The best backpacks don’t just look great — they’re built to last. They hold all your daily essentials and protect your gear no matter where you go. Many of our favorites are made from tough, water-resistant materials that still look new even after months of use. They’re smart on the inside too, with padded laptop sleeves, handy compartments to separate clothes from gear, and linings that keep moisture out while still letting air in.
To find the most durable backpacks, we tested 185 of them in the Travel + Leisure New York City lab and out in the real world. Each bag was scored for durability, comfort, design, value, and functionality. Whether you’re traveling abroad, going on a camping trip, or commuting to work every day, these backpacks are the toughest and most reliable we’ve ever used.
Best Carry-on: Cotopaxi Allpa Travel Pack
Why We Love It:
It’s comfy, roomy, and a great alternative to a suitcase.
Keep in Mind:
It’s a little heavy and could use more inner pockets.
If you prefer backpacks over wheeled luggage, the Cotopaxi Allpa is our top pick. It’s big enough for a five-day trip if you pack smart. The updated design now features tougher materials, breathable shoulder straps, better weight balance, a stretch water bottle pocket, and a strap to slide over your suitcase handle.
We tested the 42L version and, even though it’s large, it’s surprisingly easy to carry. The padded straps, hip belt, and chest strap help distribute the weight comfortably. The water-resistant coating stands up to scratches, and the thick padding keeps your tech safe.
It opens like a suitcase with a full-wrap zipper. Inside, you’ll find a big mesh pocket, a cushioned laptop compartment that can fit two devices, and a few exterior pockets. We do wish it had more interior pockets, but overall, this backpack is great for travel, work trips, or road trips — just not ideal for daily use because of its size.
Specs: 22 x 14 x 11 in | 3.1 lbs | 42L | TPU-coated polyester & ballistic nylon | Water-resistant with rain cover included
Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
Best for Camping: Yeti Panga 28L Backpack
Why We Love It:
It’s fully waterproof and built to handle the outdoors.
Keep in Mind:
No back padding, so it’s not the most comfortable for long wear.
Yeti is known for making gear that can handle anything, and their Panga backpack is no different. With a 28-liter capacity, this bag reminds us of a soft cooler — perfect for bulky camping gear. It’s made of flexible, waterproof material, and the wide opening makes it easy to pack.
It has a super tough, airtight zipper that’s a bit stiff, but that’s part of what makes it waterproof (it even comes with zipper lube). As one of our editors put it: “You could wear this in a monsoon, and your stuff would stay bone dry.” If you’re camping or spending a lot of time outdoors, this pack is an excellent choice.
Specs: 19.7 x 12.5 x 7 in | 4 lbs | 28L | Nylon with TPU lamination | 100% waterproof
YETI Backpack, Panga 28, Black
Also Read: How do I Pack My Backpack Efficiently for Overnight Adventures?
Best for Commuting: Solo Re:Define Backpack
Why We Love It:
It’s compact but surprisingly spacious — perfect for daily use.
Keep in Mind:
It’s water-repellent, not fully waterproof.
Don’t be fooled by the size — this backpack fits way more than you’d expect. We packed a laptop, tablet, shoes, toiletries, a change of clothes, and still had room for a book, wallet, keys, headphones, and more. There are two water bottle holders on the sides, and a cool feature: a battery pack pocket that connects to a USB port on the outside, so you can charge your phone on the go.
It’s made from recycled plastic bottles, which makes it eco-friendly and durable. Plus, the water-repellent fabric helps keep your stuff safe in light rain.
Specs: 16.9 x 2.7 x 12.6 in | 1.43 lbs | 14L | Recycled PET polyester | Water-repellent
Solo New York Re:Define Laptop Backpack, Black, 15.6
Also Read: What are the Best Travel Bags for Mountain Trekking?
Best for Water Activities: Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
Why We Love It:
It floats in water and keeps everything totally dry.
Keep in Mind:
It only has one small inner pocket for organization.
Even if you’re not camping, a waterproof backpack can come in handy. This Earth Pak bag is perfect for kayaking, sailing, or fishing. It holds a solid 35 liters but weighs just 2.5 pounds. It also floats and has a reflective strip so you can spot it easily if it falls into the water.
It comes with backpack straps and a strap system to tie it down to a boat. The roll-top closure and thick PVC material keep water out completely — we even tested it under a full shower, and everything stayed dry. Bonus: it comes with a waterproof phone pouch, which also passed our dunk test.
Specs: 19 x 14 x 9 in | 2.5 lbs | 35L | 500D PVC | Waterproof
Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack
Also Read: What Outdoor Brands Offer the Most Durable Backpacks for Rough Terrain?
How We Tested These Backpacks
We tested 185 backpacks in the lab and out in the real world. First, we adjusted the straps to make sure they fit well and were easy to use. We checked the zippers, pockets, and materials. Then we packed each one with the same list of items to test how much they could hold and how well they were organized.
Next, we closed them up and tossed them off a counter — three times each — to see how they handled impact from different angles. If a backpack had a laptop sleeve, we put in a prop laptop to check if it stayed safe. We looked for damage inside and out.
For waterproof backpacks, we ran them under shower heads to see if water got in. We also tested how well they fit in overhead bins and under airplane seats, and whether the handles and straps made lifting easy.
Finally, our team took them home and used them regularly for six months to see how well they held up in everyday life.
