The Best Men's Backpacks Will Make 2024 the Year You Ditch Your Tote

Backpacks have always been for the everyman. And every man. Menswearheads in their selvedge jeans and Saint James fisherman hats need one. Streetwearheads want one, ideally scrawled with the banners of Supreme or Palace. And everyone else wants one – because they're practical, they're functional, and can often take a beating.

Thanks to the rise of smart-casual dress though, the humble backpack has found an even greater level of versatility. Yasmin Mehmet, menswear accessories buyer at Selfridges, agrees: "We've always bought into backpacks at Selfridges. However, we have noticed a definitive shift in how one is used. Whereas it was previously a practical item, say for hiking or sports, the backpack has now become a must-have for guys."

The rucksack wasn’t always such a shapeshifter. Its first incarnation, the Merriam knapsack, was developed in the late 19th Century so that US Army soldiers could distribute the weight of their field kit more evenly. Made from canvas and set on a steel frame, it was crude and clunky. But it got the job done. It wasn’t until 1938 that functional fabrics and zips were first used to help happy campers keep their belongings safe and dry. But by the Sixties, thanks to the likes of Fjällräven and JanSport, students and school kids everywhere were swapping their book bags for this practical but playful two-strap design.

How to wear a backpack in 2024:

Fast forward to 2023 and the grown-ups are at it, too. The pocket-reliant male is near extinct; now he's embracing the capaciousness of a decent bag, armed with his reusable coffee cups, Macbook and spare gym kit. Mary Poppins might have had her hold-all, but you'll get just as much use from a trusty backpack – if you choose wisely.

But with so many to pick from, where does one begin when looking for the perfect grown-up backpack? Firstly, ask yourself what you're using it for, then weigh up the importance of ergonomics versus aesthetics. If you need a multitasker to take you from commutes, to the office, and onto the gym, you'll be needing functional features such as a breathable mesh back panel (to prevent those embarrassing poplin shirt sweat patches) and adjustable padded straps to help cushion the load.

"In terms of styling, you can use the backpack as a sharp accessory for work," says Mehmet. "Pair one with tailoring, or in a more casual setting, with straight-leg trousers, a sweater and sneakers."

Slick leather will always look smart but, if dress codes are more relaxed, canvas or woven cotton styles are cheap, cheerful, and look even cooler with some wear and tear. If it’s a multitasker you’re after, go for anything nylon – we have the rise of luxury streetwear (and Miuccia Prada) to thank for the elevation of this technical fabric. And, finally, if you’re just out here looking for the cherry on top of a big look, have some fun with this season’s harness, cross-body and sling styles.

Still stumped? We've spelt it out for you here in our guide to the best backpacks a man can buy right now.