Awesome Backpacks

In 2017, Mattel wanted to get in on the Nintendo Switch craze and created a limited-edition backpack that made the handheld console no longer handheld. Ultimately, only three of the $980 backpacks were produced. Peter Knetter offers his take on this electric blue oddity that may or may not have actually existed.

This versatile windbreaker has the ability to transform into a backpack. In jacket mode, it’s got 14 pockets, including places to keep your phone, credit cards, earbuds, passport, eyeglasses, and even large items like a laptop or tablet. In addition to black, it comes in highly-reflective silver fabric for nighttime visibility.

Thanks to its waterproof, submersible construction, this roll-top backpack is ideal for waterfall hikes, riding the rapids, or even surfing. It’s made using sustainable materials, including recycled plastic bottles. It has an interior pocket that holds a 16″ laptop, two exterior zippered pockets, and two Molle strips on front.

This folding chair gives you a place to sit when camping, hiking, fishing, or waiting in long lines. Under its seat is a cooler bag that holds snacks and drinks, along with pockets for a water bottle and small accessories. The chair holds up to 331 lb. and can be carried backpack style. It folds up to just 1.2″ thick when not in use.

The Rucker 4.0 and the Rucker Long Range backpacks are built for training while carrying a load. Both bags offer plentiful storage, MOLLE-compatible webbing, and heavy-duty CORDURA construction. The 4.0 has Velcro instead of zippers inside for durability, while the Long Range has extra cargo space for extended treks.

Baboon to the Moon’s colorful bags are perfect for trips from 1 to 5 days. They feature a large main compartment for clothing, shoes, and toiletries and can be carried backpack, duffel, or suitcase-style. They’re made from waterproof materials, with premium YKK zippers. Available in Mini (32L), Small (40L), and Big (60L) sizes.

This 30-liter capacity backpack is useful for everyday carry and is designed to keep everything inside dry, even in a torrential downpour. Its roll-top seal ensures water can’t get in, while its soft TPU construction repels water from every other direction.

Icemule’s waterproof cooler backpack has a 33-liter capacity – enough space for up to 24 cans plus ice to keep them cool. PolarLayer insulation foam helps keep ice solid for 24 hours or more, while a valve lets air in for increased insulating as well as buoyancy so it can float.

Despite its compact looks, the Tuck backpack is quite spacious. It’s got padded compartments that can hold a 16-inch M1 MacBook Pro AND a 12.9-inch iPad, a large center storage space, and stretchy side pockets for an umbrella and a water bottle. It comes in full-grain leather with ballistic nylon or waxed canvas versions.

This large-capacity cooler backpack holds up to 54 cans and ice. Its side pockets provide space for four bottles of wine or other spirits, and its front zippered pocket is ideal for utensils and other accessories. Its insulated main compartment keeps contents cool for up to 24 hours.

This oversized pack is just the thing for carrying board games to parties. It has an extendable main compartment for games, pockets for accessories, a notepad slot, two drink holders, and can be expanded with elastic box bands, a dice case, and other add-ons.

You can never have too many pockets. Especially with 19 of ‘em distributed on the front and back of this innovative daypack for easy access without slowing your pace. The NVRSTOP 19-25 slips over your head to comfortably distribute weight better than backpacks. Holds 25 liters (40 with roll top).

Colorado’s Topo Designs set out to make a backpack that’s equally at home in the city or the great outdoors. The Rover has a water-resistant Cordura upper section and a handsome Horween leather base. Its main compartment is spacious, and there’s a laptop sleeve, an easy access front pocket, and side water bottle pockets.

Inventor and maker Colin Furze has been making weapons and vehicles inspired by Far Cry 6. We’ve seen his fireworks backpack, now check out a backpack that belches huge plumes of fire to its sides. In the game, the so-called “Furiosa” backpack can also fly like a jet pack, though.

Whether you’re traveling, going to school, or working from Starbucks, you need a good way to carry your laptop. Everyday Carry picked dozen of their favorite laptop bags – mostly backpacks – with padded laptop compartments, and thoughtful storage for your daily essentials. We dig the military look of the Goruck GR2.

Every bag in Nixon’s Repreve Our Ocean collection removes up to 20 plastic bottles from the environment, giving them new life as bags. Our fave is the extra roomy and surprisingly comfy Hauler 25L with back padding, laptop storage, internal pockets, external skateboard straps, a mesh strap pocket, and a removable accessory pouch.

This lightweight backpack features a roll-top design and up to 15 liters of capacity. It’s made from water-repellant PU-coated nylon with water-repellent zippers. A large side pocket provides easy laptop or tablet access, while a back pocket keeps valuables secure. An optional gadget sling bag zips securely to the main pack.

Roark’s oversize backpack has a 55-liter capacity, making it ideal for longer outings. It’s got tie-down elastic straps, a dedicated laptop compartment, a hidden passport pocket, and much more, and is made from water-repellent ripstop nylon. We especially appreciate the side handle for carrying it through tight airplane aisles.

Korin Design’s modern backpack has a structured, yet collapsible design, highlighted by a lockable main compartment with fold-out access. It also has padded laptop and tablet sections, streamlined side pockets with magnetic quick-access doors. An attachable toiletries pouch is also available.

The Valley is a versatile backpack designed to keep you organized on the go. It has more than 20 pockets and compartments, plus a removable laptop sleeve with accessory organizers. You can also upgrade it with modules including an insulated cooler cube, a padded cameras cube, and a travel cube for clothing.

Designed to help artists carry their everyday supplies, Osuza’s innovative backpack opens up completely flat to provide quick, organized access to all of your gear. It’s got lots of loops and pockets for holding tools, brushes, and other loose items, and its top can open to tote long or oddly-shaped items.

Shimoda Designs creates backpacks for landscape and adventure photographers. The bags are designed for durability and all-day comfort and are carry-on friendly. The main section offers easy access to all your gear, which stores neatly in Shimoda’s optional padded equipment cubbies. Available in 25L, 30L, and 35L sizes.

Chrome’s big rolltop bag has a spacious interior capable of carrying a 15″ MacBook Pro, and has separate compartments for wet and dry items. But the real trick up its sleeve is the adjustable external cargo net that holds everything from shoes to a bike helmet. Available in black or navy blue.

Typically made from high-Denier nylon, tactical bags are designed for durability above all else. Everyday Carry picked 11 of their favorite tactical bags, each selected for their quality materials and utility. Our favorite is the structured Hazard 4 Pillbox, with its adjustable padded divider system perfect for photography gear.

Part of Troubadour’s modern backpack collection, the Explorer Aero is perfect for traveling to the gym, then the office. It has a shoe pocket with an antimicrobial lining, a mesh inner pocket for small accessories, a water bottle pocket, and a side-access laptop compartment. The waterproof bag is made from eco-friendly recycled fabric.

Klein Tools’ Tradesman Pro Tool Master Backpack lets you carry and organize numerous tools in a convenient and portable package. It has 48 pockets, including ones in a removable caddy with a carrying handle, as well as a D-ring and metal hook for easy hanging.