The 13 Best Commuter Backpacks of 2023

We love how spacious and comfortable the Solo Re:Define backpack is. Although it doesn’t feel oversized, we found the capacity to be nearly bottomless; even packed with daily commute necessities, there’s room to spare. It has plenty of pockets and intuitive storage options to match its large capacity — including an all-important key leash, a pocket for a portable charger, and a built-in USB port — and the smooth zippers made it easy to access items inside without a struggle. The external water bottle pouches are surprisingly roomy too, holding up to a 32-ounce bottle during testing.

The exterior of the bag is water-resistant and made of antimicrobial material, so it’s easy to wipe down with cleaning wipes. It’s worth noting that the backpack straps are placed close together at the top of the bag, which could pose a problem for taller users, but the padded straps and even weight distribution kept it feeling lightweight and comfortable while we were on the move. We also found it to be incredibly durable during testing; even after drop tests and months of real-world use, the bag didn’t suffer a single scuff or scratch. It’s a high-quality, durable, versatile choice for work or travel, making this backpack our overall winner. 

Price at time of publish: $83 

The Details: 13 x 7 x 18 inches | 1.43 pounds | 22 liters | Smart | Water-resistant

Best Style

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Our Ratings

• Design

  4.6/5

• Capacity

  4.2/5

• Durability

  4/5

• Value

  4/5

• Comfort

  4.6/5

The ReNew Everlane Transit Backpack functions like a commuter bag, but looks like a cute backpack you’d choose to wear for a fun day trip. The recycled polyester material is lightweight, and the bag is incredibly comfortable to wear. It held up well during testing, showing no tears or scuffs even after rough handling. 

The bag has an exterior side-zip laptop compartment and two easily accessible pockets on the outside, but the water bottle holder leaves something to be desired — its inflexible material means it can’t accommodate different sized bottles. We also found one of the aesthetic features to be less than ideal during testing: the bag’s front flap gives it a relaxed, slouchy look, but its magnetic fastener may come undone when the bag is full, leaving the pocket flapping in the breeze. Still, it’s one of the most stylish options we tested, and functioned beautifully as a day bag.  

Price at time of publish: $95 

The Details: 12 x 7.25 x 17.5 inches | 27 liters

Best with Lunch Box

MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Comfort

  4/5

• Durability

  4.5/5

• Value

  5/5

For toting lunch and snacks along on your daily commute, we recommend the Nichet with its coordinating, removable lunch box. The insulated lunch bag can hold a reusable water bottle, coffee mug, and large ice pack with ease, and has a zippered utensil holder. For days when you’re grabbing takeout instead, the separate compartment easily doubles as a space for shoes; the backpack also comes with a shoe bag, so you can carry both if needed. 

We were also impressed with the thoughtfully designed outer pocket located on the back of the bag; we were able to access the pocket without removing the bag, making it a perfect secure spot for a transit card, cash, or credit cards. Although it’s not technically marketed as a water-resistant bag, the vegan leather exterior held up well in the rain during testing. After four months of regular use, we also love that the exterior is easy to wipe clean, so it still looks new despite the light color. It’s worth noting that the bag’s shape makes it bulky on a smaller frame, but the straps are generously padded and it wears comfortably otherwise. 

Price at time of publish: $178

The Details: 13 x 5.5 x 15 inches | 1.8 pounds

Best with Shoe Compartment

Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  4/5

• Comfort

  4.8/5

• Durability

  4.3/5

• Value

  4/5

We love the cleverly designed shoe compartment in the spacious Matein Travel Backpack. The compartment is vented and keeps shoes separate from the rest of the backpack’s contents, but it easily opens up into the main compartment of the bag. This bag is also one of the more spacious models we tested, with three large internal zipper compartments. The 40-liter capacity could prove unwieldy to pack, but the bag completely unzips like a suitcase, making it easy to organize larger items inside.

The backpack’s laptop compartment is just as roomy as the rest of the bag, which is one potential drawback; anything smaller than a 17-inch model swam around in the bag when we packed it. However, this can be balanced out by packing additional items around the laptop sleeve, and the laptop compartment is nicely padded. The bag itself is incredibly lightweight, and has a high-quality look and feel. Even fully loaded, it feels comfortable and evenly distributed, and it withstood our drop tests without any scuffs or damage.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: 13 x 8 x 20 inches | 2.2 pounds | 40 liters | Smart | Water-repellant

Best Sustainable

Troubadour Orbis 1-pocket Backpack

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  4.3/5

• Comfort

  4.8/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

The Troubadour Orbis 1 Pocket Backpack won us over with its combination of comfort and sustainability. The whole bag is made from one material — recycled polyester — which means the entire bag can be recycled again when you’ve worn it out. And, after four months of regular use, it still looks perfect despite being shoved under multiple airplane seats. It’s also one of the most comfortable bags we tested; the straps are so heavily padded they feel plush, and it feels great to wear even fully loaded. The laptop compartment is extra padded too, and we feel confident that even if we dropped this bag while en route to the office, our computers would be safe and sound. The interior of the bag is impressively spacious and loaded with pockets to stay organized.

We like this bag’s sleek design and oval shape, but the tapered top and hood over the main compartment make it difficult to open and close while on the go. We found ourselves using the laptop compartment for the bulk of our items instead, which isn’t ideal. Still, this is a high-quality, durable, sustainable choice for your daily commute. 

Price at time of publish: $295

The Details: 11.8 x 5.5 x 16.5 inches | 3.3 pounds | 17.6 liters | Waterproof

Best Padding

Incase Icon Backpack

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  4/5

• Comfort

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  4.3/5

For top-notch laptop protection and supportive padding, we recommend the Incase Icon Pack. The bag has exceptionally thick padding on the back, the shoulder straps, and the laptop sleeve; it performed very well during drop tests, and we feel confident that any tech inside would be well-protected even during rough handling. All internal and external zippers are durable and smooth, and even the fabric straps connecting the backpack’s buckles are unusually soft. 

This backpack is thoughtfully designed inside, too: the main compartment is nice and deep, and features multiple pockets and a key strap. It also has a hidden back pocket for cash, cards, and other valuables. We did find the lack of an external water bottle pocket to be a major design flaw; the bag doesn’t offer any intuitive place to stow bottles in general. But if your top priority is laptop protection, this backpack more than gets the job done. 

Price at time of publish: $220

The Details: 13 x 9 x 19 inches | 2.7 pounds | 17 liters

Best Small

Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  4.5/5

• Comfort

  4.5/5

• Durability

  4.8/5

• Value

  4.8/5

The Bee & Kin Midi Backpack is perfect for a lighter commute load, and we love that it doesn’t scream “work bag.” Despite its small size, it can hold a surprising amount; throughout our four months of tests, we used it regularly as a day bag and we were able to fit a laptop, water bottle, notebook, headphones, and a change of clothes, with room left over. It also features a unique spot for a wireless charger (which has to be purchased separately), and a thoughtful front pocket with space for your keys, wallet, and phone. The main compartment is light on organization, however; we would have preferred additional zippered pockets or space for smaller items like pens. 

Although this bag is not especially padded, it feels comfortable even when packed full because of its small size. The straps run long, so smaller users may find the backpack sits low even on the tightest setting. The leather exterior gives it a luxe feel, and although we wondered if it would scuff easily during use, it held up well in testing. Overall it’s a worthwhile investment for a small commute bag that can easily transition to happy hour. 

Price at time of publish: $325

The Details: 11.6 x 5.5 x 13 inches | 2.4 pounds

Best Customizable

Roam The Continental

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  4.5/5

• Design

  4.5/5

• Comfort

  4.8/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  4.5/5

Some commuters swear by an understated work bag in neutral colors, but if you’re looking for something more stylish and standout, the Roam Continental Backpack is a solid choice. Each section of the bag — front, back, sides, and straps — can be customized in one of four colors for a personalized colorblocking effect. Functionally, this bag is a winner, too: its outer side pockets can either zip or be left open, and the interior is spacious and full of useful pockets. After using this bag regularly for four months, we love how easy it is to find items, despite the size, thanks to the organized compartments.

Although this bag has two slip pockets for a computer and tablet, neither of them are padded. It kept tech secure for everyday use during testing, but it didn’t provide the security we would have liked for heavier jostling. The straps are fully adjustable and the bag fits comfortably even when fully packed, but the back panel isn’t as padded as some models. For the price, this is likely not the right choice if you’re in the market for a solid black backpack, but it’s a great option for a customized look with nice features. 

Price at time of publish: $350

The Details: 14 x 8 x 17.75 inches | 2.4 pounds | 26 liters | Water-repellent

Most Versatile

Samsonite Just Right Standard Backpack

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  4.5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Comfort

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  4.8/5

For a comfortable, stylish commuter bag that’s just as functional for short trips or carrying around town, we recommend the Samsonite Just Right Standard Backpack. It’s sleek and non-bulky, and the padded straps give it a lightweight, well-balanced feel. The bag’s many padded compartments can hold two laptops plus a tablet if you need to haul around multiple devices, and it has both a USB cable and space for a wireless charger. A small, hidden zip pocket in the back of the bag is ideal for valuables while commuting or traveling, and it includes a removable wristlet to easily decant your phone and wallet for quick lunch runs.

This bag survived our drop tests without a scratch, and it has a durable, high-quality feel both inside and out. Worth noting: the bag’s slim profile means that it has a smaller capacity than some bags we tested, so it’s not the right choice for filling to the brim with lunch and extra clothes. But if you’re on the hunt for a stylish yet professional option for work and beyond, this is a great pick. 

Price at time of publish: $170

The Details: 12.25 x 5.5 x 16.5 inches | 2.4 pounds | Smart

Best for Rainy Days

Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  5/5

• Design

  5/5

• Comfort

  4.8/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

Commuting in the rain and snow is always a drag, but the right gear can make it a little less unpleasant. We love the waterproof construction and adjustable fit of the Kühl Escape 25. The exterior is made of laminated nylon to help water roll right off, and the main interior compartment has a water-resistant feel; even the zippers are water-resistant. Every strap on this bag is adjustable, including the sternum strap and hip belt, which makes it easy to get a snug and secure fit.

This is an incredibly spacious bag, and fits everything you could need for a daily commute with room to spare. The main compartment unzips suitcase style for easy packing, and the laptop compartment contains two well-padded device sleeves. The tradeoff for all that space? This bag verged on too tall for some smaller-framed users, although the customizable straps helped alleviate any discomfort in the fit. Overall this is a thoughtfully designed option for wet commutes, with a less utilitarian look than some comparable backpacks. 

Price at time of publish: $269

The Details: 9.5 x 12.5 x 20.5 inches | 25 liters | Waterproof

Best for Students

Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Our Ratings

• Design

  3.8/5

• Capacity

  5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  3.5/5

• Comfort

  5/5

If you’re commuting to school — or just prefer the look of a traditional school-style backpack — the Herschel Classic Backpack XL is a high-quality choice. It’s made from 100 percent recycled water bottles, which give it a durable feel, and it offers a lifetime warranty. This bag has a huge capacity and a classic design. The spacious main compartment lacks additional pockets, but does contain a large laptop sleeve. It’s important to note that the laptop sleeve is not padded, so we’d recommend zipping your laptop into a padded case before stowing it in this bag. The bag also has both exterior water bottle pockets and space inside for bottles, a much-appreciated feature when toting beverages.

The bag itself is lightweight and distributes weight well, but because of its traditional design, it has less padding in the shoulder straps than some models, which some found uncomfortable. This classic bag is a solid option for carrying around campus.  

Price at time of publish: $65

The Details: 12.5 x 6.5 x 17.5 inches | 1.3 pounds | 26 liters

Best Color Options

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Our Ratings

• Capacity

  4.5/5

• Design

  4.8/5

• Comfort

  4.5/5

• Durability

  5/5

• Value

  5/5

The Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack earned a spot on our list with its combination of distinctive colors and thoughtful features. Its unusual square shape, slim design, and range of both stylish and classic colors make it fun to carry to happy hour; its plethora of interior pockets and compartments make it useful for your commute. The bag can hold both a laptop and a tablet, and the laptop sleeve, although not padded, has a snap closure to keep things secure. The interior is divided into front and back sections, which keeps items organized, but does limit how much the bag can hold; a key drawback in our testing. We especially love the external front pocket for easy access to items like ID and keys. 

The lightweight bag is relatively comfortable to carry and doesn’t feel weighed down when it’s fully packed, but it does lack the padding of some more utilitarian models. On the flip side, the bag’s stiff material helps protect the items inside. It held up well during testing and showed no signs of scuffing during our drop tests — a rare combination of aesthetics and durability.  

Price at time of publish: $138

The Details: 11.5 x 4.5 x 15.5 inches | 3 pounds