The best EDC backpack is ultimately going to be the best backpack that suits your lifestyle and daily needs. Having said that, it’s not like there aren’t things that make an EDC backpack objectively good. Generally, you want a backpack that comes with tons of multiple pockets and compartments, comfortable straps, and just the right amount of volume for storing everything you need throughout the day.
Contrary to popular belief, an EDC backpack doesn’t have to look like super high-end tactical gear. All you really need is a well-made bag that can hold your daily needs.
With such a relatively loose definition though, it’s all too easy to feel lost when buying an EDC bag for the first time. That’s why we’ve put together our list of the best EDC backpacks of 2022. This list contains some classics you’ve definitely heard of as well as lesser-known bags that you might be interested in checking out.
TOP CHOICES
Best Overall
MYSTERY RANCH In and Out Backpack
- High capacity backpack with 19 liters of internal volume.
- Main compartment includes a 2L hydration reservoir pocket.
- Made from abrasion and tear resistant Cordura fabric.
- Folds into its own mesh front pocket.
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Best for Work
Thule Paramount Backpack
- Padded storage pockets for smaller devices.
- Dedicated laptop compartment for 15.6-inch laptops.
- Easy access pocket on the shoulder strap.
- Tons of pockets for organizing even the smallest items.
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Most Lightweight
Bellroy Oslo Backpack
- Made from durable, recycled fabric.
- Water resistant material keeps your gadgets dry and safe.
- Dedicated sleeves for 13-inch laptop and 5 documents.
- External quick-access pocket with a key clip.
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1MYSTERY RANCH In and Out Backpack
Best Overall
It’s not every day you get a backpack that’s suited for both urban and outdoor use. The MYSTERY RANCH In and Out Backpack, however, lets you go from office to mountains in a snap. This high-capacity yet feather-light backpack has a total volume of 19L so you can carry your water bottle, trail snacks, and work gadgets in the same pack without worrying about running out of space.
Of course, this does mean that the MYSTERY RANCH In and Out Backpack doesn’t have a padded laptop compartment, but it’s a worth-it trade-off for a backpack that can fold into its own front pocket.
The bag comes with two compartments, one of which contains its own 2L hydration reservoir so you can stay hydrated throughout the day. At the side of the bag is a mesh pocket for your water bottle.
How can such a light and thin bag hold all that? It’s all thanks to the 100D Cordura fabric it’s made of that resists tears and abrasions like a pro.
PROS
- High capacity backpack with 19 liters of internal volume.
- Main compartment includes a 2L hydration reservoir pocket.
- Made from abrasion and tear resistant Cordura fabric.
- Folds into its own mesh front pocket.
CONS
- Small water bottle holder.
- Strap tenders sold separately.
2Thule Paramount Backpack
Best for Work
The Thule Paramount Backpack may not be your backpack of choice if you don’t like big logos, but with these many features, it’s worth overlooking.
The Thule Paramount Backpack is made of thick 100% nylon fabric that helps protect your items from mild rain. The protective flap at the top covers the bag’s zippers, sheltering your devices from the elements. The magnetic fold flap pulls away to reveal a small valuables pocket for storing your most reached-for items.
At the back of the bag is a laptop compartment that fits devices up to 15.6 inches in length. It sits right next to the 10.5-inch tablet pocket which also has thick protective padding to keep your most valued work tools safe.
PROS
- Padded storage pockets for smaller devices.
- Dedicated laptop compartment for 15.6-inch laptops.
- Easy access pocket on the shoulder strap.
- Tons of pockets for organizing even the smallest items.
CONS
- Magnets for the top flap are a little weak.
- No front chest strap.
3Bellroy Oslo Backpack
Most Lightweight
Okay, the Bellroy Oslo Backpack technically isn’t the lightest since the previously mentioned Mystery Ranch backpack folds down much smaller. But you’d be hard-pressed to find an EDC backpack that’s designed for daily work and is this aesthetically pleasing.
The Bellroy Oslo Backpack is a slim backpack with a 13-inch laptop pocket. It comes with an A5 document pocket that keeps your files organized and uncrumpled even if you have the most hectic commute to work.
The bag has padded shoulder straps that can be adjusted to fit the bag better to your back’s shape. Its breathable back panel keeps the air flowing between you and the bag no matter the weather.
PROS
- Made from durable, recycled fabric.
- Water resistant material keeps your gadgets dry and safe.
- Dedicated sleeves for 13-inch laptop and 5 documents.
- External quick-access pocket with a key clip.
CONS
- Flap closure magnet leaves a little to be desired.
- Thin internal padding.
4Herschel Settlement Backpack
The Herschel Settlement Backpack isn’t particularly flashy or special, but its pared-down design is familiar to pretty much everyone who’s owned a backpack before. And let’s admit it, sometimes it’s the classics that win us over.
The Herschel Settlement Backpack is a no-frills EDC bag that’s made for office workers, students, and everyone in between. The bag boasts a 15-inch laptop sleeve that can fit laptops and tablets alike.
The bag has a single spacious front pocket with a durable copper-toned zipper and a built-in key clip.
PROS
- Rip and tear resistant canvas exterior.
- Herschel signature striped lining.
- Spacious front pocket with key holder.
- Separate laptop sleeve for documents and devices.
CONS
- Few organization options.
- Non-padded laptop sleeve.
5ArcEnCiel Motorcycle Backpack
The ArcEnCiel Motorcycle Backpack is the EDC backpack for people who enjoy bags like the Herschel Settler but wish it had more than just one pocket.
The ArcEnCiel Motorcycle Backpack is a synthetic fabric blend bag with a quick access front pocket for storing your phone, loose change, and keys. A second compartment behind it can hold notebooks and pens while the final compartment can be used for storing larger items like a laptop.
The main compartment has a divider for your laptop as well as books and documents up to size A5. On the sides of the bag are two mesh pockets for holding drinks.
PROS
- Two mesh pockets for water bottles and energy drinks.
- Padded shoulder strap with connecting chest strap.
- Organizers for documents, laptop, and tablet.
- Comes with a rain cover to keep your things dry.
CONS
- Laptop compartment is not padded.
- Thick padded back can feel a little too warm sometimes.
6Vertx Gamut 2.0 Backpack
The Vertx Gamut 2.0 Backpack is the best EDC backpack for concealed carry on this list as it comes with a concealed carry platform that fits ballistic panels.
The main compartment of the Vertx Gamut 2.0 Backpack opens into a spacious storage area complete with a laptop sleeve that you can remove to make room for more stuff. This modular laptop sleeve can also be adjusted for storing larger fragile valuables.
The bag has a front flap zipper to help prevent accidental opening and a G-hook strap so you can convert it to a sling.
PROS
- Convertible front flap can be moved behind the MOLLE webbing panel for quick access.
- Adjustable padded laptop sleeve that can be removed.
- Two water bottle pockets.
- Comfortable straps and back with thick padding.
CONS
- Very deep front pocket can make it hard to reach for items.
- Drawstrings of the bottle holders close from inside the pockets.
7Tomtoc Compact EDC Sling Bag
The Tomtoc Compact EDC Sling Bag is the best EDC backpack for people who aren’t exactly a fan of the bulk that most EDC backpacks have. Of course, it’s not exactly a backpack either but since it’s a sling meant to be worn across the chest, the weight distribution is still fairly even and doesn’t strain the shoulders and back.
This crossbody bag can fit an 11-inch tablet and has multiple organizers for cords, documents, and even a water bottle. Though small, this bag can fit just about everything you need throughout your day.
The Tomtoc Compact EDC Sling Bag also has a rear sleeve placed at the back for holding loose change, receipts, and your phone so you don’t have to open your backpack every time.
PROS
- Made of synthetic fabric and canvas.
- Fits devices up to 11 inches in length.
- Easy access back pocket for your phone.
- Comfortable padded strap and top handle.
CONS
- Might be too small for some people since it can't fit a laptop.
- Material is a little thin.
8Prepared Citizen Classic
The Prepared Citizen Classic is another sleek pack made of canvas fabric. As you can expect, this makes it quite durable and cool to the touch even without an airflow-conducive back panel.
The backpack has a pair of padded straps similar to the standard Jansport backpack you’re likely already familiar with. The big difference comes in the form of a padded bottom that cushions all of your things, mesh pockets for organizing cords, and subdivided front pocket slots for pens and other small items.
The bag is coated with a Teflon fabric protector that makes it both stain and water-resistant. Just in case you hate having to wash your backpacks.
PROS
- Water and stain resistant Teflon coated fabric.
- Multiple organizers inside the front pocket.
- Rear laptop sleeve and padded bottom panel.
- Thick padded shoulder straps.
CONS
- No side pockets for water bottles.
- No chest strap connecting shoulder straps.
9Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack
The Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack is the EDC backpack for the stylish guys out there who will never be caught with an unfashionable bag. This leather backpack brings an ultra-lux feel to the otherwise purpose-first design of your typical EDC bag.
The Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack has all leather front-facing and side-facing surfaces. But the bottoms of the straps and the back panel are made of a breathable mesh so you don’t have to sweat while carrying around your stuff.
The bag has three separate compartments, each with its own pen, document, tablet, and notebook organizers. These don’t include the laptop compartment which can be found at the far rear end of the back complete with its own padding and zipper.
PROS
- Tons of compartments and organizers.
- Very stylish, mostly leather exterior.
- High quality curved zippers.
- Comes with a strap for fitting it onto luggage handles.
CONS
- A bit pricey.
- Leather may be prone to scratches and stains.
