10 Best Backpacks 2026 in the United States

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 Fjallraven Women's Skule 28 Backpack offers a solid 28-liter capacity, which is suitable for day-to-day activities, commuting, or light travel. Its canvas material gives it a classic, durable feel, although canvas can be heavier and less weather-resistant than synthetic fabrics. Weighing around 750 grams (1.65 pounds), it strikes a reasonable balance between sturdiness and portability, but it might feel a bit heavier compared to ultra-light backpacks.

The size is moderate with dimensions fitting a 15-inch laptop compartment, making it a practical choice for students or professionals who want to carry their devices safely. Organization is decent, featuring zippered exterior pockets, as well as interior zip and mesh pockets, which help keep smaller items accessible and tidy. Comfort-wise, the backpack has shoulder straps and side and top handles, but it lacks padded back support or extra cushioning, which could affect comfort during longer wear.

Its simple black canvas design is versatile, appealing to those who prefer understated and functional looks over flashy or sporty styles. Durability should be good thanks to the robust canvas fabric, though it might require occasional care to maintain appearance. This backpack is well suited for those looking for a stylish, medium-capacity pack for everyday use with reliable organization but may not be ideal if you need very lightweight or highly cushioned options.

The Fjällräven Raven 20 Backpack is a solid choice if you need a compact yet functional daypack with a 20-liter capacity, suitable for daily activities or light travel. It offers good organization with a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to 15-inch laptops, a secure zipped inside pocket, and a front compartment with mesh organizers. The open side pockets and webbing loop add convenience for carrying water bottles or small gear.

Comfort is well addressed thanks to padded shoulder straps and an airmesh back panel, which help with breathability and support during extended wear. At about 710 grams (1.57 pounds), it's lightweight enough to carry comfortably without feeling bulky. The size is moderate, measuring roughly 12 by 16.5 by 7 inches, making it easy to manage but not overly spacious for larger items. Made by Fjällräven, a brand known for durable materials, the Raven 20 uses quality fabric that should hold up well under normal daily use. Style-wise, the navy color and simple design keep it versatile and low-key, appealing to those who prefer a clean and classic look.

A potential downside is that the 20-liter capacity might be too small if you need to carry bulky gear or plan longer outings. Also, the backpack doesn’t have extensive padding or extra features for hiking or heavy-duty use, so it’s better suited for casual urban use or light travel rather than rugged outdoor adventures. To summarize, the Fjällräven Raven 20 is a comfortable, well-built, and stylish backpack that serves everyday needs well, especially if you want something lightweight with organized compartments and a laptop sleeve.