Quick Answer: These are the Best EDC Backpacks of 2022
- #1 – Overall Best EDC Backpack: Aer Travel Pack 2 Small
- #2 – Best EDC Laptop Pack: Tortuga Laptop Backpack
- #3 – Best EDC Pack Runner Up – Nomatic Travel Bag 30L
- #4 – Best EDC Sling Bag: Aer Day Sling 2
- #5 – Best EDC Camera Bag: Wandrd PRVKE Series Camera Bag
- #6 – Best EDC Backpack for Travel: Aer Travel Pack 3
- #7 – Best EDC Duffel for the Gym: Kodiak 25l Duffel
- #8 – Best Leather EDC Backpack –Lakeland Fenton Leather Rucksack
- #9 – Best EDC Day Hiking Pack: Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
- #10 – Best EDC Pack for Organized Travel: Tropicfeel Shell
- #11 – Best EDC Pack for Hipsters: The Roll Top Stubble & Co
Best EDC (Every Day Carry) Backpacks
Researching all the backpacks available on the market can become tedious. That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you and compiled our picks for the top everyday carry backpacks. From gym duffels to travel bags, we’ve got something for everyone on this list! And, if you look after your backpack properly, these guys will last you a good few years.
#1 – Overall Best EDC Backpack: Aer Travel Pack 2 Small
Compact, but spacious enough to fit a ton of gear, the Aer Travel Pack is the Goldilocks equivalent of everyday carry backpacks; not too big, not too small, just right. A little over 3 pounds, it’s still relatively lightweight, but also more durable than ultralight packs.
Inside there’s a padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop, as well as a shoe compartment that can fit up to men’s size 12. Both the main and front zippers are lockable for added protection while travelling.
On top, there’s a quick access pocket for small essential items and within the front compartment, there are additional organization pockets. These keep your pens, sunglasses, electronics, and other gear neat and easy to reach. There’s also a key chain so your keys never get lost at the bottom.
The Aer Travel Pack is small enough to be a carry-on item while flying, and the back panel of the pack acts as a pass-through for luggage handles. If you want more support, you can purchase a hip belt which comes separately.
Although the Aer Travel Pack may be on the expensive end, the combination of 1680D nylon, Duraflex plastic, and YKK zippers are built to last, while also making the pack comfortable and sturdy while carrying.
Is this the best EDC bag ever? Our team think so! They had a lot of love for this bag, but some of the stand-out features for them were the locking zips on the main section as well as the laptop pocket. They also loved the clamshell opening style of the large compartment which meant they could fit packing cubes inside and access their gear easily.
Be sure to check out our detailed Travel Pack 2 review here.
#2 – Best EDC Backpack Runner Up: Nomatic Travel Bag 30L
The Broke Backpacker team have been big fans of Nomatic gear for years. In fact from a style, functionality, and price point of view, nobody quite does it like Nomatic.
The 30 litre Nomatic Travel Bag is great for people who don’t want to own multiple backpacks; this bag can be your everyday bag AND your travel day pack all in one.
Especially if you find yourself carrying around a laptop, some clothing layers, chargers, a camera, etc – you’ll find 30 litres to be a pretty damn good size.
There will be times when you don’t end up filling up the bag to capacity each time you go out, but I prefer to have a bit more space on occasion than not enough. Do note that a 30-litre backpack is on the larger side of your typical daily grind everyday carry backpack.
Our team really loved the organisational features on this backpack, it was especially useful for digital nomads carrying around heaps of different cables, hard drives, laptops, tablets and other shiz! The different carrying configurations were also ideal for our team when they were getting on and off public transport.
Unfortunately, at this time Nomatic can’t ship to Europe, so if you are outside of the USA, go with the Aer Travel Pack 2 small instead.
#3 – Best EDC Sling Bag: Aer Day Sling 2
If you don’t need an entire backpack but still want a convenient bag for storing your phone, camera, passport, or other small essential items, then a sling bag is a perfect choice. The Aer Day Sling is also a more budget-friendly EDC pack option.
There are three pockets: a front pouch, one main compartment, and a hidden back pocket great for keeping your passport or cash safe. The main pocket can fit a 7.9-inch tablet and it has multiple organizational pouches for storing sunglasses, pens, or other small items.
The one aspect of the Aer Day Sling that could use improvement is the shoulder strap. Although it’s adjustable, there’s not much padding, which can make it a bit uncomfortable after wearing it for a long time.
Like the Aer Travel Pack, the Day Sling is made out of 1680D nylon, Duraflex plastic, and has YKK zippers on all the pockets. It’s also a good lightweight EDC pack, weighing less than a pound when empty.
Our team rated this as their favourite small EDC backpack. They loved how compact it was for all their essential items like their passport, wallet, phone, compact camera and battery pack. They felt it also offered an awesome level of organisational features for such a small pack.
PSSTTT – If you want something light, but still bigger than a sling then you might be interested in these Packable Backpacks.
#4 – Best EDC Camera Bag: Wandrd PRVKE Series Camera Bag
There’s nothing worse than having your camera gear damaged as a result of inadequate protection in your backpack or bag. The PRVKE takes all your photography needs and concerns into account and delivers an excellent everyday carry backpack.
Two sizes are available. One is 21 litres, which can be expanded to 26 litres by extending the roll top, the other is a larger 31 litres, which is expandable to 36.
Both are made of waterproof tarpaulin and YKK weather-resistant zippers. So although the specialist camera backpack wouldn’t survive being submerged, it will still hold up to heavy rain or some splashing. The water-resistant exterior is pretty tough too making this a super durable EDC backpack.
Inside are removable camera cubes so you can use the PRVKE as a normal pack on days you don’t need to bring your equipment. There’s also a dedicated laptop compartment, a tech pocket, a hidden pocket in the back, and a water bottle pocket for storing other essentials.
It’s a super functional backpack for photographers, providing a side opening directly to the camera cube for easy access to your gear on the move. You can also buy extra external carry straps to attach things like a tripod and there’s a water bottle pocket on the other side.
You can either carry the PRVKE as a backpack or a tote bag thanks to the handles on top. It also comes with a removable waist strap which helps for carrying heavier loads.
The photographers on the team were blown away by this bag and the side opening feature was a game changer. They loved that it made accessing their camera super easy and fast yet they could also keep other items separate in the upper roll top section. They also loved the material which felt durable and great at keeping the weather out.
Read the full review here.
#5 – Best EDC Laptop Pack: Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack
Although many of the best EDC packs have a spot to store a laptop, the Tortuga Outbreaker goes the extra mile and provides a bombproof laptop compartment.
Not only is this everyday backpack super comfortable, but also very stylish and well-designed to keep your laptop safe while on the go. It’s a top pack for digital nomads who need to carry a fair bit of gear.
It’s a cracking laptop backpack with extras. The outer material is VX21 waterproof sailcloth and the laptop compartment is protected with ariaprene foam. Each pocket has YKK lockable zippers to add further protection, especially while travelling.
With a 27 litre capacity, and the ability to open all the way like a suitcase, the Outbreaker can easily fit extra clothing, textbooks, your lunch, or even a pair of shoes. It’s still small enough to fit as a carry-on bag underneath an aeroplane seat, making it a great option for travellers.
Inside are mesh pockets for keeping your chargers and other essential items organised and easy to reach. In addition to the padded shoulder straps, there’s a removable sternum strap, plus top and side handles so you can carry the pack like a briefcase or tote bag.
With the padded laptop sleeve and water-resistant exterior, this is a great everyday carry backpack for that needed protection for their tech and a decent amount of room for accessories. However, some might feel it’s a little bulky for an everyday backpack for work.
Our team felt this was the best EDC laptop backpack on the market, especially for those on our team who just love keeping their gear organised. They loved the different pockets, mesh separators and zippered compartments that meant everything a digital nomad has to carry on the daily can be kept organised and accessible.
Read the full-length Tortuga Outbreaker review here.
#6 – Best Leather EDC Backpack – Lakeland Fenton Leather Rucksack
Yum, look at that lovely leather goodness! I really love a good leather backpack. The classic look leather rucksack Lakeland leather mixes high-quality waxy leather with a stylish, and even slightly retro design aesthetic. It’s a cool and fashionable backpack made for urban living whether you are headed to the gym, the coffee shop or commuting for the daily grind.
Great for going to work, The Fenton Backpack can comfortably accommodate an A4 pad and a 13″ laptop inside its dedicated laptop compartment.
The style-conscious on our team really loved the look of this bag. They felt it offered a good amount of storage for those wanting to carry enough for the day without being too bulky. They also loved the classic leather material and felt it was durable, weather resistance and would wear in nicely over the years.
#7 – Best EDC Backpack for Travel: Aer Travel Pack 2
For longer trips, you’ll want something that’s large enough to hold all your gear and belongings. The Aer Travel Pack 2 is a larger version of our number one pick for the best EDC backpack, but it’s still small enough to work as a carry-on item.
It might be a bit bulky as a commuter everyday carry backpack, but it’s great for one bag travel. It’s versatile enough to use as a carry on for a weekend break and double as an everyday backpack for exploring during the day. (Disclaimer: It’s not going to be compliant with the strict Ryanair carry-on policy, unfortunately!)
The lay-flat clamshell design of the main compartment makes it super simple to pack and keep everything organised. There’s also an easy access pocket that can fit a 15.6-inch laptop, and a shoe compartment large enough for a men’s size 13. The compression straps also keep everything tight and compact.
Thanks to the ergonomic and padded shoulder straps, your back won’t get sore even after you’ve been out walking around all day. It’s also possible to carry the Aer Travel Pack as a tote or bag thanks to the padded top and side handles.
Although the Aer Travel Pack isn’t totally waterproof, it is highly weather-resistant thanks to the 160D Cordura nylon exterior and smooth YKK zippers. Both the main and front pockets have lockable zippers for added security.
Like the smaller version of the travel pack the team felt the larger bag offered all the features they loved but in a package perfect for longer trips. They felt the bag had an air of real hard-wearing quality with fat zips and thick material. Again, the lockable laptop compartment was a feature that gave them a real sense of confidence when out and about.
#8 – Best EDC Backpack for the Gym: Aer Fit Pack 2
Ever wish your gym bag could carry more than a pair of shoes and your towel? Well, the Aer Fit Pack is the solution to your needs! This stylish bag is the perfect everyday backpack to carry your training gear but also has all the features needed to make it functional in other everyday uses.
Say goodbye to the single pocket standard gym bag you’ve been using. The Aer Fit Pack has numerous pockets, including the front-loading main pocket, a ventilated compartment for shoes up to men’s size 13, a small top pocket for valuables, and a padded laptop pocket.
With space for all your belongings, you can hit the gym then head straight to work or class without needing to swap bags or pick up any of your other possessions.
Like other Aer products, the Fit Pack is well-made and durable with a weather-resistant nylon exterior, YKK zippers, and Duraflex plastic for structure and stability.
As you can tell, Aer is popular among our team. They loved this bag due to its compact size which also managed to pack in a whole heap of features. The separate shoe section and front area where clothing can be kept are perfect for keeping things separate like sweaty gym gear.
#9 – Best EDC Duffel for the Gym: Kodiak 25l Duffel
Not only does this duffel work well for the gym, but it can also function as a travel bag or extra-large briefcase, thanks to the large carrying capacity and multiple compartments.
The Kodiak Duffel 25L has many of the same features as the Fit Pack 2 but it is simply far more elegant, stylish and yes, manly! Inside the main compartment, you can easily fit a basketball, water bottles, and other gear, plus there’s a separate ventilated pocket for shoes to help with organisation and minimize odour.
Unlike your typical gym bag, the Kodiak Duffel can also be used for work or school, thanks to the padded laptop compartment and other gear pockets for storing additional electronics, books, and travel items.
Due to its sleekness, the duffel also won’t look out of place if you bring it with you to the office or into a coffee shop.
The team loved this duffel and felt it offered a great alternative to traditional backpacks, especially for those wanting something a little more professional looking. The stylish exterior felt both sturdy, durable and hard-wearing whilst looking sleek and sophisticated at the same time.
#10 – Best Budget EDC Pack: REI Co-op Ruckpack 28
Osprey has made a name for themselves with their high-quality camping and travel gear, and the Ruckpack meets these same expectations. Not only is it functional and durable, but the Ruckpack is also made from recycled ripstop nylon if you’re interested in purchasing more sustainable products.
There’s a laptop sleeve that can also hold a hydration pack. It features both side and top main compartments, compression straps, and a small zippered top pocket for valuables. The zippered compartments are also lockable for secure travelling.
There’s a sternum strap and a very small hip belt, which is, unfortunately, lacking in padding. Other than that, the Ruckpack measures up to being a great EDC backpack without such a high price tag attached.
The team were pretty impressed by this pack for the price. They felt the volume was a good compromise between carrying enough gear without encouraging over-packing. Other features they loved were the locking zippers and laptop sleeve that can double as a hydration reservoir for great versatility.
#11 – Best EDC Day Hiking Pack: Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
This lightweight backpack does the trick for single day hiking adventures. It’s on the smaller end of EDC backpacks but is still big enough to bring the essentials without becoming too heavy while out on the trail. The compression straps also keep things as compact as possible.
Although it’s too small to fit most laptops, there’s a compartment that can fit a tablet or other similarly-sized device. You can also purchase a hydration reservoir to fit in the back pocket, or there are two side mesh pockets that are convenient for carrying water bottles.
The shoulder straps have enough padding to be comfortable for a long hike, although the hip belt is only simple webbing material. It’s also the perfect size as a personal item on an aeroplane and will fit stowed underneath your seat, but be aware that it doesn’t have lockable zippers.
It’s a bit too small for multi-day travels, but for a budget-friendly and lightweight EDC backpack for day hikes, the Daylite pack fits the bill.
The hikers on the team loved the comfort levels of this pack for wearing for long periods of time. Other features they were taken by were the front stash pocket for things like waterproof jackets. They also loved how well made the pack felt too.
Wanna know more? Check out our more detailed review for the lowdown.
#12 – Best EDC Pack for University Students: Tortuga Laptop Backpack
Both functional and stylish, the Tortuga laptop bag is the perfect backpack for your university studies, work, or travel. There’s a bombproof laptop compartment, plus another compartment for storing a tablet, both of which have padded foam for protection.
There’s plenty of space for all your textbooks, lunch or snacks while on the go, or other electronic equipment. Unfortunately, the Setout doesn’t have a hip belt, but there is a removable sternum strap to help balance the weight.
If you’re using the pack for travel, there’s a suitcase pass-through handle and the zippers on the main compartments are lockable. The clamshell design of the main compartment makes it easy to organize and use for packing clothing for an overnight or longer trip.
Although the pack isn’t waterproof, it is highly water-resistant thanks to the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on the outside. The padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, and there are also side and top handles to carry the Setout like a tote bag.
The team felt this pack was a solid backpack for those carrying laptops, notepads and other square items that would otherwise be awkward in rounder packs. The lockable zips again were a winner for keeping that expensive laptop safe while on the move.
#13 – Best EDC Pack For Commuters: Gulu Made Inspire Backpack
Gulu Made are a socially conscious ethical start-up based in Uganda whose credentials are amazing. The team who work at Gulu Made all trained to sew in the aftermath of Joseph Kony’s horrible civil war. They now leverage their skill to make beautiful bags and to build a future for themselves and their families.
The pack itself has certainly impressed me. It zips down into 3 main storage compartments so you can organise your files, gym kit and lunch as you see fit and there is a dedicated laptop sleeve. There is no front pocket, but the pack does have 2 water bottle slide-in pockets at the sides. Best of all, the bag is lined with beautiful colourful traditional African fabric.
This pack is great for commuters, day trips and is roomy enough for short stay vacations. It could also be used for easy day hikes but does not have a hip/waist support belt so is perhaps less suitable for strenuous mountain treks.
Gulu Made are going to be a huge player in the vegan/ethical backpack space for years to come.
The team felt for a backpack this bag looked professional enough for taking into the office or on business trips, especially for those wanting to avoid briefcases. They felt the pack had a simple and lowkey vibe whilst also packing in a heap of organisational features across the 3 main pockets.
Looking for a commuter pack that’s a bit more professional, then check out one of the business backpacks on offer instead.
#14 Best Organized EDC Backpack – Tropicfeel Shell
The Shell by Tropicfeel is a little to medium backpack with a big concept. Firstly, it is a 3 in 1 extendable backpack that begins life as a 22-litre pack, rolls up to 30 litres and then with the addition of a detachable pouch goes all the way to 40 litres.
As well as being a 3-in-1 backpack (which you can easily adapt to use as a day pack, overnight pack and carry-on pack), the Shell also has another awesome feature – a little, mini drop in pull out travel roll up wardrobe!
It’s a great bag for those who like to travel neat and also for business people who kind of need to stay presentable and organised. It’s made from fully sustainable materials making the Shell an all-round hit with us at The Broke Backpacker.
The team love the innovation packed into these backpacks and easily it made organising all their gear. The built-in wardrobe system in practice worked perfectly for any length of trip. The expandable capacity of the backpack also adds to its versatility, another plus point for our team.
#15 Best Hipster EDC Backpack – Stubble & Co The Roll Top
If you’re looking for something that is both stylish, functional and also super robust, the Roll Top is the perfect choice for an everyday carry bag. The internal main compartment offers a massive amount of space with a selection of pockets and organisers to keep smaller items easy to access.
On the outside, the thick tarp-style material is durable enough for everyday use and will keep the weather out with ease. There’s also a super practical front pocket for easy access to things like travel cards or journals.
If you’re carting around a laptop on the daily then the dedicated laptop compartment on the back panel of the bag is ideal. It means you can keep your most expensive bit of kit away from all your other gear and also keeps it much safer whilst on the move.
On top of that, if you’re a style-conscious kinda person then the hipster style of this roll top will suit you for your EDC. What we love here is that the look of this bag fits in wherever you want to take it, from the cafes of Canguu to the daily commute or bumming around Thailand, it works!
Want more options? Check out our rundown of the best Stubble & Co. bags.
Best of the Rest
If you haven’t quite found the right EDC backpack on this list, don’t give up yet! Here are a few more options for EDC packs that might have the exact feature or specifications you’re looking for in the perfect all-around pack.
Tortuga Weekender Backpack 30L
This 30-litre bag is on the larger end for EDC backpacks, making it perfect as a weekend pack while travelling or a large school bag if you’ve got heaps of gear. There’s also a dedicated laptop sleeve, and it’s big enough to fit pretty much any laptop. There is a padded front pouch that can fit up to an 8-inch tablet, plus compartments for chargers and other small electronic devices.
Since it fits easily in the overhead compartments of aeroplanes, it’s a good ‘carry-on’ bag for travel. The YKK zippers on the main compartment are also lockable for added security.
To free up extra space inside the pack, you can put your water bottle in one of the mesh pockets on the side. It’s a good idea to use the webbing loops to secure the bottle as well since sometimes bottles can slip out if you bend over.
Some members of our team prefer to keep things as light and as small as possible, for them this bag was a bit large. However, those that have a lot of gear were still suitably impressed by the organisational features packed inside this bag and just the sheer amount of stuff they could comfortably carry.
Wandrd Duo Daypack
Another great EDC pack for photographers, the Duo Daypack is a bit smaller than our top pick for a camera backpack, but it still fits a decent amount of gear.
The pop-up camera cube provides a secure spot for your camera, but it can easily be flattened if you aren’t bringing your photography gear along.
The padded laptop sleeve and padded electronic compartments keep all your devices safe while on the go. Thanks to the waterproof tarpaulin material and weather-resistant YKK zippers, the Duo Daypack will also hold up against rain showers or accidental spills.
To access your gear, the Duo has cool side-entry zippers on both sides of the main compartment. There’s also a hidden pocket in the back for keeping a passport or spare cash safe and out of sight.
The team were split when it came to the unique opening style of this bag. Those wanting to keep things simple felt it was a little unnecessary, but for the photographers on the team, they felt it was revolutionary! For them, it was like having a studio on their back where they could keep all their gear accessible and organised.
Aer Go Pack
One of Aer’s more budget-friendly EDC backpacks, the Go Pack doesn’t have all the features of the Travel Pack, but it’s also more lightweight and easily rolls up for convenient storage. There’s still a padded compartment for a laptop up to 13 inches and a quick access pocket on top.
The 300D Cordura ripstop fabric is durable, but not weather-resistant, so you’ll want to be careful if you’re caught out in a rainstorm. It also lacks lockable zippers like other Aer packs, which some travellers prefer for security.
The minimalist yet sleek design means that the Go Pack will suit a variety of settings, whether you’re on an aeroplane or catching up with friends at a cafe. It would be nice to have at least one or two gear loops on the outside, however, especially since some water bottles can slip out of the side pockets if you bend over.
For the team members looking for a pack that covers all their basic needs without being bulky or unwieldy, this bag hit the spot. For such a compact backpack the addition of a laptop sleeve, internal zippered section and front pocket was impressive. The ability to roll it down or throw it inside a bigger bag was a massive plus point too.
Osprey Talon 22 Pack
For outdoor enthusiasts, the Osprey Talon is a great EDC backpack that offers both support and organisation. Out of all the packs on this list, the Talon probably has the best hip belt with excellent padding and pockets on each side, although it’s not removable.
Designed for hiking, biking, climbing, and other outdoor sports, the Talon 22 has a helmet attachment, loops for ice tools, and trekking pole attachment points.
You can also purchase a separate hydration reservoir to fit in the back sleeve for convenient water access while on the trail. However, there’s not a designated laptop pocket, although some laptops will still fit inside the main pocket.
If you have an outdoorsy lifestyle and need an EDC backpack for your adventures, then the Osprey Talon is a good fit. This pack is a classic for hiking and our team has been big fans for years. They feel it’s a great size for day hikes without ending up too heavy. The shoulder straps and hip belt also make it one of the comfiest on our list too.
Fjallraven Raven 20L Pack
This casual backpack is good for all-around use whether you’re attending university, commuting, or travelling. The Heavy Duty Eco fabric is strong and durable, but not water-resistant, so be careful if you’re caught in a shower.
Within the main compartment, there’s a padded laptop pocket for a 15-inch model as well as a zippered security pocket for valuables. In the front pouch, there are additional mesh pockets for organization.
The padded shoulder straps offer good comfort, although the back has less ventilation than some of the other EDC packs we’ve listed. There is a top haul handle, but the pack lacks a sternum strap or hip belt.
Since it’s a bit cheaper, the Raven 20L is a great budget EDC backpack. However, if you plan on carrying heavy loads, or go hiking with your backpack, you’ll probably want something with better support and ventilation.
If you’re looking for a small EDC pack then our team rate this Fjallraven highly. When it comes to style, this bag might just be the winner! But there’s more to love than that, they also feel it offers great durability and will put up with daily abuse easily.
How to Choose the Best EDC Pack
As you can see from our list, there’s a fair amount of variety in great EDC packs depending on how you plan to use it. Below, we’ll go into more detail about how to decide which EDC pack is the best fit for your needs.
Features
From minimalist daypacks to luxury travel bags, there’s a wide variety in how many features an every day carry pack has.
Laptop sleeves, lockable zippers, water bottle pockets, and secret pouches for passport and cash are all examples of common EDC pack features.
Other things, like gear loops, spots for a hydration reservoir, and camera compartments are more specialized features designed specifically for hiking and photography.
Although having an EDC back with tons of features can be nice, usually these bags are bigger and more expensive. If all you really need is a simple, lightweight day bag, then don’t worry so much about finding a bag with all the bells and whistles.
Weight
Determining what the “right” weight for an EDC pack is can be a bit tricky and is a matter of finding a balance of size, material, and comfort.
Most EDC packs are on the lighter end since they’re intended as something to carry around on a daily basis. Larger and heavier packs are usually designed for a specific purpose, like carrying delicate camera equipment or as carry-on luggage while travelling.
If you’re planning on using this pack for hiking or travelling and will be wearing it for the majority of the day, you don’t want something that’s going to be too heavy. Go with the minimum of what you need, and keep an eye out for good hip belts and padded shoulder straps.
If you’re planning on using your EDC pack more for going to the gym or commuting, then counting the ounces isn’t as much of an issue. You can focus more on whether the pack will fit all your possessions, knowing that the time spent carrying it will be more limited.
Size
Between your pockets not being big enough and a suitcase being way too large, there’s a lot of variation in how big or small an EDC pack can be. For some people, something like the Aer Day Sling is enough, while a photographer will want something larger for all their equipment.
Sure, with a bigger pack you’ll have room for your laptop, a change of clothes, lunch, or even a spare pair of shoes, but not everyone needs all that space.
When picking an EDC pack, it can be helpful to make a list of all the things you want it to hold (laptop, water bottle, camera, phone, books, etc.).
Be mindful of size so you don’t end up with something that’s too bulky or cumbersome. Remember, this is a day pack; longer trips are where a suitcase or camping backpack comes in handy.
Best Use
A bike commuter and a travel photographer most likely won’t pick the same type of EDC pack. One person’s “everyday” use can look very different from another’s, so you’ll want to think about what style or specific features would serve you best.
If you know for sure you’ll be carrying a laptop on a regular basis, then having a padded laptop compartment is important. Frequent fliers are going to want a bag that fits with airline carry-on specifications, and often prefer features like lockable zippers or luggage pass-through on the back.
The good news is that most of the best EDC packs can function in a variety of settings. For example, the Aer Gym Duffel also has a compartment for a laptop or the Wandrd PRVKE bag has a removable camera cube for when you don’t have your photo gear along.
When selecting an EDC pack, think about both your primary and secondary intended use. For example, if you want the bag mostly for a daily commute to work, but like the idea of going hiking on the weekends, then something lightweight with padded straps, a water bottle holder, and good back ventilation is ideal.
Aesthetics
What sort of “cool” factor points does your backpack or bag have? Will it look alright to bring to a meeting at work? Do you want a bag that’s eye-catching, or something simpler and more minimalistic?
Some people care a lot about how a backpack looks, while for others functionality is the only thing that matters. Again, thinking about how you will most often be using the bag can help determine whether you should go for a certain look or not.
If you want to bring your EDC pack to more formal settings, like an office workspace or a travel business meeting, then something with a more sleek appearance is desirable. If you plan on using your EDC exclusively for biking and hikes in the woods, then you probably don’t need to worry so much about how classy the pack looks.
Weather
Thinking about where you plan on using your pack is just as important as what you need it for. Do you live somewhere with cold winters? Somewhere with lots of rain like Portland or London? Are you travelling somewhere hot and humid like Singapore or the Caribbean?
Taking the weather into account can help you decide how durable and weatherproof a bag you’ll need.
Even really good EDC packs usually aren’t waterproof to the point of being submersible, but some come close thanks to waterproof material and weather-resistant zippers.
Usually, the more weather resistant the bag is, the more it’s going to cost. However, if you’re carrying around an expensive laptop, camera equipment, or other valuables, buying a more watertight bag can actually save you money (and peace of mind) in the long run.
How and Where We Tested To Find The Best EDC Backpacks
When it came to testing out these packs we got a hold of each one of them and put them through their paces with a series of different tests. We gave each one to different members of the team in various locations around the world and let them loose with them!
Packability
A backpack is designed to carry stuff and as such, top points are awarded for how packable one is. That is especially so when it comes to the best EDC backpacks, whatever you decide to put inside them. A decent pack will maximise space and facilitate effective packing.
So we got all technicals and packed and unpacked each bag to test this out! We looked at not only how well each bag packed in our gear, but how easy that gear was to retrieve too.
Weight and Comfort of Carrying
When it comes to the best EDC bags, comfort is an important factor. As the name suggests, you’re going to be wearing these packs often, so you want them to minimise weight and maximise carry comfort. No one wants to be carrying around an awkward pack that digs into the shoulders, so we prioritised bags that were comfortable even when fully packed out.
Functionality
In order to test out how well a pack fulfilled its primary purpose we used it for this purpose. When it comes to EDC bags, each one is different and serves a different purpose. So for each one, we were sure to bear that in mind. Camera backpacks, we chucked our cameras inside and accessed how well they worked for us photographers for example. You get the idea right?
Aesthetics
Some people say that travel gear doesn’t need to look good as long as it functions. Well, those people probably listen to Nickelback! For us, the best EDC bag looks just as sexy as we do! I mean, you’re carrying that mofo around all day, every day, so we want to look good whilst doing it!
As such we also awarded points for how good a backpack looked as well as how practical it was.
Durability and Weatherproofing
A bag that you carry around every day usually has some pretty important gear inside, so for us, the best EDC packs keep the weather out and our precious stuff safe. To test this out we poured a litre of water over each one and accessed the insides of the pack.
Another important factor is durability. Using a backpack every day puts a lot of strain on the bag and they need to be reliant to stand up to such abuse. So we tested this out by being sure to give each pack a good run of consistent use and then assessed things like the material used, quality of the seam sewing, traction of the zippers and pressure points that break often.
FAQ about the Best EDC Backpacks
Still have some questions about the best EDC backpack? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:
Final Thoughts on the Best Everyday Carry Backpacks (EDC) Backpacks
There you have it. From gym bags to travel backpacks, hopefully, you’ve been able to find the best EDC pack for your needs and lifestyle on this list. If you’re tired of awkward tote bags or backpacks that keep ripping at the seams, then it’s probably time to invest in one of these comfortable and high-quality everyday carry packs.
This is 2022; there are PLENTY of awesome options out there, so now I can’t find an excuse for not having an awesome backpack I carry around every day. Life is too short amigos for a s*** everyday pack.
Whether you go with a great all-around option like our top pick the Aer Small Travel Pack or something like the Aer Duffel Bag if you’re regularly at the gym, an EDC pack is a great way to help stay organized in all your daily activities. Most of these packs also work great as carry on backpacks too if you’re headed away for a break from the daily grind, you can save money and use the same bag!
Good luck on your quest to find the perfect backpack that fits your daily routine. What do you think is the best EDC pack?
And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!
