8 Everyday Carry (EDC) Backpacks You Need to Know

One of the questions that we get asked most often at Carry HQ is, “What’s the best bag for everyday carry?” Now the answer can vary based on personal carry requirements, budgets, and more. But we’ve put together some of our favorites as a good starting point for those hunting for their new daily companion. Check out our picks for great everyday carry backpacks below!

Alpha One Niner Evade 1.5 Backpack (US$255)

Combining excellent carry comfort and intuitive organization, the Alpha One Niner Evade 1.5 Backpack is a testament to embracing community feedback and continually honing design. The pack offers a front admin panel, a wide-opening main compartment, and a dedicated laptop compartment that accommodates up to 16″ tech devices. The 25L pack is a multifunctional piece for work, the gym, or your travels and can also be customized with various accessories to create a setup tailored to your specific needs.

EVERGOODS CTB20 (US$259)

In answer to a long-time request from EVERGOODS fans, the CTB20 offers the great functionality of the CTB series but in a smaller size that’s ideal for daily use. Features such as quick-access pockets for water bottles and EDC items and a panel-loading main compartment with interior pockets make this a convenient pack for everyday carry and access to gear. However, you also benefit from a luggage pass-through and durable weather-resistant build in a carry-on-friendly format, making it easy to transition to travel use too. Do note, this pack is currently sold out but you can join the waiting list to be notified about the October restock.

Tom Bihn Synik 22 (US$330) or Synapse 19 (US$240)

One of Tom Bihn’s most versatile offerings, the Synapse is a grab-and-go companion for commutes, day hikes, overnight travel, and more. Five exterior pockets, each with their own volume, make accessing everyday items quick and straightforward. Plus with edgeless shoulder straps, you get a comfy carry experience wherever the day leads. While the Synapse 19 suits smaller loads and frames, there’s also a Synapse 25 for larger frames and bigger loads. But what if you’re digging the EDC functionality of the Synapse but wish there was a dash of added travel versatility? Enter the Synik (available in 22L and 30L options). The Synik maintains many of the key features of the Synapse but also offers a luggage pass-through, a clamshell-opening main compartment, a removable interior frame, and a dual-access laptop compartment.

Black Ember Citadel 25 Max (US$309)

With its technical construction, clean silhouette, and convenient access, Black Ember’s Citadel 25 is a solid pick for your everyday commute, with the versatility to double as a travel backpack too. The main compartment lays flat for easy packing and access, while an exterior-access laptop compartment provides quick access to tech on the go. Additionally for 2024, the Citadel 25 welcomes a new update with added load lifters. The pack is made with CORDURA® re/cor RN66 (a 100% recycled nylon 6,6 textile), YKK AquaGuard zippers, and Black Ember’s proprietary bond-stitch construction, resulting in a weatherproof and durable bag that easily stands up to inclement weather and daily use. The Max option includes the Citadel 25 Backpack, two carry handles, and two compression straps that can compress the pack or be used to secure items externally.

GORUCK GR1 (US$335)

The GORUCK GR1 is a Carryology community favorite for a reason – well, several. Super burly, easy to pack and access with its lay-flat opening, and sleek enough for work and play, this all-rounder moves nimbly between commutes, gym trips, outdoor excursions, and travel. Built in the USA, the pack comes in 21L and 26L sizes, along with a variety of colorway options to suit your personal tastes. An exterior-access laptop pocket keeps tech at the ready, while three interior pockets and two exterior pockets keep smaller items secure but accessible. And if you need to carry extra, MOLLE webbing lets you secure additional pouches or clipped items as required.

Filson Journeyman Backpack (US$395)

For heritage lovers, Filson’s Journeyman Backpack is a classy choice that delivers timeless style and rugged durability in one. The backpack features a blend of oil finish Tin Cloth for the main compartment and shoulder straps and Rugged Twill for the back panel and reinforced base. This combination offers dependable protection from the elements with durability that will keep going strong for years to come. The main compartment features a padded interior 15″ laptop pocket and zippered pocket, while the exterior gusseted pocket provides quick storage for frequently used items.

Triple Aught Design Axiom S2 WX Pack (US$395)

The TAD Axiom S2 WX Pack delivers a dialed-in design that builds on the Axiom 24 while offering new features. These include side access to the main compartment and the laptop compartment, full-height vertical pockets in the admin compartment and main compartment, and a redesigned back panel for enhanced airflow. The pack is built in the USA using TexWax, a waxed material made with a blend of 15% CORDURA® and 85% cotton. This creates a handsome heritage aesthetic with inbuilt protection from the elements. Multiple compartments including a front admin panel ensure there’s no shortage of options for keeping gear tidy, making this an excellent choice for those who appreciate packs with inbuilt organization.

Trakke Bannoch Pro (US$449)

How do you make one of your most popular pieces even better? For Trakke, their customer-favorite Bannoch Backpack serves as the foundation for the newly introduced Bannoch Pro. While it retains the same stylish silhouette and aesthetic of its little brother, the 25L Bannoch Pro steps up the functionality with a front panel-loading design for excellent packing and access, a dedicated exterior-access laptop compartment, and a quick-access zipped top pocket for small EDC. Made in Scotland with dry-finish waxed canvas, the pack comes in four colorway options and secures with trusty AustriAlpin Cobra buckles. Exuding long-lasting quality with adaptable style for work and downtime pursuits alike, this pack is a smart addition to your quiver for all-in-one everyday and travel use.