Skip to main content
To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories.
- Podcasts
- Video
- Newsletters
- Magazine
- Events
- WIRED Insider
- WIRED Consulting
- 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 moreMost Stylish
Rains Backpack Mini
Read moreBest Budget Bag
Herschel Heritage Backpack
Read moreBest 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
- The End of ‘iPhone’
Gear
Carlton Reid
- Apple’s Photo Bug Exposes the Myth of ‘Deleted’
Gear
Lauren Goode
- Everything Microsoft Announced at Today’s Surface Event
Gear
Brenda Stolyar
- How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google’s Search Results
Security
Reece Rogers
Most Popular
- The End of ‘iPhone’
Gear
Carlton Reid
- Apple’s Photo Bug Exposes the Myth of ‘Deleted’
Gear
Lauren Goode
- Everything Microsoft Announced at Today’s Surface Event
Gear
Brenda Stolyar
- How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google’s Search Results
Security
Reece Rogers
Most Popular
- The End of ‘iPhone’
Gear
Carlton Reid
- Apple’s Photo Bug Exposes the Myth of ‘Deleted’
Gear
Lauren Goode
- Everything Microsoft Announced at Today’s Surface Event
Gear
Brenda Stolyar
- How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google’s Search Results
Security
Reece Rogers
Most Popular
- The End of ‘iPhone’
Gear
Carlton Reid
- Apple’s Photo Bug Exposes the Myth of ‘Deleted’
Gear
Lauren Goode
- Everything Microsoft Announced at Today’s Surface Event
Gear
Brenda Stolyar
- How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google’s Search Results
Security
Reece Rogers
Most Popular
- The End of ‘iPhone’
Gear
Carlton Reid
- Apple’s Photo Bug Exposes the Myth of ‘Deleted’
Gear
Lauren Goode
- Everything Microsoft Announced at Today’s Surface Event
Gear
Brenda Stolyar
- How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google’s Search Results
Security
Reece Rogers
Most Popular
- The End of ‘iPhone’
Gear
Carlton Reid
- Apple’s Photo Bug Exposes the Myth of ‘Deleted’
Gear
Lauren Goode
- Everything Microsoft Announced at Today’s Surface Event
Gear
Brenda Stolyar
- How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google’s Search Results
Security
Reece Rogers
Most Popular
- The End of ‘iPhone’
Gear
Carlton Reid
- Apple’s Photo Bug Exposes the Myth of ‘Deleted’
Gear
Lauren Goode
- Everything Microsoft Announced at Today’s Surface Event
Gear
Brenda Stolyar
- How to Remove Your Personal Info From Google’s Search Results
Security
Reece Rogers
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
Need a backpack, purse, tote, or even a new shopping bag? These are made from truck tarps, old sails, fishnets, and plastic bottles.
Medea Giordano
Sitting at a desk for hours? Upgrade your WFH setup and work in style with these comfy WIRED-tested seats.
Julian Chokkattu
Tread lightly on our planet with toys and accessories made from repurposed plastic, and many other Earth-friendly picks.
Medea Giordano
These are the best wraps, carriers, and slings to help you bring your infant wherever you go.
Adrienne So
Our favorite zero-drop, minimalist footwear will let you feel the ground beneath your feet.
Scott Gilbertson
Whether you’re skiing in the backcountry or trampolining in the backyard, we have an activity tracker for you.
Adrienne So
Keep your phone, tablet, laptop, and other electronics running with these handheld power banks.
Simon Hill
We're testing gadgets that keep showing up in our feeds. Here are the ones that deserve the hype—and would make awesome presents.
Brenda Stolyar