18 Best Backpacks That Look Grown-up and Carry All You Need

Rainproof, because real adults actually dress for the weather (and guard their electronics from certain ruin in the process). This business-ready backpack is all about bringing the elevated energy of a briefcase right to your back, with comfort all the way. Its simple hook closure keeps things sleek, and you can rest easy knowing your gadgets and papers are safe inside.
Material | 100% Polyester |
Dimensions | 18.9"H x 11.8"W x 4.7"D |
Volume | 13L |
Features | Fits a 15" laptop, carabiner closure |
Water-Resistant | Yes |
We're using gift liberally here. Get it for your cousin going to law school, your boyfriend starting out a firm, or ... yourself for any occasion you deem necessary. The key is to spring for a little monogram, not the big trapunto but a simple gold embossing.
As for quality, Leatherology is one of our go-tos for sophisticated leather goods at not-eye-watering prices. The materials are great, the construction's solid, and it's all minimal. Nothing flashy or over-the-top.
Material | Full-grain leather |
Dimensions | 12"W x 5"D x 16"H |
Features | Scratch-resistant, large zippered main compartment, interior built-in neoprene laptop sleeve, exterior open side pockets for a phone or water bottle, front exterior zippered compartment, adjustable shoulder straps, interior leather-trimmed open pockets |
Water-Resistant | No |
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Arc'teryx has a backpack that looks damn good and performs even better. With plenty of zippered compartments and a deep main compartment with storage for a laptop, water bottle, and more, this is how you squeeze all your essentials easily down into one. It's great for everything from a camping trip to a long airport layover.
If you need more convincing, we've written an entire review here.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
Dimensions | 47.5cm L x 27.5cm W x 25cm D |
Volume | 26L |
Features | Stretchy mesh side pockets, top lid pocket, two front zipper pockets, inner laptop sleeve |
Water-Resistant | Yes |
Herschel has been doing its thing (and by "its thing," we 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 anytime you're in the market for an upgrade. This classic style is an editor favorite, 'cause it goes easily with any fit and any taste.
Material | EcoSystem 600D fabric made from 100% recycled postconsumer water bottles |
Dimensions | 16.25"H x 12.25"W x 6"D |
Volume | 20L |
Features | Hidden zippered storage sleeve, magnetic strap closure, fits a 15"/16" laptop, water-bottle pocket |
Water-Resistant | Yes |
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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. Plus, the best part for me—someone known to stuff a backpack to the brim—is that the flexible material has some generosity when it comes to fitting everything you possibly can in here.
Material | Neoprene |
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 |
Life may get crazy, but this backpack will help keep you sane. With dedicated compartments for your laptop, workout gear, and water bottle, it will put you in an organized state of mind. Lululemon's deep, zippered spaces are great for everything from airport travel to a trip to the gym, and the sleek exterior is nothing to sneeze at either.
Material | 100% Nylon |
Dimensions | 29cm x 18.5cm x 42cm |
Volume | 22L |
Features | External zippers, interior pockets, trolley-compatible sleeve, fits a 15" laptop |
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.
Material | 100% Recycled Nylon |
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 |
It's no surprise that your go-to outdoor outfitter also makes a go-to canvas backpack as ideal for the outdoors as it is for the indoors. Really, no matter where you are, this Patagonia backpack can come with you. It's roomy enough for travel and crafted from recycled, environmentally friendly fabrics. There's an internal padded laptop sleeve too, plus features like stretchy mesh and a luggage sleeve.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
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. The quick-snap modular kit at the front is interchangeable but also damn useful; for me, putting my absolute essentials in there at the airport makes going through TSA a breeze.
Material | Vegan Leather, Nylon Twill |
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 |
With this leather option on your back, we promise you'll never get mistaken for a student. This is the ideal backpack for work, with a leather exterior that's endlessly elegant. The padded interior includes a laptop sleeve, and the padded straps are sure to keep you comfy on that morning commute.
Material | Leather |
Dimensions | 11"L x 6"W x 18"H |
Features | Interior padded laptop sleeve, padded shoulder straps for all-day wear, exterior trolley pass-through for travel ease |
Water-Resistant | No |
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A Jansport backpack will transport you right back to the days when the only property tax you had to worry about was in Monopoly. While this product was intended for those 13 years or older, any adult can carry it around and look like they have their shit together.
Material | Premium Cordura Fabric |
Dimensions | 3" x 10" x 8" |
Features | Side water-bottle pocket, internal sleeve that fits 15" laptop |
Water-Resistant | Yes |
Lightweight recycled materials, a laptop pocket, and a trolley sleeve make this a functional backpack that doesn't skimp on style. The spacious design also has two water-bottle compartments (you have no excuse to be dehydrated anymore) and an abrasion-resistant fabric tough enough to face the elements.
Material | 100% Recycled Polyester |
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 |
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If you're like me, you're a traditionalist, and when it comes to luggage, nothing is more traditional than Tumi. The iconic brand keeps things simple, subtle, and sleek, with an all-black backpack that works for any environment.
Material | Nylon |
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 |
Old-school mountaineering vibes from the brand that does, as it turns out, still make a great backpack. A playful one too, with its color-blocked exterior, but don't think L.L. Bean is skimping on functionality. The water-resistant, abrasion-resistant fabric will prove that, right alongside the interior organizational compartments.
Material | Cordura Nylon |
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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Hit your next workout in style with Alo's contemporary backpack. Crafted from a water-resistant matte neoprene, this bag blends fashion and function. Featuring ample pockets, a laptop sleeve, and a removable interior pouch, this style prioritizes organization, so you will never have to waste time digging through your pack ever again.
Material | Matte Neoprene |
Dimensions | 16"H x 12"W x 5"D |
Volume | 17.6L |
Features | Three exterior pockets, one interior pocket, laptop sleeve, removable interior pouch |
Water-Resistant | Yes |
The two New Zealand brothers behind this brand have consistently been producing high-quality luxury goods that have thoughtful design elements and timeless forms. Case in point: this two-tone nylon backpack. It was specifically engineered with even weight distribution for lightweight carry, and it also has a densely padded laptop compartment, a phone pocket, and many more pocketed options.
Material | Recycled GRS-Certified Resilon Nylon Fabric, Sustainably Sourced LWG-Certified Full-Grain DriTan Leather |
Dimensions | 16"H x 11.4"W x 4.5"D |
Volume | 12.5L |
Features | Four external zipper compartments with a recessed front pocket, secure padded laptop sleeve, priority phone pocket, main body and two external slip pockets, phone pocket, densely padded back panel and adjustable straps for all-day wear, polished metal D-ring for accessory attachment |
Water-Resistant | Yes |
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Whether you're looking for a backpack for the office, gym, airport, or beyond, Shinola's style does it all. Washed canvas and webbing straps ensure this pack is going to last, and a padded back computer pocket will hold a 15-inch laptop. It does it all, and it looks chic as heck while it does it.
Material | Canvas |
Dimensions | 12"W x 17"H x 6"D |
Volume | 37.2L |
Features | Carrying handle, adjustable shoulder straps, exterior front zip pocket, exterior back zip pocket, padded laptop sleeve, interior slip pockets |
Water-Resistant | No |
If you're looking for a designer backpack, you don't want to sacrifice durability and quality. That's where Moncler's ultra-luxe style comes in. It's water-repellent (on the exterior and interior), has two-way zip closure and ample compartments, and it's just simply classy.
Material | Nylon |
Dimensions | 35cm x 45.5 cm x 14 cm |
Features | Smooth leather handle, adjustable shoulder straps, two-way zipper closure, zipped pockets |
Water-Resistant | Yes |
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Material
First and foremost, your intended usage of the bag will help guide you in choosing the material. If you want something more sophisticated for the office, consider a structured leather or a sleek nylon from a luxe brand like Tumi. On the other hand, if you are looking for a backpack for the gym or the airport, you might want a water-resistant neoprene or a casual canvas style. Ultimately, the material you pick will dictate the look and its capabilities.
Size
Consider dimensions and volume when selecting your pack. If you intend on using your backpack for the office, then you will want to make sure the laptop sleeve fits your specific laptop. You will also want to look at the dimensions so you can ensure it fits under your bus seat, and volume will be the answer to just how much stuff you can shove in it.
Features
Pockets, compartments, adjustable shoulder straps, top-handles for convenient carrying? Some backpacks have it all; others have minimal. Some have hidden pockets; some have pockets overtly attached to the front. Think about your priorities and what you intend to be carrying with you, and choose the backpack that best aligns with that.

Our editors commute every single day in New York. We travel often, and some of us are even outdoorsy guys who, like, camp and stuff. All that is to say—we're always on the go, and we're always in need of a backpack that can come with, no matter what the situation calls for.
The 18 backpacks you see above were selected through our own organic testing and trials. We've narrowed down this list by going with the backpacks we've consistently loved over the years, whether for coming into work or for going on a long vacation. These guys have been put through TSA and stuffed with gym clothes and water bottles and laptops, and they were up to task for us, which means they're Esquire approved for you.
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