The 18 best backpacks of 2025 for travel, work and school tried and tested
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I’ve tried everything, from lightweight backpacks designed for commuting to heavy-duty hikers’ rucksacks, to find the 18 best backpacks. Copy link. twitter. facebook. whatsapp. Whether you’re hiking up a mountain, heading to the shops, or commuting on the train to work, having the best backpack at your side is essential. Formerly only used by schoolchildren, backpacks have become a must-carry for everyone, replacing the briefcase as an essential part of every office worker’s arsenal, but they’re also a serious fashion accessory nowadays.
“Backpacks have undergone a seismic reinvention over the last decade, from functional Karrimors for Duke of Edinburgh Award outings to luxurious pieces of kit,” explains Telegraph men’s style editor, Stephen Doig. “They’re now a key part of a sophisticated, dressy wardrobe, rendered in splashy prints at Louis Vuitton or studded in embroidery at Dolce & Gabbana.”.
Even if you’re not a full-on fashionista, the very best travel backpacks can save you having to trundle around the airport with a suitcase (packing cubes can help to cram more in, by the way). And if you’re heading up into the hills, a good hiking backpack is a lifesaver.
For advice on how to use them, head to the FAQ section at the bottom. You can read my full reviews of this year’s best backpacks below – but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick glance at my top five:. If you’re commuting, you shouldn’t need a bag with a capacity of much more than 15 litres, possibly less. That should fit a book to read on the train, a lunchbox and your wallet. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for the best travel backpack for an overnight trip, you’ll want one well over 20L with harder edges or specialist compartments to keep a change of clothes and easily-accessible pockets for a laptop, tablet and travel documents.
