14 Best Small Backpacks for Men - Under 20 Liters
Let's face it, not every guy needs a big bulky backpack. While large backpacks are great for carry-on travel or carrying gym shoes, sometimes a small pack is all you need.
Unlike a laptop sling bag, choosing a small or mini backpack can offer more balanced weight distribution and increased storage capacity. Backpacks typically distribute weight more evenly across both shoulders, especially when carrying heavier loads. In short, small backpacks are more comfortable.
In this guide, we looked at dozens of backpacks to find the best small backpacks for men that are 20 liters or smaller. These backpacks are just right for everyday use while hitting that sweet spot of stylish design, durable fabrics and easy access to essentials.
We also thought about how well they fit. Even though there are lots of mini backpacks on the market, not all of them have shoulder straps that are a good fit for men with wide shoulders. The truth is that a lot of brands use "mini backpack" as a code-word for a women’s fit. So, if you're searching for a small men's backpack with the perfect fit, then you're in the right place!
Best Small Mens Backpacks (Under 20L)
Nomatic Navigator
Once you delve into everything the Nomatic Navigator has to offer, it's easy to see why it's our top choice. As a small laptop backpack, the Nomatic Navigator for easy daily or travel carry. There is a padded laptop compartment, and front pockets and side pockets for easy access to items like a phone, chargers and water bottle.
The Nomatic Navigator also makes a great anti-theft backpack thanks to its tamper-proof zippers and sneaky hidden pockets. Need more packing room? This expandable backpack goes from 15 liters to 21 liters in seconds.
Key Features:
Capacity: 15L (expandable to 21L)
16" x 10.25" laptop compartment
Super comfortable foam adjustable straps and back panel (includes sternum strap)
Lots of zipper and mesh pockets for organization
Nutsac Rucksac Laptop Backpack
Known for their American-made EDC and leather goods, Nutsac offers the perfect small backpack for men. The Nutsac Rucksac stays true to traditional rucksacks with a rugged waxed canvas exterior, leather bottom and a roomy 20L interior.
But don't let the simple heritage design fool you. The Rucksac includes a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets to keep your organized. A really great feature on the Nutsac Rucksac is the side zipper that gives you access to the main compartment from a different location. This clever design allows you to quickly grab items from the inside without having to fuss with the top buckle. Check out our Nutsac Rucksac review for a closer look.
Key Features
20L storage capacity
Padded laptop sleeve
Water-resistant waxed-canvas and full-grain leather construction
Made in USA
Topo Designs Rover Pack
If you are looking for a small men's backpack in a timeless design, the Topo Rover might be for you. Each Rover Pack is equipped with a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of external pockets for quick-access to essentials. In fact, the side pockets are some of the best water bottle holders we have used.
The Rover is a pretty lightweight backpack thanks to its recycled nylon construction. But it's still built tough. Each pack is equipped with heavy-duty YKK zippers and comfortable spacer mesh adjustable shoulder straps for heavy loads. Other awesome features offered include compression straps on the side and shoulder straps with attachment points for pouches and accessories.
Key Features
20L storage capacity
15" laptop sleeve
Spacious main compartment in a compact design
Easy access front, side and top pocket
Day Owl Backpack
With a stylish design and high quality construciton, the Day Owl backpack is a great option for anyone looking for a men's small backpack for daily commutes and travel.
It's all about the small details with this pack. The adjustable straps are designed to never dangle for a cleaner look. There are a ton of exterior pockets for quick access to essentials (including a hidden side pocket for a water bottle). And lastly, it gives you a roomy main compartment with plenty of interior pockets for organization.
Key Features
Available in lots of colors
16-inch laptop compartment
Interior pockets for organization
Water resistant canvas construction
Stubble & Co The Backpack mini
The Backpack Mini by Stubble & Co is a mini backpack for men that is as functional as it is stylish. It features a water-resistant canvas and full grain leather construction. You also get plenty of great comfort features like a cushioned back panel and ergonomic shoulder straps.
We love this mini backpack for its convenient access to essentials without the bulk of a large main compartment. For everyday carry, the Backpack Mini doesn't disapoint. Each pack includes a 13-inch padded laptop sleeve and pockets to organize smaller items.
Key Features
10.5L storage capacity
13" laptop sleeve
Water-resistant design
Padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel for a comfortable fit
Recycled Firefighter The Battalion 12HR
Recycled Firefighter offers The Battalion 12HR for those who want a Made in USA backpack that is built to last. This small men’s backpack features 12 liters of volume in a slim and compact profile.
The clamshell access design and internal mesh pockets makes organization a breeze. While the main compartment even doubles as a hydration sleeve so that you can use the Battalion 12HR as an ultralight pack for outdoor activities. With these features and more, it's no wonder that The Battalion made it on our list of favorite GoRuck GR1 alternatives.
Key Features
12L capacity
Clamshell lay-flat main compartment
Heavy duty mil-spec construction
Made in USA
Harber London Classic Rucksack
The Harber London Classic Rucksack is a small backpack for men with an emphasis on quality craftsmanship and timeless design. Despite its vintage look, this pack is full of modern features. Inside you'll find spots for your electronic devices and valuable items to keep you organized on long days.
One of our favorite features are the swiveling adjustable shoulder straps. These straps adjust to the width of your shoulders for the perfect fit. With no sternum strap or clunky hip belt, the Harber London Classic Rucksack keeps a sleek look. This small footprint also makes the Classic Rucksack a great personal item backpack when traveling by air.
Key Features
17.4L capacity
Padded 16-inch laptop and 13-inch tablet sleeves
Heavy duty mil-spec construction
Made in USA
Everki Studio Slim
The Everki Studio Slim is for anyone looking for a small business backpack for work travel or daily carry. While the outside keeps it conservative, the inside of this backpack is packed with quick access pockets for a laptop, tablet and daily essentials. There are even extra exterior pockets for water bottles and a pocket on the shoulder strap for valuables like metro or credit cards.
Unlike a mini backpack that benefits people with a short torso length, the Everki Studio Slim gives you a thin profile with a proportional footprint on the back.
Key Features
14 liter capacity
Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
Wide comfortable shoulder straps
Great for travel: trolley sleeve, hidden pockets
PACSAFE VIBE Anti-Theft Backpack
The Pacsafe Vibe is one of our favorite anti-theft backpacks thanks to its lockable zippers, cut-resistant fabric and special pockets for valuable items. It even includes a special RFID-blocking pocket for protecting a passport and credit cards from digital identity theft.
As a daily backpack, you can expect lots of small pockets on the inside to keep organized. The 20 liter main compartment and laptop sleeve makes the Pacsafe Vibe a great small men’s backpack option for daily carry.
For outdoor activities, simply stash a water bottle in the side pocket or utilize the hydration sleeve and you are ready for a day out in the sun. The breathable mesh back panel and adjustable sternum strap makes sure the Pacsafe Vibe is always a comfortable fit.
Key Features
20L capacity
Padded 13" laptop sleeve
Breathable mesh shoulder straps and back panel, includes sternum strap
Anti-theft design with lockable zippers
Got Bag Easy Pack Zip
The Got Bag Easy Pack Zip backpack is an excellent choice for guys looking for a mini backpack that's practical and eco-friendly. With a 17-liter capacity, it's just the right size for carrying your daily essentials. You'll find a front pocket for smaller items, offering quick access when needed. Plus, the hidden anti-theft pocket adds an extra layer of security, giving you peace of mind while you're on the go. If the weather turns wet, don't worry – the Easy Pack Zip is water-repellent. You'll know your stuff is safe whether you're heading to work, school, or an adventurous different location.
Key Features
17L capacity
Can fit up to 13" laptop
Water-repellent: DWR coating and PU backside
Anti-theft hidden exterior pocket
TROUBADOUR APEX COMPACT BACKPACK
At only 16 liters, the Troubadour Apex Compact makes the perfect small backpack for men who are serious about keeping their carry organized. Inside you'll find a ton of interior pockets while the front and side pockets give you easy access to small items.
And there is no need for a rain cover, each Apex Compact is made with a waterproof durable fabric and is topped off with water-resistant zippers. With all of these features and more, this mini backpack has everything you need to conquer your day in style.
Key Features:
16L capacity
Separate 16" laptop compartment
Lots of pockets for small items
High quality water-resistant construction
Timbuk2 Spirit Laptop Backpack
The Timbuk2 Spirit Laptop Backpack is an excellent choice for men seeking a small yet functional backpack for daily commute. With a roomy main compartment offering 16 liters of packing room, it's just enough space for daily essentials. The padded laptop pocket can hold a 13-inch laptop securely, while the smaller pockets on the outside provide convenient spots for easy access to important items.
Whether you're heading to work or spending a long day out, this ultralight pack won't slow you down. Each Timbuk2 Spirit Laptop Backpack is made with tough recycled nylon and only weighs just under 18 ounces.
Key Features:
16L capacity
13" laptop pocket
Exterior pockets for small items
Comfortable foam padded adjustable shoulder straps
HEX Evolve Logic Backpack
The HEX Evolve Logic is the perfect companion for anyone seeking a blend of simplicity and functionality in a small backpack. With a 14.5L capacity, this pack hits a sweet spot between daily usability and travel versatility. There is a spot for a 15-inch laptop, dedicated phone pocket, and thoughtful pockets for water bottles and small items.
Crafted from durable recycled ECO Cordura fabric, the HEX Evolve Logic ensures lasting use, and its upscale features like faux leather zipper pulls and plush faux fur linings in tech pockets add a touch of sophistication. Whether it's for work or travel, this lightweight backpack offers plenty of pockets and a convenient luggage handle passthrough, making it an excellent choice for men who value practicality and style.
Key Features:
14.5L capacity
15-inch laptop compartment
Lots of pockets for small items
Trolley sleeve for travel
Fjallraven Raven 20
The Fjallraven Raven 20 is an excellent choice for guys looking for a small backpack that checks all the boxes for a great fit, strong build, and timeless style. With a 20-liter capacity, this backpack finds a perfect balance between being compact yet roomy enough for daily carry. The Raven 20 is even made from rugged water-resistant materials, making it the perfect pack to take on an afternoon hike.
Our favorite feature of this backpack is all of its useful exterior pockets. There are spots for water bottles, a top pocket that's great for keeping your sunglasses safe, and an organizer compartment filled with smaller pockets to help you keep things organized. Additionally, there's a front pocket that lets you quickly grab items you need on the go.
Key Features:
20L capacity
15-inch laptop sleeve
Great organization for daily items
Made of rugged water resistant G-1000® HeavyDuty fabric
How We Chose These Backpacks
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In curating our list of the best small men's backpacks, we took special care to feature bags made from durable fabrics and components from reputable brands that we trust. Whether you're navigating crowded streets, traveling to different locations, or simply carrying your daily necessities, a small men's backpack with high-quality materials is a top choice for those seeking both style and functionality in a compact package. Just because it's a smaller lightweight backpack, doesn't mean it has to compromise on durability. We focused on durable canvas and nylon over flimsy polyester and YKK zippers over cheap imitations. These are all details that should be considered when considering a new backpack.
We also focused on bags with great water-resistant construction. With smaller bags, extra components like a rain cover will take up precious packing room. Instead we looked for bags with water-resistant coatings on the fabric, zipper guards to protect interior compartments or water-resistant zippers that can protect against rain and snow.
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Just because a backpack is small doesn't mean it can't have great organization. We understand the importance of having designated spaces for both everyday essentials and travel items. This is why we focus on great small laptop backpacks and daily carry packs. Features we look out for are laptop sleeves, side pockets for water bottles and interior and exterior pockets for quick access to smaller items.
Whether you're searching for a new backpack for work or leisure, our selection emphasizes excellent organization. These features provide peace of mind, knowing that your essentials are readily accessible and stored in a well-thought-out manner. These small men's backpacks are not only designed to complement your daily routines but also cater to your travel needs, making them a practical choice for those who value both style and functionality.
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The most important criteria for choosing a backpack is making sure that it's comfortable! We looked for backpacks with foam padded back panels and adjustable shoulder straps and gave special consideration to models who put in a little extra effort in the comfort department.
You may notice that although some small bags may include a sternum strap, hip belts are usually missing. Hip belts are reserved for larger backpacks to help support heavy loads. In short, you don't need a hip belt for a bag this small (unless you plan on packing a 14L pack up with bricks).
The same can be said for compression straps and other common exterior features. Most smaller bags are compact enough to not need compression straps for managing the bag size.
FAQs
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A small backpack is generally defined by its capacity and footprint. Any backpack with a volume under 20 liters is considered small. These backpacks are designed to be compact and lightweight, and forego a large main compartment in order to make them more compact. They're great for shorter trips, daily commutes, or situations where you want to travel light. Moreover, small backpacks often come in two distinct styles: mini backpacks and slim backpacks.
Mini backpacks have a small footprint not only in terms of their capacity but also how they sit on your back. They typically smaller all-around and are designed to take up less space on the back when worn. These backpacks are excellent alternatives to sling packs and tote bags. On the other hand, slim backpacks maintain the footprint of a regular-sized backpack but offer a thinner profile. This style is perfect for guys who want to retain the classic backpack design but prefer a sleeker appearance. The slim design can be advantageous when navigating crowded spaces or for those who prefer a more streamlined aesthetic.
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Absolutely, men can absolutely wear mini backpacks! The idea that backpack styles are gender-specific is changing, and fashion today is all about personal expression. Mini backpacks are versatile accessories that work well for anyone, regardless of gender. They come in various designs, colors, and materials, making it easy for men to find a style that suits their preferences.
Mini backpacks are practical and convenient for carrying daily essentials, such as keys, wallets, phones, and even small notebooks or tablets. In this buying guide we focused mostly on style and fit. Some mini backpacks can have narrow shoulder straps that might not be comfortable for some guys. So we focused on packs that will give enough support.
More Helpful Resources
Backpack Size Guide - Visual Guide
What fits in a 20L backpack? Visual guide
Best Urban Backpacks - tested and reviewed
