Comfort
The last thing you want is a sore back from carrying your EDC backpack. Choose a backpack with padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel that’s comfortable to wear for extended periods. An adequately designed backpack should distribute weight evenly to reduce fatigue and strain on your back.
Durability
An EDC backpack should be able to withstand daily wear and tear. Look for backpacks made of high-quality materials such as ballistic nylon, Cordura, or polyester. These materials are not only tough but also water-resistant and abrasion-resistant.
Functionality
Finding your essentials quickly can be a lifesaver, so choose a backpack with enough compartments and pockets to keep everything organized. Look for the best EDC backpacks with multiple compartments, external attachment points, and MOLLE webbing that allows you to customize your backpack according to your needs.
Style
Your EDC backpack should show who you are. Choose a backpack that suits your style and personality, whether you prefer a tactical look or a more minimalist design.
Price
Finally, you should consider the bag’s price and value of money if it’s worth your penny.
A good EDC backpack lasts for years, so look for one with all these features: comfort, durability, functionality, price, and style. With these features, you’ll find the best EDC backpack that fits your lifestyle.
Here are the best EDC backpacks we recommend for your next travel or adventure.
1. Tropicfeel Shell Versatile Backpack
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ 3 designs | ❌ Overall price including the various components of the backpack |
| ✔️ Optimized organization by creating up to 20% more space | |
| ✔️ Serves as a wardrobe when needed through its built-in wardrobe system |
Specifications:
- Sizes: 3 Sizes, Daily 22L, Weekend 30L, and Adventure 40L
- Solid: Weatherproof
- Weight: 1.5 kg (3.3lb)
- Dimensions: 19 cm x 51 cm x 30x cm
- Volume: 22L,30L, and 40L
Tropicfeel Shell Versatile Backpack is a versatile backpack that features a 3-in-1 adaptable design that lets you shift between 22L to 40L, making it the perfect choice for any adventure.
Not only does it save space, but it also comes equipped with a wardrobe system to keep your belongings organized and tidy. And if you need even more space, the expandable kangaroo pocket has got you covered.
But that’s not all! Shell also features a detachable accessories system and ergonomic design – complete with a hidden hip belt and adjustable chest and waist straps – that will leave you feeling completely comfortable no matter how heavy your load.
And with its lightweight yet durable construction, Shell is sure to be your go-to travel companion for years to come.
2. The North Face Recon Backpack
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Decently water resistant | ❌ The Laptop compartment has a little space |
| ✔️ Versatile for both work and hiking |
Specifications:
- Sizes: One size
- Solid: 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
- Weight: 2 lbs 9 oz (1165 g)
- Dimensions: 11.6” x 7.5” x 19.3” (29.5 cm x 19.1 cm x 49 cm)
- Volume: 1831 in³ (30 liters)
The Recon daypack is the ultimate solution for on-the-go individuals who need to carry their essentials with them. Its innovative design features a stand-up structure and 360-degree reflectivity, making it easy to locate and grab, even in low-light conditions.
With its large mesh storage pocket and daisy-chain attachment points, the Recon offers ample space for organization and storage. The FlexVent™ suspension system, certified by the American Chiropractic Association, provides ultimate comfort and support with its articulated shoulder straps and soft-touch chemise fabric.
For added safety, the Recon’s U-pull zippers are easy to grab, and it has a comfortable, padded top grab handle for easy lifting. The sternum strap includes a whistle buckle for added protection, and the waist belt is removable for a personalized fit.
Available in a women-specific version, the Recon daypack is the ideal solution for those who need convenience, organization, and comfort on the go.
3. Roderer Award Backpack
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Suits as a Work Backpack | ❌ Luxurious Price |
| ✔️ Stylish |
Specifications:
- Sizes: One size
- Solid: Italian Leather
- Dimensions: L 30 x H 41 x W 12 cm I L 11.81” x H 16.14” x 4.72
The Award backpack has undergone a sleek, rounded top design revamp. The use of premium Italian leather and a refined clean-lined silhouette emphasizes its elegance.
This backpack blends luxury and practicality seamlessly. The front zip compartment makes it ultra-functional, while the back has a dedicated pocket for your laptop, which can fit up to 13″. You can also secure your belongings in a zipped pocket to keep them safe.
This backpack’s polished silver hardware sets it apart, with the Roderer crown in polished steel and the embossed logo at the back. The adjustable webbing shoulder straps make it easy to carry, and a handle at the top completes its chic look.
Handmade from soft-grained Italian leather, the Award backpack is a statement accessory that is equally stylish and functional.
4. The NorthFace Borealis Backpack
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Durable | ❌ Heavy |
| ✔️ Spacious | |
| ✔️ Available in various colors |
Specifications:
- Sizes: One size
- Solid: 210D recycled nylon ripstop with non-PFC durable water-repellent (non-PFC DWR) finish
- Weight: 2 lbs 5 oz (1050 g)
- Dimensions: 12” x 6.5” x 19.5” (30.5 cm x 16.5 cm x 49.5 cm)
- Volume: 1709 in³ (28 liters)
The Borealis Backpack is a best-seller for a reason. Its iconic bungee cord system and spacious interior compartment keep your belongings secure. Plus, it’s a versatile design that can go anywhere. It even has a stand-up feature and a protective laptop compartment.
This backpack has an external bungee-compression system with clips that offers several options for organization. There are also side bungee cords for compression, bottom compression, and a large main compartment for books and binders. In the front compartment, there are internal organization options with secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve.
But that’s not all. The Borealis Backpack also has an external fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, phones, or keys. Plus, it has 360-degree reflectivity, so you can safely navigate in low-light conditions. You’ll even find two durable, external water bottle pockets that can easily double as multi-use pockets with quick-draw smartphone access on one side. With the Borealis Backpack, you’ll have everything you need in a sleek and functional design.
5. Bobobark An Everyday Bag Made From Nature
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Handmade designer piece | ❌ Luxurious Price |
| ✔️ Versatile | |
| ✔️ Organic Cork: 3 times lighter than leather | |
| ✔️ Vegan and Sustainable |
Specifications:
- Sizes: One Size
- Solid: Organic Cork
- Dimensions: 42 x 29 x 7 cm | 16.5 x 11.4 x 2.7 inches
Handmade by designers, the Bobobark piece is anything but luxurious. You can wear it as a shoulder bag (tote style), backpack, or briefcase, whatever suits you.
And when you’re out and about, you’ll appreciate the clamshell clasp that opens 180 degrees, giving you a wide and clear view inside. The large zippered pocket in the center acts as a divider, keeping things in place.
But that’s not all. Bobobark is fully equipped with a padded laptop compartment (for 15″ laptops or smaller) that you can access both from inside and outside, an easy-access phone pocket, and a port built into the pocket for your cable. So you’ll always stay charged and connected on the go.
Plus, it’s made from premium cork skin that’s collected and polished for a texture as soft and supple as leather. No animals were harmed in the creation of this vegan backpack purse. And compared to traditional leather, cork is three times lighter, making for added comfort on your back. It’s also durable, strong, and completely waterproof.
6. Eaglecreek Explore Backpack
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Detachable hip pack | ❌ Heavy |
| ✔️ Weather-resistant | |
| ✔️ External compression straps |
Specifications:
- Sizes: One Size
- Solid: Recycled Poly
- Dimensions: 10.75 x 21 x 8.5 in / 27 x 53 x 21 cm
- Weight: 1 lb 15 oz / 900 g
- Volume: 1 L (Removable Waist Pack) / 61 cu in (Removable Waist Pack)
The Explore Backpack is more than just a backpack, it’s the perfect companion for wherever your travels may take you! This lightweight and ergonomically designed pack can comfortably be carried on the trail or in the city. Not to mention, it’s stylish too!
But that’s not all – All of the main body fabrics are made from 100% recycled textiles! So, if you’re looking for a sustainable, eco-friendly option, this is the backpack for you.
Plus, this backpack has some amazing features, such as a detachable hip pack for when you only need to stash some small items, an adjustable sternum strap with a built-in safety whistle, side stretch pockets for water bottles, zipper garages with reflective hits for visibility, and easy-grip zipper pulls for fast access to the main compartment.
And you can rest easy knowing that the weather-resistant fabrics and zipper will protect your belongings when you get caught in light rain unexpectedly.
7. Lululemon City Adventure Backpack
| Reasons to buy | Reasons to avoid |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Trolley-compatible sleeve | ❌ Capacity is 20L |
| ✔️ The discreet, side-zippered pocket holds a water bottle | |
| ✔️ Expandable pocket for your sweaty gear |
Specifications:
- Sizes: One Size
- Solid: Poly and Nylon
- Dimensions: 29cm x 18cm x 41cm (11.4″ x 7.1″ x 16.1″)
- Volume: 20L
The Lululemon City Backpack is the ultimate on-the-go companion. It features a discrete exterior water bottle pocket that gives you quick access to hydration as you hustle from work to workout. The reinforced strap construction is perfect for carrying a heavy load all day.
Plus, the backpack has an expandable pocket for your sweaty gym gear. The exterior padded pocket is a bonus for carrying a 16″ laptop, ensuring your electronic devices stay safe and secure.
The trolley-compatible sleeve is a game-changer for those constantly moving, making traveling a breeze. And the interior pockets conveniently hold all of your essentials. And let’s not forget about the discreet, side-zippered pocket that can hold your water bottle so you never miss a beat.
Conclusion
Choosing the best EDC backpack can be a challenging task, especially with so many options available in the market. However, identifying the key factors such as size, durability, compartments, comfort, and style can guide you in making the right choice.
Investing in a high-quality EDC backpack ensures that your essentials are secure and organized, making your daily commute or adventure more comfortable and enjoyable.
