From wireless headphones and tablets to portable chargers and an extra pair of socks, these trusty backpacks really carry it all.
But not just backpacks: for students and commuters, a messenger bag or briefcase will suit you perfectly. Plus, the 20 best men’s bags we’ve rounded up make great gifts any time of the year.
The over-the-shoulder essential is ideal even for weekend trips and hikes, offering comfort, support and, most importantly, the ability to carry everything you need for the day.
Our top picks include options from Amazon and Targetalthough there are a variety of investment-worthy styles to Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Take a look at the 20 best backpacks and bags for men that we find suitable for work and travel. Oh, and browse our edit of the best work bags for more recommendations.
Click to access a specific men’s bag:
Best Backpacks for Men
1. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack, $30, original price: $42
As an Amazon’s Choice product, you can’t go wrong with a matching gray and black pack designed for travel. With a slot for your laptop – a must-have these days – it’s a sturdy, functional and secure option that also comes in other colours.
2. Carhartt Legacy Classic Work Backpack, $43-$65
We’re big Carhartt fans, especially if you love the outdoors and love hoodies and leggings. The brand’s natural brown backpack has a main compartment for storing a laptop and tablet, as well as contoured shoulder straps to keep you nice and comfortable wherever you take it.
3. Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack, $110
We love Herschel’s Little America laptop backpack for its minimalist style. Not only is it slim and great for carrying, its exaggerated brown straps make it especially perfect for school and work.
4. Tumi Essential Backpack$325
The Essential backpack from Tumi is an investment, but a good investment. This gorgeous navy blue exterior is incredibly spacious, made perfect by its modern black zippers and luxurious feel. Plus, it’s also available in navy if you want a different option for that multi-pocketed traveler.
5. Polo Ralph Lauren leather backpack$350
Black leather will never go out of fashion, and Polo Ralph Lauren’s leather backpack is the investment piece you’ll be grateful you bought later. The lined interior, adjustable straps and dedicated spaces for your small travel essentials are just some of the reasons we think it’s worth it.
6. Sporty All In Motion Backpack$30
If you’re looking for a backpack you can throw things in without worrying about it getting a little scratched, All In Motion’s Sporty Backpack is for you. As the name suggests, it is for hobbies and can also hold as many spiral notebooks as you want for school.
7. Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack, $80
As one of the most popular backpacks – both for its travel-friendly size and the variety of colors it comes in – the Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack is one that will see you through for years to come. . With a rain flap to protect your items, it’s nearly weatherproof and you can’t beat the comfort.
8. Backpack New Crew lululemon$98
Whether you need a quality gym bag or a bag for commuting, lululemon’s New Crew Backpack is one of the most versatile options on this list. It’s made from water-repellent fabric, also comes in an all-black colourway, and has dedicated slots to stash your laptop and water bottle.
9. The North Face Borealis Nylon Backpack$99
Discover the backpack that really never gets old. The North Face Borealis Nylon Backpack is the best option if you want to store a lot of stuff but don’t want it to weigh down your back. Its exterior slip-on straps make everything nice and compact and for that we salute this trusty bestseller.
ten. Troubadour Adventure Slipstream Backpack$445
It’s time to put Troubadour’s Adventure Slipstream backpack on your radar. Although its price is quite high, the beautiful brushed gray combined with black details on the straps are worth it. Oh, did we mention it has Italian leather trim?
Best Messenger Bags and Briefcases for Men
1. Lubardy Leather Messenger Bag, $36, original price: $38
For a timeless messenger you can take to work (or anywhere, for that matter), get the Leather Messenger Bag from Lubardy. The supple textured leather exterior will also hold up over time, and it’s available in different tones to choose from on Amazon.
2. Matein Business Briefcase, $40
As one of Amazon’s bestsellers, Matein’s Business Briefcase is a quality option under $50. Although it comes in a darker grey, we particularly love the heather gray look to go along with the comfy black straps and twin buckles to the front.
3. Estarer Computer Messenger Bag, $44
With a more generous capacity than most, Estarer’s Computer Messenger Bag can probably store all those tech gadgets you have: headphones, chargers, and other necessities. Plus, the thick strap won’t strain your shoulders on round trips.
4. J World Nell messenger bag$22
J World’s Nell looks more like a portable cooler than a messenger bag. The affordable price and matching navy exterior make it ideal if you’re just looking for a simple bag for travelling.
5. Salvatore Ferragamo Revival Deep Ocean Briefcase Bag$1,590
Like designer clutches worth checking out, Salvatore Ferragamo’s Revival Deep Ocean Document Bag is pure document case luxury. It’s compact design and quality we suggest is a beat above the rest, especially for its silver hardware and padded laptop compartment.
6. Fossil Evan Messenger$120, original price: $300
Fossil’s Evan Messenger taps into high-end design without the extraordinary price tag. This two-tone brown is also a fabulous neutral choice, especially with its impressive capacity and gold hardware.
7. Vibrant Travel Briefcase$179
Maverick & Co.’s Vibrant Voyage Briefcase doubles as travel carry-on. It holds its shape well, has great brown handles and detailing, is waterproof, and can fit your 15″ laptop just fine.
8. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, $79
The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag is a classic tote with a synthetic material that is easy to clean if dirt and debris gets on the surface. Plus, the colors to choose from are endless, and whatever hue suits you, rest assured that they all come with smart straps attached to different compartments for added security.
9. Frye Logan messenger bag$498
Frye’s Logan messenger bag is perfect for fans of distressed leather, available in tan and dark brown. It has an adjustable strap, an imported leather design and is also quite roomy, with two interior pockets and even pockets for your map and pen.
10. CoolBell Convertible Messenger Bag, $50
CoolBell’s Convertible Messenger Bag is another versatile choice, available in a variety of neutral colors – including a lovely plum – and featuring a lightweight design. Not to mention, its laptop compartment is dressed with a telescopic belt to provide more protection for your valuables.
Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.
