10 Best Backpacks 2025 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 Nike Hayward 2.0 Backpack offers a solid choice for everyday use, whether for school, light hiking, or casual outings. Its 26-liter capacity provides enough space to carry essentials without being bulky. The backpack’s polyester shell is tightly woven, which helps with durability and resisting wear over time. It has a simple but sporty design, highlighted by elastic straps that add an athletic look without sacrificing function. Comfort is addressed with padded, adjustable shoulder straps that let you customize the fit, making it easier to carry for longer periods.

Inside, there is one large main compartment for bigger items and smaller pockets for organizing smaller belongings, though it doesn’t have specialized sections for laptops or tech gear. Weighing just under 15 ounces, it is lightweight, which is great if you want to avoid extra load. The size is compact, approximately 7 by 15 inches, suitable for adults but might feel a bit small if you need to carry many bulky items. A top haul loop adds convenience for quick grabs or hanging the backpack when not in use.

The bag is well-built and comfortable, but its simple compartment layout and lack of advanced features may not meet the needs of those wanting more organization or tech protection. It is well suited for those looking for a durable, lightweight, and stylish backpack for everyday activities rather than heavy-duty hiking or specialized gear transport.

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.