Our top pick, The North Face Borealis Backpack, is water-resistant, provides back and shoulder support, and comes in more than 30 colors. Here are the best backpacks. The North Face’s Borealis Backpack replaces the need to own multiple bags. This versatile backpack can take you from a hike to a vacation to your morning commute—and since it’s loaded with different compartments, you’ll always have an easy way to store your must-haves. This bag is crafted from a durable blend of nylon and polyester with a water-resistant finish, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in the rain. It comes equipped with tons of compartments—including a laptop sleeve, a padded tablet sleeve, and a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses and keys. It also boasts two water bottle holders, which can double as classic pockets any time you need extra space. With a lifetime warranty and design details for back and shoulder support, this is a backpack that you’ll want to use for many years. The backpack comes lined with a series of straps you can use to secure your backpack to your waist, chest, and shoulders. This may sound like overkill, but it’ll make it easier to keep your backpack on as you hike—meaning you’ll have one less thing to worry about as you explore the great outdoors. On the interior of the bag, you’ll find a sleeve equipped to fit a 15- to 17-inch laptop. And because laptops aren’t the only thing this bag is capable of holding, you’ll also find a handful of pockets you can use to store other must-haves, like books, water bottles, pens, and more. This backpack doesn’t just function as a camera bag, though. By removing the dividers you can treat it like a regular backpack, and it even comes equipped with a back pocket you can use to store your laptop. On the inside of the backpack you’ll find several RFID-blocking slots designed to hold your cards and passport. And on the outside, you’ll find several larger compartments, all of which zip up and lock. Though compact, the bag promises to hold a fair amount of stuff. And since it weighs a mere 14.2 ounces when empty, you won’t have to worry about it weighing you down on your trips.
Comfort
A backpack isn’t worth much if you hate carrying it around, so look for something that’s padded, breathable, and supportive. “Try to bend the back of the pack,” Delucca Johnson says. “Does it have any support?” If not, your back may have to do extra work to keep your backpack in position. And be sure to pay attention to fit, too. Does the backpack fit comfortably on your back, and do the straps sit comfortably on your shoulders?
Pockets
Your backpack should make it easy to stay organized, but that doesn’t mean more pockets are necessarily better. “Make sure the pockets fit for what you intend to use them for,” Delucca Johnson says. “When shopping for a backpack, try out your everyday items in the pockets and see if they fit.” Some people prefer more organization options than others, so look for a backpack that meets your needs and wants.
Why Trust The Spruce?
As a seasoned lifestyle writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands what a difference a great product recommendation can make. That’s why she makes sure to recommend products that are sleek, reliable, and well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. To write this article, she consulted experts and selected backpacks based on their durability, features, and comfort.
