Best backpacks for 2026
Updated June 2026Independently researchedNo paid placement.
The North Face Borealis is the best all-around backpack for 2026, blending comfort, organization, and durability for daily use.
The SwissGear 1900 Scansmart is the top budget pick for students and professionals; the JanSport SuperBreak is a lightweight, affordable classic; the Osprey Daylite Plus excels for travel; and the Thule Subterra 34L offers premium build and features for serious commuters.
A great backpack does more than carry your stuff, it shapes how you move through your day. Whether you’re a student hauling textbooks, a remote worker toting a laptop and lunch, or a weekend traveler packing light, the right bag saves your back, keeps you organized, and lasts for years. The challenge is cutting through the noise of flashy features and inflated claims. We’ve researched the most respected models on the market, analyzed owner feedback and expert reviews, and narrowed the field to five that excel in specific roles. When choosing, focus on fit (torso length and strap adjustability), weight, and organization. A bag that’s comfortable empty will feel far better when full. Look for padded laptop sleeves, water-bottle pockets that actually hold a bottle, and materials that can handle rain and daily wear. Budget matters, but a few extra dollars spent on a well-designed pack can save you from replacing it every year. Below you’ll find clear picks for every priority, from budget-friendly to premium, from classroom to airport gate.
The North Face Borealis Backpack
the do-it-all default
4.7out of 5The Borealis nails the balance of comfort, durability, and smart organization. Its FlexVent suspension system and padded hip belt make heavy loads feel lighter, while the front pocket layout keeps daily essentials accessible. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the most dependable all-rounder for most people.
Price range: $$
Check price on Amazon →SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack
the budget workhorse
4.4out of 5The SwissGear 1900 Scansmart punches well above its price tag. It offers a dedicated laptop compartment, multiple organizer pockets, and a weather-resistant build that rivals bags costing twice as much. The trade-off is a boxier look and heavier feel, but for the money, this is a steal.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →JanSport SuperBreak Backpack
the lightweight classic
4.3out of 5The JanSport SuperBreak is an icon for good reason: it’s simple, light, and ridiculously affordable. With one main compartment and a front zipper pocket, it’s perfect for carrying a few books or a change of clothes. Just don’t expect laptop protection or back support, it’s a basic sack, and a great one at that.
Price range: $
Check price on Amazon →| Award | Model | Our score | Price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best overall | The North Face Borealis Backpack | 4.7 / 5 | $$ | Professionals, students, and everyday commuters who need one bag that handles laptop, book | Check price → |
| Runner-up | SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack | 4.4 / 5 | $ | Students or budget-conscious professionals who need a durable, organized backpack under a | Check price → |
| Best value | JanSport SuperBreak Backpack | 4.3 / 5 | $ | Students, minimalists, or anyone who just needs a no-fuss bag for light loads and doesn’t | Check price → |
| Best for travel | Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack | 4.5 / 5 | $$ | Travelers who want a lightweight, packable daypack for sightseeing or as a personal item o | Check price → |
| Best premium | Thule Subterra 34L Laptop Backpack | 4.6 / 5 | $$$ | Professionals or frequent travelers who want a laptop backpack that doubles as a carry-on | Check price → |
The picks in detail
1. The North Face Borealis Backpack: the do-it-all default
Best overallThe Borealis nails the balance of comfort, durability, and smart organization. Its FlexVent suspension system and padded hip belt make heavy loads feel lighter, while the front pocket layout keeps daily essentials accessible. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the most dependable all-rounder for most people.
Pros
- Excellent padded back panel and shoulder straps for all-day comfort
- Spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve that fits most laptops
- Bungee compressions system for stashing a jacket or helmet externally
- Durable nylon fabric with a water-repellent finish
Cons
- Slightly heavier than simpler packs (empty weight is noticeable)
- Hip belt is more of a stabilizer than a weight-transfer belt
- Water-bottle pockets are snug with larger bottles
Who it’s for
Professionals, students, and everyday commuters who need one bag that handles laptop, books, and gym gear without compromise.Who should skip it
You need a ultra-light pack for hiking or a minimalist bag under two pounds, the Borealis prioritizes comfort and structure over weight savings.2. SwissGear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack: the budget workhorse
Runner-upThe SwissGear 1900 Scansmart punches well above its price tag. It offers a dedicated laptop compartment, multiple organizer pockets, and a weather-resistant build that rivals bags costing twice as much. The trade-off is a boxier look and heavier feel, but for the money, this is a steal.
Pros
- Very affordable yet built with rugged polyester and reinforced stitching
- Laptop compartment fits laptops with padding on all sides
- Plenty of internal pockets for charger, pens, and small gadgets
- TSA-friendly design with a separate laptop access panel
Cons
- Heavier than most competing budget bags (empty weight is about the same as a full Borealis)
- Back panel lacks ventilation; can get sweaty in hot weather
- Straps have minimal padding, feels less comfortable with very heavy loads
Who it’s for
Students or budget-conscious professionals who need a durable, organized backpack under a very modest price.Who should skip it
You prefer a sleek, modern aesthetic or need a bag under two pounds, this one prioritizes function over style and lightness.3. JanSport SuperBreak Backpack: the lightweight classic
Best valueThe JanSport SuperBreak is an icon for good reason: it’s simple, light, and ridiculously affordable. With one main compartment and a front zipper pocket, it’s perfect for carrying a few books or a change of clothes. Just don’t expect laptop protection or back support, it’s a basic sack, and a great one at that.
Pros
- Extremely light (under a pound) and easy to carry every day
- Durable 600-denier polyester with a solid warranty-against-defects policy
- Available in a huge range of colors and patterns
- Cleans easily and holds up to years of abuse
Cons
- No padded laptop compartment, you’ll need a separate sleeve
- No internal organization beyond one small front pocket
- Straps lack padding; uncomfortable with loads over eight pounds
Who it’s for
Students, minimalists, or anyone who just needs a no-fuss bag for light loads and doesn’t need to carry a laptop.Who should skip it
You need to carry a laptop, heavy textbooks, or multiple devices, the SuperBreak lacks the structure and padding for those tasks.4. Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack: the travel-ready daypack
Best for travelThe Osprey Daylite Plus is a compact daypack that punches far beyond its size. It’s designed to work as a standalone pack or attach to larger Osprey travel bags. The harness is comfortable, the organization is smart, and the whole thing folds flat for packing. It’s not a laptop hauler first, but for light travel duty it’s excellent.
Pros
- Very lightweight (under yet surprisingly sturdy
- Scratch-free pocket for sunglasses or phone
- Attachment loops let you clip it to larger Osprey luggage
- Hydration sleeve and sternum strap make it hike-friendly
Cons
- Laptop sleeve is a sleeve only, no padding on the bottom or sides (use a padded case)
- Main compartment is fairly small; won’t hold a thick binder or multiple folders
- No water-bottle pockets, you drink from the hydration sleeve inside or carry a bottle in hand
Who it’s for
Travelers who want a lightweight, packable daypack for sightseeing or as a personal item on flights.Who should skip it
You need a padded laptop backpack for daily commuting or a bag that can hold a full change of clothes, this one is too compact and minimal for those tasks.5. Thule Subterra 34L Laptop Backpack: the premium commuter
Best premiumThe Thule Subterra 34L is a high-end laptop backpack that thinks of everything. It has a padded compartment for up to 17-inch laptops, a separate tablet slot, and a clamshell opening that makes packing feel like travel luggage. The materials feel premium, and the compression straps keep loads stable. It’s expensive, but it’s built to last through years of daily use.
Pros
- Dedicated, fully padded laptop compartment with a cinch strap to secure the device
- Clamshell opening for easy packing and unpacking (like a travel bag)
- Pass-through trolley handle sleeve for attaching to luggage
- High-quality nylon fabric with YKK zippers and reinforced stitching
Cons
- Expensive, costs several times more than budget alternatives
- Heavier than many comparable 30-liter backpacks (empty weight is substantial)
- Interior organization pockets are a bit deep; small items can get lost at the bottom
Who it’s for
Professionals or frequent travelers who want a laptop backpack that doubles as a carry-on and looks polished in meetings.Who should skip it
You’re on a tight budget or need an ultralight pack for hiking, the Subterra is built for durability and protection, not minimal weight.Best for specific needs
Best for everyday commuting and work
If you need a single bag that handles a laptop, lunch, gym clothes, and a notebook without leaving you hunched over, the North Face Borealis is the clear winner. It offers the best balance of comfort, organization, and durability for five-day-a-week use. Our pick: The North Face Borealis.
Best for travel and sightseeing
The Osprey Daylite Plus is purpose-built for travel: it weighs almost nothing, compresses flat into a suitcase, and still offers a padded sleeve for a tablet or small laptop. It straps onto larger Osprey bags and has a hydration sleeve for long days out. Our pick: Osprey Daylite Plus.
Best for budget shoppers who want maximum value
The SwissGear 1900 Scansmart gives you a padded laptop compartment, ample organization, and surprisingly tough materials for a very low price. It’s heavier and less stylish than pricier options, but it provides genuine protection for your gear without breaking the bank. Our pick: SwissGear 1900 Scansmart.
Our verdict
No single backpack works for everyone, but the right one makes every trip easier. If you can stretch your budget, the North Face Borealis is the most versatile choice, it handles everything from office to weekend trails. For lighter loads and simpler needs, the JanSport SuperBreak still holds its own after decades. And for travelers or anyone who packs a lot of tech, the Thule Subterra 34L is a worthwhile investment. Match the bag to how you actually move through your day, and you’ll rarely reach for another one.