Backpack Buyer’s Guide
The backpack may be the most important and influential piece in the carry community. Its history stems deep for as long as humans have carried loads on their back to the original knapsack improvements, patented in 1878 by Henry C. Merriam. His design used an external sheet metal frame and was invented for use by the U.S. Army.
A couple of years later, Camille Poirier of Duluth built something different, a durable canvas bag secured by straps, including one for the head, and buckles with a square shape to fit easily at the bottom of a canoe. This eventually led to the design by Ole F. Bergan, who introduced softer materials of a sack attached to the light tubular steel of his version.
Eventually, as patents expired and new designs were introduced, backpacks continued to be improved upon with innovations including the addition of zippers, lighter weight materials, internal frames, hip-belts, and suspension technology. Today, backpacks come in all shapes and sizes and are made from various materials.
Backpacks are technically any bag that you carry on your back with two shoulder straps. There is a multitude of styles on the market for various uses from travel to hiking and specialized packs such as camera packs that help carry equipment. Yet, the daypack is the most recognized and widely-used today. As the name implies, daypacks are used daily are traditionally smaller, lightweight, and have just enough storage for a day’s worth of gear.
There are a few things to consider when choosing a backpack, including the type of activity that it will be used for, overall capacity, fit, and the features. Backpacks are tailor-made for various activities whether it’s for work. to fit a laptop or built tough to survive days in the wild.
Capacity matters when deciding how much gear you’ll be able to pack. The fit is important as there are packs made for genders and body types, and various activities. The pack’s features need to be considered as this concerns the number of pockets, the materials and construction, the organization and the style.
Since grade school, backpacks have become a daily essential in helping organize and carry items. We selected a handful of backpacks that are versatile, functional and stylish enough to add to your daily rotation. EDC
Bellroy
Classic Backpack Plus
Highlights:
The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus features dual compartment carry in one streamlined backpack. The classic style backpack is loaded with features including a padded section with waterproof zip access to the laptop compartment, multiple interior pockets and a hidden stretch pocket to hide belongings such as keys or a wallet. A vertical front pocket stores small essentials. Constructed from water-resistant woven polyester and available in multiple colors.
Dimensions: 20.87 x 14.96 x 9.06 inches
Capacity: 22L
Weight: 2.2 pounds
Our Opinion:
The design and overall style of this pack is classic and timeless. Its details showcase highly considered design from the leather pulls and accents to the weatherproof zippers and organization compartments. Each piece has a deliberate function and creates one cohesive design. The combination of colors is fun, fashion-forward and a good choice for the gray man. The padded back and contoured shoulder straps are very comfortable even with a full pack. Combine this with the fact that the pack is made with recycled materials and also features a 3-year warranty and you have a contender for one the best packs on the market.
MSRP: $179
bellroy.com
DSPTCH
Daypack
Highlights:
The DSPTCH Daypack features a suspended laptop compartment, tablet sleeve, internal water bottle pockets, and a built-in cord management system. The exterior is constructed with a water-repelling 18-ounce waxed canvas with a 410D nylon packcloth lining and a DWR coating for weather resistance. The straps are made with seatbelt webbing and feature Duraflex plastic hardware. The pack is made entirely in the USA and is available in multiple colors and materials.
Dimensions: 13 x 17 x 7 inches
Capacity: 22L
Weight: 3 pounds, 5 ounces
Our Opinion:
The DSPTCH Daypack is made with quality materials and constructed to last a lifetime. The design is sleek and well-thought-out for functionality. The pack is lightweight and comfortable when carrying it fully loaded. The suspended laptop sleeve fits up to a 15-inch laptop and protects well enough that we felt comfortable using it without a laptop case. The pack is stylish for daily use in the city and this particular collaboration with 3sixteen adds a durable finish and soft tonal leather detail. The addition of the luggage strap makes it convenient to nest with luggage while traveling. This is one of the best packs we tested and worth the investment.
MSRP: $325 3sixteen special edition / $198 (ballistic nylon version)
dsptch.com
Mission Workshop
The Fraction
Highlights:
The Mission Workshop The Fraction backpack is a smaller version of their best-selling Sanction Rucksack. Built for everyday use with ample gear organization, stash pockets and an internal laptop compartment that fits up to a 13-inch laptop or tablet. Constructed with 1,000D nylon, urethane coated zippers, multiple weatherproof compartments and waterproof materials. An internal frame sheet helps keep the pack’s structure and provide support. The pack is made in the U.S.A., comes in multiple colorways, and features a guaranteed forever warranty.
Dimensions: 11 x 18 x 4 inches
Capacity: 14L
Weight: 2 pounds, 8 ounces
Our Opinion:
One of our favorite models tested, the Mission Workshop The Fraction backpack is a solid choice for a daily pack. The ruck-style pack and weather-proof materials ensure your belongings are safe from the elements. The main compartment is deep to hold plenty of items and there are just enough zippered storage options for organization. This smaller size is great for laptop-free day trips or for smaller body types. We appreciate the tonal black colorway with a style that fits the city.
MSRP: $190
missionworkshop.com
Pelican
Dayventure Backpack Cooler
Highlights:
The Pelican Dayventure Backpack Cooler is a versatile, durable backpack that features dual insulated storage compartments. The bottom compartment is a dedicated cooler with a leak-resistant zipper that can keep items cold with ice for a day and fits up to six canned beverages. The roll-top opening can be used to keep food dry and cool or as a traditional backpack compartment for items such as clothes. The exterior outer shell is weather-resistant, durable and leak-proof. Available in two colors.
Dimensions: 10 x 7.10 x 21.70 inches
Capacity: 18.36L
Weight: 9 pounds, 4.8 ounces
Our Opinion:
This is a unique backpack and works well for those who want the ability to keep their lunch and/or beverages cold throughout the day. The pack’s ability to stand upright is a nice feature. The dry compartment provides ample storage for items such as clothing and gadgets. The pack is heavier than others tested but given the construction and purpose, it’s expected. This isn’t meant to be used with a laptop as there is no internal sleeve or pocket.
MSRP: $250
pelican.com
The Brown Buffalo
Hillside
Highlights:
The Brown Buffalo Hillside backpack features heavy-duty Stormproof Nylon, two exterior zippered pockets, two side pockets, and one large main compartment. The padded laptop sleeve fits a 15-inch laptop. The interior is highlighted by a lightly padded organizational sleeve with a pocket for magazines or a tablet, two smaller sleeves for other items, and a keyring.
Our Opinion:
A very well made pack from a veteran in the bagmaking industry, Douglas Davidson. The Brown Buffalo Hillside is one of his latest creations that is built tough. The Stormproof nylon is weatherproof and the rucksack design also helps to protect the valuables inside. We found the pack to have plenty of storage capacity and organization with multiple exterior pockets and interior sleeves. The side pockets are large enough to hold larger water bottles. Having the ability to access the main compartment and the laptop compartment while the top is still snapped closed is a bonus. The pack is large in size and a little bit on the heavy side, yet it is very comfortable when in use, due to the contoured and padded straps.
MSRP: (Because this is a brand new design, exact dimensions and MSRP were unavailable at press time.)
thebrownbuffalo.com
Incase
Icon Backpack
Highlights:
The Incase Icon features multiple compartments and organization for large and smaller items and fits up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro laptop. The backpack is made with durable 840D nylon construction with adjustable padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap for secure and comfortable carrying. A dedicated side-access iPad pocket ensures quick accessibility while on the go. Available in multiple colors, materials, as well as a slim version and mini version.
Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 9 inches
Capacity: 17L
Our Opinion:
It’s no wonder the Incase Icon backpack has won many awards. The progressive design manages to supply ample storage and organization in the otherwise sleek pack. The pack is lightweight, comfortable, and well padded for protection. The organization is abundant with pockets and sleeves throughout the backpack including a handy power pocket with integrated cable port to allow for quick charging of your device. The signature, Incase, soft faux fur lining in both the laptop compartment and sunglasses pocket is a nice detail. Overall, we found this backpack to be as functional as it is stylish and great for daily use.
MSRP: $200
incase.com
Mystery Ranch
Prizefighter
Highlights:
The Mystery Ranch Prizefighter is a new panel loader-style backpack with one large compartment with a floating, padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch laptop and additional organizational sleeves. Two smaller exterior pockets provide extra organization. Constructed from durable 500D Cordura fabric and coated YKK zippers. A haul loop handle provides easy grab and go capability. Available in three colors.
Dimensions: 19 x 11.5 x 10 inches
Capacity: 21L
Weight: 2 pounds, 1.6 ounces
Our Opinion
The same quality and performance expected from the highly-respected outdoor pack brand, but in a lightweight and minimalist style designed for urban environments. The Mystery Ranch Prizefighter is straight-forward in its design. Built to last with basic organization for daily use. The pack is very lightweight and the padded back and shoulder pads add comfort. Despite not having a ton of features, this pack has the quality that Mystery Ranch has become known for. It’s a value at its price point.
MSRP: $125
mysteryranch.com
Wandrd
VEER Packable Backpack
Highlights:
The Wandrd VEER packable backpack features an inflatable back panel- an inflatable camera cube is available separately. Features include a theft-deterrent buckle, quick draw side access, weather-resistant zippers, an expandable water bottle pocket and organization pockets. The pack is constructed from weather-resistant materials N100D Robic Dynatec and N210D Robic HD Oxford. Available in three colorways.
Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 9 inches
Packed Dimensions: 6 x 9 x 2 inches
Capacity: 18L
Weight: 12.8 ounces
Our Opinion:
A unique and portable solution for travel. Weighing just under 13 ounces with the ability to fold down to be packed definitely can come in handy. The quick-inflatable back panel is easy to use. We found the back panel to provide ample support, and it can double as a pillow or protection for the pack’s contents.
MSRP: $99
wandrd.com
Thule
Subterra Backpack 30L
Highlights:
The Thule Subterra Backpack is large and durable with electronics protection and a PowerPocket to manage cords between your device and mobile charger. The pack features a padded laptop sleeve with SafeEdge construction to fit up to a 15-inch laptop, a dedicated tablet storage pocket, and multiple compartments and storage pockets. A zippered side pocket and expandable side pocket help keep items safely stored and accessible. The backpack is constructed from heavy-duty, durable 800D nylon. Available in multiple colors.
Dimensions: 15.2 x 9.1 x 19.7 inches
Capacity: 30L
Weight: 2 pounds, 9 ounces
Our Opinion:
This is a very versatile and sleek backpack. It is a tech-friendly option from the laptop compartment with multiple access points to the PowerPocket. The padded and breathable back and contoured shoulder straps are comfortable without leaving your back sweaty after a day’s use. We found the pack to provide ample storage and can be used daily as well as for travel. The luggage pass-through strap is convenient while on the road. This is the best bang for the buck.
MSRP: $140
thule.com
Xactly
Oxygen 25
Highlights:
The Xactly Oxygen 25 is constructed with 900D GRS certified post-consumer recycled polyester. The pack’s central compartment is the main access point and hub for the system, which includes a built-in USB AC connector to allow internal and external charging. A water-resistant exterior charging port can be accessed via the logo plate. The inside of the traditional front-zip, top access compartment features wireless charging pockets and zipped organizational compartments. The exterior features two expandable pockets. Available in two colors.
Dimensions: 17.6 x 11 x 7 inches
Capacity: 25L
Weight: 2 pounds, 4.8 ounces
Our Opinion:
The most tech-integrated pack with a well-thought-out design that allows for charging while on the go. The pack is organized with several zippered compartments starting with the main front compartment with a built-in charging cable and portable battery pocket to the faux-fur lined padded laptop sleeve. We found the padded back panel breathable and comfortable. Nice details include the built-in charging cable port that opens cleverly from underneath the badged logo to the magnetic closure cable hideaways built into the bag straps designed to hide earbud cables.
MSRP: $160
URL: xactlylife.com
Editor’s note: A version of this article first appeared in the EDC Buyer’s Guide Winter, 2020 print issue of American Survival Guide