Baggallini Mendoza Convertible Backpack

With the Mendoza convertible backpack, Baggallini offers a stylish shoulder bag when you want it with the convenience of a backpack when you need it. The Mendoza includes a 52 inch adjustable crossbody straps that convert to backpack shoulder straps. Inside the bag you’ll find useful interior organizers and multiple pockets for storing daily essentials.

What we like

• Front outside pocket is perfect for small items like a phone, tickets or passport.

• Water resistant nylon material looks sophisticated and sleek. Bag can be dressed up or down.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps aren’t adjustable when used as a backpack.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 13” H x 12.5” W x 6” D

• Materials: Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 1 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Burton Kilo Backpack

The Burton Kilo is the brand’s best mid-sized backpack for school, work or travel. At 27 liter capacity, the backpack is roomy enough to carry school books or extra clothes but compact enough to avoid too much bulk. One of the features we like about this backpack is the number of pockets inside the main compartment and throughout the outside of the bag. Two straps adorn the front of the backpack and can be used to carry your skateboard or fasten your jacket for extra storage.

What we like

• Deep main compartment can fit books, extra clothes and other gear.

• Lots of color and pattern options to choose from.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Looks bigger in photos than it really is. If you need a large backpack for school or travel, then the Burton Kilo is not for you.

• Side pockets aren’t deep or wide enough for larger water bottles.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 11.5” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 27L

• Materials: Varies by color

• Weight: 1 .8 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Burton Prospect Backpack

The Burton Prospect backpack is a small capacity backpack for those who need to just carry the basics. Although this won’t be your go-to book bag for busy days at school, it’s perfect for days out on the town or work commutes where you need to just carry the basics.

What we like

• We like this as a small daily carry commuter backpack for those who don’t need tons of storage room.

• Tons of color and pattern options.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Side pocket doesn’t stretch out as far as we would like. Can be hard to fit larger water bottles in the side pockets when the main compartment is full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 11.5” W x 7.5” D

• Capacity: 21L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 .5 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Dakine Network II Backpack

The Dakine Network II is a thoughtfully designed laptop backpack that allows you to bring your work wherever you roam thanks to its TSA-friendly laptop compartment, document sleeve and roomy main compartment.

What makes the Network II stand out from other laptop backpacks is its focus on organizing accessories. Inside the backpack you’ll find pockets for headphones, cords and power bricks. In addition to the TSA-friendly laptop compartment there is also an additional fleece-lined tablet sleeve on the front of the backpack for easy access while on the move.

What we like

• Tons of organizer pockets for your tech and personal items. If you needs lots of compartments, then this backpack is for you.

• Backpack materials feels quality and rugged enough for daily use.

• Dedicated front tablet pocket is perfect for anyone looking for a tablet backpack.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps are on the thin side and can get uncomfortable when fully loaded.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 13” W x 9” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 lbs 8 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Patagonia Refugio 26L Backpack

The Patagonia Refugio is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable backpack for daily commutes, travel or light outdoor activities like hiking or beach days. At 26 liters, the main compartment is surprisingly roomy while the front pocket is perfect for organizing smaller items for school or work. Features such as a removable sternum strap, front attachment loops and DWR water resistant coating also makes the Refugio perfect for days outdoors.

The Patagonia Refugio comes in two sizes, the women’s Refugio 26 liter backpack and the larger men’s Refugio 28 liter backpack. The women’s 26 liter version features a shorter torso and shoulder straps.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Roomy enough to be used for school, commuting, light travel or as an outdoor daypack.

• Women specific back panel and shoulder strap fit.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps are a little too close together. This could be a problem for people with broad shoulders.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17” H x 11.5” W x 8” D

• Materials: 630D Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 5.2 oz

• Capacity: 26L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Burton Tinder Backpack

The Burton Tinder is a bold everyday pack that takes its style cues from heritage rucksack designs. But don’t let the vintage style fool you, the Tinder is filled with modern features such as a padded laptop compartment and ergonomic shoulder straps.

At 25 liters, the Burton Tinder is very much the smaller cousin of the Burton Annex backpack in both size and design.

What we like

• We like this as a medium sized daily carry commuter backpack for those who don’t need tons of storage room.

• Lots of color and pattern options to choose from.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Plastic buckles to snap close the main compartment feel cheaply made.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 13” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Materials: Varies by color

• Weight: 1 .8 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Columbia Tamolitch Daypack

Columbia offers a daypack for those who need a go-to bag for all of life’s adventures. At 23.7 liters, the Tamolitch is a good size for women and people with smaller frames who don’t want a backpack that is too bulky. The main compartment is surprisingly roomy and the various pockets and organizers are perfect for daily carry. We especially like the separate tablet pocket below the laptop sleeve in the main compartment.

For the adventurous, the Columbia Tamolitch can also be used as a light hiking daypack or travel backpack thanks to its water repellent Omni Shield fabric, stretchy side water bottle pockets and front stash pockets.

What we like

• Versatile multi-use backpack for school, commuting, days outdoors and can even be used as flight carry-on.

• The price is right - If you wait for a sale, you can often purchase this backpack for under $50.

What we don’t like

• Quality of the zippers, threading and construction is not on par with brands like North Face and Patagonia. You get what you pay for.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.3” H x 12.5” W x 8.3” D

• Materials: 600D Coated Oxford 100% Polyester

• Weight: 1.5 lbs

• Capacity: 23.7L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Dakine Campus Backpack

The Dakine Campus is a backpack designed for busy students who need a large and reliable backpack to get them through long days on campus. The main compartment is large enough to hold textbooks, binders and even includes a padded sleeve for your laptop.

Plenty of organizers and pockets on the outside of the pack allow for storage of small items like pens and water bottles while the insulated cooler pocket on the front of the backpack keeps your lunch fresh throughout the day.

Note: The Dakine Campus backpacks comes in two sizes; 33 liters and a smaller 25 liter version. The specs here are for the 33 liter Dakine Campus backpack.

What we like

• Very large main compartment is perfect for large textbooks, notebooks and binders.

• Insulated cooler pocket is a nice feature. Allows you to carry cold drinks and snacks.

What we don’t like

• Front organizer pocket is shallow and doesn’t hold as much as we would like it too.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 14” W x 11” D

• Capacity: 33L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 2 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Everlane Modern Snap Backpack

The Everlane Modern Snap backpack is one the brand’s most popular bags and it’s easy to see why. The Modern Snap Backpack is stylish enough to wear while running weekend errands yet sophisticated enough as a work commuter bag. The sleek design looks great on both men and women while the size is perfect for people with smaller frames who want to avoid bulky backpacks.

What we like

• Stylish modern rucksack design that can be worn to work or on the weekends.

• Main compartment is spacious and can fit everything from books, binders to a change of clothes.

What we don’t like

• Side pockets are not gusseted so it can be hard to fit things like water bottles or umbrellas when the pack is full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 29L

• Materials: Water resistant cotton twill with leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Incase Compass Backpack

The Incase Compass is a laptop backpack for those who need reliable daily carry that looks as good as it functions.

If you are looking for a backpack with 101 pockets then the Incase Compass is not for you. If you instead would like a simple backpack with a roomy main compartment for your daily essentials and a few thoughtfully place smaller pockets then the Compass is worth a closer look.

The Incase Compass is offered in two different sizes:

• Compass backpack: 24 liters

• Compass Dot: 13 liters

The photos and specifications below are of the original 24 liter Incase Compass backpack.

What we like

• Stylish modern design.

• Main compartment is spacious enough for tech, books, and personal items while still keeping a slim profile.

• Laptop and top pockets are lined with a super soft faux-fur.

What we don’t like

• No side water bottle pockets

• Not the best construction quality for Incase, but the Compass is also one of the more affordable Incase bags.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.5” H x 11.75” W x 5.25” D

• Capacity: 24L

• Materials: 500D Blended Weave Polyester & 900D Triple Coated Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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STATE Bags Lorimer Backpack

The State Bags Lorimer is the brand’s premier lightweight backpack for school, commuting or a day out on the town. The backpack itself is simple and understated. The main compartment is large enough to carry books, binders and personal items while single front pocket stores smaller items.

The Lorimer is available in multiple different colors to match your personal style.

What we like

• Very lightweight - perfect as a daypack.

• For every bag sold State gives a backpack to a child in need through their #GIVEBACKPACK program.

What we don’t like

• No side water bottle pockets

• Nylon material gives the bag little structure and makes it look cheaper than it really is.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.93” H x 12.60” W x 5.2” D

• Material: Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 13”

Where to buy

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Herschel Settlement Backpack

Herschel’s Settlement backpack is a modern daypack that opts out of bells and whistles for a cleaner minimalist design. Organizers and smaller pockets are limited to a single front pocket but the roomy 23 liter main compartment makes it up in net cargo room. As far as tech carry goes you’ll get a laptop sleeve that fits a laptop or tablet up 15-inches and an internal media pocket with a headphone port.

The Herschel Settlement is available in 2 different sizes; full size (23L) and mid-volume (17L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Settlement backpack.

What we like

• Simple modern design that’s available in over a dozen colors

• Spacious 23 liter main compartment is big enough for books, lunch or extra clothes.

What we don’t like

• Zippers aren’t the best quality.

• Lack of pockets and organizers for smaller items. No side pockets for water bottles.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.75” H x 12.25” W x 5.75” D

• Capacity: 23L

• Weight: 1.19 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Internal media pocket with headphone port

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Patagonia Refugio 28L Backpack

The Patagonia Refugio is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable backpack for daily commutes, travel or light outdoor activities like hiking or beach days. At 28 liters, the main compartment is surprisingly roomy while the front pocket is perfect for organizing smaller items for school or work. Features such as a removable sternum strap, front attachment loops and DWR water resistant coating also makes the Refugio perfect for days outdoors.

The Patagonia Refugio comes in two sizes, the Refugio 28 liter and the smaller women’s Refugio 26 liter backpack.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Roomy enough to be used for school, commuting, light travel or as an outdoor daypack.

• Main compartment is surprisingly roomy and can comfortably fit a days worth of school books, lunch or extra clothes.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps are a little too close together. This could be a problem for bigger people with broad shoulders.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 12” W x 8” D

• Materials: 630D Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 7.5 oz

• Capacity: 28L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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JanSport Right Pack Backpack

The JanSport Right Pack is the bag that started it all. Before daypacks were common, students would carry their books in their hands. It wasn’t until the 1970’s where students began using JanSport hiking backpacks as school bags. This led JanSport to introduce the Right Pack, one of the world’s first lightweight nylon daypacks.

Little has changed since the original Right Pack design. JanSport did a great job at keeping the Right Pack’s classic silhouette as well as all of its small details such as a suede bottom and matching zipper pulls. Today you’ll find a couple of modern upgrades such as a laptop sleeve in the main compartment and a utility pocket with an organizer for small daily items.

What we like

• Iconic heritage design that doesn’t go out of style

• Roomy main compartment that is perfect for lugging around a day’s worth of school books and gear.

What we don’t like

• Like many older brands who have outsourced production, quality isn’t what it used to be despite the heritage design.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 13” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Material: 915D Cordura & Leather Suede Bottom

• Weight: 1 lb 4 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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JanSport Big Student Backpack

As one of JanSports larger backpack models, we have always considered the JanSport Big Student to be the big brother of the popular Jansport Superbreak. Unlike the Superbreak’s 25 liter capacity the Big Student touts a hefty 34 liters plus a wide array of pockets, organizers and even two main compartment instead of just one. Simply put, the Big Student is a true school backpack with enough organization and pockets to satisfy today’s busy students.

Where the JanSport Big Student falls short is in the lack of a dedicated laptop sleeve. With more and more students relying on technology throughout their day it seems like an obvious oversight. But in recent years JanSport has introduced the Digital Student Laptop Backpack which is essentially the JanSport Big Student with a laptop sleeve. Even without a laptop compartment we consider to the Big Student to be one of JanSport’s best backpacks for school and one of our favorite school bags of any brand.

What we like

• At under $50 it’s a good value for the price.

• Good design - One of our favorite school backpacks

• Ergonomic shoulder straps and padded back keeps the Big Student comfortable enough to lug around heavy books all day.

What we don’t like

• Multiple main compartments means each compartment has less room for storage (vs one large main compartment). In terms of carrying capacity, there is not as much room as you think.

• No laptop compartment

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 13” W x 10” D

• Capacity: 34L

• Material: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 lb 8 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

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JanSport Superbreak Backpack

The JanSport Superbreak is the brand’s best selling backpack and it’s easy to see why. The bag was originally introduced in the 80’s as a school bag and has since been one of Jansport most popular and iconic designs.

The design behind the JanSport Superbreak is simple; one large main compartment and one smaller front pocket. That’s it. The lack of bells and whistles is part of why the Superbreak is so beloved. But if you want features like a dedicated laptop compartment, water bottle pockets and organizers then the Superbreak is not for you and we recommend checking out the JanSport Big Student instead.

What we like

• Inexpensive - proof that a reliable backpack doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

• Durable material and construction allows the bag to last through years of use

What we don’t like

• No laptop sleeve means you’ll have to lug around electronics in the main compartment with everything else.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.7” H x 13” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Material: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 12 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

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Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack

Although Herschel is a relatively new brand, many of their bags feel oddly familiar. Their Heritage backpack in particular is reminiscent of vintage daypacks from the 1970’s that gained popularity with students at the time. Fast forward 50 years and the idea of a school daypack feels far from revolutionary. But there is still something incredibly charming about the original daypack design that Herschel recaptures with their Heritage backpack.

The main difference between the Herschel Heritage and its more modern sibling the Herschel Settlement is that the Heritage features more vintage design elements such as the a leather lash tab on the front and a contrast panel on the bottom. Size wise, the Herschel Heritage (21.5L) is one of the smallest Herschel daypacks when compared to the Herschel Pop Quiz (22L) and the Herschel Settlement (23L).

The Herschel Heritage is available in 2 different sizes; full size (21.5L) and mid-volume (14.5L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Heritage backpack.

What we like

• Cool vintage design

• Thick shoulder straps are comfortable

• Good medium sized daypack for school or commuter carry

What we don’t like

• Lack of organizers and pockets can feel limiting if you carry a lot of small items.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12.25” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 21.5L

• Weight: 1.3 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Internal media pocket with headphone port

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

The Herschel Pop Quiz is a simply designed backpack that is surprisingly loaded with some cool features that makes it perfect for all-day school, work or travel carry.

At 22 liters, the Pop Quiz is large enough to hold books, lunch or a change of clothes with room to spare for smaller items thanks to its front pocket organizer. The Pop Quiz also sports cool little features like a fleece lined sunglasses compartment that you can access from the top of the bag as well as an internal media pocket with a headphone jack. Herschel didn’t have to add these small features but we are glad they did.

What we like

• Clean and simple design that’s available in over a dozen colors

• Spacious 22 liter main compartment is big enough for books, lunch or extra clothes.

• Top access sunglasses pocket is a nice touch.

What we don’t like

• Zippers aren’t the best quality.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 11.75” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 22L

• Weight: 12.6 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Fleece lined sunglasses compartment

• Internal media pocket with headphone port

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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Herschel Supply Co. Little America

Founded in 2009, Herschel Supply Co. has exploded in popularity due in part to their introduction of timeless heritage bag designs for a new generation. The Herschel Little America has grown to become one of their best selling bags and it’s easy to see why. The backpack sports a vintage vibe yet is full of features that we have come to expect in a modern backpack.

These modern features include an internal media pocket with headphone port, a 15-inch padded and fleece lined laptop sleeve and ergonomic shoulder straps and mesh back padding. All of these features co-exist in a vintage style rucksack that looks like it’s straight out of the 1970’s.

The Herschel Little America is available in 2 different sizes; full size (25L) and mid-volume (17L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Little America.

What we like

• Roomy main compartment makes this backpack great for school, commuting or light travel.

• It has a cool vintage heritage design yet it accommodates modern features such as sleeves and pockets for tech and padded comfort shoulder straps.

What we don’t like

• Material and build quality can feel cheap for the price. If you want a high quality heritage backpack, there are better quality options out there.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.25” H x 11.25” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Weight: 1.5 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Top loading main compartment entry

Where to buy

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Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

The Fjallraven Kanken is one of the most iconic backpacks in recent memory. Although first introduced in Sweden in 1978, the bag has only recently exploded in popularity thanks to its unique style, ergonomic design and endless color options.

But it's not all hype. We love this bag for it’s smaller form factor that allows it to be comfortably carried by people with smaller frames who normally have trouble with big bulky backpacks. The design is also versatile enough to be used as a school book bag, travel bag and everyday items backpack. Two side pockets allow you to carry a water bottle and umbrella while a smaller front pocket is perfect for little items such as keys, pens, and wallets.

What we like

• Spacious main compartment that opens 3/4 for full access to the things inside

• Size is perfect for women, kids or people with smaller frames

• Comes in over 2 dozen different color options

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps can become uncomfortable if the bag gets too heavy.

• No organizers such as pen holders or key fabs for small items.

• The original Kanken does not have a laptop compartment (must go with an updated “laptop” version instead)

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 14.9” x 10.6” x 5.1”

• Capacity: 16L

• Weight: .7lb

• Material: 100% Vinylon-F

• Water resistant

Where to buy

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