What is the best rucksack for people who are always on the go? Is there a perfect one out there that fits my needs? The answer to this question is no. A lot of people have misconceptions about what makes a “good” backpack and I am here to clear them up for you. Basically, it comes down to your own personal preference and how you use your backpack. That’s why we have compiled a list of some of our favorite backpacks from some well-known brands. We hope this helps! Happy shopping!
What is the Best Rucksack?
We could say that we traveled the world to find for you the Best Rucksack and it’s partially true – we’ve been on the road since 2011 after all.
More importantly, we have done a very thorough research online and have gone through most of the available knapsacks that you can buy today. We read the comments left by people who bought and used these rucksacks.
We also wrote a brief rucksacks Buying Guide and FAQ sections to address most questions you may have.
Without further ado, here’s the list of top 10 knapsacks based on their pricing, specs and ratings by real users.
1. Matein Unisex Travel Backpack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 28 Liters Weight: 1.5 Pounds (0.7 kg) Size: 18 x 12 x 7.8 Inches (45.7 x 30.5 x 19.8 cm) Material: Polyester Wheels: No Water Resistant: Yes Waterproof: No |
This high-quality backpack has a separate laptop compartment, a large main compartment and a front organizer to ensure that all your accessories fit perfectly. It distributes the weight evenly across both shoulders to ensure a comfortable carry. Comes with side pockets to fit a large water bottle without falling out. The external USB port with a built-in charging cable and the provision of a luggage strap to attach this to your rolling luggage, make this the best budget anti-theft backpack.
Pros
- Our readers get 10% off with coupon code “ETRAMPING” on the manufacturer’s website,
- Padded shoulder straps and a foam-padded top handle ensure comfortable carrying,
- Anti-theft pocket hidden in the back to protect your valuables,
- Luggage strap on the back to attach to your rolling luggage securely for easier transport,
- USB port for charging your phone
Cons
- Minimal padding on the bottom
2. 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Backpack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 37 Liters Weight: 4.2 Pounds (1.9 kg) Size: 20 x 12.5 x 8 Inches (50.8 x 31.8 x 20.3 cm) |
The 5.11 Rush-24 is a highly rated tactical backpack and also one of the best bug out bags available in the market. The Rush-24 is the smaller version of the Rush-72 military-grade pack, and it is significantly popular with civilians. The Rush-24 is a multipurpose pack, but its tactical design makes it great for a survival kit carrying. It features a 1050D nylon construction with YKK zippers and MOLLE webbing. 1050D Nylon is also known as Ballistic Nylon and what is great about this fabric is the heavy weave that gives it a high tear-resistance, a slick texture that is water-resistant and makes the rucksack easy to blend in. For a bug out backpack, it comes with a generous main compartment for emergency supplies with multiple side and front pockets for your other gear. On the downside, the pockets expand internally, which constricts the internal space of the main compartment. However, the 5.11 MOLLE and SlickStick compatible webbing allows you to attach compatible pouches to your pack to give you extra space for your gear. For comfort, the backpack comes with a thickly padded back and contoured shoulder straps, as well as a sternum strap and compression straps to keep the pack compact.
Pros
- Compatible with the tier system for increased capacity,
- Made of water-resistant nylon material,
- Comfortable shoulder straps for heavy carrying,
- Wrap-around molle webbing and bottom lashing points,
- Excellent internal organization compartments, Great weight distribution
Cons
- No bottom padding,
- Weak seams around the pockets,
- Does not include a waist strap
3. Outlander Ultra Lightweight Water Resistant Daypack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 33 Liters Weight: 0.5 Pounds (0.2 kg) Size: 19 x 13 x 8.2 Inches (48.3 x 33 x 20.8 cm) Material: Nylon Water Resistant: No |
The Outlander Ultra Lightweight Water Resistant Daypack features a highly rip and water-resistant nylon fabric that makes it strong and long-lasting. This pack is lightweight at only 0.5 pounds and it can fold into its inner pocket for portability. This daypack features a 30L capacity with multiple compartments to keep all your items organized. It also comes with two side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas and is available in a variety of colors for both men and women.
The Outlander Ultra Lightweight Water Resistant Daypack also stands out as the best option if you are on a budget.
Pros
- The bag can be folded into its own inner pocket,
- It has 2-way Abrasion Resistant SBS Metal Zippers across the bag,
- Features an internal zippered security pocket for valuables
Cons
- The fabric wears out quicklyThe bottom of the daypack is not reinforced in any way,The inner lining of the pack wears out quickly
4. Matein Travel Laptop backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 28 Liters Weight: 1.9 Pounds (0.9 kg) Size: 18 x 12 x 7.8 Inches (45.7 x 30.5 x 19.8 cm) |
Matein small travel backpack for men comes with a built-in USB charger located outside with a cable within that provides an easy way to charge your electronic devices. You can carry it easily with the help of a luggage strap, which allows it to fit onto your luggage or suitcase. Its polyester fabric ensures that the backpack stays water-resistant and the soft multipanel ventilated padding keeps you comfortable. Its hidden anti-theft pocket in the back will keep your valuables safe.
Pros
- Our readers get 10% off with coupon code “ETRAMPING” on the manufacturer’s website,
- Spacious storage,
- Water-resistant,
- Nicely padded straps that provide good comfort,
- Water-resistant,
- Anti-theft pocket,
- Built-in in USB charger
Cons
- Shoulder straps may pull out
5. KROSER Business Backpack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Weight: 1.8 Pounds (0.8 kg) Size: 16.9 x 11.2 x 7.5 Inches (42.9 x 28.4 x 19.1 cm) Material: Nylon Wheels: No Water Resistant: Yes Waterproof: No |
This Kroser backpack is made from quality PU leather/nylon that is water repellent. It has multiple compartments and offers plenty of space for your laptop, tablet, books, and other essentials. The modern unisex design is perfect for business traveling, college students and outdoor activities in daily life. It has padded back panels and straps to provide maximum comfort. It also comes with a luggage strap, which allows the backpack to fit securely on suitcases. Finally, a built-in USB port and side pockets for your water bottle increase this business travel backpack’s convenience.
Pros
- Reinforced edges and steel frame of the main compartment to keep the perfect shape of the bag,
- Unique leather handles,
- Stylish unisex design
6. Shrradoo Travel Backpack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 40 Liters Weight: 1.8 Pounds (0.8 kg) Size: 18.9 x 12.6 x 7.9 Inches (48 x 32 x 20.1 cm) Material: Nylon Wheels: No Water Resistant: Yes Waterproof: No |
The Shrradoo travel laptop backpack is a large anti theft backpack that has lots of storage space and compartments. Its high-density nylon lining keeps the bag tear and water-resistant. There’s a foam-padded top handle and adjustable shoulder straps with a comfortable and breathable sponge mesh design.
It also comes with a separate flat compartment at the back to hold your laptops of up to 15.6 inches. The built-in charging port and the luggage strap feature are just icing on the cake.
Pros
- Large capacity breathable 20 independent pockets to help you organize,
- Comes with an external USB port to charge your electronic devices easily,
- Comfortable and breathable shoulder straps for easy carriage,
- Water and tear-resistant,
- Affordable, Combination lock included
7. Venture Pal Hiking Backpack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 40 Liters Weight: 0.7 Pounds (0.3 kg) Size: 19 x 12 x 6 Inches (48.3 x 30.5 x 15.2 cm) Material: Nylon Wheels: No Water Resistant: Yes Waterproof: No |
This budget backpack for hiking stands out for its convenient wet pocket that helps to separate damp or soiled clothes from your other personal things. The backpack features a 40L capacity, which makes it one of the larger hiking backpacks on this list. It has a generous main compartment with a zippered front pocket and two side pockets. Despite its large size, the pack has an ergonomic design for comfort and easily folds into a pouch for storage. It also boasts heavy-duty zippers that provide long-lasting durability and has a chest clip with a buckle that helps distribute weight evenly.
Pros
- It cleans and dries up pretty fast,
- Available in a variety of colors,
- Generous sponge padding on shoulder straps to relieve stress,
- Double-layer bottom piece for extra strength,
- Beautifully designed fabric for durability
Cons
- Slick material makes it unsuitable for one-shoulder carry
8. Teton Sports Explorer 4000 Backpack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 65 Liters Weight: 5.1 Pounds (2.3 kg) Size: 32 x 18 x 12 Inches (81.3 x 45.7 x 30.5 cm) Material: Ripstop |
This is a pretty large bag, so it is suitable for a long trip thanks to its 65L capacity. It may look a bit awkward when empty, but it does well once you fill it up. The main pocket holds most of the stuff, but the side pockets and the mesh, too, keep quite a bit. The material is pretty water resistant but included is a rainfly that will ensure all your belongings remain dry.Many backpacks have sleeping bag attachments, but the Explorer 4000 has a dedicated pocket for that. Other than the padded shoulder straps, you get waist and hip attachments to make it more comfortable. It is suitable for backpacking for a few days, hiking or trekking.
Pros
- Large capacity so you can carry supplies for up to five days,
- It is expandable to increase space,
- Performs well in rugged trips,
- It has a sturdy internal frame,
- It has a sleeping bag compartment,
- Compression straps for a comfortable fit
Cons
- It isn’t easy to access the side pockets
9. North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack
| Specs |
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| Price: 💲💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 28 Liters Size: 19.8 x 13.3 x 9.8 Inches (50.2 x 33.7 x 24.8 cm) Material: Polyester |
The Women’s Borealis is one of the more popular women-specific backpacks made by North Face. It is similar in some ways to the Jester backpack that we looked at previously, and it is also perfect for college use. For example, they are both 28L capacity, and both are perfect for school and everyday carry. They both feature the FlexVent suspension system that includes padded back and lumber panels for back support and custom molded shoulder straps to fit women. They also both support 15-inch laptops and have an elastic bungee cord system for external storage. However, the Borealis is a premium backpack with higher quality construction with its nylon ripstop fabric and enhanced organization. It comes with a dedicated laptop compartment, which leaves the main section for books and clothes.
The Borealis has a front organization compartment with a padded tablet sleeve and a zipped pocket. It also features a fleece-lined pocket for small items and two expandable water bottle side pouches. The backpack is durable with excellent ergonomics and weight distribution for a daypack.
Pros
- High-quality fabric construction,
- Excellent impact protection for your laptop,
- Ergonomic fit for women, Features a dedicated laptop compartment
Cons
- Small capacity for large books,
- Uncomfortable waist belt
10. Rockland Double Handle Rolling Backpack
| Specs |
|---|
| Price: 💲💲💲💲 (fewer 💲 = cheaper) Capacity: 30 Liters Weight: 5 Pounds (2.3 kg) Size: 20 x 12 x 8 Inches (51 x 31 x 20 cm) Material: Nylon Wheels: Yes Water Resistant: Yes Waterproof: No |
One of the cheapest backpacks with wheels on this list, it’s a decent budget travel backpack with wheels option. Not designed for heavy-duty operations but does a great job of a carry on bag.
Pros
- Small and affordable,
- Carry-on sized and lightweight
- 20 colors to choose from
Verdict
TLDR: Quick summary of our findings as to what can be considered the best rucksack is below:
Overall best rucksack out there: Matein Unisex Travel Backpack
Premium Pick if money is not much of an issue: 5.11 Tactical RUSH24 Military Backpack
Budget Choice – there’s no shame in spending prudently: Outlander Ultra Lightweight Water Resistant Daypack
Our other reviews you may find useful in your research:
What You Should Know Before Buying Rucksacks
What To Look For In A Rucksack
Rucksacks are an essential part of gearing up for your adventures. Ideally, you would want something that carries all the essentials while still being light and comfortable to carry. Here’s a checklist of things to look out for:
Size – How big is the rucksack? It needs to fit all your gear without a lot of extra space. If it’s too big, you’re just carrying empty space.
Comfort – How comfortable will the rucksack feel? The padded shoulder straps and back are a crucial feature for comfort as well as load-bearing ability.
Weight – The lighter, the better – remember that sore shoulders means you aren’t likely to enjoy your adventures as much.
Compartments – Depending on how you like to organize your gear, compartments inside are a key feature of rucksacks. Make sure to get one that has the number and size of compartments suitable for your needs.
Material – Is it tough enough for outdoor use? How waterproof is it? Can it take a bit of rain?
Price – Just remember to get the best value for your money.
Additional features – A lot of rucksacks come with additional pockets and pouches built into them. If you’re looking for one, make sure to look them up.
Rucksack vs internal frame – In recent years, rucksacks have lost favor to a more modern style of backpack called the internal frame. If you are looking for something basic and lightweight, an internal frame would be a good choice but if you need extra carrying capacity, consider getting a rucksack instead.
Waterproof features – If you’re planning on going out in all kinds of weather, look for a waterproof rucksack. These days, most rucksacks come with at least some built-in waterproofing but if your current one doesn’t have it, make sure to get one that does.
How To Choose The Right Color Of A Rucksack
Since they’re meant to be carried outdoors most of the time, rucksacks are typically made from highly-durable plastics and fabrics. Most backpack companies offer rucksackss in the following colors:
Black – If you want something durable but low-key, black is a great color choice. Black stands out less against dirt and mud and will still look good even when worn down.
Grey – Another low-key choice, grey is another great color for durability and will still look good even when worn down. Choose a darker grey for extra durability.
Green – Light green or olive rucksacks are popular among campers and people who backpack in forested areas as they blend in well with nature. If you’re looking for a more colorful rucksack, though, you won’t go wrong with green (or blue) as most color combinations look great when paired with this color.
Blue – The navy blue color is popular among outdoorsy types who like to make fashion statements while camping or hiking. The color itself is pretty low-key so this is a great choice if you want to stand out from the crowd without being too flashy.
Red – For people who really like adventure, red backpacks are a good way to show it. If you’re shopping for one or your backpack has red in its design, consider keeping a red pen in the main compartment to make it pop even more.
Multicolored – If you’re looking for something colorful and unique, you can’t go wrong with backpacks that have multiple colors. This is especially true of kids’ backpacks which come in all kinds of bright colors.
Plaid – Whether you like stripes or not, plaid is another great pattern for rucksacks. This is especially true of kids’ backpacks as the designs are usually very colorful and fun to look at.
Questions and Answers About Rucksacks
What is the best size for a rucksack?
A rucksack can be any size depending on how you want to carry it. For instance, a tiny rucksack, or daypack, is great for carrying a few items (such as clothes and snacks) while on an hourlong hike or bike ride. Larger packs are used for extended camping trips or backpacking adventures where gear will be needed for more than one day. A good rule of thumb when deciding on the size of your pack is to purchase one that will comfortably fit all of your gear for at least the first few trips. Most backpackers only carry what they need and don’t overstuff their packs because it can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if you end up moving quickly or have to maneuver uneven terrain.
The general rule of thumb is: if your pack weighs more than about 20 percent of your body weight, you probably have too much in it.
How do you properly wear a rucksack?
When you wear a rucksack, you should always keep the pack set against your back. To achieve this, the shoulder straps must be adjusted correctly and kept snug against the neck. You should also use both straps equally to distribute the weight of the bag across both shoulders. Tightening the waist belt (or tying down loose straps) is also advised to help keep the pack in place.
How do you pack a rucksack?
Packing your bag correctly is essential to prevent your belongings from becoming jumbled, lost or damaged. First, load up the bottom section of the back with heavy items and then place lighter items in the top half. To keep things organized, it’s also a good idea to assign your items to specific locations throughout the pack. For example, keep food at the top of one section and clothing in another.
How do you care for a rucksack?
Protecting your backpack from sun damage is critical because it will help your bag last longer. To prevent fading, make sure that your pack spends as little time in sunlight as possible. If you have to store your rucksack outside, make sure that it stays shaded from the sun and is placed on a surface that will not allow moisture or dirt on the bag’s material.
When traveling with electronics (such as a laptop) inside your pack, keep them protected by using padded sleeves or a thin pillowcase in case the bag gets tossed around during travel. You should also avoid placing sharp objects against your rucksack because they can permanently damage the fabric of the pack and create holes for moisture to penetrate.
If you plan on using your backpack often, it’s important to routinely clean it. One of the easiest ways to clean your bag is to spray it with all-purpose cleaner and then wipe it down with a damp, soft cloth. You can also clean the inside of your pack by loosening straps or removing them completely to get access to all areas of the bag.
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