12 Best Backpacks for Large Men - Laptop, Travel, Hiking
Whether you are on the hunt for a laptop, travel or hiking backpack - finding the best backpack for big and tall men can be a challenge. In this buying guide we take a look at some of our favorite backpacks for large men when it comes to fit and function.
Best Backpacks for Large Men
Osprey Tropos Backpack
The Osprey Tropos is the perfect backpack for large men thanks to its fully adjustable shoulder strap harness and “floating” back panel that keeps you cool during extended wear.
Equipped with a 17” laptop sleeve, tons of pockets for daily items and compression straps for load adjustment, the Osprey Tropos is a workhorse for daily carry and commuting that won’t disappoint. The 34 liter capacity and 20.88-inch height means that this is a bigger bag that will look proportional on big and tall guys.
Read more about the Osprey Tropos
Features:
Best for: Daily Carry, Commuting
Dimensions: 20.88” x 13.4” x 10.64”
Volume: 34L
Materials: Nylon Dobby and Nylon Packcloth
17” laptop sleeve
Plenty of smaller pockets for documents, keys, tablet
What makes the Osprey Tropos a great backpack for large men?
Blending technical features usually found in hiking bags with the modern compartments of a laptop backpack, the Osprey Tropos is a great choice for those looking for a larger daily driver backpack that focuses on comfort.
The back panel features Osprey’s ventilated Airspeed technology to keep you nice and cool by suspending the bag off your back when worn.
The shoulder straps are also completely adjustable by allowing you to use the top adjusters to determine where the pack sits on your back and the bottom adjusters to expand the shoulder strap size. This allows you to dial in the backpack just right to fit your body type.
Able Carry Max Backpack
Able Carry offers a big backpack for big guys with their Max Backpack. This powerhouse offers a roomy main compartment that’s perfect for packing items for travel, commuting or the gym. Plus the backpack offers a separate “work” compartment that contains additional pockets for your laptop, chargers and smaller items.
Read more about the Able Carry Max
Features:
Best for: Daily Carry, Travel
Dimensions: 20.5” x 12.5” x 8”
Volume: 30L
Materials: X-Pac, 1000D Cordura Nylon
17” Laptop Sleeve
Internal water bottle pocket
What makes the Able Carry Max a great backpack for large men?
With a 30 liter internal capacity, the Able Carry Max backpack is the largest backpack in Able Carry’s arsenal of daily carry backpacks with wide shoulder straps and an overall length that’s well suited for longer torsos.
The beefy shoulder straps are thickly padded for all day comfort and the cushioned back panel features a ventilation strip for cooling.
All in all the Able Carry Max backpack is built tough. One thing Able Carry does well is their dedication to using only top-notch materials and construction that is coupled with a Lifetime Guarantee. The bag itself is made of strong yet lightweight X-Pac material and is reinforced with super tough Cordura nylon in places that are usually prone to wear. If you are looking for a tough backpack for big men then the Max is definitely worth a closer look.
3V Gear Transit Redline EDC Backpack
The 3V Gear Transit was designed as a versatile backpack for daily commuting, travel and weekends outdoors and you can definitely see it in its large 40 liter clamshell main compartment for easy packing, padded sleeves and pockets for tech and accessories and a convertible hydration pocket that’s ready to be utilized on your next hike.
Read more about the 3V Gear Transit
Features:
Best for: Daily Carry, Travel, Hiking
Dimensions: 22” x 14” x 8”
Volume: 40L
Materials: durable and lightweight ripstop material, YKK zippers
Large admin compartment for organization
Clamshell backpack design
What makes the 3V Gear Transit Redline a great backpack for large men?
The 3V Gear Transit is currently one of the brand’s largest EDC backpack offerings and the one we recommend for large men looking for a lightweight, rugged and versatile carry option. The bag’s larger profile makes it a great backpack for big and tall men who usually find common backpacks too small on the back.
But don’t let the Transit’s large profile fool you, this backpack is made with ripstop material - a super lightweight yet strong fabric that significantly keeps the overall weight down. The mesh padded shoulder straps and back panel also offer additional breathability and comfort when worn.
Yorepek XL Backpack
At an affordable budget price Yorepek offers a big and tall friendly backpack with great organization. This backpack is available in both a 17-inch version and a larger 18.4-inch version with a whopping 50L carrying capacity. Perfect for work, travel or play - this Yorepek model is worth a closer look if need a on a reliable backpack for big men on a budget.
Read more about the Yorepek XL
Features:
Best for: Daily Carry, Travel
Dimensions: 22” x 16.5” x 10.2”
Volume: 50L
Materials: nylon and polyester
Integrated external USB charging port
TSA-friendly lay flat laptop compartment
What makes the Yorepek XL the best backpack for large men?
The 16.5-inch width of the Yorepek XL offers a wider footprint that makes it a good backpack for big guys that find most average-sized backpacks to be too small on the back. The massive 50L internal capacity is perfect for travel or busy days where you need to carry work, school and gym gear in a single pack. If you are a big and tall guy who usually finds most backpacks too small, then the Yorepek XL is just the ticket.
Knack Pack Series 2
The Knack Pack Series 2 offers unparalleled organization and an innovative expandable design that turns the Knack Pack from a daily carry bag to a full fledged carry on travel bag thanks to a hidden packing compartment. The large size and ultra-comfortable padded shoulder straps and back panel make this a great choice for large men in need of a reliable laptop backpack for work and travel.
Read more about the Knack Pack Series 2
Features:
Best for: Travel, Daily Carry
Dimensions: 21.5” x 14” x 4.5”
Volume: 30L (46L expanded)
Materials: HD Nylon, water-resistant YKK zippers, antimicrobial lining
An everyday pack with a full main compartment and additional hidden expandable “travel” compartment
Lux design and high quality construction
What makes the Knack Pack the best backpack for big guys?
The Knack Pack Series 2 comes in a variety of sizes and we recommend the Large version for big and tall guys due to its wider shoulder straps and longer torso length. The molded foam back panel on the Knack Pack is seriously comfortable and does a great job at keeping you cool.
Although we highly recommend the Knack Pack Series 2 for its variety of upgrades, the Knack Pack Series 1 is still a great backpack for large men and Knack agrees!
5.11 Rush 72
Tactical utility meets the convenience of a laptop backpack with the 5.11 Rush 72. Equipped with MOLLE webbing throughout, the 5.11 Rush 72 gives you the option to attach extra storage when you need it. The roomy 55 liter capacity allows the Rush 72 to be for everything from travel to daily commuting and more!
Read more about the 5.11 Rush 72
Features:
Best for: Daily Carry, Tactical
Dimensions: 23” x 13.5” x 8.5”
Volume: 55L
Materials: 1050D Nylon
15” laptop sleeve
Customizable with pouches and ad-ons thanks to MOLLE webbing and web gear loops
What makes the 5.11 Rush 72 a great backpack for large men?
The Rush 72 is the largest size of 5.11’s family of Rush backpacks. We recommend the Rush 72 for bigger guys who want a reliable tactical backpack with the features of an everyday laptop backpack. With wider shoulder straps and a larger overall footprint, the Rush 72 will give you the comfort and fit you need for all day carry.
3V Gear Subrosa Urban Tech Backpack
The 3V Gear Subrosa Urban Tech is a lightweight laptop backpack filled tactical features for organized EDC. Along with a separate-access laptop compartment, the Subrosa Urban Tech even has an entire admin compartment for easy organization of your tech accessories and gear.
The value of the 3V Gear Subrosa Urban Tech is definitely there. For under $100 you get a tough pack with YKK zippers and reinforced shoulder straps, tons of pockets for EDC and tactical features in a sleek lowkey design.
Read more about the 3V Gear Subrosa
Features:
Best for: Daily Carry, Tactical, ccw backpack
Dimensions: 19” x 13” x 9”
Volume: 30L
Materials: 500D Nylon, YKK zippers
Two laptop sleeves (internal and external)
What makes the 3V Gear Subrosa Urban Tech a great backpack for large men?
3V Gear is a brand known for their tactical MOLLE bags and discreet CCW backpacks, with the Urban Tech Subrosa the brand has decided to blend just the right amount of features for a hybrid tactical daily pack at an affordable price.
Although the Subrosa’s overall footprint is smaller than some of the other backpacks on this list, large men will appreciate the wide reinforced shoulder straps and EVA molded back panel that is not only comfortably cushioned but designed for great cooling while worn.
Boundary Supply Arris Pack
The Boundary Supply Arris is a completely modular backpack that allows you to adjust and add features as you see fit. Designed as a backpack for travel, the Arris offers a generous 35 liters and tons of add-ons for tech, photography and even the option to attach smaller daybags.
Read more about the Boundary Supply Arris
Features:
Best for: Travel
Dimensions: 22” x 13” x 9”
Volume: 35L
Materials: Waterproof TPU Nylon, YKK Aquaguard zippers
17” Laptop Sleeve
Modular backpack with tons of add-on accessories available
What makes the Boundary Supply Arris a great backpack for large men?
What makes the Arris a great backpack for large men are Boundary Supply’s innovative back panel that is completely adjustable. This is a great feature to have for big and tall men with longer torsos since you can adjust how the back panel sits on your back for the perfect fit.
The shoulder straps feature both bottom buckles to adjust the length and top loading straps to adjust where the backpack sits on your back. This customization is often lacking in less-technical backpacks and will come in handy with bigger guys who often struggle with backpack fit.
WANDRD PRVKE
The WANDRD PRVKE is a versatile backpack that allows you to customize it as you need it. Side access is great for photographers, while a clamshell opening gives you easy access for travel packing and a rear laptop sleeve and wide array of pockets are perfect for everyday carry and commuting. All of these features are protected with tough waterproof materials and weather resistant zippers for peace-of-mind.
The WANDRD PRVKE comes in a variety of sizes but we recommend the 31 and 41 liter versions for large men looking for a high quality technical backpack for daily use, photography and travel.
Read more about the WANDRD PRVKE
Features:
Best for: Daily Carry, Camera, Travel
41L Dimensions: 21” x 12.5” x 9”
Volume: 41-46L (expandable rolltop)
Materials: Waterproof Tarpaulin and 1680D Ballistic Nylon with water Resistant zippers.
Laptop and tablet sleeves
Choice to add a WANDRD camera cube to turn the PRVKE into a camera bag
What makes the WANDRD PRVKE a great backpack for large men?
One thing we will say about the WANDRD PRVKE is that it is really comfortable. The back panel and shoulder straps are generously padded and gives you the support you need even when the bag is fully loaded with heavy gear.
WANDRD has made it a mission to offer the PRVKE in a variety of sizes to fit different body types. Both the 31L and 41L versions of the PRVKE make the best backpacks for big guys looking for a comfortable backpack option that is built to last. With these larger versions of the PRVKE you’ll enjoy wider beefed up shoulder straps and a larger overall footprint so you can avoid that tiny tic-tac look that’s common with smaller bags.
Everki Atlas Business Laptop Backpack
Designed with the unique needs of business travel in mind, the Everki Atlas is a large backpack that has everything you need for work days and busy trips alike. The roomy lay-flat laptop compartment makes safely accessing your laptop (or two!) and tablet a breeze while the dozens of pockets throughout give you the organization you need to conquer the day.
Read more about the Everki Atlas
Features:
Best for: Daily Carry, Travel
Dimensions: 18.9” x 13.4” x 9.1”
Volume: 32L
Materials: nylon and polyester
Tons of pockets for organization
TSA-friendly lay flat laptop compartment fits two laptops
What makes the Everki Atlas a great backpack for large men?
The Everki Atlas is one of the largest laptop backpacks that the brand offers. The moderate 30-liter capacity if perfect for everyday carry while cushioned 3-inch shoulder straps on the Atlas are great for those with broader shoulders who need more support and have issues with thinner straps digging into their shoulders.
Gregory Katmai 65 Pack Plus Size
Finding a hiking backpack for big guys can be a real challenge as proper fit is crucial to safe and comfortable carry. Gregory has designed a special backpack just for plus size men with their Katmai 65 Plus Size hiking backpack. This pack has all the features you need in a technical hiking pack but with special consideration for larger torsos and waists.
Read more about the Gregory Katmai 65
Features:
Best for: Hiking
Dimensions: 30.3” x 12.6” x 17.3”
Volume: 65L (large plus size)
Materials: Recycled PFC-free recycled polyester and nylon
Designed as a hiking backpack for big men
Available in Small/Medium Plus and Medium/Large Plus for the perfect fit
What makes the Gregory Katmai 65 the best hiking backpack for big guys?
Unlike other hiking backpacks on the market, the Gregory Katmai 65 Pack Plus Size was designed especially for larger men. You’ll find that the adjustable hip belt can accommodate waists up to 60-inches. The adjustable torso can also fit torsos up to 22-inches.
Teton Explorer 4000 Hiking Backpack
The Teton Explorer 4000 is a great affordable option for big and tall men who need a reliable internal frame backpack for multi-day adventures. This hiking backpack allows for adjustments around the torso, shoulders, chest and waist for the perfect fit no matter your body type. Available in multiple color options and 65-85 liter sizes you are sure to find the perfect one for your needs and at a budget price.
Read more about the Teton Explorer 4000
Features
Best for: Hiking
Dimensions: 32” x 18” x 12” (65L)
Volume: 65L, 75L or 85L
Compatible with 3L hydration bladder
Customizable design so you can dial in the right fit regardless of body type
What makes the Teton Explorer 4000 the best hiking backpack for big guys?
What makes the Explorer 4000 special is its fully customizable design. This hiking backpack was designed to fit just about every body type - including plus sized people.
The Explorer 4000 can fit waists up to 70 inches and the padded back panel can be adjusted to fit both short and tall people. Along with the back panel, all contact points around the shoulders, chest and waist are also can be adjusted to fit large men.
Finding A Backpack That Fits
There are a few special fit considerations that need to be taken when choosing a backpack for large men and this includes the shoulder strap harness size and overall measurements of a backpack. Below we review all you need to know when choosing a backpack as a big guy.
shoulder strap harness
Whether you are big or tall, the shoulder strap harness is a great place to start when choosing a new backpack. For big guys with wide shoulders you are going to want to look at the width between shoulder strap and the width of the shoulder straps themselves.
Space between shoulder straps (red) and width of shoulder straps (yellow)
The width between the shoulder straps determines where the shoulder strap lands on your shoulder. If the space between the shoulder straps is too narrow this will result in the backpack not resting properly on your shoulders and can cause discomfort when worn.
Another important place to look is the width of the shoulder straps themselves. Large men with wide shoulders will benefit from beefier padded straps that are at least 3-inches wide to ensure proper weight distribution evenly across the shoulder. Shoulder straps that are too narrow will dig into your shoulders and cause discomfort.
Determining Backpack Size
Unless you are trying to achieve a specific look with a small backpack for men, most big guys would benefit from a backpack that is larger in size. Larger backpacks give you the benefit of more carrying capacity, longer back panels and wider shoulder straps for comfort.
Comparing backpack sizes: Too small vs just right
If you are choosing a backpack as a tall guy with a longer torso, one crucial measurement is the backpack height (from top to bottom of bag). This measurement determines how long the backpack is and how much of your back will be covered by the bag. A backpack that is too small will give you a “tic-tac effect” where the bag is too disproportionally small when worn. Let’s face it, a backpack that is way too small can look silly on a big guy.
To determine how your ideal backpack height you can do a simple torso measurement. We have a simple guide How to Find a Backpack That Fits that goes over how to find your torso and waist measurements. REI also has a more in-depth guide for those looking for purchasing hiking backpacks.
