14 Best Backpacks with Chest Straps - School, Laptop, Travel
A backpack chest strap (or sternum strap) is an adjustable belt that spans from one shoulder strap to another across the chest.
Chest straps help reduce shoulder strain by promoting proper weight distribution and stability when lugging around heavier loads. For this reason we recommend going with a backpack with a chest strap if you often carry large laptops and other heavy items.
Backpack with chest strap example
Oddly enough, many backpacks simply don’t have chest straps and finding one can be hit or miss depending on the brand.
That’s why we have listed a few of our favorite backpacks with chest straps. From laptop backpacks to travel bags - you’re sure to find the best bag for you!
Best Daily Laptop Backpacks with Chest Strap
The North Face Borealis is a versatile mid-sized laptop backpack that can be used for school, work commutes and outdoor adventures. The Borealis is available in both men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit.
Each Borealis comes equipped with an adjustable chest strap with a built-in whistle and a removable waist strap. The North Face’s own FlexVent suspension design does a great job at providing ergonomic shoulder straps and a breathable back panel for comfortable carry.
Read more about the North Face Borealis
Features at a glance:
Mid-size backpack with chest and waist strap
28L capacity (27L women)
15-inch laptop compartment
Adjustable bungee cord system that allows you to carry additional gear
Great organization and lots of pockets for sunglasses, tablets, pens and chargers
If you are looking for a reliable backpack with a chest and waist strap then you’ll love what The North Face Borealis has to offer. At a 28 liter capacity (27L for women), the Borealis gives you the room you need to pack for work, school or travel without being too bulky.
One feature we love about North Face backpacks is their exterior padded laptop compartments. The laptop compartment on the Borealis can fit up to a 15-inch laptop and can be accessed from a separate zipper by the back panel. This you can keep your tech safe and separate from your main compartment items. For outdoor activities such as hiking, you can also turn the laptop compartment in to a hydration pocket. The North Face includes a velcro water bladder loop and a small opening for running a hydration tube to the outside of the backpack.
The Ridge Commuter Weatherproof Backpack
The Ridge Commuter is a compact laptop backpack with a chest strap for both weekday commutes in the city and weekends outdoors thanks to a weatherproof nylon shell and water resistant zippers. As a daily tech pack, you’ll love the myriad of pockets that line the inside. A clamshell main compartment and separate shock-proof laptop compartment make organizing your most important items a breeze.
Read more about The Ridge Commuter
Features at a glance:
Backpack with sternum strap for work commutes and weekends
15L capacity
Weatherproof construction
Tons of smaller pockets for organization
Built-in USB port for phone charging
Shock-resistant laptop compartment
Don’t let its compact footprint fool you - The Ridge Commuter is packed with enough pockets and compartments for a busy day. Each Commuter features a clamshell backpack design that allows for full access to the pockets that line the inside while a second zipper gives you traditional top-loading access for quickly grabbing items on the move. A separate shock-proof compartment for your laptop gives extra peace-of-mind when lugging your expensive tech from point A to B. The outside of the pack is also lined with additional pockets for quick storage options.
If the myriad of pockets isn’t enough, the Ridge Commuter is a long time favorite charging backpack thanks to its built-in USB port that leads to a special internal charging pocket. This allows you to charge your devices while on the move when connected to a mobile power bank.
As for comfort, the Commuter has you covered with an adjustable sternum strap for proper weight distribution when the bag is jam-packed.
Dakine 365 Backpack
The Dakine 365 offers a back-to-basics sternum strap backpack for the daily grind. A roomy 30-liter main compartment is great for overnight stays and long days on campus while a padded laptop sleeve and an additional tablet sleeve keeps your tech secure. One awesome feature of the Dakine 365 is its insulated cooler front pocket that keeps your drinks and food fresh while on the move.
Read more about the Dakine 365 Backpack
Features at a glance:
School and travel backpack with sternum strap
Roomy 30L capacity
Available in over a dozen colors and patterns
Padded laptop sleeve and fleece lined tablet sleeve
Insulated cooler pocket for lunch and drinks
Fleece lined sunglasses pocket
Osprey Nebula Backpack
The Osprey Nebula is a powerhouse daily pack for work, college and daily commuting. What makes the Nebula special is that Osprey has applied their hiking technology to a daily backpack and as a result you get a laptop backpack with a chest strap and waist belt for great load stabilization and a soft breathable back panel for comfortable all-day wear.
Read more about the Osprey Nebula & Nova
Features at a glance:
Large daily backpack with chest and waist strap
Men’s and women’s versions for a perfect fit
Lay flat padded laptop compartment
Admin compartment for organizing smaller items
Plenty of exterior pockets for water bottles, phones and more
The Osprey Nebula and Nova are great options for those who need a roomy daily pack for work, school and travel thanks to their large main compartments and amazing array of pockets for organization.
The lay flat laptop compartment allows for quick access to a 17” laptop, paperwork and magazines. It also makes air travel a breeze by being TSA-friendly.
If you are serious about organization then you’ll love this backpack’s array of smaller pockets throughout its design. The outside of the pack features a front mesh pocket for quickly stashing away mid-sized items. Side water bottle pockets and a cell phone/sunglasses pocket also makes grabbing essentials a breeze.
As for comfort, Osprey integrated a back panel and harness system that’s usually reserved for more technical outdoor packs. As a result you have a reliable sternum strap backpack that does a great job at adapting to different loads. The top and bottom compressions straps help stabilize your pack while an adjustable chest and waist strap allows you dial in just the right weight distribution for comfortable all-day wear.
Pacsafe Vibe Anti Theft Backpack
The Pacsafe Vibe is the perfect companion for city commuting and light travel thanks to its anti-theft features and fresh minimalist design. Some of our favorite features include cut-resistant materials and lockable zippers, a padded 13” laptop sleeve that can double as a hydration pack pocket and a multitude of pockets for keeping you organized.
Read more about the Pacsafe Vibe
Features at a glance:
Anti-theft backpack with chest and waist strap
Unisex fit and design
13” laptop sleeve
Admin compartment for organizing smaller items
Lockable zippers, RFID pockets, and slash-resistant materials for safe carry of your belongings
The Pacsafe Vibe is an urban backpack for your daily essentials that’s roomy enough for a gym kit or an overnight stay. This is thanks to its 25-liter internal capacity that hits a sweet spot for daily carry.
Along with a 13-inch laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for organization, the Pacsafe Vibe also features some innovative anti-theft features that will keep your gear safe and sound wherever you roam. Some ant-theft features include wire-reinforced slashguard shoulder straps, integrated locking zippers and a security clip that allows you to secure your bag to leg and table chairs.
When it comes to comfort the Pacsafe Vibe doesn’t disappoint. Each backpack is equipped with an adjustable hip belt and a removable waist belt for carrying stability. The shoulder straps also include a band tie to enable you to tuck away the strap and prevent dangling.
Patagonia Black Hole
Patagonia offers water resistant durability for work and play with their line of Black Hole backpacks. Equipped with a chest strap for increased stability and an air mesh back panel for cooling ventilation, the Black Hole backpack allows for comfortable carry day in and day out.
Read more about the Patagonia Black Hole
Features at a glance:
Water resistant sternum strap backpack
Made from lightweight recycled ripstop
Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
Front daisy chains for attaching additional gear
Great for school, commuting and weekends outdoors
The Patagonia Black Hole backpack is available in a few different sizes for the perfect fit. You can currently choose from a small 23L women’s size and larger 25L and 32L sizes.
If you are looking for a sternum strap backpack that’s rugged enough for the daily grind then the Black Hole might be just the ticket. We love the Black Hole for its versatile design that is perfect for daily urban carry or outdoor adventures.
Each bag is made from recycled materials and features a highly water resistant TPU-film laminate that keeps out rain and moisture. In fact, the Black Hole has made it to our list of best waterproof backpacks for college.
For a bag so tough, the Black Hole is actually surprisingly lightweight. This is thanks to its recycled polyester ripstop construction and airmesh back panel that keeps you cool without the additional bulk of heavier back paneling. The included adjustable sternum strap helps with proper load distribution for an additional point of comfort.
The North Face Recon
The North Face Recon is one of the most versatile backpacks for school, commuting and travel thanks to its roomy 30-liter main compartment, incredible organization and new sleek design.
Each Recon backpack includes a sternum strap, waist belt and features North Face’s FlexVent breathable back panel and ergonomic padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit that’s certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
The North Face Recon is available in both a men’s and women’s fit.
Read more about the North Face Recon
Features at a glance:
Versatile backpack with chest strap for school, work and travel
Available in men’s and women’s versions
15” Laptop compartment and separate tablet sleeve
Amazing organization thanks to exterior fleece lined pockets and admin panel
Flexvent Suspension System back panel and shoulder strap for comfortable fit.
The Recon has long been one of the North Face’s best selling backpacks and it's easy to see why. The 30-liter main compartment is just the right size for a busy day on campus or a weekend trip plus its outdoor-inspired design makes it a great bag for the trail.
One of our favorite features on the Recon is it’s padded 15-inch laptop compartment that is separate from the main compartment. Not only is this compartment built to protect your expensive tech but it can also be converted into a hydration pocket for a water bladder on outdoor hikes.
Other great features include a tablet pocket, an admin compartment for organizing smaller items and a fleece lined sunglasses pocket. No matter what you carry - the Recon has a spot for it!
The North Face Recon was built for comfortable carry from the ground up. In fact, it’s even certified by the American Chiropractic Association thanks to its FlexVent suspension system. Since the North Face Recon is available in both men’s and women’s fits you can be sure to find a version that accommodates your body type. If you are looking for a backpack with a sternum strap then you will love the adjustable chest strap and removable waist strap that is included for comfortable weight distribution and support.
Under Armour Hustle Pro Backpack
The Under Armour Hustle Pro is the perfect choice if you are looking for a sports and gym backpack with a chest strap and a ton of clever features for organizing important gear.
Awesome features include an insulated zippered water bottle pocket, a large gusseted pocket for shoes or laundry and an adjustable clip on the shoulder strap to help carry an additional duffel bag.
Read more about the Under Armour Hustle Pro
Features at a glance:
Laptop and gym backpack with chest strap
Special numbered shoulder strap system for dialing in balanced weight distribution
Insulated pocket for water bottles and snacks
15” soft-lined laptop sleeve
Available in multiple colors
The Ridge Classic Weatherproof
The Ridge Classic Weatherproof Backpack is a small backpack with a sternum strap for those who need a simple yet versatile pack for running errands, outdoor adventures or as a travel daypack.
The weatherproof design keeps your important items safe from the elements while a 22L main compartment, padded laptop sleeve and internal pockets gives you the room you need to stay organized.
Read more about the Ridge Classic
Features at a glance:
Small backpack with chest strap
Waterproof tarpaulin shell and YKK Aquaguard zippers
22L main compartment
Padded laptop sleeve
External USB port for charging on the go
Lightweight design
The Ridge Classic Weatherproof backpack has to be one of our favorite backpacks for those who want a simple backpack with a quality design.
Although its classic profile may make it look like any old backpack - trust us when we say that the Ridge Classic Weatherproof anything but ordinary.
One of our favorite features is the built-in USB port and power bank pocket. This allows you to safely store a mobile power bank so that you can charge your phone and other mobile tech while on the move.
The water resistant design is also top-notch. Not only is the exterior made from a waterproof nylon shell but the Classic Backpack is also equipped with YKK Aquaguard zippers to protect your stuff from rain and splashes. From days on campus to weekends at the beach - The Ridge Classic Weatherproof backpack is guaranteed to be the perfect companion.
Fjallraven Ulvo Daypack
Perfect for the trail and daily grind alike, the Fjallraven Ulvo is a versatile daypack for life on the move. The Ulvo features an internal laptop sleeve and admin panel inside the main compartment to keep your tech and accessories nice and organized while the bag’s outer shell is made out of Fjallraven’s own Bergshell fabric that is known for its durability and waterproof properties.
The Fjallraven Ulvo is equipped with an adjustable sternum strap for increased load stability. The bag is also available in both a 23 liter and 30 liter versions for the perfect fit.
Read more about the Fjallraven Ulvo
Features at a glance:
Everyday backpack with chest strap
23L and 30L versions available
15” internal padded laptop sleeve
Admin panel for organizing pens and accessories
Made with durable waterproof fabric
Side stretch pockets for water bottles
The Fjallraven Ulvo combines the focus on ergonomic comfort of a hiking backpack with the simpler form of a daily urban backpack. This is thanks to its padded curved shoulder straps, comfort mesh back panel and an adjustable sternum strap that helps with weight distribution for all day comfort.
Part of what makes the Ulvo Daypack so special is that its made from a mix of waterproof Bergshell fabric and recycled nylon - two strong fabrics that fare well against normal wear and tear. Bergshell is a new proprietary fabric made by Fjallraven that is completely waterproof and has amazing abrasion resistance and tear strength. As a result you get a tough bag that will stand the test of time.
Travel Backpacks with Chest Straps
Osprey Farpoint Travel Backpack
The Osprey Farpoint is a travel backpack with a chest strap and hip belt for short and long journeys alike. What makes the Farpoint special is Osprey’s use of hiking technology on travel luggage that puts an emphasis on proper fit and comfort.
You can choose from Small, Medium and Large harness sizes to ensure a great fit. The Farpoint is also available in 40 liter, 55 liter and 70 liter sizes so you are sure to find the right size based on your travel needs!
Looking for a women’s specific fit? Check out the women’s Osprey Fairview.
Read more about the Osprey Farpoint
Features at a glance:
Travel backpack with chest strap and hip belt
Available in 40L, 55L and 70L sizes
Custom fit with different size packs (Small-Large)
Lightweight fabrics keep weight to a minimum
Convert to duffle mode with stowaway harness
Lockable laptop and tablet compartment
Knack Pack Series 2
The Knack Pack Series 2 is one of the most versatile backpack designs available today for both work and travel.
Most work-travel combo backpacks on the market force you to lug around a big heavy bag even on the days you aren’t traveling. What is unique about the Knack Pack is that has the ability to transform from an everyday backpack to a travel bag thanks to a special hidden suitcase compartment. This hidden packing compartment stays tucked away until its time to expand the bag.
Each Knack Pack comes with an adjustable sternum strap that can be removed completely for a cleaner look.
Read more about the Knack Pack Series 2
Features at a glance:
Expandable work and travel backpack
Adjustable and removable chest strap
Massive admin compartment for personal, tech and travel items
Includes a roomy main compartment for daily use and a separate hidden travel compartment
Water-resistant exterior
Inside is lined with antimicrobial fabric to keep everything smelling fresh
Want to find out the difference between the original Knack Pack and the Knack Pack Series 2? Check out our Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 comparison.
Osprey Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack 44
With the Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack 44, Osprey offers the lightweight and durable construction of their Daylite in a roomier carry-on size. Along with a 44 liter main compartment that opens like a suitcase - this backpack also features a quick TSA laptop compartment, stretchy side pockets for water bottles and a front organizer pocket for keeping your smaller items within reach.
Each Osprey Daylite Carry-On 44 is equipped with a chest strap for even weight distribution with heavier travel loads. The shoulder straps also stow away for easy handling on overhead compartments.
Read more about the Osprey Daylite Travel Pack
Features at a glance:
Carry on travel backpack with chest strap
44L capacity
Open flat 16” laptop compartment
Suitcase-style main compartment
Plenty of pockets for smaller items, passport, water bottles and tech
Nomatic Travel Pack
The Nomatic Travel Pack is perfect for anyone looking for a modern backpack that adapts to how you travel. This backpack was designed to be used both as an everyday pack and a travel bag thanks to its main packing compartment that expands from 20 to 30 liters as needed. Throughout the Nomatic Travel Pack you’ll find dozens of innovative pockets and compartments for everything from a laptop, passport, water bottles, and tech.
The Nomatic Travel Pack comes standard with an adjustable sternum strap for additional comfort - this sternum strap comes in handy when the bag is expanded. Nomatic also offers a comfort-padded waist strap as an add-on if you wish increase the Travel Pack’s stability.
Read more about the Nomatic Travel Pack
Features at a glance:
Travel adjustable sternum strap backpack
Expandable: 20L to 30L
Water resistant construction
Tons of pockets for organization
RFID Safe Pocket
Cord Pass-Through for charging on the move
TSA lay-flat laptop compartment
