The Top Bags and Backpacks of 2018

Bags and backpacks are a necessity from the city to the countryside. Whether you’re hiking the North Cascades, road-tripping down Highway 1 or hopping on the subway, a good bag is always welcome. But what makes a bag good in one scenario differs radically from another. With that in mind, we’ve done our best to track down the best examples for every person. Take a look back at the best bags and backpacks of 2018.

Patagonia’s Newest Backpacks Will Simplify How You Pack for a Hike

Features don’t always equal function. Sometimes, simple is better.

Brooks Just Launched A Drop-Dead Gorgeous Line of New Bags

Brooks’s new collection of bags could be its best looking yet.

This Rugged Sailcloth Bag Is the Perfect City-to-Mountain Backpack

Its sleek design is made out of tough, waterproof material.

A New Line of Sleek Minimalist Bags for the City

Two backpacks and a duffel bag.

Herschel’s New Backpack Features the Next Big Thing in Outdoor Gear

Crafted from sail cloth, the four new styles will hold up in the great outdoors.

This Waterproof Commuter Bag Looks as Good as It Protects

Sandqvist’s latest offering is damn tough.

Mammut Designs a Ski Backpack You’ll Never Have to Take Off

Thanks to two extra-large hipbelt pockets and a few innovative on-the-go features.

Aer’s New Collection Perfectly Transitions from Office to Happy Hour

Backed by a lifetime warranty, these are the last work bags you’ll need to buy.

Mountainsmith Releases a Bag Collection for the Traveling Photographer

Designed in collaboration with professional photographers Andy Mann and Keith Ladzinski.

Upgrade Your Commuter Bag to One Made of Tyvek

It’s used to create post office envelopes, light hazmat suits and those concert wristbands that are impossible to tear off.

Topo Designs’ New Backpack Derives City-To-Mountain Versatility from Simplicity

The bag, made of super-tough 1,000-denier Cordura, contains a single 25-liter main compartment that opens wide with a top-to-bottom D-shaped zipper that maximizes space and allows for easy packing.

Want a Custom Ultralight Backpack? Get This Discounted Bag Instead

Ultralight, custom backpacks are great, but they can also be expensive. Osprey’s pack weighs less than two pounds and is 25 percent off.

This New Commuter Bag Does More Than Your Briefcase

You’re not going to worry about scuffing DSPTCH’s new briefcase up.

Danner and Topo Designs Team Up to Reinvent Their Classic Products

An iconic pair of hiking boots, and a backpack that goes anywhere.

This Waterproof Bag Is the Toughest You Can Buy

Pacsafe’s 15-liter Dry Portable Safe is knife-proof, scan-proof and waterproof.

This Affordable Leather Weekender Will Become Your New Go-To Bag

Fully lined featuring brass hardware, a removable strap and a snap-close grab handle.

Photographers Are Going to Lose It Over These New Bags

F-stop made its name in the outdoor photography world, but its new collection of backpacks and shoulder bags is for the urban explorer.

This Military-Inspired Carry-On Just Makes Sense

Built for worst-case scenarios, ideal for a week-long trip.

Save $99 on the Last Gym Bag You’ll Ever Need

Featuring a waterproof shoe compartment.

Finally, A Suitcase with Pockets You Can’t Overstuff

Keep track of all your essentials pre-flight with Away’s newest addition to its suitcase line.

First Look: This Backpack Will Replace At Least Three Other Bags In Your Closet

A bag with enough features to be your briefcase, weekender and daily pack, all in one.

Protect Your Camera with This New American-Made Bag

Designed to fit a DSLR or mirrorless camera and fit into a 20L Mission Workshop backpack.

Away Just Launched 3 New Travel Accessories We Can’t Wait to Get Our Hands On

Each piece is bound to improve your packing experience.

We Want Every Bag in This USA-Made Brand’s New Travel Collection

Portland-based North St. Bags uses USA-made components to build durable and weatherproof bags for every aspect of life. Its latest collection is designed specifically for and covers all aspects of travel.

This Might Be the Perfect Travel Backpack for Frequent Fliers

It can actually function as a backpack, briefcase or a messenger bag.

Herschel’s Newest Line of Bags Is Perfect for Spring Showers

Water-resistant, minimalist design and a variety of carrying options — what more do you need in a bag?

These Packable Bags Are a Commuter’s Godsend

Durable, lightweight and water-repellent.

Did a Ski Brand Make the Perfect Travel Bag?

Rocky Mountain Underground started building skis in a garage. Now it makes some of the best travel bags you can get — for 15% off for right now.

City-Dwellers Will Love This Collaboration Backpack

A collaboration between outdoor bagmaker Mystery Ranch and the urban experts at AETHER has produced a backpack equipped to traverse environments.

This Weekender Is as Refined as Your Briefcase

Make short trips simple: just pack and go.

Law Enforcement Camo Found Its Way onto These Everyday Backpacks and the Results Are Awesome

Just when we thought the color black couldn’t get cooler, Aer releases two of its most popular backpacks in a new camouflage print.

Incase’s Smart Carry-On Can Charge All Your Devices

This Is the Incase ProConnected 4 Wheel Hubless Roller.

These New Duffel Bags Are Made from One of the Most Innovative Materials Available

Typically, duffels are cavernous carry-alls designed for long weekends and beyond. North St. Bags thinks that small duffels have their place too.

This New Pacsafe Backpack Is Perfect for Travel, Thwarts Thieves and Saves Turtles

Today, Pacsafe released a new capsule collection backpack in honor of its 20th anniversary made from a recycled nylon fabric called Econyl. The Vibe 28 is the perfect size and shape for international travel.

Mission Workshop Just Released a Huge, Badass-Looking Backpack for World Travelers

It’s probably way cooler than what you’re currently wheeling to the airport.

For Serious Security in a Minimalist Package, This Backpack Has You Covered

While it may not stand up to Pacsafe, it certainly flies under the radar.

Filson Made a Rolling Suitcase Version of Its Legendary Twill Briefcase

Filson’s four-wheeled luggage is worth the investment.

Military and Mountaineering Design Collide in This New Backpack

Triple Aught Design’s newest backpack combines design inspiration from military goods and mountaineering equipment to create a modular backpack that’s capable in any situation.

With This Packing Accessory, You Can Perfect Your Travel Routine

It doesn’t matter what your approach to packing for a trip is, Eagle Creek’s new travel organizers will change the way you prepare for a trip.

Internet Bag Experts Helped Make an Absurdly Theft-Proof Bag Even Better

Yes, internet bag experts are real and they’re doing wonders.

Patagonia Just Refreshed Its Awesome Everyday Backpacks

Patagonia’s Arbor Collection of backpacks are designed for use beyond the trail. Use them for your daily commute or for less-technical adventures.

Our Favorite Backpack Brand Just Made a Travel Bag and It Looks Perfect

Evergoods just launched an all-new adventure travel bag that’s incredibly durable and versatile.

This Rugged American-Made Bag Is Ideal for Everyday Use

Made with 22-ounce waxed canvas and Horween leather.

This Is What a Modern Briefcase Should Look Like

Mission Workshop just released the Transit Arkiv Laptop Brief, an awesome and contemporary spin on the classic work bag.

One of the Best Daypacks Just Got Better

To create an awesome daypack, Mystery Ranch drew inspiration from military gear. Now, through a collaboration with Huckberry, that backpack just got better, and tougher.

Baboon Launches Go Bags for the Everyday Adventurer

Adventure is calling — but first, you need a heavy-duty bag that’s not too serious.

A Hiking Company Just Made Awesome City Backpacks

Osprey is well-loved by long-distance trekkers, but its new Arcane backpacks are built to please city dwellers.

This New Travel Pack Has Us Booking Last Minute Trips

The Aer Travel Pack 2 has just the right amount of space, whether you’re gone for a weekend or need a daily commuting bag.

Like Outdoor Gear? You’ll Love This Tiny Japanese Brand.

The discovery of this tiny, slightly-beguiling Japanese outdoor company is the result of one of my latest Instagram binges.

Bellroy’s Terrific New Commuter Bags Hit the Form/Function Sweet Spot

There are lots of bags out there trying to blend commuter capability with office-ready good looks—but these ones do it right.

DSPTCH’s New Sling Bags Can Solve Your Biggest EDC Problem

You’ve got the big stuff under control — and these small, cool and functional bags are here to wrangle all the little stuff.

Like Retro Outdoor Gear? Look to Japan (and This Backpack)

As a whole, Japan has been more receptive to retro outdoor lifestyle gear. Natal Design is one example of a brand that’s doing it right.

The Perfect Tote Bag, Now Stocked in the Gear Patrol Store

Whether you’re headed to the gym, to the office or out for a weekend at the beach, our new GP tote has you covered.

Military-Grade Specs Make This Bag the Ultimate Travel Duffle

You can toss this bag around without an ounce of worry.

Rowing Blazers’ Latest Drop Is a Big, Preppy Nod to ‘American Psycho’

*We’re kidding about the watermark.

This Weekender Backpack Made Me Want to Stop Using My Rollaboard

I was anti-backpack travel before this.

Cotopaxi Launches the Perfect Mid-Sized Travel Pack

This travel backpack is the Goldilocks of sizes — making it ideal for your last minute weekend trips.

This Everyday Tote Looks Like Leather, But Is Actually Made from Mushrooms

Designed in collaboration with between Portland-based brand Chester Wallace and Bolt Projects.

OtterBox’s Latest, Waterproof Duffels, Are Now Available

Announced earlier this summer, OtterBox’s Yampa dry bags are now available for purchase. They’re waterproof, as well as puncture-, UV- and chemical-resistant.

You Have Less Than a Day to Get Peak Design’s Newest Bags

Peak Design just revealed two new travel duffels but with less than 12 hours in its Kickstarter campaign, you’ll have to move fast to get them.

This Waterproof Duffle from Outerknown Is Surprisingly Affordable

Cut from repurposed billboard vinyl.

This Durable Backpack Is Perfect for Commuters

Made from weather-resistant Bionic Canvas.

Want an Affordable Custom Ultralight Backpack? Here’s Your Answer

Based in Michigan, Superior Wilderness Designs crafts custom, made-to-order hiking backpacks that won’t break the bank.

This Year in Gear

Just like that, 2018 has come and gone. Take a look back at the best of what the past 365 days had to offer in This Year in Gear

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