The Best Backpacks Worth Buying Right Now
A backpack is one of those purchases where the price tag and the quality don't always move together — a $250 designer bag can have worse organization than a $70 technical one. Instead of ranking by brand, here are four backpacks that each solve a different problem well: daily commuting, everyday errands with a rugged edge, an outfit-first pick that still functions, and a durable classic that's outlasted trends for two decades.
What to Look For
- A dedicated, padded laptop sleeve separate from the main compartment — tossing a laptop in with books and bottles is how screens crack.
- Water-resistant fabric or coating matters more than a rain cover you'll forget to use.
- External pockets you'll actually use — a side bottle pocket or quick-access front pocket for a phone and keys beats a bag that's one giant compartment.
- Weight when empty. A heavier base bag adds up on a full day of carrying it, especially for daily commuters or students.
1. Nike Sportswear Commute Backpack (25L)
Built specifically for the walk-or-bike commute rather than the gym, this one has a padded 16" laptop sleeve, a separate zip pocket for small items, and a molded bottom panel that keeps its shape even half-empty. The 25L size is enough for a laptop, a change of clothes, and a lunch without looking overstuffed.
Price: $85.97
2. Columbia Landroamer Everyday Backpack
This is the pick for anyone who wants a backpack that can handle a hike on Saturday and an office on Monday. The coated bottom panel resists moisture from being set down on wet ground, and the multiple zip compartments keep cables, a water bottle, and a laptop from sliding around into one pile.
Price: $110.00
3. Kate Spade Carter Nylon Cargo Backpack
Proof that a backpack doesn't have to look technical to be useful — the nylon build is genuinely durable and the front cargo pockets close with a real buckle, not just a magnet. It reads as a normal bag rather than "backpack with a laptop in it," which is the appeal for anyone who wants function without the outdoor-gear look.
Price: $99.00
4. The North Face Jester Backpack
The Jester has been a default recommendation for students and commuters for years for a simple reason: it holds up. The bungee lacing on the front keeps a jacket or extra layer secure without needing another compartment, and the padded mesh back panel keeps it from feeling like a flat board against your spine on long carries.
Price: $90.00
Which One Actually Fits Your Day
If most of the carry is a laptop and a commute, the Nike is the most purpose-built option. If the bag needs to survive being tossed around outdoors as easily as it sits under a desk, the Columbia is the more rugged choice. The Kate Spade works best when you don't want a bag that reads as "gear." And the North Face Jester is the safest all-around pick if you'd rather not think about it — it's been doing this job well for a long time.
