If you are looking for an urban backpack then chances are you want something that’s a little bit different that what you would find at the local sporting goods store.
This is why we decided to make a list of our favorite backpacks that focus on urban carry for those with busy lifestyles in the concrete jungle.
These backpacks aren’t for hitting the trail or extended travel – instead we focus on backpacks with must-have EDC features for commuting around the city and sleek aesthetics that are anything but boring.
The Ridge Commuter
The Ridge
Able Carry Daily Backpack
Able Carry
The North Face Recon
Buy on Amazon
Features to look for in an urban backpack
Commuter Friendly – Great comfort features for extended wear when walking or biking.
EDC Organization – Plenty of pockets and compartments for your everyday carry.
Tech Focused – Padded laptop compartments, tablet sleeves and pockets for accessories
Water Resistant – Keep your gear dry and protected no matter what the forecast is that day
Made for Life On the Move – Special features like mobile phone charging, hidden water bottle pockets, modular compartments, etc.
Best Urban Backpacks and Daypacks
The Ridge Commuter Weatherproof Backpack
The RidgeMade with a tough weatherproof construction, the Ridge Commuter is more than meets its minimalist exterior. Inside you find a main compartment that is lined with almost a dozen pockets for organizing your EDC. Add in a shock-resistant laptop compartment and built-in USB mobile charging and you have the best best urban EDC backpack for busy days in the city.
Read more about The Ridge Commuter
Features that make the Commuter a great urban daypack
Weatherproof construction (waterproof exterior + YKK Aquaguard zippers)
Mobile charging: Integrated USB charging port and power bank pocket
Tons of pockets for EDC (everyday carry)
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Shop The RidgeAn Urban Laptop Backpack for Tech Carry
The breakout feature on The Ridge Commuter is its built-in USB charging port that can be found on the exterior of the bag. This USB port and cable leads to a special internal power bank pocket for on-the-go charging. The Ridge offers their own Power Bank that you can purchase separately or you can connect your own. Trust us, an urban daypack with mobile charging can be real lifesaver on long busy days.
With a 15L main compartment the Commuter makes a great small urban backpack for those who want great organization without the bulk. Now don’t get us wrong, the Commuter is not tiny! But its main focus is on organization and as a result it does not have a large open main compartment like larger backpacks do. We found that the main compartment can comfortably fit a few books and binders or a change of clothes and shoes. Its slim profile is also a big plus when maneuvering crowded areas like buses and trains.
There are almost a dozen pockets that line the inside of the main compartment for organization. An admin panel gives you access to pens, small notebooks and cables while additional zippered mesh pockets are perfect for tech accessories or photography gear.
The shock-proof 15” laptop compartment can be found against the back panel. This laptop compartment is lined with cushioned felt material to protect against bumps and drops.
The North Face Recon
Buy on AmazonThe North Face has always offered solid backpacks and the Recon is no exception. One underrated design feature on the Recon is its great organization. There are a ton of smaller compartments for everything from pens, water bottles, tech accessories and chargers to keep you both organized and sane on busy days.
The North Face Recon is available in both men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit.
Read More about The North Face Recon
Features that make the Recon a great urban backpack
15” laptop compartment and separate tablet sleeve
Lots of smaller pockets for EDC
Large 30-liter main compartment that’s perfect for running errands, work, school or the gym.
A Versatile Backpack for Work and Play
With a 30-liter main compartment, the North Face Recon is a step up from most small urban daypacks to a more accommodating size that allows for multifaceted carry.
The North Face Recon has long been a favorite school book bag of ours thanks to its roomy main compartment, separate laptop sleeve and great organizer pockets. But as a daily urban backpack we love the sleek design and incredible comfort features that make it a joy to use during city commutes.
The truth is that the North Face Recon is an incredibly versatile backpack. You can take advantage of its roomy interior for the gym, weekend trips or to stash large photography inserts. Organize your tech and EDC in its front admin compartment. Stash a bike lock in the front slip pocket and use the bottom utility straps to attach larger items like a camera tripod or picnic blanket. The carry possibilities are endless.
Able Carry Daily Backpack
Able CarryThe Able Carry Daily is a minimalist laptop backpack for those who want a stylish yet functional daypack for urban carry. The inside is packed with pockets for organizing your EDC while the external design keeps things looking nice and neat.
Ready More about the Able Carry Daily
What makes the Daily Backpack a great urban backpack
Best in class materials: YKK zippers, X-Pac or Cordura Nylon outer material
Special “A-Frame” webbing allows backpack to keep its shape and keeps you looking sharp
Amazing internal organization with lots of pockets
Best Urban Daypack for EDC
The Able Carry is an urban daypack built from the ground up to keep your daily items organized and accessible. The 20 liter main compartment is the perfect daypack size for essentials such as a laptop, tablet, tech accessories and photography gear.
One of our favorite features of the Able Carry Daily Backpack is its great organization. Pockets line both sides of the main compartment of easy storage of your most important items. A special vertical zippered pocket on the front of the bag is roomy enough to stash larger items like a water bottle pocket, headphones and other essentials you need quick access to.
Built to thrive in the city
A great city backpack should be sleek, stylish and packed with features to compliment a busy lifestyle – we believe the Daily Backpack checks every single box. Able Carry has done a great job with constructing the Daily Backpack out of the best premium materials that are built to last a lifetime of daily use.
The Daily Backpack comes in a few different flavors: X-Pac or Cordura Nylon. Choose X-Pac is you want a strong yet incredibly lightweight shell. For those who want a tough and abrasion resistant fabric that can take a beating, we recommend going with the Cordura Nylon.
Regardless of which fabric you choose, each Daily Backpack is equipped with YKK zippers, an ergonomic harness system for ultimate comfort and a lifetime guarantee against workmanship defects.
Db The Ramverk
Db JourneyInspired by action sports and the love of travel, the Db Ramverk is the perfect blend of form and function. Equipped with a full access clamshell main compartment, separate 15” laptop sleeve and plenty of smaller pockets throughout – the Ramverk is an urban daypack that is more than meets the eye.
Read more about Db The Backpack
Features that make The Backpack a great urban daypack
Clamshell main compartment makes for easy packing and unpacking
PU leather exterior, metal buckles and slim profile gives this backpack an upscale look
Lightweight enough for extended carry thanks to Db’s integrated rib cage construction
A Lightweight Urban Laptop Daypack
As an urban laptop backpack, Db includes a separate padded laptop compartment that was designed to fit a up to a 15” Macbook Pro. Chargers, cables and tech accessories can all be stored inside the numerous mesh pockets that line the main compartment.
One feature that Db doesn’t get enough credit for is their innovative rib cage construction that allows for a lightweight and slim backpack without compromising on internal packing room. Instead of traditional foam padding, Db uses ABS “ribs” that are not only much lighter than traditional panels but also provides great protection to the inside of the bag.
Style meets function
The Db Ramverk features a unique design that can be best described as part lux designer bag and part urban tactical backpack.
On hand you have a PU leather exterior and aluminum metal hardware which gives it an almost lavish look and feel. But then there are the action sports elements that the brand is known for. External utility straps grace the outside of the Ramverk for external attachments and to use in conjunction with Db’s modular hook-up system. All of these contrasting design elements work together in perfect harmony of form and function.
Topo Designs Rover Tech Pack
Topo DesignsTopo Designs takes their original Rover design and transforms it into a tech-focused urban daypack for city commuters. If you love the look and feel of a classic rucksack but can’t live without the features of a modern laptop backpack then the Rover Tech Pack is just the ticket.
Read more about the Topo Rover Tech Pack
Features that make the Rover Tech Pack a great urban backpack
Ridgback back panel for max breathability – great for commuters
Sleek profile and compact size
Top-notch construction and water resistant design
A Commuter Friendly Laptop Backpack
The Topo Designs Rover Tech Pack is a redesigned version of the classic Rover Pack with upgraded features for tech-carry and even tougher construction. If you are looking for an urban laptop backpack then you will love the padded external laptop sleeve, extra internal laptop sleeve (for dual laptop backpack carry) and water resistant construction to keep your expensive gear safe.
Upgraded comfort features like a breathable Ridgeback molded back panel and cushy shoulder straps make the Rover Tech Pack a great urban commuter backpack option for those who need a cool and comfortable way to carry for extended periods of time.
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Shop Topo DesignsA Backpack as Versatile As You Are
Topo Designs has long been a favorite brand of ours thanks to their line of versatile backpacks for outdoor exploration, school, work and travel. In fact, the Topo Designs Rover Pack is currently one of our favorite water resistant college backpacks and flap backpacks for school thanks to its heritage-inspired design and useful pockets for work and play.
The Topo Designs Tech Pack has a few upgrades from the original version that are worth considering if you need an urban daypack. For one, the materials have been upgraded to 1000D Recycled Nylon for a tough-as-nails construction that can really take a beating.
Water resistance also takes precedence with the addition of coated heavy duty YKK zippers on the front pocket and an already water resistance flat top and drawstring design that keeps the main compartment dry.
At a 24.3 liter internal capacity, the Rover Tech Pack is roomy enough for your EDC with room for extra school and work items like books, binders and a change of clothes. Yet its slim and compact design allows you to avoid the bulky turtle shell effect that tends to get in the way when worn inside crowded city spaces. The Rover really is the goldilocks of daypacks – not too big and bulky but far from too small.
Chrome Hondo Backpack
Chrome IndustriesThe Chrome Hondo is a 21L urban commuter backpack that’s packed with all the right features for getting around the city in style. Each Hondo is equipped an EVA foam back panel for maximum comfort and breathability as well as ergonomic shoulder straps that works well with different body types.
One thing we will say about Chrome’s commuter bags is that they are built tough. The Hondo’s abrasion resistant nylon exterior is paired with a tarpaulin liner for maximum water resistance. Add in pockets for a water bottle, U-Lock and tons of interior organization pockets and you have a rugged urban daypack that can survive even your most hectic commutes.
Read more about the Chrome Hondo
Features that make the Chrome Hondo a great urban commuter backpack
Minimalist daypack built as tough as Chrome’s more technical commuter bags
Great internal admin panel for organizing smaller personal items and tech
Comfort-focused – Features an adjustable two-strap harness system and ergonomic shoulder straps and back panel
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Shop Chrome IndustriesA no-nonsense urban commuter backpack
With its 1050D nylon exterior and boxy profile, the Chrome Hondo is a great daypack for those who appreciate practical function over flashy bells and whistles. But this doesn’t mean that the Hondo is without modern must-have features.
Although the outside is pretty minimalist in design, Chrome still provides a pretty large front zip pocket for quick access to medium-sized items. The two side pockets also come in handy for stashing a water bottle or bicycle u-lock.
Inside the Hondo, Chrome keeps it practical with a 15-inch padded laptop sleeve and an admin panel for all of your small bits and bobs. The 21 liter main compartment is roomy enough for the Hondo to be used as an EDC daypack while the exterior ergonomic design keep you cool and comfortable during your commutes.
Mission Workshop The Rhake
Mission WorkshopBacked by a lifetime warranty – the Mission Workshop Rhake is built to last decades not just a few seasons. This urban laptop backpack has everything you need to organize and protect your EDC thanks to a unique technical design and a completely weatherproof construction.
Read more about the Mission Workshop Rhake
Features that make the Rhake a great urban backpack
22 liter capacity that can be expanded as needed with roll-top
Two-layer weatherproof construction with water resistant zippers
Easy side access to laptop and tablet sleeves – no need to unroll the pack!
Compatible with modular accessories for customized carry options
Made in USA
All Mission Workshop bags are made in the USA with premium materials and the best construction. The Rhake is available in either HT500 or Cordura Nylon. HT500 is a tough as nails fabric made exclusively for Mission Workshop that is known for its superior stain and water resistance.
An Innovative Urban Daypack
What sets the Mission Workshop Rhake apart from other technical urban daypacks is its dozens of pockets and multiple access points. You can secure your tech and gear through the roll-top or quickly access your laptop or tablet from the special side zipper. Stash your smaller items with the two quick-access zippered pockets on the front that reveal massive organization options. Add in a hidden water bottle pocket and other sneaky compartments and you have a Houdini of a backpack.
All pockets are weatherproof thanks to the Rhake’s water-resistant zippers and two-layer weatherproof construction. Whether you need a backpack for work or play – the Rhake will keep your gear safe and dry.
COTS ICONIC Laptop Backpack
The COTS ICONIC backpack is an affordable urban backpack option that isn’t short on features. For under $50 you get a 21 liter bag with a sleek and minimalist exterior that is perfect for work or play. The top loading bucket design and water resistant material also adds some great weather protection when roaming the streets.
Read more about the COTS Iconic
Features that make the Commuter a great urban laptop backpack
Made with COTS Filmpor™ fabric that is both water and stain resistant
Padded laptop sleeve fits up to 15.6” laptop
Velcro secured top lid adds extra theft protection
Multiple exterior pockets for quick access to water bottles, phone, glasses and other small items.
Black Ember Shadow
Black EmberWaterproof and cleverly minimalist, the Black Ember Shadow is one of the best urban daypacks for those who need great organization for daily carry. The front fast-access pocket allows you to charge your phone on the go while the internal organization saves a spot for your laptop, tablet and accessories thanks to the Shadow’s built-in tech kit.
The Black Ember Shadow is available in 22L and 26L sizes for the perfect fit.
Read more about the Black Ember Shadow
Features that make the Shadow a great urban daypack
Waterproof construction (waterproof textiles + zippers)
Lay-flat clamshell main compartment for easy organization
Tons of pockets for EDC (everyday carry)
A Waterproof Urban Daypack
Keeping your expensive tech safe from life’s mishaps is a big deal and Black Ember has you covered on a couple of fronts. First, their padded laptop and tablet compartments are suspended for protection from bumps and drops. Second, this backpack is as waterproof as backpacks come.
The Shadow is made from HTX – Black Ember’s own high performance waterproof textile. This fabric repels water away from the bag and prevents moisture from seeping in. Black Ember also sticks with best-in-class YKK Aquaguard zippers and uses Bond-Stitch construction to seal the seams.
Minimalist Exterior + Bold Interior
Available in 22L and 26L versions, the Black Ember Shadow is best suited as an urban daypack for those who need a compact bag without too much bulk. The slim profile and minimalist exterior makes it a great choice for city work commuting.
The Black Ember Shadow is a clamshell backpack that gives you lay-flat access to the main compartment thanks to it’s 3/4 zipper design. Once inside you’ll be greeted with six different pockets and compartments for your everyday carry.
One of our favorite internal organization features is the included tech-kit that is held in place with a magnetic buckle. This tech-kit was designed to organize all those cables and smaller accessories that normally get lost at the bottom of larger pockets.
HEX Technical Backpack
Shop on HEXWireless phone charging, antimicrobial fabric and insane organization are just some of the features that make the HEX Technical Backpacks one of the most innovative backpacks in recent memory. For urban carry, you’ll love its compact design and high quality construction that uses metal hardware, Cordura ballistic nylon and a molded EVA back panel for incredible all day comfort.
Read more about the HEX Technical
Features that make the Commuter a great urban daypack
Wireless mobile charging capability
Tough construction made with antimicrobial technology
Compact design for EDC
Elevated Urban EDC
The HEX Technical Backpack is currently our favorite charging backpack thanks to its innovative wireless charging design. How is this possible? The Technical Backpack features a special pocket on the top of the bag that fits a wireless charging power bank. The flat top design of the bag means you simply place your phone on top of the pocket to start charging. It’s a pretty brilliant design.
The wireless charging alone makes the HEX Technical Backpack one of the best urban EDC backpacks currently on the market. But other features such as antimicrobial fabric, tons of pockets and rugged construction also make it well worth the price of admission. Check out our full HEX Technical Backpack review to take a closer look at the details.
Troubadour Apex
TroubadourSleek and minimalist, the Troubadour Apex is a surefire way to elevate your daily carry thanks to its roomy 25L capacity, great internal organization and slim profile. We really love the Apex backpack’s highly water resistant construction that uses a waterproof outer fabric and zippers to keep your important items dry during rainy commutes.
Read more about the Troubadour Apex
Features that make the Commuter a great urban backpack
Slim minimalist design
Lots of internal pockets for organization
Hidden water bottle pocket that keeps the bag looking sleek when not in use
Highly water resistant construction
Minimalist style with zero compromise
The Troubadour Apex backpack is one of our favorite men’s work backpacks and it’s easy to why. The minimalist design and slim profile makes it office-appropriate and the various carry features are great for items like tech, paperwork and smaller personal items.
As an urban daypack, the Troubadour Apex packs a punch with a 25 liter main compartment that gives you enough room for everything from daily errands to and weekend travel.
What we love most about the Apex is its great pocket placement. Along with a few very sneaky outer pockets, the Apex is also gives you a padded compartment for a 16-inch laptop and loads of smaller pockets inside the main compartment to keep you organized.
All of these features are encased in a lightweight waterproof fabric with waterproof zippers and internal lining for extra protection. The ergonomically shaped padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel also make for comfortable carry day in and day out.
Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Pack
Mystery RanchMystery Ranch offers a low profile urban tactical backpack for those who want the rugged construction of a military bag with the features of a daily laptop backpack. Each Urban Assault Pack features Mystery Ranch’s innovative 3-ZIP closure that gives you fast access to the entire main compartment in seconds. The clean design and 21 liter main compartment is versatile enough for work, school and outdoor adventures alike.
Read more about the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault
Features that make the Commuter a great urban tactical backpack
Innovative 3-ZIP design makes accessing your EDC a breeze
Built tough enough for outdoor adventures with a sleek urban style
Internal 15” laptop sleeve and mesh pockets for organization
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Boundary Supply Errant Pack
Boundary SupplyPacked with over a dozen modular features, the Boundary Supply Errant is an urban exploration backpack that can be dialed in as needed to fit to your most important items.
A clamshell main compartment gives you full access to the pockets inside while a hidden bottom shoe compartment transforms the Errant into a gym or travel bag in seconds. Other great features include the ability to add modular camera inserts and even a second laptop sleeve thanks to Boundary Supply’s Fieldspace 2.0 accessory.
Read more about the Boundary Supply Errant
Features that make the Commuter a great urban backpack
Dual access main compartment (top-loading or lay-flat)
Zippered bottom compartment for shoes, laundry or wet items
Comfort – molded foam back panel keeps you cool
Modular accessories available for photography, work and extra storage
An Urban Exploration Backpack with Modular Features
The Errant Pack was designed to be as versatile as you are and you can see this all throughout its design. Boundary Supply makes its modularity possible by including various magnetic docks for quick and secure attachment of accessories.
A sample of compatible accessories include a camera insert, a thermal cooler insert for drinks, a secondary admin panel with a laptop sleeve and even a smaller secondary bag that can be detached and used as a shoulder bag whenever you just want to carry the essentials. These aren’t even all of the modular accessories that Boundary Supply offers for the Errant Pack! We highly recommend you check out the entire lineup of modular accessories for a full scope of offerings.
A Daypack with Great Organization
Although the Boundary Supply Errant can be used with a variety of modular accessories, the standalone Errant backpack is a great option for anyone who values daily organization. This is thanks to its various pockets and compartments that line the inside and outside of the bag.
A sample of pockets include a 15” laptop sleeve with autolocking magnetic closure, a bottom shoes/laundry compartment, a soft-lined external glasses pocket and a hidden RFID pocket for a passport or wallet. These features and more are why the Boundary Supply Errant Pack makes the best urban exploration backpack for commuters, photographers and travelers alike.
Simple Modern Wanderer Backpack
It’s not often that we come across an affordable backpack with a design that outshines its much more expensive competitors but we believe the Simple Modern Wanderer might be one of them.
The Simple Modern Wanderer is all about quick and easy access to your gear. Its special zipper design not only gives you lay flat clamshell access to the main compartment but each side of the backpack also zippers open individually allowing you to swing the backpack around while worn to reach your gear in seconds. It’s a really cool design that’s usually reserved for higher end photography backpacks but Simple Modern has managed to make it work in a daily carry backpack and we can’t help but be impressed.
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