Long a staple in classrooms and hiking trails, the humble backpack is perhaps the most versatile kind of baggage there is. The kid- and outdoor-focused packs are still going strong, but there are also newer options designed with a sense of style — a reflection of the growing acceptance of backpacks in workplaces and on the shoulders of stylish men. It’s all fueling a backpack resurgence, with one analysis projecting that the category’s global market size will nearly double between 2022 and 2030.
It’s a bit of a chicken and egg situation, but the growing popularity of backpacks and the growing diversity of the backpacks on the market seem to go hand-in-hand. On a busy city street in the morning, it’s entirely possible to spot a school-bound kid, a bike courier, a tech worker, and a stylish man-about-town all wearing different backpacks that suit their needs. In other words, backpacks are ubiquitous, but that doesn’t mean that all of them are great.
The best backpacks accomplish their intended function with aplomb, whether that’s protecting a laptop or holding a crumpled camping tent. Beyond that, durability, comfort, and style are the other factors to consider. Price-wise, it’s possible to spend $50, $500, or more on a quality backpack, so whether one is “worth it” depends on its materials, construction, features, and warranty — as well as the customer’s needs.
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What the Experts Say
Sources within the backpack industry say that shifting trends in the market mean there are plenty of backpacks worth getting excited about, both in terms of what they do and what they look like. For this story, SPY interviewed Nate Axvig, owner of Colorado-based Scandinavian gear retailer Aktivstyle, certified travel agent Christen Thomas, and others who shared their expertise about specific kinds of backpacks.
“The pandemic has accelerated the transition away from the bland briefcases of yesteryear,” says Thomas. “Corporate folks and road warriors alike are looking more for functionality and backpacks, in general, are becoming the norm.”
Thomas, who has backpacked across Europe, adds that “it’s crucial to have a backpack that’s versatile and practical without sacrificing style or comfort.” Function is most important, in other words, but the modern crop of backpacks means that sacrificing style is not necessary.
Sandqvist Bernt Backpack
Axvig says he uses his Bernt as both an everyday bike commuter and regular European backpacker. He’s quick to point out the design touches that make it a winner, starting with the zipper compartment on the back where one can safely stash and access a laptop without having to open the whole bag. Opening the whole bag, however, is simple, thanks to “the roll-top construction, [which] is both secure and easy to use” and the cinching on the sides, which makes it easy to compress an empty pack.
The materials are where this bag really stands out, as well. There are lots of leather bags and lots of Cordura bags, but not many that combine the luxurious natural material and the tough-as-nails synthetic fiber. The end result is a backpack that’s rugged and stylish with what Axvig calls “a sophistication that is as at home on the trail as it is in a corporate setting.”
Manhattan Portgage Empire XXL
Made For: Cyclists who need to carry a lot. Veteran NYC bike messenger Kevin Bolger helped design this backpack to hold the increasingly larger loads that bike messengers ferry about town. “They didn’t have a big enough bag for what was going on currently in the industry, so I helped them design that extra-big bag,” he explains. “It has a lot of extra straps and stuff like that.” Those who don’t need that much space can opt for the non-XXL version of this bag.
Hot Take: Splitting a load between two shoulders instead of one makes backpacks better for cyclists than messenger bags — the only downside being that it’s hard to access cargo without taking it off.
Peak Design Travel Backpack
Made For: Business-minded backpackers. “Its smart pocket layout and excellent accessories give it a sleek appearance while still being enormously practical,” Thomas says. There’s a layer of ultra-light padded foam around the bag that gives it more structure for a more polished look that also helps protect its contents. It’s one reason Thomas says this backpack is “a favorite among many of my business-traveler clients.”
ROI: It’s compatible with an array of Peak Design accessories, including packing cubes, special bags for camera equipment, and a hip belt accessory (so it can easily transition from commuter backpack to travel backpack). Buying this bag means buying into an ecosystem that can make buying additional bags for additional purposes unnecessary.
Osprey Farpoint Travelpack
Why It Stands Out: It’s the best of both worlds. Hans Mast of Golden Rule Travel says that it’s “an exceptional choice for European travel due to its versatility, durability, and user-friendly design.” That’s a reflection of Osprey’s goal with these packs: incorporating serious technical features, like fine torso adjustments and breathable harnesses, into backpacks meant for use by people who won’t be relying upon them for long stretches in remote wilderness.
Coolest Feature: The detachable daypack, which makes it easy to explore on those days when backpackers can leave the main bag in the hotel. Mast calls it a “game-changer” that makes city exploration in particular much easier.
m0851b BP 25
Why It Stands Out: The full-grain leather is great, but it’s the aniline that makes this bag stand out. Leather tanner and designer Tanner Leatherstein says that anilines are “very transparent dyes that accomplish color consistency on the surface but don’t cover up imperfections.” This allows for an unnaturally colored backpack to nevertheless show off the natural texture of its leather.
ROI: At $745, this bag is an investment, but it’s undoubtedly cool. And, because it’s minimally finished, it will develop a patina over years of use.
Pacsafe Venturasafe EXP45
Made For: Those who need to keep valuables safe during transit. The Pacsafe Venturasafe has a slew of features meant to thwart pickpockets and identity thieves: self-locking zippers, a layer of steel mesh to prevent slashing, and a security clip that makes it easy to lock the bag to a secure object in, say, a hotel room. “While I was exploring the narrow alleys of Barcelona, the peace of mind this backpack provided was invaluable,” Thomas says.
Coolest Feature: There is a special pocket that is equipped with RFID-blocking technology, so any passports or credit cards aren’t at risk of being scanned and repurposed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacks for Men
Should men really carry a backpack to work?
Backpacks and any kind of structured jacket aren’t a great combination, as the shoulders of the latter likely won’t hold up to the weight of the former. Beyond that highly specific situation, it’s hard to imagine a job that there isn’t a backpack well-suited for — and given that the stigma around backpacks in the workplace is rapidly fading, there’s even less of a reason not to carry one.
How much should a backpack cost?
The best way to answer this question is to start with materials. Full-grain leather is expensive, so any backpack made with it will and should cost more; cordura or similar synthetic materials, however, are much cheaper. Factors like capacity, features, and warranty can increase the price, but generally a standard backpack that will last for years should cost anywhere from one to a few hundred dollars.
How big should a backpack be?
That depends on its function. A traveling backpacker who’s living out of their bag might need 60 liters, while a commuter who only needs enough stuff to get through the work day will certainly be fine with 25 liters or so.
What should I do with my hands now that all my stuff is resting on my shoulders?
Drink a coffee, eat a sandwich, read a book, shoplift a pack of gum just to feel alive — wearing a backpack opens a whole new world of stuff that can be done on the go.