10 Best Backpacks 2026 in the United States

The Thule Aion Travel Backpack 28L is a well-designed option for those needing a compact yet expandable backpack suitable for travel and daily use. Its main strength lies in its eco-friendly construction, using 100% recycled polyester and bluesign approved fabrics, combined with a durable, water-resistant waxed canvas that helps protect your belongings. The backpack offers a practical 28-liter capacity, which can expand to 32 liters, giving about 15% more space when needed. This makes it flexible for short trips or daily carrying needs.

A thoughtful TPU divider inside helps keep your items organized and separated, and it can be tucked away for convenience. There’s also a zippered top pocket for easy access to smaller essentials. In terms of comfort and fit, the backpack is reasonably lightweight at about 1.18 kg, aiding extended wear. Thule’s reputation suggests attention to supportive carry options, especially with the additional Thule Aion Sling Bag that can double as a hipbelt (sold separately) for better load distribution. The dimensions (roughly 18 x 14 x 5 inches) suit most adults and offer a good balance between compactness and storage space.

Style-wise, the Nutria color and clean design provide a modern, versatile look suitable for casual or travel uses. The limited expansion of only about 4 liters might not suffice for those needing more packing room. The specialized hipbelt accessory being sold separately could also add to the overall cost for users seeking enhanced comfort. This backpack represents a solid choice for a sustainable, durable, and moderately sized travel pack that balances organization with style, especially for everyday urban or short trip use.

The Osprey Daylite Plus is a well-designed commuter backpack that suits everyday use, especially for casual day trips or light commuting. It has a moderate capacity with a large panel loading main compartment, making it easy to access and organize your belongings. The backpack also features an internal hydration sleeve, which is handy if you carry a water reservoir for longer outings. Weighing just about 1.29 pounds, it is lightweight and comfortable to carry, which is great for people who don’t want to feel weighed down. The size (roughly 8 x 10 x 17 inches) fits most users comfortably without being too bulky.

Osprey is known for durable materials, so you can expect this backpack to hold up well over time. The style is simple and practical in black, making it versatile for different settings. On the downside, while it has good organization options, it might not have enough compartments for those who prefer very detailed organization or need extra space for bulky items. Also, it’s best suited for light to moderate loads rather than heavy-duty use or large capacity needs.

This backpack is ideal if you want a reliable, stylish, and comfortable everyday pack that can handle daily commutes, casual outings, or short adventures without fuss.

The Fjällräven Skule 20 Backpack is a great choice if you're looking for a compact and versatile bag for day trips in the city or nature. With a 20-liter capacity, it offers enough space for essentials without feeling bulky. Made from durable, water-repellent recycled polyester, it should handle everyday wear and light rain well. Comfort is a strong point here, thanks to padded shoulder straps and a mesh back panel that helps keep you cool.

The backpack is well-organized, featuring a main compartment with a padded sleeve that fits a laptop and a front pocket with smaller zipped and mesh compartments to keep your items tidy. It’s also hydration-system compatible, which is a bonus for outdoor use, although you’ll need to buy the water bladder separately. Weighing only 8 ounces, it’s very lightweight, which adds to comfort during use. The size is compact but practical, measuring about 17 by 6 by 11 inches, fitting most adults comfortably.

In terms of style, its clean navy design is simple and functional, appealing to those who prefer a classic look. It is designed for lighter loads and shorter trips rather than heavy-duty hiking or carrying a lot of gear. If you need a durable, stylish, and well-organized backpack for everyday use or short adventures, the Fjällräven Skule 20 is a solid option.