The Greatest Fashionable Journey Backpacks, Examined and Reviewed

I purchased this bag back in 2019 when I was on the hunt for a backpack that could fit my gym clothes and laptop for daily use, and also work well as a travel-friendly carry-on. I had two main backpack needs at the time: it had to be comfortable and supportive on my neck and shoulders (I have a herniated disc) and I also wanted it to look cool. Here’s why: I had finally decided to prioritize my health and trade in my favorite purses that aggravated my shoulder in favor of a backpack that more evenly distributed weight. At first, I was apprehensive and nervous I’d look like a kindergartener on her way to catch the school bus. This bag changed that for me. 

Made with 100 percent recycled waterproof nylon and vegan leather, the exterior has a light sheen to it that adds a pop of personality, even if you choose basic black. When I bought the bag, I chose a neutral beige but now it comes in a stunning clay color I can’t help but covet. The padded straps are comfortable even when fully packed, and I can’t speak highly enough of all the innovative features. There are a whopping 15 total pockets and compartments, so it’s really easy to stay organized. It also comes with a luggage sleeve to fit over a rolling suitcase, spaces for umbrellas or water bottles, a laptop sleeve, a passport pocket, ergonomic zipper pulls, air vents, and an included pouch for storing dirty shoes or wet items — a boon when I use this for hitting the gym. 

On one trip, a bottle of travel-size conditioner unknowingly leaked into the base of the bag and left a stain. However, it is easy to spot-clean and it’s still a top choice for nearly five years, and many additional backpacks, later.

The Details: 17 x 12 x 5 inches (medium) and 18 x 12 x 1.5 inches (large) | Recycled nylon, vegan leather, and gunmetal | 1 pound | 15 or 17-inch laptop pocket

When my first child was born over four years ago, this was the diaper bag universally recommended to me by every fellow parent. Years later, it’s lived up to the hype and then some. I now use it for my second child and it’s experienced zero wear and tear after receiving it as a baby shower gift five years ago.

It fits a large stash of diapers and wipes, changes of clothes, my nursing cover, snacks, water bottles, and more. I’ve also packed all of the aforementioned items as well as toys, art projects, a travel tablet, and other distractions inside for multiple flights without a problem. In addition to being roomy and high quality, it’s also extremely practical. It has multiple pockets and compartments, can be affixed to a stroller, and comes with a changing pad, which we’ve taken out for changes everywhere from an airport bathroom to the back of a rental car, and on top of a boulder on a hike in Big Sur. Also included are two mesh packing cubes, which I still use on every vacation to organize my kids’ toothbrushes, lotions, hair clips, and other toiletries.

My youngest is about a year away from being done with diapers forever. And unlike other baby gear that will go straight into the donation bin, this bag will be sticking around. The sleeve where I stash the changing pad is also designed to hold a laptop, it’s super comfortable to carry, and there’s nothing juvenile about the chic quilted exterior that comes in attractive classic colors like black, camel, or navy, or sophisticated mauve and sage. 

The Details: 16 x 14 x 8 inches | Polyester | 1.49 pounds | 15-inch laptop pocket

With its quilted exterior, subtle sheen, sporty drawstring closure, and top handles reminiscent of a luxury bucket tote, this backpack’s slick style makes a strong first impression. Flip it around, however, and it can also be worn as a backpack for a versatile option that looks professional enough for the office, yet not so elevated that it can’t manage a down-to-earth road trip. 

MZ Wallace is one of associate editor Anna Popp’s favorite handbag brands for travel. She especially appreciates this convertible backpack with nylon straps that are adjustable for a comfortable and custom fit, and a roomy interior that can fit a laptop, snacks, noise-canceling headphones, and more. Additional pockets can safeguard a wallet or store a water bottle, and it comes with an included travel pouch. 

Plus, while other cinch tops we’ve tried can experience items falling out, this one is closed by a zipper so contents are always secure whether it’s stowed underneath the airplane seat in front of you, commuting by public transit, or sightseeing in a new city. 

The Details: 15 x 12.5 x 5 inches | Rec Oxford and Italian leather | 1.4 pounds

Crafted from vegetable-tanned Italian leather with a pared-down look minimalists will love, this backpack is deceptively roomy. Associate editorial director Morgan Ashley Parker is particularly impressed by its slim design that maintained a diminutive profile even when fully packed with a laptop and a bulky sweater inside. Snaps on each side help to keep the bag as flat as possible, so you’ll never risk looking like a turtle in duress, or, leave them unhooked for additional space. 

The helpful side zippers make it easy to reach around to unzip the bag and stow away a phone or grab a wallet without having to remove the backpack entirely. And since the pocket opens flush to your back, there’s little concern over possible theft. There are also zipped pockets on the front and inside, adjustable straps, a top handle, space to fit a 14-inch laptop, and it comes in gorgeous shades of camel, black, or oxblood.

Those attributes alone made Parker a big fan, but this earned our top pick for its customization choices, which really elevate the bag. For a small fee, you can either monogram up to six characters in gold foil, which is available in three different fonts, or opt to have five letters hand-painted in one of several pretty colors, with or without a drop shadow. 

The Details: 14 x 11 x 4.5 inches | Italian leather | 14-inch laptop pocket

Made from high-quality, full-grain leather, this backpack boasts a classic look backed by exceptional craftsmanship. A refined and uncluttered exterior hides a slew of thoughtful features such as a padded neoprene laptop sleeve, front and side pockets, a spacious main compartment, adjustable straps, a gusseted bottom panel, and scratch-resistant nylon zippers. 

Despite a seemingly slim build, in senior editor Jackie Cucco’s testing, she was able to fit in everything from a laptop and chargers to travel pouches, a wallet, earbuds, keys, and sanitizer, and still had room for a sweater, light jacket, or pair of shoes. The interior is a streamlined design, though some people may prefer a bag with more pockets.

Choose from various colors ranging from classic black, brown, or navy to lighter shades such as sand, cocoa, or smoke. For an added distinct touch (and fee), you can personalize it with three different styles of monogramming, and if you really want to lighten your load, it’s available in a mini size, as well.

The Details: 16 x 12 x 5 inches | Leather | 13 to 15-inch laptop pocket

Upon first glance, Kreya’s Aurora bag appears to be a standard yet sleek tote bag with long 11-inch drop handles that can comfortably fit over your shoulder. Yet when you give the handles a quick tug downward, they transform into backpack straps to evenly distribute weight and offer multiple wear options.

This bag was tested over many years and our editors consistently found the material to be high-quality and resistant to damage aside from a small scratch. “I think the leather will continue to age well and only get softer and more worn in (in a good way) with more use, so I’m excited to keep this bag forever. It definitely feels built to last,” Popp said, who has owned the convertible bag for nearly two years.

Made from superior cowhide leather, the Aurora is hand embroidered by artisans from West Bengal, India, and comes with a dust bag so you may store it properly when not in use. And, in addition to clever functionality, this bag also has a top zipper to keep contents secure, an interior zipped pocket, and two cell phone pockets both inside and on the exterior of the bag. 

The Details: 14 x 13 x 3 inches | Leather

For frequent travelers or anyone who packs high-worth equipment or valuables in their carry-on, an anti-theft backpack is a must. Most lean quite utilitarian, which makes this mini backpack such a surprising find with its gold hardware, faux leather accents, and nice nylon exterior.

The waterproof zippers are sturdy and secure and it has two long straps that can be worn as a backpack, or extend one to turn it into a crossbody strap. In testing, Parker was able to fit a 10-inch tablet, a large travel wallet, foldable on-ear headphones, phone, and keys, with space still left over. A front pocket also has a phone-friendly sleeve plus eight RFID-blocking sleeves designed to hold cards instead of a wallet. Inside the main compartment are additional pockets, a looped hook, and there is also a top carry handle.

However, the main draw here is its anti-theft capabilities. Parker attempted to slash the bag with a box cutter and was unable to puncture the high-quality vegan leather. When slicing into the backpack with force and repeated motion, the knife did cut through the first and second layer of nylon, though it required significant effort that would not go unnoticed, and did not cut through to the main compartment. 

The Details: 10.5 x 8 x 4.5 inches | Faux leather, rubber-backed nylon, satin-polyester, electroplated-iron, and nylon | 1.7 pounds | 10-inch tablet pocket

Some backpacks are designed for style, others serve a specific function. For those commuting to work, embarking on a business trip, or simply living the life of a digital nomad, a backpack that can comfortably transport a laptop is a must.

This Troubadour pack is our top pick in those instances. It’s waterproof, has a tear-resistant lining, and a dedicated NanoCushion compartment specifically engineered to safeguard laptops and tablets. In our testing, it traveled on over 10 flights including multiple cross-country trips and countless train rides to the office. While the specifications list it can fit up to a 16-inch laptop, our testing confirmed that it could fit a 17-inch one, as well as a tablet, and a notebook. Importantly, it’s also very comfortable to wear. “Easily the best part of this bag is the amount of padding on the back panel and straps. It’s super cushioned,” says Popp.

Other standout features include intuitive pockets for quick access to essentials, ergonomic and adjustable shoulder straps, a padded grab handle, and a luggage sleeve. It’s also a purchase you can feel good about. Made entirely from recycled polyester, the whole bag can be responsibly recycled at the end of its life. 

The Details: 16.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | Recycled polyester | 3.3 pounds | 16-inch laptop pocket

For trips where you don’t intend to travel with a backpack, but wonder if you might need one upon arrival, this is our go-to option. Aptly named a “just in case” backpack, this lightweight bag folds completely flat making it easily packable to use later in your destination if needed, without taking up much space. It tucks away neatly into a small zip pouch that can be stored inside larger suitcases or carry-ons.

“It’s so easy to fold and get it back in the pouch. No cramming or origami magic is needed. I love the fact that the pouch snaps into the backpack to become an interior pocket so you don’t have to worry about losing it. It also is great to add organization as there are otherwise no pockets inside. I love this backpack,” Parker gushed after testing the packable bag herself.

It’s also quite lovely in and of itself with its high-end gold hardware, streamlined silhouette, and impressive functionality. A luggage sleeve can slip on top of a wheeled suitcase, and the main compartment is large enough to fit a laptop even though there’s not an official sleeve for it. Our testing also found that the zippers glided smoothly, and the backpack was comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.

The Details: 15.5 x 12.3 x 4.5 inches | Nylon | 0.6 pounds

Confession time: until last year, I avoided carry-on backpacks for longer multi-day trips. Why lug around several days’ worth of clothes on my back when I could glide it through an airport on wheeled luggage instead? Then I tried Away’s 45-liter convertible backpack and will never reach for my clamshell roller as a first-choice carry-on again. It’s that much of a game-changer.

I can fit two extra large packing cubes in the main compartment with enough clothes for a three to five-day trip, and there’s still plenty of room left for multiple pairs of shoes, toiletry bags, and accessories. That’s more than I can fit in most roller bags. Plus, there are loads of pockets, multiple sections for easy organizing, and dual interior and exterior compression systems for efficient packing. 

But perhaps best of all, even when fully packed, it’s comfortable to wear. The padded backpack straps evenly distribute weight, especially when combined with a chest strap for more support. It doesn’t strain my neck or back either, and that’s coming from someone who has suffered from years of pain from a herniated disc.

I also really like that it’s water-resistant, the zippers are very durable, and the backpack straps are not only removable but can convert the bag into a duffle, making it incredibly versatile. And despite being so practical, it’s nice to look at, too. I own it in the vivid forest green color for a nice pop of personality.

The Details: 21.7 x 13.6 x 9.5 inches | Recycled polyester | 3.32 pounds

Made with water-resistant nylon twill and attractive vegan leather accents, the Metro Backpack impressed us right away with both its fashion-forward style as well as its smart organizational features (we’ve always loved Monos luggage for its organizational features). In this case, we love its QuickSnap Modular Kit system, which allows a front pouch to be easily detached or swapped based on your needs. Inside of the included pouch are several small pockets for items like pens, chargers, and small toiletries. 

The organizational benefits extend to the main compartments too, where you’ll find a laptop sleeve that is accessible without opening the whole backpack, plus several zipped and cinched pouches for smaller items. There is also a stretchable, waterproof section for sneakers, dirty gym clothes, wet bathing suits, or other things you don’t want mixing with the rest of your backpack’s contents, and additional features include padded handles, a built-in trolley sleeve, and a hidden back pocket with a magnetic closure for quick access to a passport, phone, or other personal items.

The Details: 16.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches (without Metro Kit), Metro Kit: 8.75 × 6.75 × 2 inches | Nylon and vegan leather | 3 pounds with Metro Kit  | 15-inch laptop pocket

A scaled-down version of Fjallraven’s popular Kanken backpack, this mini version works well for both children and adults. In our testing, we were able to fit a water bottle, umbrella, book, tablet, and more with a sizable capacity that’s ideal for everyday use or as a personal item to stow in front of you when flying.

A thin padded back panel adds comfort when the bag is packed to the brim, and the zippers opened and closed smoothly during all of our tests. Two top handles buckle together when not in use, and the backpack also has a small front pocket, a side pocket, a removable seat cushion, and adjustable straps. While not specifically marketed as a tech pocket, there is a sleeve we were able to slip a tablet into, and the material is lightweight and durable enough to withstand dirt and debris. While the color options are limited on Amazon, if you purchase direct from Fjallraven, you can choose from 40 beautiful colors or customize your own style entirely for an added fee.

The Details: 11.4 x 7.9 x 5.1 inches | Vinylon F fabric | 0.48 pounds