Best Backpack Brands Made Simple: A Clear Buying Guide
Disclosure: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
A first buyer guide to the best backpack brands: JanSport, SwissGear, North Face, Osprey, Herschel and more compared.
Backpacks carry our days: laptops to work, books to class, gear up mountains and essentials through airports. The brand you choose shapes comfort, durability and how well a pack fits your life, whether you need a simple school bag, a polished commuter backpack or a framed hiking pack. If you have never compared backpack brands, the choices can feel endless. This beginner guide to the best backpack brands explains what makes a brand worth trusting and how to pick the right one.
We cover what to look for in a backpack brand, compare ten brands at a glance, explain how to choose and answer common questions. Every backpack in the table above is sold new on Amazon US.
What Makes a Great Backpack Brand?
A great backpack brand builds packs with durable fabrics, strong zippers, comfortable straps and thoughtful organization, then backs them with warranties and repair support. The best brands specialize in a type of carry, from school and commuting to travel and backpacking.
No single brand is best at everything. A brand that makes excellent school bags may not make the best hiking pack, so match the brand to the job first, then compare models within that brand.
Capacity in Liters
Backpack capacity is measured in liters. Everyday school and commuter packs run about 20 to 35 liters, like the JanSport 34L Cool Backpack and SwissGear's 31 liter ScanSmart. Travel packs reach 35 to 45 liters, and backpacking packs range from 50 to 75 liters, like TETON's 55L Scout and Osprey's Atmos AG 50.
Choose capacity based on what you carry daily, plus a little extra room.
Materials and Weather Resistance
Quality brands use durable polyester or nylon, often 600D or higher, with reinforced bases and coated or water resistant finishes. JanSport uses recycled 600D polyester, and EVERKI includes a rain cover on its Business 120. Metal zippers and bar tacked stress points last longer.
Water resistant packs handle light rain; waterproof packs and rain covers protect gear in storms.
Weight of the Empty Pack
Lighter packs reduce fatigue, especially on long walks or hikes. JanSport's Cool Backpack weighs 1 pound 5 ounces, while framed backpacking packs weigh more but carry heavy loads comfortably with hip belts and frames.
Balance weight against features and durability.
Comfort and Back Support
Comfort comes from padded, contoured shoulder straps, a padded or ventilated back panel and a sternum strap that keeps straps in place. The North Face says the FlexVent suspension on its Recon backpack is certified by the American Chiropractic Association, and SwissGear lists airflow back padding on its ScanSmart. For heavy loads, a hip belt moves weight off the shoulders.
Organization and Laptop Protection
Look for a padded laptop sleeve sized for your computer, a front organizer for pens, cables and keys and side pockets for water bottles. JanSport's Cool Backpack has a 15 inch laptop sleeve and two main compartments, SwissGear's ScanSmart fits 17 inch laptops with a lay flat design for airport scanning and RFID protected pockets and The North Face Recon has a 16 inch laptop sleeve.
Warranty and Repair
Many established backpack brands back their packs with long warranties or repair services. Check what the warranty covers, such as zippers, seams and buckles, and whether normal wear is excluded. A good warranty adds value over years of daily use.
Top Brands at a Glance
These ten brands have a strong presence on Amazon US. We list one representative pack per brand in the table above.
JanSport
JanSport is a classic school backpack brand. The 34L Cool Backpack has a 15 inch laptop sleeve, two main compartments and S curve straps at around $60. It suits students and everyday users.
JanSport lists the Cool Backpack at 34 liters and 17 by 12 by 8 inches, made from 100 percent recycled 600D polyester with a synthetic leather base, a front organizer panel with key clip, a stretch side bottle pocket and a fully padded back panel. It weighs 1 pound 5 ounces.
SwissGear
SwissGear makes practical laptop and travel backpacks, like the 1900 ScanSmart with TSA friendly lay flat design and room for 17 inch laptops at around $59. It suits commuters and travelers.
SwissGear says the ScanSmart's laptop compartment measures 14.5 by 11 by 1.5 inches, adds a padded tablet pocket, an accordion file holder, a trolley strap that slides over luggage handles and two mesh side pockets. Its 31 liter volume suits overnight work trips.
MATEIN
MATEIN offers affordable travel laptop backpacks with luggage straps and anti theft pockets at around $20. It suits budget buyers and frequent flyers.
MATEIN's travel backpack fits laptops up to 15.6 inches, measures about 18 by 12 by 7.8 inches to meet many airlines' personal item limits and uses water resistant polyester with metal zippers, according to MATEIN. A hidden back pocket keeps a passport or wallet out of reach of pickpockets.
The North Face
The North Face Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack, at around $125, combines outdoor durability with laptop organization. The brand suits students and commuters who want rugged style.
The North Face lists the Recon at 30 liters and about 2 pounds 9 ounces, built from recycled nylon ripstop with a non PFC durable water repellent finish, a fleece lined top pocket, daisy chain attachment points and two mesh bottle pockets. It works as both a school bag and a light day hiking pack.
Herschel
Herschel is known for clean, stylish designs, like the Settlement Quilted Backpack (18 liters) at around $91. It suits style focused everyday carry.
Herschel packs suit people who carry a light load and care about clean looks. The Settlement's 18 liter size fits a laptop, a jacket and daily essentials but not much more, so choose a larger Herschel model if you carry books or gym clothes.
Osprey
Osprey is a respected outdoor brand with backpacking packs like the Atmos AG 50L, known for ventilated suspension, at around $330. It suits hikers and backpackers.
Osprey is known among backpackers for adjustable suspension systems and its long running repair support. The Atmos AG 50 suits weekend to multi day trips where you carry a tent, sleeping bag and food, and its ventilated back panel helps in warm weather.
TETON Sports
TETON offers affordable internal frame backpacks like the 55L Scout at around $100. It suits beginner backpackers and campers.
TETON says the Scout includes a rain cover, a sleeping bag compartment, multi directional compression straps, a hydration pocket and multi position torso adjustment for medium and tall users. It comes in 45, 55 and 65 liter sizes, which makes it an easy entry into backpacking.
YETI
YETI is best known for coolers, and its Daytrip 20L, at around $225, is an insulated backpack that keeps food and drinks cold through picnics, beach trips and sporting events. It has cushioned straps, a wide quick access zipper and an exterior pocket for keys and a phone. It suits families and fans who want a cooler they can carry hands free, not a laptop bag.
EVERKI
EVERKI specializes in business laptop backpacks, like the Business 120 (40 liters) with a rain cover at around $180. It suits professionals carrying lots of tech.
The Business 120's 40 liter size suits professionals who carry a laptop, chargers, documents and a change of clothes for overnight trips. The included rain cover protects electronics in wet weather.
Timbuk2
Timbuk2 makes urban backpacks like the Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe for 17 inch laptops at around $179. It suits city commuters and cyclists.
Timbuk2 began in San Francisco making messenger bags, and its backpacks suit city riders and commuters. The Authority Deluxe fits 17 inch laptops, so it works for people with large screens who walk or bike to work.
How to Choose Between the Best Backpack Brands
Start with your main use. Students do well with JanSport, The North Face or Herschel. Commuters and business travelers do well with SwissGear, EVERKI, Timbuk2 and MATEIN. Hikers and backpackers should look at Osprey and TETON for framed packs with hip belts.
Next, consider fit and comfort. Padded, contoured straps, ventilated back panels and sternum straps matter for daily carry, while torso length and hip belts matter for backpacking packs.
Finally, compare warranties. Many established brands offer long warranties or repair programs, which add value over years of use.
Set a budget that matches your use. Budget brands like MATEIN deliver solid features at around $20, which suits occasional travel or kids who outgrow bags quickly. Midrange brands like JanSport, SwissGear and Herschel cost around $60 to $90 and last for years of daily use. Premium brands like Osprey, EVERKI, Timbuk2 and YETI cost more but add specialized features, stronger materials or long warranties.
Try the pack on with weight inside if you can. Load it with a laptop and books, adjust the straps and walk around. Straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders without gaps, and the bottom of the pack should rest above your lower back.
Backpacks: Your Questions Answered
Will it fit under an airplane seat?
Many 20 to 30 liter backpacks fit under airplane seats, but limits vary by airline. MATEIN says its travel backpack measures about 18 by 12 by 7.8 inches to meet most airlines' personal item limits. Check your airline's dimensions before flying.
What size backpack do I need?
Choose 20 to 30 liters for school and work, 30 to 45 liters for travel and overnight trips and 50 liters or more for multi day backpacking. Consider your laptop size and daily load.
Is a waterproof backpack necessary?
Most people do well with water resistant backpacks that handle light rain. Waterproof packs or rain covers help cyclists, hikers and anyone carrying electronics in wet climates.
How do I measure my torso length?
For backpacking packs, measure from the bony bump at the base of your neck (C7 vertebra) down your spine to the top of your hip bones. Match this to the pack's torso range for a comfortable fit.
How do I clean a backpack?
Empty all pockets, shake out debris and spot clean with mild soap and a soft brush. Many brands advise against machine washing, which can damage coatings and padding, so check the care label. Air dry fully with pockets open before storing.
How should a backpack fit?
Shoulder straps should wrap your shoulders snugly with no gaps, the pack should sit close to your back and the bottom should rest at or slightly above your waist. Use the sternum strap to keep straps in place, and for hiking packs, tighten the hip belt over your hip bones to carry most of the weight.
Final Thoughts
The best backpack brands match how you carry. JanSport, Herschel and The North Face suit students and everyday users, SwissGear, EVERKI, Timbuk2 and MATEIN suit commuters and travelers and Osprey and TETON suit hikers. Choose capacity, comfort and warranty that fit your routine.
For related guides, see the best laptop backpack, the best backpacks for travel, the best bedding brands and the best skateboard brands. Then compare current prices in the product table above.
