Best City Backpacks 2024-2025

My 2023 backpack rating for men is based on customer reviews from Russian online stores and expert reviews. And also based on personal preferences, because there is no point in recommending to others a backpack that I would not buy for myself.

10. Xiaomi 90 Points Vibrant College

• Volume: 18 l
• Weight: 0.6 kg
• Number of straps: two

The Xiaomi concern, well known in Russia for its household goods and smartphones, is also one of the best companies producing backpacks.

The 90 Points Vibrant College model has a design that is both classic and modern. It is small in volume, but there is enough space inside for everything you need, including a laptop with a standard 15.6-inch diagonal. However, you won’t be able to load the backpack to the brim – the top is closed with magnetic fasteners, which constantly unfasten when overfilled.

The product is made of durable, dense, wear-resistant Cordura fabric, which is also impregnated with water-repellent agents for reliability.

9. ARCTIC HUNTER B00120C

• Volume: 25 l
• Weight: 0.9 kg
• Number of straps: two

And from the stylish "Xiaomi" we move on to the classic top backpacks of 2023 for the city. This is a solid, practical-looking product of a standard black color, which at the same time does not look bulky - although its volume is 25 liters. A dense, durable body with frame elements and impact protection in the form of damping walls, anatomically shaped solid ventilated straps does not look boring thanks to the skillful alternation of vertical lines and glossy finish.

The backpack has waterproof zippers and a water-repellent fabric coating. And for those who like to ride a bike in the dark, reflective elements are sewn onto the fabric. In addition, the backpack has several interesting features: a USB port for charging, a hole for headphones, and a mount for a suitcase on wheels. And, of course, a pocket for a 15.6-inch laptop, which is additionally protected by a pad that absorbs mechanical shocks.

8. Granta Shoulder Backpack

• Volume: 7 l
• Weight: 0.5 kg
• Number of straps: one

An interesting model, a single-strap backpack, which compensates for its modest volume (only 7 l) due to the MOLLE straps, to which various items can be attached. It is clear that neither a thermos nor a change of clothes will fit into the backpack, but cyclists and motorcyclists will find it useful.

Granta has enough space for documents, a smartphone, a tablet, notebooks for school, there are several convenient pockets for small items. There is even a portable charger! The backpack can be worn both on the back and on the chest - the bag fits tightly to the body. Buyers highly praise the pocket for cards and money - it is conveniently located, well protected, and at the same time the contents are easily removed.

7. Xiaomi Casual Daypack 13.3

• Volume: 10 l
• Weight: 0.2 kg
• Number of straps: two

In the rating of men's backpacks for the city, this is one of the lightest and most inexpensive options. However, neither the weight nor the price affected the number of pockets or the compartment for the laptop. There is even a hole for headphones and a side strap.

The backpack itself looks good, clean straight lines, holds its shape well, and the company logo is of a delicate size and is not conspicuous. Of course, for such money you will not get dense walls with lining, frame elements, anatomically shaped straps and ventilated pads on the back. But what you will get is a backpack-bag made of good durable fabric, straps and back with padding, many pockets and reliable zippers.

If you need an ultra-compact small backpack for a bike or for a flight on low-cost airlines, where every gram is important, where you can put your phone, keys, a bottle of water, but you don’t want to overpay, Casual Daypack is a very good option.

6. Airton RD4213

• Volume: 20 l
• Weight: 0.4 kg
• Number of straps: two

One of the most popular backpacks on the Russian market is worth every ruble spent. It has a classic shape, two padded straps, an unobtrusive logo, and a front pocket with a flap to protect against water.

Even the backrest has a hint of a frame, made of ventilated fabric. For that kind of money, it's a pretty good option. The impression is slightly spoiled by just one main compartment, without any frills like a laptop pocket, but not everyone needs a laptop for everyday use.

5. Golden Wolf GB00433

• Volume: 22 l
• Weight: 0.6 kg
• Number of straps: two

A roomy, wide, voluminous backpack, the thickness of which can be adjusted if necessary with compression straps. The design of the model is thoroughly thought out - there is not only a compartment for a laptop with a shock-absorbing pad, but also an elastic band for attaching to a suitcase, a hole for a headphone wire, a runner lock in the form of a carabiner, and even a mount for sunglasses.

The backpack is made of thick, wear-resistant polyester that repels moisture, and the back is made of breathable fabric. The only thing missing is a pocket on the back, but how often do you use it?

4. CLASSIC BUSINESS BACKPACK 2

• Volume: 18 l
• Weight: 0.55 kg
• Number of straps: two

I gave the fourth place in the top of city backpacks to the business model. Due to its elegant style, it will look good even with an office suit. The dense lining together with the frame elements holds its shape well, and the zippers are hidden in the fabric. Light contrasting trim of the valves emphasizes the elegance and solidity of the model.

The backpack is no worse on the inside than on the outside. There is a pocket for documents, glasses, a tablet, a phone, an organizer and, of course, a compartment for a laptop (a device up to 17 inches diagonally fits in). There is even a compartment for a change of shoes! It's a pity that the pockets do not close with a zipper, but it seems that Xiaomi does not make them in its products on principle.

3. BRAUBERG Melange

• Volume: 23 l
• Weight: 0.52 kg
• Number of straps: two

If the fourth model in the rating was elegance itself, then the model from Brauberg has a sporty touch in its appearance due to the contrasting bottom (it is made of a denser rubberized material).

The design is classic, with a semi-circular top, the product is made of dense water-repellent fabric that is easy to clean. Inside there is a large main compartment (no joke, 23 liters), as well as an additional presser on an elastic band and another pocket with a zipper (learn, Xiaomi!).

It's nice that the manufacturer thought about students - inside the large main compartment there is a special organizer for office supplies. The only complaint from buyers about the zipper tabs - they are made of ordinary polyester tape, from which threads stick out; they have to be melted with a lighter.

2. Mark Ryden MR9008

• Volume: 15 l
• Weight: 0.9 kg
• Number of straps: two

The most expensive model in the rating. The backpack weighs almost a kilogram - more than its purely fabric counterparts, but this is compensated by a rigid structure that will always and everywhere hold its shape. And this shape is fashionable, elegant, almost futuristic, it will look great even with a business suit. The upper material is vinyl, with an unobtrusive glossy shine.

In addition to the appearance, the designers also took care of the convenience of the design. The back and straps are equipped with inserts made of a breathable membrane, there is an external USB connector for a power bank, inside there are two main compartments with many pockets, and the laptop compartment is equipped with a Velcro fastening tape.

There is even a completely waterproof zippered pocket, and, of course, a secret pocket on the back wall. Alas, despite the declared volume (15 liters), the backpack is not very roomy: for flat items like a laptop, a pack of documents, a tablet, a smartphone. If something voluminous, it may not fit.

1. Germanium S-01, 226947

• Volume: 25 l
• Weight: 1 kg
• Number of straps: two

The first place in the list of the best men's backpacks goes to a brutal, roomy product from Germanium - a solid sports model that is suitable for both the urban environment and for active recreation and hiking, as well as for business trips.

The backpack has a huge number of pockets and pockets, where everything will fit - from a change of shoes, thermoses, lunch, tools, a jacket to, it seems, even a small elephant. The laptop compartment (with a Velcro fastener, by the way) even has its own mesh pocket for wires! Not to mention the office supplies organizer and key holder with a carabiner. The only drawback of the backpack comes from the creative designers - the front pocket is made with a slanted zipper for beauty, and as a result, it is not very convenient for the average user to use it.

It is surprising that such a massive product is also ergonomic. It has a back with an AirFlow air circulation system and anatomically shaped straps with lining. This is especially important, since the backpack is completely waterproof - it has an additional rubberized layer between the top and the lining.

How to Choose the Best Backpack for the City in 2023

To choose the best city backpack, knowing where and from whom to buy is not enough - you need to think carefully about what exactly you are going to buy. And this depends on your lifestyle: how often you go outside and for what purposes.

The size, shape, material and number of compartments of the backpack depend on whether you go to work, to the office or to college, whether you like to attend various cultural events, whether you like to take short trips out of town, and whether you play sports. The best sports backpacks, for example, designed for cyclists, also perform well on city streets.

Anatomical shape

Even in the comfortable conditions of a metropolis, every kilogram of daily wear can affect the user's posture and, as a result, health. Therefore, it is desirable that the backpack be ergonomic - that is, with a dense, but not rigid, anatomical back, wide straps that would not press on the shoulders, and their length could be adjusted to suit you.

The most comfortable backpacks have a back and some of the straps that fit close to the body, they are made of ventilated fabric (in the form of soft pads, grooves, pads) - to increase the relief, ventilation and not cause sweating. It is very good if the backpack has frame inserts - so it will not lose its shape, and the weight will be evenly distributed over the body.

If you have to carry a lot of things in a roomy backpack, then you should think about an additional accessory - a chest strap. This way your shoulders will get tired less - part of the load will fall on your chest. And, of course, the backpack should have a handle on top - as many buyers say, it is inconvenient to drag the bag back and forth by the straps alone.

External water bottle pockets are very useful. Not only do they save space inside your backpack, but they also make it easier to get your drink out.

Capacity

Depends on the frequency of your trips and whether you need special equipment for these trips (for example, a laptop, a thermos, a lunch box, a change of uniform, etc.). A regular city backpack has a capacity of 20 to 35 liters.

20 liters - the bare minimum. Such backpacks can be worn without taking off in public transport - they are flat and, as a rule, fit tightly to the body. They will fit a maximum of a 15-inch laptop, a smartphone, possibly a tablet, a notebook, a wallet, documents. And that's it. There may not be enough space for a thermos and lunch. Slings show themselves very well here. Some backpacks, thanks to a successful design, can even be 15-liter and still roomy, but this should be tested independently.

23-28 liters – the optimal size for a city dweller. It will fit a laptop, electronic trifles like a charger and cables, a bottle of water, an umbrella, a change of clothes, a box of food and a windbreaker.

30-35 liters. For comparison, the best travel backpacks that can also be used as city backpacks start at about 30 liters. Such bags are used on business trips, as extra luggage on planes, and for urban conditions they are on the edge of reasonable. There are backpacks with adjustable sizes on the market - such a model can magically deflate and inflate due to additional zippers, folding compartments or compression straps. Although it will still be too wide for the city.

Number of straps

Backpacks come in traditional two-strap types, as well as single-strap types – the so-called slings.

Two-strap slings can hold more (they are usually more massive than their one-strap counterparts), and small slings are more convenient in crowded places - for example, in the subway. Another advantage of slings is that to get something from the depths, you just need to move the backpack to your chest. You don’t have to take off your bag, which is inevitable in the case of a two-strap sling.

Laptop compartment

It should be separated from the main space by a partition, preferably with a reinforced pad, and the laptop should not dangle there like in an ice hole, but sit tightly. Ideally, if the walls of the pocket have either special straps or Velcro to securely fix the laptop inside. Even a banal zipper will do.

Quality of tailoring

The best backpack manufacturers do not skimp on the quality of the material: it should be dense, not be easily static-prone, not be completely soaked through after a half-hour walk in the rain, and not attract dust, dirt, or pet hair.

Backpacks are usually made from nylon and polyester, but recently all sorts of interesting fabrics have appeared. For example:

• Cordura - dense, waterproof,
• "military" nylon from DuPont,
• ripstop, which is usually used for sewing folding backpacks and parts that are subject to prolonged stress,
• and also nylon with a thermoplastic polyurethane coating, from which any dirt rolls off like water off a duck's back.
• And, of course, leather – if you want to look classy.
• There are also various eco-options available, such as matting, but for comfortable use they must have a water-repellent coating.

If the backpack is made of fabric, it should have a frame, walls with padding, and a lining made of high-quality, pleasant-to-the-touch material. Pay attention to whether the pockets have voluminous linings (especially for a laptop and smartphone).

The seams are double, even, without protruding threads and overlapping stitching. Inside, the seams can be additionally treated with piping, sometimes contrasting in color - this is usually characteristic of backpacks of the middle and high price category of famous brands.

The zipper should have a special valve above it so that it does not leak. There is an exception - waterproof zippers, but they are usually rubberized and their "embossed" part is facing the inside of the product. Both types are highly desirable to have fabric or leather "tails" - this makes it easier to grab the tongue.

Water resistance

This characteristic is highly desirable – you don’t want your laptop to be damaged by rainwater, do you? But hermeticity is unnecessary, it is enough that moisture does not penetrate into the backpack when running from the car to the subway and back. For the same reasons, it is desirable that the bottom of the backpack be protected by a rubber plate (you never know where you will have to put it), or at least by legs.

Protection from prying hands

As a rule, city backpacks are protected from thieves by thick walls and many tightly closing pockets with Velcro and zippers. However, such models may be less convenient in everyday life - after all, you will have to constantly unzip and zip these pockets.

Useful little things

The coolest backpacks have a lot of interesting features, such as:

• charger for gadgets,
• transformable parts,
• organizers for things,
• reflective signs,
• headphone jack,
• water bottle mounts.

There are specialized models of backpacks for photographers, skateboarders, even repairmen. Online stores also sell such exotic items as modular backpacks - they look, of course, peculiar, since they were originally intended for the military, but they are thought out to the smallest centimeter of space.