A great pack is essential for life’s adventures. After all, everyone needs a way to carry their stuff around. We’ve outlined our favorite picks across styles, from school and commuter packs to travel backpacks and tech-focused bags.
Our gear experts have tested hundreds of backpacks since 2010, putting each through real-world scenarios like school, work, travel, and hiking.
The best general-use backpack we tested is Osprey Nebula. This is a comfortable and spacious pack that is at home just about anywhere: school, the gym, airplane travel, weekend trips.
A great low-cost option is the Volher Travel, which carries 30 liters of stuff and has sufficient padding.
Those seeking a simple daypack for use on the trail or for gym gear might like the lightweight REI Co-op Flash 22, which is an affordable minimalist pack.
Our Top Picks:
- Osprey Farpoint 40
- GORUCK Rucker 4.0 25L
- The North Face Jester
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel
- Alienware 18 Backpack – 28L
- Under Armour Hustle 6.0
Osprey Farpoint 40
The Osprey Farpoint 40 has become one of the most talked-about travel backpacks among one-baggers and frequent travelers, and for good reason. It’s designed to hit that perfect sweet spot between carry-on-compliant size and real-world usability, with a 40-liter capacity that fits most airline regulations while still holding enough gear for a 5–7-day trip. Its clamshell panel opening makes packing and unpacking feel more like a suitcase than a traditional backpack, and features like lockable zippers and a dedicated laptop/tablet sleeve give you both convenience and a bit of security on the road. The AirScape back panel and padded harness system help spread weight comfortably, while the stowaway straps let you zip everything away neatly when you need to check the bag or switch to duffel mode.
Community discussions reflect the Farpoint’s long-standing reputation: many travelers swear by its durability and comfort, with plenty of Redditors reporting years of reliable use on trips across continents. People often highlight how the ergonomic suspension makes long hauls between airports or bus stations far easier than typical travel bags, and its simple yet rugged build holds up well under heavy use. That said, some users note the internal organization isn’t as sophisticated as dedicated tech or adventure packs, and fitting bulkier items can be tricky without packing cubes. Still, for those who want a dependable, versatile backpack that carries well, meets carry-on requirements, and stands up to frequent travel, the Farpoint 40 remains an extremely solid choice.
GORUCK Rucker 4.0 25L
The GORUCK Rucker 4.0 25L is built with one goal in mind: serious durability and performance. Designed originally for rucking — the practice of walking or hiking with significant weight in your pack — this rucksack uses rugged 1000D CORDURA® nylon and reinforced stitching to withstand heavy loads, rough terrain, and hard use that would wreck most ordinary backpacks. It sports two internal ruck plate pockets that can securely hold multiple weight plates close to your back (up to ~75 lbs total), along with ergonomic lumbar foam padding and extra-padded shoulder straps that help distribute load and reduce friction during long marches. There’s also plenty of external MOLLE webbing for modular attachments and customization, while features like bottom drain holes and a reflective safety stripe show that the pack was engineered for outdoor performance under real conditions rather than just casual carry.
In real-world discussions, many users praise the Rucker 4.0’s bomb-proof build and comfort once broken in, especially when paired with the optional hip belt to shift weight off the shoulders for longer rucks. Redditors often note that the 25L size strikes a good balance of capacity for fitness use and everyday hauling, though the stiff initial feel and minimalist interior (like velcro-secured pockets instead of zipped ones) can take some getting used to. While some community members experiment with turning it into a daily carry or gym bag, most agree that its true strength is in high-load training and rugged outdoor use — this is a pack more like a tool than a traditional everyday backpack, and it reflects the ethos of GORUCK’s gear designed to endure years of hard service.
The North Face Jester (Laptop Backpack)
The The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack is a versatile, everyday carry pack that blends practical organization with comfortable ergonomics, making it a favorite for students, commuters, and casual travelers alike. With a roomy 28 L capacity, it easily fits essentials like books, gym gear, and daily necessities alongside a padded laptop sleeve that accommodates up to a 16″ laptop, keeping your tech secure during your routine. The front compartment includes additional pockets and pen slots for smaller items, while two external water bottle pockets and an elastic bungee system add convenient storage options for quick-access gear. Its design also incorporates 360° reflectivity and a reflective bike-light loop, enhancing visibility and safety for urban commuting.
Comfort is a standout feature thanks to The North Face’s FlexVent™ suspension system, which uses custom-injected, flexible shoulder straps, a ventilated padded mesh back panel, and a breathable lumbar support panel to reduce fatigue during long days on campus or city streets. Many users appreciate that the pack can stand upright on its own, making loading and unloading easier, and its recycled polyester construction with water-repellent finish adds durability and everyday resilience. While some community members have noted minor organizational quirks or personal preference differences, the general consensus is that the Jester delivers reliable comfort, solid storage, and everyday utility at a reasonable price point for a trusted outdoor brand.
Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is a thoughtfully designed carry-on-sized backpack that aims to make travel smoother and more organized without sacrificing style or sustainability. Its suitcase-style, full-wrap zipper opening lets you pack and access your clothes and gear easily, while multiple internal mesh compartments help keep items separated and visible — a big plus for one-bag travelers who hate digging through a cluttered interior. The bag also includes a padded laptop and tablet sleeve, lockable YKK zippers, and a luggage pass-through strap, making it equally handy for airport navigation and daily use on the road. Constructed with TPU-coated polyester and ballistic nylon, the Allpa is built to be durable and water-resistant for varied travel conditions, and its sleek silhouette transitions well from adventure settings to urban environments.
In the broader travel community — including Reddit’s one-bag discussion threads — users tend to praise the Allpa 35L for its capacious yet manageable size and well-thought-out organization, with many travelers successfully using it for multi-week excursions across Europe and other regions. However, opinions on comfort and usability vary: some find the harness and hip belt excellent for extended carry, while others feel it lacks structure or can feel bulky when not fully packed. Still, for those prioritizing easy access, smart packing, and stylish sustainability in a travel pack that doubles as a carry-on, the Allpa 35L remains a standout choice in 2025.
Alienware 18 Backpack - 28L
The Alienware 18 Backpack – AW7825P (28 L) is a sleek and purpose-built backpack for tech enthusiasts and gamers who need dependable protection and organization for larger laptops and accessories. Designed to comfortably fit laptops up to 18 inches, it offers a dedicated padded laptop compartment with 3D breathable mesh and XPE foam protection, alongside additional spaces for tablets, side gear, and everyday essentials. The backpack’s 600D woven fabric exterior with PU coating makes it weather, dirt, and water resistant, helping shield your gear from the elements, while RFID-safe pockets add a layer of everyday security for cards and small valuables. Its ergonomic design — including padded shoulder straps, breathable back mesh, and a chest buckle — makes it comfortable enough for daily commutes or travel, and a trolley strap adds convenience for airport journeys.
Beyond functionality, the Alienware 18 Backpack stands out with its distinctive gaming-inspired design, featuring a reflective 3D Alienware logo and gradient zipper pulls that give it a bold, futuristic look. Community discussions reflect a generally positive reception — many users report that the backpack holds up well with everyday use and offers plenty of space for bulky gear like an Alienware Area-51 18 laptop along with peripherals such as headphones, chargers, and cables. However, some buyers on Reddit have mentioned occasional quality concerns like imperfect stitching on individual units, suggesting that quality control can vary and replacements might be necessary in rare cases. Despite those anecdotes, its overall spacious layout, protective build, and eye-catching design make it a compelling option for anyone hauling high-end laptops or gaming gear while still wanting a stylish, everyday backpack.
Under Armour Unisex Hustle 6.0
The Under Armour Hustle 6.0 is a versatile and practical everyday backpack that’s become popular for school, work, commuting, and gym use — especially among people looking for a reliable bag without a premium price tag. It offers about 29 L of capacity and features UA Storm water-resistant technology, helping keep your essentials dry in light rain or wet conditions. There’s a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 16″ laptop like a MacBook Pro, a roomy main compartment for books or gear, a secondary pocket that can double as a shoe or laundry compartment, and a secure front zip pocket for smaller items. Side water bottle holders are big enough for up to a 32 oz bottle, and MOLLE webbing adds extra attachment points if you like customizing how you carry things.
In everyday use, reviews tend to highlight the Hustle 6.0’s comfort and durability — its padded shoulder straps and ergonomic back panel make it comfortable to carry even when full, and many users find the material and stitching hold up well over time. Community feedback also reflects that it’s roomy and functional for students and commuters, with plenty of compartments for books, tech, gym clothes, and accessories. Some users mention that while there are better premium packs with more advanced organization, the Hustle 6.0 holds its own as a solid, all-purpose backpack that balances function, comfort, and value.