Skip to main content
To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories.
To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories
Sign In
- Podcasts
- Video
- Wired World
- Artificial Intelligence
- Climate
- Games
- Newsletters
- Magazine
- Events
- Wired Insider
- Jobs
- Coupons
Adrienne So Medea Giordano
Gear
Whether you’re biking to the office or schlepping a camera to a shoot, a laptop bag is your constant companion. These WIRED-reviewed packs do the job.
If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more. Please also consider subscribing to WIRED
The Best Backpack
Tom Bihn Synik 22
Read more
Most Stylish
Rains Backpack Mini
Read more
Best Budget Bag
Herschel Heritage Backpack
Read more
Best for School
The North Face Jester
Read more4
/
17
A backpack is the best, most efficient, and most comfortable way to carry your stuff—there's a reason why you don't see people hiking on the Appalachian Trail with a tote. But finding the right one that works for you and your lifestyle isn't easy. Whether you're commuting to an office or school, running to your local coffee shop, or going on a weekend trip, a good backpack will look good and keep your stuff organized. It's easier on your neck and shoulders than an overstuffed purse or briefcase (and miles better than trying to hold everything in your hands).
Whatever your needs, we have a fit and functional backpack for you. We inspect backpacks for a suspended, padded laptop sleeve; durable fabrics and high-quality zippers; and versatile storage options. Don't see anything you like here? Check out our other guides, including the Best Recycled Bags, Best Laptop Totes and Purses, Best Messenger Bags, Best Camera Bags, and the Best Travel Bags.
Updated January 2024: We added the North Face Jester, the Road Runner Slacker Day Pack, the Solo machine washable backpack, the Cariuma laptop backpack, and the Patagonia Ultralight Tote Pack. We also added some accessories.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
Most Popular
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day DealsLouryn Strampe
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day Mattress DealsMedea Giordano
Gear
Take Your Tunes Anywhere With Our Fave Bluetooth SpeakersParker Hall
Gear
The Best Reusable Products We Actually LoveMedea Giordano
Most Popular
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day DealsLouryn Strampe
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day Mattress DealsMedea Giordano
Gear
Take Your Tunes Anywhere With Our Fave Bluetooth SpeakersParker Hall
Gear
The Best Reusable Products We Actually LoveMedea Giordano
Most Popular
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day DealsLouryn Strampe
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day Mattress DealsMedea Giordano
Gear
Take Your Tunes Anywhere With Our Fave Bluetooth SpeakersParker Hall
Gear
The Best Reusable Products We Actually LoveMedea Giordano
Most Popular
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day DealsLouryn Strampe
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day Mattress DealsMedea Giordano
Gear
Take Your Tunes Anywhere With Our Fave Bluetooth SpeakersParker Hall
Gear
The Best Reusable Products We Actually LoveMedea Giordano
Most Popular
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day DealsLouryn Strampe
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day Mattress DealsMedea Giordano
Gear
Take Your Tunes Anywhere With Our Fave Bluetooth SpeakersParker Hall
Gear
The Best Reusable Products We Actually LoveMedea Giordano
Most Popular
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day DealsLouryn Strampe
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day Mattress DealsMedea Giordano
Gear
Take Your Tunes Anywhere With Our Fave Bluetooth SpeakersParker Hall
Gear
The Best Reusable Products We Actually LoveMedea Giordano
Most Popular
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day DealsLouryn Strampe
Gear
The Best Presidents’ Day Mattress DealsMedea Giordano
Gear
Take Your Tunes Anywhere With Our Fave Bluetooth SpeakersParker Hall
Gear
The Best Reusable Products We Actually LoveMedea Giordano
Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews editor for WIRED, where she reviews consumer technology. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, and she previously worked as a freelance writer for Cool Hunting, Paste, Slate, and other publications. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Medea Giordano turned her shopping problem into a career as a product writer for WIRED. She covers a little bit of everything but loves health, beauty, and pet tech. Prior to WIRED, she was an assistant editor at Wirecutter and an assistant in the newsroom of The New York Times.... Read more
TopicsShoppingbackpackbuying guidesBagsOfficeAccessories and Peripherals
Gearing up to shred the slopes or dive into the seas? These photography tools are made for danger.
Scott Gilbertson
Ditch your single-use products and cut down on waste. Here are some of our favorites, from water bottles to menstrual products.
Medea Giordano
If you use screens for work and play, your child probably does too. These are the best pairs we’ve bought and tested for our own kids.
Simon Hill
These WIRED-tested memory sticks are a virtual filing cabinet in your pocket.
Simon Hill
Raising your computer screen is a simple fix for healthier posture. These stands, lap desks, mats, and risers may help.
Medea Giordano
Shopping for a new phone can be an ordeal. Let us take some of the pain out of it with these WIRED-tested picks and tips.
Julian Chokkattu
These are our favorite portable speakers of all shapes and sizes, from clip-ons to a massive boom box.
Parker Hall
The 13- and 15-inch models of Apple’s laptops with the M2 processor are on sale.
Brenda Stolyar
