16 Best Minimalist Backpacks + The Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack
A curated list of the best minimalist backpacks, featuring durable minimalist laptop backpacks and modern, lightweight, casual and business backpacks and daypacks — plus affordable options and backpack designs with solid black and grey colors.
Quality minimalist backpacks can often look like a work of art. Because of this, oftentimes products that are made in the minimalist space are perceived as too expensive. Although this may be true in some cases, sometimes you just have to look a little harder to find affordable ones that still feature good design principles. With the consumer trends of ‘everyday carry‘ (sometimes called, “EDC”) and ‘minimalism’ on the rise, we figured it’d be helpful to hand-curate a collection with some of the best minimalist backpacks, made with high quality, durable materials. Additionally, though, we thought it’d be better to not only curate based on functional design, but also versatile design. The selected backpacks and daypacks below can function as everyday carry backpacks, business backpacks, or laptop / device backpacks. We wanted to look for a number of features to ensure an agreeable post. You’ll find bags by popular and trending brands like Incase and Brooks England, and newer ones like Tessel. You can’t go wrong with a backpack by Incase — we’re fans.
Curated
Researched
human-verified
products considered
hours of work
cups of coffee
Qualities we looked for overall:
+ Designed with minimalist design principles, featuring simple and minimal lines, colors and assets (relatively subjective quality).
+ Durable nylon shell exterior and/or lining (preferred).
+ Polyester shell/body.
+ Cotton canvas/body.
+ Water resistant, PU coated exterior (preferred).
+ Made by artisans.
+ 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.
+ Lightweight design (i.e., no more than 3 pounds).
+ 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.
– Cheap construction.
– Products with a high number of bad reviews.
Editor’s Top 10 Rated Selections
16 Best Minimalist Backpacks + The Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack // 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:
+ Designed with minimalist design principles, featuring simple and minimal lines, colors and assets (relatively subjective quality).
+ Durable nylon shell exterior and/or lining (preferred).
+ Polyester shell/body.
+ Cotton canvas/body.
+ Water resistant, PU coated exterior (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)).
+ Padded shoulder straps and back for comfort.
+ Padded, inner device compartments.
+ Breathable ‘airflow’ back mesh to prevent sweat build up.
+ Lightweight design (i.e., no more than 3 pounds).
+ 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
Modern, Minimalist Design Men’s Backpack, Crafted of Polyester, Made with Black Leather Accents, in Dark Blue.
By: Rains
Details
Geometric, Architectural Minimalist Backpack, in Jet Black.
By: Tessel
Editor's Note
Yeah, we think it’s cool too. Enough said.
Details
Q Laptop Backpack with Custom-fit Strap, TSA-friendly, and Fully Padded Laptop Compartment Lined with Quilted Tricot Fabric, in Black.
By: Timbuk2
Details
High Quality, Men’s Origami Backpack Made of Canvas and Durable, Ballistic Nylon, in Dark Green.
By: Nixon
Editor's Note
If you’re looking for a contemporary backpack that’s especially durable, we would recommend taking a look at this one. The body is made of canvas with PU-coating, while the bottom is made with durable ballistic nylon. Additionally, the bag is made of a nylon lining and features padded shoulder straps for extra comfort. It also comes in more colors than just green.
Details
Best Selling, Minimalist Design Pickwick Day Pack, Backpack, Made with Water-resistant Treated Cotton Canvas and Genuine Vegetable Tanned Leather, in White.
By: Brooks England
Editor's Note
When it comes to selecting minimalist backpacks based on clean design, this one is hard to beat based on aesthetics.
Details
Men’s Corporate Casual Travel Backpack, Made of Cotton and Polyester with Added Back Panels and Shoulder Straps with Breathable Mesh.
By: Incase
a few more curated collections, by The Bestlyy Editors
Continued, Part 2, 3 Favorites
16 Best Minimalist Backpacks + The Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack, Featuring High Quality, Durable Backpacks & Daypacks for Casual Wear & Business.
Favorites
16 Best Minimalist Backpacks + The Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack // 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:
+ Designed with minimalist design principles, featuring simple and minimal lines, colors and assets (relatively subjective quality).
+ Interesting or unique design (relatively subjective quality).
+ Durable nylon shell exterior and/or lining (preferred).
+ Polyester shell/body.
+ Water resistant, PU coated exterior (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)).
+ Padded shoulder straps and back for comfort.
+ Padded, inner device compartments.
+ Made with exterior pockets for extra storage (preferred).
+ Breathable ‘airflow’ back mesh to prevent sweat build up.
+ Lightweight design (i.e., no more than 3 pounds).
+ Multiple color options (preferred).
+ 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
Handmade, Picadilly Day Pack, Crafted with Vegetable Tanned Leather, in Maroon.
By: Brooks England
Editor's Note
This bag is wonderful example of excellent craftsmanship. Handmade in England, this backpack / daypack is manufactured by skilled artisans using 100 year old traditional techniques and some of the finest vegetable tanned leather. If you’re more interested, Brooks England makes several minimalist backpacks in a variety of styles and colors.
Details
Minimalist, City Collection Backpack, Made with a Blended Weave Polyester, Adjustable Shoulder Straps with Air Mesh Padding, and Fleece Lined Laptop Compartment, in Dark Grey.
By: Incase
a few more curated collections, by The Bestlyy Editors
Continued, Part 3, 3 Budget Picks
16 Best Minimalist Backpacks + The Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack, Featuring High Quality, Durable Backpacks & Daypacks for Casual Wear & Business.
Budget Picks
16 Best Minimalist Backpacks + The Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack // These are a few solid choices if you’re on a budget, each product is under $45. We focused on the following qualities when curating for this particular selection of products:
+ Affordable (i.e., under $45).
+ Designed with minimalist design principles, featuring simple and minimal lines, colors and assets (relatively subjective quality).
+ Polyester shell/body.
+ Cotton canvas/body.
+ 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.
+ Lightweight design (i.e., no more than 3 pounds).
+ 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
Minimalist Design, Cargo Lightweight Backpack with Front Mesh Cargo, in White and Black.
By: Incase
Details
Minimalist, Multipurpose, Convertible Laptop Messenger Bag, Made with Oxford Cloth, in Dark Grey.
By: Coolbell
Editor's Note
A great all-around business or casual backpack. This backpack features a minimalist, clean design and is made with the exclusive Oxford cloth. It’s sized at 15.6 inches and provides waterproof protection and is built to be durable and long-lasting. Specifically, this backpack features built-in anti-shock waterproof foam, meant to protect your devices and valuables. If you’re not a fan of this color, there’s many more to choose from. Truly one of the best minimalist backpacks – in our opinion.
tags: best minimalist backpacks, high quality backpacks, durable laptop backpacks, minimalist laptop backpacks, minimalist backpacks