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Backpacks get a bad rep, plain and simple. Many guys refuse to wear them despite their utility, comfort, and all-around superiority because the wrong backpack can make you look like a schoolboy. The key word here is ‘wrong.’ The best backpacks avoid this trap with premium materials and fire color palettes.

Sure, your tote is easygoing, and you can throw it over the shoulder with minimum effort when it has a water bottle in it. But what happens when you’re on a weekend trip and the canvas handle is ripping at the seams while simultaneously giving you a week’s worth of shoulder pain and a wonky spine.

What we’re saying is that each bag has its place and time, but the thing about backpacks is that they’re applicable almost everywhere and almost all the time, far more than any other style of bag.

Below, we’ve put together a list of 10 of the best backpacks to wear in 2024, ranging from technical builds from the likes of Oakley, and wander, C.P. Company, and more to refined luxury from Troubadour, Bottega Veneta, and Bao Bao.

Keep scrolling for the best backpacks to buy right now.

Loewe Convertible Backpack

LoeweConvertible Backpack
$1,450
Buy at Farfetch

Loewe combines technical features with flashes of its signature luxury for this masterpiece. Unclip the strap to convert the backpack into a versatile holdall tote.

Troubadour Orbis 2-Pocket Backpack

TroubadourOrbis 2-Pocket Backpack
$295
Buy at Troubadour

British label Troubadour has been making some of the best minimal backpacks in the world for years, and it's time to pay attention. With the release of its newest line Orbis, the brand takes a significant step towards sustainability, with each bag being built from recycled polyester and 100 percent recyclable.

Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack

OakleyKitchen Sink Backpack
$225
Buy at Nordstrom

Oakley's star has risen once more in the past few years. The '90s stalwart has made a resurgence with its retro-futuristic designs settled nicely into the Y2K trend. The Kitchen Sink backpack is a departure from the brand's iconic sunglasses, but lives by the same rules.

C.P. Company Nylon B Backpack

C.P. CompanyOrange Nylon B Backpack
$270
Buy at ssense

C.P. Company is a safe bet if you're hunting for anything vaguely technical. Backpacks are well within the Italian label's remit, with the Nylon B Backpack proving it with its bold orange hue and no-fuss practicality.

Bao Bao Daypack Backpack

Bao BaoDaypack Backpack
$722$919
Buy at Farfetch

Issey Miyake's Bao Bao is perhaps more famous for its handbags and tote bags than its backpacks, but luxury backpacks are always in high demand. Featuring signature geometric detailing, this green iteration is a visual punch as well as being the perfect size for your daily carry.

Belstaff Urban Nylon Backpack

BelstaffUrban Nylon Backpack
$250
Buy at Belstaff

For a more minimalist take on portable storage, may we suggest this inky, navy Nylon backpack by Belstaff? Subtle, practical, tasteful.

RAINS Bator Puffer Backpack

RAINSBator Puffer Backpack
$155
Buy at Urban Outfitters

When you're in the market for a backpack, distinguishing between luxury backpacks and functional backpacks is essential. This RAINS pack falls into the latter group with its durable build and easy-to-carry size.

MASTER-PIECE Green Absolute Backpack

Master-PieceGreen Absolute Backpack
$910
Buy at ssense

With all its zippers, pockets, and other details, MASTER-PIECE's woodsy backpack looks like something from a Studio Ghibli movie.

and wander Ecopack Recycled Ripstop Backpack

and wanderEcopack Recycled Ripstop Backpack
$805
Buy at Mr Porter

Technical master and wander is an obvious place to look if you're in the market for a backpack to do everything with. From hiking to weekend breaks, this pack will eat up any task you give it.

Bottega Veneta Intrecciato Leather Backpack

Bottega VenetaIntrecciato Leather Backpack
£3,185
Buy at Farfetch UK

From the highly technical to the highly luxurious, Bottega Veneta's Intrecciato Backpack features the house's signature woven leather build for a refined finish.

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