Are you currently looking for an everyday backpack?
Something you could use for daily commute, when going to the office or for college?
If the answer is yes – then you have found yourself in the right place. Because that’s exactly what this article is about. Here we talk about all the best options out there, about the features you should be looking for and all in all, about how to find that one backpack that answers to your needs the best.
We will help you to find the best EDC backpack for your needs.
One backpack that will become your everyday companion.
All of these backpacks can also be used as a carry on backpack for traveling.
Best Everyday Backpack: Comparison
Here they are – some of the best everyday backpacks available right now.
Scroll down to read about each EDC pack.
For all the options, latest price and user reviews check them out on Amazon – just click on the image of the backpack!
| NAME | IMAGE | SIZE | DIMENSIONS | PRICE ON AMAZON |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fjallraven Kanken Classic |   | 16L | 4.9” x 10.6” x 5.1” (38 x 27 x 13 cm) | Check the price! |
| Herschel Little America *** |  | 25L | 19.25” x 11.25” x 7” (49 x 28.6 x 18 cm) | Check the price! |
| Peak Design Everyday *** |  | 20L; 30L | 20L: 18” x 12” x 6.75” (46 x 30 x 17 cm); 30L: 20” x 13” x 7.75” (51 x 33 x 20 cm) | Check the price! |
| Vera Bradley Campus |  | 25L | 16.75” x 12” x 7.5” (42.5 x 30.5 x 19 cm) | Check the price! |
| Dakine Campus |  | 25L; 33L | 25L: 18.5 x 12 x 7″ (47 x 30 x 18 cm); 33L: 20.5 x 13 x 8″ (52 x 33 x 20 cm) | Check the price! |
| TIMBUK2 Spire |  | 30L | 18″ x 14.1″ x 5.91″ (45.8 x 35.8 x 15 cm) | Check the price! |
| Osprey Daylite |  | 13L | 18.1” x 9.4” x 8.7” (46 x 24 x 22 cm) | Check the price! |
| Travelon Anti Theft Classic |  | Around 13L | 16” x 12” x 6” (41 x 31 x 15 cm). | Check the price! |
| Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 *** |  | 25L | 16.5” x 11.6” x 5.1” (42 x 29.5 x 13 cm) | Check the price! |
| KOPACK for Laptop |  | Around 19L | 17.7” x 11.8” x 4.3” (45 x 30 x 11 cm) | Check the price! |
| *** – our favorites |
Best Everyday Backpacks: Basics
What is the best everyday backpack for your needs? How to choose the best EDC pack, and what to take into account when buying one?
Finding the Best Backpack for Everyday Use: Types and Features
There are several types of backpacks you could use as an everyday backpack.
Choose wisely.
1. Laptop Backpacks
A laptop backpack is specifically designed to carry your laptop and other small electronics. Most often than not such backpacks feature padded laptop compartment and may feature a couple of other padded pockets for your smaller electronic devices.
Example: KOPACK Laptop Backpack.
2. Anti-Theft Backpacks
An anti theft backpack is a regular looking backpack with a few anti theft features and devices that will keep your belongings safe during a trip or your daily commute. This kind of backpack is especially useful in crowded places such as busses, trains, shopping malls, public transportation stops, markets, festivals, museums and so on where the risk of being pickpocketed is higher.
Best EDC backpack with security features: Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Backpack.
3. Hybrid Backpacks
Usually these kind of backpacks feature intelligent organization and adjustable / removable dividers that can be adjusted depending on the things and types of electronics you are carrying.
Example: Peak Design Everyday Backpack.
4. Classic Backpacks
Classy and old-school backpacks that are trendy but not very functional. There aren’t enough many pockets — only the main compartment and one (or two) additional pocket. They won’t keep your stuff organized.
Best backpack for everyday use if you love simple, classic backpacks: Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack.
5. Campus Backpacks
These backpacks are designed with students in mind.
They feature several large compartments, a laptop compartment and an organizational panel. They are not as functional as hybrid backpacks or laptop backpacks but they are great for students.
Example: Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Campus Backpack.
6. Backpacks for Lovers of Active Lifestyle
These backpacks are usually sleek and made with outdoor lovers in mind. But it doesn’t mean that they cannot be used for commute and travel.
Example: Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack.
Material of the Backpack
Most backpacks nowadays are made of durable nylon material, and usually are water resistant. However, there are backpacks which are made of uncoated canvas, and they aren’t water resistant.
If water-resistance is something very important for you when looking for a new backpack, then make sure your next backpack is water-resistant.
If it’s not too important, go with a canvas backpack. Anyway, you can get a rain cover for when you are caught in the rain.
If it’s an anti-theft backpack you’re looking for, then make sure that it is made of sturdy, slash-proof material. It will protect your belongings from pickpockets. Find out if the shoulder straps also are made of slash-proof material.
At least one pocket of such a backpack should be lined with RFID blocking material. Thus it protects credit cards, passport, ID and drivers license from digital theft.
Compartments and Pockets
How much stuff do you usually carry with you?
If it’s a lot, look for large capacity backpacks. If, not so much, choose a smaller bag.
Do you have a lot of small items that get lost? In this case, the best backpack for EDC is one with plenty of small pockets to keep your things organized.
Do you carry a laptop and electronics? Then choose a backpack with padded pockets and padded laptop compartment / sleeve. Also, you’ll need a few pockets to keep your smaller electronics and cables organized. Check if that particular backpack has an organizational panel / pocket.
For me it’s very important to have plenty of small and big pockets, so I can keep my stuff organized during my trip.
It is good two have two large compartments, or – one spacious main compartment and one laptop compartment. So, that you can keep your laptop separated from the rest of your stuff.
In addition, it’s nice to have a couple of small pockets and at least one side pocket for a water bottle.
Best EDC Backpack Reviews
1. Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack Review
The Fjallraven Kanken Classic backpack is a classic backpack loved by many.
Despite it being introduced in 1978, it became very popular just a few years ago.
The backpack is so popular because of the bright colors, compact size, unique square shape, and striking logo.
When it comes to features and compartments, there’s not really much to say. It’s a simple backpack. Yet very practical and versatile. They can be used in different situations. Either it’s college, commute, or travel — the Kanken will work great.
The Kanken classic backpacks are made of Vinylon F material. It’s a synthetic fibre which is water resistant and easy to clean.
The backpack features:
- Reflective logo;
- Adjustable straps;
- Oversized top tote handles (with snap button)
- Front zippered pocket;
- 2 side pockets;
- Sleeve where you can fit 13” laptop;
- Two-way zipper with rain flap for protection.
Pros:
- Lightweight;
- Versatile and practical;
- Stylish.
Cons:
- The sleeve at the back is not padded.
- Shoulder straps are not padded at all.
- Practical but not very functional.
- Lacks organization.
Dimensions: 4.9” x 10.6” x 5.1” (38 x 27 x 13 cm).
Weigh: 0.7 lb (0.32 kg).
Size: 16 liter.
2. Herschel Little America Backpack Review
A stylish and practical backpack both for women and men.
One of the best everyday backpacks on the market.
The Herschel Little America is one of the most popular backpacks among younger generations.
The backpack features timeless design and is made of durable and scratch resistant 600 D polyester. To keep it water resistant, the polyester material is lightly coated.
The Little America bag features main compartment with a drawstring closure. The compartment is covered with a flap which has a magnet-fastened strap closure with metal pin buckles.
The same type of closure is on the smaller pocket below. In addition to that the pocket also has a zipper.
There’s a padded and fleece-lined 15” laptop sleeve in the main compartment.
There’s one stow-away pocket inside the main compartment. Use that to store your small items. Or use it as your media pocket. There’s a hole for headphones directly above the pocket.
Unlike the Fjallraven Kanken Classic, the Herschel Little America features well padded shoulder straps and padded back panel.
The Little America backpack is one of the most popular and recognizable Herschel backpacks.
Pros:
- Padded shoulder straps and back panel;
- Padded laptop compartment;
- Stylish;
- Practical.
Cons:
- Practical but not very functional (not enough small pockets).
- Lacks organization.
Dimensions: 19.25” x 11.25” x 7” (49 x 28.6 x 18 cm).
Weight: 2.3 lbs (1.04 kg).
Size: 25 liter
Smaller size available (17 liter).
3. Peak Design Everyday Backpack Review
Peak Design Everyday backpack is a very functional backpack suitable for both men and women.
Offering easy and intelligent organization, the the Peak Design is the best everyday backpack for commuters, travelers and photographers.
What we like the most about this backpack, is its unique divider and pocket system which keeps everything in the backpack organized and protected, as well as easily accessible.
The Peak Design backpack features 3 FlexFold Dividers that allow internal configuration. These dividers feature foldable subdividers that are designed for creating additional sub-compartments.
The closure of the backpack also is unique. It a Multi-catchpoint MagLatch closure that consists of 4 magnetic bars which allow expansion of the backpack (extra 8 liter). The closure allows one handed access to the bag.
There’s a single top zip which opens to three distinct compartments: a quick stash pocket for the essentials, a tablet and a laptop sleeve. This zippered device compartment is gusseted. It lays flat when not in use, but when it’s loaded, it is expanding into the main compartment.
There’ s a concealed inner slip pocket with magnetic closure is perfect for documents.
There are two side pockets that lay flat when not in use. They are perfect for storing a water bottle and umbrella. But also great for larger items as well, such as tripods. Larger items can be secured with built in compression straps.
Axial strap attachments let you remove bag from one shoulder and swing it in front of you to get in and out without taking it off. Swing your backpack over your shoulder and you can use it access your electronics through the side hatches.
The side hatches feature a collection of pockets for smaller electronics, gadgets and cables.
There are two compression straps which are hidden in a magnetic slip pocket at the bottom. The straps can be used to attach a yoga mat, grocery bag, a jacket or other bulky items.
All compartments of the backpack feature weather-proof side zips. The bag features side and top handles.
There’s a padded and moisture wicking back panel which doubles as a trolley sleeve.
The Peak Design Everyday backpack is made of 400D nylon canvas shell. It’s DWR impregnated and poly-coated.
Pros:
- Lots of pockets made of quality material;
- Easy and intelligent organization;
- Weatherproof zippers;
- Axial strap attachments.
Cons:
- Pricey.
Dimensions: 20L: 18” x 12” x 6.75” (46 x 30 x 17 cm); 30L: 20” x 13” x 7.75” (51 x 33 x 20 cm).
Weight: 20L: 4 lbs (1.8 kg); 30L: 4.5 lbs (2 kg).
Size: 20 liter; 30 liter.
4. Vera Bradley Signature Cotton Campus Backpack Review
Perfect for campus, commute or vacation, this lovely women’s backpack provides organization for all your essentials.
What we like the most about the backpack, is that it comes in so many beautiful colors and patterns.
Made from quilted cotton, the backpack has several useful compartments and pockets:
- Two front zip pockets;
- Two side pockets;
- Separate padded zippered compartment for a laptop (up to 15”);
- Roomy main compartment with two mesh slip pockets.
The bag features trolley sleeve and padded shoulder straps.
Pros:
- Great for organization;
- Beautiful design;
- So many colors and patterns to choose from;
- Separate zippered compartment for laptop.
Cons:
- It’s not water resistant.
Dimensions: 16.75” x 12” x 7.5” (42.5 x 30.5 x 19 cm).
Weight: 1.81 lbs (0.82 kg).
Size: 25 liter.
5. Dakine Campus Backpack Review
Dakine Campus Lifestyle backpack is a versatile and functional backpack suitable for commute, travel and college.
It has plenty of pockets and compartments that will keep all your stuff organized. But the best thing about this bag is that it has an insulated cooler pocket for food!
At the front of the pack there’s an organizer pocket for all your small items, cables and small electronic devices.
At the top of the Campus backpack there’s fleece lined sunglasses pocket.
The roomy main compartment has a padded laptop sleeve (fits most 15” laptops; 17” inches max in 33L bags).
Two mesh side pockets are perfect for storing water bottles and / or umbrella.
The Dakine Campus Lifestyle backpack features padded shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap. There’s a fully padded back.
The backpack comes in several fun colors and patterns.
Pros:
- Practical and rather functional;
- A lot of different colors to choose from;
- Sternum strap.
Cons:
- The shoulder straps and back panel is not that well padded.
Dimensions: 25L: 18.5 x 12 x 7″ (47 x 30 x 18 cm); 33L: 20.5 x 13 x 8″ (52 x 33 x 20 cm).
Weight: about 2 lbs (0.9 kg).
Size: 25 liter and 33 liter.
6. TIMBUK2 Spire Laptop Backpack Review
Professional-looking backpack perfect for commute and everyday use.
Made of durable canvas, the TIMBUK2 Spire features a water-resistant roll top.
The back panel and shoulder straps are covered in padded air mesh to help you stay cool. There’s an adjustable sternum strap.
The roomy main compartment is covered by a water resistant flap with a hook and velcro closure. There’s a separate vertical zippered pocket right outside the main compartment.
In the main compartment you’ll find separate laptop and tablet compartments. The laptop compartment fits most 15” laptops. There’s an internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small items.
The laptop compartment is accessible not only from the main compartment but also via the incognito zipper at the back panel.
The zippered front pocket is perfect for items you need quick access to.
There’s a side stretch pocket for water bottle or umbrella.
The TIMBUK2 Spire backpack features daisy chain for attaching items to the outside of the pack.
Pros:
- Fashionable;
- Durable;
- Water resistant roll-top;
- The laptop compartment is accessible via the incognito zipper at the back panel.
Cons:
- Not the best closure type for the main compartment
Dimensions: 18″ x 14.1″ x 5.91″ (45.8 x 35.8 x 15 cm).
Weight: 2 lb (0.9 kg).
Size: 30 liter.
7. Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack Review
The Osprey Packs Daylite Daypack is a sporty looking backpack made for those who lead an active lifestyle. The backpack is lightweight and comfortable to carry.
Do not get fooled by its looks, though! It can be used as a commute bag, too. It has a built-in sleeve for a laptop which can also be used for hydration reservoir.
Made of 210D Nylon Double Diamond Ripstop, the backpack is durable yet very lightweight — it weights only 1 lbs (450 grams).
The Daylite backpack features padded Spacermesh shoulder straps with an adjustable sternum strap and a removable hip belt. Mesh-covered back panel with slotted foam provides both comfort and ventilation.
The backpack has a few compartments and pockets:
- Large panel-loading main compartment;
- Side mesh pockets;
- Front pocket with mesh organizer and key clip;
- Multi-function interior sleeve for hydration or tablet.
What else?
The Daylite can be attached to a variety of compatible Osprey backpacks: Aether/Ariel Series + Volt/Viva Series + Ace 75 + Shuttle Series + Sojourn Series + Farpoint 80 + Porter Series.
Pros:
- Very lightweight, compact and comfortable to carry;
- Can be attached to a variety of Osprey backpacks.
Cons:
- It’s on the smaller side.
Dimensions: 18.1” x 9.4” x 8.7” (46 x 24 x 22 cm).
Weight: 1 lb (0.45 kg).
Size: 13 liter.
8. Travelon Anti Theft Classic Backpack Review
Looking for a secure backpack for everyday use?
Then look no further — the Travelon Anti Theft Classic backpack is the best option for you.
The Travelon Anti Theft Classic backpack is made of water resistant and durable 900 D polyester, with a good quality polyester lining. The bag features slash-resistant body panels, slash-resistant side panels and slash-resistant bottom panel. It has also slash-resistant shoulder straps.
What makes this bag slash-proof? Steel cable runs all the way down the seams of the shoulder straps, and a steel mesh construction is sewn in the backpack’s panels. With this slash-proof backpack your belongings will be safe from thieves and pickpockets!
The bag has several compartments and pockets. Its main compartment has a tablet (or laptop up to 13”) sleeve, small pocket for cables or other small items, and a zippered pocket. There’s another zippered pocket on the inside of the lid.
Zippered front organizer compartment features RFID blocking card and passport slots. As well as a phone pocket, pen holder and a key clip.
There are 2 easy access side pockets. One of them is zippered.
Main and organizer (front) compartments have locking zippers.
What we love the most about this bag, is that it looks classy yet it’s very functional and cut-proof.
With this backpack your belongings will be safe both from pickpockets and digital thieves!
Available in several colors.
Pros:
- Secure and durable;
- Features anti theft technologies (RFID and slash-resistant body);
- Slash-resistant body and shoulder straps.
Cons:
- Not designed for larger (13″+) laptops.
Dimensions: 16” x 12” x 6” (41 x 31 x 15 cm).
Weight: 1.38 lbs (0.62 kg).
Size: around 13 liter.
9. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Backpack Review
Another great anti-theft bag for everyday use and travel.
The Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 backpack features several useful anti-theft features that will keep your belongings safe at all times.
The backpack is made of cut-proof material to prevent pickpocketing, and it features an RFID blocking pocket to keep your credit cards, IDs and passport safe. The compartments feature lockable zippers.
One of the shoulder straps can be locked to a table leg (or other fixed object) via a turn and lock security hook. This feature will help to protect the bag from snatch-and-run sort of theft. The padded shoulder straps of the backpack are slash-proof.
Not only this bag will keep your stuff safe, but also organized. It has several pockets and compartments:
- Roomy main compartment with a laptop sleeve and internal zippered pocket with RFID protection.
- Zippered outer pocket with padded sleeve and some other smaller pockets.
- Zippered outer pocket for small electronics and cables at the bottom. It has several smaller pockets inside.
- 2 mesh side pockets for water bottle / umbrella.
The backpack is roomy enough to hold a 15” MacBook, tablet, a couple of books and other your everyday essentials. Also, it’s a great bag for weekend trips and as a carry on.
Thanks to its anti-theft features and sturdy, slash-proof body and shoulder straps, it’s one of the best everyday backpacks on the market.
Pros:
- Secure and durable;
- Features anti theft technologies (RFID and slash-resistant body);
- Slash-resistant body and shoulder straps.
Cons:
- Quite pricey compared to other bags in its category.
Dimensions: 16.5” x 11.6” x 5.1” (42 x 29.5 x 13 cm).
Weight: 1 lb 7 oz (0.66 kg).
Size: 25 liter.
10. KOPACK Laptop Backpack Review
An inexpensive laptop backpack perfect for commute.
What we like the most about the KOPACK laptop backpack, is that it has a hidden laptop compartment and a USB cable slot for charging.
This backpack will keep all your electronics and cables organized and safe. And the most important thing — it is not going to break your bank, as it is so affordable.
Despite being affordable, the KOPACK backpack is sturdy. It is made of durable water resistant material which is easy to clean. Not only the material is water resistant, but also scratch-proof. The zips are anti-puncture.
There’s plenty of space for all your electronics and everyday essentials.
There’s a roomy main compartment with an internal organizer, hidden laptop compartment (up to 15.6”), tablet pocket at the front, and a front pocket organizer for keeping small electronics and cables organized. There are two side pockets for storing water bottle and umbrella.
Dimensions: 17.7” x 11.8” x 4.3” (45 x 30 x 11 cm).
Weight: 1.56 lb (0.7 kg).
Size: 19 liter. A backpack for 17” laptop is also available.
Have you had any of these backpacks? What did you like / dislike about them? Any other great backpacks you would recommend?
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