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

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

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.

Material100% Polyester
Dimensions18.9"H x 11.8"W x 4.7"D
Volume13L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, carabiner closure
Water-ResistantYes
Sloan Backpack

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.

MaterialFull-grain leather
Dimensions12"W x 5"D x 16"H
FeaturesScratch-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-ResistantNo

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Our Favorite versatile travel backpack

Mantis 26 Backpack

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.

Material100% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions47.5cm L x 27.5cm W x 25cm D
Volume26L
FeaturesStretchy mesh side pockets, top lid pocket, two front zipper pockets, inner laptop sleeve
Water-ResistantYes
Herschel Survey Backpack

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.

MaterialEcoSystem 600D fabric made from 100% recycled postconsumer water bottles
Dimensions16.25"H x 12.25"W x 6"D
Volume20L
FeaturesHidden zippered storage sleeve, magnetic strap closure, fits a 15"/16" laptop, water-bottle pocket
Water-ResistantYes

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A solid all-occasion backpack

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. 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.

MaterialNeoprene
Dimensions11.5"L x 5"W x 17"H
Volume16L
FeaturesFits a 13" laptop, luggage sleeve, shoe bag, detachable key leash, zip-top pouch
Water-ResistantYes

best newly released backpack

New Crew Backpack

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.

Material100% Nylon
Dimensions29cm x 18.5cm x 42cm
Volume22L
FeaturesExternal zippers, interior pockets, trolley-compatible sleeve, fits a 15" laptop
Water-ResistantYes

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Stratus Backpack

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.

Material100% Recycled Nylon
FeaturesFits 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-ResistantYes
Black Hole Pack

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.

Material100% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions18.8"D x 11"W x 5.9"D
Volume25L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, luggage sleeve, daisy-chain lash to store gear externally
Water ResistantYes

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Metro Backpack

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.

MaterialVegan Leather, Nylon Twill
Dimensions11.5"W × 16.5"H × 6"D
Volume18L
FeaturesFits 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-ResistantYes
Triboro Backpack

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.

MaterialLeather
Dimensions11"L x 6"W x 18"H
FeaturesInterior padded laptop sleeve, padded shoulder straps for all-day wear, exterior trolley pass-through for travel ease
Water-ResistantNo

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Right Pack Backpack

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.

MaterialPremium Cordura Fabric
Dimensions3" x 10" x 8"
FeaturesSide water-bottle pocket, internal sleeve that fits 15" laptop
Water-ResistantYes

best sustainable backpack

Active Backpack

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.

Material100% Recycled Polyester
Dimensions19"H x 12.6"W x 7.7"D
Volume26L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, two water-bottle pockets, front webbing loops, luggage sleeve
Water-ResistantYes

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Just in Case Backpack

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.

MaterialNylon
Dimensions15.5"H x 12.3"W x 4.5"D
FeaturesZip pouch that attaches to interior, add-a-bag strap, fits a 15" laptop
Water-ResistantNo
Mountain Classic Cordura Pack

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.

MaterialCordura Nylon
Dimensions19"H x 11"W x 5"D
Volume22L
FeaturesFits a 15" laptop, two side water-bottle pockets, key-fob attachment
Water-ResistantYes

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best backpack for the gym

Stow Backpack

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.

MaterialMatte Neoprene
Dimensions16"H x 12"W x 5"D
Volume17.6L
FeaturesThree exterior pockets, one interior pocket, laptop sleeve, removable interior pouch
Water-ResistantYes
Nylon Backpack

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.

MaterialRecycled GRS-Certified Resilon Nylon Fabric, Sustainably Sourced LWG-Certified Full-Grain DriTan Leather
Dimensions16"H x 11.4"W x 4.5"D
Volume12.5L
FeaturesFour 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-ResistantYes

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Runwell Canvas Backpack

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.

MaterialCanvas
Dimensions12"W x 17"H x 6"D
Volume37.2L
FeaturesCarrying handle, adjustable shoulder straps, exterior front zip pocket, exterior back zip pocket, padded laptop sleeve, interior slip pockets
Water-ResistantNo
New Pierrick Water-Repellent Backpack

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.

MaterialNylon
Dimensions35cm x 45.5 cm x 14 cm
FeaturesSmooth leather handle, adjustable shoulder straps, two-way zipper closure, zipped pockets
Water-ResistantYes

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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.

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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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