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.
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 the Osprey Levity Instead.
Ultralight, custom backpacks are great, but they can also be expensive. Osprey’s new
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.
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?
Did a Ski Brand Just Make the Perfect Travel Bag?
Rocky Mountain Underground began as a garage operation before becoming a fully-operational ski company. Now it’s delving deeper into the outdoor and adventure segment with its just-released BRFCS travel bag.
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.
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.