Whether you’re planning a day out in the great outdoors or simply need something to take with you on your daily commute, there’s plenty of choices when it comes to backpacks. But finding the best one can be difficult because they all seem so similar.
We’ve picked out the top best backpacks you can buy for any type of adventure, ranging from everyday models made with tough fabrics to hike in and large hiking packs perfect if your day trip will be longer than two days.
The best backpack is the perfect way to take your life on the go. But, as with anything else in life and fashion even though we like some items more than others, things are not one size fits all. When deciding what kind of bag you need for work or leisure. There are specially designed bags for females as well available in the market.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the different options when it comes time for your next backpack. There are infinite colourways and styles. You can use these bags in different ways such as commuting, hiking, photography, running and carrying luggage. Below you see our buying guide on how you can buy the right backpack for yourself.
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How to Choose the Best Backpack for you
The best Backpacks are like your best friend. They keep all of the things inside them safe and sound so that you can explore new places with ease.
They are measured in litres, and the larger your backpack becomes the more weight you can carry. A small will hold about 12-30L (or litres) for one day’s worth of hikes or adventures at home. A mid-sized bag holds 25- 40L while larger models typically range up to 50 Liters.
Small backpacks are the perfect accessory for any outdoor enthusiast that needs to be prepared at all times. Whether you’re walking or running, biking in an area with no sidewalks and narrow roads, Crossfit training if it involves getting sweaty then this daypack will help keep your goods dry.
A mid-sized backpack is the best choice for travellers. It’s big enough that you can carry all your clothing and other belongings around with ease while still being small enough not to be too bulky when it comes to climbing mountains or running from one destination point A to another B.
A larger backpack is best for multi-day hikes carrying your life usually including a tent and sleeping bag. Larger packs often list their capacity as 50+ litres, meaning space is distributed in two separate compartments. It has an internal mini rucksack to store anything else you need on the go.
The Best Backpacks NZ
1. Bellroy Transit Backpack
The Bellroy Transit Backpack is a stylish, functional, and durable bag for your daily commute. The bag’s water-resistant fabric protects your laptop from moisture while its padded shoulder straps provide comfort. Designed with multiple pockets to keep you organized, the backpack has an external pocket that can hold your shoes or gym clothes so they don’t get dirty inside the bag.
2. Bellroy Apex Backpack
Bellroy’s Apex Backpack is a premium carry solution for the modern man on the go. Its design combines a professional aesthetic with high-performance features, making it an excellent choice for work and travel alike. The main compartment of the Apex offers quick access to your laptop or tablet via dual zips, keeping them safe from bumps and scrapes while you’re on the move.
3. Incase ICON Backpack
The Incase Icon Backpack is a sleek and modern backpack that will keep your laptop and other belongings protected while you’re on the go. This backpack features an internal padded sleeve that can fit up to a 16-inch laptop, as well as many different pockets for storing smaller items such as pens, wallets, keys and more. The Icon Backpack also has adjustable padded shoulder straps which make it easy to carry around.
4. Alex leather backpack
Alex Leather Backpack is made of full-grain cowhide leather. It is the best choice for people who love to travel. This backpack features a laptop compartment, an outer zip compartment and more pockets inside. The back panel is padded with breathable mesh material, which makes it comfortable to wear on hot days.
5. Bellroy Classic Backpack Premium
The Classic Backpack Premium is the ultimate backpack for your everyday carry. It’s a stylish, comfortable and highly functional bag that will keep all of your essentials safe and secure. The spacious main compartment fits up to a 15” laptop and has internal pockets to store smaller items like phones, wallets and keys.
6. Osprey Escapist 32 Bike Backpack
Osprey Escapist 32 is a stylish black colour backpack with great features. This backpack has an external pocket for storing your helmet, a hip belt pocket to store your keys and other essentials, and a torso adjustable harness that allows you to adjust the length of the shoulder straps. The Osprey Escapist 32 also offers dual-zippered hip belt pockets that can be used for carrying snacks or water bottles. There is a lower zippered compartment with a zip-away divider which offers more storage space for smaller items like phones, wallets etc.
7. Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 Anti-Theft Backpack
This Pacsafe Venturesafe X30 Anti-Theft Backpack is a stylish black colour backpack that will protect your belongings from theft. It has a water bottle pocket and an interior laptop pocket. The shoulder straps are made of breathable EVA foam for comfort and the stretch mesh side pockets can hold bottles or other items securely. It also comes with a built-in rain cover to keep your belongings dry in rainy weather conditions.
8. The Horse The Rover Backpack
The Horse The Rover Backpack is a compact design that holds your laptop, tablet and other personal items. This pebbled leather best backpack has multiple pockets both inside and out. The padded adjustable straps are adjustable to fit comfortably over the shoulders or across the back. It also features an external pocket for easy access to your cell phone or keys.
9. Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
Classic Backpack Plus is a stylish and functional best backpack that combines the best features of a briefcase and a messenger bag. It has an internal laptop compartment with padded, soft-lined compartments for your tablet or notebook computer. The main compartment has side access so you don’t have to unzip the whole bag to get at your stuff. Classic Backpack Plus also has two external pockets for easy access to essentials like keys and gadgets.
10. GeekOn! SpacePak Board Game Backpack
The SpacePak best backpack is a great way to carry all your board games. It can hold up to 80+ games and has an adjustable shoulder strap, padded back support, and a fully flat-folding design. The board game backpack also features a front pocket for carrying dice or other accessories. The black colour of the SpacePak is made with Orage lining on the inside which makes it easy to see everything that you have stored inside your board game bag.