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 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.

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 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.

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.