Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations.

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These comfortable, stylish backpacks might actually make you look forward to your commute.

A person wears the Paravel Alta Via Backpack on their shoulder

Credit:Travel + Leisure

We fully loaded them, carried them around the lab, and drop-tested them (repeatedly).

Weve noted this in our picks where relevant.

Our top choices cater to every throw in of commuter.

Solo Re:Define Backpack

Credit: Solo

After four months of regular use, the backpack’s zipper is beginning to fray.

We love how spacious and comfortable the Solo Re:Define backpack is.

Although it doesnt feel oversized, we found the capacity to be nearly bottomless.

Hands holding open the Solo Re:Define Backpack to display the contents

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Even packed with daily commute necessities, theres room to spare.

The external water bottle pouches are surprisingly roomy, too, holding up to a 32-ounce bottle during testing.

Its a high-quality, durable, versatile choice for work or travel, making this backpack our overall winner.

Person wearing the Solo Re:Define Backpack with water bottles in each side pocket

The recycled polyester material is lightweight, and the bag is incredibly comfortable to wear.

It held up well during testing, showing no tears or scuffs even after rough handling.

Still, its one of the most stylish options we tested and functioned beautifully as a day bag.

Person using the Solo Re:Define Backpack to charge their phone

The backpack can feel bulky on smaller-framed users.

The laptop sleeve is on the large side, so smaller computers may slide around in the bag.

We love thecleverly designed shoe compartmentin the spacious Matein Travel Backpack.

Hand unzipping the side of the Solo Re:Define Backpack

This bag is also one of the more spacious models we tested, with three large internal zipper compartments.

The bag itself is incredibly lightweight and has a high-quality look and feel.

It’s one of the more expensive options on this list.

Solo Re:Define Backpack displayed on a carpet with a charging cable hanging out

The backpack also has a trolley sleeve.

We found this bag comfortable to carry thanks to adjustable straps and padding on the straps and back panel.

The material, made from recycled plastic bottles, looks and feels durable.

Phone and notebooks inside the Solo Re:Define Backpack

It also features a water-resistant coating that will further protect your things inside.

Although the price is pretty high for a backpack, we feel like it’s absolutely worth the price.

The bag doesnt offer external water bottle pockets.

Person putting laptop in a Solo Re:Define Backpack

Greatlaptop backpacksprovide top-notch laptop protection and supportive padding, which is why we recommend the Incase Icon Pack.

The bag has exceptionally thick padding on the back, the shoulder straps, and the laptop sleeve.

It also has a hidden back pocket for cash, cards, and other valuables.

Hand adding a book to the Solo Re:Define Backpack

But if your top priority is laptop protection and comfort, this backpack more than gets the job done.

There are limited pockets for organization inside.

If you bike to work, you want to verify your things stay protected from the elements.

Person putting a tablet in the Solo Re:Define Backpack

The bag is also lightweight, weighing just 1.6 pounds on its own.

Its one of the tallest bags we tested and could easily overwhelm a smaller frame.

We love the waterproof construction and adjustable fit of the Kuhl Escape 25.

Hands holding open the Solo Re:Define Backpack to display the contents

The main compartment unzips suitcase-style for easy packing, and the laptop compartment contains two well-padded equipment sleeves.

The tradeoff for all that space?

The laptop and tablet sleeves inside lack padding.

Person wearing the Solo Re:Define Backpack with water bottles in each side pocket

Although this bag has two slip pockets for a computer and tablet, neither of them is padded.

The bag could use more padding for laptops and fragile items.

This backpack is spacious and allowed us to fit our entire packing list with room to spare during testing.

Person using the Solo Re:Define Backpack to charge their phone

Its light on internal organization, and the shoulder straps run long.

The straps run long, so smaller users may find the backpack sits low even on the tightest setting.

Overall its a worthwhile investment for a small commute bag that can easily transition to happy hour.

Hand unzipping the side of the Solo Re:Define Backpack

The bags shoulder straps and laptop compartment would benefit from more padding.

This bag has a huge capacity and a classic design.

The spacious main compartment lacks additional pockets but does contain a large laptop sleeve.

Solo Re:Define Backpack displayed on a carpet with a charging cable hanging out

This classic bag is a solid option for carrying around campus.

The material has a stiff, firm feel even after a four-month break-in period.

We especially love the external front pocket for easy access to items like IDs and keys.

Phone and notebooks inside the Solo Re:Define Backpack

On the flip side, the bags stiff material helps protect the items inside.

It doesn’t have any locking zippers or slash-proof fabric.

The outside of the backpack also has a reflective print for extra visibility when it’s dark.

Person putting laptop in a Solo Re:Define Backpack

However, the internal construction didnt feel durable enough for daily commute wear and tear.

we liked in other models.

Monos Metro Backpack:This bags detachable front pouch and padded handles earned it high praise during testing.

Person putting a tablet in the Solo Re:Define Backpack

The winners chosen here all performed exceptionally well in both lab and real world tests.

We will continue updating this article as we test even more backpacks that would work well for commuting.

Look for backpacks with multiple zippered compartments and pockets to keep your items organized.

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Credit: Everlane

Also consider your daily needs as youre choosing features: do you always pack your own lunch?

Do you commute in sneakers and change shoes when you arrive?

Are you notorious for letting your phone die and having to charge on the go?

Person placing Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack on a high metal shelf

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Prioritize lunch compartments, shoe bags, or USB ports depending on your commuting habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for in a commuter backpack?

How big should a commuter backpack be?

Hands holding Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack resting on a wood coffee table

Most standard commuter backpacks have a capacity of between 10 and 30 liters.

Hands packing blue shoe inside Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack displayed on green couch

Closeup of inside of Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Person placing Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack on a high metal shelf

Hands holding Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack resting on a wood coffee table

Hands packing blue shoe inside Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack displayed on green couch

Closeup of inside of Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0

Credit: MinkeeBlue

Person wearing the MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0 looking across water at a city skyline

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hands placing a laptop in the MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0

Hands zipping the MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0’s removable lunch bag

Hand opening the lid of the MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0’s lunchbox

Person wearing the MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0 looking across water at a city skyline

Hands placing a laptop in the MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0

Hands zipping the MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0’s removable lunch bag

Hand opening the lid of the MinkeeBlue Nichet Backpack 3.0’s lunchbox

Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Credit: Amazon

Hands putting shoes inside the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hands putting a laptop in the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Hand packing clothes in the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Hand holding a USB cord inside the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Hands putting a laptop into the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Person putting the Matein Travel Backpack 40L on a metal shelf

Hands putting a portable charger in a front pocket on the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Hands putting shoes inside the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Hands putting a laptop in the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Hand packing clothes in the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Hand holding a USB cord inside the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Hands putting a laptop into the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Person putting the Matein Travel Backpack 40L on a metal shelf

Hands putting a portable charger in a front pocket on the Matein Travel Backpack 40L

Paravel Alta Via Backpack

Credit: Paravel

A person wears the Paravel Alta Via Backpack on their shoulder

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person holds the Paravel Alta Via Backpack open

A person weighs the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person weighs the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person zips up the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person holds the pocket on the Paravel Alta Via Backpack open

A person secures a strap on the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person places the Paravel Alta Via Backpack under an airplane seat

A laptop inside the pocket of the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person carries the Paravel Alta Via Backpack by a side strap

A person wears the Paravel Alta Via Backpack on their shoulder

A person holds the Paravel Alta Via Backpack open

A person weighs the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person weighs the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person zips up the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person holds the pocket on the Paravel Alta Via Backpack open

A person secures a strap on the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person places the Paravel Alta Via Backpack under an airplane seat

A laptop inside the pocket of the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

A person carries the Paravel Alta Via Backpack by a side strap

Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

Credit: REI

A person places the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L into an overhead compartment

Credit: Travel + Leisure

The Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L is sprayed with water

The Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L on a bed with travel items

A laptop is seen inside the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person puts on the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person wears the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person rolls the top of the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

Water is sprayed on the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person places the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L into an overhead compartment

The Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L is sprayed with water

The Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L on a bed with travel items

A laptop is seen inside the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person puts on the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person wears the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

A person rolls the top of the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

Water is sprayed on the Ortlieb Velocity PS Pack 17L

Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Credit: Kühl

Close-up of hands unbuckling the Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hand putting laptop into Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Hands inserting a smart phone inside the front pocket of the Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack displayed on carpet next to red bench with person seated on it

Hand holding an tablet inside of an inner pocket in the Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Close-up of hands unbuckling the Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Hand putting laptop into Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Hands inserting a smart phone inside the front pocket of the Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack displayed on carpet next to red bench with person seated on it

Hand holding an tablet inside of an inner pocket in the Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

Roam The Continental

Credit: Roam

Hands putting a tablet and laptop into the Roam The Continental backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hand putting Roam The Continental backpack on a high shelf

Hands holding the straps of the Roam The Continental backpack

Hand holding the handle of a carry-on bag with Roam The Continental backpack secured on top

Hand putting water bottle into side pocket of Roam The Continental backpack

Hands opening the main compartment of Roam The Continental backpack

Person wearing the Roam The Continental backpack on their back

Person putting a laptop in the Roam The Continental backpack

Hand opening the side pockets of the Roam The Continental backpack

Hands putting a tablet and laptop into the Roam The Continental backpack

Hand putting Roam The Continental backpack on a high shelf

Hands holding the straps of the Roam The Continental backpack

Hand holding the handle of a carry-on bag with Roam The Continental backpack secured on top

Hand putting water bottle into side pocket of Roam The Continental backpack

Hands opening the main compartment of Roam The Continental backpack

Person wearing the Roam The Continental backpack on their back

Person putting a laptop in the Roam The Continental backpack

Hand opening the side pockets of the Roam The Continental backpack

Athleta All About Backpack

Credit: Athleta

A person puts on the Athleta All About Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person wears the Athleta All About Backpack

A person packs the Athleta All About Backpack

A person places travel items into the pocket of the Athleta All About Backpack

A person places a water bottle into the Athleta All About Backpack

A person wears the Athleta All About Backpack

A person puts on the Athleta All About Backpack

A person wears the Athleta All About Backpack

A person packs the Athleta All About Backpack

A person places travel items into the pocket of the Athleta All About Backpack

A person places a water bottle into the Athleta All About Backpack

A person wears the Athleta All About Backpack

A red leather backpack

Credit: Bee & Kin

Hands putting a reusable water bottle into a side pocket on the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hands putting a laptop into the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack on a white table with a person behind it reaching for a laptop

Hand showing a closeup of the straps on the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Person wearing the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Person packing a jacket into the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Hands putting a laptop into the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Hand putting a passport into the side pocket of the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Hands putting a phone into the outer pocket of the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Hands putting a reusable water bottle into a side pocket on the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Hands putting a laptop into the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack on a white table with a person behind it reaching for a laptop

Hand showing a closeup of the straps on the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Person wearing the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Person packing a jacket into the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Hands putting a laptop into the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Hand putting a passport into the side pocket of the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Hands putting a phone into the outer pocket of the Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Credit: Amazon

Hands opening the Herschel Classic Backpack XL to show what’s packed inside

Credit: Travel + Leisure

Hand placing a water bottle in the side pocket of the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hand putting a camera in the front pocket of the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hand putting a laptop in the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hands putting sneakers in the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Person wearing the Herschel Classic Backpack XL on their back

A person putting a water bottle into the side pocket of the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

A person sitting on a bench holding the top handle of a Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hands putting markers into the front pocket of the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hands opening the Herschel Classic Backpack XL to show what’s packed inside

Hand placing a water bottle in the side pocket of the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hand putting a camera in the front pocket of the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hand putting a laptop in the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hands putting sneakers in the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Person wearing the Herschel Classic Backpack XL on their back

A person putting a water bottle into the side pocket of the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

A person sitting on a bench holding the top handle of a Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Hands putting markers into the front pocket of the Herschel Classic Backpack XL

Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Credit: Calpak

The Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack with an iPad in the front pocket

Credit: Travel + Leisure

The Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack with the pockets open displayed on carpet

A person zipping up the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack which is on a table with shoes and another backpack

A person with the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack on their back

The interior of the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Hands adjusting the straps of the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Hands putting Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack on a high metal shelf

Person adding belongings to the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

A hand touching an inside strap on the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

The Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack with an iPad in the front pocket

The Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack with the pockets open displayed on carpet

A person zipping up the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack which is on a table with shoes and another backpack

A person with the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack on their back

The interior of the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Hands adjusting the straps of the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Hands putting Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack on a high metal shelf

Person adding belongings to the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

A hand touching an inside strap on the Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

Credit: Amazon

A person carries the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase by a side handle

Credit: Travel + Leisure

A person wears the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person opens the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places travel items into the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places a laptop inside the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places money into the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase pocket

A person holds up a USB cord on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person opens a lock on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person cuts the strap on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase with a box cutter

A person uses a box cutter to cut the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person pulls on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person carries the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase by a side handle

A person wears the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person opens the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places travel items into the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places a laptop inside the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person places money into the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase pocket

A person holds up a USB cord on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person opens a lock on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person cuts the strap on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase with a box cutter

A person uses a box cutter to cut the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

A person pulls on the XDDesign Bobby Bizz 3-in-1 Anti-Theft Backpack & Briefcase

Person wearing the Kroser Laptop Backpack with Charger

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A person wearing the Arlo Skye The Backpack

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A person weighs the Paravel Alta Via Backpack

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Hand holding an tablet inside of an inner pocket in the Kühl Eskape 25 Backpack

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