Morgan Scott December 7, 2020 Work

21 Best Small Backpacks for Men – Under 20 Liters

Morgan Scott December 7, 2020 Work

Let’s face it, not everyone needs a massive backpack for everyday carry. Although larger backpacks are great for travel or lugging around workout gear, when it comes to daily carry sometimes smaller is better.

In this buying guide we list the best small backpacks for men 20 liters and under. These backpacks are small enough for light carry but still have the hallmarks of a great work or daily pack; high quality construction, stylish design and killer carry features.

We also took fit into consideration. Although there are hundreds of small backpacks on the market, not all of them comfortably fit broader shoulders. Yes, we are talking about all those “mini” versions of popular styles that are really codeword for a women’s fit. So if you are specifically looking for a small men’s backpack then you have come to the right place!

Mission Workshop The Fraction

Best Construction and Fit

Mission Workshop

Nomatic Navigator

Feature Rich Daily & Work Backpack

Nomatic

Topo Rover Heritage

Rugged Small Heritage Backpack

Topo Designs

Best Small Mens Backpacks (Under 20L)

Mission Workshop The Fraction

Mission Workshop

At only 14 liters, The Fraction by Mission Workshop packs a lot of punch thanks to its array of weatherproof pockets, 13-inch laptop sleeve and mil-spec construction for extra strength and durability. The Fraction is the smallest of Mission Workshop’s line of rucksacks that include the slightly larger Sanction Rucksack (20L) and Fitzroy (40L).

A comfortable fit is sometimes a concern with small mens backpacks and we think that the Mission Workshop Fraction does a great job at balancing a compact backpack frame with comfortable shoulder straps and an internal frame sheet so that the pack keeps its shape. Mission Workshop even allows you to purchase an optional waist belt for even more comfort options.

Nomatic Navigator

Shop Nomatic

If you are looking for a small backpack that is as feature-rich as a pack twice its size then we highly recommend taking a look at the Nomatic Navigator. Designed as a daily backpack for essentials, the Nomatic Navigator has dozens of clever pockets for tech and personal items. And if you ever need more room, the Nomatic Navigator has the ability to expand from its compact 15 liter size to 21 liters in seconds.

Db The Æra Backpack

Shop Db

Designed for the urban explorer, the Db Æra is a small backpack with big features. The Æra looks and feels like a luxury backpack at a fraction of the price thanks to its water resistant PU leather exterior and silky smooth zippers. Some of our favorites features include a 15” laptop compartment, 3/4 zip access to the main compartment and plenty of pockets for organization.

Topo Rover Heritage Backpack

Topo Designs

The Rover Heritage is a compact backpack with a back-to-basics heritage construction that is built to last a lifetime. Each Rover Heritage pack is made in the USA and features a durable water repellent cotton canvas body with a premium Horween leather base – two materials that only look better with wear.

We picked the Heritage version of the Rover over the others because of handsome design and premium materials. If you are looking for a similar small men’s backpack at a cheaper price make sure to check out Topo’s other Rover options.

Stubble & Co The Daypack

Stubble & Co

The Daypack by Stubble & Co is a compact 17-liter option for those looking for stylish simplicity. This hard-working pack features a waterproofed canvas and full grain leather construction for a timeless look that never goes out of style.

Don’t let the heritage-inspired design fool you – The Daypack is filled with plenty of modern features like a protected 15” laptop sleeve and multiple pockets to organize smaller items. The cushioned back panel and shoulder straps also allows The Daypack to do double duty on the streets and trails.

Troubadour Apex Compact small mens backpack

Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack

Troubadour

The Troubadour Apex Compact is the smaller sibling to the Apex Backpack – Troubadour’s most popular backpack model. At only 16 liters, the Apex Compact makes the perfect small backpack for men who are serious about keeping their essentials organized. Equipped with a padded 15” laptop sleeve, lots of internal pockets and waterproof fabric, the Troubadour Apex Compact is a mini backpack that has everything you need to conquer your day in style.

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Fjallraven Foldsack No. 1

Buy on Amazon

The Foldsack No. 1 is Fjallraven’s back-to-basics heritage pack for those looking for a small backpack for men that will hold up after some serious wear. Where the Foldsack really shines is with it’s simple and functional construction paired with Fjalraven’s ultra-tough G-100 HeavyDuty Eco fabric. This translates to a no-nonsense backpack for those who prefer a time-tested design that never goes out of style.

Bellroy Duo Totepack

Buy on Amazon

Bellroy offers great functionality in a small footprint with their Duo Totepack. The bag itself is expandable so you can keep the Duo Totepack slim until you need the extra room. But don’t let its compact size fool you, the inside offers up to 15 liters of storage plus a 16-inch laptop sleeve and plenty of internal pockets. This bag converts from a backpack to a tote bag in seconds thanks to the secret shoulder strap stash pocket on the back panel.

Harber London Office Backpack

Harber London

Handmade by expert craftsman in Spain, the Office Backpack is one of Harber London’s most versatile backpacks for daily commutes and travel.

Inside this compact backpack exists an impressive array of pockets, compartments and organizers for your tech and daily essentials. Pair its great organization with a rugged water resistant fabric and premium full grain leather exterior and you have a stylish backpack that will last years of daily wear.

To take a closer look at what this backpack has to offer make sure to check out our hands-on Harber London Office Backpack review.

Recycled Firefighter The Battalion 12HR

Recycled Firefighter

Recycled Firefighter offers The Battalion 12HR for those who want a Made in USA backpack that is built to last. This small men’s backpack features 12 liters of volume in a slim and compact profile. And with a clamshell access design, hydration bladder port and plenty of organizer pockets it’s no wonder The Battalion made it on our list of favorite GoRuck GR1 alternatives.

Able Carry Daily Backpack

Able Carry

Able Carry is quickly becoming one of our favorite backpack brands thanks to their great quality, smart design and fair pricing. The Daily Backpack is a 20 liter pack for those who are serious about tech carry without the weight and bulk. This is thanks to their use of lightweight fabrics and clever design that keeps the weight down.

Able Carry offers an even smaller backpack with their Thriteen Daybag. For the curious, we did an entire Able Carry Daily vs Thirteen Daybag comparison that is worth checking out.

Day Owl Backpack

Day Owl

The Day Owl Backpack is deceivingly simple on the outside given how many pockets are found throughout its design. Equipped with everything from a laptop compartment, hidden water bottle pocket and plenty of sneaky pockets, the Day Owl Backpack is a great option for those looking for a men’s small backpack for work or light travel.

You can check out all of the details in our in-depth Day Owl review.

Osprey Arcane Daypack

Osprey

The Osprey Arcane is daily pack made for those on the move. Some of our favorite features include a hidden water bottle pocket on the side that protects your drinks from dirt and germs and the variety of pockets on the inside for a laptop, documents and smaller items. The Osprey Arcane is available in two sizes: Arcane Large (20L) and the Arcane Small (10L) if you want to go even smaller.

Harber London Classic Rucksack

Harber London

The Harber London Classic Rucksack is a small backpack for men with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship and timeless design. Equipped with a water resistant fabric and leather construction, aviation grade aluminum buckles and elegant metal zippers – the Classic Rucksack is crafted to last a lifetime.

The Harber London Classic Rucksack offers a 17.4 liter main compartment and a slim profile for a sleek look. This small footprint also makes the Classic Rucksack an ideal personal item backpack when traveling by air.

Rains Buckle Mini Backpack

Buy on REI

If you are looking for a small backpack for men with a modern design then the Rains Backpack Mini is just the ticket. This waterproof laptop backpack features a slim profile yet is roomy enough to hold a 13-inch laptop inside its padded sleeve. With only a capacity of 8.5 liter you can keep your carry light while still staying organized.

Like the look but want to go slightly bigger? Check out the original 13L Rains Backpack.

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 18

Mystery Ranch

The Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 18 is the baby brother of the best selling Urban Assault 21. With the Urban Assault 18 we get many of the same features we have come to love about the larger pack but in a more compact design. The internal padded sleeve can still fit a laptop up to 15-inches and the Mystery Ranch’s iconic 3-zip design allows you to access all of the pockets that line the inside.

Fjallraven Raven 20

Buy on Amazon

As a small backpack for men, the Fjallraven Raven 20 hits all the right spots between great fit, solid construction and classic design. At 20 liters in carrying capacity, the Raven 20 hits a sweet spot between a compact profile and a pack that isn’t too small. Plus, the Raven 20 also comes in a variety of colors to match your taste which is something we can get behind.

Barbour Explorer wax Backpack

Backcountry

Known for their classic wax jackets and heritage-wear, Barbour takes a crack at carry with the Explorer Wax backpack. Born of traditional rucksacks, the Barbour Explorer stays true to form with a waxed cotton canvas exterior, leather branding and a 15 liter main compartment. But this heritage design isn’t without its upgrades – Barbour even adds an internal sleeve for a laptop.

Filson Tin Cloth Backpack

Filson

Filson offers a handsome classic rucksack with their American made Tin Cloth Backpack. Although it sports a compact profile, this small backpack for men offers surprising organization thanks to its various pockets and compartments. In fact, the Tin Cloth backpack features a removable three-compartment snap-closure pocket that can be detached when on the field for easy access to your gear.

Everki Studio Slim

Buy on Amazon

The Everki Studio Slim is for anyone looking for a small business backpack to wear to the office in style. With only a 14 liter capacity, the Everki Studio Slim allows for a thin profile that looks sleek enough to wear with business attire. While the outside keeps it conservative, the inside of this backpack is packed with great pockets for everything from a laptop, tablet and tech accessories.

Pacsafe Vibe 20L

Pacsafe

The Pacsafe Vibe is one of our favorite anti-theft laptop backpacks thanks to its incredible safety features that are built into the design. Examples include locking zippers, RFID blocking pockets and cut-proof materials. As a daily backpack, you can expect tons of compartments and smaller pockets to keep organized. The 20 liter main compartment and slim profile makes the Pacsafe Vibe a great small men’s backpack option for travel, work, or play.

How to Choose a Small Mens Backpack

A great indicator of how small a backpack will be is by looking at its capacity. Capacity is usually measured in liters (L) or cubic inches (in³) and as a general rule, the smaller the capacity than the smaller the backpack. For a visual guide on backpack sizes we recommend you check out our backpack size guide where we explain sizing in relation to capacity.

Types of small backpacks

Small men’s backpacks can come in a variety of shapes and sizes but the two most common are slim backpacks and compact backpacks.

Slim Backpacks

Slim backpacks retain the footprint of a regular sized backpack but is much thinner depth-wise. These backpacks are great for retaining wide shoulder straps and a longer bag height while giving you the advantage of a lighter and smaller backpack overall. Good examples of a slim backpack is the Everki Studio Slim (Amazon) and Arktype Dashpack Mark II.

Compact Backpack: Fjallraven Kanken on a man

Compact Backpacks

Compact or “mini” backpacks are packs that have a smaller footprint overall. Compact backpacks usually have a much smaller capacity with most being under 15 liters. Great examples of compact backpacks are the Kolo Juno and the Fjallraven Kanken.

Men’s Fit

The most important criteria for choosing a backpack is making sure that it fits your body!

Since smaller backpacks have a compact footprint, many are built with shoulder straps that are closer together and can be a better fit for people with narrow shoulders. As a result, “mini” versions of popular styles may be too tight of a fit for people with broader shoulders.

Shoulder strap fit of the 20 liter Able Carry Daily Backpack

Take shoulder strap size and width into consideration when choosing a small backpack for men. Brands like Mission Workshop, Nomatic and Aer usually do a great job at keeping the size of the backpack on the smaller side without compromising shoulder strap size.

Construction Quality

If you are looking for a great men’s small backpack that is built to last then you should pay attention to construction and materials. In this buying guide we made sure to include backpack brands that put an emphasis on good construction and left out a lot of the sub-par options and fly-by-night brands that aren’t exactly known for their great quality.

Below are some things to look out for when shopping for a new backpack.

Good zipper quality: YKK is considered one of the best zipper brands on the market today and a gold standard when it comes to backpack zippers. YKK Aquaguard retains the same quality but is water-resistant.

Mil-Spec 1000D Nylon on the Mission Workshop Fraction

Tough materials: Nylon, Canvas and Full Grain Leather are all good choices for rugged backpack materials. Canvas and full grain leather have the added benefit of being hardwearing materials that look better as they age.

Water-resistance: A common waterproof coating is DWR (durable water repellent finish) and is often used to add water resistance to nylon and polyester fabrics. If waterproofness is important to you then we recommend you check out our Best Waterproof Backpacks for College buying guide.

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21 Best Small Backpacks for Men – Under 20 Liters

Mission Workshop The Fraction

Nomatic Navigator

Topo Rover Heritage