These days, backpacks are packed (pun intended) with features like laptop sleeves, reflective trims, hidden pockets, and even USB charging ports. We’ve rounded up the best backpacks available on the market today to keep your valuables protected wherever you take them.
The Herschel Little America backpack is a top pick since it has an iconic and timeless design that’s comfortable to wear thanks to its contoured padded back straps. It comes in standard (17L) or mid-volume (25L) sizes which can hold up to a 13-inch laptop or a 15-inch laptop, respectively. Its drawstring closure allows it to expand to create extra storage space while its front straps with magnetic fastenings secure what’s inside. Herschel has a limited lifetime warranty on its products, which means all material or manufacturing defects are covered. Pros:

Plenty of colors and designs to choose fromLimited lifetime warrantyComfortable padded straps

Cons:

Lacking internal pockets 

For less than $30, this is a decent backpack for basic needs. There are four pockets total: two water bottle side pockets, a front zippered pocket, and an internal zipped mesh pocket. You can choose from more than 20 color options to match your style. This backpack also comes with a one-year warranty. Pros:

Inexpensive Lightweight and water-resistant

Cons:

Quality is not as great or as durable as more costly options

If you’re looking for a backpack specifically for your little ones, this Lands’ End Kids ClassMate backpack is the perfect option. It has PE Foam padding in the back and an adjustable chest strap to take any weight from heavy books off of a little body. Your child can also pick from various color/design options and personalize their backpack with their initials or an embroidered design. The backpack is also completely compatible with a matching lunchbox. Pros:

Can personalize with initials or embroidered designs Reflective trim helps keep kids visible

Cons:

Company no longer has a lifetime warranty Fabric could be thicker 

College students are lugging around textbooks and laptops across campus, so this backpack from L.L. Bean is a great pick. It is made of rugged 300-denier ripstop polyester and 420-denier ripstop nylon body with an extra-durable 1000-denier nylon bottom. A padded laptop sleeve holds up to a 15-inch laptop, and the stretch water bottle pockets can hold up to 32-oz bottles. It’s important to note that L.L. Bean has a limited warranty policy which guarantees a full refund if you return your product within one year, as well as consideration for any defective products due to materials or craftsmanship after that one year. Pros:

Accommodates most laptops up to 15 inches Built-in organizer panelDecent warranty policy

Cons:

Computer sleeve could use more padding 

You’ll want a lightweight bag with lots of pockets while hiking on the trail, and this backpack from Venture Pal is just that. It has a multi-compartment design that includes one main zipped compartment (with one separator and one small, zippered pocket), one zipped front pocket, and two side pockets. In addition, it’s lightweight, water-resistant nylon fabric and can easily be folded up. Regarding Venture Pal’s warranty, all products carry a three-month warranty from the date of purchase which covers material issues, shipping-related damages or issues, and defective products. Pros:

Includes a separate waterproof wet pocket Super lightweight Plenty of pockets and compartments

Cons:

Customers say the advertised 40L capacity is more 25L Straps could use more padding 

The best backpack for travel is the Matein Travel Laptop backpack since it’s packed with travel-friendly features. For example, a luggage strap allows you to slip the backpack over your carry-on’s handle easily, and an anti-theft back pocket sits up against your body, so your valuables are protected while traveling. A bonus feature is an external USB charging port for easy charging on the go. Matein has a lifetime warranty for all its products; however, it doesn’t cover damages resulting from normal wear and tear. Pros:

Luggage strap to slip over luggage Anti-theft back pocket to deter pickpocketing Fits a laptop up to 15.6 inches in a separate laptop pocket

Cons:

Must purchase a separate portable charger to use the external charging port feature Bottom of bag could be thicker

Padded strapsWater-resistant material Front and side pockets Padded and thick bottom Chest strap Mesh fabric