Best Backpacks for Men (2020): Reviews & Comparison

If you are looking for a good bag for traveling or work purposes or your day-to-day activities, there are many good options for men such as a briefcase or attaché case.  However, there is no need for you to rule out the backpack as being only for young boys. 

Today, there are excellent backpacks for men. A good backpack is very functional in terms of its use and the classic shape of the backpack makes it great to carry your laptop, office papers and essentials, and even a change of clothes.

You need a backpack that will fit all your stuff, have a good suspension system that can handle the weight that you put on it, as well as your body, and one that is durable and long-lasting. And, if you plan to use the backpack to work, then it’s a good idea to look for something that is sleek, has clean lines, and is not too bulky. The right backpack can offer organization and convenience to the manner in which you function every day.

Top 10 Best Men’s Backpacks

Champion Men's Top Load Backpack

If you’re looking for a high-quality and durable men’s backpack, then you can’t go wrong with the Champion Men's Top Load Backpack. The stylish backpack is designed to carry all that you need. The lightweight backpack has a roomy main compartment to accommodate all your belongings. 

The Champion Men's Top Load Backpack has been designed and manufactured by Champion Athletics that manufactures authentic athletic apparel, especially for athletes to improve the way they practice and play and are ideal for use in the gym, field, and court.

Features

Benefits

The Champion Men's Top Load Backpack has a zippered storage pocket in the front and two water bottle pockets on the sides. The main compartment has a snap buckle closure that is adjustable with the Champion logo repeating on the buckle strap. The backpack has a reinforced base that makes it very durable and it has lots of pockets to hold your stuff.

The main compartment of the backpack is quite spacious and features a laptop sleeve. The backpack has a padded back panel, a web haul handle, and adjustable shoulder straps that enable you to carry the backpack easily and comfortably. The backpack has a chenille Champion logo that is embroidered on the front panel. The backpack can be machine-washed easily.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

The Champion Men's Top Load Backpack offers wearable comfort wherever you carry it - to work, the gym, or on a weekend adventure. The backpack’s reinforced base improves its construction which makes it durable and long-lasting. The backpack features plenty of pockets offering your and easy way to organize and access all your belongings.

Puma Men's Evercat Contender 3.0 Backpack

If you’re looking for a cool backpack for men that will allow you to stand out from the crowd, then the Evercat Contender 3.0 Backpack from Puma is the way to go. The backpack is manufactured by Puma who has been making athletic gear since 1948. 

Puma is a leading manufacturer of sporting gear and has been designing, developing, marketing, and selling apparel, footwear, and accessories for fast athletes for over 70 years. The Evercat Contender backpack from Puma allows you to add a sporty style to any outfit.

Features

Benefits

Made of 100% polyester material, the Evercat Contender 3.0 Backpack is very durable. The backpack has a 15-inch main pocket for your larger stuff and a laptop sleeve. It has two side slip pockets and a large front pocket for all your smaller stuff. 

The backpack has a bottle pocket to hold your water bottle and many zippered pockets. The front panel of the backpack has a bold Puma brand logo. The backpack features a padded back panel, contoured and padded shoulder straps and a top handle that makes it extremely easy and comfortable to carry it.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

So, if you want a well-made backpack that is also affordable, then the Evercat Contender 3.0 Backpack is one of the sleekest and best backpacks for men. The backpack has the cool looks, multiple pockets, and all the advanced features you need to carry it wherever you go.

The North Face Borealis Men's Backpack

The North Face Borealis Backpack is sure to be any man’s best travel buddy. The backpack has a spacious 28 liters capacity that can accommodate all your belongings comfortably. The pack is designed to offer complete peace of mind and is among the best backpacks for men.

The North Face Borealis Backpack is manufactured by North Face, a brand that has been in existence since 1960 and is synonymous with quality and travel. North Face has been making the lives of millions of travelers across the world much easier.

Features

Benefits

The North Face Borealis Backpack has a protective laptop compartment that ensures that your electronic devices are protected and safe. The backpack features a bungee mesh cord in the front that allows you to keep your helmet, change of clothes, etc. It has a small zippered pocket on the top and a large-sized pocket behind the bungee mesh.

The front pocket has multiple organizers and two large pockets at the back. One of the pockets are zippered and you can use the other one to place your tablet. The front pocket has a key clip. The backpack has a large main compartment with a padded sleeve that can hold a 15-inch laptop.

The Borealis Backpack has a stretchy mesh pocket on the side for your water bottle. The sternum strap, the detachable waist belt, and the padded top handle helps to reduce the weight. The contoured, padded shoulder straps, and padded back panel enhance the carrying comfort.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

The North Face Borealis Backpack can keep up with all the demands of your busy lifestyle. The backpack has ample space that can carry plenty of gear, which makes it a great backpack for traveling. The backpack is also excellent to carry to work. The several pockets, safety, functionality, comfort, and style, make the North Face Borealis Backpack a great men’s backpack.

BOPAI Anti-Theft Business Backpack for Men

The BOPAI Anti-Theft Backpack is a smart and super-stylish backpack for men. The backpack has plenty of security features that make it an excellent travel backpack. The BOPAI Anti-Theft Backpack is made of durable microfiber leather and ballistic nylon that makes it long-lasting. 

The BOPAI Anti-Theft Backpack is a compact backpack, yet accommodates all the things that you need. The backpack is a multipurpose and versatile pack and is the best choice for office, business, travel, and school.

Features

Benefits

The innovative BOPAI backpack is made of waterproof material and has an invisible pocket to store your water bottle. The backpack has an invisible zip pocket that is great to store your laptop, phone, passport, etc. The anti-explosion zippers ensure that your backpack will not burst open however full it gets.

The backpack has an ergonomic design and it has padded shoulder straps and back padding that makes carrying the backpack easy and comfortable. The back panel has fillers that help to distribute the weight of the backpack evenly, which means that it is comfortable to carry with all your stuff for the entire day.

The BOPAI backpack has multiple pockets and compartments to carry all your essentials. The backpack has two main compartments. The first one can fit A4 size documents and has two pockets for your cards and power bank and two pen holders. The second compartment can accommodate your 15-inch laptop and it is lined with soft material to protect your laptop from bumps and scratches. The compartment also has a zipper pocket, where you can keep your documents.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

If you’re looking for a stylish backpack that will look formal, then the BOPAI Anti-Theft Backpack with its clean lines, square shape, and minimalist design is among the best backpacks for men. The chic backpack is also excellent for travel or school use. The rigid structure enables the backpack to stand upright even when it’s not fully loaded. Overall, the BOPAI Anti-Theft Backpack is an excellent backpack that offers the perfect blend of performance and looks.

Champion Advocate Backpack

Since 1919, Champion has been manufacturing sportswear and athletic apparel. Right from their iconic activewear to the workout clothing for women, men and children, Champion makes high-quality sportswear for all levels of play. In addition to apparel, Champion also makes accessories like backpacks.

The Champion Advocate Backpack is a good-looking and sturdy backpack with Champion lifestyle branding. It features the embroidered “C” script logo in the Sherpa lining. The backpack also features the Champion branding on the shoulder straps and front.

Features

Benefits

The Champion Advocate Backpack is made of 100% polyester which is very durable. The backpack has multiple pockets that let you store all your stuff comfortably. The pack features a fully padded dedicated tech sleeve or compartment that can accommodate a laptop up to 15 inches or your laptop.

The Champion backpack has a pocket in the front that allows you to store your items like keys, cell phone, etc. safely and also access them quickly. And, the pockets have zippers that are sturdy and durable. The backpack has a sturdy suspension with padded shoulder and neck straps that offer optimal comfort, even while carrying heavy loads.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

The classic Champion Advocate Backpack is a sturdy and durable men backpack. The all-over Champion branding adds to the stylish looks of the backpack. The multiple pockets and compartments allow you to store all your essentials comfortably. Overall, the Champion Advocate Backpack is excellent to keep all your belongings organized in one place and is the perfect backpack for all occasions.

Oakley Men's Big Kitchen Backpack

Next on our list of the best backpacks for men is the Oakley Men's Big Kitchen Backpack. Bigger than the original Kitchen Sink Backpack, the Big Kitchen Backpack is heavy duty and offers improved features and multiple storage areas. 

The backpack is very versatile and durable and has the capacity to carry all your essentials and lots more. The Big Kitchen Backpack is built with sturdy and durable materials that make it rugged and tough and therefore, suitable for traveling or to take along for your outdoor adventures.

Features

Benefits

The Oakley Big Kitchen Backpack offers impressive storage. The main compartment of the backpack can be loaded from the top and is very roomy and offers rucksack-style storage. It has a laptop sleeve that can fit laptops up to 17 inches. 

The backpack has plenty of pockets both inside, as well as outside, to hold your eyewear, shoes, clothes, etc. The Big Kitchen backpack has large side pockets that can hold your water bottles and other stuff. Each pocket has three external straps that can be adjusted and carry items like a rolled-up blanket, jacket, etc. 

The shoulder straps and back of the pack have extra padding, which makes the backpack very easy and comfortable to carry and it is equipped with waist straps that helps to distribute the weight uniformly.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

If you are on the lookout for a men’s backpack that can carry a lot of stuff, then the Oakley Big Kitchen Backpack is an excellent choice. While the backpack may not be suitable for everyday use, because of its size, it is a great backpack if you’re a serious outdoor adventurer. The backpack combines versatility, toughness, and functionality and is suited for all activities from day trips to long excursions and is one of the best men’s backpacks.

Frye Men's Logan Backpack

The elegant and stylish Frye Logan Backpack is made of 100% luxe Italian leather. The Logan Backpack is made by Frye, who is renowned as the “original craftsmen of American footwear” since 1863. The Logan backpack is synonymous with the Frye craftsmanship and is the perfect pack for all your trips and commutes. 

The Logan backpack has an antique leather look that improves with age giving it a unique and distinct look. The backpack is great to carry your electronics and other essentials safely.  

Features

Benefits

The Frye Logan Backpack has a large main compartment that has an attached laptop sleeve and can fit laptops up to 15 inches. The backpack has interior and exterior slip pockets and zippered pockets for all your items. The backpack has padded straps that make it very easy and comfortable to carry it. 

The straps are quite strong and the sliding adjustment bar ensures that the buckle remains in the same place when you make adjustments to the strap. The backpack has well-made zippers that will not get discolored over time and you can use a small lock around the loops to keep your valuables safe.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

The bench-crafted and hand-burnished Frye Logan Backpack is made of top-quality pull-up leather that is durable and can handle tough use. The backpack has plenty of pockets and compartments to store all your essentials and padded shoulder straps that make it excellent for commutes and trips. And, the backpack has factory-forged hardware that offers a classy, sophisticated finish making Logan Backpack among the best backpacks for men.

Nautica Men's Polyester Lightweight Backpack

Whether you’re looking for a functional laptop bag to carry with you to work or a stylish backpack for school, Nautica offers a range of men’s backpacks in attractive colors and designs. The Nautica Men's Polyester Lightweight Backpack is an excellent storage backpack for men.

The multipurpose backpack is a very durable, lightweight, and comfortable backpack. The tech-friendly pack is the perfect accessory for work, travel, or school. Boasting a classic design, you can say that with the Nautica Backpack, functionality truly meets fashion.

Features

Benefits

The Nautica backpack has many pockets and compartments for storage. The backpack has a stylish design and the diagonal zippered front panel with the Nautica logo makes it very modern looking. The backpack has a padded laptop pocket or a slip pocket for a tablet, it has a large interior zippered pocket and a sunglass holder.

The Nautica backpack is made of polyester material that offers maximum durability and comfort. The backpack has a coating that makes it water-resistant and offers excellent protection against the elements. The backpack has a padded back and adjustable padded straps that make it comfortable to carry it for long periods.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

The Nautica Men's Polyester Lightweight Backpack is a tech-friendly backpack that is durable and comfortable. The backpack has a classic design and is an excellent school, travel, or work backpack. The backpack has a laptop pocket that is perfect for the man “on the go”. With the Nautica backpack, you can truly say that fashion meets functionality.

Fossil Men's Leather Estate Backpack

Every man needs a bag that looks good and is durable and the Fossil Leather Estate Backpack combines vintage styling and classic looks to make (close to) the perfect men’s backpack for the modern man. The easy-to-carry backpack is practical and smart and offers a go-anywhere look. 

The distinguished design of the backpack offers a smart combination of custom hardware and heritage fabrics. The high-quality leather of the backpack is extremely soft and supple and becomes better looking over time.

Features

Benefits

The backpack is large enough to fit a laptop of up to 15 inches. The main compartment is neither too big nor too small making it just perfect for your everyday commute. The main compartment has a zipper closure to keep all your belongings safe and it has smaller organizational pockets to hold all your smaller accessories. 

The backpack has a small pocket that is lined with soft material at the top, which you can use to store your fragile items such as your sunglasses, mobile phones, etc. And, it has a small compartment in the front to place items that you need to access quickly.  

The backpack has padded shoulder straps with a mesh lining and it also has a breathable mesh lining on the back, which ensures that your back is cool, sweat-free, and comfortable. The backpack also has a padded handle on the top, which allows you to carry the bag comfortably even if it is heavy.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

The Fossil Leather Estate Backpack is a fashionable leather backpack for men that can be used for both casual and professional purposes. The backpack’s classy and distinctive design, premium-quality leather and custom hardware make it the perfect backpack that will last for many years to come. Overall, the very practical Fossil Leather Estate Backpack is a smart choice that is definitely worth the price.

Steve Madden Men's Utility Backpack

The Steve Madden Men's Utility Backpack has a modern and sophisticated silhouette. Made of durable nylon material, the backpack offers functionality and wearing comfort. The Utility backpack is the perfect blend of style and functionality. The sharp looks of the pack make it ideal for the man on the move, who can store all his essentials in a super-stylish and masculine way.

Features

Benefits

The Steve Madden Men's Utility Backpack features a snap-flap opening that has a drawstring top. It has spacious compartments and multiple pockets to store all your stuff. The main compartment of the backpack is roomy, has a laptop sleeve, and additionally, there are two accessory pockets. 

The backpack has tech-friendly features. It has a padded sleeve that will keep your laptop safe and protected, an interior pocket for your cell phone, and a headphone port. The faux leather trim, buckle accents, and patch detailing add to the attractive looks of the Steve Madden backpack. 

The backpack has adjustable padded shoulder straps and a mesh padded back that allow you to load the backpack up and yet carry it comfortably. The backpack also has a padded top handle for easy carrying.

Pros

Cons

Verdict

The Men’s Utility Backpack from Steve Madden is a smart and good-looking backpack. The backpack offers plenty of storage space and is quite durable. The backpack has plenty of tech-friendly features and allows you to fit your laptop, cell phone, and other essentials in an organized way. Overall, the Steve Madden Backpack is an excellent bag for students and professionals alike.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Men’s Backpack

Comfort

The most important factor to consider when buying a men’s backpack is comfort. If the backpack hurts your back, then you will not use it frequently. And, worse still, you can injure yourself. The main aspect that makes a backpack comfortable is the build of the bag, especially the padding, shoulder straps and the shape of the back.

Backpacks having a padded and comfortable back panel, padded shoulder straps and a sternum or hip strap can help to distribute the weight across your body and allow you to carry the backpack comfortably for long periods.

Durability

High-quality backpacks are usually made with good quality and durable materials. Generally, heavy-duty backpacks are made of very strong nylon material with nylon straps and YKK-grade zippers. Polyester and nylon are the most popular materials for backpacks. Materials like canvas also make the backpacks durable. Backpacks can also be made of leather; however, leather backpacks are usually expensive.

Most often, reasons for why people replace their backpack are because of broken zippers, stitching coming apart and the shoulder straps tearing. Usually, it is the shoulder straps of the backpack that are prone to tearing quickly. So, when buying a backpack, pay attention to the thread used and the type of sewing. Buy a backpack with double stitching. Also, ensure that you do not carry heavy loads that your backpack cannot handle.

Protecting Your Belongings

The men’s backpack you buy should be waterproof to protect all your belongings from the elements and it must be padded to protect all your electronic devices and fragile equipment.

Size

It is very important to find a backpack for men that is the perfect size. You must select a backpack that is proportionate to your body and also fits all the belongings that you want to carry. The right size backpack fits the length of your torso properly and grips your hips comfortably and snugly.

If you are not sure about your torso length, you can measure it the following way:

Stand straight with your hands on your hip bones with your thumbs at the back and index finger pointing to the front. You then measure the length of your torso from the bony bump that is present at the base of the neck to the center of your back where the thumbs meet.

If the backpack you buy is either too small or too big compared to your torso, then the weight will not be distributed properly and the imbalance can cause you to topple over or cause back pain.

Your Activity Requirements

There are so many choices of bags on the market right from rucksacks, daypacks, travel backpacks and minimalist backpacks that you can be completely confused. Not only is getting the size of the backpack right important, but you should also select a backpack that meets your requirements. Here are some questions that you must answer before choosing a backpack.

You need a backpack that is well suited for your activities. For instance, if you’re planning to use the backpack mostly for college or day trips, then a canvas backpack is the best. However, if you want one when riding your bicycle, then you need a waterproof backpack that will keep your belongings safe in bad weather. You should select a versatile backpack that can handle any type of load, whether you’re loading it with heavy textbooks, a laptop, a camera along with lenses, your gym clothes, and shoes.

Material

You must choose a men backpack made of high-quality and durable materials to ensure that it lasts for many years. Most commonly, backpacks are made of the following materials:

Organization

While selecting the best backpack for men, you should consider the space they offer. While some backpacks may just have a single spacious compartment for all your stuff, others may be highly organized and provide several compartments and pockets that allow you to organize your essentials efficiently.

You may refer to buy a men’s backpack that has a minimalist style for lighter loads or want one that has several pockets and compartments that allow you to organize your belongings easily and access them conveniently. The greater the number of pockets and compartments a backpack has, the better is the organization and accessibility of your stuff.

Budget

Budget is a very important consideration when buying a backpack. The cost of the men’s backpack should be reflected in the craftsmanship of the backpack, materials used, and design aesthetics. And, it is important that you do not compromise the quality of the backpack for the price. You don’t really want your backpack to tear open and all your belongings spilling out anywhere.

Is the backpack a custom made limited edition product or is it mass-produced in a factory? These factors play an important role in the cost of the backpack. Basic backpacks can cost $30 or less, while high-end, leather backpacks can easily be in the rage of $1,500. A mid-range backpack can cost anywhere between $50 to $100. The cost of the backpack depends on factors such as brand, fabric, and size. Store brand backpacks are usually inexpensive and cheaper compared to brands such as Osprey, North Face, and Champion.

Style

Finally, the style and aesthetics of the backpack are very important factors and your choice of the backpack may be primarily determined by its design. Typically, the best backpacks for men balance sophistication, style, and practicality. And, whether you’re carrying the backpack to the gym or taking it with you to work, your men’s backpack should be well made and expertly crafted and it should complement your overall look.

While a leather backpack is the most sophisticated and stylish option, a nylon backpack would be the least stylish. However, you could consider a ballistic nylon backpack, which is quite a decent option, especially if you’re on a budget.

Now that we have looked at the various factors that you should consider while selecting the best backpack for men, we will now do a deep dive into the top 10 best backpacks for men along with their pros and cons to make your buying decision easier.

Conclusion

When buying a men’s backpack, it is very important that you choose one that suits your needs and activities the best. 

When buying the great men’s backpack, the concept of “one size fits all” does not apply. A backpack suitable for a hiker may not be the best for an office goer. And, with so many men’s backpacks to choose from, the choice can be overwhelming. 

We hope that with our detailed review of the top 10 men’s backpacks, you are able to choose one that fits your lifestyle the best.