More Bags We Like
Photograph: Adrienne So
Away Commuter Backpack for $225: We like everything that Away makes very much, from carry-on luggage to toiletry bags. This bag is attractive, water-resistant, and full of organized pockets; the hardware also feels premium. But $225 is steep, and we have other options with similar functionality for cheaper.
Rains Mini Backpack for $80: This gorgeous, Scandinavian-inspired backpack is waterproof, fits a 13-inch laptop, and comes in at under $100. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano loved its slim profile and stylish looks.
Out of the Woods Backpack Mini for $32: Out of the Woods makes its bags from what it calls “supernatural paper”—responsibly sourced tree cellulose—and it says 93 percent of the water used for manufacturing is returned to the source. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano noted that it’s incredibly cheap and surprisingly comfortable for the price.
Bobobark Vegan Backpack Purse for $299: This vegan backpack can be converted from a backpack to a purse! It’s made from organic cork so that it has a leather look, but it’s made with no animal products.
Targus Zero Waste EcoSmart Backpack for $60: Targus’ Zero Waste Backpack is under $100, and it’s made from 20 recycled water bottles. It ships rolled up in a recycled plastic package that unfolds and slips into the laptop pocket to give the bag structure.
Troubadour Explorer Ridge Backpack for $325: Troubadour bags are functional, sleek, and extremely expensive. This backpack’s interior is nicely organized with pen holders, a mesh pocket, and a few other slots for your knickknacks, plus a padded section for a 16-inch laptop.
Aer Designs Slim Pack for $115: For quick trips, this 8.5-liter bag still fits a laptop, charger, wallet, water bottle, and phone, plus a snack. Its durable polyurethane coating can be easily wiped clean.
STM Goods Myth 18-Liter Backpack for $120: WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu liked carrying this bag. A suspended laptop pocket keeps it safe from accidental drops, and the thick padding helps it sit comfortably on your back.
Photograph: Lo & Sons
Lo & Sons Hanover 2 for $179: The Hanover 2 has a clever, padded, and detachable insert with four pockets in it. Use it for work to store a day planner, notebooks, coffee mug, and water bottle, or take it out and replace it with a diaper changing station, tiny rain jackets, and seemingly thousands of stuffed animals for the little ones.
Able Carry Daily Backpack for $139: This pack is thin, so you can stuff it to the brim before it starts to get bulky. And stuff it full you can, because it has a pocket for everything. The Thirteen Daybag for $149 is similar but slightly smaller.
Solo’s Re:fresh Machine Washable Backpack for $50: Solo’s affordable lightweight bag is made from 15 recycled plastic bottles, and it’s meant to be machine-washed up to 12 times. We’ve occasionally washed bags not meant for this, and without issue, but if you (or your kid) is prone to messes, it’s nice that this one is made to endure the rigors of the washer.
Dishonorable Mentions
Photograph: Adrienne So
Rothy’s Laptop Backpack for $299: This knit backpack is beautiful, and we generally like Rothy’s products, which are made from recycled plastic that would otherwise find its way into the oceans. However, there are too many impractical design details. It’s too floppy; the concealed zipper is at the back of the backpack, instead of the front, which makes it harder to open; the exterior zip pocket’s lip faces up, so it collects water instead of shedding it. It’s lovely, but not practical.
Mission Workshop Rhake for $545: This roll-top bag has a ton of pockets, and its two-layer weatherproof construction and Velcro closures keep the contents dry. But those pockets aren’t easy or fast to access, it’s heavy, and it’s even pricier than when we first tried it (and rising).
Adventurist Classic Backpack for $60: This affordable, attractive backpack rings in at well under $100, and for every backpack purchased, 25 meals are donated to families across the United States. It’s pretty much just a leather pouch that you wear on your back, however, and the showy leather straps were annoying and useless.
Our Favorite Accessories
Oh, you have a backpack and you just … put things in it? And carry them around? That’s great if it works for you, but don’t worry if it doesn’t. Most of us use an additional organization system. (This also lets us switch bags quickly and easily while we’re testing.)
VentaPak for $46: The VentaPak clips onto the back of your bag, pushing your pack 2 or so inches off you, increasing airflow and hopefully curbing sweating. Surprisingly, it didn’t look super obvious, and at only 12 ounces, it doesn’t add much weight. There are standard and small sizes, so check the website measurements if you’re not sure if it’ll fit your bag.
STM Dapper Wrapper for $20: This is my favorite tech organizer for cables. It rolls up everything I need—my laptop charging block, a couple of USB-C cables, a portable battery or two—and unfolds it neatly so that everything is visible. No cable rat nests here!
Eagle Creek Pack-It XS for $15: My husband packs a tiny toothbrush and toothpaste in here so he can brush his teeth after lunch or after getting off a plane. It’s a good habit, and no one has ever offered him gum in a hinting manner. You should also do this.
Delfonics Pouch for $26: Almost every bag manufacturer makes organizational pouches too. I like Delfonics and Baggu because they’re affordable and come in a wide variety of sizes and bright colors. Bright colors are easy to see in the bottom of a bag!
Herschel Pencil Case for $22: Yes, every backpack usually has a pen pocket or two. Even in this digital age, that’s not nearly enough writing utensils, especially if you use a paper planner. Get a pencil case and corral them from dropping to the bottom of your bag and exploding.
