Briggs & Riley Leather Medium Backpack

The Briggs & Riley Medium backpack in leather is a premium business and travel backpack for those who want something stylish yet understated. At 20.5 liter capacity, the backpack is just the right size for daily commuter carry or as a personal item on most airlines. The leather and YKK zippers add sophistication to an already sleek design.

The Briggs & Riley Medium backpack is also available in non-leather versions made of ballistic nylon.

What we like

• Great business carry options; compartments for laptop and tablet, pockets for files and organizers for smaller items like business cards and pens.

• High quality leather makes the bag look and feel like a high end backpack.

• Small enough to be used as a carry-on or airline personal item. Fits underneath airplane seats.

What we don’t like

• 20.5 liter capacity limits what you can hold in the main compartment. Can be tough fitting things like a light jacket or large water bottle when the pockets inside the main compartment are being used.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 12” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 20.5L

• Weight: 2.9 lbs

• Material: Leather

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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OGIO Alpha Convoy 320 Backpack

Inspired by tactical backpacks, the OGIO Alpha Convoy 320 is the more compact brother of the OGIO Alpha Convoy 525. Although smaller, it retains a lot of the features that made the 525 great; MOLLE webbing on the front for pouch attachments, reflective panels for safety, and a dedicated pocket for laptops up to 15-inches.

At 20-liters the OGIO Alpha Convoy 320 makes a great a daypack for school, commuting and daily carry.

What we like

• Stylish tactical-inspired design

• The Cordura EcoMade makes the bag feels durable and well-made.

• Reflective material on the front of the bag is a nice touch. Great for city and campus commuters who often walk at night.

What we don’t like

• Lack of organizer pockets - OGIO depends on the use of external MOLLE attachment pouches instead of including extra pockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.5” H x 12.5” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 20L

• Material: Cordura EcoMade

• Weight: 2lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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OGIO Alpha Convoy 525 Backpack

OGIO offers a stylish and versatile backpack with their Alpha Convoy 525 backpack. Its design is inspired by rugged tactical backpacks and includes elements such as MOLLE webbing for pouch attachments, a tough Cordura construction and “tactical” color options.

Although its design is heavily inspired by tactical bags, the Alpha Convoy 525 backpack is an urban daily backpack at heart with a dedicated padded laptop compartment, padded shoulder straps and handles and an anti-theft back pocket. Those who want an even more compact version of the Alpha Convoy should check out the OGIO Alpha Convoy 320 backpack.

What we like

• Stylish tactical-inspired design

• The Cordura EcoMade makes the bag feels durable and well-made.

• Reflective material on the front of the bag is a nice touch. Great for city and campus commuters who often walk at night.

What we don’t like

• Even though the 525 is the largest Alpha Convoy backpack, at only 25 liters it still feels too small.

• Lack of organizer pockets - OGIO depends on the use of external MOLLE attachment pouches instead of including extra pockets.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20” H x 13” W x 9” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Material: Cordura EcoMade

• Weight: 2.4lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Herschel Settlement Backpack

Herschel’s Settlement backpack is a modern daypack that opts out of bells and whistles for a cleaner minimalist design. Organizers and smaller pockets are limited to a single front pocket but the roomy 23 liter main compartment makes it up in net cargo room. As far as tech carry goes you’ll get a laptop sleeve that fits a laptop or tablet up 15-inches and an internal media pocket with a headphone port.

The Herschel Settlement is available in 2 different sizes; full size (23L) and mid-volume (17L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Settlement backpack.

What we like

• Simple modern design that’s available in over a dozen colors

• Spacious 23 liter main compartment is big enough for books, lunch or extra clothes.

What we don’t like

• Zippers aren’t the best quality.

• Lack of pockets and organizers for smaller items. No side pockets for water bottles.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.75” H x 12.25” W x 5.75” D

• Capacity: 23L

• Weight: 1.19 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Internal media pocket with headphone port

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Tumi Ursula T-Pass Backpack

Tumi offers a true women’s business travel backpack with their Tumi Voyageur Ursula T-Pass backpack. This backpack is perfect for anyone who loves the look and functionality of the Tumi Voyageur Carson but want better travel features such as a TSA friendly laptop compartment, a roomier main compartment and larger pockets.

What we like

• Perfect size for frequent travels who want to bring 1-2 days of essentials.

• TSA checkpoint friendly T-Pass laptop compartment that lays flat.

• Exceptional materials and construction. Looks and feels high quality.

What we don’t like

• No side water bottle pockets. Zip side pockets aren’t stretchy and limit the size water bottles it can hold.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.5” H x 12.75” W x 7.25” D

• Material: Nylon with leather accents

• Weight: 2.65lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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Patagonia Refugio 28L 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 28 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 Refugio 28 liter and the smaller women’s Refugio 26 liter backpack.

What we like

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

• Main compartment is surprisingly roomy and can comfortably fit a days worth of school books, lunch or extra clothes.

What we don’t like

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

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19” H x 12” W x 8” D

• Materials: 630D Nylon

• Weight: 1 lbs 7.5 oz

• Capacity: 28L

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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OGIO Renegade RSS Backpack

The Renegade RSS is OGIO’s best selling laptop backpack thanks to its clever features that make tech carry a breeze.

One thing you’ll notice about the Renegade RSS is that it’s full of pockets and compartments that are lined and padded for items such as tablets, cameras and other electronics. The backpack gets its name from its RSS (Reactive Suspension System) laptop compartment that protects your laptop from bumps and drops. You also get a crush proof lined pocket for small things like sunglasses, point-and-shoot cameras or accessories. These features and more is why the OGIO Renegade RSS is one our favorite tech carry backpacks.

What we like

• RSS laptop sleeve protects expensive laptops from bumps and falls

• Tons of soft-lined pockets for other electronics like tablets, cameras and accessories.

What we don’t like

• Lacks real side water bottle pockets which seems like a simple thing to get wrong.

• Shoulder straps don’t extend far enough to comfortably fit big and tall people.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.5” H x 14” W x 10.5” D

• Capacity: 29.5L

• Material: 600D Polyester Pindot

• Weight: 3.5lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15” and some thinner 17” laptops

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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JanSport Right Pack Backpack

The JanSport Right Pack is the bag that started it all. Before daypacks were common, students would carry their books in their hands. It wasn’t until the 1970’s where students began using JanSport hiking backpacks as school bags. This led JanSport to introduce the Right Pack, one of the world’s first lightweight nylon daypacks.

Little has changed since the original Right Pack design. JanSport did a great job at keeping the Right Pack’s classic silhouette as well as all of its small details such as a suede bottom and matching zipper pulls. Today you’ll find a couple of modern upgrades such as a laptop sleeve in the main compartment and a utility pocket with an organizer for small daily items.

What we like

• Iconic heritage design that doesn’t go out of style

• Roomy main compartment that is perfect for lugging around a day’s worth of school books and gear.

What we don’t like

• Like many older brands who have outsourced production, quality isn’t what it used to be despite the heritage design.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 13” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 31L

• Material: 915D Cordura & Leather Suede Bottom

• Weight: 1 lb 4 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

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Vaschy Classic Rucksack Backpack

There is no point in tip-toeing here so let’s call this backpack what it is; a cheap backpack for those who like the Herschel look but don’t want to pay Herschel prices. Vaschy introduces a competitively priced Herschel Little America alternative with their Classic Rucksack backpack and it surprisingly doesn’t suck.

So what exactly do you get with such a cheap backpack? Surprisingly, more than you would expect. The bag’s main compartment has a slightly bigger carrying capacity than the Herschel Little America. It also has side pockets for water bottles, smaller pockets inside the main compartment, and a mesh pocket inside the front pocket - all things that the Little America doesn’t have. Although you shouldn’t expect a “quality” backpack here, the Vaschy Classic Rucksack backpack is decent enough considering the low price.

What we like

• Cheaper backpack for those who don’t want to spend the money on more expensive brands.

• Side pockets and internal mesh pockets are a nice touch.

What we don’t like

• Cheap construction and stitching proves that you get what you pay for.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12.8” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 26.5L

• Material: Water Resistant Polyester

• Weight: 1.59lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Tumi T-Pass Business Class Brief Pack

Tumi offers a true business travel backpack with their Tumi T-Pass Business Class Brief Pack. This backpack is perfect for frequent travelers looking for a backpack companion that can hold anything from important business files to a couple of days worth of clothing.

The “T-Pass” function of this backpack allows your laptop to be stored in a separate compartment that lies flat for an easier time at airport security checkpoints. The bag itself is professional and sleek allowing it to be carried to the office or to important business meetings without feeling out of place.

What we like

• Large cavernous main compartment can hold anything from business files and binders to clothing and shoes.

• TSA checkpoint friendly T-Pass laptop compartment that lays flat.

• Exceptional materials and construction. Looks and feels high quality.

What we don’t like

• It’s expensive! Can be hard justifying the price tag.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.5” H x 12” W x 8” D

• Material: Nylon with leather accents

• Weight: 3.95lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Vaschy Classic Daypack

Vaschy is a brand that is relatively new to the scene of backpacks and bags. With their Classic Daypack, Vaschy takes a bite right out of the designs of more expensive bags such as the Herschel Heritage backpack and the JanSport Right Pack. Simply put, it’s a more affordable option for those who don’t want to put out the extra cash.

The bag itself is filled with surprising features that you don’t get with more expensive backpacks of this style. For one, the Vaschy Classic Daypack features two side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella, something that is painfully missing from Herschel’s Heritage backpack. The Vaschy Classic Daypack also features a laptop sleeve in the main compartment, various small-item pockets and even a water resistant exterior. Not bad for a budget backpack.

What we like

• Cheaper backpack for those who don’t want to spend the money on more expensive brands.

• Side pockets and internal mesh pocket for small items is a nice touch that you don’t usually see with backpacks of this style.

What we don’t like

• Quality isn’t terrible, but it can feel cheap. You get what you pay for.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.9” H x 11.8” W x 5.9” D

• Capacity: 19.35L

• Material: Water Resistant Polyester

• Weight: 1.3lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 14”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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Everki Atlas Backpack

The Everki Atlas was made for professionals who need a daily commuter bag or a reliable backpack for travel. At 32 liters, the Atlas is large enough to carry extra clothes, books, files and more in its generous main compartment. Travelers will enjoy the TSA-friendly laptop compartment that opens flat and allow for storage of multiple laptop or tablet devices.

What we like

• Organization galore! The Atlas is jammed packed with compartments, pockets, and organizers.

• TSA checkpoint friendly laptop compartment that lays flat.

• Large laptop compartment - Most backpacks can only fit laptops up to 15-inches while the Everki Atlas has room for laptops up to 17.3 inches.

What we don’t like

• It’s a heavy backpack. The bag already weighs 4 lbs when empty and becomes a monster when full.

• Stitching and seams aren’t the best. At the $100+ price point we expect better.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18.9” H x 9” W x 13.38” D

• Capacity: 32L

• Weight: 4 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17.3”

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

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North Face Router Transit Backpack

At 41 liters, the Router Transit is The North Face’s largest backpack offering. Much like the smaller North Face Surge, the Router Transit is a thoughtfully designed backpack with enough pockets, sleeves and compartments for today’s modern carry. The main compartment is massive making it perfect for busy students, commuters or multi-day travelers. A separate laptop zip compartment is padded, lined with fleece and made to withstand everyday bumps and falls while protecting the electronics inside.

What we like

• Spacious main compartment with the right amount of pockets - perfect for school, travel or busy commuters who need to carry a lot.

• Large padded and fleece-lined laptop compartment that does a good job protecting your laptop/tablet from bumps and falls.

What we don’t like

• Huge main compartment goes deeper than most other backpacks - this means things can get easily lost in the abyss, especially smaller items.

• Unless you have a larger frame, this backpack tends to sag when it starts to get heavy. Chest straps helps with this but it isn’t an ideal situation.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 21.5” H x 14” W x 10” D

• Capacity: 41L

• Material: Varies per color

• Weight: 3 lb 8 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

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JanSport Big Student Backpack

As one of JanSports larger backpack models, we have always considered the JanSport Big Student to be the big brother of the popular Jansport Superbreak. Unlike the Superbreak’s 25 liter capacity the Big Student touts a hefty 34 liters plus a wide array of pockets, organizers and even two main compartment instead of just one. Simply put, the Big Student is a true school backpack with enough organization and pockets to satisfy today’s busy students.

Where the JanSport Big Student falls short is in the lack of a dedicated laptop sleeve. With more and more students relying on technology throughout their day it seems like an obvious oversight. But in recent years JanSport has introduced the Digital Student Laptop Backpack which is essentially the JanSport Big Student with a laptop sleeve. Even without a laptop compartment we consider to the Big Student to be one of JanSport’s best backpacks for school and one of our favorite school bags of any brand.

What we like

• At under $50 it’s a good value for the price.

• Good design - One of our favorite school backpacks

• Ergonomic shoulder straps and padded back keeps the Big Student comfortable enough to lug around heavy books all day.

What we don’t like

• Multiple main compartments means each compartment has less room for storage (vs one large main compartment). In terms of carrying capacity, there is not as much room as you think.

• No laptop compartment

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 13” W x 10” D

• Capacity: 34L

• Material: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 1 lb 8 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

Similar Backpacks

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JanSport Superbreak Backpack

The JanSport Superbreak is the brand’s best selling backpack and it’s easy to see why. The bag was originally introduced in the 80’s as a school bag and has since been one of Jansport most popular and iconic designs.

The design behind the JanSport Superbreak is simple; one large main compartment and one smaller front pocket. That’s it. The lack of bells and whistles is part of why the Superbreak is so beloved. But if you want features like a dedicated laptop compartment, water bottle pockets and organizers then the Superbreak is not for you and we recommend checking out the JanSport Big Student instead.

What we like

• Inexpensive - proof that a reliable backpack doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg.

• Durable material and construction allows the bag to last through years of use

What we don’t like

• No laptop sleeve means you’ll have to lug around electronics in the main compartment with everything else.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 16.7” H x 13” W x 8.5” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Material: 600D Polyester

• Weight: 12 oz

• Laptop Compartment: No

Where to buy

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Incase City Backpack

Incase’s City backpack was made with urban tech carry in mind and it shows. The City’s sleek and minimalist design is complimented Incase’s choice of durable 500D blended weave fabric. Inside you’ll find a laptop sleeve in the main compartment as well as multiple smaller pockets throughout the front of the bag for tech accessories and daily essentials.

The Incase City is offered in a few different sizes:

• City backpack: 21 liters

• City Compact: 17.5 liters

• City Dot: 13 liters

The photos and specifications below are of the original 21 liter Incase City backpack.

What we like

• Attractive minimalist design.

• Plenty of front pockets for cables, power banks, chargers and other small items.

• Laptop and tablet pockets are lined with a super soft faux-fur.

What we don’t like

• No side water bottle pockets

• Doesn’t fit all 17-inch laptops. Thicker 17-inch laptops may be too large for the laptop sleeve.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 20.5” H x 13.5” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 21L

• Materials: 500D Blended Weave Polyester

• Weight: 2 lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17”

Where to buy

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Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack

Although Herschel is a relatively new brand, many of their bags feel oddly familiar. Their Heritage backpack in particular is reminiscent of vintage daypacks from the 1970’s that gained popularity with students at the time. Fast forward 50 years and the idea of a school daypack feels far from revolutionary. But there is still something incredibly charming about the original daypack design that Herschel recaptures with their Heritage backpack.

The main difference between the Herschel Heritage and its more modern sibling the Herschel Settlement is that the Heritage features more vintage design elements such as the a leather lash tab on the front and a contrast panel on the bottom. Size wise, the Herschel Heritage (21.5L) is one of the smallest Herschel daypacks when compared to the Herschel Pop Quiz (22L) and the Herschel Settlement (23L).

The Herschel Heritage is available in 2 different sizes; full size (21.5L) and mid-volume (14.5L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Heritage backpack.

What we like

• Cool vintage design

• Thick shoulder straps are comfortable

• Good medium sized daypack for school or commuter carry

What we don’t like

• Lack of organizers and pockets can feel limiting if you carry a lot of small items.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 18” H x 12.25” W x 5.5” D

• Capacity: 21.5L

• Weight: 1.3 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Internal media pocket with headphone port

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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STATE Bags Kent Backpack

State Bags is known for their stylish daypacks and the Kent is no exception. Available in a variety of materials and colors, the Lenox is an attractive backpack that is a step up from more common daypack brands like Herschel or Jansport.

What differs the Kent from the popular State Bedford backpack is its smaller size that is proportioned to fit smaller frames. Just like the Bedford, the Kent features a roomy main compartment with a laptop sleeve, a front organizer pocket and multiple outer pockets for smaller items.

What we like

• Stylish enough to wear just about anywhere. Mature design is perfect as a commuter or work backpack.

• For every bag sold State gives a backpack to a child in need through their #GIVEBACKPACK program.

What we don’t like

• Water bottle pockets aren’t gusseted and will dig into the backpack when carrying a water bottle or umbrella.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 14.76” H x 12.80” W x 5.91” D

• Material: Polyester Canvas, Coated Canvas, or Nylon

• Weight: 1.4lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 13”

Where to buy

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Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

The Herschel Pop Quiz is a simply designed backpack that is surprisingly loaded with some cool features that makes it perfect for all-day school, work or travel carry.

At 22 liters, the Pop Quiz is large enough to hold books, lunch or a change of clothes with room to spare for smaller items thanks to its front pocket organizer. The Pop Quiz also sports cool little features like a fleece lined sunglasses compartment that you can access from the top of the bag as well as an internal media pocket with a headphone jack. Herschel didn’t have to add these small features but we are glad they did.

What we like

• Clean and simple design that’s available in over a dozen colors

• Spacious 22 liter main compartment is big enough for books, lunch or extra clothes.

• Top access sunglasses pocket is a nice touch.

What we don’t like

• Zippers aren’t the best quality.

• No side pockets for water bottles

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 17.5” H x 11.75” W x 6” D

• Capacity: 22L

• Weight: 12.6 oz

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Fleece lined sunglasses compartment

• Internal media pocket with headphone port

Where to buy

Buy on Amazon

Similar Backpacks

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Herschel Supply Co. Little America

Founded in 2009, Herschel Supply Co. has exploded in popularity due in part to their introduction of timeless heritage bag designs for a new generation. The Herschel Little America has grown to become one of their best selling bags and it’s easy to see why. The backpack sports a vintage vibe yet is full of features that we have come to expect in a modern backpack.

These modern features include an internal media pocket with headphone port, a 15-inch padded and fleece lined laptop sleeve and ergonomic shoulder straps and mesh back padding. All of these features co-exist in a vintage style rucksack that looks like it’s straight out of the 1970’s.

The Herschel Little America is available in 2 different sizes; full size (25L) and mid-volume (17L). The specs and photos on this page are of the full sized Herschel Little America.

What we like

• Roomy main compartment makes this backpack great for school, commuting or light travel.

• It has a cool vintage heritage design yet it accommodates modern features such as sleeves and pockets for tech and padded comfort shoulder straps.

What we don’t like

• Material and build quality can feel cheap for the price. If you want a high quality heritage backpack, there are better quality options out there.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Dimensions: 19.25” H x 11.25” W x 7” D

• Capacity: 25L

• Weight: 1.5 lb

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

• Top loading main compartment entry

Where to buy

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