Best Backpack For EDC: 12 Most Reliable Daily Packs With Style

Looking for a backpack that can hold all your gear and get you through your daily grind? One that will be with you everyday for years to come?

The best backpack for EDC needs to be comfortable, stylish and tough, and one that suits your tastes.

To be all of these things, it must be well-designed and built with high quality materials and workmanship.

And that’s what all the packs on this list have in common. They are the best out there and one is sure to fit the bill.

So, we’ve got you covered with these EDC backpacks.

Let’s take a look.

The Best Backpack For EDC – Your Ultimate Everyday Companion

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 Backpack (24 L) – BEST OVERALL PICK

A heavy duty, streamlined backpack you can use day in, day out.

Made from fantastic 500D Cordura fabric. Not such a heavy material that the pack weighs too much, but heavy enough so it won’t tear easily. It stands up to rough use without any worries.

This pack comes with Mystery Ranch’s iconic 3-way zipper configuration. This is incredibly handy for accessing all your gear, no matter how deeply buried it is.

You can access it as a top loader, or as a front loader. Or you can open all the zippers and the whole bag opens up for full access to everything.

Not only is the fabric water resistant but the YKK zippers come with water resistant runners.

A mesh dump pocket can be found in the top lid.

The main compartment is lined with 2 separate large internal dump pouches and several organizational pockets. The dump pouches can easily fit large water bottles internally if that’s what you want.

There’s also a sleeve inside the main compartment to hold a tablet.

In addition to the sleeve inside the main compartment, the 24 L Urban Assault has a dedicated laptop compartment that has a couple of separate sleeves. It is made for a 15” laptop.

There is about 2” between the bottom of the sleeves and the bottom of the bag. This provides a buffer so your laptop and tablet will not contact the pack’s bottom in case you drop your pack.

The pack also comes with 2 external water bottle pockets that can hold large sized water bottles. The external pockets are very low profile to keep a clean exterior look.

The sleek look to the pack is quite practical.

It doesn’t have anything dangling off the bag that can get caught or snagged.

The Urban Assault 24 is a premium level, modern style daypack that is as much at home in the wilderness as it is in the city.

It comes at a higher price point.

But with its well thought out design combined with rugged materials and high-quality build, it provides a lot of value and will last you a long time.

GoRuck GR1 Backpack (26 L) – RUNNER UP: Best Backpack For EDC

A subtle tactical look with 3 rows of MOLLE. However, the GR1 is streamlined and simplistic for a low-key yet functional style.

GoRuck has opted not to put any branding logo on the front of this backpack.

1000D Cordura Nylon and YKK zippers make up the materials. The YKK zippers are not Aquaguard but they are reverse coil so they will keep out mud and grime.

A top handle has enough padding to create a comfortable grab. The MOLLE on the front and sides allows you to attach most MOLLE compatible accessories.

The shoulder straps are heavily padded, stiff and beefy. They take a while to break in. But once they do, they provide a comfortable carry experience.

The back panel has no mesh or real ventilation, just the 1000D Cordura.

There are airflow channels stitched into the back panel material but you’ll have to embrace the sweaty back experience on hot days or long hikes.

Behind the back panel you’ll find a half zip compartment made for storing your laptop. The laptop compartment has a false bottom so it doesn’t reach the bottom of the pack.

A slash pocket cuts across the front of the pack.

It’s a deep pocket that runs down the entire front of the pack.

The main compartment opens up completely to a large bucket.

The inside of the compartment has 3 rows of MOLLE and a stretch pouch for folders, papers or a tablet. The pouch can also be used to hold a hydration bladder.

The inside of the front flap has a couple of zipped pockets, one of them mesh. These pockets are gusseted so they have a little bit of expansion.

The GR1 (and all GoRuck products) comes with a crazy good warranty. But all of this comes with a stiff price.

If you want to change your EDC pack frequently for aesthetic reasons, this pack may not be your first choice.

But if you want a bombproof tactical EDC backpack, this is an American made backpack that will last you a lifetime.

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack (20 L) – BEST BUDGET PICK

Osprey is known for making durable, lightweight backpacks. And that tradition continues with the Daylite Plus.

This simple, almost minimalist backpack is one of Osprey’s most popular.

Originally designed to be an add-on to their larger packs, it soon became wildly popular as a stand-alone daypack.

The 210D, double diamond ripstop nylon will stand up to daily use and is water resistant.

Because of its spartan design, it only weighs 1 lb. That’s lightweight for a 20L pack.

For those times when you do need to carry a heavier load, it comes with a simple hip belt and sternum strap.

A well-padded back panel covered in mesh will keep your back dry and comfortable. With adjustable shoulder straps, you can find the right fit.

You get a spacious main compartment and a laptop compartment. It will fit up to 14” laptops and tablets.

You also get an external sleeve for your hydration bladder so you can carry your laptop and hydration at the same time.

A front stash pocket allows you to quickly toss in some spare clothes or light jacket.

Stretch side pockets and a smaller front organizer round out the pack’s storage.

This pack is popular for a reason. You get a durable and lightweight daypack that has an appealing sleek look.

And you get the Daylite Plus at a surprisingly affordable price.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 (20 L)

Almost all EDC packs follow the same formula: one main compartment, a sleeve or two, maybe an organizer panel, and 2 or 3 external pockets.

And for the most part, you can’t make any adjustments to those spaces. That’s just the way it is.

Except, Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack changes all that.

Borrowing from what camera bags have been doing for years, you can adjust the configuration of the internals the way you want.

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 brings minor updates to the original design.

This pack comes in a 400D DWI impregnated, double coated nylon so it’s weather resistant. Heavy duty webbing is used on the straps, loops and handles. Updated metal hardware is used on the ladder locks and sternum strap hooks.

Two gusseted external pockets will hold your water bottles.

Inside one the external pockets, you’ll find a long flexible key lanyard.

The shoulder straps are attached to the pack around a pivot point so the shoulder straps can swivel. That way they wrap around your shoulders comfortably, no matter your build.

The shoulder straps and back panel are foamed padded with a breathable and vented mesh. And contoured ribbing helps the back panel with more ventilation.

It can accommodate a waist belt that can be purchased separately.

The sternum strap is adjustable with three attachment points along the shoulder straps.

A large haul handle on top of the pack lets you grab and go. A reinforced base provides extra durability.

You can access the main compartment through the side zippers or you can access through the top by unhooking the mag ladder locks.

Adjustable dividers held in place by Velcro help organize your gear in the main compartment. They act as shelves for all your gear. Perfect for camera equipment.

You can set the dividers up the way you like and change them whenever you want. The dividers are incredibly adjustable with all kinds of configurations so you can easily get your pack internals set up any way you want.

Of course, you get a device compartment where you find a protective laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve. It fits a laptop up to 15”.

There is room to store a battery bank, cables and chargers.

An iconic, award winning edc tech backpack built around access and flexible organization.

Timbuk2 Tuck Pack (20 L)

A simple and easy-to-use design with many color options to fit your style. There are only a few pockets to organize your things.

The roll top closes with a single buckle. When unrolled, it adds up to 8 inches of storage. So, if you already have a full load and need to stuff your jacket in, you can.

It comes with one large 20 L compartment and a smaller organizational pouch.

The main compartment has a laptop sleeve. It will hold a 15” laptop.

There is also a side zipper so you can access the laptop without having to unroll the top.

The pack has 2 water bottle pouches on the sides which can each hold a smaller (21 oz) water bottle.

Some folks would rather have a pack with a few compartments to organize all your gear. If you’re looking for a simplified pack and don’t want a ton of different specialized pockets then you’re going to love the Tuck Pack.

The closing buckle provides an easy and reliable way to close up the pack. It’s a nice alternative for those who like roll tops.

But if you need to get to your laptop quickly and don’t want to unroll your pack, you can just open the side access without having to take the pack off your shoulder. Comes in very handy for airport screening when you have to pull out your laptop.

Made with durable materials, this pack will keep looking good for a long time. The materials are water-resistant, not waterproof. So be aware of this if you live in an area with a wetter climate.

You get Timbuk2’s lifetime warranty. They will replace your pack for problems with materials and workmanship.

Built for moderate loads, the Timbuk2 Tuck Pack makes a great backpack for everyday carry with little to fuss with.

North Face Recon Backpack (30 L)

The tried and true Recon provides a very comfortable carry with plenty of room for your everyday carry.

It comes with 2 large compartments and several external pockets. So, you can carry everything you need for a busy day in the city.

The compartments accommodate books, folders and binders well.

You can easily store a jacket in one of the compartments so you’re ready for the weather or hitting the trails alike.

Like North Face’s Borealis model, this pack features a big external pocket to hold extra gear or clothes.

You have 2 water bottle pockets on the sides of the pack.

It also comes with a laptop sleeve which doubles as a hydration bladder holder when you’re out day hiking.

The laptop sleeve suspends from the pack about half way down while the back plate extends about 3” below the sleeve. This is an important feature that ensures your laptop doesn’t take a hit when you put your backpack on the ground.

One reason the Recon has been around for such a long time is its comfort. The shoulder straps are some of the most comfortable of all daypacks.

The Recon boasts high water resistance so it’s perfect for wet climates.

What makes this pack shine is its dual nature. During the week you can carry all sorts of things on your commute. And then on weekends, you have a pack that’s right at home on the trails.

5.11 Tactical Rush 12 Backpack (24L)

Even though this pack is highly regarded in bug out bag circles, it is also a superb backpack you can use everyday.

Its size sits between a larger camping pack and a smaller, sleeker modern EDC bag. Making it just the right size for a hard working EDC backpack.

The Rush 12 brings loads of versatility with multiple compartments where you can store stuff.

Yes, it’s clearly a tactical pack but still stylish enough that you can bring it anywhere without looking like you’re on a spec ops mission.

And when you do need a rugged pack for the outdoors, well that’s right in its wheelhouse.

There’s lots to like about this bag. 16 compartments provide tons of storage options.

It comes with compression straps, adjustable shoulder straps and a sternum strap.

The PUx2 coated 1050D nylon does well in wet conditions and will stand up to harsh use. You also get top quality YKK zippers.

This is no dainty wall flower.

This pack can take whatever you throw at it.

Measuring 18” x 11” x 6.5”, the main compartment can easily accommodate a laptop. But it doesn’t come with a built-in protective sleeve for your laptop.

The front outer pocket has a panel of individual organizational pockets that will hold everything from pens, power cords, iphones, and flashlights… to credit cards and keys – and all your other everyday carry items.

The top contains a fleece lined pocket to keep your sunglasses safe, although it’s a little small.

Turning to the outdoorsy side of things, you can insert a hydration bladder.

The shoulder straps are comfortable. But there is no hip belt. So long treks with a heavy load won’t be all that comfortable on the shoulders.

The MOLLE webbing lets you attach other pouches for even more storage space.

The 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 makes a great tactical backpack for edc.

Duluth Pack Scoutmaster Laptop Pack (20 L)

Most EDC backpack roundup articles tend to focus on the newest, sleekest style packs.

You know, the ones that look like they’re from a sci-fi movie. And that’s cool for some, but not for everyone. Sometimes, traditional fits the bill.

There is nothing more traditional than a Duluth heavy canvas backpack.

The Scoutmaster is as tough as they come. You wouldn’t think twice about taking this out on a hike in the woods.

But it also has simple and clean lines making it well suited for everyday carry to the office and back.

This pack is a prime candidate for an EDC backpack.

The folks at Duluth made it even more EDC friendly by creating this laptop version.

Leather lashings are held tight with copper rivets and pack stays closed with nickel plated roller buckles. It has side pockets for water bottles.

The shoulder straps are made from cotton with leather lashings for adjusting.

A sturdy leather handle at the top of the straps lets you carry this pack like a briefcase for those moments you don’t want to throw it over your shoulder.

The laptop sleeve inside the main compartment keeps your laptop safe. This also provides the padding for the back panel that makes it a comfortable pack to carry.

This top loader doesn’t have a drawstring to close the top. Instead, it has side flaps, a strap and buckle that clips together to keep your load secure.

A small zippered pocket and key clip are sewn inside the main compartment.

Unlike most backpacks made from nylon or Cordura materials, Duluth packs are made from 15 oz. canvas (waxed or unwaxed).

So, this pack ages well. It tends to get better looking as it gets broken in with some wear.

The Duluth Scoutmaster Laptop Backpack deserves far more attention than it gets as an EDC backpack.

If you like a pack with the traditional look and happens to be the real deal, then the Scoutmaster laptop is a serious contender for your everyday carry.

You get to proudly carry American-made craftsmanship and heritage on your back every single day.

Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe Pack (28 L)

The right balance between simple features, great organization and light weight makes this everyday carry pack a standout.

This roomy pack will fit a 17” laptop.

At 2.7 lbs, the pack is reasonably light for a 28 L everyday pack.

You get one main compartment, a front compartment with an organizational panel, 2 smaller pockets on the front of the pack, and a side pocket.

This pack sports a clean look that’s perfect for work, travel and running everyday errands.

It comes in 4 different colors. Keep in mind, the different colors are not all the same materials.

So, when choosing, make sure you also get the material you prefer as well. It comes in either coated nylon, static nylon, polyester, or Cordura.

This is important because not all the materials behave the same. For example, the polyester has the best water resistance. If you live in a wet climate, you may want to consider the polyester material and its available colors.

If you have a large laptop and want to carry it everywhere, the padded laptop sleeve will protect it.

Most pack manufacturers make packs that will accommodate up to 15” laptops. That makes the Authority Pack a standout for its ability to accommodate a 17” laptop. The sleeve is located in the main compartment and is easily accessible.

Another great feature, it comes with a mesh ventilated back panel. Usually you’ll find this type of ventilation on sportier backpacks.

It also comes with a sternum strap to keep the padded shoulder straps exactly where you want them.

That shouldn’t surprise you. Most high end EDC packs have this feature and the Authority is no exception.

The sternum strap is removable, handy if you don’t use one and don’t want it dangling.

The organizational panel in the front compartment will fit your phone, chargers and tablet, plus other everyday carry items. Timbuk2 has done a great job making sure this pack provides pockets that fit your modern electronics and accessories.

The side pocket is made from neoprene and will fit a narrow style water bottle.

Most backpacks come with either 2 water bottle holders on either side of the pack, or none for a sleeker minimalist look. Timbuk2 opted to design this pack with one.

And that makes sense. You don’t really need to carry multiple water bottles on your daily commute to work and back.

Other handy features include a key ring tucked away in the front pocket and bottom compression straps to keep smaller loads snug.

One thing this pack could use is a stiffer bottom. It would be nice if this pack could stand up when fully packed. But it doesn’t.

Keep that in mind when you have laptop inside – don’t try to stand it up. It’ll fall over.

The Timbuk2 Authority Pack is not really designed for the rugged wilderness.

This pack is purposely built for your commute or moving about the city. It definitely has its roots in modern day living, electronics and the daily grind.

An awesome, high quality backpack for EDC.

Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Pack (39 L)

Tough, durable and dependable – that’s what defines Carhartt. The Legacy Standard Work Pack is no different.

Carhartt has produced a work pack that you can use everyday, commuting, at work, or out on the trail on the weekend. This pack handles it all.

The 1200D polyester material stands up to just about anything.

It’s coated with Carhartt’s Rain Defender water repellant so the bag sheds water.

A front admin compartment has an organizer panel for all your small items, including pens, small flashlight, folding knife and other EDC gear.

Above the admin compartment, you find a small quick access compartment. Perfect for a sunglass case or pair of gloves.

Mesh pockets flank the sides. They fit 32 oz. water bottles with no problem.

Contoured and padded shoulder pads make for a comfortable carry. The back panel needs improvement. The simple mesh panel is comfortable but lacks any real padding and doesn’t provide any kind of ventilation.

Hard-use webbing connects the shoulder straps to the pack and allows for adjustment.

The reinforced bottom keeps moisture out when you set your bag on the ground.

The largest pack on this list, the main compartment provides lots of room.

It opens and closes with brass YKK zippers.

It has a laptop sleeve with padding that can keep a 15” laptop safe and secure.

This is not a slick, futuristic edc bag. You don’t feel like you stepped into the movie Blade Runner.

With its low-key appearance, this pack would make a fantastic backpack for your gray man gear.

The Legacy Standard Work Pack is a working man’s no-nonsense, edc backpack that will take a beating, get the job done and last a long time.

Herschel Supply Co Little America (25 L)

A very popular EDC backpack that has a classic mountaineering style, but a modern vibe.

This pack’s main style feature is the straps and buckles. It may look like a lot of work to get into this pack, but the buckles are just for show.

On the back side of the buckles are magnetic clasps making it quick and easy to open up.

It comes with a main compartment and small front pocket.

The front compartment doesn’t have much in the way of organization, just a key ring.

It doesn’t come with external water bottle pockets.

But it does have a rubber grommet on the side for your headphones to feed through from an internal pocket.

An air mesh padded back panel and heavily padded shoulder straps make it a comfortable carry.

The top loading main compartment closes with a drawstring.

It has a fleece lined laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15” laptops. The sleeve is suspended so it will keep your laptop from contacting the ground every time you put your pack down.

2 pockets for small items or electronics flank the sides of the main compartment.

At 22 liters, the Little America has a decent carrying capacity.

Lately, Herschel backpacks have become the cool trend. Looking past that, it’s also a simple, well-made and useful backpack that’s a welcome part of your everyday activities.

Incase ICON Slim Backpack (14.5 L)

A stylish modern backpack made for daily work.

The ICON Slim is the smallest on this list, specifically made to be an EDC laptop backpack.

You’ll find the shoulder straps comfortable with lots of padding.

This slim backpack can hold quite a bit of gear. Many pockets help you keep things organized.

The front zipped compartment has a large pocket and pen holders.

A padded top front pocket provides easy storage for your phone or pair of sunglasses.

The main compartment has 2 sleeves where you could store more electronics, books, folders, etc.

Behind the main compartment, you find the laptop compartment.

It’s designed to hold a 15” laptop. And it zips open only half way.

This prevents the laptop from accidentally slipping out when you open the compartment. It’s handy at airport security checks when you have to pull out your laptop quickly.

A good amount of padding and soft internal lining helps keep your laptop safe.

2 external pockets can be found on either side of the pack. These pockets are not made for water bottles but they could hold small miscellaneous items.

Ample soft protection, a good amount of carrying space for everyday items, and modern style makes the ICON Slim Laptop Backpack a good choice as an everyday backpack.

Our Top 3 Picks: Best Backpack For EDC

• Best Overall EDC Backpack – Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 Backpack
• Best Backpack for EDC Runner Up – GoRuck GR1 Backpack
• Best Budget EDC Backpack – Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

See our EDC Gear List for essential everyday carry items that’ll make your day more efficient and productive.