Best Backpacks for Men 2024: From Arket to Prada | British GQ | British GQ

Whether you’re stowing your gym kit, pencil case, laptop or reading glasses, these backpacks are the best to get you through the day.

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If there’s one essential item that has accompanied you on your journey through life from your school days up to your office commute, it’s a quality backpack. Storing your gym kit, laptop or a pair of trainers on your weekend getaway, the rucksack is the humble servant ready to carry anything you might need for the day ahead. Grabbing one of the best backpacks, therefore, should be a top shopping priority.

Providing a neat middle ground between the best briefcases, best laptop backpack and best gym bag, there’s rarely a situation that doesn’t call for a spacious bag to help you get around without your hands full. They come in all shapes and sizes, from day packs with main compartments that are only capacious enough for a few essential items, to full-on travel backpacks that can double up as carry-on luggage on your travels, so it’s worth taking your time to assess your options.

Every major fashion brand has put forth its take on this versatile vessel but, as with all accessories, some do it better than others. Here, to set you in the right direction, we present the GQ edit of the best high-quality backpacks you can buy now, with options for every budget.

You'll find all the backpacks worth your consideration in the gallery below, but first, here's what our editors are carrying:

Skip to: How we test the best backpacks | What backpack is best for my back? | What backpack is best for travelling? | What is a laptop backpack? | What makes a good backpack? | GQ's guide to the best luggage

Harber

Harber London

Harber London

We're big fans of Harber London's premium leather luggage for the commuter who demands a little more from their bags. We wouldn't recommend you take it out with you to the rugged streets if you care about protecting it from wear and tear, but for most casual commuters, it's a dream. Capacious enough to store a large-ish laptop, tablet and your packet of crisps, it's got everything you need for most work trips and can be a handy substitute for a weekend getaway.

The beauty in this bag outside of its stunning full-grain leather exterior is, in our opinion, the attachable tech drop pocket. Essentially an extender to your bag, it sits on the front to store phones, wallets, pens, charging cables, spare change, bank cards and all sorts for quick access without cluttering the main compartment. Think of it like a tiny hub of necessities within easy reach at the front.

Antler

Antler

Amazon

Antler

Throw whatever superlative you like at Antler's Chelsea daypack, it's one of the best and most popular around, largely because it can adapt to any situation you may require. It's not particularly big, with enough space to fit just a 13-inch laptop in it, but if you're commuting, heading to the gym or just need a few bits to take with you on a trip, it's our top pick.

The flexible nylon is lightweight and breathable and if the navy option we've picked isn't quite to your taste, then there is a massive range of alternative options to align with your own taste.

Arket

Arket

Arket

Arket is synonymous with smart design, most recently proven by this two-way bag. Doubling up as both a backpack and tote, it’s crafted from a compact nylon material to fit easily into any luggage (we suggest looking at the rest of the brand’s accessories for a full kit) and accommodates all weather conditions thanks to its water-repellent finish. Lightweight and durable, it’s a failsafe choice to compliment the casual side of your wardrobe.

Away

Away

Away

If you haven't already heard all about Away's Everywhere zipped backpack during the ad breaks of your favourite podcasts, then allow us to do the honours. The Everywhere backpack is, as the name may suggest, ready to take to any event or getaway – be that a journey to the office or a city break in Oslo – thanks to its ultra-versatile, minimalist appearance, durable construction and a plethora of storage options.

Monos

Monos

Monos

Perfectly designed for the metro-centric commuter, Monos' Metro is the epitome of cityscape exploration. Enough space for your laptop, lunch box, cafe reading book and your glasses (if you wear them), it's a capacious and stylish bag ready-made for your journey. Available in four nylon colourways or six vegan leather options, its got the visual chops to back up its functional wares.

Troubador

Troubador

Troubador

One of the major downsides to luxury travel fashion is its impact on the planet, so any time a brand takes care of Mother Earth while still delivering quality luggage, it's a win in our eyes. Troubador is working hard to make exceptional bags with as little impact on the earth as possible, offsetting 100 per cent of carbon emissions, using recycled materials and sending them to you in completely recycled packaging.

Aside from its eco credentials, the Apex 3.0 is one of our favourites from the range, as it's lightweight, super durable and packed full of internal and external pockets to keep tablets, laptops and your bag of crisps secure.

Rains

Rains

Rains

Danish brand Rains is making waves in menswear thanks to its ultra elegant approach to outerwear. A prime example in the accessories department? This sand-coloured shell backpack, built to store an impressive volume of 13 litres and constructed with a practical waterproof finish. All in all, it’s a timeless finish to your attire come rain or shine.

Under Armour

Sports Direct

Under Armour

Sometimes you just need a quick grab bag of the essentials before you head out into the world, so if luxury leathers and premium brand names aren't your thing, then this versatile, rough-and-tumble sports backpack from Under Armour could be the key to your commuter dreams.

It's not the most spacious option around, though it's got enough in the cavern to hold a 15-inch laptop, your gym gear and a spare energy bar to keep you going. What we like here is the versatility. Wrought from a hardy polyester fabric weave, it's got the right attributes to jump from the office to the gym without breaking a sweat, and is reasonably equipped when it comes to extra storage, with three additional pockets to put your wallet or phone in as you travel. And considering the cost, it's one of the better value-for-money options out there.

DB Journey

DB Journey

DB Journey

Who wants a hug? This backpack does, apparently. The DB Journey Hugger series is an ingenious travel invention that shares the load between two bags. The Hugger backpack, which is a capacious bag in its own right, can be attached to the Hugger suitcase through a few clips, saving your shoulders and back the ache of lugging it around on your journey.

As its own bag, it's huge, with an option to push up to 30 litres of internal packing space and a handy top pocket for quick access to essential items.

DB Journey is renowned for creating rugged, handsome bags that can easily cope with the rigours of travel, making this the perfect choice for hardier commuters.

DB Journey

DB Journey

DB Journey

Sometimes you've got to take a lot of gear into work. Depending on your job or requirements for the day, you could be packing a change of clothes, loads of gadgets or simply a very large lunch to get you through the day, so if your load is large, we'd opt for DB's Roamer Duffel.

Designed to cope with lots of packing, it's a mix of backpack and duffel, with a barrel-like shape that unlocks up to 60 litres of internal storage. Getting access to your baggage is easier than most other backpacks, as the entire rear section unzips and folds back like a suitcase, and the entire interior is water-repellent to keep everything dry and secure.

Carl Friedrik

Carl Friedrik

Carl Friedrik

A gorgeous silhouette on the backs of commuters and luxe travellers alike, the 72-hour backpack from CF is the aspirational companion of our dreams. The brushed leather gives it a soft suede texture that elevates the overall aesthetic, but it's also got the goods when it comes to functionality. Enough space is provided for 72-hours worth of clothes and equipment, with a clamshell design main compartment that unlocks quick access to your entire bag.

That all said, it's worth pointing out that the nubuck leather is far from ideal protection against the elements, so keep that in mind if you're planning to head out into a deluge.

Mous

Mous

Mous

We very much doubt that your commute can be categorised as “extreme” by any stretch of the imagination, but even if it's decidedly tame, an extreme backpack will be able to cope with anything your journey decides to throw at it. Mous, as we're sure you've seen from the YouTube adverts, is a brand dedicated to making some of the hardiest and most durable gear around, and it has peaked with the commuter backpack. Sturdy nylon and aluminium combine for a tough exterior, but the inside pockets are lined with aero foam to stifle knocks and bangs as you travel.

Two sizes are available – 18 and 25 litres – and you can opt-in to get a folding lid for a few extra quid that folds the top flap open to make it significantly easier to see what you've packed. All of this for under £200? Dreamy.

Carl Friedrik

Carl Friedrik

Regardless of your travel plans, the best backpacks are versatile, capacious and stylish, which just so happens to be three boxes ticked off from Carl Friedrik's City Hopper bag. Bouncing between commutes and weekend getaway plans, it's right there with you, with a roomy cavern for laptops, lunchboxes and notebooks, but it's also got enough space to store a spare set of trainers, your gym gear or clothes for an overnight stay. The fold-over top adds a flash of style but also has pragmatic capabilities, deterring unwanted snoopers in your luggage.

Pricey? Sure, but the brand is on the top end of the spectrum, and Nubuck leather doesn't come cheap.

Harber

Harber London

Harber London are produces of some fine leather backpacks that are so luxurious, you'd probably be fearful of slinging it over your shoulder to weather the storm of the busy commuter train, but here is an office backpack that's ready to tackle the perils with you.

Why? It's a sturdy combo of leather and nylon fabric that hardier that most other options on this list while still offering a more subtle style of the quietly confident commuter. It's a ‘daypack’ size so won't be prepared to carry your weekend gear with you, but if it's just your laptop, a snack and a pair of sunnies, this should be your go-to.

Harber

Harber

Not exactly affordable but cheaper than many high-end designer leather bags on this list, deluxe leather bag makers, Harber London, the Slim Laptop bag is a dream for agile workers bouncing between workspaces. At £379, it's still pricey, but considering the quality of the make and the capacious nature of the bag, it's well worth it if you consider aesthetics highly on your priority list and also want somewhere nice to store your laptop.

Three colour options are available – we'd recommend tan – and it's big enough to fit up to a 16" laptop, which is about has large as we'd want to lug around to work anyway. Once that's in, there's enough space for notebooks, a snack and a drink, though it's not perhaps as roomy as other larger backpacks on this list. That's fine though, as what it lacks in space it makes up for in stylish character.

Gucci

Gucci

Who says you can't serve a stylish statement through your backpack of choice? Certainly not Gucci, whose latest design in the backpack department is built on a monogrammed coated-canvas. Reinforced with leather trims and panels across the body, it’s fitted with a bunch of pockets for a stylish collegiate touch to the exterior. Instant style win.

Prada

Prada

For the fashion-conscious, few backpacks promise enduring appeal more than those by Prada. Made of re-nylon which is sourced from recycled and purified plastic collected in the ocean, this minimalist silhouette is fitted with the house’s iconic metal triangle logo on the flap and classic buckle fastenings across the front storage. Practical and sustainable at once, it’s guaranteed to put you in the most stylish standing upon wear.

Bottega Veneta

Bottega Veneta

The elegant leather weave of Bottega Veneta doesn’t go unnoticed by a style-conscious crowd. This leather backpack is shaped by the brand’s trademark woven shape, sharply structured with both an internal and front pocket and carried via adjustable shoulder straps. Style it with your best monochrome ensemble for maximum effect.

The North Face

John Lewis

Everyone’s favourite outdoor brand/designer collaborator, The North Face provides the perfect functional backpacks for all occasions. Its Jester backpack is one of its most organised vessels, stepping away from the vast storage space of its iconic Base Camp bags with neatly organised compartments for stationery, laptop and notebook, with plenty of space for gym kit to boot.

Paul Smith

Paul Smith

Top points to Paul Smith for providing a backpack to seal your silhouette with pure elegance. Crafted from a luxury calf black leather, it features a softly striped motif across the front zipped compartment and is fully lined to last for years to come. Finished with both a top handle and two adjustable shoulder straps, you can carry or sling it during the day, the choice is yours.

Burberry

Burberry

Among some of the British heritage brand’s most iconic pieces, the Burberry backpack is almost as recognisable as a Burberry scarf. Patterned throughout with the label's world-renowned ‘Vintage Check’ design, this canvas backpack is hardy, comfortable, and highly spacious, complete with a mesh back panel, front pocket and adjustable shoulder straps to accommodate the height of any wearer. Its silhouette may be a bit of a statement, but rest assured that it won’t go out of style.

We'd never dream of recommending any travel gear without first testing it rigorously through a range of trips and commutes, from far-flung destinations and back to the office. Owen Gough, British GQ's commerce editor and hobbyist traveller, also happens to have the longest commute of the team, so he's very tapped into what makes a quality city hopper that can hold his laptop, essential office items and a snack or two for the journey.

To test each backpack available in this list, he took these bags out for either a spin on his train in and out of London, navigating the London Underground at the same time, or he took a bag on his various business trips to locations like South Korea or Berlin, assessing how much capacity was available for longer trips, how lightweight they are to lug around airports, and of course the style points available for the most sartorial backpacks.

Ergonomic value is never far from our minds when recommending backpacks, but if you suffer from back pain or you want to avoid a crooked spine with a poorly designed backpack, it's worth learning the various features you need to look out for.

Those who hike will know that a key component to keeping the weight off your back and shoulders is to divert it to your hips with compression straps that sit the bottom portion of your back on your waist. Not all day packs will be big enough to reach your lower back, but if you get aches and pains after a long day of travel, it's worth checking out hiking backpacks with a hip belt to relieve the pressure. Brands like Osprey, Patagonia, and Away make excellent backpacks that distribute weight evenly. Partner this with a sternum strap or chest strap to pull the weight around your shoulders to keep the rest of the weight spread across the top of your torso.

An often under-discussed aspect of buying a good bag for your back is its breathability. When the back sits flush against your shoulders, you lose out on a lot of airflow that can impact your comfort, too. A breathable bag that sits slightly off your shoulders – via a mesh divider – will not only keep your back cool, but it also means you won't be tempted to fiddle with the straps to relieve the discomfort.

Most airlines allow you to bring on a carry-on case as well as a small personal bag for your trip, prompting many to hunt for the best travel backpacks that offer comfort, capacious compartments, plenty of pockets for passports and essentials, and a quality build from materials that will cope with your jet-setting with ease. Above, we've got a range of sizes and builds, the vast majority of which are ready-made to cope with flights, bus trips or a road trip with no problem. There are, however, a few things to consider.

Waterproof travel packs are an essential grab for anyone travelling to countries with wetter climates, with many hiking backpacks or duffels featuring weather-resistant rain covers to combat water-related headaches. If your destination isn't the deep rainforests, you should keep an eye out for backpacks with comfortable shoulder straps, a wealth of pockets to hide away essential items, and possibly even space for one or two packing cubes to organise your luggage.

Of course, the greatest thing about a backpack is its versatility. From your daily commute to a long-haul trip across the globe, a backpack is your willing companion, holding all your vitals regardless of your destination. Because of this, most backpacks will be capable of holding at least a small-ish laptop inside, but there are specialist laptop bags that are specially-made for such cargo.

A laptop bag will have a dedicated compartment, either inside or as a set of exterior pockets to store tablets and laptops safely. Most will have protective interiors that bolster your device from knocks as you travel, and some will even have additional pockets to store chargers or other paraphernalia for quicker access. These commuter bags are often smaller and lighter, so they may not be a great option for longer journeys, but still solid if you need to take your laptop.

When it comes to backpack shopping, you'll want to pay attention to construction, fabrication and durability before pressing that all-important ‘add to cart’ button. That said, just like with the above, what makes a backpack great depends on what you need it for… luckily for you, we've laid out quite the selection above.

Keen to expand your repertoire of luggage? Regardless of your destination or travel plans, it's always worth investing in your luggage to avoid travel frustrations – we can't tell you how many times a tote bag has simply not been the right choice for a travel bag. Below, we've collected every single roundup of our travel editors' top luggage picks, from top-tier suitcases to a luxe passport holder to flash at Customs Control.

Best Suitcases | Best Luggage brands | Best Passport holders | Best Cheap suitcases | Best Packing cubes | Best Travel backpacks | Best Briefcases | Best Carry-on luggage | Best Men's holdalls

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