Last Updated On January 3rd, 2022
Backpacks are used for many different occasions, and thus every backpack is designed with various features and uses in mind. Choosing a new one can be difficult, as the number of options available can be overwhelming for some. To make your decision easier, we have reviewed some of the top backpacks and listed them for your below. Whether you need a backpack to suit your commuter lifestyle, travel or everyday needs, we’ve got you covered.
Table of Contents
Best Backpack Reviews – Top 7 Picks
1. Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink (Editor’s Choice)
As the name suggests, the Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack has all of the bells and whistles you would hope to get from a top-quality backpack. It has advanced storage options, a large capacity, and a chest and waist strap for added support.
Features
The Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack has an impressive 34-litre interior capacity featuring a 17” laptop sleeve with a side access zipper for added convenience. The exterior has many pockets for optimal organisation, including a protective media pocket located on the top, a water bottle pocket on the side, and an organiser panel in the front for pens and other small items. It also has a shoe compartment on the bottom.
The bottom of this bag also features an abrasion-resistant cover. With this backpack, you can choose between stealth black or black with silver and red accents; both options are completely machine washable.
Potential cons for this backpack include it being a bit heavier than other models, the inner lining not having the Oakley logo as pictured, and the shoulder straps may not have as much padding as some people like. However, all of its other outstanding traits still make it more than worthy of your consideration.
- Large 34-litre capacity
- 17” laptop sleeve with side access
- Organiser panel for smaller items
- Protective media pocket and shoe compartment
- Fully machine washable
- The overall design could be heavier
- Inner lining may not match the pictures
- It could have less strap padding than expected
2. Lowepro FreeLine (Luxury Choice)
The Lowepro FreeLine Camera Backpack is unique as it is equipped with a QuickShelf divider system that is made of 3 tiers. These tiers are durable and can hold a vast array of heavy-duty electronic equipment. Alternatively, you can lay them flat or remove them completely, depending on what configuration works best. This aspect of this backpack makes it one of the best backpacks for work, especially if your work involves carrying some equipment.
Features
One of the most important features of this backpack is that it’s weatherproof, so you can stay calm knowing that all of your gear won’t get ruined. Now, you might be thinking that this inner system might be hard to manage but think again. This backpack comes with zipper sealed side panels for easy access and organization. The weight of this pack is 1.86kg, so it is a little on the heavier side, but you can rest assured your belongings are adequately protected.
- Can easily fit a 15-inch laptop in its padded laptop compartment
- With its QuickShelf divider system features, this pack can easily be converted into a top-loading bag
- The front pocket can carry all sorts of camera gear
- May not be fully water-resistant
3. Berghaus TwentyFourSeven Plus (Best Value)
Without the proper rucksack, a great trip can turn into a terrible nightmare. This is why you should consider looking for the best backpack for an active life—introducing the Berghaus TwentyFourSeven Plus Rucksack.
Features
At 20 litres, this rucksack is able to carry all the necessary items that you may need for an adventurous trek. It also comes with additional backpack straps, including a sternum strap for added support and side straps that can be used for attaching a walking pole.
This pack weighs 410g; therefore, it won’t weigh you down when you need to pack light. There is even a padded laptop bag inside to keep your valuables protected. With all of these features, it’s easy to see why this backpack is one of the best backpacks on the market today.
- Water repellent material, so no need to worry about rain or snow
- Straps are durable, diverse and easy to use
- Back panel has a ventilated, foam-based flow back system that wicks away moisture, keeping you cool and dry
- Top straps are made from fabric that may not withstand heavy loads
4. Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450 (Professional Choice)
If you are searching for a backpack to store all kinds of professional photography equipment safely and securely, the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450 makes a fantastic choice. It has separate compartments with specialised barriers and padding for storing DSLR and various camera lenses. It even has a space for your tripod.
Features
Aside from having specialised storage space for camera gear, the Lowepro Flipside Trek BP 450 photography backpack features easy access to all of its compartments, something essential for photographers and adventurers on the go. It also has a waterproof cover guard to keep the contents dry in the event of rain or snow.
Overall, this backpack is comfortable and ergonomic for ease of use. It has a padded waist strap as well as a chest strap. It is also equipped with a tablet pocket, a water bottle sleeve, and various loops and straps for clipping equipment on the outside of the bag.
Regretfully, this backpack lacks a laptop sleeve, and while it has connector loops all over, it doesn’t have any D-loops on the shoulder straps. Lastly, even though this is the largest size available, it may still be too small for some camera equipment.
- Special storage space for camera gear and lenses
- Comfortable and ergonomic
- Easy access compartments
- Waterproof cover guard
- External tablet pocket
- May lack a laptop sleeve
- May not have D-loops on the shoulder straps
- It could be too small for some people’s needs
5. Samsonite Guardit Laptop (Best for IT Devices)
If you find yourself carrying your laptop to and from work, college, or the library, then you should consider a laptop backpack to make your commute easier and to avoid damage to your valued possession.
Features
Whatever size you purchase the Samsonite Guardit Laptop Backpack in, they all have a dedicated and padded laptop sleeve that can fit a 14-inch laptop easily and securely. This backpack is available in several sizes depending on how much you need to pack. The weight of this pack is 820g, so it won’t weigh you down too much and will remain comfortable on your journey.
A lined service pocket located at the top of this backpack allows you to easily access and protect smaller things such as a phone, keys, wallet, or sunglasses. This backpack also comes with slim inner pockets to hold stationery and other office equipment in a neat manner. With its mighty ability but small size, this backpack even features a handy sleeve so you can slip your bag on top of your suitcase handle when you’re travelling, making it the best backpack for work or travel.
- Comes with a smart sleeve so you can easily slide your bag over your suitcase’s handle
- Contains a water bottle pocket on the side
- Can fit a 14” laptop
- May have faulty stitching on the inside
6. Eastpak Provider (Everyday Choice)
The Eastpak Provider Backpack is a simple, conveniently sized, and easy to use rucksack that is perfect for many low-impact, everyday situations.
Features
The various colours and patterns that this backpack has to choose from means there is something for all styles. The weight of this pack is 930g so it is a great lightweight option if you have an active lifestyle and are often on the move.
This backpack has securely attached rubber handles on its straps which gives you a comfortable grasp when carrying it around. Also, with a padded bottom, this backpack is safe to place on rough surfaces without damaging whatever you have inside of it. This backpack also comes with a waterproof, padded computer sleeve inside, which can hold 15-inch laptops comfortably. With so many benefits and features, we consider this to be the best backpack for everyday use we have on this list.
- Padded straps for maximum comfort during long walks
- Made with 100% nylon which is easy to clean and durable
- The plastic buckles on the sides allow for extra security and storage capabilities
- The zipper may be prone to snagging and can be hard to manoeuver
7. KROSER Travel (Best for College)
The KROSER Travel Laptop Backpack features a spacious main compartment with ample storage space to carry everything from your travel card to a laptop and even a change of clothes. What’s more, it features hard-wearing, ballistic fabric, so you know the contents will remain safe against pickpockets.
Features
This bag comes with an RFID pocket, so thieves are unable to scan the cards inside to steal your personal information. The weight of this pack is 0.8kg. The capacity of this backpack makes it a great travel backpack; it can hold up to a 17″ laptop and has various pockets and compartments for all of your needs. It even comes with a handy USB port so you can charge your devices on the go.
Finally, it has handy compression straps, so even if you overfill it, it will retain its shape and fit into any overhead storage.
- Made with weather-resistant materials
- A built-in USB port allows you to recharge your phone, laptop or other electronic devices on the go
- The side compression straps allow this backpack to retain its shape no matter how much stuff you shove into its many pockets
- May be susceptible to mould
What to Look For in a Backpack
It’s not easy finding the best rucksack, even with our handy backpack reviews, so we have put together some features that you should take into consideration.
Capacity and Compartments
Think about how much you carry on a day to day basis and what you will need to pack. Take a look at how many pockets and compartments each backpack has to offer and whether they will accommodate your needs. If you have a 17″ laptop, then you will need a backpack that has a laptop compartment of that size. Alternatively, if you often go hiking, then you may want a rucksack with a larger capacity as well as an easy access pocket for your water bottles. The best small backpack may be ideal if you take it on dog walks or only need it for smaller items.
Material
Some backpacks may come with a waterproof cover so you can easily protect your belongings in the event of a downpour, whilst others will have a waterproof lining sewn in. These features are vital in protecting your belongings from water damage. You should also consider if a backpack contains extra padding to cushion your valuables against any knocks and bumps. Some may even have a reinforced bottom so as to ensure you can safely place your bag on the ground.
Weight
If you need to pack light, then you don’t want your backpack starting off too heavy. However, if you find something that is too light, it may not have sufficient padding to protect your belongings. Find something that works for your needs, depending on how you are going to use it and what you would like to carry.
Comfort
It is always important to consider your comfort too. Ergonomic and padded shoulder straps are vital to make sure you are not putting too much pressure on your neck and shoulders. A mesh back can aid air circulation and breathability, while additional straps can help distribute the weight to avoid back and neck ache.
Final Thoughts
The Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink is our top pick for the best backpack. It has a large 34-litre capacity and features a 17” laptop sleeve with side access, an organiser panel for smaller items, and a protective media pocket. It is also machine washable and has a chest and waist strap for added overall support.
Keep in mind, the Kitchen Sink Backpack is a bit heavier than other top options, may not have enough strap padding for some people, and the inner lining may not match the pictures.
Is it the right backpack for you? Let us know what you think!
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