The 30 Best Men’s Minimalist Backpacks for Everyday Carry

Adding features and elements to carry design is often easier than taking them away. Strip back too much and you’ll sacrifice usability. But leave too much in and you risk cluttered chaos. But for minimalists the beauty is in pared-back practicality. An elegant presentation of the essentials that leans towards beauty and clean lines, favoring emotion over functionality. Minimalist backpacks aren’t for everyone, but done right they bring a simplified, timeless aesthetic to your daily carry setup.

Whether you’re commuting to the office, heading to college or simply out and about on your days off, our picks of the best minimalist backpacks for men find a careful balance. Modern styles that will look suitably understated in years to come. Beautiful fabrics such as black leather and canvas that complement those timeless looks with hard-wearing durability. Varying degrees of minimalism to suit different requirements. And price tags that range from budget-friendly to premium to match your needs.

And you may ask, why are most of these backpacks in black? Well, all-black is the minimalists’ uniform, no doubt. It helps to keep things understated and under the radar. And it matches your black Veilance jacket and limited run Air Max.

Find your minimalist match below…

Ucon Acrobatics Alan Backpack (~US$ 83)

The clean and weatherproof Alan Backpack features a magnetic rolltop closure and 12L of storage space. Inside you’ll find small pockets and a 15″ laptop compartment. A suave and affordable choice for ultimate minimalist aesthetics that still provide EDC practicality.

321 V16 Alpine Pack (US$ 85)

The 321 Alpine Pack offers an attractive silhouette and quick-access storage in a design that’s flexible enough to move between work and more casual environments. As an added bonus, the price tag won’t break the bank, making this an appealing budget-conscious option for EDC use.

Nocturnal Workshop Navy N.4 Backpack (US$ 105)

A fine mix of understated style and practical design, the Nocturnal Workshop Navy N.4 Backpack teams a durable ballistic nylon exterior with a 3M reflective nylon front panel and laminated YKK zips. A vertical front pocket houses your quick-access essentials, while a suspended interior 13″ laptop sleeve keeps your tech safe and secure.

lululemon athletica Surge Run Backpack II (US$ 128)

Want a lightweight pack that’s not afraid to get a little sweaty? The Surge Run Backpack II is designed for active use, with removable sternum straps, a ventilated harness and ergonomic shoulder straps. A pocket on the harness keeps your phone within easy reach, while an interior pocket fits up to a 13″ tech device.

Sandqvist Lova Backpack (US$ 133)

The Lova Backpack combines low-key Swedish style and practicality into a multifunctional design that can handle a variety of day-to-day carry requirements. The rolltop pack features an easy-access front pocket, with further pockets inside to store a tablet, 13″ laptop and small EDC or work tools.

RAWROW 3 Way Bag 113 (US$ 157)

A thoughtful balance of pared-back design and practical features, the RAWROW 3 Way Bag 113 looks stylish across a range of settings and is built with durable water-repellent canvas to keep the elements at bay. The pack keeps gear tidy with a large front pocket, interior 15″ laptop sleeve, and concealed back panel pocket. And with three carry modes including backpack, shoulder bag and grab handle options you can easily adapt on the go.

Helinox TERG Daypack (US$ 168.00)

Not only does this Helinox TERG Daypack offer an eye-catching silhouette but it doesn’t forget about function either. A durable combination of 1000D Cordura Nylon, full-grain leather and water-resistant YKK zips will keep this pack going strong for years to come. Plus with rear and bottom pockets you can keep gear tidy on the go.

Bellroy Slim Backpack (US$ 169)

16 liters of pure heritage vibes with modern design dialed in, the Bellroy Slim flexes from work to play with ease. Its flexible angle shoulder straps allow for more comfort and fit (and wider range of shoulder widths), while a two-panel construction leaves fewer seams for water to ingress. And then there’s the lid: a weather-resistant foldover lashed with a leather magnetic snap closure for simple one-hand closing. It takes a 15” laptop and has nailed internals for slim packing, a discreet external quick access pocket and soft-lined pocket for nestling your sunglasses or small devices.

Alchemy Equipment AEL013 Minimalist Daypack (US$ 170)

Eye-catching in its understated elegance, the 20L AEL013 Minimalist Daypack combines pared-back aesthetics with water-resistant construction and simple organization. An exterior pocket provides ready access to frequently used items, while an interior pocket fits up to a 15″ laptop.

HAERFEST L1 Backpack (US$ 196)

Crafted with a combination of polyester canvas and nubuck leather, this pack looks equally stylish in the office or your local café. An interior sleeve and small pockets keep the contents tidy, with a front pocket providing handy storage for frequently used items. The pack fits a 15″ laptop and comes in a variety of colorways to suit your personal tastes.

OPPOSETHIS (PX) Invisible Backpack One (US$ 197)

The striking silhouette of the Invisible Backpack One is sure to draw admiring nods, but look beyond the aesthetics and you’ll also find useful organization. A separate laptop compartment fits up to a 15″ device, while quick-access pockets, a separate shoe pocket and an interior pocket keep the rest of your gear in check. And with its weatherproof build you don’t need to worry about unexpected showers.

A.P.C. Benjamin Backpack (US$ 205)

The A.P.C. Benjamin Backpack exudes French chic and a sophisticated feel with its Italian herringbone woollen material. Frequently used items can be stored in the front pocket for convenient access and an interior pocket provides an additional option for organization.

Arc’teryx Granville Backpack (US$ 225)

The Granville combines solid weatherproof protection with useful organization for your EDC including a suspended sleeve that fits a 15″ laptop and 10″ tablet along with documents. Pockets under the flap keep smaller items at the ready, and magnetic flap closures provide easy access.

Ally Capellino Hoy Travel Cycle Backpack (US$ 251)

A style-friendly offering from British brand Ally Capellino, the Hoy Travel Cycle Backpack is crafted with a hard-wearing combination of Cordura nylon, Italian bridle leather and weatherproof zips. A range of pockets keep smaller items in check and the pack can double as a minimalist overnight bag if needed.

Mismo M/S Escape (US$ 252)

The handsome Mismo M/S Escape takes inspiration from cycling carry and elevates it with office-chic style. The 17L pack offers two external pockets for easy-access items, along with two interior pockets and a padded laptop compartment. All brought together with quality materials and craftsmanship to create a sophisticated take on Danish minimalism.

Trakke Lecht (~US$ 254)

A handsome pack with useful organization, the Lecht features a lid pocket and two external water bottle pockets, complemented by an interior 15″ laptop sleeve and a gask pocket array and zip pocket for keeping smaller items tidy. Plus with its handcrafted waxed cotton construction, this pack is tough enough to handle a range of work and play environments.

Côte&Ciel Isar Small Backpack (US$ 261)

Keen on carry that fuses fashionable flair with everyday functionality? The Côte&Ciel Isar Small Backpack hits the mark with its elegantly draping form and choice of organization options including a zipped front pocket and a separate compartment that fits up to a 13″ laptop within a designated padded pocket.

KILLSPENCER Special Ops Backpack 3.0 (US$ 275)

Looking for minimalism with a luxurious touch? This Special Ops Backpack 3.0 delivers with its chic design that works equally well in formal and informal settings. Crafted in the USA with water-repellent army duck cotton canvas, the bag features a quick-access exterior pocket complemented by an interior laptop sleeve and pockets for smaller items.

GEAR3 Front Pocket Backpack (US$280)

Crafted with black canvas and leather, the slim and straightforward design of the GEAR3 Front Pocket Backpack makes it a flexible companion for the office and your downtime alike. The front pocket provides ready access to essentials such as your keys, phone, wallet and more, while interior pockets prevent smaller items from getting lost at the bottom of the pack.

Y-3 Qasa Backpack Small (US$ 290)

Hailing from the collaboration between Yohji Yamamoto and Adidas, this sleek and compact pack delivers a refined take on sportswear-inspired carry. The bag features compartments for your laptop and tablet, along with additional pockets that are useful for stashing smaller items.

Porter-Yoshida & Co. Beat Daypack (US$ 315)

Stylishly understated and beautifully crafted, the Beat Daypack looks equally good in work and play settings. Built to last, the pack is made in Japan with cotton canvas and features a convenient front pocket and side pockets for items such as your phone and wallet. Look inside and you’ll find a further zipped pocket to keep smaller items easily accessible.

Y-3 Flat Backpack (US$ 320)

Looking for a considered blend of fashion and function? The sleek and striking Y-3 Flat Backpack does the job well. The bag combines a head-turning silhouette with useful organization including exterior and interior pockets and a wide-opening main compartment for convenient access to the contents.

HEAD PORTER Clayton 2 Way Bag (US$ 324.50)

Solid Japanese craftsmanship, a choice of pockets for organizing EDC and work tools, and two carry options including tote and backpack mode, all in one versatile bag? No problem for the HEAD PORTER Clayton 2 Way Bag which handles a variety of work and day-to-day needs.

Côte&Ciel Nile Obsidian Backpack (US$ 325)

Taking its inspiration from strong and durable obsidian, this pack offers solid tech protection for up to a 15″ device, along with interior pockets for organizing work tools and EDC items and an exterior pocket for documents. The bag also includes an integrated rain hood and is crafted with a water-resistant coated polyester shell.

Alchemy Equipment X Carryology AEL222 (~US$ 340)

The Alchemy Equipment X Carryology AEL222 is designed as an all-rounder that can transition smoothly from work to the weekend, the city to the mountain, and beyond. Its sleek silhouette is complemented by a durable, water-resistant build featuring Cordura® Canvas CD Camo Jacquard and top-grain leather. The orange lining makes the contents easily discernible, while the quick-access 15″ laptop sleeve keeps tech at the ready with a handy ‘eject’ pull-tab.

HAERFEST Arch Backpack (US$ 395)

Smart looks, durable construction and a versatile design makes the Arch Backpack a flexible companion for the daily commute and the weekend. Built with heavy cotton twill, leather and YKK zips, this pack will take everyday use easily in its stride. The pack fits a 15″ laptop and includes a front pocket for quick-access essentials.

AS2OV Leather Combination Square Backpack (US$ 406)

A suave combination of classy aesthetics and excellent craftsmanship, this pack is designed to work hard while looking good for years to come. The main compartment opens wide for easy packing and retrieval of the contents, with a mix of exterior and interior pockets at the ready to keep small items neat and tidy.

Troubadour Fabric + Leather Ziptop Rucksack (US$ 595)

The Troubadour Fabric + Leather Ziptop Rucksack brings a premium feel to your EDC setup with its meticulous craftsmanship and elegant aesthetics. Equally at home in the boardroom or strolling down city streets, the bag features a wide-opening main compartment and an interior padded 15″ laptop pocket. Externally you’ll find a handy front pocket and top pocket for storing smaller items within easy reach.

Arc’teryx Nomin Pack (US$ 800)

Everyone’s ‘unicorn’ pack, the Nomin Pack combines honed minimalist aesthetics with technical design expertise to create a pack that exudes clean and efficient sophistication. Redesigned for Fall 2017, the weatherproof pack features front and back compartments to keep a variety of contents in order such as a laptop, tablet, documents, small EDC and other work essentials. If money is no object, this is a cutting-edge pack that’s ‘minimalism’ distilled.