What are the best workout shoes for men? These 7 get our vote
By Lauren PascalNov 03, 2023
Looking to take your training sessions to the next level? These are the best men’s athletic shoes for the job.
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The best backpacks for men that hold everything
Commute like a pro with the best backpacks for men, and elevate your look with stylish luggage that can carry anything you need.
The best backpacks for men should be spacious, stylish and sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of daily life. You'll want a bag that lasts from traveling or commuting to hiking or working out.
Finding one that suits your lifestyle can be a difficult endeavor, especially given all of the options on the market. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you and curated the top-rated backpacks for men.
So, whether you’re looking for trendy backpacks or something more practical, you’ll find a selection of great backpacks for men on our list.
Read more: Complete your outfit with the best casual sneakers for men
Check out the best men’s backpacks here
Best for daily commute
Specifications
Dimensions: 19 x 12.5 x 3.25 in.
Capacity: 21.5 liters
Material: Polyester
Pros & Cons
Detachable shoulder straps
Integrated USB port and charging cord
Can be used as a backpack or messenger bag
Reports of straps breaking
Only available in black
The best backpacks for men with daily commutes should be durable and versatile, like this hybrid backpack from SWISSGEAR. You’ll get two bags in one, thanks to detachable shoulder straps, which allow you to convert it into a messenger bag.
It also comes with a USB port and charging cord, so you can keep your devices powered up no matter how long your day is. To help protect your devices, it’s also equipped with a padded pocket to store your tablet or laptop.
With multiple pockets and ample storage, it’s definitely the best commuter backpack on our list.
For a professional look
Specifications
Dimensions: 16.8 x 12.3 x 7.8 in.
Capacity: Not specified by manufacturer
Material: Leather
Pros & Cons
Padded laptop and tablet compartment
Comfortable shoulder straps and cooling mesh back panel
Color may not match photos exactly
There are tons of men's backpacks for work, and this full-grain leather bag from Samsonite is our favorite. We love that it has a padded tablet sleeve and laptop compartment with a special, webbed laptop hammock built in to maximize protection for your devices.
The front pocket has multiple compartments to hold pens and notebooks. It even has a dedicated strap for your key fob, giving you easy access to everything necessary for work.
It has ample storage space and tons of interior organization features, which is why it is our favorite men's professional backpack hands down.
Best for gym
Specifications
Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 in.
Capacity: 25 liters
Material: Rip-proof fabric
Pros & Cons
Tough, water-resistant material
Two side pockets for water bottles or protein shakes
High price
Avid gym goers and people with active lifestyles will love this gym backpack from Built For Athletes. This high-quality, water-resistant backpack is designed to fit everything for your workout, including sneakers, gym clothes, towels and water bottles.
It’s designed with adjustable compression straps complete with hook-and-loop ties to make it comfortable. It also has waist and chest straps to keep it in place for hiking and jogging. Made from sturdy, rip-proof material, this bag can carry up to 33 pounds and folds out flat for easy packing.
Even with a relatively high price-point, the array of functional features make the cost worth it.
Top choice for travel bag
Specifications
Dimensions: 17.9 x 10.4 x 5.5 in.
Capacity: 23 liters
Material: Eco Cordura canvas
Pros & Cons
Customizable colorways
Hidden zip pockets
No front pockets
This peak-design travel bag makes a perfect companion for those with wanderlust. Its roll-top design allows you to expand the backpack to fit all your travel gear, while the rear pocket keeps your laptop secure.
It also has hidden zip pockets to store important belongings like your cell phone and credit cards. Plus, it’s spacious enough to fit packing cubes to keep you organized when traveling.
Top anti-theft option
Specifications
Dimensions: 18.5 x 11.6 x 7 in.
Capacity: 18 liters
Material: 100% recycled plastic
Pros & Cons
Solar-powered power bank
Has laptop storage and multiple organizer pockets
Expensive
Upgrade your security while traveling with the Solgaard Lifepack Backpack. This solar-powered, RFID-blocking travel pack is fully loaded with safety features. It has four hidden pockets, an anti-theft lock and drop-proof laptop storage for peace of mind.
We love that it comes with a power bank and integrated USB port, so you can keep your devices fully charged anywhere you go. Plus, because it is solar-powered, you won’t have to worry about finding an outlet to charge the battery pack when it runs out of juice. If you’re looking for the complete package, this bag is definitely it.
Most sustainable option
Specifications
Dimensions: 18 x 11 x 7 in.
Capacity: 22 liters
Material: 100% recycled materials
Pros & Cons
Internal pockets keep small items and laptop accessories secure
Made from recycled materials
Awkward, hard-to-use front pocket
If you’re looking for sustainable day packs, look no further than the Rennen Recycled Daypack. Made from recycled materials, this laptop backpack has a padded compartment that holds laptops up to 16 inches.
The water-repellent backpack features a YKK AcquaGuard zipper and specially coated material to make sure your items stay dry, even when you’re caught in a downpour.
It also has a durable, tear-resistant lining, making it one of the best bookbags for men.
Top pick for outdoor adventures
Specifications
Dimensions: 23.6 x 13.4 x 10.6 in.
Capacity: 65 liters
Material: 600-denier polyester
Pros & Cons
Padded shoulder straps and cooling back ventilation
Patent pending load-equalizing lifters
Not good for multi-purpose use
This Terra 65 Backpack from The North Face is made especially for outdoor adventurers. It has a large capacity to store everything from a tent to a sleeping bag. It’s thoughtfully designed with features like a hydration sleeve to keep you hydrated on the go and a sternum strap to stabilize your load.
The backpack straps keep the pack secure, no matter how many items you bringing. Plus, it has a large front stash pocket for smaller items like cell phones and car keys. If you love trekking off the beaten path, this is definitely the backpack for you!
Everything you need to know about men’s backpacks
If you’re constantly on the go, it’s important to get a backpack to make your life easier. To help you find the one that’s best for you, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions.
What is a good backpack brand for men?
There are a lot of good brands that are dedicated to designing stylish backpacks for men. That said, look for brands that specialize in the type of backpack you need. For example, brands like The North Face and Patagonia are known for technical, outdoor packs whereas brands like Samsonite are great for for travelers and professionals.
What’s the difference between a backpack and a rucksack?
A rucksack is designed specifically for tough outdoor activities like camping or hiking. This style often comes with additional features such as expandable straps to accommodate heavy gear like tents or sleeping bags. On the other hand, a backpack can serve different purposes, like carrying laptops or catering to gym-goers with features like a sneaker pouch and side pockets for water bottles.
How do you know if a backpack is good quality?
You should think about what you plan to use the backpack for and check out the details before purchasing it to make sure it has the features you want. For example, if you love outdoor activities, look for a backpack that is water-repellant. If you carry your laptop for work, get a backpack that has a padded laptop sleeve.
High-quality backpacks come chock full of useful features, like sturdy zipper pulls, USB ports, tear-proof material and hidden compartments to keep your valuables safe. The best backpacks also come with a warranty.
What is the best size backpack for daily use?
Ideally, you want a backpack with a capacity between 20 and 29 liters. A backpack this size will hold 16-inch laptops, is spacious enough to store all your items but is compact enough to carry daily. Anything larger will restrict your movement, especially if you use public transportation to commute.
Which backpacks for men get our vote?
Any of the fashionable backpacks on our list will serve you well. However, out of all the cool backpacks for men, these two have our vote for the top spot:
Solgaard Lifepack Backpack: This backpack is all you need for working on the go. It comes with a solar-powered power bank, so your devices will never run out of juice. It also has multiple safety features.
Boundary Rennen Recycled Daypack: Not only is this backpack sustainable, it has nicely padded laptop compartments and a water-repellant design that makes it perfect for everyday use.
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Prices updated on 05/14/2024. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Afina Najib
A journalism graduate from Curtin University, Afina Najib specializes in writing tech, finance, automotive and wellness content. Now residing in Kuala Lumpur, Afina spends her weekends hitting the gym or watching Formula 1 races.
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