Backpacks
- Travel
- Backpacks
This Dependable Backpack Will Get You Through College—and Beyond
by Hana Stepnick
The Herschel Classic Backpack XL can help college kids carry what they need for campus life. It’s sturdy and stylish enough for the real world, too.
We Found the Optimal Way to Pack for a 3-Day Trip With Just a ‘Personal Item’
by Gabriella DePinho
If a free carry-on isn’t included in your ticket, don’t pay extra for it. Here’s how you can pack a personal item for a weekend trip.
The Best Kids Backpacks for School
by Ellen Lee
We’ve been testing kids backpacks for almost a decade. These packs consistently rank among the best.
The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks
by Kit Dillon
The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L is our backpack pick for most travelers. We also have picks for other travelers, including those who want to carry a bit more.
The Best Backpacks for College and High School Students
by Zoe Vanderweide
Our top backpack picks for the 2023-2024 school year include a sporty-looking ergonomic pack, a bag that’s nostalgic and timeless, and a polished workhorse.
The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)
by Kit Dillon
A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.
The Best Packable Daypack for Travel
by Kit Dillon
We chose four packable daypacks that you can keep on hand, whether you’re trekking across the globe or just on your daily commute.
The Best Laptop Backpacks
by Zoe Vanderweide
A great laptop backpack protects your tech, is comfortable to carry, and looks good, too. These five bags are our favorites for wrangling your workday gear.
Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls
by Truth Headlam
Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.
The Best Travel Backpack
by Geoffrey Morrison
For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.
I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.
by Elissa Sanci
Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.
You’re Probably Wearing Your Backpack Wrong
by Zoe Vanderweide
Here are the secrets to avoiding back pain while rocking a backpack, including the best way to load it up and how to adjust your straps.