25 Best Backpacks For Everyday Use In 2023

Everyday Use Backpacks | Buyer’s Guide

Having the right backpack for everyday use can make any commuter’s life so much easier. Backpacks are also more than this. They are almost a personal expression of the person who wears them.

But with the huge variety of backpacks available, choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming — the last thing any buyer wants is to invest in a bag just to find out later that it doesn’t necessarily meet their needs.

So we’ve prepared a guide to help with this important decision.

Here are the main things you should consider before buying an everyday use backpack:

Intended Use (Size & Design)

As the name says, an everyday use backpack should be able to accommodate all the things you need on a daily basis.

But once you decide on the main purpose of your backpack, in other words, what sort of things you will need to carry in it, you will have a clear picture regarding the size — or capacity in liters — as well as the design of your bag.

Different designs and sizes will serve different purposes.

If you live somewhere where there’s a lot of rain, and keeping your stuff dry is a priority, you might want to look into waterproof backpacks.

If carrying books, for example, is your main priority, then basic backpacks like the Eastpak Men’s Out Of Office Backpack or the Carhartt Legacy, or the JanSport SuperBreak Backpack will suit your needs.

However, if you’re looking for a backpack with designated compartments for your sweaty gym clothes or shoes, you might want to check out the adidas Stadium II Backpack, the Under Armour Hustle 4.0, and the Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink Backpack.

Likewise, if you’re an executive or a young professional who needs a backpack that can also double as a suitcase for your occasional business trips, then both the SWISSGEAR 1900 Backpack and the NOMATIC Backpack should serve you well.

When it comes to capacity, an everyday use backpack that can hold 20 to 24 liters should be enough for most people.

Some bags are stiff, whereas others hang loosely behind one’s back.

Lastly, when deciding on the design (color or print) of your bag, you should obviously choose the one that matches your personality, but that also can transition seamlessly from one place to another.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, make sure you check for padded straps together with a padded, contoured, and breathable back panel to ensure you’ll have not only a comfortable but dry haul.

Also, look for chest and waist straps. These will distribute your bag’s weight and help prevent back pain.

In addition, anatomical hand straps can make quite a difference for those moments when the subway or the bus is too full and you have to hold your backpack in your hand.

Durability

The durability of your backpack will primarily depend on its material but also how you pack it and take care of it.

There is a relationship between the size of your backpack (measured in liters) as well as the comfort load (weight that it can carry, which is measured in kilograms).

For example:

Backpacks that can hold from 15 to 25 liters can carry up to 6 kilos, while backpacks that can hold from 30 to 45 liters can carry from 7 to 10 kilos.

When it comes to the material, sturdy backpacks are usually made with a combination of heavy-duty nylon and YKK zippers, which are water-repellent. So stay away from plastic zippers!

Other materials such as polyester and canvas are also quite tough and water-resistant.

Useful Features

• Laptop Sleeve: As most students and workers nowadays carry their laptops everywhere they go, it’s important that your backpack comes with a section where you can keep your device safe and secured. Most backpacks will come with a padded laptop sleeve, but most of them will only fit a 15-inch laptop.
• Pockets: If you like to keep all your stuff organized and easy to find, then the more pockets, the better. Side pockets are quite handy to store your water bottle and your umbrella, hidden inner pockets are great for housing your valuables, while small front pockets or organization panels are useful for quick-to-access items. Some backpacks like the Osprey Daylite Travel Daypack will even come with a scratch-free pocket for your shades or your phone.