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Adrienne So Medea Giordano
Gear
Whether you’re biking to the office or schlepping a camera to a shoot, a laptop bag is your constant companion. These WIRED-reviewed packs do the job.
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The Best Backpack
Tom Bihn Synik 22
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Most Stylish
Rains Backpack Mini
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Best Budget Bag
Herschel Heritage Backpack
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Best for School
The North Face Jester
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A backpack is the best, most efficient, and most comfortable way to carry your stuff—there's a reason why you don't see people hiking on the Appalachian Trail with a tote. But finding the right one that works for you and your lifestyle isn't easy. Whether you're commuting to an office or school, running to your local coffee shop, or going on a weekend trip, a good backpack will look good and keep your stuff organized. It's easier on your neck and shoulders than an overstuffed purse or briefcase (and miles better than trying to hold everything in your hands).
Whatever your needs, we have a fit and functional backpack for you. We inspect backpacks for a suspended, padded laptop sleeve; durable fabrics and high-quality zippers; and versatile storage options. Don't see anything you like here? Check out our other guides, including the Best Recycled Bags, Best Laptop Totes and Purses, Best Messenger Bags, Best Camera Bags, and the Best Travel Bags.
Updated January 2024: We added the North Face Jester, the Road Runner Slacker Day Pack, the Solo machine washable backpack, the Cariuma laptop backpack, and the Patagonia Ultralight Tote Pack. We also added some accessories.
Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off). This includes unlimited access to WIRED.com, full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.
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Adrienne So is a senior associate reviews editor for WIRED, where she reviews consumer technology. She graduated from the University of Virginia with bachelor’s degrees in English and Spanish, and she previously worked as a freelance writer for Cool Hunting, Paste, Slate, and other publications. She lives in Portland, Oregon.
Medea Giordano turned her shopping problem into a career as a product writer for WIRED. She covers a little bit of everything but loves health, beauty, and pet tech. Prior to WIRED, she was an assistant editor at Wirecutter and an assistant in the newsroom of The New York Times.... Read more
TopicsShoppingbackpackbuying guidesBagsOfficeAccessories and Peripherals
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