10 Great backpacks for all occasions

In a way, a backpack feels like the ultimate travel item—it’s a necessity for backpackers and hiking but also important for solo travel, week-long trips, business trips… and the list goes on. With their versatility allowing them to be used for multiple types of journeys and trips, it’s no surprise that backpacks are consistently one of the most popular items when it comes to travel.

As any experienced traveller might tell you, a great backpack can be invaluable. Here are a few recommendations for quality backpacks for you to consider.

A robust backpack provides security for your items and peace of mind while you travel, go to school or take it with you to work. This bag is no different, with an additional strap allowing you to secure it around luggage, as well as lockable metal zips, adjustable straps and a sturdy handle.

The backpack also features a built-in USB port and cable for charging your smartphone if needed.

 

This backpack will have you feeling safe, made with an anti-theft angle in mind. It has three main compartments and at 17 inches, has a large overall capacity for storing crucial items.

It’s also breathable, featuring a mesh back design for effective ventilation and getting rid of excess heat when it’s being worn. It’s a wise choice for business travel, university or if you’re going on holiday with high-value items.

The Albus backpack is a great choice for a travel backpack, made from polyester and having variable features. It features three zipped compartments, including a large main compartment and an internal pocket.

Also included are adjustable shoulder straps and compression straps for making extra space or condensing space depending on your requirements. This is a strong choice for spending extended time outdoors, whether that’s hiking, camping or backpacking.

This anti-theft backpack is water-resistant and great for fitting a 14–15-inch laptop, alongside things like books or notepads inside of its main compartment. A bit of a bulkier offering with large capacity, it’s a solid choice for a regular work or university bag.

It also comes with two front-facing compartments in addition to the main one, and 11 different colour/pattern combinations.

If what you’re after in a backpack is a lot of space, then this maxtop bag will be the one for you. It comes with metal zippers, a mesh design for breathability and side buckles for extra stability, plus it can be folded up when not in use.

It also features a buckle with a whistle for security and a D-ring for you to hang a key or other desired items off if desired.

Specifications:

Looking like a cross between a lunch bag and a backpack, the Lekesky bag is essentially a bit of both, with a 15.6-inch laptop pocket and two interior mesh pockets alongside a main compartment.

Uniquely, the bag also has a separate lunch compartment, able to keep food fresh or cold for up to nine hours, with an in included ice bag. The food compartment also comes with an aluminium film lining and is easy to clean.

A solid choice for school, college, or work, this 15.6-inch backpack is well-sized for fitting a laptop, alongside other key items. It comes with a front-facing zip pocket and two other compartments, with a security lock for the main area for extra peace of mind.

Also included is an external USB port and a headphone jack for extra connectivity. Additionally, the backpack comes in seven different colours, as well as in a larger size of 17.3 inches, if even more space is required.

Nike is one of the icons of casual/sports fashion, so can carry your belongings with a bit of style with this heritage 2.0 backpack, featuring two zippered compartments (a small one and a main compartment).

The bag comes in black/white as well as atomic green/white.

This backpack is made from a mix of high-quality canvas lining and a waterproof nylon exterior, offering a seamless, convenient travel experience. It features a spacious interior that can hold a laptop up to 16 inches. It has three additional internal compartments for storing items, alongside a glasses pouch to complete a stylish, yet practical look.

This backpack is described as “designed for travel” and with its features, you can see why—as unzipped and open, it looks a bit like a carry-on bag. It has two external zip pockets and an internal compartment with three different item holders, along with the main section.

With buckles to secure the bag, a shoe compartment, a bag for wet items and a breathable mesh design on the back, it makes for a brilliant travel companion, well-suited for regular use.

Read more: 10 Weekend bags that are perfect for a quick getaway

Read more: View all Shopping Guides and Product Recommendations