Morgan Scott February 18, 2020 School, Work

12 Best Clamshell Backpacks for Daily Carry

Morgan Scott February 18, 2020 School, Work

It’s no secret that most backpacks are top loading. This means they form a sort of “bucket” inside the main compartment where you are forced to pack things vertically on top of each other. Did you pack a sweater at the bottom of your backpack? Well too bad – now you are going to have to remove everything on top before you can reach it.

A newer trend in backpack design is offering a full clamshell opening to the main compartment instead of traditional top-loading entry. These clamshell backpacks feature a front loading main compartment with a zipper opening that spans 3 of the 4 sides. Unlike a travel backpack that opens like a suitcase, a backpack with a clamshell opening opens vertically. 

This clamshell backpack style isn’t new and has long been a popular feature in photography bags. But now more brands are offering clamshell backpacks for daily carry. These bags do an awesome job at allowing you to pack clothing, easily reach small internal pockets and stow away awkwardly sized items with little fuss. Here is a list of our favorites.

Best Clamshell Backpacks

Db The Ramverk

Shop Db

If you are looking for a simple yet incredibly functional clamshell backpack for work, travel or play then the Db Ramverk is just the ticket. Even at 21 liters, the open main compartment is incredibly roomy and you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit inside. Plus, its clever front strap design allows bulkier items to be attached to the outside for even more storage options.

One of the best features of the Db Ramverk is that it’s super lightweight. This is thanks to Db’s special rib cage technology that replaces heavy paneling for ABS “ribs” that are strong without adding the bulk. As a result you have a light, slim and protective open flat backpack for daily carry and travel.

• Capacity: 21L

• Go bigger with The Ramverk 26L

• 15” Laptop Compartment

• Great quality that rivals more expensive bags

Nomatic Backpack

Nomatic

The Nomatic Backpack was designed for ultra-functional and organized daily carry. One of the best design features of the Nomatic Backpack is it’s incredible pocket placement that allows for maximum organization of items large and small. For tech enthusiasts this means a spot for every little bit and bob that might otherwise fall to the bottom of a bag.

Nomatic gives you full perimeter zipper access to the main compartment. This allows you to open the main compartment partially for top-loading access or open the zippers fully for clamshell access for easy packing and organizing. When coupled with weatherproof materials and an innovative shoulder strap system that allows you to go from backpack to briefcase it’s no wonder why the Nomatic Backpack is considered best in class.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 20L to 24L expandable

• Tons of pockets for organization

• Water resistant construction

• Backpack to briefcase: Straps can be hidden

WNDRD PRVKE Backpack

WNDRD

This isn’t your typical clamshell backpack. Instead of just one opening you get a total of 3 different points of access to the main compartment. The PRVKE offers basic top loading access through a classic roll-top while a zippered opening gives you access from the side. Finally, the back is home to a 3/4 zipper that gives you full clamshell access to the main compartment. Pretty neat, right?

The WNDRD PRVKE is available in multiple sizes so that you can choose the best fit for your needs. WNDRD also gives you the option to include photography gear inserts so that you can transform your PRVKE from a standard EDC backpack to a fully equipped photography bag in minutes.

• Capacity: 21L, 31L or 41L options

• Completely weather resistant. Top-tier materials and construction.

• Super versatile daily, commuter, travel, photo backpack 

Black Ember Citadel R2

Black Ember

The Black Ember Citadel R2 is a clamshell opening backpack engineered with utility and aesthetics in mind. It’s made of waterproof textile fabrics and YKK Aquaguard zippers for maximum protection from inclement weather while commuting.

The Black Ember Citadel R2 was built for tech carry and you can see this in its clever access points to the laptop compartment, a dedicated laptop sleeve and plenty of organizers for things like power bricks, external HDDs and cables. On the outside of the backpack you also have easy access to daily essentials like keys, a wallet and more thanks to quick-access entries and cleverly placed hidden pockets. The Black Ember Citadel R2 should definitely be on your radar if you are looking for a functional daily backpack that will last you a lifetime.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 25L

• Waterproof construction

• 15” laptop compartment and separate tablet sleeve

• Dual access to the main compartment (clamshell + top loading) for maximum versatility

Day Owl Backpack

Day Owl

Day Owl is a backpack brand by Thread International – a company that helps brands build sustainable supply chains. With Day Owl, Thread International focuses on offering the ultimate daily carry backpack while having a positive global impact.

What we love most about the Day Owl backpack is its attention to detail. One of our favorite features is the “No Slack Straps” – a closed loop strap system that says goodbye to dangling shoulder straps for a cleaner appearance. Overall, the Day Owl makes a great backpack for work, weekends or travel thanks to its rugged materials, innovative pocket placement and the brands lifetime repair promise. You heard that right… Day Owl offers free backpack repairs for life!

Features at a glance:

• Available in regular and slim sizes

• Leak-proof chimney pocket keeps water bottle tucked away.

• Made of durable waxed canvas and recycled materials

• Free repairs for life

The Ridge Commuter Weatherproof Backpack

The Ridge

The Ridge Commuter Weatherproof Backpack is a work to weekend backpack for busy urban commuters who need a backpack as versatile as they are. Its minimalist exterior gives it a clean look professional enough for the office while the inside is packed with enough pockets and compartments to get you through even your busiest of days. The Ridge also incorporates a waterproof nylon shell and YKK Aquaguard zippers to protect your gear during a rainy commute or outdoor adventure.

What makes the Ridge Commuter special is its dual-access design that includes two different zippers to the main compartment. The first 1/2 zipper allows conventional access to the main compartment while the second 3-sided zipper gives you full lay-flat clamshell access so that you can take advantage of the various pockets that line the inside. This versatility is one of the reasons we love the Ridge Commuter and think it’s one of the better daily carry clamshell backpack options out there today.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 15 liters

• Also available in a lightweight Ripstop version

• Integrated USB mobile charging port with special power bank pocket

• Shockproof laptop compartment

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Able Carry Max

Able Carry

The Able Carry Max is a versatile clamshell backpack for work, travel and play thanks to its massive 30 liter compartment and clever pocket design.

In addition to a roomy main compartment, the Able Carry Max also features a separate tech compartment that acts as a mobile office where you can store your laptop, pens and paperwork. The bag even has a hidden water bottle pocket to keep your water bottle germ free while on the move.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 30L

• Available in different colors

• 15” Laptop Compartment

• Minimalist design that keeps pockets hidden and secure

• Versatile enough for daily carry, travel, gym and more!

Boundary Supply Errant Pack

Boundary Supply

Not long ago Boundary Supply set out to make the perfect modular backpack for commuters, photographers and travelers alike. We think they have succeeded with The Errant Pack. This backpack features an incredible amount of organization thanks to its clever pocket placement and intuitive access design.

What’s special about the Errant Pack is that it can function as a top loading backpack from the front or as a clamshell backpack through the back zipper. Entering the main compartment through the back gives you full access to the various pockets inside the main compartment – and trust us there are plenty! If you are looking for a backpack with lots of pockets then we definitely recommend checking out the Boundary Supply Errant Pack.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 24L

• Special shoe/laundry compartment on the bottom

• Water resistant construction

• Lifetime Warranty

Fjallraven Kanken

Buy on Amazon

Despite its popularity the Kanken is often overlooked when considering a clamshell backpack. But the Kanken is more than meets the eye. 

The 3-sided zipper design allows you full access to an open main compartment which makes it perfect for unobstructed packing. This is a versatile design feature that allows you to use this backpack for daily carry and traveling when needed. The Kanken is also built super tough thanks to it’s Vinylon F construction. Vinylon F is a hard-wearing water resistant fabric that can handle daily abuse.

The Fjallraven Kanken is available in a wide variety of colors and sizes so you are sure to find one that fits right. If you are looking for a trustworthy laptop backpack make sure to check out the larger Fjallraven Kanken 15 and Kanken 17 laptop backpacks.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 16L (also available in 18 liter and 20 liter versions)

• Made of super tough Vinylon-F material

• Ergonomically designed shoulder straps

• Can be carried as a tote with top straps

3V Gear Transit Redline EDC Backpack

Buy on 3V Gear

The 3V Gear Transit Redline is a multifunctional clamshell backpack that is more than meets the eye. This backpack features a whopping 40 liter main compartment which makes it large enough to use as a work and gym backpack or travel bag in addition to everyday carry. The clamshell opening gives you full access to the laptop compartment and pockets that line the inside and the outside is chock full of pockets and compartments (too many to list here!)

If 40 liters is too large for your daily carry then we also recommend checking out the smaller 3V Gear Shield Redline Anti-Theft backpack that features a really cool clamshell tech compartment that lays flat for easy access.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 40L

• Multifunctional gym/work/travel backpack

• 15” padded laptop sleeve

• Great organization with tons of internal and external pockets

WANDRD Duo Daypack

WANDRD

The WANDRD Duo is a backpack for commuting, photography and travel that’s perfect for anyone looking for a minimalist clamshell backpack for organizing your daily gear. Made of tough-as-nails ballistic nylon with water resistant zippers, the WANDRD Duo is built for busy days on the move.

What sets the Duo apart from other clamshell backpacks is its special “infinite zip” design that allows for access from each side of the pack and also allows you to splay the entire backpack flat so you can have easy access to the pockets that line the inside. This side-access along with a special integrated pop-up camera cube allows for the WANDRD Duo to be used a full-fledged camera bag when needed.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 20L

• Padded laptop and tablet sleeve

• Special “pop up” camera cube that’s built into the bag

XD Design Bobby Anti-Theft backpack

Buy on Amazon

The Bobby Anti-Theft Backpack was made to be cut resistant, water repellent and includes shock-proof compartments to keep your expensive tech safe while on the move. It’s a cleverly designed backpack that emphasizes safety both from thieves and normal bumps and drops.

XD Design designed the Bobby with a clamshell opening so you can have full access to all of the pockets inside. Along with its anti-theft features, XD Design did a great job at emphasizing organization by providing plenty of spots for small items that would normally be floating around your backpack. Each Bobby Anti-Theft backpack includes a 15.6” laptop compartment plus a separate 9.7” tablet compartment. These compartments are shock-proof for ultimate protection.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 12.5L

• Made of cut resistant materials

• Hidden zippers and pockets

• Shock-proof laptop and tablet pockets

Alternative to the Clamshell Backpack: Y-Access

Clamshell backpacks are great for easy packing and unpacking of your daily gear but there is another entry design that can also give you many of the same benefits: Y-Access backpacks.

Y-Access or “3-Zip” entry gives you the option of either entering the bag from the top or having full access to the main compartment through the front. This style of entry was popularized by Mystery Ranch with their 3-Zip design packs. Much like clamshell backpacks, Y-Access is a good access style for backpacks where accessing the entire main compartment is important. 

Below are some examples of our favorite Y-Access backpacks that are worth considering alongside our clamshell backpack picks. 

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Pack 24

Mystery Ranch

The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Pack is a daily carry backpack inspired by Mystery Ranch’s own military assault rucksacks. The Urban Assault ditches the camo and MOLLE webbing for a sleeker urban look while still retaining the quality and tough construction Mystery Ranch is known for. 

The backpack is most known for its “3 Zip” zipper that gives you access to some handy side panel pockets plus a full panel of slip pockets for your small item. This design makes packing and unloading essential items a breeze. And at 24 liters, the Urban Assault Pack 24 is large enough for daily carry or overnight stays without being too bulky. The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault is also backpack is also available in smaller Urban Assault 18 so that you can choose the version that fits just right.

Everyman Hideout Pack

Buy on Everyman

The Everyman Hideout Pack was made to be a hybrid daily carry and travel backpack. What makes it special is its duffel shaped design that gives you full access to the main compartment through a Y Access zipper. 

In addition to being super functional, the Hideout Pack is also built incredibly tough. Everyman included thick easy-pull zippers that won’t fail with repeated use and a 1680D ballistic nylon construction that is PU lined for water resistance. The bag even includes felted wool laptop and tablet sleeves to protect your expensive tech.

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