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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The right backpack depends on what you carry and where you take it—not on a single “best” label. GQ’s October 14, 2025 men’s backpack guide names the JanSport Right Pack its overall pick, while recommending different bags for school, travel, outdoor use, and a premium upgrade. Here’s how those picks compare and what to consider before spending.
GQ’s backpack picks at a glance
| Use case | GQ pick | Listed capacity | Notable features in GQ’s guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everyday use | JanSport Right Pack | 28L | Laptop sleeve, side water-bottle pocket, Cordura and suede construction; GQ says it is not water-resistant. |
| School | The North Face Borealis | 28L | Nylon ripstop, water resistance, bungee straps, storage compartments; 19.5 × 12 × 6.5 inches. |
| Travel | Evergoods Civic Travel Backpack 35L | 35L | Luggage pass-through, full opening, water resistance, and room for a 16-inch laptop. |
| Outdoor use | Filson Journeyman | 23L | Oil-finished tin cloth canvas, industrial-strength twill, reinforced panels, moleskin-lined shoulder straps; described as water-resistant. |
| Premium upgrade | Porter-Yoshida Daypack | 12L | Computer sleeve for a device up to 14 inches. |
These are GQ’s recommendations and listed specifications, not an independent performance comparison. Capacity alone does not determine fit: a compact bag may suit a lighter daily load, while a larger pack can add bulk when you do not need the space.
Which GQ backpack fits your routine?
Everyday carry: JanSport Right Pack
GQ’s overall pick is the 28L JanSport Right Pack, with a laptop sleeve and side bottle pocket. The guide describes its materials as Cordura and suede and explicitly says the bag is not water-resistant. That makes weather protection worth considering if you regularly walk or cycle in rain. GQ displayed a $70 Amazon price after a struck-through $75 price on the page; that was a page offer, not a verified current price, so check the retailer before buying.
School: The North Face Borealis
The Borealis combines a listed 28L capacity with nylon ripstop construction, bungee straps, and multiple storage compartments. GQ gives its dimensions as 19.5 × 12 × 6.5 inches and describes it as water-resistant. Its mix of organization and capacity makes it a school-focused choice in the guide; compare the dimensions with your usual books, device, and daily load before deciding.
#1 Best Overall
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Travel: Evergoods Civic Travel Backpack 35L
GQ’s travel choice is the 35L Civic Travel Backpack. The guide notes its luggage pass-through, full opening, water resistance, and compatibility with laptops up to 16 inches. GQ associate commerce director Michael Nolledo says: “It’s super comfortable for a long-haul trip and can take a beating,” he says, calling the the pocket genius, with “so many configurations that everything’s always within reach and easy to grab.”
GQ’s March 2025 carry-on guide says travelers are “generally safe with anything 40L or smaller,” but that is a rule of thumb, not an airline allowance. Check the specific airline’s baggage size and weight rules for your route and fare; a bag’s stated volume does not guarantee it will meet a carrier’s dimensions.
Rank #2
- LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE&POCKETS: One separate laptop compartment hold 16.3 Inch Laptop as well as 15.6 Inch,14 Inch and 13 Inch Macbook/Laptop. One spacious packing compartment roomy for daily necessities,tech electronics accessories. Front compartment with many pockets, pen pockets and key fob hook, make your items organized and easier to find(This item is not intended for use by people 13 years old and under)
- AFTER SALES SERVICE : We solemnly promise that within one year of receiving this product, if any quality defects occur during normal use, you only need to take a photo of the defective product and contact us. We will reply with a solution to the problem within 24 hours, or send you a new identical product for free to replace the defective product
- FUNCTIONAL&SAFE: A luggage strap allows travel laptop bag fit on luggage/suitcase, slide over the luggage upright handle tube for easier carrying. Tighten the breast strap can stabilized the center of the gravity of the backpack. Internal shockproof belt for fastening your laptop and iPad, preventing them from sliding and bumping
- CONVENIENT AND MULTIPURPOSE: The external cable provides convenience for charging phone. There is a password lock device to protect the security of the computer. Unfold the oversize backpack freely by 90-180 degrees, designed specifically for airplane travel. A large backpack is perfect for indoor/outdoor activities. A large laptop university bag that you can use anywhere for travel, camping, hiking, and trip
- COMFORTABLE AND BREATHABLE MATERIAL: The adjustable shoulder straps and back are equipped with a comfortable and breathable mesh design, comfortable and breathable foam cushion backrest design, with good heat dissipation, provides maximum back support for your back. The foam filled top handle is comfortable long-lasting use. Equipped with two "S" shaped curve filled shoulder straps, which provide strength enhancement. It is suitable for travel, shopping, work and other outdoor activities
Outdoor use: Filson Journeyman
For a more rugged look, GQ selects the 23L Filson Journeyman. The guide lists oil-finished tin cloth canvas, industrial-strength twill, reinforced panels, and moleskin-lined shoulder straps, and describes the bag as water-resistant. Consider whether that durable, outdoors-oriented silhouette suits your daily setting as well as your outdoor plans.
Premium upgrade: Porter-Yoshida Daypack
GQ’s upgrade pick is a smaller 12L Porter-Yoshida Daypack with a sleeve for a computer up to 14 inches. Its listed capacity is notably lower than the everyday and travel options, so it is a better fit for a pared-down carry than for bulky books, gym gear, or extended trips.
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Rank #3
- Outdoor multifunctional backpack.
- Daily commuting/short distance travel.
- travel - large capacity backpack.
- Reasonable hierarchical layout.
- Both the design and workmanship are excellent.
Other options in GQ’s guide
- Peak Design Travel Backpack: GQ lists a 45L pack that compresses to 35L.
- Troubadour Apex Compact Backpack 4.0: GQ positions it for everyday commuting.
- KNKG CORE Backpack 25L: GQ presents it as an option for gym gear.
- Patagonia Black Hole Pack 32L: GQ describes it for outdoor and weekday use.
Those descriptions reflect GQ’s guide; they are not independent verification of performance. GQ’s carry-on guide also covers the Peak Design Travel Backpack, JanSport Venture Pack, Aer Travel Backpack 3, Topo Designs Global Travel Bag, Yeti Ranchero, Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack, Rains Rolltop Rucksack Large, and Lululemon Cruiser Backpack 23L.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to Look for in a Backpack
Match the bag to the setting
Start with the routine: commuting, school, travel, outdoor use, or the gym. A rugged canvas pack may be useful outside but feel out of place in a more formal office; a compact commuter bag may lack the capacity for travel. The best match is the one that fits both your carry and the places you use it.
Rank #4
- ✈LARGE CAPACITY AND MANY POCKET - Travel laptop backpack for men owns 20 independent pockets.One separated padded laptop compartment.Three net compartment fit your laptop accessories.3 spacious main multi compartments with many hidden pockets can accommodate lots of stuff like books, lunch, clothes and other supplies ,travel accessories and other daily necessities;Mesh pockets at side for water bottle and compact umbrella.Front compartment for easy access essentials.
- ✈TSA BACKPACK FOR TRAVEL & MULTIPURPOSE - Checkpoint fast approved feature design, makes it pass quickly and easily by unfolding the laptop flat freely 90°-180°without removing your laptop. The large backpack is perfect for indoor/outdoor activities.Served as a large laptop bag ,large travel backpack for men women, large business backpack .Mens backpack can use as daily /business/ work /occasional international Travel / Weekend short trip getaways / Airplane travel / Hiking Camping / overnight.
- ✈DIMENSION AND DURABLE MATERIAL- Size of extra large backpack: 19.7’x15.7’x10.2’,perfect to throw under your seat on an airplane when you are traveling or on business trip.Capacity:50L, separate padded laptop compartment hold for 13 ,14, 15,15.6 and up to 17inch Laptop/computers for adults, women, men. The scan smart laptop backpack made from high quality polyester fabric shockproof with high density nylon lining for better TEAR and WATER RESISTANT and heavy duty backpack.
- ✈PRACTICAL AND CONVENIENT - The usb charging laptop backpack with built in charging cable offers a convenient way to charge your phone and other electronic devices while walking. With a hidden anti theft pocket on the back protect your valuable items from thieves.A luggage strap allows backpack fit on luggage/suitcase, slide over the luggage upright handle tube for easier carrying.Well made for international airplane travel and day trip.
- ✈BREATHABLE & COMFORTABLE -Padded and breathable mesh back panel of this tech backpack design help for the air convection, ventilation and heat elimination. Comfortable wide breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge pad help relieve the stress from your shoulder. One sides of the shoulder strap with lanyard design, can hang sunglasses and other small pendants. Daypack office work bag for men and women laptop backpack for men.Minimum Manufacturer Age Recommended: 6 Years.
Choose useful capacity and access
Think through the items you carry on a typical day, then check the capacity and dimensions where they are available. Look for organization that solves an actual problem: a laptop sleeve for your device, a bottle pocket, separate compartments, quick-access storage, or an opening style that makes packing easier. More liters are not automatically better if the extra room means a larger, bulkier bag.
Check comfort and adjustability
GQ says its selection criteria include storage, comfort, adjustability, and style, and its testing description focuses on how the bags wear and organize everyday-carry items. Compare strap fit and padding, adjustability, and how the loaded bag sits on your back. A comfortable empty pack may feel different once it holds a laptop, books, or travel essentials.
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Read weather claims literally
Water-resistant does not mean waterproof. Treat each product’s wording as a limited claim: GQ calls the JanSport Right Pack not water-resistant, while it describes the Borealis, Evergoods Civic Travel Backpack, and Filson Journeyman as water-resistant. The guide does not establish that any of these bags is waterproof, so do not rely on them to protect contents in every downpour.
Verify travel fit and current price
For travel, check laptop fit, access, luggage pass-through, and the airline rules that apply to your specific booking. For any purchase, confirm the current model, availability, and retailer price; prices and product details can change, and GQ’s displayed JanSport offer is not a live price quote.
Quick Recap
Sources
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
