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:
- Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L
- Peak Design Travel
- Osprey Farpoint 40
- Nomatic Travel Pack
Cotopaxi Allpa 35 L
Best for: Versatile Travelers
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is a standout choice for those who need versatility on the go. Its compact size makes it perfect for carry-on, yet it’s spacious enough to store all your essentials for a short trip. The Allpa is known for its rugged durability, thanks to its bombproof TPU-coated 1000D polyester and 840D ballistic nylon paneling. The suitcase-style opening allows for easy packing and organization, with internal mesh compartments and a dedicated laptop sleeve.
Why It’s Great:
- Weather-resistant and durable materials
- Comfortable harness system for long wear
- Easy access and organization
Peak Design Backpack 45L
Best for: Organized Travelers
For those who need a bit more space and love to stay organized, the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a fantastic choice. This backpack is designed with photographers and creatives in mind but is versatile enough for any traveler. The bag’s innovative design features customizable internal dividers, allowing you to tailor the storage space to your specific needs. Its sleek, weatherproof construction and thoughtful touches, like hidden pockets and a dedicated laptop compartment, make it a traveler’s dream.
Why It’s Great:
- Customizable organization
- Weatherproof design
- Expandable capacity (35L to 45L)
Osprey Farpoint 40
Best for: Long-Term Travel
The Osprey Farpoint 40 is a favorite among long-term travelers, and for good reason. It’s the perfect balance of size, comfort, and durability, making it ideal for extended trips. The Farpoint 40 features a comfortable suspension system, allowing you to carry heavier loads with ease. Its lockable zippers, multiple compartments, and a padded laptop sleeve add to its practicality. Plus, the bag’s compact design ensures it meets most airline carry-on requirements.
Why It’s Great:
- Comfortable suspension system
- Lockable zippers for security
- Meets most carry-on size limits
Nomatic Travel Pack 20L
Best for: Business Travelers
The Nomatic Travel Pack is designed with the modern business traveler in mind. This sleek and functional backpack is perfect for those who need to transition seamlessly from the office to the airport. With a minimalist design, it doesn’t sacrifice functionality, offering features like a quick-access laptop compartment, expandable storage, and a magnetic water bottle pocket.
The Nomatic Pack’s smart organization, including RFID-safe pockets and a dedicated tech compartment, ensures that all your gadgets and documents are secure and easily accessible.
Why It’s Great:
- Sleek, minimalist design
- Smart organization for business essentials
- Expandable storage for flexibility
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.