12 Backpacks with Zipper on Back (Rear Access Packs!)
What if instead of opening your backpack from a front zipper, you could open it from the back? What we are describing is a backpack with a back zipper. Yes, they exist. And yes, they are awesome!
This type of back zipper design has taken off with camera backpacks. Photographers love it because it allows them to have full access to their photography gear while adding anti-theft safety to the design.
But in this buying guide we are going to introduce you to some of our favorite travel and everyday laptop backpacks that also take advantage of this unique back zipper design.
Pictured above: WANDRD PRVKE backpack with back zipper entry
What is a back zipper?
Normally, a backpack has front or top access to the main compartment inside. A backpack with a zipper against the back allows you to open the main compartment from the rear where the shoulder straps are located.
A back zipper design has two advantages:
Anti-theft safety: Back zippers make it harder for thieves to gain access to the inside of your bag. When worn, these zippers stay semi-hidden against your back.
Full-access to your stuff: Back zipper backpacks usually give you full lay-flat access to the inside of the main compartment. Think of it as a reverse clamshell backpack. This makes it easier to pack for travel, organize camera gear and sort your daily carry.
By the way, if you are looking for an anti-theft backpack with back zipper compartments, then check out our backpacks with secret pockets guide. Some backpacks give you pockets with hidden zippers against the back panel for added safety. But in this guide, we will be focusing on entry to a backpack through a back zipper.
Best Everyday Backpacks with Back Zipper
WANDRD PRVKE
It's not easy finding an everyday backpack with a zipper on the back. It's even harder to find one as versatile and high quality as the WANDRD PRVKE. This backpack is made with waterproof materials, offers a lifetime warranty and can be converted between a camera bag, travel bag and daily laptop backpack.
The WANDRD PRVKE gives you dual access to the main compartment. This means that you can enter the inside from the roll top or from the back zipper for lay-flat access. Through this back zipper is where you'll find a laptop sleeve and plenty of internal pockets for organization.
In our opinion, the best features on the WANDRD PRVKE are on the outside. The PRVKE is packed hidden pockets against the back panel for stuff like keys, sunglasses, wallets and passports. For a closer look, check out our WANDRD PRVKE review.
5.11 Eldo RT Pack 30L
The 5.11 Eldo RT is another dual access everyday backpack. You can enter the main compartment from the roll top or a back zipper for clamshell access. With a 30-liter capacity, you can easily use the Eldo RT as an daily laptop backpack or as a travel backpack for shorter trips. Want to go on a hike? No problem, the Eldo RT allows you to turn your laptop sleeve into a hydration sleeve thanks to the built-in loop strap.
In true 5.11 Tactical style, the Eldo RT Pack has plenty of MOLLE attachment points on the shoulder straps as well as a hidden compartment for use as a CCW backpack.
VGOAL Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
Packed with anti-theft features, the VGOAL offers an anti-theft everyday backpack that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. The backpack zipper is located on the back panel for secure entry to the main compartment. Inside you'll find interior pockets for everything from a laptop, tablet, sunglasses and pens.
The main compartment itself has a built-in combination lock for even more peace of mind. A hidden zipper pocket can also be found against the back panel to stash valuables. Not bad for a budget bag.
Boundary Supply Errant Pack
The Boundary Supply Errant Pack is a powerhouse laptop backpack made of water-resistant materials with a tough-as-nails construction. This modular backpack has the ability to connect with over a dozen Boundary Supply accessories to really make the backpack your own.
This backpack has a back zipper that allows you full clamshell access to the many interior pockets that line the inside. And if you want a hidden pocket, the Errant Pack even includes an anti-theft zippered pocket against the back panel for a passport or wallet. Other great features include a bottom shoe compartment, magnetic buckles and a breathable back panel for all-day comfort.
Boundary Supply Errant Pro
The Errant Pro is just the Errant Pack but beefed up to a 30 liter capacity. You get more storage, better organization and better shoulder harness and waist belt support.
As a back zipper backpack, the Errant Pro does things a little differently. The back zipper gives you access to the 17 inch laptop sleeve and pockets for tech but has a second "quick-rip" zipper that gives you access to the main compartment in seconds. It's a great way to seperate your carry but still have access from the back.
KOPACK Security Backpack
The Kopack Security Backpack is a daily laptop backpack packed with anti-theft features. The backpack zipper is located in the back to keep theives at bay. Combine this back zipper design with the bag's anti-slash material and you'll have worry-free carry during busy commutes.
Inside each Kopack Security Backpack you'll find padded sleeves for a laptop and tablet as well as a ton of smaller pockets for organizing your daily carry.
Best Travel Backpacks with Back Zipper
Nomatic Travel Bag
The Nomatic Travel Bag takes the stress out of packing for your next trip! Instead of a front zipper, the Nomatic Travel Bag uses a back zipper to enter the backpack. This makes airport security checkpoints a breeze as you have full access to your laptop sleeve and packing all in one quick zipper.
Other great features include water-resistant materials, tons of pockets and a convertible design. Use the sternum strap for additional support or tuck away the shoulder straps altogether for easy duffel carry.
The Nomatic Travel Bag comes in 30 liter (2-4 days) and 40 liter (3-5 days) sizes.
tomtoc Navigator-A82 Travel Backpack
The tomtoc Navigator-A82 is the affordable back zipper backpack you never knew you needed. This backpack gives you dual access to the main compartment. This means you can open the bag from the front or use the back zipper to quickly access your packing.
It's a carry-on backpack when you need it or a smaller travel bag on shorter trips thanks to the beefy compression straps. Plus, external pockets also give you quick storage or water bottles and tech.
For a closer look at the details, check out our tomtoc 40L travel backpack review.
WANDRD Hexad Carryall Duffel Backpack
The WANDRD Hexad is our favorite backpack with a back zipper for those who need a completly weatherproof travel bag with a tough construciton. WANDRD offers a lifetime warranty on their bags and the brand's dedication to quality shows once you get your hands on it.
The main packing compartment can only be accessed from a zipper on the back panel, giving the front of the Hexad a clean minimalist look. Inside you'll find internal pockets for smaller items, while the outside is loaded with pockets for quick access to essentials.
Lastly, the WANDRD Hexad Carryall Duffel Backpack is convertible. The removable backpack straps allows you to carry the bag like a duffel thanks to four different grab handles.
Our Favorite Camera Back Zipper Backpacks
Lowepro Pro Tactic 450 AW LI
The Lowepro Pro Tactic line of camera backpacks give you the storage you need to perform critical functions in the field but with a design usually only seen in tactical bags. It's the best of both worlds!
The inside of the Pro Tactic can be accessed through a back zipper to give you a birds-eye view of all of your photography gear. A side zipper and top zipper also gives you quick-access to your camera when needed.
This bag was made to be as adaptive as possible. The attachment loops throughout the backpack can be used to add pouches and cases, making it easy to quickly grab everything from water bottles to SD cards.
Tarion Camera Backpack
The Tarion Camera Backpack has long been one of our favorite hardshell backpacks to recommend to those who are serious about keeping their gear safe. Along with being enclosed in a shockproof EVA shell, the Tarion Camera Backpack also gives you a rear zipper to access the main compartment. This zipper allows you to fully open the bag to organize your camera and drone gear.
Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack 35L
The Nomatic McKinnon Camera Pack is a hybrid camera and travel backpack made for every adventure. This back zipper backpack allows full access to the inside from the shoulder straps. Here you'll find all of your packing space plus a laptop pocket.
What makes the McKinnon Camera Pack special is the modular interior that allows you to pack exactly how you want. Use the included dividers to section off the main compartment for travel packing, photography gear, or both!
