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For this list, we picked backpacks based on actual customer reviews and ratings on Amazon and key product features. For every category, we carefully chose parameters based on our research and determined products with the highest review score within those parameters.
Our pick for the best overall backpack is Samsonite's Paradiver Light 74775. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 1,200 Amazon reviews.
This Samsonite Paradiver bag is made from polyester and PU materials. It weighs 0.8kg and has a 15.6" laptop compartment. The bag features a bottle holder, a mobile phone pocket and a key hanger. Additionally, it has a tablet sleeve and a padded backside. It has adjustable straps as well.
Customers gave positive feedback on the backpack's versatility, affordable price and ease of use. It's pretty lightweight while being able to store many items, including a large laptop and a small tablet. It is also waterproof, according to reviewers. The backpack has a simple design that could work as a business or casual bag. However, some found that it's not spacious enough for their needs. The zipper also easily breaks, but it's covered by a 2-year global warranty.
With a 55-litre capacity, the Osprey Farpoint is designed for backpacking and trekking. It has a removable daypack for quick trips. It also features a mesh ventilation back panel, cushioned carry handles and a lockable opening to the main compartment. Additionally, it has a lockable padded laptop and tablet sleeves.
According to reviewers, this large backpack is a fantastic choice if you love outdoor adventures. It has tons of features, including an internal compression strap system, mesh pocket for dirty items and removable sleep pad straps. It is durable and lightweight, according to customers. It's not the cheapest backpack out there, but most buyers said it's a worthwhile investment for backpackers.
If you're looking for the best camera backpack available online, we recommend the Endurax Camera Backpack. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars.
The Endurax Camera Backpack is equipped with padded dividers and an organised pocket for photography gear. It has a roomy main compartment which can fit 1 camera body with a lens attached and 4 extra accessories. Apart from being waterproof, it features padded shoulder straps and a chest strap for added comfort. It also fits a 14" laptop.
Customers praised the product's sturdy build, organised storage spaces and sleek design. It has a hard shell to protect your gear when travelling. Reviewers also mentioned that it has plenty of room to fit heaps of camera accessories. However, it is too narrow to fit fast lenses. The backpack's arm straps are also flimsy, with several customers reporting that they tear after just a couple of months.
With a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we picked the Samsonite Guardit 2.0 as the best wheeled option.
Samsonite's Guardit 2.0 features 2 wheels and carrying straps so you can move with ease despite carrying tons of items. It has a smart sleeve function for better organisation. The backpack can also fit up to a 15.6" laptop. Additionally, it has a pocket for cables, a pen loop and a service pocket for other small essentials.
This wheeled backpack is the perfect companion if you carry loads of items during your travel. It is also compact enough to fit in overhead compartments. Customers loved its high-quality construction that is made to last for years. The wheels are also smooth, suitable for manoeuvring through crowded airports. It's heavier than most backpacks, but it's not a huge issue for most buyers.
The KROSER Laptop Backpack is our pick for the best laptop backpack. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 9,000 reviews on Amazon.
KROSER's laptop backpack is made of eco-friendly canvas poly fabric that is durable and water-repellent. It can fit a 15.6" laptop and features a built-in USB port for easy charging. Apart from a reinforced steel frame, the backpack also has 1 open pocket and a mesh pocket for storing smaller items.
Customers loved the backpack's spacious main compartment, affordable price tag and stylish design. In addition to a laptop, it can fit tons of items, including a tablet and a small lunch box. However, the steel frame makes it a bit difficult to fit documents and other paperwork inside the bag. Several reviewers also reported that the zippers came undone after just a few weeks of wear, but this seems to be an isolated concern.
For the best nappy backpack, we recommend the HapTim Multi-Function Large Baby Diaper Backpack. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
With a 25-litre capacity, this multi-function nappy backpack offers tons of storage space for all your baby items. It has 18 pockets for easy organisation and a double-decker design, allowing you to make the most of the bag. It also has a strap for attaching the bag to a stroller when out for a walk.
The general sentiment is that this is a solid option if you're on a budget. It is affordable, roomy and quite lightweight. It also offers tons of storage space, suitable for both casual strolls and long trips. However, some customers said the straps are uncomfortable. The bag is also a bit bulky, which may be a con if you prefer a more sleek design.
With a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 17,000 reviews on Amazon, we selected Jansport's SuperBreak One Daypack as the best uni backpack.
The Jansport SuperBreak One Daypack is made of durable polyester material and features a spacious main compartment. It also has a small front pocket with an organiser for smaller items. It has padded shoulder straps and a 2/3 padded back panel for added comfort. At just 0.3kg, this backpack is lightweight as well.
Customers praised the product's thick, durable material, lightweight construction and simple design. It goes with any outfit and can store tons of items, including 2-3 textbooks, a binder and other small essentials. However, it might be too small if you carry loads of paperwork and gadgets.
We recommend the Samsonite Tectonic 2 as the best backpack for work. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
The Samsonite Tectonic 2 is made from poly ballistic fabric with diamond ripstop accents. It has a padded laptop compartment that fits most 17" laptops. It has a smart sleeve on the back to ensure that it's secured to an upright position. Apart from a top quick-access pocket for small essentials, it has elasticated side pockets and a tablet pocket with a business organiser.
According to customers, this backpack is a pricey but durable option for work or travel. It has tons of pockets for easy organisation. It also has padded straps that are comfortable even when the backpack is filled to the brim. Several reviewers loved its sleek jet-black colour, perfect for more professional work settings. However, some others reported that it doesn't fit all laptop sizes.
For cycling, we picked the Lixada 18L Water-resistant Breathable Cycling Backpack as the best backpack. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars.
Made of tear and water-resistant nylon fabric, this Lixada backpack has an 18-litre capacity, adjustable shoulder straps and reflective strips. It also has a mesh and poriferous EVA design, and a detachable pouch for storing your mobile and other small items.
The general sentiment is that this is an affordable cycling backpack for day trips. It is lightweight and comfortable, thanks to its mesh design and multiple straps. Customers said it's also spacious enough to carry a small tablet and laptop. However, it might be too small if you plan to carry tons of items like textbooks, gear and a lunch box. Several others also found the strips aren't bright enough for night use.
Travelon's Anti-Theft Classic Backpack is our pick for the best anti-theft option. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from over 1,500 Amazon reviews.
Travelon's Anti-Theft Classic Backpack features a 5-point locking system, including lock-down straps, a slash-resistant body and locking compartments. It also features RFID blocking slots to protect your identity from electronic pickpockets. According to the company, this backpack is dirt and water-resistant as well.
Customers loved the backpack's sleek design, durable construction and reasonable price point. It offers tons of storage, allowing you to carry all your essentials and more. Several reviewers added that it's lightweight and comfortable to carry even on extended periods. However, the bag is too small to fit laptops bigger than 15".
We recommend the Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack as the best waterproof backpack available right now in Australia. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon.
This backpack is made of durable waterproof material to ensure your items stay completely dry when travelling, camping or fishing. It features a roll-top close and a reinforced strip for added security. It also has side pockets, an outer pocket and a splash-proof zipper on the outside, allowing you to reach your items quicker.
According to reviews, this backpack is 100% waterproof, keeping water away from their items even on heavy downpours. It has a large capacity, suitable for quick day trips or as a waterproof work backpack. However, it doesn't offer heaps of pockets for easier organisation. Several customers also found the straps uncomfortable once the bag was filled with heavier items.
With a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, we picked the ProCase Water-Resistant Gym Bag as the best option for the gym.
This drawstring gym backpack is specifically designed for swimming and other outdoor sports. It is water-resistant and features separate wet and dry compartments, allowing you to organise your wet and dry items. The backpack also has a small zipped front pocket for easy access.
Customers loved this backpack's compact design and durable material. It is lightweight and easy to carry. Reviewers also loved its affordable price point, while others said it helps keep their items dry and sweat-free. The bag is also big enough to carry everyday essentials, but it won't fit a laptop. Several customers wished it had a zipper closure instead of a drawstring for better security.
Amazon prices last updated on 6 December, 2023 at 10:02 ameBay prices last updated on 6 December, 2023 at 10:15 am
How did we pick this list?
32 Brands considered
95 Products compared
12 Best products chosen
We compared over 90 backpacks from 32 brands.
We then assessed hundreds of customer reviews and ratings on Amazon.
The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Why you can trust our picks
We considered the following brands of backpacks:
adidas
AmazonBasics
American Tourister
Anello
Arctic Fox
ASICS
Bellroy
Champion
Doughnut
earth pak
Endurax
Hap Tim
Herschel
High Sierra
Jansport
Kenneth Cole
Klein Tools
KROSER
Lekesky
Lixada
Matein
Nike
Osprey
ProCase
Puma
Reebok
Samsonite
Skechers
Targus
Travelon
Under Armour
Vaschy
For this list, we carefully picked backpacks with the highest customer ratings on Amazon. We ended up with a total of 95 products to compare.
We then researched each product and its features. We also considered ratings and customer reviews on Amazon. We came up with what we believe are the 12 best backpacks you can get in Australia right now.
We value our editorial independence, basing our comparison results, content and reviews on objective analysis without bias. However, Finder may receive compensation when you click some links on our site. Learn more about how we make money from our partners and why you can trust our guides.
Best Rated Backpack Brand: Herschel
Herschel is a great all-rounder backpack brand with high scores for durability, design, comfort and value for money. It beat out big competitors like Kathmandu and Macpac to be crowned this year's award winner.
There are many different types of backpacks available including travel, hiking and everyday bags.
The most important factors to consider when buying a backpack are how you'll be using it, comfort, size and price.
Backpack prices range anywhere from $20 for a basic everyday pack up to $800 or more for high-end travel and hiking backpacks.
Types of backpacks
Backpacks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles. However, there are a few main types of backpack to choose from:
Travel backpacks. Designed for everything from weekends away to round-the-world backpacking odysseys, travel bags offer more freedom and flexibility than suitcases. Some models feature an internal frame (external frames are not as practical and are increasingly rare) to help you carry heavier loads and transfer the pack weight to your hips, but there are plenty of frameless models available as well. They generally feature an assortment of storage compartments to help you organise your gear, while some also come with portable daypacks that can be detached for shorter day trips.
Hiking backpacks. Hiking backpacks come in a wide range of shapes and sizes depending on the types of treks you plan to tackle. Some are daypacks designed for carrying food, water and some spare clothes on shorter hikes, while others are big, heavy-duty packs for carrying everything you'd need on a multi-day adventure. Many heavy-duty hiking backpacks feature internal frames to help transfer the load from your back to your hips, but frameless packs are also available.
Everyday backpacks. Designed for the commute to and from work or at university, these packs do away with the internal frame altogether. They're lightweight and only suitable for carrying lighter loads, but they can double as carry-on luggage when you're catching a flight or as a handy daypack for short hikes.
Kids' school backpacks. An essential item for the younger members of the family, kids' backpacks come in all manner of colours and designs. They often feature adjustable straps and multiple zipped compartments, and sometimes come with matching accessories such as drink bottles and lunch boxes.
How to compare backpacks
To find the best backpack for your needs, consider the following factors:
How you'll use it
How you'll use your backpack is a crucial factor that will determine the type of bag you buy. For example, if you're looking for a heavy-duty pack you can take on multi-day hiking treks through rough terrain, you'll need something very different to someone who wants a pack they can strap on their back while they cycle to work.
Think carefully about what your backpack will need to do before you start shopping.
Comfort
If possible, head in-store to put a backpack through its paces before you buy. If the store allows it, take along all the gear you'll need to carry and load it into the bag. Try a few on to check they're the right size for you, if the shoulder straps are comfortable or dig in, and if there's enough airflow between the bag and your back. Also, check whether the straps can adjust to suit different loads and carrying conditions and if the bag is contoured to match the shape of your back.
Size and storage capacity
The backpack you choose will obviously need to be large enough to hold everything you need to carry around, but this will also need to be balanced with other practical considerations. Check if the bag, when fully loaded, will be lightweight and comfortable enough for you to carry. Also, is it a practical size to take on crowded public transport? Can it fit in an overhead compartment on a plane as a carry on bag?
Storage organisation
Check if there are multiple compartments to help you arrange your items and how easy it is to access the space. Traditional backpacks are "top-loaders" but many travel bags open like suitcases for easier access. Look for compartments for special items, such as padded laptop compartments and easy-to-access compartments for those items you need to use frequently, such as your keys, wallet and phone.
Protection
Consider what sort of protection the backpack will provide for the items you're carrying. Is it padded to protect against bumps or being dropped, or is there a special padded compartment for items such as laptops? Is it waterproof or at least water-resistant? Are there lockable zippers to help prevent theft?
Quality of construction
Next, take a closer look at how the bag has been put together to make sure it'll stand up to the daily rigours of life on the train, backpacking around the world or hiking through the wilderness. Is the material suitable for how you plan to use the pack? Are the zippers strong and durable? Are the buckles sturdy and secure?
Price
You can pick up a no-frills backpack for everyday use for as little as $30. But if you're looking for a specialist hiking or travel backpack, prices can range anywhere from $50 up to $500, with some even more expensive models available.
Appearance
In many cases, choosing a backpack will mean prioritising substance over style. But if you're shopping for a bag you can wear into the office every day, you'll also want to consider the way it looks.
Wheels
Some bags come with wheels so they can be pulled around when you get tired of carrying the weight on your back.
Backpacks vs suitcases
The biggest advantages of backpacks are their versatility and practicality. If you'll be on the move a lot, potentially climbing lots of flights of stairs, a backpack will definitely come in handy. They can also be useful if you'll be venturing off the beaten track a little bit, and they're easier to run with than a suitcase – so you can make it to the gate in time if your connecting flight is delayed.
But if you're travelling somewhere and you plan on staying in one place, a suitcase might be a better bet. Suitcases are easy to wheel around airports, they're easy to pack and unpack, and hard-shell suitcases in particular can stand up to plenty of punishment.
Before deciding on the best backpack for your needs, consider the following:
Potential for injury. Carrying a heavy load in a backpack, or carrying it incorrectly, can cause back pain and even spinal problems, especially in children. With this in mind, take care not to overload your backpack and make sure to pack it with the heaviest items close to your back. And if you're looking for a travel or hiking backpack to carry a big load, look for a padded waist belt that helps transfer the load onto your hips.
Backpack sizes. Many general-use backpacks are "one size fits all". However, some hiking and travel bags come in an array of sizes (small, medium, large, etc.) based on the length of your torso. Check the manufacturer's specifications for more details, and get yourself properly measured up in-store if possible.
Women's backpacks. Some manufacturers now offer a range of women's backpacks. More than just a different colour scheme, these bags are specifically designed to suit women's body shapes and may be well worth a look if traditional backpacks aren't comfortable enough.
We update our data regularly, but information can change between updates. Confirm details with the provider you're interested in before making a decision.
Empty your backpack and use an old toothbrush soaked in mild detergent to remove stains and dirt. Then, fill a basin or bathtub with warm water and 1 tablespoon of mild detergent. Soak the backpack for 30 minutes. Then, scrub all nooks and crannies of the backpack before rinsing it with clean water. Use a towel to remove excess water and let your backpack air dry.
Carrying a heavy backpack can cause back problems. If you typically carry your bag on just 1 shoulder, this can also cause pain in your lower back.
The backpack straps should sit about 2 inches below your shoulders. It also should end on your waist, not extending towards your hips. The straps shouldn't dig on your shoulders as well.
Your backpack should generally weigh less than 20% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 55kg, your backpack should weigh less than 11kg.
Best rated backpack brand award breakdown
Brand
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2020, Kantar. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Brand
Cleaning & maintenance
Comfort
Design
Durability
Ease of use
Value for Money
Overall rating
Recommended
BlackWolf
3.86
4.17
4.13
4.03
3.97
3.94
4.05
89%
Caribee
3.93
3.93
4.21
4.23
4.08
4.03
4.03
95%
Herschel
3.77
3.82
4.14
4.09
4.09
3.86
4
100%
Kathmandu
3.96
4
4.09
4.07
4.1
3.72
3.98
94%
Macpac
4.05
4.2
4.05
4.15
4.18
3.75
4.05
94%
Osprey
4.29
4.54
4.71
4.46
4.54
4.42
4.58
92%
Data: Finder Retail Brand Survey, 2019, Roy Morgan. Metric out of 5 stars unless indicated. Methodology and more info.
Ericka Pingol is a writer for Finder specialising in best guides. Using tested methodology, Ericka has been helping Australians choose the right product across hundreds of categories since 2020. Ericka has a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of the East, Manila. As well as being passionate about helping people save money when shopping for their latest purchases, Ericka has a background in writing about property investment, personal finance and health. When not writing best guides, you can find her lost in the pages of a good book or experimenting with watercolour painting.
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