Under Armour Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro - Hands-On Comparison

In this backpack comparison we are getting hands-on with the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 and the Under Armour Hustle Pro backpack to find out what the real differences are. We'll break down how they fit, the various pockets they offer, and what you can fit inside each.

Under Armour has always been known as a brand that caters to athletes and we believe both packs do a great job at offering similar features. Both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro backpacks are made with a water-resistant construction to protect from rain and snow thanks to UA Storm Technology. You can also find a dedicated shoe compartment and a large main compartment for packing books or daily essentials. Whether you are student athlete or just looking a reliable everyday pack, you really can't go wrong with either.

Now, the big question: Is upgrading to the UA Hustle Pro worth it? Let's find out.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Under Armour Hustle 5.0	Under Armour Hustle Pro
Volume	29L	31.5L
Materials	Polyester with UA Storm water-resistant finish	Polyester with UA Storm water-resistant finish
Dimensions	20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D)	20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 8.9” (D)
Laptop Sleeve	Up to 15"	Up to 15"
Insulated Water Bottle Pocket	No	Yes
Sternum Strap	No	Yes
Waist Belt	No	No
Price

Size and Fit: UA Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro

Despite the UA Hustle Pro having a larger capacity, there isn't a huge size difference between these backpacks.

Exterior Dimensions:

• Under Armour Hustle 5.0: 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D)

• Under Armour Hustle Pro: 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 8.9” (D)

Where you'll see a difference is in the depth of each backpack. The Hustle Pro will stick out a little bit more on the back when you wear it. This is due to the larger front compartment which we will take a closer look at later. However, the height and width are the same on both backpacks.

Shoulder Straps

The shoulder straps are where you will begin to see the biggest difference in fit and comfort. The Hustle 5.0 features cushioned and soft straps. On the other hand, the Hustle Pro has stiff, structured straps that are a little wider. Specifically, the Hustle 5.0's straps and are just under 3 inches wide and taper down, while the Hustle Pro's are a little over 3 inches wide.

The Hustle Pro comes with some upgrades for the shoulder straps. The first is a removable UA strap clip that lets you attach an Under Armour duffle bag. This strap clip is adjustable as needed and can be placed on either shoulder strap.

In addition the Hustle Pro comes with a sternum strap that is missing on the Hustle 5.0. However, it's important to note that the sternum strap on the Hustle Pro is fixed in place and cannot be adjusted up and down. If we are being honest, this is not the best sternum strap backpack design since you cannot control where the strap sits on your chest. Although it is an upgrade, Under Armour could have done a much better job here.

Lastly, the Hustle Pro includes Under Armour's LEVELED strap system, which have numbers printed on them. These numbers help you adjust the straps precisely for better weight distribution. The Hustle 5.0, in contrast, has regular straps without this feature.

Construction

It's worth noting that the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro both have use identical materials and feel about the same. Both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro are made with polyester and use water-resistant UA Storm Technology to make protect your gear in the rain. Each back panel is made with breathable air mesh and is the same design. Lastly, Under Armour uses the same exact zippers on both backpacks.

Exterior Pockets

Moving on to the pockets, this is the area where these backpacks show the most differences.

Hustle 5.0 & Hustle Pro Shared Pockets

Like many Under Armour backpacks, both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro provide a tricot-lined valuables pocket on at the top for keeping items like sunglasses or tech gadgets. Additionally, there is a mesh water bottle pockets on each side of the backpacks. However, this is where the similarities come to an end.

Extra Pockets on the Hustle Pro

The Hustle Pro comes with three extra pockets on the front. On the one side there is a zippered pocket that features a small sleeve on the inside, which is perfect for securely holding a phone.

On the opposite side, there's a pocket with insulated lining to keep a water bottle cool. We found that it can fit a standard-sized sports squeeze bottle or even a couple of beverage cans.

The final additional pocket is an open compartment that is secured with a clip. This pocket is designed for quickly grabbing and stowing away items. It's great for things like hats, sweaty shirts, or workout accessories that you might want to access easily.

In summary, while both backpacks offer side mesh pockets for water bottles and a soft-lined top pocket, the UA Hustle Pro takes it up a notch with three extra front storage pockets that are missing on the UA Hustle 5.0.

Interior Compartments

Front and Shoe Compartments

Although the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro do include a front compartment and a seperate main compartment, only the Hustle 5.0 includes a bottom shoe compartment. This roomy bottom compartment is designed to hold laundry, athletic shoes (we tested it with US Men's Size 12 shoes) and it's spacious enough for a full-sized basketball. However, this bottom compartment isn't present in the Hustle Pro.

Both backpacks feature a front zippered compartment, but only the Hustle 5.0 boasts organizer pockets inside for pens and small items. The Hustle Pro doesn't have these internal pockets. The lack of pockets is due to the front compartment in the Hustle Pro being intended to serve as a space for shoes and laundry. Although this front zippered compartment is larger than the one on the Hustle 5.0, we found it too small for a full-sized basketball.

The placement of the shoe compartment has its pros and cons with each backpack. It's important to note that the bottom compartment on the Hustle 5.0 shares it's space with the main compartment. So the more you pack inside that bottom compartment, the less packing space you'll have in the rest of the bag.

The UA Hustle Pro elimates this problem by giving you a gussetted front compartment for shoes and laundry on the front of the pack while keeping the packing space in the main compartment intact. But this design eliminates the extra pockets for pens and daily essentials that are featured in the Hustle 5.0. The design of the Hustle Pro makes it better suited for athletes who primarily carry lots of sports equipment, while the Hustle 5.0 might be a better fit for college students and those who need smaller organization pockets for daily carry.

HUstle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro MAIN COMPARTMENT

Overall, the Hustle 5.0 offers 29 liters of packing space, while the Hustle Pro offers 31.5 liters. Despite this difference, both main compartments are approximately the same size.

Both compartments feature a 15-inch soft-lined laptop sleeve positioned against the back. If you're using these backpacks for school, both can accommodate the same amount of books, folders, and notebooks.

For sports or gym use, both main compartments are capable of holding large items such as boxing gloves and toiletry bags. Yes, both compartments can also fit a basketball.

The additional packing room in the Hustle Pro is primarily attributed to its front shoe/laundry compartment. This is where you'll notice the most significant difference in packing as this front compartment adds extra packing room.

UA Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro: Which Should You Buy?

UA Hustle 5.0

UA Hustle Pro

So, how do you make the decision between these two backpacks?

Both the UA Hustle 5.0 and UA Hustle Pro are excellent options for athletes, college students, and even travelers. They offer versatility to suit various needs thanks to their roomy main compartments and useful pockets.

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 should be best looked at as a hybrid backpack. It provides a front compartment with enough smaller pockets for keeping your daily school or work essentials organized. The added bottom shoe compartment gives you the flexibility to use it as a gym bag or a daily laptop backpack, depending on your requirements for the day. This is because the main compartment and bottom compartment space is shared.

On the flip side, the upgrades in the Under Armour Hustle Pro are more tailored for student athletes and those who frequent the gym. Bonus features like the insulated water bottle pocket, the duffel bag attachment clip, and the replacement of small organizer pockets with a dedicated shoe and laundry compartment make it the perfect backpack for carrying sports and gym gear. While you can still use the Hustle Pro as a school bookbag or daily laptop backpack, the upgrades are primarily designed to cater to the needs of active lifestyles.

MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack review

• Under Armour Hustle Sport backpack review

• Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments - Tested and Reviewed

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The Best Under Armour Backpacks for School in 2023 - Tested & Reviewed

A good school backpack should have a roomy main compartment for binders and books, a padded sleeve for your tech and plenty of pockets for pens, phone and other essentials. But if you have your sights on an Under Armour backpack this school year, picking between the different models can be tough!

In this buying guide, we rank and review the best Under Armour backpacks for school based on features and performance. Let this guide start your school shopping off right with the perfect backpack.

Top Pick: UA Hustle 5.0 Backpack

High school and college students usually carry their backpacks for extended periods of time while walking around campus and going from class to class. The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is the perfect backpack for the task.

With a 29 liter capacity, the large main compartment on the UA Hustle 5.0 can pack a full day of notebooks, binders and folders. The second large compartment is perfect for school supplies like pens, calculators and notebooks thanks to its small pockets. Each UA Hustle 5.0 also comes with a 15-inch laptop sleeve that is soft-lined to protect your laptop or tablet against scratches.

The UA Hustle 5.0 has plenty of pockets for small items. Two side pockets offer a place for a water bottle and umbrella. And a top fleece-lined pocket gives you easy-access to sunglasses or a phone.

High school student athletes will also appreciate having a separate bottom compartment for shoes, clothing or even a full size basketball. The UA Hustle 5.0 makes long days of classes and practice easier by giving you a way to separate your packing.

Check out our in-depth Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack review for more info!

Runner Up: UA Hustle Sport Backpack

The Under Armour Hustle Sport is our second top choice school backpack thanks to its much more affordable price and just the right pockets for school essentials.

Inside, there is a 15-inch laptop pocket and two extra pockets for school supplies. The bag itself is 26-liters and we found it to have a large main compartment that can pack a lot of big binders, folders and notebooks.

Instead of a bottom compartment, the Hustle Sport gives you a bungee to attach bulky items. Students can easily attach a jacket to the front of the bag without taking up space inside.

The UA Hustle Sport is great for older kids and younger kids alike. Middle school and elementary school students may find the UA Hustle Sport to be a better fit than the UA Hustle 5.0. The Hustle Sport is smaller lightweight backpack (seriously, it feels like air when empty). The adjustable straps makes it easy to adjust the fit for younger kids in middle school and elementary school.

Check out our full UA Hustle Sport backpack review and video for a closer look!

Best Under Armour Backpacks for School

UA Hustle 5.0 Backpack

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The UA Hustle 5.0 is one of our favorite Under Armour backpacks for school thanks to its versatile design that makes it perfect for class, sports practice and travel. The Hustle 5.0 is equipped with a spacious 29 liter main compartment and an additional front organizer compartment for pens, tech and other small essentials.

At the bottom of the UA Hustle 5.0 you’ll find a roomy shoe compartment that can also be used to stash laundry or anything else you want to keep separate from your main compartment.

• Mid-sized versatile backpack for school and play

• Capacity: 29L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Organizer compartment

• Bottom shoe/laundry compartment

Under Armour Hustle Sport Backpack

The UA Hustle Sport is a unisex backpack that offers a unique bungee cord system on the front that allows you to attach oversized items such as shoes, a jacket or even a ball. On the inside you’ll find a spacious 26 liter main compartment with a soft-lined laptop sleeve and a few extra slip pockets for organization. A really neat feature of the UA Hustle Sport is the oversized tech/valuables pocket that is soft-lined to keep your important items scratch free.

• Mid-sized school backpack with bungee system for extra storage

• Capacity: 26L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Soft-lined valuables/tech pocket

• Bungee system on front for stashing a jacket, shoes or ball

Under Armour Halftime Backpack

The UA Halftime is a unisex backpack for those who want to keep their carry simple. The 22 liter main compartment is just the right size to carry a laptop, binders and a few books without the bulk of a larger backpack. The padded laptop sleeve can be found inside the main compartment while two stash pockets can be found on the front of the bag so you always have quick access to smaller items.

• Smaller lightweight school backpack

• Capacity: 22L

• Laptop sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• No organizer compartment

• 2 front stash pockets for smaller essentials

Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack

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If you are looking for a large Under Armour bookbag for school then we highly recommend you take a closer look at the UA Hustle 3.0. It’s an older model of the Hustle series and you can usually get it at a discount compared to other models.

At 30 liters, the Team Hustle 3.0 features two roomy main compartments for keeping your books, binders, extra clothes nice and organized. There is an oversized fleece lined pocket on the front to store a phone or other delicate tech. Under Armour even includes their UA Storm Technology so your stuff stays dry on rainy days!

• Mid-sized backpack with lots of compartments

• Capacity: 28.9L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Organizer compartment

• Bottom shoe/laundry compartment

Under Armour Loudon Backpack

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The UA Loudon is an affordable Under Armour bookbag for school that has everything you need to conquer the school day. In fact, it’s one of our favorite school backpacks under $50.

The Loudon is a classic bookbag with one large main compartment and an extra front pocket for smaller items. At 25 liters you’ll have enough room for big notebooks and binders, plus a laptop and plenty of tech accessories.

• Mid-sized Under Armour bookbag with classic style

• Capacity: 25L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• UA Storm Technology for water resistance

Women’s UA Hustle Signature Backpack

The women’s UA Hustle Signature is the perfect option if you find the regular sized Hustle backpacks to be too large on the back. This backpack is smaller but is still big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop plus binders, folders and notebooks for school.

Other great features include side water bottle pockets and a bottom compartment for clothing or shoes. Use it as a school bookbag, sports bag or a weekend travel bag! If an Under Armour school backpack without the bulk is what you need, then the women’s UA Hustle Signature will tick all the right boxes.

• Smaller size for women

• Capacity: 25L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Organizer pockets for pens and accessories

• Bottom shoe/laundry compartment

UA Project Rock Brahma Backpack

The UA Project Rock Brahma offers a stylish school backpack with the protection you need for your tech. Unlike many other Under Armour backpacks, this backpack gives you a seperate fleece-lined laptop compartment. This keeps your school items and laptop seperate for better protection.

Along with a great laptop protection, the Project Rock Brahma offers a extra pockets for water bottles and a soft-lined valuables pocket for sunglasses or a phone.

• UA backpack with the best laptop protection

• Capacity: 24L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Main compartment fits folders, notebooks and binders

• Soft-lined pocket for phone, sunglasses and other valuables

Under Armour Recruit 3.0

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The Under Armour Recruit 3.0 is one of our favorite Under Armour backpacks for school thanks to its 30 liter main compartment that is perfect for stashing large binders, books and clothing. The Recruit 3.0 even includes an entire organizer compartment for keeping school items like pens, calculators and charging cables easy to find. And a roomy bottom shoe compartment is a great spot for storing items you want to keep separate from the main compartment. The Recruit 3.0 is the perfect option if you are looking for a reliable Under Armour bookbag for school that will get the job done.

• Large school backpack for books, shoes, clothes and more

• Capacity: 30L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Organizer compartment

• Bottom shoe compartment

Best Nike Backpacks for School

See the list

Which Under Armour Backpack Should I Choose?

BEST UNDER ARMOUR BACKPACK FOR COLLEGE

College students usually carry their backpacks for extended periods of time while walking around campus and commuting. For this reason we believe the best Under Armour backpack for college is one will keep you organized and comfortable.

We recommend college students go with an Under Armour backpack that uses UA HeatGear on their shoulder straps like the UA Team Hustle 3.0 or the UA Contender 2.0.

UA HeatGear is the technology Under Armour uses on their athletic apparel to keep you cool and dry in warm weather. Utilizing this technology on their backpack shoulder straps allows you to wear a backpack all day long while keeping you feeling light and comfortable.

BEST UNDER ARMOUR BACKPACK FOR HIGH SCHOOL

High school students can carry a variety of school items such as big binders, laptops and smaller items such as pens, calculators and tech charging cables. This is why a the best Under Armour backpack for high school students is a bag with an organizer compartment like the UA Hustle 5.0.

An organizer compartment is a separate zippered compartment that is lined with smaller pockets for things like pencils, cables and a phone. This compartment will help you stay organized when going from class to class throughout the day.

Student athletes will also benefit from using an Under Armour backpack with a shoe compartment like the UA Hustle 5.0. These bags allows you to store shoes or dirty laundry in a bottom compartment away from you notebooks and laptop.

BEST UNDER ARMOUR BACKPACK FOR LAPTOP

If you are looking for the best Under Armour backpack for laptop carry then you’ll be pleased to learn that most Under Armour backpacks include a sleeve for a laptop up to 15-inches. But only select models like the Hustle 5.0, Hustle 3.0 and Halftime backpacks have soft-lined laptop sleeves. The soft-lining helps prevent scratches.

These Under Armour laptop sleeves are located inside the main compartment. With that said, there is no best one since the all UA laptop sleeves are very similar - so pick an Under Armour backpack you like based on style, size and pocket features!

How We Chose These Backpacks

Finding a reliable backpack while school shopping. The good news is that Under Armour has you covered! Just about all UA backpacks have adjustable shoulder straps, durable fabrics and separate compartments. But we also took other features into consideration when making this list.

Main compartment size

Most Under Armour backpacks are usually mid-sized to large making them great choices for school where bulkier items are usually carried. Choose a main compartment between 25-29 liters if you need room for just a few books, binders, laptop and an extra sweater. 30+ liter backpacks are great if you need a large backpack for school with more room.

If you want to learn more about backpack capacity and what fits inside a 20, 25 or 30 liter backpack then make sure to check out our Backpack Size Guide.

Shoe Compartment

Under Armour focuses on athletic performance apparel and accessories so it’s no secret that their backpacks cater to athletes, including student athletes. Many Under Armour backpacks include a bottom compartment for shoes and laundry because of this.

Not a student athlete? Take advantage of this extra pocket to store anything you want to keep separate from your books and laptop in the main compartment like lunch, snacks or extra clothing.

If you like the idea of a backpack with a bottom shoe compartment then check out our list of the Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments for even more options from our favorite brands.

Organizer Compartment

Students need to stay organized! This is why a backpack with enough small pockets and an organizer compartment is a must have for high school and college. 

Most Under Armour backpacks have some sort of organizer compartment or smaller pockets that line the outside of the bag itself. These small compartments allow you to stash pencils, glasses and charging cables to keep them easily accessible and organized. When choosing an Under Armour backpack for school make sure it has the organization you need!

UA Storm Technology

Many students want a backpack for school that is either waterproof or water repellent. A great feature all Under Armour backpacks have is the use of UA Storm technology on the fabric. This technology makes all Under Armour backpack water resistant so that you can weather just about any storm.

It’s worth noting that there is a huge difference between waterproof and water repellent. Check out our Best Waterproof Backpacks for College guide to learn more about the difference and to check out some of our favorite waterproof options for school.

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Roll Top vs Zipper Backpack - Pros and Cons Visual Guide

What's the difference between a rolltop backpack and a zipper backpack? Is one style better than the other?

Among the different types of backpacks, two of the most common designs are roll-top backpacks and zipper backpacks.

Roll top backpacks are known for their waterproof construction and unique expandable main compartments, making them a popular choice for outdoor adventures. But they have also found their way into everyday carry thanks to some brands adding extra features such as laptop sleeves and extra pockets.

On the other hand, zipper backpacks are often the go-to bag design for school, work and travel thanks to their easy access to compartments and endless styles to choose from.

Both roll top backpacks and zipper backpacks have their own pros and cons, and in this visual guide we will delve deeper into the differences, so that you can make a better decision when choosing between the two.

Roll Top Backpacks: Pros and Cons

Roll top backpacks are usually designed as one large main compartment. Think of these bags as big buckets with large top openings. Although this isn't true of all rolltop packs, these bags will often have less exterior pockets and overall compartments due to their straightforward "bucket" design.

What is a roll top closure?

Rolltop backpacks are designed with extra fabric on the top that allows you to "roll down" in order to close the main compartment. Most roll top packs include a buckle and strap to hold down the rolled fabric and keep it in place. This design is called a roll top closure.

Shown: WANDRD PRVKE Backpack with expandable roll top closure

Roll Top Pro #1: Expandable Storage

Did you know that a roll top backpack is expandable by design?

A big advantage of a roll top closure is that you can control the size of the main compartment. Simply, roll down the backpack for a more compact bag and roll up the fabric when you need more packing room. Simply roll down the backpack for a more compact bag and roll up the fabric when you need more packing room. This ability to control the size of the backpack is what gives a roll-top backpack its edge when compared to zipper backpacks with fixed capacities.

Another alternative is to keep the roll-top completely open to haul oversized gear. Since roll-top bags are designed like big buckets, this makes it very easy to haul large items on your back securely. This design feature comes in handy for outdoor activities where oversized items are common.

Shown: Got Bag Rolltop Backpack with roll-top closed to create waterproof seal

Roll Top Pro #2: Better Waterproof Protection

A roll top closure is often the go-to design for many waterproof backpacks, and it's easy to see why. The folding down of the fabric creates a natural waterproof barrier, and when paired with waterproof fabric, you get a waterproof seal with no way for moisture to sneak in. You'll often see roll top designs in dry bags made for outdoor adventures for this reason.

Unlike waterproof zippers that need to be maintained to keep functional, the mechanical nature of a roll top makes it much more reliable since there is less chances for failure. So if you want a reliable waterproof backpack with less headaches, stick with a roll top made with waterproof materials.

Shown: Inside a rolltop backpack

Possible Con: Fewer Pockets

The most basic roll top backpacks are comprised of a main compartment and not much else. When compared to a zipper backpack, you can expect less access points to your stuff and fewer pockets overall. This is most clear with roll top laptop backpacks that feature a laptop sleeve inside the main compartment instead of in a separate exterior laptop compartment. Although, some brands are getting better with this and have started including exterior zippers for quick access to tech or attaching side pockets for water bottles.

Other Common Roll Top Features

Since many rolltop packs are designed for outdoor use in mind, its common to find features like attachment points and external straps for gear. Comfort wise, it's common to see a sternum strap, hip belt and adjustable shoulder straps for a more comfortable fit.

These features aren't exclusive to roll tops but they are more common in outdoor backpacks.

Zipper Backpacks: Pros and Cons

Unlike roll tops and flap backpacks, a zipper backpack is any backpack that uses a zipper for its closure and is often the most common type of backpack you'll encounter for daily carry.

Because zipper backpacks vary so much in design, you have more options in terms of style and ability. Need an anti-theft backpack? There are backpacks with lockable zippers. What about a backpack that can open like a suitcase? Plenty of travel backpacks with zippers allow you to do just that.

Shown: The North Face Recon backpack - Quick access to laptop and other essentials

Zipper Pro #1: QuickER Access

A major advantage that zipper backpacks have over roll tops is how much easier it is to access the things inside! Zippers are quick and easy to use, while a roll top enclosure takes time to unbuckle the clasp and then unroll the top to gain the same access.

A great example of quick access is with laptop and tech carry. While many rolltop backpacks have a laptop pocket inside the main compartment, it is usually easier to access with a zipper backpack since there is no unfolding of fabric to handle before reaching the laptop. Many zipper backpacks also have laptop compartments that can be accessed from the outside of the bag for even quicker access.

Shown: Matein Laptop Backpack with 3 zipper compartments

Zipper Pro #2: More Pockets

Remember how we described rolltop packs as big buckets? Zipper backpacks have a much larger variety in their design, and as a result, they generally include more pockets on the inside and outside of the bag.

Zipper backpacks also often have many more external pockets than roll top backpacks. This includes zipper pockets on the outside for easy access to smaller items, extra top pockets where a roll top fabric usually would be, as well as separate zipper compartments for a laptop and other tech.

If having lots of pockets is important to you, then going with a zipper backpack will be your best bet!

Shown: Zippers on the North Face Recon backpack are not water resistant

Possible Con: Less water resistant

Whereas a roll top backpack has water resistance built into its design, a backpack with a zipper is prone to be less water-resistant. Unfortunately, most zippers are not water-resistant and can even act as weak points for water to leak through.

If you would like better protection with a zipper backpack, you can always go with a backpack with a water-resistant zipper or a dry bag with waterproof zippers. Backpacks with these special zippers are often more expensive than backpacks with regular zippers but may be well worth it for travelers and daily commuters who encounter rain often.

Conclusion: Roll Top Backpacks vs Zipper Backpacks

The differences between roll top and zipper backpacks are pretty clear once you look at them side by side.

In general, roll top backpacks are great for outdoor activities where bad weather is an issue or for those who want to control the size of their bags depending on what they carry that they. Their simple construction also make them more durable in the long run, since are less zippers and hardware that could fail over time.

On the other hand, a backpack with a zipper is a better choice for daily carry where organization and easy access matter. This is why so many work and school backpacks are made with zippers instead of roll top closures - ease of use. You also have many more design options to choose from, ranging from larger carry-on bags for travel to small backpacks for just the essentials.

Roll Top Backpacks

• Better waterproof protection

• Expandable main compartment

• Less pockets and compartments

• Minimalist style

• Better for outdoor activities where weather is an issue

Zipper Backpacks

• Easier to grab items inside

• More pockets and compartments

• More designs to choose from

• Better for school, work and daily laptop carry

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Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments - Tested and Reviewed!

Whether you need a reliable backpack for the gym, work or travel having a backpack with a shoe compartment is the easiest way to carry an extra pair of shoes from point A to B.

In this buying guide we test almost a dozen backpacks to find out which ones float to the top. We like the King Kong EDGE as a dedicated gym pack and Pacsafe EXP35 for its great anti-theft features. We also feature our favorite backpacks with shoe compartments for work, travel and those on a budget to make sure there is something that matches your carry needs.

Video Review

Overview: Our Top Picks

KING KONG EDGE

Versatile work, travel and gym backpack with shoe compartment.

The King Kong EDGE is a sleek, durable and feature-packed gym backpack with shoe compartment that has quickly become one of our favorites. This is thanks to its large 35-liter main compartment that’s perfect for training gear like weight lifting belts, boxing gloves and other bulkier items. On light duty days the magnetic buckle side straps allow you to compress the backpack for a sleeker profile.

But the King Kong EDGE is more than just a gym bag! Features like a separate admin compartment, 17” laptop compartment and multiple organizer pockets also give it the ability to turn into a work or travel backpack when you need it. Whether you are packing for a workout day, weekend trip or a busy work week - the EDGE will have all of the room you need to conquer it all in style!

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 35L

• Huge padded 17” laptop compartment

• Large pack-flat clamshell main compartment with plenty of internal pockets

• Versatile: gym, work, daily or travel bag

• 25 Year Warranty

• Shoe compartment: Bottom pocket

PACSAFE EXP35

A travel backpack with an innovative anti-theft design, plenty of storage and a convenient shoe compartment.

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 backpack is perfect for those who need a travel backpack with a shoe compartment that has the features to also adapt to work commutes and gym days.

Some of its best features include a tough duffle-inspired construction, an amazing array of organization pockets and an advanced anti-theft design to keep your gear safe from theft, pick-pockets and RFID attacks. The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 can be best described as the “Fort Knox” of backpacks and it showcases a gold-standard in anti-theft design.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 35L

• Padded 16” laptop sleeve

• Serious anti-theft design with self-locking zippers, anti-slash fabric and RFID-blocking pockets

• Lots of pockets to organize passports, pens, keys and smaller items.

• Shoe Compartment: bottom pocket

UNDER ARMOUR HUSTLE 5.0

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Affordable backpack for sports and school with lots of storage and shoe pocket.

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is a roomy 29-liter backpack with plenty of organization and a clever shoe compartment that is accessed through the bottom of the bag. This backpack is perfect for those who need a reliable school or sports backpack without breaking the bank.

But despite its affordable price, the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features. Small details like fleece lined laptop and valuables pockets, water resistant exterior fabric and metal zippers allows the Hustle to punch above its class.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 29L

• Available in over a dozen colors

• Laptop sleeve fits up to 15” MacBook Pro

• Roomy main compartment and secondary admin compartment for smaller items

• Shoe compartment: Bottom pocket

More Great Backpacks We Tested

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

A stylish office-friendly backpack with separate compartments for work and travel packing.

The Public Rec Pro Pack Plus makes a great backpack with a shoe compartment because it doesn’t scream “gym backpack” - instead it offers a minimalist exterior that is clean enough to wear to the office while at the same time offering incredible daily organization.

Along with a sneaky hidden shoe pocket, the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus offers a clever partitioned design that allows you to keep your travel (or gym) packing and work items completely separated. This means no rummaging through sweatpants to get to your work laptop. Throughout the backpack you’ll also find lots of sweet features like an easy-access phone pocket, water bottle pockets and water resistant materials and zippers for peace of mind on rainy days.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 26.5L

• Separate rear “work” and front “packing” compartments

• 15” padded laptop sleeve and separate tablet sleeve

• Versatile design can be used for commuting, gym or travel

• Water resistant design

• Shoe compartment: bottom pocket

Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack

Sleek low-profile backpack with shoe compartment for those who want just one “everything” bag.

The Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack is our favorite backpack for work and the gym, thanks to its thoughtful design that offers a seamless transition from a long day at the office to workout sessions. Throughout its design, you’ll find numerous great pockets for organizing your daily essentials within a water-resistant construction that keeps your most important items safe on rainy days.

Travel-specific features like a luggage trolley sleeve and handles for easy access in overhead compartments also make the Dayfarer V2 an easy pick for flights. The bottom shoe compartment is just one of the many fantastic features in a long array of clever pockets for items like toiletries and gym gear, making the Modern Dayfarer V2 a true “everything backpack” in one streamlined package.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 24L

• 16” laptop compartment protected with water resistant zipper

• Tough water resistant construction

• Lots of internal pockets for organization

• Shoe compartment: Bottom pocket

KING KONG PLUS26

A rugged feature-packed gym backpack with exterior shoe pocket.

With the PLUS26, King Kong offers a heavy-hitter that really shines in a sea of mediocre gym bags. This backpack just makes sense. For one, the shoe pocket is found on the front of the backpack instead of the inside. This means better ventilation for your shoes while also avoiding taking up precious space in the main compartment.

There is also the dual access 26-liter main compartment that is just large enough for your gym essentials without making the bag too bulky for daily carry. The main compartment has a top-loading access zipper for daily use while the back zipper allows for full clamshell access to the inside. It’s design features like these that makes the King Kong PLUS26 easily one of our favorite gym backpacks.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 26L

• Padded laptop sleeve

• 25 year guarantee

• Dual-access main compartment (top loading and clamshell)

• Shoe compartment: External front pocket

TROUBADOUR PIONEER

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A refined work, gym and travel backpack with shoe compartment.

The Troubadour Pioneer is perfect for someone who wants a backpack with a shoe compartment with a sophisticated professional design and premium materials. At 23.5 liters the Pioneer is the most compact and streamlined out of any of the backpacks we have tested but this could really work for those in more professional environments where carrying a bulky backpack isn’t an option.

Despite its minimalist exterior, the Troubadour Pioneer is packed full of pockets and compartments for organization. The main compartment has a great variety of zippered pockets and smaller slip pockets to organize you daily work items. On the outside you’ll find even more pockets for quick-access to essentials.

The bottom shoe compartment offers a discreet way to carry shoes or extra clothing and can easily fit up to a size 12 (US) pair of men’s running shoes. This is also one of the only backpacks we have tested that features built-in vents to allow the compartment to breathe to prevent the trapping of stinky odors. Although a small detail it makes all of the difference!

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 23.5L

• 17” laptop sleeve that can be accessed with dedicated side zipper

• Great internal pockets for organizing daily work items

• Sleek professional design with water resistant construction

• Shoe compartment: bottom pocket

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Our Research

• Who is This Guide For

• How We Tested

• Types of Shoe Compartment Backpacks

• Best Gym Backpack: King Kong EDGE

• Best Travel Backpack: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35

• Budget Pick: Under Armour Hustle 5.0

• Best for Work and Travel: Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

• Best for Work and Gym: Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack

• Other Backpacks with Shoe Pockets to Consider

• Shoe Carry Alternatives

Who is This Guide For

There is a wide variety of people who may need a reliable backpack with a shoe compartment and we hade three specific types of people in mind.

Athletes and Gym Go-ers

Sports and gym backpacks offer sportier casual design often with activity-specific features such as sports equipment, pockets for balls and accommodation for protective gear like gloves and pads. The most important feature in a sports and gym backpack is the main compartment and whether or not your specific gear will be able to fit inside of it.

If you find yourself changing into your workout shoes at your destination to the gym or sports practice then you a sports or gym backpack with a shoe compartment may be what you need to separate your shoes from the rest of your clean items during transport.

Although there are tons of different types of athletic shoes, the backpacks we reviewed here all can fit running shoes, trainers and cleats.

Travelers

Traveling with shoes calls for a backpack with a shoe compartment. It’s the simplest way to pack with shoes and keep them separate from clean items. Shoe compartments also double as laundry compartment and give you the ability to separate your dirty clothing from your clean items during your trip. Say goodbye to packing extra laundry bags!

Travel backpacks are usually larger (30L+) than everyday laptop backpacks to accommodate for travel packing. Our favorite travel backpacks open like a suitcase for easy packing and unpacking or feature expandable compartments for even more versatility.

Besides the larger capacity, the main difference between a travel backpack and a daily bag is its emphasis on security and travel features. Examples include lockable zippers, pockets for a passport, extra exterior handles and a trolley sleeve for attaching the bag to rolling luggage. If you are planning on using your backpack primarily for travel then going with a travel-specific backpack with a shoe compartment may be the way to go.

One Bag For Work and Gym/Travel

If you find yourself often switching between a daily carry backpack for work and a secondary backpack for gym or travel then you may benefit from a hybrid backpack that combines the best features of each.

A work and gym backpack will have everything you need for your daily work carry plus extra features for your workout gear such as a shoe compartment, water bottle pockets and extra storage for a change of clothing. 

A work and travel backpack will often have extra security features such as lockable zippers and RFID-safe pockets as well as the space to accommodate for travel packing while still offering the daily carry features you need for commutes to work.

Unlike backpacks dedicated to the gym or travel, these versatile bags offer a more refined business casual backpack design that won’t look out of place at the office and are usually smaller in size (under 30L) for a more compact look.

How We Tested These Backpacks

We spent a few months researching different backpacks with shoe compartments before compiling our final list. This included real world use as well as testing in our studio to make sure each bag delivered in its promised performance. With each backpack we asked a serious of questions to help us determine its quality.

Is the shoe pocket roomy enough?

We tested each backpack with a women’s size 8 and a men’s size 12 (US sizes) running shoes to judge the roominess of each shoe compartment.

The men’s shoes we used measured 12.5” in length and 4.5” in width. You can use these measurements to compare with your own shoes or use a handy shoe size conversion guide to determine how much room your shoes will take up in comparison. 

All of the backpacks tested must at least be able to fit a men’s size 12 running shoes inside the shoe compartment in order to be included in our picks. This provides a guaranteed fit for readers with smaller shoe sizes. In addition, all of our original photography showcases the shoe compartment with a men’s size 12 sneakers so that you can easily compare each compartment.

Note: Boots and larger shoes were not used to test the shoe compartments and we cannot guarantee that the shoe compartments in the backpacks tested will be roomy enough to fit shoes larger than a men’s size 12. If you have questions about whether larger shoes will fit, please contact the respective backpack brand for more information.

Is it a good quality backpack?

In addition to having a shoe pocket, we took construction quality and comfort into consideration when rating and reviewing each backpack.

• Construction Materials - Backpacks with great zipper quality, robust stitching, and quality fabrics such a nylon floated to the top. A great backpack should feel as good as it looks.

• Water Resistant Construction - Water resistant outer materials and zippers were a huge plus when choosing these backpacks.

• Comfortable Back Panel and Shoulder Straps - adequately padded shoulder straps, padded back panels and the inclusion of chest straps all tied into our ratings.

Is the backpack well designed?

Those looking for a backpack with a shoe compartment usually fall into two categories:

• Gym backpacks with a shoe compartment

• Travel backpacks with a shoe compartment

Most backpacks with shoe pockets can be used for both gym and travel despite the brand marketing specifying one or the other. With this in mind, we tested each backpack for both daily carry situations (work, school) and for travel/gym carry.

Below is a sample of the items we used when testing each backpack:

Daily Carry (Work/School)

• Laptop (and tablet if backpack had a tablet sleeve)

• 3-subject notebook and 1-inch binder

• Pens and pencils

• Tech chargers (laptop and phone charge, misc cables)

• Cell Phone

• Apple Airpods or other earbuds

Travel/Gym Carry

• Shoes in shoe compartment

• 1-3x change of clothing

• Toiletries bag

• For gym: boxing gloves, weight lifting belt and gloves, resistant bands, jump rope, towel

The best backpack with a shoe pocket can carry all of the above and is versatile enough to use as a daily carry backpack as well as a gym or travel bag. What this means is that you can’t go wrong with our top 3 selections and choosing comes down to style preferences and the need for specific features such as exterior laptop compartments or trolley sleeves for attaching the backpack to luggage.

Other important features that determined our likeliness to recommend include the following:

• Water bottle pockets

• Padded laptop and tablet sleeves

• Smaller pockets for organization

• Main compartment size (~30L seems to be the sweet spot for travel/gym carry)

Types of Shoe Compartment Backpacks

There are three common types of backpacks with shoe compartments and each one is a little different. Below is a helpful explanation of each type so you know the difference when shopping for a new backpack. 

FRONT ACCESS

Front access backpacks have a front loading shoe pocket that is separate from the main compartment. The main compartment and shoe compartment is usually divided by polyester or nylon material. Some backpacks do a good job at separating the two compartments but others may take up space in the main compartment if the shoe pocket is filled.

Many people prefer shoe compartments with front access because they can retrieve their shoes without having to completely pick up the bag or lay it flat. Another pro of having front access is that the bottom stays flat when set down on the ground. Bottom compartments can make the bag bottom uneven when filled with shoes. 

BOTTOM COMPARTMENT

Bottom Compartment backpacks place a compartment on the bottom of the bag that is completely separate from the main compartment. Unlike backpacks with bottom access or front access shoe compartments, a backpack with a bottom compartment does not dig into the main compartment as its being filled because it has it’s own reserved space. 

One thing to note with bottom compartment backpacks is that their main compartments may be smaller due to the addition of the bottom compartment. 

BOTTOM ACCESS

Bottom access shoe compartment backpacks usually have a zipper entry at the very bottom of the backpack that opens up to a shoe compartment. The difference between a bottom compartment backpack and bottom access shoe compartment backpack is that the bottom access bag share the storage space with the main compartment. 

Like front access shoe compartment backpacks, the shoe compartment and main compartment is divided by polyester or nylon fabric.

Best Gym Backpack with Shoe Compartment: King Kong EDGE

King Kong EDGE35

Why We Chose This Backpack

The King Kong EDGE feels like one of the most complete bags on our list thanks to its versatile design and clever pocket placement. It’s 35L main compartment is roomy enough for gym packing of bulky training gear and is also large enough for serious travel packing. Since this backpack opens like a suitcase, it’s super easy to pack your items while having a birds-eye view of all the pockets that line the inside.

As a daypack you can simply cinch side compression straps down the to reduce the EDGE’s size. A separate admin compartment on the front and a laptop compartment in the rear provide you with great organization of everyday carry.

Out of all of the bags we have tested the EDGE definitely felt the most heavy-duty with robust fabrics and beefy zippers throughout. This is the kind of bag you wouldn’t feel bag about tossing around in the gym and the top and side handles makes it easy to do just that!

Video Review - King Kong EDGE

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Large open-flat main compartment

Finding a backpack with a bottom compartment for shoe storage can be a challenge for those who carry bulkier items like boxing gloves and headgear without resorting to a gym duffel bag. Thankfully King Kong has designed the “Goldilocks” of gym backpacks that is just the right size for your workout gear without looking ridiculously large when worn.

This is thanks to its large 35-liter clamshell main compartment that allows you to lay the backpack flat for easy packing and unpacking. The main compartment is also lined with mesh pockets so you can organize clothing and smaller items while keeping the rest of the main compartment open for larger items.

On light carry days the side Fidlock magnetic straps can compress the backpack down for an even slimmer profile while still allowing you full access to the top, bottom, laptop and admin compartments for daily essentials.

The Shoe Compartment

The shoe pocket on the King Kong EDGE is a bottom access pocket which means that the pocket will cut into the main compartment’s capacity when used. This is the most common configuration you’ll find when looking for a backpack with shoe compartment. For a different front loading shoe pocket design we recommend the King Kong Plus26 backpack.

The EDGE’s bottom shoe pocket is very roomy and can easily fit larger men’s sneakers/trainers. We successfully fit men’s size 12 running shoes into this pocket with room to spare.

There is also another similar yet smaller pocket on the top of the backpack that can be used for smaller shoes or bulkier items that you need quick access to.

Durability meets sleek design

King Kong has really succeeded in offering a backpack that feels as good as it looks. The bag itself is made out of a tough 1000D Nylon while the inside features a 210D Ripstop Nylon lining to prevent rips and tears.

The hardware is also high quality with each pocket using premium YKK zippers and the side compression straps featuring magnetic Fidlock quick release buckles. The bag just feels nice which goes a long way when using the backpack day in and day out.

Tech Carry

One of the features of the King Kong EDGE that we really like is the large laptop compartment that has its own separate zipper access. The padded laptop compartment located against the back panel can fit a whopping 17-inch laptop making the EDGE ideal for those looking for a quality gym laptop backpack with shoe compartment.

For tech accessories like cables and chargers the front admin compartment gives you plenty of pockets to organize smaller items with ease.

Best Travel Backpack with Shoe Compartment: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35

Why We Chose This Backpack

We like to describe the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 as the Fort-Knox of backpacks. The anti-theft features are incredible and although we could try to list them all here (we try) it’s probably just best to check out the Pacsafe website to learn more about each specific technology.

But we will say this - although many travel backpacks have lockable zippers, few have ones that lock themselves. The anti-theft zippers on the Venturesafe EXP35 work right out of the box without having to worry about bringing your own TSA locks.

The overall design on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 is great for those who value organization and discretion. Special pockets for valuable items like a phone, wallet or passport is tucked away and not easily reachable to sticky fingers. The 3-sided zipper to the main compartment is also a great touch that we appreciate when packing for a trip. Unlike traditional top-loading backpacks, the 3-sided zipper feels more like suitcase packing and of course the bottom shoe compartment adds much needed seperation of dirty and clean items while traveling.

Video Review - Pacsafe EXP35

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Pockets and Organization

Organization is one of the things the Venturesafe EXP35 does best and it’s hard to disagree once you delve into all of its pockets and compartments.

The dedicated compartments for organization give you everything you need to neatly store smaller items. The zippered pocket on the front gives you quick-access to airpods, sunglasses or a wallet thanks to an included special RFID-protected pocket. If you want to be extra sneaky, you can use the admin panel zippered pocket inside the main compartment to keep important items like a passport or cash. This discrete compartment kind of blends into the main compartment wall to obscure its presence.

To access your laptop simply use the zipper against the back panel, no need to rummage through your main compartment like with other bags. But of course with Pacsafe being Pacsafe, the laptop compartment also has a locking zipper for peace of mind.

Water bottles can easily be stashed in the big stretchy mesh side pockets. These pockets can easily fit larger bottles and the side compression straps don’t hinder what you can carry inside (simply expand the compression strap to accommodate a larger bottle).

The Main Compartment

One feature we love about the EXP35 is its 3-sided zipper that gives you clamshell access to the main compartment for easy packing and unpacking. From workout gear to your favorite t-shirt, the EXP35 makes it super easy to find what you need inside quickly when the main compartment is wide open.

Having a light carry day? No problem! The EXP35’s compression straps allow you to compress the bag down on days where you only need the essentials.

Although the 35-liter main compartment is enough to pack for short trips, the shoe compartment does take up room in the main compartment when utilized. As a result you can expect to fit 3-4 days of clothing and toiletries when the shoe compartment is empty and 1-2 days of clothing and toiletries when storing shoes.

Anti-Theft Features

We can’t talk about PacSafe backpacks without mentioning their incredible anti-theft features. The PacSafe Venturesafe EXP35 is not only built like a tank but makes it easy to keep your gear safe without a second thought - something most other gym backpacks don’t consider in their design.

The exterior of the EXP35 is made with eXomesh slashguard fabric that prevents cuts and slashes from tearing through the fabric. Each zipper on this backpack is also self-locking so that its harder for thieves to gain access to the inside. Opportunity makes the thief after all. 

One of the shoulder straps is also equipped with a PopNLock security clip so that you can secure your EXP35 to a fixed object like a table leg to prevent theft if you were ever to leave your bag unattended in a busy cafe or other public space.

If you are looking for a travel backpack with a shoe compartment that means business - we think its safe to say that the PacSafe Venturesafe EXP35 is definitely up your alley.

What We Don’t Like

One feature we would have liked to have seen was a dedicated tablet sleeve. There is no comfortable pocket to store a tablet outside of letting it sit in the main compartment or using the laptop compartment.

Like other backpacks with compression straps, you will have to unclip the compression straps whenever you want to open the main compartment completely. But the saving grace is that if you position the zippers at the top you can always access the main compartment like you would a regular top-loading backpack.

The above are certainly not design flaws but small gripes from using the backpack. For a travel backpack with a shoe compartment the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 feel thoughtfully designed and intuitive to use. And its great anti-theft features is what really puts it in a league of its own.

Budget Pick For Sports and School: Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack

Under Armour Hustle 5.0

Why We Chose this Backpack

The Under Armour Hustle checks a lot of boxes when it comes to a good sports backpack with a shoe compartment. It’s roomy 29-liter capacity makes it a good mid-sized pack for those who need room for sports gear like balls, shoes and clothing. 

It’s also an affordable pack - you can usually grab one for $55 and if you are lucky you can catch it on sale at a reduced price. This makes it perfect for students on a budget who need a reliable backpack for both class and team practice after school.

As a standalone backpack for school you’ll have plenty of pockets for organizing stuff like pens and chargers plus the main compartment is roomy enough for multiple large books, notebooks and binders. The 15-inch laptop sleeve also keeps your tech safe thanks to its soft-touch lining to prevent scratches.

Video Review - Under Armour Hustle 5.0

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Pockets and Compartments

Where the Under Armour Hustle really shines is with its pockets and compartments. The bag can be divided into three major compartments: the main compartments, the front admin compartment and the bottom shoe compartment.

The main compartment is where the bulk of your carry will live and we found it roomy enough to carry multiple large notebooks, books and binders. If you plan on using the UA Hustle primarily as a sports backpack then you’ll be pleased to know that the main compartment is large enough for a size 7 basketball.  

A secondary front admin compartment hosts lots of smaller slip pockets for items like pens, tech chargers and other bits and bobs. This compartment is also large enough to hold smaller notebooks and books.

On the outside of the pack you’ll find a smaller fleece-lined pocket for a phone or sunglasses and two mesh water bottle pockets. We found that these bottle pockets can fit up to a 32oz Nalgene bottle just fine.

Another cool detail is the addition of small attachment loops and D-Rings on the shoulder straps that allows extra gear like carabiners and keys to be attached in an easy to reach spot. Under Armour is known for adding small details like these to their backpack designs that really add to the daily carry experience. 

If you are looking for a sports backpack with a shoe compartment that can also double as your daily school bookbag, then the Under Armour Hustle is your best option out of all of the backpacks we have tested. Not only is it affordable but it has features catered to student athletes who need to partition their school and sports items.

The Shoe Compartment

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is perfect for both athletes with busy schedules and fitness buffs who need a reliable gym backpack with shoe storage. The shoe pocket on the Hustle 5.0 is located at the bottom of the bag and is large enough to hold a small pair of sneakers and some extras or one pair men’s sneakers up to a US size twelve.

Like most gym backpacks with a shoe compartment, the main compartment and shoe compartment share the same space. This means reduced room in the main compartment when you are carrying shoes in the bottom pocket.

What We Don’t Like

When comparing the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 to the other backpacks tested there is a pretty large gap in terms of quality. The polyester construction is very lightweight and doesn’t feel as robust as heavier fabrics. Maybe we are spoiled but the UA Hustle definitely feels every bit of a cheaper backpack and because of this we wouldn’t be our first choice out of the bags we tested.

Another gripe is with the back panel. It it just a solid panel of mesh foam with no cut outs or air channels for breathability. We can see this being a nuisance in the hot weather months where a lack of airflow is less forgiving. This back panel isn’t terrible but it definitely could be better.

Best Backpack For Work And Travel: Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

Why We Chose This Backpack

Public Rec advertises the Pro Pack Plus as the perfect work and travel backpack, and we agree that it checks all the boxes.

With a capacity of 27.5L, the Pro Pack Plus works well as a single bag for short work trips. Its structured design is well-suited for those who need a backpack with a bottom compartment while still maintaining a sleek and professional look during office days.

The biggest strength of the Pro Pack Plus is its partitioned design, which allows you to keep your gym or travel packing completely separate from your work items. This means no rummaging through sweatpants to get to your laptop or pens.

Not only is the Pro Pack Plus a functional workhorse for daily carry, but it also feels as good as it looks. The shoulder straps and back panel are generously padded, and the zippers are buttery smooth. Plus, the water-resistant poly-twill fabric, structured construction, and minimalist branding will give you a mature, professional look day in and day out.

Video Review - Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

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Partitioned Compartments

The Public Rec Pro Pack Plus can be divided into two major compartments: the main packing compartment and the rear "work" compartment. The main compartment is where you will find the majority of your storage. This compartment is large and deep, allowing you to pack bulkier items for workouts or travel. We found that you can easily pack for a 2-3 day trip.

The rear "work" compartment can be thought of as your home base for daily work carry. Here, you’ll find a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a secondary sleeve for a tablet. A nice array of mesh and slip pockets will also give you the organization you need for smaller items like pens and tech chargers.

What we appreciate about this rear compartment is that it’s roomy enough also store a notebook or binder, giving you the room for comprehensive business carry. This carry division is also why the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus excels when it comes to work/travel or work/gym carry.

Exterior Pockets

Along with great exterior organization, the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus also offers some excellent external pockets. On the top, you’ll find a pocket for your sunglasses or phone, while two water bottle slip pockets cradle the sides of the bag. Commuters and travelers alike will appreciate the hidden zippered pocket found against the back panel, which allows you to discreetly stash a passport, cash, or a phone.

The Shoe Compartment

Unlike other backpacks with shoe compartments, the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus keeps its shoe pocket discrete and semi-hidden at the bottom of the backpack. The bottom panel itself hosts a wrap-around zipper to reveal the shoe pocket inside.

We found that a men’s size 12 (US) running shoe fits inside this pocket just fine, but you may struggle to fit larger shoes. Also, keep in mind that the shoe compartment shares internal space with the main compartment. Depending on how large your shoes are, you can expect maybe 40-50% of that main compartment to be taken up by your shoes.

What We Don’t Like

There are very few complaints about the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus, but the one gripe we do have is that the water bottle pockets on the side of the bag are quite small. They have absolutely no give to them, and as a result, you are limited to slim water bottles 24oz and under.

Best Backpack for Work and Gym: Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack

Modern Dayfarer v2 Backpack

Why We Chose this Backpack

Modern Dayfarer designed the V2 backpack to be your one bag for work, gym, and the occasional short trip, and we believe they succeeded in their mission. Its secret weapon is its minimalist design that sneakily hides pockets and compartments. This allows you to maintain a sleek profile during business hours without sacrificing important features.

Despite its understated design, the Modern Dayfarer V2 is jam-packed with incredible features. The main compartment is lined with pockets for clothing, toiletries, and other small items, or you can use the bottom shoe compartment to pack shoes or dirty laundry to keep smelly, soiled items away from your clean stuff. Grab handles and a luggage trolley sleeve make it a great carry-on option for flights. For a small pack, the Modern Dayfarer V2 is really like a Swiss Army knife - and a stylish one at that!

VERSATILITY DEFINED: ONE BAG FOR WORK AND GYM

Modern Dayfarer designed the V2 Backpack for people who need one bag to accommodate their busy lifestyles. For daily work carry, the Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack features all of the organization you need to thrive on a busy day. Although hidden, the outside of the pack features pockets for everything from keys and a phone to larger items like headphones and small notebooks. The rear laptop compartment can fit up to a 16” Macbook Pro. Not only is this laptop compartment generously protected with a large suspended false-bottom to protect your tech from drops, but it’s protects from bad weather thanks to a water resistant YKK Aquaguard zipper.

The Shoe Compartment

We tested the shoe compartment on the Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack and can confirm that it can fit a men’s size 12 (US) running shoe but the brand says it can fit up to men’s size 14 shoes just fine. This shoe compartment does share space with the main compartment so keep that in mind if you plan on using it when packing for a trip.

A neat design feature is that the main compartment is expandable by a few liters on days when you need more packing room. Simply loosen up the front strap to give the top lid room to expand upwards.

Impressive Quality

Modern Dayfarer isn’t shy about naming the materials they use in each of their bags, and once you get your hands on this backpack, it’s easy to see that they have put a lot of thought into its construction. The external construction is made with water-resistant 840D ballistic nylon, while the inside is lined with a light-colored ripstop for easy spotting of items. Everything from the magnetic Fidlock buckle to the ergonomic shoulder straps feels like top-notch quality.

The water resistance of the Modern Dayfarer V2 is also fantastic. Along with using YKK Aquaguard zippers on exposed zippers, the V2 Backpack features a top lid design that creates a protective barrier for the main compartment against rain and snow.

Unlike other travel backpacks with shoe compartments, the Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack has a mature and understated design that isn’t too loud or “sporty”. Modern Dayfarer even keeps their branding simple, with just a small black logo badge on the side water bottle pocket. It’s fair to say that the Modern Dayfarer is an excellent work-to-gym backpack that still looks great at the office.

What We Don’t Like About This Backpack

One gripe we have about the Modern Dayfarer V2 is that the bottom of the bag is curved so it doesn’t allow you to set the bag on the ground with toppling over. Also, those who value a chest strap will be disappointed to find out that this bag doesn’t include one and that there is also no option to add on a chest strap or hip belt.

Other Backpacks With Shoe Pockets to Consider

1) Under Armour Triumph Sport Backpack

Under Armour does a great job at designing stylish backpacks with athletes in mind and the Triumph Sport backpack is no exception. As a gym backpack, the Triumph Sport offers great compartments daily essentials and sports gear in a sleek and streamlined design. 

Not only is does this backpack include a special shoe compartment but the MOLLE webbing on the front allows for attachments of pouches to expand your storage. For those who need a bag for work or school, features such as a padded laptop sleeve and organizer pockets make the Under Armor Contain a great work to gym backpack option. If you are looking for a larger backpack with similar features then make sure to check out the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack with shoe storage.

Features at a glance:

• Volume: 34L

• Laptop sleeve holds up to 15” MacBook Pro

• Shoe compartment: Bottom access

2) Trend Urban Gym Backpack (Amazon)

Trend offers a gym backpack with shoe storage that is as stylish as it is functional with their Urban Backpack. The 35-liter main compartment has enough room for all of your daily essentials with plenty of internal pockets for must-have carry like a tablet, tech accessories and smaller personal items. For workouts or travel days, the bottom zip compartment can hold a pair of shoes or dirty laundry to keep everything nice and separate.

Features at a glance:

• Large 35L main compartment for busy workouts

• Available in different colors to match your style

• Shoe compartment: Bottom compartment

3) Lo & Sons The Hakuba

The Hakuba is Lo & Son’s take on a traditional gym bag updated for modern carry. In fact, the Hakuba is more than just a gym backpack thanks to its convertible insert design that allows it to also be used as a travel and work backpack.

At the bottom of the backpack is where you’ll find the dedicated shoe pocket that can fit up to a men’s size 14 sneakers. This special pocket can also double as a place to store travel toiletries or a lunch. Other great features include tons of easy-access pockets, a separate 15” laptop compartment and a removable insert that expands the main compartment as needed.

Features at a glance:

• Made with eco-friendly recycled poly and water-resistant zippers

• Unique removable insert design that allows you to adapt the main compartment to your carry needs.

• 15” laptop compartment with side access

• Shoe compartment: Bottom access

4) Troubadour Aero Backpack

Troubadour offers versatile work and gym bag with shoe storage with the Aero backpack. This backpack makes going from the office to the gym easier than ever with it’s built in bottom compartment and lofty main compartment for commuting gear, gym clothes and other daily essentials. We love this backpack because its stylish design and premium materials don’t scream “gym bag” while still offering all the features you need for the day ahead.

The Troubadour Aero offers a whopping 34 liters of main compartment capacity with plenty of exterior pockets for quick access to small items. If you love the look and feel of the Aero but would like a smaller size we recommend you check out the 23.5 liter Troubadour Pioneer Backpack.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 34L

• Waterproof fabric and zippers

• Shoe compartment is lined with antimicrobial lining to minimize smells

• Discrete laptop and gym bag: Dedicated laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets plus a separate laundry/shoe compartment

• Shoe compartment: Bottom compartment

5) Boundary Supply Errant Pack

The Boundary Supply Errant Pack is a versatile everyday backpack that can be used for gym days and daily commutes alike. This is thanks to its various pockets and entry points that allow for unrivaled organization and utility. Not only can you access the inside from the top but the Errant Pack also functions as a clamshell backpack thanks to its 3/4 back-access zipper. This allows for full access to all of the pockets and compartments inside the Errant Pack.

Since the Errant Pack was made to be adaptive to your needs, Boundary Supply makes sure to offer plenty of modular accessories for travel, photography and daily carry. For gym days the Errant Pack includes a shoe pocket on the bottom of the bag that can also be used to store dirty laundry.

Features at a glance:

• Incredible pocket placement for maximum organization

• Modular system allows you to use the Errant Pack for the gym, photography or travel

• Shoe compartment: Bottom access

Alternatives to Consider

Although a separate shoe compartment is incredibly convenient, buying an entirely new backpack with a shoe compartment isn’t always necessary if you want to carry shoes.

An alternative to a backpack with a shoe pocket is a shoe bag - which gives you the same kind of seperation between your dirty shoes and the rest of your packing. Not only is this a cheaper solution to purchasing an entirely new backpack but you can use the shoe bag in multiple backpacks, luggage or just carry it solo.

There are a ton of brands that offer shoe bags but below are some of our favorites:

Peak Design Shoe Pouch - Ultralight and packable shoe bag that can fit up to 2 pairs of shoes depending on size. The Shoe Pouch compresses down into a fraction of its size when not in use.

Knack Bags Shoe Bag - Compressible shoe bag that can be adjusted to your shoe size to save space in your backpack. We like how these include an internal divider to keep shoes from rubbing against each other while packed.

Nomatic Shoe Cube - Square design allows this shoe bag to pack neatly with other packing cubes. It also has a highly durable water resistant exterior design to protect expensive shoes. Can fit up to size 12 shoes.

11 Best Sling Bags with Water Bottle Holder - Top Water Bottle Slings

A sling bag offers an easy way to carry your essentials without the bulk of a full-sized backpack or messenger bag. Although crossbody slings have become popular in recent years most designs lack a simple feature - a water bottle holder.

In this buying guide we will help you find the best sling bag with water bottle holder for everyday carry and travel by showcasing some of our favorite designs you can buy right now. Whether you are looking for a roomy sling backpack or a simple water bottle crossbody sling, we have you covered!

Best Sling Bags with Water Bottle Holder

Nomatic Navigator Lite Sling Bag

If you are looking for the best sling bag with water bottle holder then the Nomatic Navigator Lite is definitely a top contender. What makes this sling bag special is that it keeps its water bottle holder hidden in a zippered side pocket offering you a sleek profile when not in use.

Nomatic offers sling bags with water bottle holders in a few different styles and sizes to fit your needs.

Learn more about the Nomatic Navigator Lite Sling

The Nomatic Navigator Lite Sling pack is also one of our favorite laptop sling bags for its versatility, streamlined style and high quality water resistant construction. Inside you’ll find some amazing features such as a padded laptop sleeve, RFID safe pocket and a cord pass through for easy charging of devices on the go!

Camelbak Arete Sling Pack

The Camelbak Arete is a nifty little water bottle sling bag that can be used as both as a hiking hydration pack or as a lightweight sling for exploring downtown. Each Arete sling bag includes a Camelbak water bottle that perfectly fits the stretch pocket on the front of the sling.

Learn more about the Camelbak Arete Sling

The Camelbak Arete is a “hydration sling” that was designed around active lifestyles and for those who want to keep their carry as light as possible while on the move. Along with the stretch water bottle holder integrated into the front of the sling bag, you’ll also find a mesh pocket inside the main compartment that can fit an 1.5L water bladder for additional hydration options when on the trail. 

Other great features on the Camelbak Arete include a roomy 8-liter interior main compartment for daily essentials and the option to switch between left and right shoulder carry.

Mosiso Sling Backpack

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Available in almost a dozen colors, the Mosiso Sling Backpack is a budget-friendly sling with some pretty impressive features for the price. 

The side mesh pockets allow you to carry up to two water bottles while the zippered pockets throughout its design makes it easy to organize daily essentials such as an iPad, phone and accessories. Whether you are looking for a water bottle sling for hiking or a lightweight everyday bag for essential carry - the Mosiso Sling Backpack has just the right features.

Sherpani Esprit AT Sling Bag

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The Sherpani Esprit AT is a modern women’s sling bag with a water bottle holder that offers easy hands-free carry on busy days. We love the Sherpani Esprit AT for its ergonomic tear-drop design and soft padded shoulder strap for all-day comfort. The stretch water bottle pocket can be found on the side of the sling and snaps back into place for a cleaner look when not in use.

Learn more about the Sherpani Esprit AT Sling Bag

If you are looking for a stylish yet functional sling bag with a water bottle holder then you can’t miss with the Sherpani Esprit AT! Designed for daily carry and travel alike, the roomy 10-liter capacity is perfect for carrying daily staples such as a water bottle, sunglasses, iPad and wallet. A water resistant exterior also gives this sling bag an edge during rainy days.

When traveling you’ll love the anti-theft features that Sherpani has built into their design including a special RFID protected pocket, anti-slash bottom and zip loop locks to keep your zippered pockets secured.

HydroFlask Slingback Bottle Pack

The Hydroflask Slingback is a water bottle sling that offers an easy way to carry essentials with a special front pocket that can hold up to a 32oz bottle. This water bottle crossbody sling is designed to keep you organized and features a padded tablet sleeve, keychain clip and a rear security pocket for valuables like a wallet or phone.

Under Armour Unisex Flex Sling Bag

The Under Armour Flex Sling Bag is a versatile, lightweight and affordable sling bag that gets the job done in style. Whether you need an easy way to carry your gym gear or a lightweight one strap backpack for school - the UA Flex has you covered.

Learn more about the UA Flex Sling Bag

The Under Armour Flex is the perfect sling backpack with water bottle holder for those who need a lightweight yet versatile bag for gym days or practice. The whopping 15L volume is larger than most sling bags on the market today yet its lightweight polyester and stretchy mesh construction keeps you nimble on busy days.

The roomy stretch pocket on the front of this bag can hold everything from a light sweater to shoes while the side pockets allow you to carry up to two water bottles. Inside you can pack in clothes and gym gear with some room to spare.

Nomatic Navigator Sling Bag

Made with durable water resistant materials, the Nomatic Navigator Sling is an impressive sling backpack with a water bottle holder that is packed to the gils with features. Unlike other sling backpacks that feature their water bottle holder as an exterior pocket, Nomatic has designed a hidden mesh pocket that allows you to keep a sleek profile when not in use.

Read more about the Nomatic Navigator Sling

Nomatic is known for designing innovative backpacks for work and photography and their slings are definitely cut from the same cloth. When it comes to comfort, each Navigator Sling comes with a hidden stabilizing strap for extra support when you need it. Their back panels are also some of the best we have seen in a sling backpack thanks to its molded foam design that’s equipped with airflow channels to keep you cool on warmer days.

Do you carry lots of tech? Then this sling bag is made for you. The Nomatic Navigator Sling includes a separate padded compartment for a tablet or gaming device with its own zipper access to keep your expensive tech secure and easy to reach. The inside of the main compartment is also lined with pockets for your chargers, cables and accessories with cord management integrated into the design.

Other killer features include a special RFID protected pocket, tamper-proof zippers and a tough water resistant construction that will keep your sling bag looking great day after day.

3V Gear Outlaw II Urban Sling Backpack

With a whopping 24 liters of carrying capacity, the 3V Gear Outlaw II is a sling backpack that means business. Along with a side water bottle holder for easy-access to hydration, this bag also includes a padded laptop sleeve, some serious pockets for tech and an anti-theft design for peace of mind when on the move.

Learn more about the 3V Gear Outlaw II

The 3V Gear Outlaw II is a sling backpack with water bottle holder for those who are serious about organization. The two front EDC and admin compartments are lined with pockets for easy storage of your tech and smaller essentials while the main compartment features a 13-inch padded laptop sleeve and plenty of open storage room for your daily grind.

Need a water bottle sling for hiking? In addition to the exterior water bottle pocket, the Outlaw II is hydration compatible. The laptop sleeve doubles as a hydration pocket to transform the Outlaw II into a lightweight hiking sling.

A generously padded single shoulder strap and EVA molded back panel makes the 3V Gear Outlaw II comfortable enough for extended wear on longer days. The included stabilizer strap will also keep the sling from sliding around on heavier packing days.

OutdoorMaster Sling Backpack

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Offered at an affordable price, the OutdoorMaster Sling Backpack gives you the features you need in sling bag without the high price tag. The single water bottle holder can be found on the side of pack while the interior features plenty of pockets and compartments for up to a 12-inch tablet and your daily essentials.

The OutdoorMaster Sling Backpack is available in a few fun colors to match your style.

Tech Slings - Best Sling Bags for Laptops and Tablets

See the List

Best Water Bottle Sling Bags

A water bottle sling bag is comprised of a main pocket that can hold a water bottle or coffee travel mug plus an extra pocket or two for stashing small items. This is a great option for those who want to keep their carry light while still having the hands-free benefits of a crossbody sling bag.

Wild Wolf Outfitters Water Bottle Holder

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The Wild Wolf Outfitters Water Bottle Holder is made for those looking for a rugged water bottle sling for hiking, sports events and lightweight daily carry.

This water bottle sling is made from military grade materials to protect your gear from the elements. The water bottle pocket is also lined with neoprene to help keep your water bottle insulated and cool. Outer pockets give you extra room to stash your wallet, phone and keys for true hand-free carry when on the move.

What we like most about the Wild Wolf Outfitters Water Bottle Holder is that it comes in a variety of different sizes to fit your specific bottle. From their smaller 25oz holders to a whopping 128oz water bottle sling - Wild Wolf Outfitters has you covered.

Nuovoware Water Bottle Sling

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Compact and budget-friendly, the Nuovoware Water Bottle Sling is one of our favorite options if you are looking for an affordable water bottle sling with pockets for small essentials. This crossbody sling is made out of neoprene - a lightweight water resistant material that also insulates to keep your drinks cool. Two external pockets give you extra room for small items such as keys, a cell phone and driver’s license.

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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

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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

• Backpack with shoe compartment

• 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

• Backpack that opens like a suitcase

• Tons of pockets for organization

• RFID Safe Pocket

• Cord Pass-Through for charging on the move

• TSA lay-flat laptop compartment

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19 Best Backpacks with Water Bottle Pockets - Tested and Reviewed!

Note: This article was last updated in April 2024, and we will continue to provide updates as we find new backpacks.

Let’s be honest - most backpacks have water bottle pockets. So why did we even bother writing this buying guide?

The truth is that many pockets are either too shallow, too flimsy, or just too small—especially for those carrying larger stainless steel water bottles, like the popular 32 oz or 40 oz sizes. Do you carry a Stanley Cup or other tumbler with a handle? Finding a backpack that fit these larger bottles can be almost impossible.

In this guide, not only do we focus on helping you find the best backpack with a water bottle holder but one that fits your specific water bottle. We tested these backpacks ourselves to confirm which size bottles fit and posted the results.

Types of Backpacks with Water Bottle Pockets

This backpack buying guide is split into two main lists.

• Best backpacks with water bottle holders

• Backpacks with hidden water bottle pockets
  

The North Face Surge (left) and the Knack Pack (right)

Backpacks with water bottle holders have your standard side pockets on the outside of the bag. Most backpacks with water bottle holders have this style of pocket.

Backpacks with hidden water bottle pockets offer a more discreet way to carry your water bottles. These pockets can be internal and completely hidden or can blend into the backpack so that they aren’t in the way when not in use. We like these the best for keeping a clean profile.

Water Bottles We Used to Test

Below is a list of water bottles we used to test these backpacks.

• Hydro Flask 24 oz

• Hydro Flask 32 oz

• Hydro Flask 40 oz

• Nalgene 32 oz Wide Mouth

• CamelBak 32 oz Chute Mag

• Owala Freesip 40 oz

• Owala Tumbler 40 oz

• Stanley Quencher 40 oz

• Yeti Rambler 64 oz

Best Backpacks with Water Bottle Holders

Topo Designs Rover Pack

Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 40 oz and under, including 40 oz and 32 oz Hydro Flask, 32 oz Nalgene Wide Mouth and 27 oz Bink Day Bottle

• Does not fit tumblers with handles

Topo Designs is one of those backpack brands that just understands a well designed water bottle holder. The Rover Pack offers a deep gusseted water bottle holder on each side of the pack that can fit a 32oz Nalgene or most stainless steel water bottles up to 40oz. Since these pockets can be compressed with a strap, they can also securily hold small water bottles as well.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 20L

• 15" laptop sleeve

• Available in over a dozen colors

The North Face Recon

Our test results:

• Fits water bottles 40 oz and under, including 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydroflask, 32 oz Nalgene bottle, Owala Freesip 40 oz and Bink Day Bottle 27 oz

• Fits 40oz tumbler with handle like the 40oz Stanley Cup and 40oz Owala Tumbler

If you are looking for a good backpack with a water bottle pocket, North Face backpacks are some of the best around in our humble opinion. The brand uses a mix of water resistant textile and stretchy mesh that hugs your water bottle and keeps it snuggly in place. Our testing found that The North Face Recon can fit 40oz water bottles, including tumblers such as the 40oz Stanley Cup and 40oz Owala Tumbler. The trick is to undo the side compression strap over the water bottle pocket to allow the elastic to stretch fully.

See our The North Face Recon review for a closer look at all features.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 30L

• 15" laptop compartment

• Roomy main compartment is perfect as a daily work pack or school bookbag

• Can turn into a hydration backpack for hiking

PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE 32L BACKPACK

Our test results:

• Fits all water bottles 40 ounces and under, including the 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydroflask, 40 oz Owala Freesip and 32 oz Nalgene bottle.

• Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles

• Fits 40 oz tumbler like the Stanley Cup and Owala Tumbler

• Fits 64 oz Yeti Rambler

• Small bottles like a 500ml or 24 oz bottle will be a little loose in the pocket

The Patagonia Black Hole 32L has some of the largest and stretchiest side pockets we have ever tested. These pockets have enough room for a 40 oz Stanley Quencher tumbler or 40 oz Owala tumbler and are even large enough to fit the massive 64 oz Yeti Rambler!

We also tested the water bottle pockets on the smaller Black Hole 25L but it's important to note that its pockets are narrower and can only fit up to a 40 oz water bottle like the Owala Freesip or Hydro Flask Wide Mouth. To compare the two backpacks check out our Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L comparison.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 32L

• 16" laptop compartment

• High quality materials with water-resistant DWR finish

• Daisy chains on exterior for bungee cord or accessory attachments

Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L

Our test results:

• Fits all bottles 40 ounces and under, including the Bink Day Bottle 27 oz, 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40oz Hydroflask, 40 oz Owala Freesip and 32 oz Nalgene bottle.

• Fits up to 40 oz tumbler with handle like the Stanley Quencher tumbler and Owala Tumbler

• Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles

• Fits 64 oz Yeti Rambler

Patagonia makes our list again but this time with the Atom Tote Pack 20L. This backpack is great for shorter people with a smaller frame who want a more appropriate fit. Despite its small size, the Patagonia Atom Tote Pack has very stretchy water bottle pockets that can fit a Stanley Cup or even a 64 oz water bottle like the Yeti Rambler. Not bad for such as small laptop backpack!

For a closer look at the details make sure to see our Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L review.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 20L

• 13" padded laptop sleeve

• Lightweight design with very comfortable shoulder straps

• Switch from computer backpack to hydration backpack thanks to removable laptop sleeve that makes room for a water bladder.

Sherpani Camden Convertible Backpack

Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 40 oz and under including the Bink Day Bottle 27 oz, 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40oz Hydroflask, 40 oz Owala Freesip and 32 oz Nalgene bottle.

• Fits tumbler with handle up to 40 oz, like the Owala Tumbler and Stanley Cup

The Sherpani Camden is a cute backpack, tote and crossbody bag in one! In addition to being roomy enough for school, work and travel - the Camden also offers deep and stretchy water bottle pockets that will hold any 40oz water bottle perfectly in place. The stretchy elastic even fits 40oz tumblers making it the perfect backpack for a Stanley Cup.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 21L

• 15" dedicated laptop sleeve

• Available in tons of fun colors

• Convertible: backpack, tote bag and crossbody bag

• Perfect size to use as a personal item backpack on flights

King Kong PLUS Backpack

Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 64 ounces and under including shaker bottles, water bottles and tumblers with handles

• Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles

• Fits the Yeti Rambler 64 oz

• Small bottles stay in place due to deep pockets with elastic

We recommend the King Kong PLUS to anyone looking for a great gym backpack with a shoe compartment thanks to its sturdy construction, easy access pockets and unique design. The two massive side pockets are easily some of the largest we have ever tested. When used as water bottle sleeves, they consume the giant 64 oz Yeti Rambler and can handle 40 oz tumblers like a champ. Thanks to the elastic and the depth of each pocket, even smaller bottles stay securely in place.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 26L

• 15" dedicated laptop sleeve

• External shoe compartment that zips flat when not in use

• Unique dual access to the main compartment (clamshell and regular)

Osprey Proxima 30 Backpack

Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 64 ounces and under, including 32oz Nalgene, all Hydro Flask sizes and all Yeti Rambler water bottle sizes.

• Fits tumblers with handles like the 40 oz Owala and Stanley tumbler

• Small bottles like a 500ml or 20 oz water bottle will be a little loose in the pocket but the pocket is deep enough to keep it securely in place.

Designed to be the ultimate school backpack, the Osprey Proxima 30 is loaded with a large main compartment, spacious pockets and two perfectly stretchy water bottle pockets to keep you hydrated on long days. The high quality mesh that Osprey uses on their backpacks is some of the best. It can accomodate large 40 oz bottles and tumblers but still holds smaller slim bottles in place. It can even fit a 64 ounce water bottle!

Key Features:

• Capacity: 30L

• 16" laptop compartment

• Front compression straps gives you extra storage for bulky jackets or a skateboard

• Airscape backpanel for great stability

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Our Test Results

• Will fit all water bottles 40 ounces and under, including the 32 ounce Hydro Flask and 40 ounce Owala Freesip

• Easily fits 40 ounce tumbler like the Owala or Stanley Tumbler

• Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles

• Fits 64 ounce water bottle like the Yeti Rambler

The Osprey Daylite Plus has one of the most versatile designs available today. It can serve as a travel backpack, thanks to its built-in trolley sleeve, a daily laptop backpack, or you can add a water bladder to transform it into a hydration backpack for hiking.

The side pockets on the Daylite Plus are great thanks to the stretchy mesh that securely holds large water bottles with ease. Big bottles, such as the 40-ounce Owala or Stanley tumbler, fit comfortably inside. Additionally, the deep pockets are perfect for making sure smaller bottles, like a 20-ounce or 24-ounce stainless steel bottle, stay securely in place.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 20L

• 14" padded sleeve for laptop or tablet

• Super light weight design

• Available in tons of different colors

• Versatile design: Can be used for travel, laptop carry and day hikes

Rains Trail Mountaineer Bag

Our test results:

• Will fit most water bottles up to 64 ounces, including the Yeti Rambler 64oz

• 40 oz tumblers with handles can easily fit

• Fits larger 1 L and 1.5 L water bottles

• Smaller bottles 24 ounces and under will be a loose fit inside the pocket

Crafted from waterproof materials, the Rains Trail Mountaineer Bag blurs the line between a high-end fashion backpack and a rugged outdoor bag. At its core, it's an everyday backpack designed to handle life's essentials, including a laptop, cell phone, jacket, large water bottle and other common daily items,. The extra-large mesh side pocket accommodates most bottles up to 64 oz, including a 40-ounce tumbler with a handle, making it perfect for carrying your drinks with ease.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 22L

• 16" laptop sleeve

• Made with Rains' signature waterproof fabric

• External straps, bungee and webbing allow you to expand your storage (you can easily attach an extra water bottle to the straps)

THE NORTH FACE SURGE

Our test results:

• Will fit most water bottles 40 oz and under, including 32oz and 40oz Hydro Flask with a boot, 32 oz Nalgene, Owala and Yeti water bottles

• Will fit 40 oz tumblers with handles like the Stanley Quencher and Owala tumbler

The Surge is one of the largest North Face backpacks currently available thanks to its 31-liter capacity, multi-device laptop compartment, and large number of pockets. A bigger footprint also means large side pockets for water bottles. We found that the side water bottle holders can easily fit larger bottles like the 32 oz Nalgene, 40 oz Hydro Flask and even a 40-ounce Owala or Stanley tumbler.

The North Face offers the Surge backpack in both men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 31L

• 15" laptop compartment with extra sleeve for a tablet or documents

• Includes chest strap and removable hip belt

• Lots of organization: 19 pockets total

Stubble & Co. The Backpack

Our test results:

• Fits slim water bottles 20 ounces and under, including 500 ml water bottles

The Backpack by Stubble & Co is great for anyone looking for a high quality backpack that is built to last. The side water bottle pockets on this backpack are deep enough to secure a water bottle, umbrella or small items without worry of anything slipping out when on the move. Just keep in mind that although the side water bottle holders are great for smaller 500ml and 20 ounce bottles, they are not going to fit large water bottles.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 21L

• 16" laptop sleeve

• Made of water resistant waxed canvas.

Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack

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Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 40 ounces and under, including 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydroflask, 32 oz Nalgene, 40 oz Owala Freesip water bottle and shaker bottles.

• Does not fit tumbers with handles like the Stanley Quencher or Owala Tumbler 40oz

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is a sports and school backpack for those with busy schedules. This backpack includes a large main compartment, front organizers and a separate bottom compartment for shoes. As a backpack with water bottle holder, the Hustle includes two extra large mesh pockets on either side that can hold most big bottles up to 40 ounces. However, they do not stretch far enough for tumblers with handles like the Owala and Stanley Tumber.

Check out our Under Armour Hustle 5.0 review for more details or check out our Under Armour Hustle 5.0 vs Pro backpack comparison (the Pro has a water bottle cooler pocket!)

Key Features:

• Capacity: 29L

• 16" laptop sleeve

• Bottom shoe compartment

• Organizer compartment for smaller items

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Pacsafe Vibe Anti-Theft Backpack

As far as anti-theft backpacks go, few brands offer as much innovation and smart design as Pacsafe. With their 20 liter Vibe Anti-Theft backpack, Pacsafe offers a creative take on the daily backpack by giving you plenty of anti-theft features like anti-slash fabrics and the ability to lock the bag to a table or chair leg when needed. 

The water bottle pockets on the Vibe are made of a tight-knit mesh that keeps your bottle snuggly in place and is deep enough to secure your bottles if you were to lean over. And because this mesh is incredibly stretchy, you can accommodate a variety of water bottle sizes without worry.

Jansport Superbreak Plus

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The original Jansport Superbreak is one of the best affordable backpacks you can use for school, commuting or travel but unfortunately it leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to modern features. Jansport changes the tide by offering the Superbreak Plus. This updated Superbreak gives you the best the original had to offer with the addition of a 15” laptop sleeve and side pocket, making the Plus a perfect option for anyone looking for a Jansport backpack with water bottle pocket.

Backpacks with Hidden Water Bottle Pockets

Knack Pack Expandable Backpack

Our test results:

• Only fits slim water bottles 24 ounces and under, including 500 ml water bottles

• Water bottles with handles or lids that protrude will not fit (example: CamelBak Chute Mag or Thermoflask Chug Lid)

The Knack Pack is an expandable everyday and travel pack for those who want one bag to rule them all. We tested the Medium Knack Pack size that has an 17 liter volume unexpanded for daily carry and can expand up to 31 liters for travel. The hidden water bottle pocket can be found on the side of the backpack and we found that it can only fit smaller bottles 24 ounces and under. This should be no problem for people who carry slim bottles from popular brands like Klean Kanteen, Hydro Flask and Owala.

We have testes both the Knack Pack Series 1 and Series 2 extensively and have found that the water bottle pocket on the Series is one is slightly larger and can fit more bottle sizes. For a closer look at the difference between the two, check out our Knack Pack Series vs Series 2 comparison.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 17-31L expandable

• 15" laptop sleeve and separate tablet sleeve in main compartment

• Made with anti-microbial lining to prevent stinky smells

• Perfect work and travel bag thanks to hidden packing compartment and lots of pockets.

Able Carry Daily Plus Backpack

Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 40 ounces and under, including the 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydro Flask, 32 oz Nalgene bottle, and all slim water bottles 24 ounces and under.

• Tumblers with handles will not fit

The Able Carry Daily Plus is a lightweight daypack for those who are serious about organization of tech and daily essentials. The Daily Plus is equipped with a 16-inch laptop sleeve, seperate tablet sleeve and plenty of pockets for organization - all housed inside a minimalist outer design. This backpack ditches the traditional water bottle holder for a hidden side pocket that can fit a stainless steel water bottle up to 40 ounces, such as the 40oz Hydro Flask Wide Mouth water bottle.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 21L

• 16" dedicated laptop sleeve and 11" tablet sleeve

• High quality X-Pac water resistant construction

• Super comfortable shoulder straps with ergonomic back panel

Able Carry Max Backpack

Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 40 ounces and under, including the 32 oz Hydro Flask, 40 oz Hydro Flask, 32 oz Nalgene bottle, and all slim water bottles 24 ounces and under.

• Tumblers with protruding handles will not fit

Designed for both daily carry and travel, the Able Carry Max offers a stylish minimalist design and beefy construction for those who want one tough versatile backpack. The large main compartment gives you a ton of packing space while the rear laptop compartment acts as a mobile office for your tech and accessories.

Like the smaller Able Carry Daily Plus Backpack, the Max offers an internal water bottle pocket that stays hidden when zipped shut. We found that it can fit up to a 40 oz stainless steel water bottle with ease.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 30L

• 17" rear laptop compartment

• High quality X-Pac water resistant construction

• Lockable zippers, luggage sleeve and large main compartment for travel

Ridge Commuter Backpack 20L

Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 24 ounces or smaller, including 24 oz Hydro Flask and 500ml bottles.

The Ridge Commuter Backpack is one of our favorite daily carry and travel backpacks thanks to clever pockets that allow you to have everything in its right place. The highly water-resistant construction also makes it one of favorite waterproof backpacks for college.

This backpack has water bottle holders on each side of the pack that stay hidden when zipped closed. Our testing found that the side pockets can securliy fit slim water bottles up to 24 ounces. This means your 17oz, 20oz and 500 ml water bottles will all fit inside the side pockets.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 20L

• 16" laptop compartment with water resistant zipper

• Includes removable main compartment divider for easier packing

• Water resistant construction

Nomatic Backpack

Our test results:

• Fits most water bottles 40 ounces and under, including 32 oz Hydro Flask , 40 oz Hydro Flask and 32 ounce Nalgene water bottle.

Looks can be deceiving with the Nomatic backpack. A minimalist exterior doesn’t exactly prepare you for the number of pockets that meet you once inside the pack. In fact, it's one of our favorite recommendations for people looking for a backpack with lots of pockets.

When it comes to water bottle holders, the Nomatic does things a bit different. Each side pocket is held together by a magnet that stays flat against the backpack when not in use but inside is a very stretchy mesh material that can old up to a 40 ounce water bottle. Smaller bottles are held firmly in place thanks to the stretchy mesh that hugs the bottle.

Key Features:

• Capacity: 20-24L expandable main compartment

• Seperate laptop and tablet sleeves

• Hide the shoulder straps and carry like a briefcase

• Water resistant materials and zippers

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Under $50 - Best Cheap Backpacks For School

Looking for an inexpensive but durable backpack for school? Here we list our favorite backpacks for high school and college under $50.

We focused including only bags with the best style, quality and student-loving features such as roomy main compartments for textbooks, organizers for accessories, and laptop compartments.

Under Armour Loudon

Under Armour

Jansport Big Student Backpack

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Matein Laptop Backpack

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Our Picks: Best Cheap Backpacks for School

The perfect school backpack is a mix of the following elements:

• Padded compartment for laptop or tablet

• Roomy main compartment for folders and books

• Extra pockets for organizing things like pens and calculators 

• Stylish and comfortable design

Add on a tight budget and now you are tasked with finding a backpack that is inexpensive without being so cheaply made it falls apart after one semester. Luckily, with extensive research we have found a few backpacks that tick all the boxes. Here are our picks.

Under Armour Loudon Backpack

The Under Armour Loudon laptop backpack is easily one of the best “cheap” school backpacks for high school and college students thanks to its large main compartments that can fit a full day of books, notebooks and clothes. Other great features include a soft-lined sleeve that can fit up to a 15” laptop or tablet and water repellent UA Storm technology on the fabric that is to keep your important stuff nice and dry.

Who is this backpack for?

The UA Loudon laptop backpack is great for students on a budget who need a cheap backpack for school that will withstand busy days on campus. And if you are looking for a waterproof school backpack then Under Armour’s water repellent fabric will do just the trick.

Why we recommend it:

• Large main compartment to keep books, binders and notebooks organized

• Padded soft-lined 15” laptop pocket

• Water repellent fabric

• Easy-access pock for pens, calculators and other school supplies.

• Good quality for the price

Adidas Excel Laptop Backpack

The Adidas Excel backpack has proven itself to be a workhorse for long days on campus where dropping off items in lockers or your car isn’t an option. This backpack was made for carrying heavy loads such as books, clothing and tech thanks to its multiple large compartments and thoughtfully placed pockets and organizers.

Who’s this backpack for?

The Adidas Excel backpack is perfect for high school or college students who need a large and comfortable backpack for lugging around heavy books and gear all day. 

Why we recommend it: 

• Large school backpack for books, binders and clothing

• Tons of organizers and pockets

• Laptop pocket

• Suspension system and padded back panel allow for comfortable carry under heavy loads.

Jansport Big Student Backpack

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The Jansport Big Student backpack is easily one of our favorite backpacks for school under $50. It’s affordable but not poorly made. It’s large enough for multiple classes worth of books and notebooks but not too large to be uncomfortable. We also love that this bag comes in dozens of different colors to match your personal style.

Who is this backpack for?

The Jansport Big Student backpack is a good pick for anyone who needs a reliable backpack with multiple compartments for daily organization and carry. Features like the ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps and a fully padded back also gives the Jansport Big Student a big advantage over other similarly priced backpacks when it comes to all-day comfort when fully loaded.

Why we recommend it:

• Tough 600D polyester construction backpack by a Jansport Lifetime Warranty

• Multiple large compartments and pockets makes organization a breeze

• Side water bottle pocket

• Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps for a more comfortable fit

Kroser Laptop Backpack

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At under $40, Kroser does a great job including features usually reserved for more expensive backpacks. We like the Kroser laptop backpack as a cheap school backpack because of its large main compartment for books and front organizer panel for smaller items like pens and accessories. Add in style choices such as a minimalist body, faux-leather zipper pulls and hidden water bottle pockets and you have a versatile backpack that can be used on campus and off.

Who is this backpack for?

The Kroser laptop backpack is for any student who wants to upgrade from your typical Jansport-style student book bag to something more mature. Features such as a separate padded laptop compartment and USB charging port make this backpack perfect for tech-heavy students who carry laptops, phones and tablets on campus. 

Why we recommend it:

• Stylish design and mature faux-leather detailing is great for college

• Includes a USB charging port for phones/gadgets

• Separate padded laptop compartment

JanSport Superbreak Backpack

Featuring a classic silhouette, the JanSport SuperBreak is student favorite thanks to its roomy main compartment and ultralight design. The Superbreak is available in more than 30 different colors so you are sure to the perfect aesthetic backpack. The best part? You can usually find the JanSport Superbreak for under $30. Talk about a steal!

Who is this backpack for?

The Jansport Superbreak is ideal for students who want a simple and lightweight school backpack for lugging around text books and notebooks. When it comes to quality, JanSport does an excellent job offering a cheap backpack for school that doesn’t feel like it’s going to fall apart in one semester making the Superbreak perfect for anyone on a tight budget.

Why we recommend it:

• Classic book bag design that never goes out of style

• Available in dozens of colors, prints and patterns

• Lightweight materials paired with a padded back and shoulder straps means the Superbreak is comfortable even when loaded full.

Under Armour Halftime Backpack

Under Armour offers some great cheap book bags for school that are still great quality. For under $50, the Halftime backpack offers amazing organization with multiple pockets to organize your gear. UA Storm technology also offers the Halftime water repellent protection for extra peace of mind on rainy days. 

Who is this backpack for?

The UA Halftime laptop backpack is perfect for students who want a stylish and reliable backpack to wear any time and any place. Available in a variety of colors you can be sure to pick out one you love. Carefully placed pockets means you’ll have great organization of smaller school items without losing track of where you put things.

Why we recommend it:

• Mid-sized 22 liter main compartment offers lots of packing room without the bag being too bulky.

• Padded soft-lined 15” laptop pocket

• Water repellent fabric

• Small pockets on the outside to keep your school gear organized

Best Under Armour Backpacks for School

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Vaschy Lightweight Backpack

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The Lightweight backpack is the Vaschy’s take on the classic book bag design but with some extra features that makes it ideal for busy students. Unlike similar backpacks, Vaschy includes a side pocket for easy storage of water bottles. The backpack also features a laptop sleeve for easy laptop carry and a roomy main compartment that is large enough to fit large textbooks and binders.

Who is this backpack for?

At 20 liter capacity, the Vaschy Lightweight backpack is great for anyone who wants a smaller backpack that can still fit large textbooks and binders in the main compartment.

Why we recommend it:

• Classic design that never goes out of style

• Includes side pockets for water bottles

• Available in almost a dozen different colors

• Incredibly affordable - You can usually grab a Vaschy Lightweight backpack for around $20.

Matein Laptop Backpack

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The Matein Laptop Backpack is an inexpensive bag that seems to get a lot right. Loaded with its own laptop compartment, phone pockets and a USB charging port, the Matein Laptop Backpack is a great choice for anyone who is serious about safely carrying tech on campus. While a large main compartment and plenty of organizer pockets easily makes the Matein Laptop Backpack one of the best school backpacks under $50.

Who is this backpack for?

The Matein Laptop Backpack is ideal for students who need a versatile backpack for school and travel. A dedicated laptop compartment, USB charging port and numerous small pockets makes the Matein Laptop Backpack perfect for anyone who carry a lot of tech. 

Why we recommend it:

• Roomy: can hold a laptop up to 15.6 inches and includes a spacious main compartment for large books.

• USB charging port allows you to charge your phone while on the move

• Available in multiple different colors

AmazonBasics Campus Backpack

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The AmazonBasics Campus backpack was made just for school carry and it definitely shows. The backpack has everything you could need in a high school or college backpack; multiple large compartments for books, multiple small pockets and organizers, and it even features a special insulated cooler pocket for your lunch. Consider that you can grab your own AmazonBasics Campus backpack for under $35 and it becomes clear why we rank this bag as one of the best affordable school backpacks you can buy today.

Who is this backpack for?

The AmazonBasics Campus backpack is recommend for students who need a reliable backpack for college or high school. Extra features like the insulated cooler pocket and front organizer panel makes the AmazonBasics Campus backpack one of the better options when looking for a cheap backpack for school.

Why we recommend it:

• Made of water resistant 600D polyester

• Large main compartment has tons of storage room for large text books and binders

• Full of campus-ready pockets - Fleece lined sunglasses pocket, side water bottle pockets, padded laptop pocket

• Available in 3 different colors; black, gray and blue

Finding the Best CrossFit Backpack - Top Picks

1. Under Armour Storm Undeniable II Backpack (Buy on Amazon)

2. Apera Locker Pack (Buy on Amazon)

3. OGIO Endurance 9.0 Duffel Backpack (Buy on Amazon)

4. 5.11 Rush 24 Backpack (Buy on Amazon)

5. Under Armour Storm Undeniable Backpack Duffle (Buy on Amazon)

6. Orca Transition Bag (Buy on Amazon)

So you are looking for a crossfit backpack? Many people use large duffels as their go-to crossfit gym bag but we love the versatility and style of a backpack for the gym. Here we review our favorite gym bags that would make great backpacks for crossfit. These backpacks have enough room for your extra clothes, workout shoes and other essentials like shaker bottles. Continue reading for more in-depth reviews of each backpack and where to buy.

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What is the best crossfit backpack?

We chose these backpacks because of their functional features and great quality. Although not always marketed as crossfit backpacks, they have enough features for all of your gear from shaker bottles and jump ropes to shoes and clothes. 

Under Armour Storm Undeniable II Backpack Review

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The Under Armour Storm Undeniable II is a tough backpack that is made to be versatile enough for the gym, school or for casual wear. This backpack is ideal for anyone looking for a midsized crossfit bag to hold their essentials.

The side zip pockets are large enough to hold your shaker bottle when open or to secure smaller gear when zipped up. The front zip pocket is water repellent and perfect for smaller notebooks, phones or electronics. It’s 15” padded laptop compartment and extra large main compartment makes this a perfect crossfit backpack for work to gym days.

• Dimensions: 19 x 11 x 7 inches

• Material: Water resistant Polyester

• Volume: 34.4 L

• Laptop compartment: Yes, fits laptop up to 15”

• 2 side zip pockets for water bottle or valuables

• Water repellent external front pocket

• Padded back panel and shoulder straps

Under Armour Storm Undeniable II backpack. Available in multiple colors.

Apera locker pack Review

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The Apera Locker Pack is a stylish and versatile gym backpack that is packed with features. The backpack is made of sanitized-infused antimicrobial material that is odor resistant. On the front side you’ll find a dedicated shoe pocket. While the back includes a wet/dry pocket for dirty clothes that is accessible through the side. The wet/dry pocket is lined with a machine washable lining so you can keep the backpack clean and fresh no matter how hard your workout routine becomes.

One of our favorite features is the clamshell zipper design that allows you to open the main compartment flat much like a suitcase. The main compartment itself is generous enough for extra clothes, towels and gym gear. The Apera Locker Pack is a must-have for those who need a compact yet versatile backpack for crossfit.

• Dimensions: 22.2 x 11.4 x 7.9 inches

• Weight: 1.9 lbs

• Capacity: 33L

• Sized to fit in most gym lockers

• Tablet and Laptop pockets (up to 15 inches)

• Front shoe pocket

• Rear wet/dry compartment

• Antimicrobial lining and fabric throughout to protect from odor.

5.11 Rush24 Backpack Review

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At a 33 liter capacity, the Rush24 and is a larger and more spacious versions of the 5.11 Rush 12 backpack. We love this backpack because of it’s high quality 1050D nylon construction and water repellent coating. This backpack is as tough as they come and defiantly worth considering when picking a crossfit backpack that will be used and abused daily.

One con about the Rush24 backpack is it’s lack of water bottle compartments. But because of it’s wrap around MOLLE platform, you can attach any MOLLE aftermarket pouch and expand the backpacks capabilities to your liking. This versatility is why we decided to add the 5.11 Rush24 to our list of best crossfit backpacks.

• Main compartment dimensions: 20 x 12.5 x 8 inches

• Material: Water resistant 1050D Nylon

• Volume: 33L

• Laptop compartment: No

• Wrap around Molle/Slick Stick webbing

• Internal hydration pocket

• Adjustable sternum strap

5.11 Rush 24 backpack available in multiple colors.

Orca Transition bag

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The Orca Transition Pack was originally designed for Triathlon athletes who need quick compartmentalized access to their clothes and gear. At 50 liters, the Transition Pack is large enough to carry clothes, multiple pairs of shoes and workout gear. Because it’s designed for Triathlon athletes on the go, the back is made with thick padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back that keeps your back cool and prevents moisture buildup.

You’ll be happy for find multiple wet/dry compartments and an outer pocket that can be used to store shoes or dirty laundry. The Orca Transition Pack is perfect for who need a larger backpack with easy access to their essentials.

• Dimensions: 21 x 17 x 12 inches

• Weight: 2.2 lbs

• Capacity: 50L

• Wet and Dry compartments

• Pouch for personal items

• Ventilated mesh back that keeps your back cool and dry

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VERSATILE Backpack duffel bags

These crossfit bags are the best of both worlds. They include the roominess and features of a gym duffel bag but also convert into backpacks for easy handsfree carry. Here are our two favorite bags that would make great backpacks for crossfit.

Under ArmoUr Storm Undeniable Duffle Review

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The Storm Undeniable is a medium sized gym duffel bag that converts into a backpack in seconds thanks to it’s dual carry single and double shoulder carry system. The bag itself is made of water resistant polyester material and has plenty of room with a carry capacity of 39 Liters. 

We love this bag as a crossfit backpack because of all of the useful compartments for your gym gear. In addition to the spacious main duffel compartment, special compartments include a pocket for your shoes, an exterior pocket for your water bottle or shaker bottle, and smaller compartmental pockets throughout the back for smaller items like jump ropes and snacks. An adjustable sternum strap allows for a proper fit in backpack mode.

• Dimensions: 10 x 22 x 11

• Material: Water resistant polyester

• Volume: 39L

• Laptop compartment: Yes

• Convertible duffel - backpack

• 1 expandable end pocket for shoes or clothes

Under Armour Storm Undeniable Duffel Backpack - Versatile enough to fit all of your Crossfit gear.

OGIO 9.0 Athletic Bag Review

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OGIO’s 9.0 Athletic bag is a high quality gym bag that can be worn both as a backpack or carried like a traditional duffel. We love this bag because of it’s great quality and utility. It’s features are great for any fitness lover and this is why we love it as a crossfit backpack. 

The backpack features two insulated water bottle pockets that keep your drinks cold, this is perfect for your shaker bottles or even snacks. There is a special ventilated compartment for your gym laundry and an additional wet/dry pocket for extra organization. Add these features to the already generous main duffel compartment and multiple smaller organizational pockets your snacks, wrist straps and notebooks and you have a perfect crossfit backpack.

• Dimensions: 13 x 27 x 12.5

• Material: 420D Cross Dobby, 210D Hexa Cross and reflective 3M tech fabric.

• Weight: 3.4 lbs

• Laptop compartment: No

• 2 insulated water bottle pockets

• Ventilated laundry zip pocket.

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