Best Backpack Reviews 2023

Whether for school, work, travel, or everyday use, backpacks help you stay organized, ensuring you have all your essential items on-hand. We all need backpacks that are specifically suited for everyday use. The ideal backpack would be one that can stand the abuse of being shoved in locker rooms as well as being used on tough hikes. At TopProducts.com, we strive to provide you with insightful, detailed information about the best backpack brands in the market so that you can be satisfied once you make a purchase. Following our guide are five cool backpacks that can withstand stress from the elements and don’t cost a fortune.
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Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Size
Design/Color
Pockets
Materials
Extras
Our Top Choice
High Sierra Swerve Laptop Backpack
The High Sierra Swerve Backpack Comes in sleek, curvy design with multiple compartment spaces to maximize storage.
Easy to Carry. Durable fabric. Water mesh pouches. Great pricing. Roomy.
A little on the heavier side. Zipper may be hard to unzip.
19.0" x 13.0" x 7.75"/ 2.5 lbs
Available in 21 colors
Multiple pockets with organizer
Duralite - waterproof
Vapel straps, Laptop Sleeve
Best Value
JanSport T501 Classic SuperBreak Bookbag
JanSport Classic SuperBreak is a stylish backpack that can easily accommodate your laptop, notebooks and various desk tools. It comes in multiple designs so there is something for everyone.
Attractive design. Multiple compartments. Ultra light weight. Sturdy material. Color doesn’t fade.
Limited small size. No bottle net. Few issues with Zipper
16.7”x 13”x 8.5”/ 0.75 lbs
Available in over 30 colors
Front Utility Pocket
600 Denier Polyester
Web haul handle
Hartmann Intensity Business Backpack
The Hartmann Intensity Belting Two Compartment Business Backpack incorporates an ergonomic design, perfect for business, travel and everyday use.
Large storage space. Compact size. Brilliant functionality. Handy pockets. Light weight
Quite pricey, but offers multiple compartments and an unique design.
6.8”x31.2”x24.8”/ 1.37lbs
Available in two colors
Frontal& side zipper
Ballistic Nylon
Cord pouch, Carry handle
Under Armour Storm Hustle II Backpack
The Under Armour Storm Hustle II Backpack is a highly practical and attractive bag that can serve the transportation needs of most people.
Multiple compartments. Easy to clean. Great design. Durable. Available in multiple color schemes/designs.
Light colors may get dirty fast
18" x 13" x 8", 1.3 lbs
Available in 19 colors
Side pockets
DWR treated polyester nylon
Waterproof
AmazonBasics Classic Backpack
The AmazonBasic Classic Backpack is spacious, well-made and comfy, all at an affordable price. This is also an Amazon #1 Best Seller in Sports Fan Backpacks, so you should give it a try!
Simple compact design. Well made. Comfy. Good value for the money.
Small size for larger persons. Plain with no logos.
13” x 6” x 16”, 0.86 lbs
Available in 7 colors
Frontal and back
100% polyester
2 Velcro pockets, loop handle

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What is the Best Backpack?

There’s no denying that there is an oversupply of backpack brands today. If you haven’t bought one for a long time, your purchasing decision will be as complex as solving an equation using Euler’s formula. Now that this guide has given you an idea of what the best backpack should be like, select one that fits your needs from our list.
Our Top Choice
The High Sierra Swerve Backpack comes with great design features that incorporate a breathable padded back. It is not only comfortable, but also it offers you protection from abrasions. If you are a little tight on cash, you can go for the High Sierra Parent loop Backpack.

High Sierra Everyday Backpack, Available in Multiple Colors, Fits Laptops up to 17"


Features
Ever since its establishment in 1978, High Sierra has continued to deliver on their motto of giving you the “freedom to go anywhere.” Teenagers and people of an elderly age alike will enjoy a durable, roomy bag for everyday use with this backpack from High Sierra. The large size of the bag with the 5 zippered compartments.accommodates up to 15 pounds of school items. The bottom of the bag is padded with extra fabric which helps it stand the rigors of everyday use.

The compartments featured by this backpack are great for storing iPods, headphones, mp3 players, keys, pens and USB drives. We loved that this bag can double as a laptop bag. It has a padded laptop sleeve, which easily fits a 15.6” computer. The double meshed bottle pouches are great when you are on the go- a hike or a day trip maybe. We picked this bag as our top choice because of its great features that fit different styles.

Let’s have a peek at the main features of this great bag.
  • Great organizer with card holder, key fobs, and zipped mesh pocket
  • Bottom is fully padded
  • Vapel mesh padded back panel
  • Vapel Mesh airflow with suspension systems
  • two side mesh compartments
  • Adjustable curved compression straps with thumb ring pulls
  • Limited Lifetime Warranty
  • Easy-access hanging accessory point
This product is part of a line that includes other backpacks. High Sierra has backpacks for kids, younger teens, for hiking as well as travel packs. The difference between those brands consists mainly in the features provided. The product featured encompasses the everyday needs of most users.
Best Value
The JanSport Classic SuperBreak backpack offers the classic backpack feel with some great features to make everyday home/school/hiking/office use more organized and fun. In case you are looking for a similar backpack with bigger space, check out the JanSport Big Student Classics Series Daypack

JanSport Everyday Backpack w/ Organizer, Padded Shoulder Straps, Zipper Closure, Made From Polyester


Features
Not only does JanSport make great brands of backpacks, its parent company, VF Corporation, makes every one of two small backs sold in the entire United States. This bag excels in design featuring a classic silhouette. The main compartment is great for carrying files, books, and small personal items. It makes impressive use of colors and prints offering fashion and function for daily use.

The JanSport Classic SuperBreak retails at the price of $36.00 at the moment of this writing, which is a decent price compared to some of its competitors. Here are some of the features of the JanSport Classic SuperBreak backpack.
  • Large 25 liter (1550 cubic inches) internal capacity
  • Sturdy 600 Denier Polyester material
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Adjustable straight-cut shoulder straps which have been padded
  • Front pocket with organizer
  • Two third padded back panel
  • Web haul handle
This product is part of a line which incorporates different colors and pattern designs for all genders and ages. Irrespective of whether you are looking for bright, loud colors, or plain colors, JanSport has something of you
The Hartmann Intensity Belting Two Compartment bag lets you enjoy the best in old fashion leather backpacks. The intensity belting and multiple interior organizer technology pockets are designed for modern travel. If you are looking for leather bag without straps, check out the Intensity Belting two compartment business case.

Hartmann Intensity Belting Two Compartment Business Backpack with Cord Pouch, Carry Handle, Multiple Pockets, Available In 2 Colors


Features
Hartmann revives the good ol' American bag, using 100% tanned vegetable leather. One thing we loved the most about this two compartment bag from this manufacturer is the incorporation of the belting leather. This gives the bag the firm, strong texture as well as it’s aesthetic appeal. Ballistic nylon shell ensures that the bag is waterproof, dustproof as well as oil proof. In case you spill your drink on bag, it is pretty easy to clean the bag with a cloth.

The laptop compartment can accommodate most laptops- up to 17” in screen size. The compartment is fully padded and shock proof, which is handy in case you accidentally drop your bag. The two large compartments can easily fit several personal items including books, clothes and shoes. The padded straps are S-curved, resting easy on the shoulders. They also have contours which help in stabilizing the load and leveling the weight.

Let's discover a couple of the main features this great bag offers you,
  • Ballistic nylon material with American vegetable tanned leather
  • Back companion sleeves which slide over the handles for hands-free mobility
  • Interior is fully lined with polyester twill jacquard complete with the Hartmann logo
  • Adjustable back straps adjustable with leather thumbs
  • Side zipper water bottle pocket
  • Accordian gusset file compartment
  • Additional cord pouch and dust bag
  • Leather trimmed interior
  • Top carry handle
  • Technology from pockets
The Under Armour Storm Hustle II Backpack is great for college, sports as well as everyday use. It is made from durable materials and features tons of positive reviews on Amazon. If you are on a tight budget and looking for a bigger bag with some decent features, you could also check out the Under armour storm Condender Backpack.

Under Armour Laptop Backpack - Waterproof Finish, 8 Pockets, Multiple Color Choices


Features
Under Armour has been making great backpacks and duffels over the years. It has gained popularity by partnering with celebrities like Dwayne Johnson to give consumers top quality products. This manufacturer has greatly invested in technology to deliver quality products to its customers. You might be happy to find out that this backpack is waterproofed, so your laptop and other gadgets won't be damaged by rain or accidental liquid spills. It costs about $54.99 at the moment of this writing which is a decent price for an all-weather backpack.

Let's look at the main features of this superb bag.
  • Features UA Storm technology which protects the bag from water along with a rugged abrasion-resistant bottom panel
  • Adjustable HeatGear® shoulder straps for extra comfort
  • Soft laptop sleeve (accommodate 15”)which has been lined with Tricot
  • Comfy grab handle
  • Two side water bottle pockets
  • Front gusseted laundry pocket
This sporty backpack is part of a line of other great everyday backpacks. The difference between the products consists in their size, compartments and color variations.
The AmazonBasics Classic Backpack is a compact and functional backpack. Despite the small size, it can carry quite a large load with comfortable, adjustable straps to fit people of all sizes. If you are in the market for a larger bag that can carry a 15” laptop, check out the AmazonBasics Backpack for Laptops.
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AmazonBasics Everyday Backpack with 2 Velcro Pockets, Loop Handle and Adjustable Shoulder Straps, 7 Colors


Features
Amazon launched the AmazonBasics store in 2009 with the aim of providing affordable quality products.
The AmazonBasics pack is one of those bags that you‘ll cherish for a long time. It is a durable bag that 12 graders can find useful even after going to college. It’s durable and is great for folks with smaller bodies. The main compartment is padded, so your laptop or tablet will be safe during your trips around town.

The smaller compartments can be used to carry electronics like chargers, headphones, flash drives and keys. The straps are padded nicely, with no strain on the shoulders or on the back. The compact size is suitable for carrying everyday essentials as well as school materials. It can easily fit books, binders, pens as well as a 13” laptop or a tablet.

Here are some other amazing features of this bag:
  • Durable polyester material
  • Large zippered compartments for maximum storing capacity
  • Padded shoulder straps are adjustable and
  • Laptop compartments
  • Side water bottles
  • Sturdy secure zipper closures
  • Front pocket for holding smaller stuff

AmazonBasics feature an entire line of quality backpacks that are worth checking out. For example, other backpacks made by this brand are specially designed to carry laptops up to 15" and they vary in color schemes and designs. Pick one which fits your preferences!

How Do I Choose the Best Backpack?

If you want to know how far the backpack subculture has come, just compare the old cartoons with the new-school ones. In an old one, such as Tom and Jerry, the characters had to do with a bindle. In contrast, in a relatively recent animation such as Kim Possible, the backpacks are so advanced that the characters can even surprise you by pulling an RPG from them. Nowadays, backpacks are not only about functionality but are also an expression of personal style, and this is manifested in pop culture.

A good backpack should be one that’s roomy, comfortable to carry, and can give you long service. However, what you put in it determines how well it meets these ends. You cannot force a 17-inch gaming laptop into a 16.7”x 13”x 8.5” backpack and expect it to last a lifetime. For this, you need a customized laptop backpack that’s designed to deal with the sharp edges on your device. In the same breath, you cannot make your kid, who is five, walk to school with a backpack that is as big as he or she is. A toddler backpack that’s cute and matches his or her size is more sensible.

Deciding which backpack to purchase should not cause you sleepless nights as long as you know what you’re looking for and who will use it. By going through this review, we’re certain you’ll find one that suits your personality and needs.
Price
Price should not limit your capacity to carry your personal items conveniently and stylishly. Our selected brands have backpacks that virtually anyone can afford. However, if you’re interested in a product that has an ergonomic design as well as great functionality, we would advise you to go for the pricier backpack. That said, we also have to add that you should avoid cheap backpacks as they are likely to wear out after a few washes and their straps may snap when you carry heavy stuff.

The price of our selected backpacks ranges from around $15 to $450, with the differences accounted for by the brand as well as the material. A backpack manufactured by Hartmann will cost you much more than one made by a lesser-known brand because the company has been around since 1877 and is known for producing high-quality products. With regards to the material, a backpack made of ballistic nylon is more durable than one made of polyester and, therefore, is pricier.
Features
The main purpose of a backpack is to help you carry your personal items around. The more effective it is at doing it, the greater value you derive from it. Apart from adjustable back straps, a comfy grab handle, and water bottle pockets, let’s look at some of the features you need to consider when purchasing one.
  • Size - The first feature you need to look for in a backpack is whether it is large enough to carry your items.
  • Design - Design ranges from color and shape to the number of compartments.
  • Materials - The material your backpack is made of can mean the difference between passing it down to another person and making a trip to the store to purchase another one after only a few weeks.
  • Water-resistance - Some of the items you carry in your backpack, particularly electronic ones, cannot survive any contact with water.
  • Pockets - Many pockets enable you to organize your items more easily.
  • Extras - These additional features enhance the backpack’s functionality.
  • Manufacturer’s Support - Does the backpack come with a warranty?
Construction and Design
Although backpacks are all different, with their own unique qualities, there are three main considerations when choosing one; size, design and material:

Size

Size is almost always the first item you examine before buying a backpack. If you prefer to travel light, a small backpack will suit you. However, if you’re one of those bookworms or workaholics who live out of their backpack, we have a selection of large ones that will ensure you never have to choose between packing a toothbrush or toothpaste.

Design

Design is also a crucial feature to consider when purchasing a backpack. Our selected brands have gone to great lengths to ensure that you have a product that ticks all your design requirements. With a selection of tens of colors as well as varying numbers of compartments, we’re confident that your purchasing decision will be much easier (and a lot more fun!).

Material

The backpack’s material is also important. If you’re strapped for cash but need a simple backpack, a polyester one will serve you well. However, if you’re looking for something that will give you service for years to come, we’ve featured a backpack made of ballistic nylon. If you’re unfamiliar with ballistic nylon, this is the material used by the army to make flak jackets that can withstand flying debris in a war zone.
Performance and Ease of Use
Once you’ve decided on the basics (what size, design and material backpack you want), it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty things such as water resistance, pockets, extras and the manufacturer’s support. All these things will take your backpack from good to fantastic!

Water-resistance

If you usually carry items that are sensitive to water, we would advise you to go for a backpack that’s water-resistant. That way, your laptop, phone, and that book of rhymes that you consider to be your most prized possession are safe from those sneaky showers that wreak havoc on everything nice.

Pockets

The number of pockets that a backpack has is also important to take into consideration. The more pockets it has, the easier it is to organize your items. For example, if you’re one of those preppy guys who prefers to write in ink, a backpack that has a separate pocket where you can keep your ink jar will be a good buy.

Extras

Extras are also important to take into account when purchasing a backpack. Some of the additional features you’ll find in our selected items include a laptop sleeve, Vapel straps, and a cord pouch.

Manufacturer’s Support

Finally, manufacturer’s support is a great indicator of a backpack’s durability and, therefore, performance. A super-long warranty is what you should look for when buying a backpack. We are confident in the quality of our selected products as some of them even have a lifetime warranty.

Get the Best Backpack of 2023!

We’re positive that this review has made it easier for you to find the best backpack, thereby giving you much-needed peace of mind. We would like to bring to your attention that we selected the featured names because they have a reputation of making high-quality backpacks. If it appears that none of the products we delved into match your preferences, please look at the other items produced by the brands.

Our Top Choice
High Sierra Swerve Laptop Backpack
Best Value
JanSport T501 Classic SuperBreak Bookbag
Hartmann Intensity Business Backpack
Under Armour Storm Hustle II Backpack
AmazonBasics Classic Backpack