First of all, let’s clear something up: What was once forcibly double-strapped over our kindergarten shoulders by an annoyingly practical parent, is now deemed cool. In the era of functional fashion, it’s perfectly acceptable (encouraged, even) for a professional adult to arrive at work, backpack in tow. And we are here for it.
But whilst some brands focus too much on redeeming their childhood foe with a trendy street-style version, others seem more than happy to relive a nerdy past with uber-utilitarian iterations, making it almost impossible to find that elusive sweet spot between aesthetic and aptitude.
Saving you the effort (and the distress of making a wrong purchase), we’ve curated a list of the best backpacks for women. From elevated everyday leather iterations to ultra-cushioned commuter companions to impossibly light activewear bags, these unrivaled backpacks are all about making our fast-paced lifestyle hands-free and high-class.
Now, that’s cool!
Cuyana
A fashionably functional leather backpack.
KAAIRebel Mini Backpack
A structured Italian leather mini backpack with a tablet sleeve, for $595.
BellroyClassic
Incredibly well-designed and durable for the price.
Why you can trust Luxe Digital? As on-the-move professionals and devoted mothers ourselves, we’re obsessed here at Luxe Digital with finding luxury accessories that have our back. And arguably, there’s no accessory that does that better than a high-quality backpack. Over the past year, we’ve rigorously tested the top-recommended backpacks over long commutes, frequent international travels, school runs, and spontaneous adventures to unearth the best women’s backpacks for any occasion. Our list of the best backpacks for women is our takeaway.
As on-the-move professionals and devoted mothers ourselves, we’re obsessed here at Luxe Digital with finding luxury accessories that have our back. And arguably, there’s no accessory that does that better than a high-quality backpack. Over the past year, we’ve rigorously tested the top-recommended backpacks over long commutes, frequent international travels, school runs, and spontaneous adventures to unearth the best women’s backpacks for any occasion. Our list of the best backpacks for women is our takeaway.See how we test products and learn more about our HAPPY philosophy (read: Honorable Craftsmanship, Aesthetic Design, Positive Impact—on People and the Planet, Purpose and Function, and Yielding Value) for buying luxuries. You can also read our backpack buying guide to learn more about our methodology to pick the best ones.
13 best backpacks for women
Cuyana: Overall best backpack for women
Renowned for its fewer, better mantra, Cuyana means ‘to love’ in Quechuan—and you don’t have to tell us twice because there’s so much to love about this chic and considered women-led brand.
Designed to make a life in motion effortlessly elegant, Cuyana’s leather backpack has your back in style and functionality. Hand-stitched in a small factory in Italy, the decadent leather silhouette is durable, sustainable, and sartorially timeless.
This is the kind of backpack we feel proud to wear to brunch with the girls and other fashion-forward occasions. But it also packs a punch when it comes to organization. With a laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets, every essential has its place. While adjustable buckled straps tailor the fit for a comfortable carry. The cherry on top? A top handle for grab-and-go flexibility. It’s a tiny detail, but a significant one when you need to hop off the train in a hurry.
Needless to say, Cuyana has fully redeemed our kindergarten foe with this gorgeous women’s leather backpack.
We’ve used Cuyana’s bags ourselves; our hands-on Cuyana Easy Tote review shows how the leather wears.
KAAI Rebel Mini Backpack: Best luxury backpack for women
A backpack, but one you would carry into a client lunch. That is the brief KAAI set itself with the Rebel Mini, and the structured shape holds it up.
The KAAI Rebel Mini Backpack is soft-touch Italian cow leather over a firm frame, so it keeps its lines when it is half empty. Inside, a dedicated sleeve takes a tablet, and zipped pockets inside and out keep keys and cards from wandering. KAAI spreads the weight evenly across both straps, which matters more than it sounds by six in the evening.
It costs $595 in black, cognac, greige taupe or hunter khaki. Plan one small job before you wear it: KAAI asks you to treat the leather with a clear leather care product before first use.
We’ve carried KAAI’s bags day to day; read our hands-on KAAI Pyramid review to see how the brand’s leather holds up.
Bellroy Classic: Best value women’s backpack
Certainly more at home on your daily commutes than window-shopping on the Champs Elysees, this water-resistant Bellroy backpack takes the gold for functionality.
But besides keeping our contents dry during unexpected drizzles (of which there have been many—if you have been to European countries, you know), the compartmentalized interior is also effortlessly organized. From a large laptop sleeve (big enough for a 16” laptop) to smaller pop pockets, everything has its place. And while the lightweight materials and padded back and straps take the weight off our shoulders, the roomy interior is spacious enough for an umbrella or a spare pair of shoes.
The best part? The under $200 price tag. Considering the quality of the backpack and how much use it receives, we think that this Bellroy backpack is a no-brainer.
Bellroy is a brand we’ve tested first-hand; our Bellroy Lite Carry-On review has the details.
Horizn Studios Sofo: Best rolltop backpack for women
We were undecided about whether we even wanted to include a rolltop backpack because the ones that we had tried in the past were all so disappointing. They took ages to roll up and often looked slightly tacky. As a result, we tested this Horizn Studios backpack with—an even more than usual—skeptical mindset.
After taking it on a couple of outdoor weekends away, we knew that it had to be included in our list of best women’s backpacks. As always, we appreciate a luggage sleeve that hooks neatly onto our hand luggage. The interior was surprisingly organized for an outdoor backpack—it even includes a padded laptop sleeve big enough for a 15” laptop.
The roll top closure takes a little longer than a buckle or zip closure, but if you require maximum protection, this water-sealed, cotton canvas backpack is totally impenetrable (yes, even in torrential downpours—we would know.)
There is more on the brand in our Horizn Studios review.
Harber London City Backpack: Best everyday backpack
Most leather backpacks make you choose between looking good and carrying a laptop. The Harber London City Backpack does both without bulging.
It is a slim 13 liters, but the padded laptop compartment takes anything from a 13- to a 16-inch laptop, and a second padded pocket holds a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with its keyboard attached. There is a water bottle pocket inside, a magnetic key chain, and a trolley sleeve for the days the commute ends at the airport. The chest strap closes with a magnet, and the buckles are aviation-grade aluminum.
Harber London handcrafts it in its own workshop in Spain from full-grain cowhide, in black, deep brown or tan. It costs $449. At 13 liters it is a bag for the office rather than a weekend away.
Calpak Kaya: Best laptop backpack for women
No matter what your job title, if you work on a laptop, the Kaya Backpack is about to become your favorite colleague. This organized double-strapper is a powerhouse in the boardroom and on the move.
First up: we adore the cute design—exposed stitching, tasseled zips, and all. However, while it was the faux leather bag’s aesthetic that first caught our attention, it was the multiple compartments that really cemented the love affair. Big enough for a 15” laptop, the laptop sleeve is properly padded, providing ample protection from heavy water bottles and other essentials.
Digital nomad? Kaya has you covered. This designer work bag comes with a luggage trolley sleeve, ideal for unencumbered treks through the airport. Our only complaint is that it’s almost impossible to choose a favorite amongst the diverse range of hues. We solved this dilemma by opting for a neutral version in black and a statement version in orange. And at $138 each, we didn’t even feel guilty about it.
Quince All-Day Neoprene Diaper Backpack: Best diaper backpack for women
As we all know, motherhood isn’t easy. This backpack can’t promise you an extra hour of sleep, but it can make sure you find the bottle on the first try. The Quince All-Day Neoprene Diaper Backpack has two insulated bottle pockets, slip pockets sized for diapers and wipes, and a magnetic side closure you can work with one hand.
Made from water-resistant recycled neoprene (yes, the wetsuit fabric), it arrives with a wipeable changing mat, stroller straps, a water-resistant garment bag and a matching pouch. There is a padded laptop sleeve too, so the same bag goes from the park to a meeting. Quince says it can’t go in the washing machine, so spilled milk gets wiped off rather than washed out.
Troubadour Elemental Backpack: Best waterproof backpack for women
The Elemental is the backpack for a day that starts in the office and ends in the rain on a trail.
The Troubadour Elemental Backpack is made from a ripstop nylon Troubadour developed itself, and its panels are welded rather than stitched, so the seams are waterproof. The laptop sleeve is waterproof too and lifts out, and it takes laptops up to 17 inches in the 25-liter body. Outside, quick-drying jersey pockets shed water, and there is a place for sunglasses, an AirTag and your keys.
The straps take their shape from running vests, spreading the weight across your shoulders, and a chest strap and hip belt clip on when the load gets heavy. It costs $279. It is a technical bag, so it looks more trailhead than boardroom.
We’ve tested the Elemental line ourselves; read our hands-on Troubadour Elemental review to see how it held up.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Best hiking backpack for women
We may not spend every weekend in the mountains, but we do know a thing or two about high-performance gear. And after testing multiple hiking backpacks, this one by Hyperlite stood out as a clear winner. The first thing we noticed was just how comfortable the cell-closed straps are. Even after wearing the bag for a couple of hours, we were happy to keep it on for a couple more.
Another differentiating factor is the lightness of the bag. As one of the best lightweight backpacks for women, the Hyperlite Unbound only weighs 2 lbs (0.9 kg), yet has the uncanny ability to hold up to 40L—without any signs of tension. To top it off, the rolltop silhouette is totally water-resistant and weather-proof, with multiple external pockets for on-the-go accessibility.
Beis: Best expandable travel backpack for women
Choosing the right size backpack usually comes down to choosing between compact or spacious. On one hand, you don’t want a bulky backpack, but on the other hand, you have to fit in everything. However, with this Beis design, you don’t have to choose one or the other, you get the best of both worlds. As one of our best travel backpacks, this Beis backpack is miraculously expandable—perfect for fitting in last-minute airport shopping and extra snacks.
Besides its Mary Poppins-like ability to fit in more, this Beis backpack is also perfectly organized. With a laptop sleeve, water bottle holder and key leash, the compartmentalized interior is scrabble-free. And the external pockets make it easy to retrieve our passports and other travel essentials. Plus, we always appreciate a travel sleeve for carry-on convenience.
Troubadour Apex Travel Backpack: Best carry-on travel backpack for women
If you travel with one bag, you need it to be two sizes. The Troubadour Apex Travel Backpack holds 33 liters most days and expands 9 cm deeper to 42 liters for the trip home, and Troubadour says it stays within most major airlines’ carry-on limits.
The lid folds all the way open, so you pack it flat like a suitcase. A suspended, padded sleeve takes laptops up to 17 inches, the main zip locks, and a luggage sleeve slides it onto your roller. It costs $329 and weighs 1.38 kg empty.
Rimowa Never Still: Best women’s backpack for business trip
Shrug on the RIMOWA Never Still Backpack and instantly feel empowered. Crafted in the epicenter of haute fashion—Italy—this professional backpack has the remarkable ability to make a runway look of even your most tired office outfit.
Featuring a luggage sleeve, adjustable straps, and a padded back panel, the intricately designed backpack is extremely comfortable to carry. And we adore the brand’s bespoke magnetic closure and signature paneled canvas—instantly recognizable by all in the know.
The RIMOWA Never Still is just as impressive on the inside. The durable canvas and full-grain leather silhouette features plenty of pockets and a cushioned laptop sleeve big enough for a 13” device.
Got a bigger laptop? Rimowa has your back with a larger size, big enough for a 15” laptop.
Lululemon Wunderlust: Best overnight backpack for women
To play it safe, we’re categorizing this highly-functional backpack as the best overnight backpack, but if you’re a light(ish) packer, it’ll probably be big enough to be a weekender bag too.
With an ability to carry 25 liters worth of stuff, we were able to fit in a couple of tees, jeans, a sweater, a pair of PJs, and our toiletries. We also appreciated the external pockets, making our water bottle and smaller items (phone, card and keys) easily accessible on the go.
The only thing missing: a chest strap (and perhaps more padding on the straps if you have sensitive shoulders.) However, most of the time, we were happy without one. And besides that, the waterproof Lululemon Wunderlust is an absolute wonder.
Buying guide to women’s backpacks
Different lifestyles demand different backpacks. Some are predominantly eye candy, while others deliver space, organized pockets, and comfort in droves. Here is how to pick the best backpack for you.
Type
Looking for a classic or something a little more fancy? If you plan to use your backpack as your everyday bag, consider a convertible option. Transforming from backpack to tote to shoulder bag to crossbody, a convertible backpack is fantastic for fitting into multiple occasions.
If you’re buying a backpack with travel in mind, think about how you intend to use it. An expandable backpack is popular for travel as it allows you to fit in those last-minute purchases. And a packable backpack is fantastic if you’d rather not double strap at the airport but require a backpack at your destination.
Dress code
With the rise of functional fashion, backpacks are being adopted now more than ever. Used daily for work, gym or brunch with the girls, it’s important that your backpack fits the specified dress code. If you intend to take it to the office, make sure it’s professional enough. And if you intend to replace your everyday tote with a backpack, we suggest you opt for a more elevated, leather rendition.
Function
We need to remember that backpacks are functional by nature, and there’s no point purchasing one that isn’t (no matter how cute the color is.) Again, think of how you intend to use it and what features are preferable. If you’re using it for work, it has to have a padded laptop sleeve large enough to fit your laptop. If you’re using it to run everyday errands, it should be lightweight and ultra-organized. If you’re using it for travel, a luggage sleeve is a big bonus. And if you’re planning an outdoor adventure or beach trip, make sure it’s weather-proof.
Size
When choosing a backpack size, it’s all about compromise. Would you rather have a featherlight, compact backpack that just fits the essentials but is easy to carry around? Or would you rather prioritize extra space, even if it means that the backpack is a little more bulky? Of course, there are many options in between too.
Material
Materials and fabrics have a huge impact on the performance, quality and style of your backpack. While materials such as nylon, polyester and neoprene are usually lightweight, durable and water-resistant, they aren’t always as stylish. On the other hand, leather is timelessly elegant, but is usually not suitable for outdoor activities such as hikes, beach days and gym.
Things we specifically looked for:
While we appreciate the many different types of backpacks and how they are best suited for different occasions, there are some aspects that are non-negotiable when it comes to distinguishing high-quality backpacks from cheap knock-offs. Here is what we looked for when choosing the best backpacks for women.
- Organization: The best women’s backpacks are compartmentalized with plenty of pockets and sleeves for all the essentials.
- Comfort: The best backpacks for women are comfortable to carry. We looked for straps that are padded and adjustable, back panels that are cushioned and breathable and materials that are light.
- Durability: The best women’s backpacks are able to carry a heavy load daily and to do this they need to be well designed and expertly crafted from the highest quality materials.
Frequently asked questions about the best backpacks for women
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