Best backpack 2024: Our tried and tested favourites for commuting, running and travel
Our pick of the best packs for hiking, trail running, cycling, commuting, backpacking and more…
Whether you’re looking to venture deep into the great outdoors or just want a practical backpack for everyday use, the vast range of options available can make it difficult to find the best backpack for the job.
That’s why we’ve whittled our selection down to the very best backpacks you can buy right now, ranging from small, everyday options to much larger hiking models. Our round-up below features eleven different backpacks that have been chosen after extensive research of manufacturers’ websites as well as datasheets and user reviews. We took the time to assess key features and requirements such as size, comfort, durability, versatility and style.
If you have any questions or queries regarding backpacks, you can find our in-depth buying guide below. If you already have an idea of what you’re looking for, you can jump straight to our list of our options here.
Best backpacks: At a glance
- Best commuter daysack for men and women: Osprey Nebula and Nova | Buy men’s | Buy women’s
- Best small commuter backpack: Fjällräven Kånken 13in backpack | Buy now
- Best backpack for travelling: Tropicfeel Shell | Buy now
- Best budget mid-sized backpack: Mountain Warehouse Ventura | Buy now
- Best waterproof backpack: Aquapac 25 litre Wet & Dry backpack | Buy now
- Best hiking backpacks for men and women: Osprey Kestrel and Osprey Kyte | Buy now
Best backpacks for the commute
1. Osprey Nebula and Nova: The best all-round commuter daysack for men and women
Price: From £75 | Buy men’s | Buy women’s from Amazon
Principally designed for commuting but capable of taking a lot more than the urban hustle in its stride, the Osprey Nebula is among the best bags of its type. It’s stuffed with padded slots and pouches for all your laptop, tablet and smartphone storage needs, yet capacious enough to hold up to 34l of gear for a day out on the trails.
With deep, stretchy water bottle pockets on either side and a stretchy pouch at the rear to stuff your waterproof jacket or bike helmet in, this is truly the MacGyver of multipurpose backpacks. The wide straps are comfortable and it will also shrug off the odd shower or two, although you may want to avoid using it in torrential downpours as there’s no built-in rain cover and the cable port at the top isn’t sealed against the elements.
The Nebula is aimed at men, and while we find it works as a unisex pack, women may find the female-specific Nova version more comfortable.
Capacity: 34l (also available in 33l as the Nova); Waterproof: Shower-proof (no rain cover); Access: Top-loading
2. Fjällräven Kånken 13in backpack: Best small commuter backpack
Price: From £85 | Buy now from Amazon | More colours for £100 from Fjällräven
The Fjällräven Kånken 13in differs from the company’s popular regular Kånken in that it has a separate zippable compartment for a laptop on its reverse and a slightly smaller overall capacity (13l versus 16l). With its boxy, front-loading design, this iconic bag makes it easy to fit in everything you need for a day and its carry handles are perfect for holding it on a busy bus or train.
The only catch is that its side pockets aren’t big enough for anything larger than a 500ml water bottle and the straps don’t fit broader shoulders particularly well. If that’s a problem for you, there are also 15in and 17in version with 18l and 20l capacities respectively.
Read our full review of the Fjällräven Kånken 13in
Capacity: 13l (also available in 18l and 20l); Waterproof: Water-repellent; Access: Front-loading
3. The North Face Surge Backpack: Best backpack for running to work
Price: £120 | Buy now from The North Face
Running to work can save you a fortune on fares, keep you fit and even get you there faster (honestly, the joy of overtaking a traffic jam on foot…). The North Face Surge is roomier than most trail-running packs and more close-fitting than most standard commuter backpacks, making it ideal for running all your work gear to the office.
It looks sleek enough to take to meetings, and its dedicated fleece-lined compartments will keep your phone, tablet and laptop secure. But beneath that businesslike exterior lies a beautifully-constructed suspension system that keeps the pack supported, and easy-to-adjust straps that stop it bouncing around while you’re on the move.
At 31l, it’s larger than many distance-running packs, which is good news if you want to cram in a pair of shoes. But it may be too large for longer runs or smaller bodies.
Key specs – Capacity: 31l; Waterproof: Water-repellent only; Access: Top-loading
4. Troubadour Apex Compact: Most stylish commuter backpack
Price: £195 | Buy now from Troubadour
Fusing smart aesthetics with functionality, this backpack is an excellent example of what a modern commuter bag should be. With its thick Nylon shell replete with leather accents, the Troubadour Apex Compact backpack is immediately more eye-catching than others on this list and feels impeccably well-crafted.
It retains its shape excellently by using padding and lining in all the right places to protect your valuables while keeping you comfy – the thick straps are the star of the show here. You’ll also find that the 16L capacity goes a long way, with pockets galore and an adjacent zip compartment designed for a 16in laptop. All your items will stay bone-dry no matter the weather too, since it’s fully waterproof and built to last; so certain is Troubadour of this bag’s longevity that it offers a five-year guarantee.
We have one minor note: while the external bottle pockets blend nicely into the design of the backpack, in doing so they sacrifice practicality, meaning that larger bottles may squirm free on more vigorous walks. Still, there’s room inside the Apex Compact for your bottle and much more in what is a very-well rounded bag befitting the chic commuter – assuming that price point is within budget.
Key specs – Capacity: 16l; Waterproof: Waterproof; Access: Top-loading
Best backpacks for travel
5. Tropicfeel Shell backpack: Best travel backpack
Price: From £179 | Buy now from Tropic Feel
Tropicfeel consulted with 5,000 travellers when designing this pack, and it shows – we reckon this might just be the perfect rucksack for explorers.
The good-looking Shell backpack is fully waterproof, can be expanded when you need extra room and is impressively easy to organise, with a clamshell opening that lets you see exactly what you’ve packed inside. This clever design is a bit like tetris – you can buy add-on pouches, toiletry bags and even camera bags designed to slot inside the main space. Our pick of the extra accessories is Tropicfeel’s Wardrobe System, which allows you to pack in a frankly amazing amount of clothing for a daysack – ideal if you’re going cabin bag-only.
While this system isn’t cheap, if you’re off backpacking and want to travel light it’s well worth investing in.
Key specs – Capacity: 22-40l; Waterproof: Yes; Weight: 1.5kg
6. Bear Made Gouthwaite backpack: Best sustainable travel backpack
Price: £195 | Buy now from Bear Made
Bags these days tend to have a lot of bells, whistles and added accessories, but if you want to stay simple and just want a roomy, comfortable backpack to hold all your stuff and that will work as a carry-on, Bear Made’s handsome Gouthwaite is a bit of a breath of fresh air.
Wide straps, easy to use buckles, room for a 16-inch laptop and a roll-down closure make the Gouthwaite user-friendly on the go, but where it really stands out is for sustainability. It’s made in Britain using waxed cotton canvas, which is naturally waterproof without using harmful chemicals.
Even better, 22 trees are planted for every purchase. Combining good performance and eco-friendly credentials, this is a win-win purchase.
Key specs – Capacity: 13-15l; Waterproof: Water-resistant; Weight: 750g
7. Lowepro ProTactic 350 AW II: Best daypack for photographers
Price: From £159 | Buy now from Amazon
Keep all your camera kit safe and close at hand with this pack from pro photography specialist Lowepro. The outer shell is tough and solid-feeling but really light, and we found it far more comfortable than lugging around our DSLR in a shoulder bag.
Once all the Velcro dividers are in place, there’s not a huge amount of room inside – you’ll certainly want another bag if you’re travelling. But the dividers are vital for cushioning and separating specific bits of kit such as lenses, flashes, a tripod and even a drone, which are all kept easy to reach via multiple zipped access points. The main opening is worn against your back for security and the pack includes an all-weather cover to keep out rain, dust and sand.
Key specs – Capacity: 16l; Waterproof: Water-repellent shell with optional waterproof cover; Access: Top and side-loading
Best backpacks for hiking and sports
8. Mountain Warehouse Ventura: The best budget mid-sized backpack
Price: £60 | Buy now from Amazon
A well-designed, versatile backpack for a pocket-friendly price. Mountain Warehouse’s Ventura is simple and straightforward but still ticks all our boxes: it holds 40l of gear – enough for a multi-day hike or for travelling light – has comfy hip and chest straps to help distribute weight and has an effective rain cover, plenty of pockets and hydration compatibility.
It’s also the right size to qualify as a carry-on on most airlines. Any downsides? It’s heavier than some of the more expensive 40l models on the market. If you want something bigger than the Ventura for hiking in the backcountry but want to keep it cheap, Mountain Warehouse’s similar Traveller 60+20l pack is £60.
Key specs – Capacity: 40l: Waterproof: Rain cover; Weight: 1.2kg; Access: Top and front-loading
9. Osprey Kestrel and Osprey Kyte: The best hiking backpacks for men and women
Price: From £160 | Buy men’s from Amazon | Buy women’s from Osprey
With multiple capacities available from 38l to 68l, the superb Osprey Kestrel (for men) and Kyte (for women) let hikers choose which size they want based on the length of their expedition. We tried the 58l Kestrel on a four-day hiking and camping trip and were thoroughly impressed by its overall comfort and impressive range of technical features.
Like most larger hiking packs, the Kestrel can be loaded from the front and top. This makes getting at your belongings quick and easy, and should you need to stash your sleeping bag or a pair of shoes, there’s also a separate bottom compartment on larger models. There’s no steel frame adjustment, sadly, but the torso length can still be adjusted using a Velcro panel at the rear. The generous dual mesh side pockets each fit two 1l water bottles with ease and there are handy pockets on the hip belt for storing valuables. Although it’s pricey, the Osprey Kestrel still delivers plenty of bang for your buck.
Key specs – Capacity: 38-68l; Waterproof: Rain cover; Weight: 1.54kg-1.78kg; Access: Top and-front-loading
10. Aquapac 25 litre Wet & Dry backpack: The best waterproof backpack
Price: £55 | Buy now from Aquapac
Aquapac describes its Wet & Dry rucksack as tough, waterproof and affordable, and it’s hard to argue with that description – this is a reliable weatherproof dry bag suitable for water sports that doubles up as a wear-anywhere rucksack
The comfortable, breathable shoulder straps mean that it’s perfectly suitable for hiking, and extra pockets and handy compartments make it easy to keep your kit organised. There’s also a compartment for keeping wet kit separated from dry.
If you want a pack that’s as happy on a walk or commute as it is on a kayaking or surf trip, this is a solid choice.
Key specs – Capacity: 25 litres; Waterproof: Yes; Weight: 1.54kg-1.78kg; Access: Top-loading
11. Camelbak Circuit Vest backpack: The best backpack for runners
Price: From £65 | Buy women’s from Amazon | Buy men’s from Amazon
If you’ve started to run longer distances or if you just want a super lightweight way to carry water and other essentials on treks, a running backpack is a brilliant bet.
One of our top picks for male and female joggers is Camelbak’s Circuit vest, which despite weighing just 160g manages to have space for a 1.5 litre water bladder, four pockets and space for two further water bottles, so it’s easy to carry everything you need.
Once strapped on, the Circuit feels secure and comfortable around the torso, and we like the zipped front pocket designed for your phone – very handy for easy access for navigation. Reflective details also make you more visible at night.
Key specs – Capacity: 1.5 litres; Waterproof: No; Weight: 160g; Access: Front pockets
How to choose the best backpack for you
What size do I need?
Backpacks are measured according to how much they can hold in litres. Roughly speaking, a daysack holds 15 to 30l, a mid-sized backpack holds 30 to 50l and a multi-day backpacking bag holds 50l and more. If you’re an outdoors-loving soul who adventures abroad every weekend, you might want to have one of each size but if you’re only going to splash out on one, it’s worth thinking about where and when you’ll use your new backpack.
- Daysacks are ideal for the daily commute, as well as for walking and other activities where you don’t want to be hampered by weight, such as running and cycling.
- Mid-sized backpacks are the best bet for backpackers and travellers who need to carry clothing, or for sports where you need to lug a lot of kit about, such as climbing.
- Larger backpacks are best-suited for multi-day hikers carrying their life – usually including a tent and a sleeping bag – on their back. Larger packs often list their capacity as XX+XX litres. This means space is distributed in two separate compartments, or that the bag has a removable mini rucksack.
What features do I need to look out for?
- Buying a backpack for the daily commute: A laptop sleeve will likely rank highly among the features you’ll want to look out for, along with plenty of pockets for keeping your phone, keys and other valuables where you can easily find them. Picking a bag with deep water-bottle pockets on the sides is a good idea, although if you’re using it for running or cycling you might also consider one that lets you use a hydration system.
- Heading out into the great outdoors: Whether you’re walking, running or cycling, you might also think about choosing a weatherproof model. Frustratingly, most rucksacks aren’t fully waterproof but are usually labelled showerproof or water-resistant instead. This means their outer shell will stand up to a shower while more extreme weather could render your belongings a sodden mess. If you don’t go for a waterproof model, make sure you pick a bag with an integrated rain cover you can whip out in a big storm.
- How do you access the storage: Backpacks are either top-loading (with an opening at the top, usually covered by a flap), which is more water-tight and best for hiking; or front-loading (with a zip on the front), which makes it easier to pack and remove items, and is better for travelling.
- Pick a bag that fits you: It’s a good idea to try on bags in person so you can check it fits you properly. Padded, breathable mesh straps for your shoulders, hips and chest are a must if you’re travelling over long distances, and larger bags often have built-in metal or plastic frames to distribute the load against your back. Compression straps are also useful for cinching down your load to make it more compact.
