backpack comes with a built-in collar hook-up, you can make sure your dog is safely fastened inside your bag before you start moving.

_{Size: 10 x 8 x 17 inches | Materials: Nylon, mesh | Compartments: 1 | Pockets: 1 zippered, 2 water bottle pockets | Capacity: 30 pounds}

Best Diaper Bag

Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack

4.2

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There are tons of great diaper bags out there, but Dagne Dover’s Indi Diaper Backpack is a step above the rest. The bag is packed with pockets you can use to store snacks, toys, and other necessities, plus it has a built-in tablet sleeve so you can use it to store some essentials for yourself, as well. Need help keeping your stroller organized? This bag include clips to easily attach to a stroller, pouches for dirty clothes, and an insulated bottle holder. And since it’s crafted from sleek neoprene, it shouldn’t be too tough to wash, either. This would also make a great new mom gift.

Price at time of publish: $195

_{Size: 10 x 6 x 11 inches | Materials: Neoprene, mesh | Compartments: 1 | Pockets: 8 interior + 3 exterior | Capacity: 10.7 L}

Best for College Students

Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

4.4

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College students need many essentials, including a backpack that’s lightweight, spacious, and durable, and Herschel’s Pop Quiz Backpack promises to be exactly that. The backpack is crafted from a hardy material that’s sure to hold up to a little wear and tear. And since the bag only weighs 15 ounces when empty, it shouldn’t weigh your favorite college student down too much. Also nice? The bag is lined with helpful pockets and compartments—including a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, an interior hook for keys, and a padded sleeve designed to keep laptops, tablets, and other devices secure.

Price at time of publish: $80

_{Size: 11.75 x 6 x 17.5 inches | Materials: Fabric, fleece lining, faux leather base | Compartments: 1 + internal laptop sleeve | Pockets: 1 zippered pocket | Capacity: 22 L}

Best for Hiking

Osprey Sirrus 24 Backpack

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Designed with day hikes in mind, Osprey’s Sirrus 24 Backpack is a perfect pick for your next outdoor camping (or glamping!) adventure. This durable backpack is crafted from nylon, and it boasts an integrated rain cover that promises to keep your stuff from getting wet. And since it comes equipped with five exterior pockets, you should have plenty of room to store all your must-haves.

The backpack comes lined with a series of straps you can use to secure your backpack to your waist, chest, and shoulders. This may sound like overkill, but it’ll make it easier to keep your backpack on as you hike—meaning you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you explore the great outdoors.

Price at time of publish: $140

_{Size: 12 x 12 x 19 inches | Materials: Nylon, mesh | Compartments: 1 | Pockets: 5 zippered, 2 water bottle pockets | Capacity: 24 L}

Best for Laptops

TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

4.9

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If all you really need to carry is a laptop, you don’t need a large bag with tons of special features. You need a compact bag that’ll keep your laptop safe—and that’s exactly what Timbuk2’s Authority Laptop Backpack is. This backpack is crafted from durable nylon, and it’s equipped with a water-resistant “boot” that will keep the base of your bag from getting wet if you encounter a puddle or spill.

On the interior of the bag, you’ll find a sleeve equipped to fit a 15- to 17-inch laptop. And because laptops aren’t the only thing this bag is capable of holding, you’ll also find a handful of pockets you can use to store other must-haves, like smart notebooks, water bottles, pens, and more.

Price at time of publish: $159

_{Size: 11.4 x 5.9 x 18.1 inches | Materials: Nylon, mesh | Compartments: 2 | Pockets: 2 zippered, 1 water bottle pocket | Capacity: 28 L}

Best for Cameras

Tarion TB-02 Camera Backpack

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Finding a camera bag capable of holding all your stuff doesn’t have to be hard or expensive—and Tarion’s Camera Backpack proves it. The lightweight bag comes with a set of dividers you can use to store and protect your equipment, and thanks to the bag’s spacious size, you can store up to one camera, six different lenses, and one flash trigger at a time. (You can also customize the dividers to suit your personal equipment breakdown.)

This backpack doesn’t just function as a camera bag, though. By removing the dividers you can treat it like a work backpack, and it even comes equipped with a back pocket you can use to store your laptop.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Size: 11.8 x 6 x 17 inches | Materials: Nylon, mesh | Compartments: 2 | Pockets: 1 water bottle pocket | Capacity: 16.5 L}