NOTE: IF YOU LIKE A PRODUCT, CLICK ON THE IMAGE TO VIEW PRICE & BUY IT (PAGE WILL OPEN IN A NEW TAB).Best, Most Durable Backpack: 14 Durable Backpacks & Rucksacks
A hand-curated list with the best, most durable backpack and rucksack, featuring top-rated and top-reviewed durable backpacks with high quality, long lasting fabrics — plus affordable options under $50.
There are a myriad of qualities and features to look for when buying a backpack — and, more accurately in this case, when investing in a backpack. The selected backpacks below are calculated investments, but smart investments nonetheless. These aren’t your average school or business backpacks; these are high quality backpacks, made with durable materials, superior craftsmanship, and innovative design solutions. We wanted to showcase bags that would last; we wanted to select the most durable backpack out there. Below you’ll find bags by TUMI, Swiss Gear, Patagonia, Kensington and more. In our opinion, TUMI makes some of the best-looking and most durable backpack on the market today (not including military grade backpacks). For example, TUMI’s backpacks are crafted with Ballistic Nylon, a fabric that combines a unique weave and special coating to make it ultra-durable. We’re happy with what we were able to find and hope you share a similar liking.
Curated
Researched
human-verified
products considered
hours of work
cups of coffee
Qualities we looked for overall:
+ Durable nylon shell exterior and/or lining (preferred).
+ Polyester shell (less preferred).
+ Durable, reinforced metal zippers.
+ Water resistant, PU coated zippers (preferred).
+ Organized and/or separated inner compartments for easy storage and accessibility.
+ Waterproof or water-resistant exterior.
+ Weather-proof.
+ Gives the option of a laptop storage space (i.e., fits average laptop sizes (13 to 16 inches)).
+ Reinforced straps to prevent tears at the seam.
+ Scratch-resistant exterior.
+ Optional water bottle side-compartments (preferred).
+ Padded shoulder straps and back for comfort.
+ Padded, inner device compartments.
+ Breathable ‘airflow’ back mesh to prevent sweat build up.
+ Exterior pockets for additional storage (preferred).
+ Designed with optional roll-top for extra storage space (preferred).
+ TSA Approved (preferred).
+ ‘Anti-theft’ features (e.g., designed with a built-in lock feature).
+ Lightweight design (i.e., no more than 3 pounds).
+ Storage compartment for headphones with functional pathway (preferred).
+ Innovative design solutions (relatively subjective quality).
+ Designed with modern or contemporary aesthetics (relatively subjective quality).
+ Multiple color options.
+ Acceptable for casual or business/professional attire (relatively subjective quality).
+ Well reviewed by customers (i.e., 3.5 stars and over).
Qualities we tried to avoid overall:
– Hiking and cross-body backpacks (i.e., this collection is primarily for everyday backpacks and daypacks).
– Plastic zippers.
– Cotton-based shell exterior.
– Cheap construction.
– Non-reusable design (i.e., disposable, one-time use).
– Products with a high number of bad reviews.
Editor’s Top 10 Rated Selections
Best, Most Durable Backpack: 14 Durable Backpacks & Rucksacks // In our opinion, these are a few of the best products we came across in our search, given the overall qualities that we were curating for in this collection. We focused on the following qualities when curating for this particular selection of products:
+ Durable nylon shell exterior and/or lining (preferred).
+ Polyester shell (less preferred).
+ Durable, reinforced metal zippers.
+ Water resistant, PU coated zippers (preferred).
+ Organized and/or separated inner compartments for easy storage and accessibility.
+ Waterproof or water-resistant exterior.
+ Gives the option of a laptop storage space (i.e., fits average laptop sizes (13 to 16 inches)).
+ Reinforced straps to prevent tears at the seam.
+ Scratch-resistant exterior.
+ Padded shoulder straps and back for comfort.
+ Padded, inner device compartments.
+ Breathable ‘airflow’ back mesh to prevent sweat build up.
+ ‘Anti-theft’ features (e.g., designed with a built-in lock feature).
+ Lightweight design (i.e., no more than 3 pounds).
+ Designed with modern or contemporary aesthetics (relatively subjective quality).
+ Well reviewed by customers (i.e., 3.5 stars and over).
*While we work to ensure the products we select possess these qualities, actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our web site. Do not rely solely on the information provided here.
Details
Alpha Bravo Edwards Multipurpose Backpack with Reinforced Straps, Durable Nylon Exterior and Nylon Lining, in Black.
By: Tumi
Editor's Note
TUMI follows a design protocol, which they call, “The TUMI Difference“. Their backpacks and luggage pieces balance aesthetically pleasing design, durability and high performance function. For example, their bags and backpacks are put through over 30 quality assurance tests and are crafted with virtually abrasion-proof FXT™ Ballistic Nylon® fabric — which not only allows these bags to be uniquely and incredibly durable, but also long lasting. Purchasing a TUMI backpack is a calculated investment, but a smart one. We use them and have friends that swear by them. These bags will last you a long while; they’re up there with some of the most durable backpack on the market.
Details
Unisex Borealis Backpack with External Fleece-lined Pocket, Nylon and Comfortable, Padded Top Haul Handle, in Black.
By: The North Face
Editor's Note
The North Face is a tried and test outdoor apparel brand, founded exactly 50 years ago (at the time of writing this post in 2016). Their products, too, balance form and function beautifully. This backpack in particular is designed with a durable nylon lining and functions well as a college or work backpack. Also, if you’re interested in sustainability, The North Face is heavily involved in environmental conservation efforts and makes sustainability a part of their core product philosophy.
Details
Refugio Backpack, in Black, with Airflow-mesh Shoulder Straps and Back Panel, Adjustable Sternum Strap with Emergency Whistle, Top-mounted, Reinforced Haul Handle, and Organized Inner Compartments.
By: Patagonia
Details
Minimalist Design, Durable Backpack with Padded Laptop Compartment, Inner Organizer, Anti-scratch Lining, and Leather Accents, in Matte Black.
By: Swiss Gear
Details
Highly Rated and Reviewed, Geometric, Durable and Waterproof Especial Medio Commuter Backpack, in White.
By: Timbuk2
Editor's Note
This backpack ranks high on our list for the most durable backpack for several reasons. For one — and perhaps most significantly — if you’re looking for an everyday backpack that can withstand a myriad of weather events, this is a good pick in our opinion. Built for cyclists, this bag is weather-proof, built with a ventilation material on the back, and uses water resistant, PU coated zippers. In our opinion, it’s also beautifully designed, with a simple and clean look and feel.
Details
Functional, Weather Proof Commuter Backpack with Durable Magnetic Buckles, in Black.
By: Just Porter
Details
High Quality, Alpha Bravo Luke Roll-Top Backpack, Crafted with Super Durable 100% Ballistic Nylon, Leather Accents and Comfortable, Padded Backpack Straps.
By: Tumi
Details
Minimalist Design, Secure, Lockable Anti-Theft Backpack with Anti-puncture Zipper and Padded Device Compartments, in Black.
By: Kensington
Editor's Note
A modern, minimalist design backpack with a handful of intelligent design features. This backpack is built with a secure Trek Lock Base (which is TSA-approved), an anti-puncture zipper, and features exterior and interior padding for comfort and device protection. We highly recommend clicking through and reading the specs on this backpack.
Details
Slim, Minimalist Design Backpack with Seperated Storage Compartments, Water Resistant Durable Nylon Fabric and Double, Reinforced Zipper, in Black.
By: Kuprine
Details
Modern, Travel Business Backpack with Durable Nylon Shell and Genuine Leather Accents, in Black.
By: Travelpro
a few more curated collections, by The Bestlyy Editors
Continued, Part 2, 2 Favorites
Best, Most Durable Backpack: 14 Durable Backpacks & Rucksacks, Featuring Commuter, Military Grade & Professional Backpacks, Rucksacks & Daypacks with High Quality Materials That are Designed to be Long Lasting.
Favorites
Best, Most Durable Backpack: 14 Durable Backpacks & Rucksacks // While combing through products, we found these gems. These are a few of our personal favorites — maybe we share the same taste. We focused on the following qualities when curating for this particular selection of products:
+ Durable nylon shell exterior and/or lining (preferred).
+ Durable, reinforced metal zippers.
+ Organized and/or separated inner compartments for easy storage and accessibility.
+ Waterproof or water-resistant exterior.
+ Gives the option of a laptop storage space (i.e., fits average laptop sizes (13 to 16 inches)).
+ Reinforced straps to prevent tears at the seam.
+ Padded shoulder straps and back for comfort.
+ Padded, inner device compartments.
+ Breathable ‘airflow’ back mesh to prevent sweat build up.
+ Exterior pockets for additional storage (preferred).
+ Designed with optional roll-top for extra storage space (preferred).
+ Lightweight design (i.e., no more than 3 pounds).
+ Storage compartment for headphones with functional pathway (preferred).
+ Innovative design solutions (relatively subjective quality).
+ Designed with modern or contemporary aesthetics (relatively subjective quality).
*While we work to ensure the products we select possess these qualities, actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our web site. Do not rely solely on the information provided here.
Details
Minimalist Design, Velocity Backpack with Convenient Roll-top with Velcro Closure, Dual Padded Shoulder Straps and Waterproof Exterior, in Black.
By: Ortlieb
Details
Men’s Vegan Shirt, “Proudly Powered By Plants” T-Shirt, Printed in the USA.
By: Shirts By Sarah
Editor's Note
A few words to describe this bag: affordable, durable, simplistic, and smart. This backpack features a number of helpful design elements, ranging from a reinforced zipper and water resistant fabric, to organized inner compartments. If you’re more interested in learning about this bag, click through; this brand offers a handful of useful diagrams and specs.
a few more curated collections, by The Bestlyy Editors
Continued, Part 3, 2 Budget Picks
Best, Most Durable Backpack: 14 Durable Backpacks & Rucksacks, Featuring Commuter, Military Grade & Professional Backpacks, Rucksacks & Daypacks with High Quality Materials That are Designed to be Long Lasting.
Budget Picks
Best, Most Durable Backpack: 14 Durable Backpacks & Rucksacks // These are a few solid choices if you’re on a budget, each product is under $50. We focused on the following qualities when curating for this particular selection of products:
+ Affordable (i.e., under $50).
+ Polyester shell.
+ Organized and/or separated inner compartments for easy storage and accessibility.
+ Waterproof or water-resistant exterior.
+ Gives the option of a laptop storage space (i.e., fits average laptop sizes (13 to 16 inches)).
+ Padded shoulder straps and back for comfort.
+ Padded, inner device compartments.
+ Breathable ‘airflow’ back mesh to prevent sweat build up.
+ Exterior pockets for additional storage (preferred).
+ Lightweight design (i.e., no more than 3 pounds).
+ Designed with modern or contemporary aesthetics (relatively subjective quality).
+ Multiple color options.
+ Acceptable for casual or business/professional attire (relatively subjective quality).
*While we work to ensure the products we select possess these qualities, actual product packaging and materials may contain more and/or different information than that shown on our web site. Do not rely solely on the information provided here.
Details
Water-resistant Computer and Travel Backpack with Padded Shoulder Straps, Durable Nylon Lining and Organized Storage Compartments.
By: Arctic Hunter
Details
Durable, Multipurpose Backpack Daypack with Scratch-resistant Shell and Breathable Mesh.
By: Magictodoor
tags: best durable backpack, most durable backpack, long lasting backpack, waterpoof backpacks, high quality rucksacks, most durable backpack
