Patagonia Chacabuco

The Patagonia Chacabuco is one of Patagonia’s most versatile backpacks and it’s easy to see why. As a daily backpack for school or commuting the Chacabuco gives you a roomy main compartment, an additional organizer compartment with smaller pockets and both a padded laptop compartment and tablet sleeve.

Outdoor enthusiasts will love its lightweight construction, breathable mesh back panel and the ability to convert the laptop compartment into a hydration pocket.

The Patagonia Chacabuco comes in two sizes - the standard 30L Chacabuco and the smaller 28L Women’s Chacabuco. The women’s 28 liter version accommodates a shorter torso and smaller shoulders for the perfect fit. Both sizes feature the same pockets and compartments.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Roomy enough to be used for school, commuting, light travel or as an outdoor daypack.

• Includes both a tablet sleeve and laptop compartment

• Two size options for a perfect fit

• DWR coating makes this backpack water repellent

What we don’t like

• Zipper to the laptop compartment is narrow. Could cause trouble removing larger laptops.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 12” W x 8.5” D

• Materials: 630D Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 7.8 oz

• Capacity: 30L or 28L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Targus 15" Newport Backpack

The Targus Newport is a modern take on the classic laptop backpack. Unlike other women’s backpacks that are primarily “style-focused” and leave much to be desired when it comes to actual carry, Targus makes a real effort to incorporate useful pockets and compartments that make all the difference. There are pockets and organizers for everything from a laptop, charging cables, small personal items and more.

A clean design, intuitive pockets and small footprint is what makes the Targus 15” Newport backpack one of our favorite travel and work backpacks for women.

What we like

• Clean design and mature colors makes the Targus Newport a polished alternative to most casual backpacks.

• Lots of pockets and compartments for everyday items and tech. Separate laptop pocket makes it easy to keep things organized.

What we don’t like

• There isn’t much we don’t like if we are being honest. But if we would have to nitpick it would be how the faux-leather bottom and panels will hold up over time.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 11.13 W" x 5.25" D

• Dedicated compartments for a slim laptop or a tablet, clothes, and everyday accessories

• Lots of smaller organizer pockets

• Materials: High-density water-repellent twill nylon and faux-leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Travelpro Maxlite 5 Backpack

If you are looking for a small backpack for travel or daily commuting then the Travelpro Maxlite 5 women’s backpack may be just the ticket. Made to compliment Travel Pro Maxlite luggage, we love its travel features such as a luggage trolley-sleeve, separate laptop pocket and roomy front pocket for quick stashing of cell phones and wallets when passing through airport security.

As a daily carry backpack, the Travelpro Maxlite 5 backpack also packs a punch thanks to its various organizer pockets on the inside of the main compartment and water and stain resistant DuraGuard coating to protect your important essentials on rainy days.

What we like

• Lots of small pockets and compartments for easy-access to essentials.

• Laptop pocket is separate from the main compartment - no rummaging through stuff to access your tech!

• Includes a trolley-sleeve for easy attachment to rolling luggage. Small enough to be considered a personal item bag on most airlines.

What we don’t like

• Laptop pocket is better suited for very slim Macbooks or tablets. Thicker devices may have trouble fitting in.

• Main compartment carry is limited. May not be able to fit multiple large objects (large water bottle + bulky sweater) if you are using the internal organizer pockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 15” H x 10” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 19L

• Materials: Polyester with DuraGuard water resistant coating

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 14”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

The ReNew Transit is Everlane’s modern take on the travel backpack. Packed with accessible pockets, a roomy main compartment and even a separate-access padded laptop sleeve, the ReNew Transit is Everlane’s most versatile backpack design to date.

Designed for both men and women, the Everlane ReNew Transit backpack is a medium-sized bag with a roomy 27 liter main compartment making it perfect for everything from busy work commutes to weekend trips.

For a hands-on look, check out our full Everlane ReNew Transit backpack review.

What we like

• Stylish minimalist design that is sleek enough to wear to work or on casual days.

• Carefully placed pockets on the front and top of backpack makes grabbing small items easy.

• Airline friendly size - can be used as a personal item backpack on flights.

What we don’t like

• Side water bottle pocket is not gusseted so it can be a tight squeeze when backpack is full.

• No organizers for things like a phone, pens or a passport

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12” W x 7.25” D

• Capacity: 27L

• Materials: Recycled Polyester with environmental friendly CO water-resistant finish

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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United By Blue Rift Pack

United By Blue offers a versatile backpack for everything from short hikes to city commuting with their Rift Pack. The backpack is made of a tough water repellent polyester with vegetable tanned leather accents to give it a vintage heritage flare. At 25 liters, the Rift can hold a fair amount in its main compartment without being too bulky.

What we like

• Water repellent polyester makes this backpack durable enough for outdoor wear, travel or city commuting.

• Plenty of organizers for smaller items.

What we don’t like

• Front outside pocket is fastened by a magnet which doesn’t feel too secure.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 14” W x 7.75” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester with water repellent finish

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

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Timbuk2 Recruit Backpack

Timbuk2 manages with offer a backpack with a small footprint without compromising on carry capacity with their Recruit backpack. The Timbuk2 Recruit can comfortably carry a 13-inch laptop and a few books while still having plenty of space in its smaller front pockets for personal items.

What we like

• Perfect size for petite women or people with smaller frames.

• Shoulder straps are padded and very comfortable.

• Good amount of pockets and organizers. Great for daily carry.

What we don’t like

• Quality of the zippers isn’t the best.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 15” H x 9.45” W x 3.94” D

• Capacity: 12L

• Materials: Premium twill fabric

• Weight: 1.3 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 13”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Samsonite Openroad Lady Backpack

Samsonite offers a compact business backpack with real functionality with their Openroad Lady laptop backpack. The backpack is split into two main compartments; the tech compartment with a laptop and separate padded tablet sleeve and the middle main compartment that features dividers for files and paperwork.

What we love about the Samsonite Openroad Lady backpack is that it rivals more expensive women’s work backpacks without compromising on style or performance.

What we like

• Compact size but still functional enough to use as a daily work backpack.

• Sleek and professional design that won’t look out of place at the office.

• Includes trolley sleeve and can be carried on luggage handles while traveling.

What we don’t like

• Although it has lots of pockets, the bag starts to fill up very quickly leaving little room for bulkier items once laptop and document compartments are filled up.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16” H x 13.8” W x 6.4” D

• Capacity: 23.15L

• Weight: 2.5 lbs

• Material: Nylon/Polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 14.1”

Where to buy

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Baggallini Essential Laptop Backpack

Baggallini offers a versatile women’s backpack for work, travel and errands with their RFID Essential backpack. The roomy main compartment and additional organizers and pockets are perfect for everyday essentials like books, files and personal items.

What we like

• Sophisticated design won’t look out of place at the office.

• Includes trolly sleeve so that the backpack can be carried on luggage handles when you travel.

• Small enough to be considered a personal item at most airlines.

What we don’t like

• Backpack itself doesn’t provide RFID protection. Instead Baggallini includes a removable RFID wristlet.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16” H x 11.5” W x 5.75” D

• Materials: Rain resistant nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 9 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Includes removable RFID wristlet

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Baggallini Mendoza Convertible Backpack

With the Mendoza convertible backpack, Baggallini offers a stylish shoulder bag when you want it with the convenience of a backpack when you need it. The Mendoza includes a 52 inch adjustable crossbody straps that convert to backpack shoulder straps. Inside the bag you’ll find useful interior organizers and multiple pockets for storing daily essentials.

What we like

• Front outside pocket is perfect for small items like a phone, tickets or passport.

• Water resistant nylon material looks sophisticated and sleek. Bag can be dressed up or down.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps aren’t adjustable when used as a backpack.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 13” H x 12.5” W x 6” D

• Materials: Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 1 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Burton Kilo Backpack

The Burton Kilo is the brand’s best mid-sized backpack for school, work or travel. At 27 liter capacity, the backpack is roomy enough to carry school books or extra clothes but compact enough to avoid too much bulk. One of the features we like about this backpack is the number of pockets inside the main compartment and throughout the outside of the bag. Two straps adorn the front of the backpack and can be used to carry your skateboard or fasten your jacket for extra storage.

What we like

• Deep main compartment can fit books, extra clothes and other gear.

• Lots of color and pattern options to choose from.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Looks bigger in photos than it really is. If you need a large backpack for school or travel, then the Burton Kilo is not for you.

• Side pockets aren’t deep or wide enough for larger water bottles.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 11.5” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 27L

• Materials: Varies by color

• Weight: 1 .8 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Burton Prospect Backpack

The Burton Prospect backpack is a small capacity backpack for those who need to just carry the basics. Although this won’t be your go-to book bag for busy days at school, it’s perfect for days out on the town or work commutes where you need to just carry the basics.

What we like

• We like this as a small daily carry commuter backpack for those who don’t need tons of storage room.

• Tons of color and pattern options.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Side pocket doesn’t stretch out as far as we would like. Can be hard to fit larger water bottles in the side pockets when the main compartment is full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 11.5” W x 7.5” D

• Capacity: 21L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 .5 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Dakine Wonder Backpack

The Dakine Wonder is a stylish daypack that packs a lot of punch in a small package. Features such as skateboard straps, a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket and mesh water bottle pockets makes the Wonder perfect for days when you just want to explore the city with a light load.

Note: The Dakine Wonder backpacks comes in two sizes; 15 liters and a larger 22 liter version. The specs here are for the 15 liter Dakine Wonder backpack.

What we like

• Inexpensive. You can grab one under $50.

• Small capacity is perfect as a light daypack.

• Fun color and pattern options.

• External bungee allows you to cinch extra items like jackets and shopping bags to the outside of the backpack.

What we don’t like

• Lack of organizers and pockets inside the main compartment. No pocket for laptop or tablet.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 15L

• Materials: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 lbs 2 oz

• Laptop Compartment: None

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Patagonia Refugio 26L Backpack

The Patagonia Refugio is perfect for anyone who needs a reliable backpack for daily commutes, travel or light outdoor activities like hiking or beach days. At 26 liters, the main compartment is surprisingly roomy while the front pocket is perfect for organizing smaller items for school or work. Features such as a removable sternum strap, front attachment loops and DWR water resistant coating also makes the Refugio perfect for days outdoors.

The Patagonia Refugio comes in two sizes, the women’s Refugio 26 liter backpack and the larger men’s Refugio 28 liter backpack. The women’s 26 liter version features a shorter torso and shoulder straps.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Roomy enough to be used for school, commuting, light travel or as an outdoor daypack.

• Women specific back panel and shoulder strap fit.

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps are a little too close together. This could be a problem for people with broad shoulders.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17” H x 11.5” W x 8” D

• Materials: 630D Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 5.2 oz

• Capacity: 26L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Burton Tinder Backpack

The Burton Tinder is a bold everyday pack that takes its style cues from heritage rucksack designs. But don’t let the vintage style fool you, the Tinder is filled with modern features such as a padded laptop compartment and ergonomic shoulder straps.

At 25 liters, the Burton Tinder is very much the smaller cousin of the Burton Annex backpack in both size and design.

What we like

• We like this as a medium sized daily carry commuter backpack for those who don’t need tons of storage room.

• Lots of color and pattern options to choose from.

• Laptop sleeve with separate tablet sleeve in main compartment.

What we don’t like

• Plastic buckles to snap close the main compartment feel cheaply made.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 13” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Materials: Varies by color

• Weight: 1 .8 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Columbia Tamolitch Daypack

Columbia offers a daypack for those who need a go-to bag for all of life’s adventures. At 23.7 liters, the Tamolitch is a good size for women and people with smaller frames who don’t want a backpack that is too bulky. The main compartment is surprisingly roomy and the various pockets and organizers are perfect for daily carry. We especially like the separate tablet pocket below the laptop sleeve in the main compartment.

For the adventurous, the Columbia Tamolitch can also be used as a light hiking daypack or travel backpack thanks to its water repellent Omni Shield fabric, stretchy side water bottle pockets and front stash pockets.

What we like

• Versatile multi-use backpack for school, commuting, days outdoors and can even be used as flight carry-on.

• The price is right - If you wait for a sale, you can often purchase this backpack for under $50.

What we don’t like

• Quality of the zippers, threading and construction is not on par with brands like North Face and Patagonia. You get what you pay for.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.3” H x 12.5” W x 8.3” D

• Materials: 600D Coated Oxford 100% Polyester

• Weight: 1.5 lbs

• Capacity: 23.7L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Everlane Modern Snap Backpack

The Everlane Modern Snap backpack is one the brand’s most popular bags and it’s easy to see why. The Modern Snap Backpack is stylish enough to wear while running weekend errands yet sophisticated enough as a work commuter bag. The sleek design looks great on both men and women while the size is perfect for people with smaller frames who want to avoid bulky backpacks.

What we like

• Stylish modern rucksack design that can be worn to work or on the weekends.

• Main compartment is spacious and can fit everything from books, binders to a change of clothes.

What we don’t like

• Side pockets are not gusseted so it can be hard to fit things like water bottles or umbrellas when the pack is full.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 29L

• Materials: Water resistant cotton twill with leather accents

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Matt & Nat Brave Backpack

Clean. Modern. Chic. Those are just some of the ways we like to describe the Matt & Nat Brave backpack. One of the brand’s best sellers, the Brave backpack allows you to carry your daily essentials in style. Matt & Nat is one of our favorite work backpack brands because of their clean and modern designs that won’t look out of place in more formal settings like the office and their Brave backpack is no exception.

What we like

• Unique modern and chic design that can be worn just about anywhere.

• Deep “bucket” main compartment that fits daily essentials.

• Cruelty free - made with no animal products.

What we don’t like

• Front pocket is not gusseted and hard to use when main compartment is full

• Zippers aren’t smooth and could be better

• Although the bag is advertised as having a laptop “pocket” we found the zip pocket to small to fit a 13” laptop.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 14” H x 10” W x 5.75” D

• Material: PVC/Vegan “Leather”

• Weight: 1.8lbs

• Laptop Compartment: None - zip pocket in main compartment can fit a small tablet while main compartment can fit a laptop up to 13”

Where to buy

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Patagonia Black Hole 25L Backpack

Born out of the popular Patagonia Black Hole duffel back, Patagonia’s Black Hole backpacks are available in a few different styles and sizes:

• Patagonia 25L Backpack

• Patagonia 32L Backpack

• Patagonia 45L Convertible Backpack

The 25 liter version is great for anyone who needs a smaller pack for everyday carry or light travel. One of the best features of this backpack is its versatility. It can be used as a daily commuter backpack thanks to its padded laptop compartment and organizer pockets on the inside of the main compartment. For more adventurous days, the laptop sleeve can be used as a water reservoir for hiking and the deep bucket main compartment can be used to stash extra clothes, shoes or a jacket.

What we like

• Incredibly versatile. Large enough to be used for school, commuting, gym or light travel.

• Deep side water bottle pockets. Water bottles, umbrellas and other items won’t fall out when on the move.

What we don’t like

• Although the TPU coated fabric is advertised as water resistant, the zippers are not. Water can sneak into the backpack if you are unfortunate enough to be caught outside during a heavy rain downpour.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21” H x 11” W x 6.5” D

• Materials: Water resistant 450D Polyester Ripstop with a TPU-film laminate

• Weight: 1 lb 8 oz

• Capacity: 25L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Fjallraven Kanken Backpack

The Fjallraven Kanken is one of the most iconic backpacks in recent memory. Although first introduced in Sweden in 1978, the bag has only recently exploded in popularity thanks to its unique style, ergonomic design and endless color options.

But it's not all hype. We love this bag for it’s smaller form factor that allows it to be comfortably carried by people with smaller frames who normally have trouble with big bulky backpacks. The design is also versatile enough to be used as a school book bag, travel bag and everyday items backpack. Two side pockets allow you to carry a water bottle and umbrella while a smaller front pocket is perfect for little items such as keys, pens, and wallets.

What we like

• Spacious main compartment that opens 3/4 for full access to the things inside

• Size is perfect for women, kids or people with smaller frames

• Comes in over 2 dozen different color options

What we don’t like

• Shoulder straps can become uncomfortable if the bag gets too heavy.

• No organizers such as pen holders or key fabs for small items.

• The original Kanken does not have a laptop compartment (must go with an updated “laptop” version instead)

Specifications:

• Dimensions: 14.9” x 10.6” x 5.1”

• Capacity: 16L

• Weight: .7lb

• Material: 100% Vinylon-F

• Water resistant

Where to buy

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