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Need a new women’s backpack? These are 7 of the best to shop now
A backpack should be versatile, dependable and stylish. So whether you’re hiking or need something chic, read here to find the right backpack for you.
A good backpack is essential for women who are frequently on the go. Not only are they a top choice for toting along all of your essentials, such as your laptop and workout gear, but they’re also convenient and comfortable to carry.
Do you currently own a backpack that you truly love? If the answer is no, perhaps it’s time to put more thought into what you want and need from a backpack. The best bags should deliver both functionality and style.
To help you find your perfect match, our editors rounded up the best backpacks for women. There are options for different purposes, including everyday use or outdoor expeditions. This list also calls out which brands use recycled or eco-friendly materials.
Read more: Pack like a pro and shop for these packing essentials
Check out the best backpacks for women
Best for everyday use
Pros & Cons
Available in four colors
Water-resistant
Certified vegan
Wipe clean only
Limited space
Sure, you want a practical bookbag, but it helps if it’s chic, too. Cue the Hunter Original Nylon Backpack. It comes in four colors: red, olive, black and dark blue and it features the red-and-white Hunter logo at the center front.
Because the material is a water-resistant nylon twill, it can withstand light showers. It’s also certified vegan, demonstrating Hunter cares about eco-consciousness. The backpack has a mesh internal padded sleeve pocket large enough for a 13.5-inch laptop and elasticated side pockets that are snug enough to hold a water bottle or umbrella.
The bag runs small but is available in a larger size. It has earned an average of 4.5 stars. Customers love its versatility and style, earning its spot on our list as one of the best backpacks for women.
Best travel backpack
Pros & Cons
Water-resistant
Made from recycled material
Unique color schemes
Only available in one size
Shoulder strap designed for only the right shoulder
For frequent travelers, you need a bag that’s spacious, easy to pack and convenient to carry. The North Face Base Camp Voyager Sling is perfect for this as it resembles a handle bag with an easy shoulder sling strap making it suitable for catching a plane or getting through the day as a regular commuter.
The material is recycled and lightweight — yet it’s resilient. It also has multiple-size pockets for different devices: cell phones, tablets and laptops. However, note that while it’s water-resistant, it’s not waterproof so you will need to keep that in mind if you’re traveling in heavy rain or wet areas.
Ninety-two percent of purchasers say they would recommend it. One reviewer even called it “the epitome of functionality and convenience.” It has five interesting colors, so you have the option to choose between neutral or eye-catching options.
Best for laptop storage
Pros & Cons
Specifically designed for carrying laptops
Large enough for different-sized laptops and devices
Comes in three color options
Flimsy zippers
Fabric is slippery and may easily slide off shoulders
Ever worry about liquids and personal items jostling in your bag and ruining your computer? Worry no more with the Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack. With its Interior Padded Tech Panel technology, it offers secure, comfortable laptop storage.
The Deluxe bag is made of nylon fabric with vinyl trim. The backpack is 16.3 inches, offering plenty of room. It fits laptops up to 15.6 inches and tablets up to 9.7 inches. While it’s designed to carry tech devices, it’s important to note that this bag is water-resistant, not waterproof.
As an added plus, it has exterior side pockets for smaller items or a water bottle. The bag is lightweight and comes in three different colors. Some color options also offer gold zippers for eye-catching contrast.
Best hiking backpack for women
Pros & Cons
Adjustable aluminum stay for good fit
Two capacity options
Roll-top to add extra gear
Learning curve to adjust, wear and pack gear
Large hip belt
If you enjoy outdoor activities, the Exped Lightning 45 is one of the best backpacks to buy. This lightweight bag is made for multi-day trips and comes in two different capacities, so you can choose the size that best suits your needs and travel plans. The weatherproof roll-top also makes packing extra gear easier for hikers and campers.
On the outside, you’ll find elastic side pockets that hold items, such as water bottles, trekking poles or tent poles. It has zippered pockets on the hip belt for fast access. The bag also has side zig-zag compression straps, a webbing strap and quick-release side buckles to hold gear securely.
Its most interesting feature is its adjustable aluminum stay, which is secured to the lumbar pad for direct weight transfer to your hips. And for added comfort, you can adjust this bag to better fit the length of your back. The backpack’s fabric contains recycled materials but it only comes in one color.
Best for style and capacity
Pros & Cons
Chic design
Made from recycled materials
Features foam insert for back
May be more stylish than practical
Unclear whether it’s waterproof or water-resistant
If style and aesthetic appeal are your top criteria, check out Gymshark’s Lifestyle Backpack. It comes in two colors: Onyx Gray and Terracotta Pink. The bag has branded zips for a minimalist-yet-sophisticated look.
The Lifestyle Backpack is made of 100% recycled polyester and 100% recycled nylon. It has one main entry pocket, two front pockets and one zip pocket. Its foam insert supports your back and keeps you comfortable. However, the bag is wipe-clean only, so you can’t wash or tumble-dry it.
Best leather backpack for women
Pros & Cons
Adjustable padded shoulder straps for comfort
Made from pebbled leather
Has a StackIt Strap for reliable travel
Fit runs small
Since it’s leather, it likely isn’t water-resistant
Leather backpacks are lightweight yet durable and comfortable enough to carry on your back. The Samsonite’s Leather Everyday Backpack in particular has a sleek, simple style and is practical enough to be a work backpack. It comes in two colors: Black and Cognac (brown).
The bag has two storage pockets, pen sleeves, and a zipper pocket. It also has a padded laptop/tablet compartment that can fit up to a 14.1-inch laptop and a hammock pouch that prevents you from dropping your devices. Additionally, you can store small items or a key fob in the front pockets.
A budget-friendly option
Pros & Cons
Made from recycled polyester
Reliable, everyday backpack
Inexpensive compared to its competing products
Thin straps
Only comes in black
If you’re a cost-conscious customer, this is one of the best backpacks for women you could own. This 16.5-inch backpack works well in everyday life, from college to work and beyond. The fabric is a solid black color and made of 100% recycled polyester.
The bag has a sturdy top handle and zipper. It also leaves plenty of room to store a laptop in its inner compartment or smaller items in its outer compartments. The padded backplate adds comfort when you lug your stuff around.
How to choose your perfect bag
A low-quality bookbag could tear, weaken in weather or cause back pain. When you have a dependable bag, you shouldn’t have to think about it while wearing it. When you’re deciding on a backpack, here are some factors to consider.
What to look for
Functionality
Ergonomic support
The material
The carrying style
Pockets and extra features
Our verdict: Which women’s backpacks get our vote?
So what’s the crème de la crème on this list? Our choices for the best backpacks for women are:
The North Face Base Camp Voyager Sling: This bag has the number one spot for its fashion-forward look and convenient sling style. We can easily imagine throwing our things into the bag and darting off to catch a train. Bonuses include its unique color options and recycled material fabric.
The Hunter Nylon Everyday Bag: This bag is trendy yet practical enough for daily use. It can hold the average size laptop and resists water. We give Hunter a thumbs-up for the backpack’s certified vegan materials.
The Mobile Solution Deluxe Backpack: We worry about our contact lens solution or shampoo spilling onto our laptops. The bag is specifically designed to secure and minimize damage to your technology. Its eye-catching design with gold zippers against black material wins points for fashionability.
Prices updated on 07/25/2023. We are not responsible for any changes to the prices mentioned above.
Written by
Suman Sridhar
Since 2010, Suman Sridhar has written content for retail and technology organizations. She’s worked with brands, such as Experian and Stanley Black & Decker. She lives in Boston and loves exploring the city’s restaurants and nightlife with friends.
Specialized topics
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