Table of Contents
If there’s one important merchandise that has accompanied you in your journey by means of life out of your faculty days up by means of to your workplace commute, it’s a high quality backpack. Storing your gymnasium equipment, laptop computer or a pair of trainers in your weekend getaway, they’re the common-or-garden servant prepared to hold something you would possibly want for the day forward. Grabbing probably the greatest backpacks, subsequently, must be your prime precedence.
Offering a neat center floor between briefcase and gymnasium bag, there’s hardly ever a scenario that doesn’t name for a spacious bag that will help you get round with out your palms full. They arrive in all styles and sizes, from day packs with important compartments which can be solely capacious sufficient for a number of important objects, to full-on journey backpacks that may double up as carry-on baggage in your travels, so it’s value taking your time to evaluate your choices.
Each main vogue model has put forth its tackle this versatile vessel however, as with all equipment, some do it higher than others. Right here, to set you in the appropriate route, we current the GQ edit of the very best high-quality backpacks you should buy, with choices for each price range.
Finest backpacks in 2024
Antler Chelsea
Antler Chelsea Backpack
£140
Antler
Arguably some of the common daypacks for the typical commuter, the Chelsea is your on a regular basis backpack at a fairly reasonably priced value. Due to the broad zip entry, you get fast entry to your gear, it is nearly capacious sufficient for a 16.5-inch laptop computer and your lunch field.
Away All over the place
Away All over the place backpack
£155
Away
A fantastically monochromatic zip-up rucksack, the Away All over the place lives as much as its title because it matches proper at dwelling in just about any scenario. The padded shoulder straps are snug, it is water-resistant to guard your necessities throughout inclement climate, and it is large enough, regardless of the preliminary viewing, to suit a 15-inch laptop computer.
Carl Friedrik Bowen
Carl Friedrik Bowen
£575
Carl Friedrik
For a contact of sophistication, Carl Friedrik’s Bowen is a beautiful leather-based quantity that boasts stunning seems with its capacious providing. A helpful zippered pocket on the entrance is a perfect place to tuck away keys or a spare pen, whereas the cozy clamshell design tucks neatly throughout your shoulders for a pleasant addition to your travelling match.
The very best backpacks at a look…
- Finest carry-on backpack: Carl Friedrik 72-hour, £495 at carlfriedrik.com
- Finest daypack: Antler Chelsea Daypack,
£100£42 at antler.co.uk - Finest journey backpack: July Quantity+, £175 at july.com
- Finest mountain climbing backpack: Levis, £35 at asos.com
- Finest laptop computer bag: Away All over the place, £124 at awaytravel.com
- Finest-looking backpack: Carl Friedrik Bowen, £575 at carlfriedrik.com
- Finest waterproof backpack: Briggs & Riley, £249 at briggs-riley.co.uk
Skip to: What backpack is finest for my again? | What backpack is finest for travelling? | What makes a superb backpack?
What backpack is finest for my again?
Ergonomic worth is rarely removed from our minds when recommending baggage, however for those who undergo from again ache otherwise you need to keep away from a crooked backbone with a poorly-designed backpack, it is value studying the assorted options you could look out for.
Those that hike will know {that a} key element to conserving the burden off your again and shoulders is to divert it to your hips with compression straps that sit the underside portion of your again in your waist. Not all day packs will probably be large enough to succeed in your decrease again, however for those who get aches and pains after a protracted day of journey, it is value testing mountain climbing backpacks with a hip belt to alleviate the strain. Manufacturers like Osprey, Patagonia or Away make wonderful backpacks to distribute weight evenly. Associate this with a sternum strap or chest strap to tug the burden round your shoulders to maintain the remainder of the burden unfold throughout the highest of your torso.
An usually under-discussed side of shopping for a superb bag in your again is its breathability. When the again sits flush in opposition to your shoulders, you lose out on a whole lot of airflow that may impression your consolation. Not solely will a breathable bag that sits barely off your shoulders – by way of a mesh dividers – preserve your again cool, but it surely additionally means you will not be tempted to fiddle with the straps to alleviate the discomfort.
What backpack is finest for travelling?
Most airways permit you to convey on a carry-on case in addition to a small private bag in your journey, prompting many to hunt for the very best journey backpacks that supply consolation, capacious compartments, loads of pockets for passports and necessities, and in addition constructed from high quality supplies to deal with your jet-setting. Under, we have got a variety of sizes and builds, and the overwhelming majority are ready-made to deal with flights, bus journeys or a street journey with no downside, however there are some things to contemplate.
Waterproof journey packs are an important seize for anybody travelling to international locations with wetter climates, with many mountain climbing backpacks that includes weather-resistant rain covers to fight water-related complications. In case your vacation spot is not the deep rainforests, most backpacks with snug shoulder straps, a wealth of pockets to cover away important objects and probably even house for one or two packing cubes to organise your baggage are issues you need to preserve a watch out for.
What makes a superb backpack?
On the subject of backpack buying, you may need to take note of building, fabrication and sturdiness earlier than urgent that all-important ‘add to cart’ button. That mentioned, identical to with the above, what makes a backpack nice is determined by what you want it for… fortunately for you, we have laid out fairly the choice beneath.
For extra vogue, grooming and expertise releases delivered straight to your inbox, join our GQ Recommends e-newsletter.
Carl Friedrik’s luxurious baggage units could also be on the spenny facet, however for those who can afford them, they’re purpose-built to be mixed for the final word jet-setting assortment. The Bowen is the smallest bag from the roster, however incorporates a strap on the again to latch onto deal with of your bigger wheeled baggage, whereas the internals are packed filled with helpful hideaway pockets.
Except for the pragmatic issues, it is also a wonderful backpack to behold, with mushy Nubuck leather-based made in Portugal. £575. At carlfriedrik.com
Store now
Antler
- Weight/Capability: 0.6kg/12l
- Water resistance: Waterproof
- Storage capabilities: Padded pocket for a 13-inch laptop computer, again sleeve suitcase deal with
Throw no matter superlative you want at Antler’s Chelsea daypack, it is probably the greatest and hottest round, largely as a result of it might probably adapt to any scenario you might require. It is not notably massive, with sufficient house to suit only a 13-inch laptop computer in it, however for those who’re commuting, heading to the gymnasium or simply want a number of bits to take with you on a visit, it is our prime choose. £100 £40. At antler.co.uk
Store now
Briggs & Riley
- Weight/Capability: 1kg/14.2l
- Water resistance: N/A
- Storage capabilities: Capacious inside with padded pocket for 16-inch laptop computer, enlargement zippered pockets provides 3 inches of house, RFID-shielded pocket
The bag that does all of it; Briggs & Riley’s expandable has the reply to many travel-related questions you would possibly pose. Inside, it is huge, with sufficient house for packing cubes, trainers and a big laptop computer, however as if that wasn’t sufficient, there are two expandable entrance pockets that add three inches of house every for the overflow that solely a veteran journey requires. A breathable mesh again pad retains issues snug, and it is also wrought from 26 recycled bottles, which is an enormous tick for the environmentally acutely aware. £249. At briggs-riley.co.uk
Store now
Carl Friedrik 72-hour
- Weight/Capability: 950g/25l
- Water resistance: No
- Storage capabilities: Big inside compartment, three interal pockets, one exterior pocket, glasses pouch
A beautiful silhouette on the backs of commuters and luxe travellers alike, the 72-hour backpack from CF is the aspirational companion of our goals. The brushed leather-based provides it a mushy suede texture that elevates the general aesthetic, but it surely’s additionally acquired the products with regards to performance. Sufficient house is supplied for 72-hours value of garments and tools, with a clamshell design important compartment that unlocks fast entry to your total bag.
That every one mentioned, it is value mentioning that the nubuck leather-based is much from preferrred safety in opposition to the weather, so preserve that in thoughts for those who’re planning to go out right into a deluge. £495. At carlfriedrik.com
Store now
Most Fashionable
Bennett Winch’s British-made luggage are about as suave because it will get. When you wanted extra proof than the slick aesthetics alone, its SC holdall is owned by James Bond himself, that includes within the trailer to the long-anticipated (and we imply lengthy) No Time To Die. Tremendous refined and coming with a removable waterproof compartment for gymnasium gear or grooming merchandise, it’s the proper bag for working metropolis errands. £625. bennettwinch.com
Store now
Roka
- Weight/Capability: 7l
- Water resistance: Climate-resistant nylon or canvas
- Storage capabilities: Capacious inside pocket with sturdy zip, inside pocket and laptop computer sleeve
Matte black colourways all the time tickle some a part of our mind, so once we discovered about Roka’s Black Label Bantry B, we acquired very excited. Smaller than many different backpacks on our record, it is loads mighty in your upcoming journey with a capacious inside and loads of extra pockets for tucking key objects away. The bag itself is definitely named after Bantry Bay in South Africa, so we would think about it would cope fairly effectively with a journey to its namesake. £64. At rokalondon.com
Store now
M&S
- Capability/measurement: 27l
- Water resistance: ‘Stormwear’ water-repellent expertise
- Storage capabilities: An inside laptop computer compartment, internal zipped pocket and a bottle pocket at every sides
Hats off to Marks & Spencer for providing a slick black backpack which gained’t put a dent in your checking account. Crafted from a Scuff-resistant Professional-Tect cloth with a storm put on end, its straps are curved for further consolation upon put on and the webbed loops on the entrance present further storage. £45. marksandspencer.com
Store now
Most Fashionable
Amongst among the British heritage model’s most iconic items, the Burberry backpack is sort of as recognisable as a Burberry scarf. Patterned all through with the label’s world-renowned ‘Classic Examine’ design, this canvas backpack is hardy, snug, and extremely spacious, full with a mesh again panel, entrance pocket and adjustable shoulder straps to accommodate the peak of any wearer. Its silhouette could also be a little bit of an announcement, however relaxation assured that it gained’t exit of fashion. £1,090. At uk.burberry.com
Store now
Loewe
- Capability/Dimension: N/A
- Water resistance: This piece’s nylon building will supply some safety, but it surely’s not particularly designed for water-resistance
- Storage capabilities: adaptable internal cupboard space
To those that favour a wardrobe with a slim-cut silhouette, Loewe’s newest providing within the equipment division is sure to fulfill. Slim in width however lengthy within the physique, this tall black backpack is constructed on a folded building to supply adaptable cupboard space and incorporates a logo-debossed zipped leather-based panel and safety-buckle clip throughout its fastening. In step with its basic design, make sure to pair it with easy black items for a failsafe monochrome transfer. £1,350. At matchesfashion.com
Store now
Away
- Capability/measurement: 20L
- Water resistance: This product is water-resistant
- Storage capabilities: An inside organisation system, inside slip pockets, an inside laptop computer sleeve, exterior zip pockets
If you have not already heard all about Away’s All over the place zipped backpack throughout the advert breaks of your favorite podcasts, then permit us to do the honours. The All over the place backpack is, because the title could recommend, able to take to any occasion or getaway – be {that a} journey to the workplace or a metropolis break in Oslo – due to its ultra-versatile, minimalist look, sturdy building and a plethora of storage choices. £155. awaytravel.com
Store now
Most Fashionable
We’re sat right here wishing that July would bloody hurry up and get right here, and you may most likely be pondering the identical while you order the Quantity+ from July baggage model. This cavernous backpack has the power to broaden, providing you with much more alternative to stuff as a lot as you’ll be able to carry in the primary compartment. It is water-resistant, has house for the most important laptops and loads of hidden compartments to discover and fill. £175. At july.com
Store now
Arket
- Capability/Dimension: 1.3kg14l
- Water resistance: Water-repellent
- Storage capabilities: An exterior facet pocket and three inside pockets, one with a zipper closure
Arket is synonymous with sensible design, most lately confirmed by this two-way bag. Doubling up as each a backpack and tote, it’s crafted from a compact nylon materials to suit simply into any baggage (we advise taking a look at the remainder of the model’s equipment for a full equipment) and accommodates all climate circumstances due to its water-repellent end. Light-weight and sturdy, it’s a failsafe selection to go with the informal facet of your wardrobe. £57. arket.com
Store now
Monos Metro
- Weight/Capability: 272g/18l
- Water resistance: Waterproof
- Storage capabilities: Twill lining, mesh again, padded inside pocket, two patch pockets, adjustable shoulder straps
Completely designed for the metro-centric commuter, Monos’ Metro is the epitome of cityscape exploration. Sufficient house in your laptop computer, lunch field, cafe studying ebook and your glasses (for those who put on them), it is a capacious and classy bag ready-made in your journey. Out there in 4 nylon colourways or six vegan leather-based choices, its acquired the visible chops to again up its purposeful wares. £205. At monos.uk
Store now
Most Fashionable
Since Moncler and Adidas are prime ports of name for technical but fashion-conscious designs, this current collaboration is a dream come true. Formed by a hardy, water-repellent shell, this spacious backpack is patterned with a blue motif of each model logos and is detailed with a large number of sensible pockets to retailer your most important belongings. Good for many who wish to preserve their objects effectively divided, this one guarantees to see you thru a busy schedule in type, subsequently receiving an enormous sure from staff GQ. £530. At moncler.com
Store now
Gucci
- Capability: 19L
- Water resistance: This piece’s cotton-canvas building will supply some safety, but it surely’s not particularly designed for water-resistance
- Storage capabilities: A important inside compartment, an inside laptop computer sleeve, two flap-top facet pockets
Who says you’ll be able to’t serve a trendy assertion by means of your backpack of selection? Definitely not Gucci, whose newest design within the backpack division is constructed on a monogrammed coated-canvas. Strengthened with leather-based trims and panels throughout the physique, it’s fitted with a bunch of pockets for a trendy collegiate contact to the outside. Instantaneous type win. £1,730. At matchesfashion.com
Store now
Levi’s
- Capability/measurement: N/A
- Water resistance: While this piece’s polyester building will supply some safety from the weather, it’s not water resistant
- Storage capabilities: A important central compartment, one exterior zipped pocket
Trying to find a backpack which gained’t break the financial institution? This easy black type from Levi’s is asking. Fitted with adjustable padded straps, an exterior zip pocket and emblem embroidery throughout the physique and hem, it’s good for storing all of your important belongings – ideally worn over a basic denim jacket from the model too. £33. At asos.com
Store now
Most Fashionable
High factors to Paul Smith for offering a backpack to seal your silhouette with pure magnificence. Crafted from a luxurious calf black leather-based, it incorporates a softly striped motif throughout the entrance zipped compartment and is absolutely lined to final for years to return. Completed with each a prime deal with and two adjustable shoulder straps, you’ll be able to carry or sling it throughout the day, the selection is yours. £750. At matchesfashion.com
Store now
The North Face
- Capability/measurement: 29L
- Water resistance: Although this piece will supply some safety from the weather, it’s not designed to be water-resistant
- Storage capabilities: A important inside compartment, a cushioned inside laptop computer sleeve, a pendolier and extra secure-zip pockets
Everybody’s favorite out of doors model/designer collaborator, The North Face supplies the proper purposeful backpacks for all events. Its Jester backpack is certainly one of its most organised vessels, stepping away from the huge cupboard space of its iconic Base Camp luggage with neatly organised compartments for stationery, laptop computer and pocket book, with loads of house for gymnasium equipment besides. £80. At johnlewis.com
Store now
Bottega Veneta
- Capability: 16.7L
- Water resistance: This piece’s leather-based building will supply some safety, but it surely’s not particularly designed for water-resistance
- Storage capabilities: A important inside compartment, a entrance zipped pocket
The elegant leather-based weave of Bottega Veneta doesn’t go unnoticed by a style-conscious crowd. This leather-based backpack is formed by the model’s trademark woven form, sharply structured with each an inside and entrance pocket and carried by way of adjustable shoulder straps. Type it together with your finest monochrome ensemble for max impact. £2,510. At matchesfashion.com
Store now
Most Fashionable
For the fashion-conscious, few backpacks promise enduring enchantment greater than these by Prada. Manufactured from re-nylon which is sourced from recycled and purified plastic collected within the ocean, this minimalist silhouette is fitted with the home’s iconic steel triangle emblem on the flap and basic buckle fastenings throughout the entrance storage. Sensible and sustainable directly, it’s assured to place you in essentially the most fashionable standing upon put on. £1,580. prada.com
Store now
Vans
- Capability/measurement: 25L
- Water resistance: This piece’s nylon building will supply some safety, but it surely’s not particularly designed for water-resistance
- Storage capabilities: A important inside compartment, an inside padded laptop computer sleeve, an exterior zipped pocket
A easy black backpack is all the time efficient – particularly when designed by the acclaimed attire model Vans. This present type incorporates a roll prime fastening, an inside laptop computer sleeve with padding and a delicate emblem print on the underside nook of the physique. Type it together with your favorite informal outfit in line with the relaxed codes of the model. £59 £50. At amazon.co.uk
Store now
Rains
- Capability/measurement: 19L
- Water resistance: Constructed from waterproof PU cloth
- Storage capabilities: A single important compartment, a entrance pocket with a coated zip
Danish model Rains is making waves in menswear due to its extremely elegant strategy to outerwear. A chief instance within the equipment division? This sand-coloured shell backpack, constructed to retailer a powerful quantity of 13 litres and constructed with a sensible waterproof end. All in all, it’s a timeless end to your apparel come rain or shine. £115. rains.com
Store now
Most Fashionable
This Carl Friedrik bag represents that liminal house between high-flying type and your fairly severe day job. The backpack has an enviable quantity of house in the primary compartment, in addition to a zipped entrance, and an easy-access exterior flap/pocket. The genius of this bag, although, is the way it attaches to your baggage handles, so you’ll be able to take all these paperwork, digital units and worries off your shoulders whereas travelling. £445. carlfriedrik.com
Store now
NOW READ
The very best working rucksacks to assist choose up the tempo
The very best biking backpacks to nail new commuter type
The very best journey backpack for each type of escape
The very best duffle luggage for while you’ve acquired locations to be (in type)
