Architecture and Design Obsession
20 Snazzy and Ultra-Functional Backpacks for Every Budget
If you're ready for your next great adventure, these modern backpacks will take you there.
If you're ready for your next great adventure, these modern backpacks will take you there.
Whether you’re commuting, hiking, or taking classes, our favorite picks below are stylish, affordable, and will cover whatever journey awaits.
Under $50
Herschel Supply Co. Classic Mid Volume Backpack
A true classic, this medium-sized Herschel Supply Co. backpack is the sleek, slightly scaled-down version of the functional storage staple. Photo Courtesy of Shopbop 
Baggu Drawstring Backpack
A simple canvas satchel for daily essentials. Roomy, but still neatly sized. Photo Courtesy of Baggu 
Under $100
Béis The Backpack
Make weekend trips and overnight stays easy and hands-free with a multi-function travel backpack designed with an interior mesh pocket and laptop compartment. Padded backpack straps make for comfy carrying when you’re waiting for the train or walking through the airport. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom 
Topo Designs Light Backpack
Cool throwback color blocking defines a compact backpack built from lightweight, durable tech fabric. Padded straps mean easy comfort on long commutes or hikes. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom 
Everlane Modern Snap Backpack
This twill backpack features a contrast base that’s screen printed 11 times for durability and protection against wet grass and dirty floors. Photo Courtesy of Everlane 
Thule Lithos Backpack
Padded sleeves dedicated for both your laptop and tablet are built inside the main compartment of this durably made ripstop backpack for easy organization and protection. Breathable mesh-padded back and straps enhance the comfort of carrying a heavy load. Photo courtesy of Nordstrom 
Fjällräven Kånken Backpack
Meaning arctic fox in Swedish, Fjallraven began 50 years ago in Sweden making a framed backpack design that carried loads comfortably. This innovation helped make the outdoors accessible to a whole new generation of people and launched a movement to protect wild places. Photo courtesy of REVOLVE 
Baggu School Backpack
A sturdy backpack for commuting and traveling, with padded straps for comfortable wear. Padded interior pocket to holds a 15″ laptop. Exterior zip pockets keep small items organized and easy to grab. Made from durable, machine washable heavyweight nylon. Photo Courtesy of Baggu 
Timbuk2 Tuck Laptop Backpack
The key to a great cycling backpack is a waterproof and durable exterior (remember, you will be out in the elements en route to work). Luckily for you, this color-blocked Laptop Backpack from Timbuk2 fits the bill. Photo Courtesy of Timbuk2 
Under $200
Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack
Great Dakotas come in small packages too. Sometimes you don’t want to carry around a bunch of baggage, which is why the Small Dakota is perfect for you. Keep things organized with an air mesh tablet sleeve, two air mesh interior pockets, two zipper exterior pockets, and, of course, our signature key leash. Whether you’re using the Small Dakota as an accessory to face the day or chase the night, it will live up to its family name. Because sometimes it’s the little things in life that matter most. We use 100% premium neoprene, a high-tech fabric that is water resistant and hand washable. It’s insulating and shock-absorbent thanks to the material makeup. A modern material for modern needs, the durability and versatility are endless. Photo Courtesy of Dagne Dover 
Bellroy Tokyo Totepack
Casual yet professional, versatile yet simple—the Tokyo Totepack is a subtle chameleon that fits in wherever your day takes you. Named after one of the most bustling, fast-paced cities in the world, the Tokyo Totepack is the all-purpose work and travel bag that adapts to your specific needs every step of the way. Biking to work? Pull out the padded backpack straps from the incognito holsters and throw it over your shoulders. Enjoying a walk about town before hitting the park? Stash the straps and use the top handles to carry your water, snacks, and reading material. There’s plenty of internal storage options that can accommodate whatever you’re carrying that day so you’ll never feel unprepared for wherever life takes you. Photo Courtesy of Huckberry 
Timbuk2 Convertible Backpack Tote
An elevated tote with a chic military look, the Tote Rucksack is mostly tote and a little bit backpack. Tuck-away backpack straps transform it from refined tote to slightly sportier backpack, making it hard not to wear everywhere. Chunky metallic hardware and sateen straps give it a bit of gloss, while stretchy internal pockets, compression straps, and a fully padded laptop sleeve give it serious functionality. Wear it wherever and however you may. Photo Courtesy of Timbuk2 
DSPTCH Daypack
Lightweight daily carry bag from DSPTCH. Features multi-function pockets, designated laptop and tablet compartment, internal water bottle pockets, and built-in cord management system. Crafted from water-repelling 1680D ballistic nylon, Mil spec webbing, and Duraflex plastic hardware. Photo Courtesy of Need Supply Co. 
Moleskine Vertical Nylon Device Bag
Contemporary bag from Moleskine. Webbing carrying handles. Adjustable webbing shoulder straps. Breathable air-mesh back. Wraparound two-way water-resistant zip closure. Heat-sealed front zip pocket. Interior zip pocket. Padded 15″ laptop compartment. Interior organizer, pen holders and card holder with reflective trim. Polyurethane base with reflective logo patch. Honeycomb lining. Photo Courtesy of Nordstrom 
Matt & Nat Fabi Backpack
Backpack with adjustable straps. Top flap with magnetic snap closure. Expandable gussets at the top to widen the opening. Small zipper pocket on back for security. Interior: 13″ laptop compartment, smartphone pocket, logo-embossed Vintage patch. 100% recycled nylon lining. Photo Courtesy of Matt & Nat 
Rains Drawstring Backpack
A stylish backpack for sightseeing and train hopping. Waterproof fabric protects your belongings. Synthetic fabric is sturdy and lightweight. Main compartment holds all your essentials for a day on the town. Photo Courtesy of Backcountry 
Under $500
Bellroy Duo Totepack
A bag with two modes, for all the duality in your day-to-day. The Duo Totepack is designed to transition through your day as easily as you do. Tote or backpack, slim or expanded, work or play – you can carry the Totepack by the handles for professionalism when you need to, or turn it into a backpack for the commute or ride home. When you want to walk into a meeting with just a laptop, notebook, pen and phone you can clip the sides in to hold the bag in its slimmest form. Unclip it again to add all your extras for life outside the office. This bag is made from durable, water-resistant fabric that’s soft enough to flex with your movement, but tough enough to withstand all that life throws at you. Photo Courtesy of Amazon 
Cuyana Leather Backpack
Crafted in Italy from soft Italian leather, our rendition of the essential backpack considers every little detail. We designed this piece for versatility—carry it by the classic back straps, or detach them both and carry it as a shoulder bag with the detachable top shoulder strap. Its feminine silhouette is complete with front patch pockets for easy access to keys and other necessities. Photo Courtesy of Cuyana 
Tumi Voyageur Hagen Backpack
Modern style and functional design come together for a backpack that’s as versatile as it is elegant. A padded laptop pocket, and a water-resistant water bottle pocket that can be accessed from both in and outside the bag are just a couple of the technical features that make this bag a perfect choice for life on the go. Purposeful, practical design that doesn’t compromise on style: Our Voyageur collection brings you versatile backpacks, bags, and accessories for women. Photo Courtesy of eBags 
Cuyana Convertible Satchel – 15 Inch
From a backpack, to a crossbody, to a top handle bag—our Convertible Satchel with adjustable straps is a versatile wonder. Streamlined in shape and crafted from full grain Italian leather, it wears beautifully over time with a memorable soft hand feel. Designed for the tech-savvy woman in mind, the interior sleeve fits a 15’’ laptop while the front pocket offers ease of access for her on-the-go pursuits. Photo Courtesy of Cuyana 
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