Urban backpacks are popular because they can carry sensitive items for work or leisure while looking stylish. In this article, we’ll take a look at our favourite options and important things to consider before committing to your next urban and lifestyle pack.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Lifestyle Backpack
A casual lifestyle or urban backpack is different from a hiking one. What you need in an outdoor pack may not be what you need for commuting and everyday life. Below, we’ve rounded up the factors we found to be the most useful in helping you determine the perfect lifestyle fit:
Functionality:
Functionality is important if you need your backpack to carry several things. It’s a good idea to look at the overall capacity or volume, the number of pockets and the pocket layout. Generally, zippered pockets are safer than open pockets, and inside pockets have more protection than outside pockets. Additional features include laptop sleeves and water bottle holders. In short, you’re looking at how much the pack can fit, what type of items can fit, and how easy it is to access those items.
Comfort:
Right after functionality, it’s important to consider comfort. After all, a high-capacity backpack that feels awful to wear won’t win you over. Look at the adjustability of straps and the variety of carry options. Is it only a backpack, or can it become a tote or shoulder bag? Airmesh back panels and padded straps go a long way to increasing comfort as well.
Durability:
Just like outdoor packs, you want a degree of durability in urban environments. Bags can get kicked, stepped on, knocked over and may be subject to adverse weather. Is the backpack waterproof or water-resistant?
Style:
After the practical factors, it’s time to talk about style. In urban environments, you and your pack will be seen by many eyes, so you want something that matches your vibe. Look for sleek outside buckles and zipper designs, along with colour options. A rigid harness and frame are also nice, so the pack can hold its shape even when it’s weighed down.
Best Backpack for Commuting and Everyday Use
While every bag on our list is stylish and functional, the Fjällräven High Coast Tote stands out for its thoughtful design and wide-reaching appeal. The High Coast is incredibly practical, with a strap layout that can be carried with a single shoulder strap, two backpack straps and tote handles; it’s very versatile.
The tote can also carry a 15” laptop, has a zippered front pocket, and the entire bag can be folded into the front pocket for convenience. The High Coast Tote is also made from recycled nylon and can handle the rigours of everyday use.
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Brand Name | Product Type
While every bag on our list is stylish and functional, the Fjällräven High Coast Tote stands out for its thoughtful design and wide-reaching appeal. The High Coast is incredibly practical, with a strap layout that can be carried with a single shoulder strap, two backpack straps and tote handles; it’s very versatile.
The tote can also carry a 15” laptop, has a zippered front pocket, and the entire bag can be folded into the front pocket for convenience. The High Coast Tote is also made from recycled nylon and can handle the rigours of everyday use.
Price: 0.00$
Urban Backpack for Style-Conscious Individuals
This is the ultimate choice in style-forward urban backpacks. Armed with a sleek top strap, side buckles and easy-access zippers, this Sandqvist rolltop looks seriously good.
Not just a looker, this urban pack also has a comfortable fit, can hold 16” laptops in a dedicated sleeve, and is made from 100% recycled polyester. It’s also water resistant to help get you through grey weather and comes with side slip pockets that are perfect for water bottles.
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This is the ultimate choice in style-forward urban backpacks. Armed with a sleek top strap, side buckles and easy-access zippers, this Sandqvist rolltop looks seriously good.
Not just a looker, this urban pack also has a comfortable fit, can hold 16” laptops in a dedicated sleeve, and is made from 100% recycled polyester. It’s also water resistant to help get you through grey weather and comes with side slip pockets that are perfect for water bottles.
Price: 0.00$
Responsible Backpack
Patagonia is world-renowned for its eco-friendly and sustainable products and initiatives. The Patagonia Black Hole fits right into that brand.
This backpack boasts 32 litres of space, has a large computer pocket, and an easy access front pocket. It also stows easily under airplane seats, is made from 100% recycled body fabric, and is fair trade sewn. Adjustable straps and a comfortable fit round out its wide appeal.
Price: 0.00$
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Patagonia is world-renowned for its eco-friendly and sustainable products and initiatives. The Patagonia Black Hole fits right into that brand.
This backpack boasts 32 litres of space, has a large computer pocket, and an easy access front pocket. It also stows easily under airplane seats, is made from 100% recycled body fabric, and is fair trade sewn. Adjustable straps and a comfortable fit round out its wide appeal.
Price: 0.00$
Best Backpacks for Tech Enthusiasts
Technology is ubiquitous with most companies nowadays, and tech enthusiasts will find a lot to like with the Vallier Hyder Backpack.
It has a large 27-litre capacity, is designed in Canada, and is 100% waterproof. Laptops up to 15” can easily fit, and there is an easy-access top pocket for smaller items like phones, kindles and touchpads. If you have sensitive tech that needs weather protection and looks good, this is the pack.
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Technology is ubiquitous with most companies nowadays, and tech enthusiasts will find a lot to like with the Vallier Hyder Backpack.
It has a large 27-litre capacity, is designed in Canada, and is 100% waterproof. Laptops up to 15” can easily fit, and there is an easy-access top pocket for smaller items like phones, kindles and touchpads. If you have sensitive tech that needs weather protection and looks good, this is the pack.
Price: 0.00$
If simplicity is your game, the lightweight GOT 26 litre is a great, uncomplicated rolltop bag. It has a massive central compartment, a removable laptop sleeve, an inside pocket for smaller items, and a zippered outside pocket.
The bag is waterproof to protect sensitive tech, can fit 15’ laptops and has a padded back for a comfortable carry. Spacious and durable, it’s a good fit for most tech enthusiasts.
Price: 0.00$
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Brand Name | Product Type
If simplicity is your game, the lightweight GOT 26 litre is a great, uncomplicated rolltop bag. It has a massive central compartment, a removable laptop sleeve, an inside pocket for smaller items, and a zippered outside pocket.
The bag is waterproof to protect sensitive tech, can fit 15’ laptops and has a padded back for a comfortable carry. Spacious and durable, it’s a good fit for most tech enthusiasts.
Price: 0.00$
Packing it all up
If you’re looking for a backpack that can be used for everyday commuting, the versatile and stylish Fjällräven High Coast Tote is fantastic. Sustainability-focused people will love the Patagonia Black Hole, while tech enthusiasts will enjoy the Vallier Hyde Backpack and GOT Rolltop Lite. If you want a style-forward option, the Bernt Rolltop Backpack is perfect.
Whether it’s going to work or travelling abroad, a well-laid-out urban and everyday life backpack can make life so much easier. The options in this article make clever use of space, are weatherproof, come with ample storage and look great. Looking for more? Hop over to our urban backpacks page to see the entire collection. Altitude Sports has you covered.
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