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Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, heading to the shops, or commuting on the train to work, having the best backpack at your side is essential. Formerly only used by schoolchildren, backpacks have become a must-carry for everyone, replacing the briefcase as an essential part of every office worker’s arsenal, but they’re also a serious fashion accessory nowadays.
“Backpacks have undergone a seismic reinvention over the last decade, from functional Karrimors for Duke of Edinburgh Award outings to luxurious pieces of kit,” explains Telegraph men’s style editor, Stephen Doig. “They’re now a key part of a sophisticated, dressy wardrobe, rendered in splashy prints at Louis Vuitton or studded in embroidery at Dolce & Gabbana.”
Even if you’re not a full-on fashionista, the very best travel backpacks can save you having to trundle around the airport with a suitcase (packing cubes can help to cram more in, by the way). And if you’re heading up into the hills, a good hiking backpack is a life-saver.
For advice on how to use them, head to the FAQ section at the bottom. You can read my full reviews of this year’s best backpacks below – but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick glance at my top five:
The best backpacks of 2024, at a glance:
How to choose the right backpack for you
If you’re commuting, you shouldn’t need a bag with a capacity of much more than 15 litres, possibly less. That should fit a book to read on the train, a lunchbox and your wallet. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for the best travel backpack for an overnight trip, you’ll want one well over 20L with harder edges or specialist compartments to keep a change of clothes and easily-accessible pockets for a laptop, tablet and travel documents.
Most backpacks nowadays are made of polyester or nylon which are waterproof, or at least water-resistant. For hiking or walking long distances, make sure you choose one with comfortable padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel (no one wants a sweaty spine). For a top quality backpack, prices range from around £60 to over £200.
How I tested the best backpacks
I’ve spent the past few weeks trialling all of the backpacks here in the everyday settings that anyone might use them in. I’ve taken a new backpack on my commute every few days, taken them to the gym, been shopping with them, even taken them on holiday, attached to my carry on luggage, in order to compare them properly. I rated them for size, weight, comfort, style, ease of use and any extra features such as special pockets or waterproofing.
Best backpacks
1. Stubble And Co. The Backpack 21L
Best backpack overall, 10/10
We like: The ultra-comfortable straps and high-quality metal fastenings
We don’t like: Pockets are slightly small
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