Whether you are a school or college student, an office worker, a frequent traveler, an outdoor adventurer, a hiking enthusiast or a gym junkie, nothing can be better than a good-quality everyday backpack that offers the versatility and portability and also keeps your everyday essentials safe and ready to access.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Best Everyday Carry (EDC) Backpacks
Image | Name | More Info |
|---|---|---|
 | Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack | |
 | Pacsafe Venturesafe X22 Adventure Backpack | |
 | Osprey Momentum 26 Daypack | |
 | Baggu Large Sport Backpack | |
 | Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack | |
 | Ogio Renegade RSS Backpack | |
 | DSPTCH Daypack Backpack | |
 | Kelty Redwing 44 Backpack | |
 | Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 Backpack | |
 | 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 Military Backpack |
Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack
The Timbuk2 Parkside is travel-friendly and lightweight, yet sturdy. The Parkside is manufactured by Timbuk2, a company that was started in 1989 by Rob Honeycutt, a bike messenger in a garage in San Francisco’s Mission District. The company has been designing and producing high-quality backpacks, bags, and accessories that are built to last. And, Timbuk2 has been combining passion and style to create functional and durable products.
Source: timbuk2.com
Features
Benefits
The Timbuk2 Parkside is an excellent everyday backpack that is made of high-quality polyester. It has a roomy storage compartment that has a laptop sleeve that can fit laptops of up to 15 inches. It has a front compartment that has an internal organizer for your pens, phone, etc. and a zippered pocket for all your smaller stuff such as headphones, cables, stylus, and cards.
It has a stretch pocket on the side to put your water bottle. It has padded shoulder straps and two grab handles - one on the front and one on top that enables comfortable carrying and you can use the front grab handle to attach bulky items. It also has a padded, ventilated back panel that enhances the carrying comfort.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Timbuk2 Parkside is a very affordable everyday backpack. It is spacious and has multiple pockets to organize your belongings. It is durable, comfortable and is available in a range of 6 attractive colors. The Timbuk2 Parkside offers excellent value for money considering the durability and quality.
Pacsafe Venturesafe X22 Anti-Theft Adventure
If you’re looking for the best EDC backpack that is lightweight and can keep all your belongings safe and secure, then the Pacsafe Venturesafe X22 Anti-Theft is an excellent choice. This performance-driven EDC pack is your perfect companion for any adventure or outdoor activity.
Source: pacsafe.com
Features
Benefits
The Pacsafe Venturesafe X22 Anti-Theft has plenty of security features that are guaranteed to keep all your belongings safe and sound. The fabric is embedded with a stainless-steel wire mesh (Exomesh Slashguard) that protects all your belongings from slash-and-run theft. The dual-release security buckles enable you to secure it to any fixture for additional safety. It has Dyneema webbing straps that are strong and sturdy and prevents theft and the smart zipper prevents pickpocket thefts.
It's equipped with an RFID-Safe blocking pocket that keeps your data from credit cards, key cards, e-passports, etc. secure and is also compatible with Pacsafe Travel Safe for extra safety.
It has other useful features such as breathable, soft-touch waist and shoulder straps, in-built waterproof rain cover and padded hydration pack compartment, multiple storage pockets and a zippered main compartment has a padded sleeve that can fit your 15-inch laptop.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Pacsafe Venturesafe X22 with its excellent organization and great anti-theft features is one of the best EDC backpacks on the market for travelers that allows you to keep your gear safe from thieves and gives you complete peace of mind while you’re traveling, whether within the city or abroad. The sleek and stylish everyday backpack is lightweight, durable and versatile making it a great buy.
Osprey Momentum 26 Daypack
Looking for a light everyday carry backpack for your daily commute? Then you can consider the Osprey Momentum 26 Daypack for a ride around town, to work or school. The bag is quite roomy and can accommodate all your everyday gear. It has plenty of features such as a highly ventilated back panel, comfortable shoulder straps, laptop sleeve, rain cover, making the bag the best backpack for everyday use.
Source: osprey.com
Features
Benefits
The Osprey Momentum 26 Daypack is a roomy backpack that can accommodate all your belongings comfortably. The main compartment has top-zip, padded laptop and tablet sleeves and the main compartment has document sleeves. It has a zippered pocket in the front panel with mesh pockets and organizers to keep all your smaller stuff, and also has two stretch side mesh pockets.
The Momentum has a scratch-free, zippered side panel pocket that has a retractable key chain and it has a scratch-free, zippered heat-embossed top pocket to store your sunglasses. The Osprey Momentum 26 Daypack is made of nylon material and is very durable. The Airscape ridge foam back panel and shoulder straps are covered with a mesh that offered ventilation and comfort, even when you are carrying heavy loads.
It has a LidLock helmet attachment that allows you to keep your hands free. The reflective details and the blinker light attachment on the backpack offers improved security by providing visibility in low-light conditions or the dark. The high-visibility rain cover helps to keep all your belongings safe and dry.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Osprey Momentum 26 Daypack offers a great combination of functionality and size. It is a great everyday backpack that can withstand high-intensity use. It is well made with high-quality materials and has great features making it among the best EDC backpacks.
Baggu Large Sport
The Large Sports from Baggu is an excellent EDC backpack. The everyday backpack is lightweight and is ideal for daily commuting or carrying with you on your travels. The Baggu is perfect for your daily routine and makes life easier and more enjoyable. The Baggu is designed to make you look and feel your best.
Baggu was started in 2007 and is based in San Francisco. The company was started with the objective of making reusable bags that are good looking, functional and affordable. Today, Baggu makes different types of bags to meet the needs of what is required for everyday use.
Source: baggu.com
Features
Benefits
The Baggu Large Sport is a hard-wearing, durable everyday carry backpack that is made of 100% heavy-duty nylon. It has a padded interior pocket that can accommodate a laptop up to 15 inches.
It has a drawstring and buckle closure that can be adjusted, 2 zippered outer pockets and an external luggage sleeve that makes it easy for traveling. It has padded straps and a padded back for greater carrying comfort, and is very easy to clean and is machine washable.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
If you need to carry your clothes, a pair of shoes and your laptop, then the Baggu Large Sport is a great choice. It has plenty of room for all your essentials including your water bottle, snack box, and it is very comfortable to carry, making it the best backpack for everyday use.
Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack
If you’re looking for the best everyday carry backpack, then the Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack is a great everyday backpack. This versatile bag is made of heavy-duty material that protects your gear. It features a simple, yet classic design suitable for all kinds of lifestyles, whether you’re carrying it to work or college. With its minimalistic sleek looks and functionality, the Carhartt Legacy Classic Work is the best backpack for everyday use.
Source: carhartt.com
Features
Benefits
The Legacy Classic Work, made of heavy-duty 1200 denier polyester with the Rain Defender DWR (durable water repellent) keeps your belongings safe and dry. It features a Duravax reinforced abrasion-resistant base panel that offers extra strength. The main compartment is roomy and has a padded laptop pocket that can fit a laptop of up to 15 inches and a tablet sleeve.
It has two zippered front pockets to keep all your smaller stuff like pens, phones, cables, etc. The Legacy Classic features contoured shoulder straps and a padded air mesh back panel that enhances the carrying comfort. Additional features such as metal hardware, YKK zippers, and the triple-needle stitching adds to the excellent workmanship.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Legacy Classic Work is a roomy backpack that offers lots of space to fit all your gear. It has a dedicated sleeve and exterior pocket to store your tech gadgets. It is very sturdy and its durability is enhanced by the Duravax base which is abrasion resistant, sturdy zippers, and the Rain Defender material, all of which make the Legacy Classic long-lasting.
Ogio Renegade RSS
Ogio is a leading marketing company that supplies performance gear such as bags, backpacks, stands, ramps and other accessories to the Powersports industry. The focus of the company is to provide the most innovative products with the highest quality construction and top-quality materials.
The Ogio Renegade RSS is a sturdy and fully-loaded EDC pack that can handle all types of loads. It has several pockets and compartments to keep all your gear organized and secure. The Renegade RSS is an excellent everyday carry backpack.
Source: ogio.com
Features
Benefits
The Ogio Renegade RSS is made of 600D Polyester Pindot, which makes it a sturdy and durable everyday backpack. It has a padded laptop compartment that can fit laptops up to 15 inches or thinner laptops up to 17 inches. it has a light foam padding and a suspension system that keeps the laptop safe, even if you drop it accidentally. The bag also has a padded tablet pocket.
The Renegade RSS has many pockets – it has a crush-proof packet with a tricot lining for your delicate items such as sunglasses, etc., a padded pocket for your mouse, digital cameras, etc., two zippered side pockets, two pockets for your water bottle, an expandable pocket to keep your mobile phone and an organizer panel.
The laptop pocket is separate, which allows you to take your laptop out at airport checkpoints very easily without disturbing the other contents. The shoulder straps are foam padded and adjustable that makes carrying very easy and it also has a sternum strap for extra support. It has a solid base with RSS Technology, which keeps your laptop safe when you place the bag on the ground, and has a solid, padded back panel that allows airflow and keeps you very comfortable.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
Overall, the Renegade RSS is a very nice-looking everyday backpack that you can carry with you anywhere at all. With its multiple pockets and compartments, the Ogio Renegade RSS is truly a “mobile road warrior” that is one of the best EDC backpacks for a frequent traveler.
DSPTCH Daypack
The DSPTCH Daypack has all the features you want in a solid everyday backpack. It is durable, functional and most importantly, better looking than other backpacks. The well-designed bag is very lightweight and is packed with excellent features, yet maintaining a minimalistic look. The 'Daypack' is manufactured by DSPTCH, a company based in San Francisco that focuses on creating better ways in which you can transport your gear.
Source: dsptch.com
Features
Benefits
The DSPTCH Daypack is a feature-packed daily pack. It features a padded sleeve that can fit a laptop of up to 15 inches and a separate tablet compartment. The main compartment has a small pocket at the top and there is a vertical zippered pocket in the front.
Made of 1680D ballistic nylon, Duraflex buckles, and YKK zippers, it is solid, sturdy and durable. It has a padded back panel and shoulder straps that are also wide and make the carrying of the bag easy and comfortable. Both the back panel, as well as the straps have a mesh covering. The bag also has a sternum strap for additional support.
The DSPTCH Daypack has an in-built cord management system to keep all the cords away neatly and it has 3 handles which are very good. The Daypack is compatible with roller luggage and you can it to the top of your luggage for easy handling.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The simplistic DSPTCH Daypack is a highly-functional EDC backpack. Extremely lightweight, it is designed to carry all your essentials efficiently. It has in-built pockets and compartments for your electronic devices, water bottle, and all your other stuff. Overall, the DSPTCH Daypack is one of the most solid options on the market.
Kelty Redwing 44
The Kelty Redwing 44 is a highly utilitarian backpack making it the perfect outdoor or everyday carry backpack. It is the perfect size and has great features that make it ideal to carry with you on your hiking trip, weekend getaway, to the gym or for school. No matter what you use it for, you can’t go wrong with the Kelty Redwing 44.
Source: kelty.com
Features
Benefits
The Kelty Redwing 44 is a panel-type loading EDC pack. It has a long, U-shaped zipper along the top and front of the bag that also allows you to load it from the top. The main compartment contains a padded hydration sleeve, which can double up as a laptop sleeve.
The extra stash pocket in the front is perfect to store your jacket and there is an organizer inside to keep your electronics, pens, maps and other travel accessories. It has a LightBeam single stay suspension system and an HDPE frame to keep your load comfortable. The shoulder straps and hip belt are padded and also features a sternum strap. You can remove the hip belt if you don’t have any use for it.
The ventilating back panel, waist belt, sternum strap, shoulder straps, and load lifter straps are covered with Hex mesh. It has two zippered side pockets, a zippered pocket on the top and two side mesh pockets to store your water bottles.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Kelty Redwing 44 has plenty of useful features, is easy to use and comfortable too, which makes it the best EDC backpack. This multi-functional backpack is very versatile and has a variety of uses. You can carry it to work, to college, on an international trip or for your day hikes, anywhere you want to carry it, the Kelty Redwing 44 has you covered.
Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21
The versatile Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 21 with its clean and functional design prepares you for your life’s everyday battles. The multiple pockets allow you to store all your belongings conveniently. The unique features, the durable exterior, and easy access make the Urban Assault 21 your “go-to backpack” for school, work and everywhere else.
Source: mysteryranch.com
Features
Benefits
The Urban Assault 21 is a sturdy everyday backpack that is made of 500D Cordura Nylon, which is water-resistant and durable. It has a unique three-zipper access to the main compartment. The side zippers allow you to access all the items in the main compartment and pockets. By unzipping the third, vertical zip, you can access all the contents, which makes it easy to pack your clothes and other things.
It has dedicated sleeves for a laptop of up to 15 inches and a tablet. The bag has daisy chain webbing that lets you attach bulky gear to the back by making use of a carabiner. The lid contains a mesh-lined zippered pocket and two inner zippered pockets for smaller items.
It has padding on the harness and back panel and breathable aerospace mesh, which provides excellent carrying comfort. The sternum strap helps to keep the bag in place.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
The Urban Assault 21 is a small-sized, but extremely durable backpack. It is compact, comfortable to carry and it is very easy to access your stuff. The sturdy Urban Assault 21 is an all-rounder and perfect to take on your travels, to work or on any outdoor adventures.
5.11 Tactical Rush 12 Military
The Rush 12 Military is 5.11’s most popular everyday backpack that offers superior organization and storage capacity to keep you going. It offers plenty of storage options with 16 compartments that allows you to organize all your gear efficiently. The high-performance tactical EDC pack is suitable for hunting, active duty, outdoor activities or as a general everyday carry backpack.
Source: 511tactical.com
Features
Benefits
The Rush 12 is made of durable 1050D nylon that is water-resistant, keeps your gear safe and dry and features self-repairing YKK zippers. It has 16 compartments to organize all your belongings. It has a roomy main compartment with a multi-slot admin pocket, a front pocket, right and left side pockets, and a hydration pocket.
The everyday backpack is compatible with the 5.11 Tier system and the Tier Rifle Sleeve. it features a wrap-around Molle and the SlickStick web platform. The adjustable contoured yoke shoulder straps and the sternum strap makes it very comfortable to carry.
The Rush 12 has other user-friendly features such as two external compression straps, pull tabs, hook and loop name tape, flag patches and a fleece-lined zippered pocket for your eyewear making it a perfect multipurpose EDC pack ready for anything you throw at it.
Pros
Cons
Our Verdict
If you’re on the lookout for a tactical everyday backpack then the Rush 12 is definitely one of the best EDC backpacks you can find. Made of high-quality materials, it is rugged, durable and long-lasting. Every feature of the Rush 12 Backpack is designed with performance, durability, and comfort in mind.
Whether you want to use it for camping, trekking, hiking, patrolling or simply as an everyday carry, you just cannot go wrong with the Rush 12.
Why Choose an Everyday Carry Backpack?
EDC backpacks are designed to fit all types of indoor, as well as outdoor lifestyles. An EDC backpack is the perfect choice to carry all your stuff that can match your modern and fast-paced lifestyle. And, if you need plenty of storage space for your laptop, books, DSLR cameras, clothes, and travel essentials, an everyday backpack has got you fully covered.
The perfect EDC has compartments and sleeves for all your belongings, your electronic gadgets such as your laptop, tablet, phone and the like, zippered pockets for your smaller stuff like flash drives, cables, cards, and money, among others, and mesh pockets to store your water bottle and umbrella.
When choosing, it is extremely important to buy one that offers the highest level of support and comfort, especially if you’re carrying heavy loads, then good shoulder and lumbar support is extremely important. Apart from the functionality and ergonomics of the backpack, the overall look and style of the backpack are important considerations.
There are different types and styles on the market made of different materials, designs, and colors.
So, whatever is your kind of lifestyle and whatever is the style and design you prefer, there is an EDC backpack suitable for you.
What Are EDC Items?
EDC, as we discussed earlier, stands for “everyday carry” and this essentially refers to the everyday essential items that you carry with you, be it to college, work or on an outdoor trip. Your EDC is an individual thing and one size does not fit all; however, it must fit all your EDC essentials. So, when you’re buying an EDC pack, you must ensure that the bag has the space to fit all your daily items.
For example, if you have a laptop, then your backpack should have a properly padded laptop sleeve. If you love listening to music, then it would be great if your backpack has a headphone port and if you’re carrying folders, files, documents, and pens to work, then look for an everyday backpack with different compartments and organizer pockets.
So, what are your EDC items? EDC essentials are the stuff that you carry with you on a daily basis and while the EDC items may differ from one individual to another, there are some items that are common to all, such as:
An EDC backpack is bigger than your regular backpack but much smaller than a full-sized travel backpack and is perfect for people who prefer to pack a lot of items that they may need “just in case”. Usually, they have the following features:
Before we actually look at some of the best EDC backpacks available on the market, here are some criteria that you must consider before you choose the best EDC backpack for you. The key is to focus on what you require when buying a backpack. It is important to remember that you’re not looking for the best style and features alone, you need something that is right for you.
Important Factors to Consider When Buying EDC Backpacks
Size
It is recommended that you choose the smallest for your daily needs. You can opt for a bag with customization options that will allow you to add and remove space as required. You could also get a pack with MOLLE integration that provides excellent customization.
For Daily Use
The most important factor to consider when buying is that it should be comfortable and convenient for everyday use.
For Travel
A good everyday carry backpack should work both as a good regular carry-on backpack and also as a travel backpack. And, it should fulfill your carrying requirements, whether for school, work or travel.
An EDC packs works quite well in airplanes, as well as airports compared to a regular bag because it offers the space to pack down more than a standard backpack and because of the small size, there is no need to check your luggage in and also pay any baggage fees.
For Outdoor Activities
If you love going on treks and hikes, then getting an EDC backpack is a great decision. Usually, trekkers and hikers prefer to carry smaller and convenient packs that can accommodate all their essentials. And, this is where your EDC comes handy.
It is compact, lightweight and will not be cumbersome to carry on strenuous treks and at the same time, it offers sufficient space to fit all your stuff needed for a short trek.
Essential Features to Consider in an EDC Backpack
High-Quality Craftsmanship
If you want a bag that you can carry day-in and day-out, then it is a good idea to opt for a high-quality everyday backpack rather than buying something cheap that will fall apart on the road or while you’re on a trek. Invest in a high-quality backpack from a reputed brand and you can be sure that it will last you a lifetime.
Adjustable Fit
Each individual is different in terms of their size and it is not a great idea to buy a generic bag that can fit every person. It is recommended that you buy something that fits your body perfectly and does not hinder your movement. Having adjustable shoulder straps, a sternum strap and a waist belt can help to adjust the settings so that you can carry it comfortably without any strain on your shoulders and back.
Organization
A good EDC backpack is one that has multiple organization pockets and compartments in the bag. A high-quality and best everyday backpack is one that has a good layout and has built-in practical organization and accessible features. This is very important because you will be keeping all your everyday essentials in that you need to take out often and spending a lot of time searching for your stuff can be extremely tiresome.
Hydration System
Look for a solution that has a hydration system. This will help you to stay hydrated when you’re traveling, hiking or trekking. A hydration system helps to save space by eliminating the need for you to carry a separate water bottle.
MOLLE Integration
MOLLE integration is a very valuable feature in an EDC pack as it offers endless customization options. MOLLE webbing offers versatility that allows it to adapt according to your needs.
What To Avoid When Choosing your Everyday Backpack
While it is important to understand what features are essential, in the same way, it is also important to be aware of the features that you must avoid when looking for the best EDC backpack.
Single Large Compartment
If you’re going to carry all your daily essentials, then having just a single large compartment for all your stuff will jumble all your essentials and make it very difficult to find the items you need. Look for multiple compartments and pockets to organize your stuff so that the space is optimized and you are able to manage your belongings better.
Elastic Straps
Often, cheap quality packs have elastic straps to cut cost, which not only breaks after a while but also makes the bag very uncomfortable to carry, leading to shoulder, neck and back pain in the long run. Look for something that has sturdy and wide shoulder straps with padding and is adjustable. This will offer long-lasting comfort and makes it easy to carry for long periods of time.
Some Final Thoughts to Keep in Mind
The question that most people ask is, will this bag be sufficient to carry all my stuff? Well, an everyday backpack is not large-sized for long-term travelers. However, it is sufficient to carry the essentials for most first-time travelers.
And, the point is that your EDC backpack is not meant to carry loads of stuff but only for what minimum gear you really need. So, here are some tips to minimize the gear in your everyday backpack.
Follow a minimalist mindset when you travel. This way, you will find that your EDC backpack is sufficient for your travels. Now, we will take a look at some of the best everyday carry backpacks available and evaluate their features, pros, and cons, so that you are able to choose the best one for your everyday use.
Conclusion
So finally, which is the best EDC backpack for you? As we have already discussed, there are many factors to consider before you answer this question. Finding the best everyday backpack to meet your daily carrying needs is a personal choice and a decision that only you can make. It is a good idea to evaluate all the options available vis-à-vis your requirements before making a rational choice.
And, it is always a good thing to remember that having a smaller and lighter EDC backpacks with useful and practical essentials is better than having a large and bulky pack with things that you will probably never use.
