EDC or everyday carry backpacks are crucial life companions right behind our smartphones. The best EDC backpack is a delight to carry with all modular accessories stored safely inside.
But how can you find the perfect EDC for your everyday essentials—one that’s also good for your spine?
In this guide, we’ve compiled a rundown of some of the best EDC backpacks and what makes them great purchases. We analyze their durability, comfort, weather-resistant build, storage capability, and more.
Here are our top 11 picks for the best EDC backpack for all types of users.
Why Do You Need a Great EDC Backpack?
A great EDC backpack makes hauling your essential items between places incredibly easy. You see it but don’t feel it—and it carries some of your most precious cargo safely.
The best EDC backpack also comes with a strong hide to protect your devices from the elements and impact damage.
Overall Best EDC Backpack
1. Aer Travel Pack
The best EDC backpack is the Aer Travel Pack because it can do it all.
It comes with a main lay-flat compartment with a clamshell opening that can easily carry all your travel essentials. It also has external pockets, a shoe compartment, and a quick access sleeve for 15.6-inch laptops.
All cargo is protected within a 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior, originally designed for military body armor.
It also wins on the comfort aspect with padded handles, a padded mesh back panel, and a sternum strap and load-lifter strap for weight distribution. An internal frame sheet gives the large bag much-needed support.
You can bring this bag anywhere as it meets all international and domestic carry-on luggage size limits.
Features
- 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior
- YKK® zippers
- Duraflex® plastic hardware
Pros
- Durable
- Lots of storage
- Expandable
- Great aesthetics
Cons
- No wheels
Best Budget EDC Backpack
2. Carhartt Legacy Standard Work Backpack
The Carhartt Standard EDC may seem like an old-school budget buy, but its 1200D polyester with Rain Defender® technology protection certainly isn’t. Its contoured shoulder straps ensure a snug fit, while a padded air-mesh back panel will keep you cool on long outings or rush-hour commutes.
All your essential gear will sit comfortably in its large main compartment and two small ones at the front. There are also two external water bottle pockets.
And if you do want to put it down for a minute, the abrasion-resistant base is there to do its job.
Features
- 1200D polyester with Rain Defender® technology
- Water repellant
- Duravax™ abrasion-resistant base
Pros
- Sturdy
- Water resistant
- Lots of room
Cons
- Bulky looking
Best EDC Sling Bag
3. Aer Day Sling 2
The Aer Day Sling 2 is the best EDC backpack that passes our day pack style test. Its sleek design means you can carry it around everywhere, which its adjustable shoulder strap makes it super easy to do.
There are multiple pockets to store your phone, keys, tech accessories, and even electronics. But the steal is the hidden back pocket for your essential items like wallet and passport.
This sling-style everyday pack is perfect for things you want to keep close to your heart (literally) while you roam hands-free.
Features
- 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior
- YKK® zippers
- Duraflex® plastic hardware
Pros
- Water resistant
- Multiple pockets
- Hidden storage compartment
- Compact
Cons
- Not for heavy loads
Best EDC Hiking Backpack
4. Osprey Daylite Plus Pack
The Daylite Plus from Osprey is an excellent hiking buddy that carries its own weight. It is one of our favorite backpacks because of its eco-friendly build.
It features dual side compression straps and a Harness grab handle doubling as a luggage pass-thru. The mesh-covered die-cut foam back panel keeps your back cool as you carry it.
The compact backpack contains a large main compartment, multifunctional 15-inch internal laptop sleeve, two side pockets, and three front pockets.
Features
- Bluesign® approved recycled fabrics
- GRS-certified recycled polyester
- PFC-free DWR coating
Pros
- Durable materials
- Compact design
Cons
- Too small for those with broad shoulders
Best EDC Backpack For Travel
5. Tropicfeel Shell
If you struggle to fit all your belongings in a standard backpack at the end of a trip, you need the Tropicfeel. It expands up to 20% and features a three-in-one adaptable design, making it the best EDC backpack for travelers.
It also holds up wonderfully as a daily backpack!
It features a clamshell opening with three spacious compartments to hold your wardrobe. There’s also an expandable kangaroo opening at the bottom for things you may want to store separately.
The travel backpack has a weather-resistant build made with recycled materials. Its adjustable straps and hip belt significantly reduce the stress on your shoulders.
Features
- Made with recycled nylon and polyester
- Magnetic Fidlock system
- Off-loading mechanism
Pros
- Expandable
- Weather resistant
- Lightweight design
- Spacious
- Eco-friendly
Cons
- Lack of compression straps
Best Weatherproof EDC Backpack
6. Elite Survival Systems Guardian Tactical EDC Pack
Essentially a tactical backpack, we love this best EDC backpack from the Elite Survival Systems series for its weather resistant qualities and top-notch external protection. There is also a fully-padded interior to keep everything secure.
It has a large main compartment, multiple accessory pockets, and a concealed carry compartment with an internal holster accessible from either side. The bag also fits a 17-inch laptop.
Features
- 1000 denier nylon
- Fully padded on all sides
- Water resistant covered zipper chain
Pros
- High-quality build
- Great for long commutes
- Well padded
Cons
- Not appropriate for casual outings
Best EDC Backpack In Durability
7. Maxpedition Entity 21 CCW-Enabled EDC Backpack
A winner in durability, this is the best EDC backpack for those on the go.
Easily access the main compartment with a clamshell opening while the drawbridge straps keep all contents in place. Those in a hurry need to simply use the tuckable magnetic wings to close the compartment from the front.
This backpack has a dedicated tablet sleeve and two side pockets for extra storage. The rear compartment with a loop-lined interior wall easily stores your hook-backed accessories and is accessible from either side.
All this feels like air to your shoulders with padded shoulder straps.
Features
- 500D N/P hybrid heathered fabric with polyurethane
- YKK® zippers and metal pull
- #AS-100 high-grade closed-cell foam padding material
Pros
- Water-resistant exterior
- Easily accessible compartments
- Great storage and organization
- High-quality build
Cons
- May not be appropriate for those with broad shoulders
Best EDC Laptop Backpack
8. Tortuga Outbreaker Laptop Backpack
The Tortuga is the best EDC backpack to carry on long flights. It has a front-loading minimalist design and great internal organization so you can pack gadgets, books, and other modular accessories. The laptop gets its own padded lockable compartment.
This urban laptop backpack is so compact that you might forget all about it, considering how snugly it fits under the front seat of an airplane. Carrying all those heavy loads is further made easy with its comfy top and side grab handles.
Features
- X-Pac® VX21 body fabric
- YKK® zippers
- Duraflex® buckles and hardware
Pros
- Lots of storage space
- Water-resistant exterior
- Great storage and organization
Cons
- Not appropriate for hiking
Best EDC Backpack For Students
9. Bellroy Classic Backpack
For an understated yet stylish everyday backpack, the Bellroy Classic is an excellent choice.
Its adjustable shoulder straps and back padding ensure good posture, while a protective laptop sleeve prevents your device from bouncing against your back as you walk.
Although it has a relatively compact design, the bag still comes with a dedicated tablet/document sleeve for a 16-inch laptop and more storage for essential items. There is also a front pocket and a water-resistant top pocket for storing quick-access items.
Features
- Made using sustainably sourced fabric and environmentally certified leather
- Water resistant top pocket
- Three-year warranty
Pros
- Clean design
- Eco-friendly
- Compact design
Cons
- Might be too small for some
Best EDC Camera Backpack
10. Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Peak Design’s daily carry is the best EDC backpack among reimagined photo carry bags.
The ergonomic design enables you to expand it when needed and keep your camera, lenses, and everyday carry gear safe. It also has a 15-inch laptop sleeve along with many other compartments for storage and organization, such as the expandable side pockets to hold tripods or water bottles.
All these are easy to access from either side with two weatherproof UltraZips. Plus, it has a quick-access top pocket with MagLatch hardware for keys and small accessories.
The bag provides superior performance on daily commutes, and it is also fit for extended travel.
Features
- 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas shell (DWR impregnated and double PU-coated)
- MagLatch hardware expansion
- FlexFold dividers
- Weather resistant UltraZips
Pros
- Durable
- Lots of storage
- Easy access
- Great organization scheme
Cons
- Not suitable for hiking purposes
Best EDC Backpack For Commuting
11. Helikon-Tex EDC Pack
This functional backpack is designed to be the best EDC backpack for commuters. Top-notch features include a main internal compartment with a hydration bladder hanger, a front chamber lined with soft velour velcro fabric, and more components to ensure everything fits. The two-way zipper opening provides ready access to all contents.
Commuting with this bag is easy with its durable padded grab handles on the top and side. It provides additional comfort with anatomical shoulder straps and a hip belt that keep the weight manageable.
Features
- 500D Cordura® fabric
- Woojin® buckles
- YKK® zippers
Pros
- Roomy
- Comfortable
Cons
- Lack of separate pockets
How to Choose the Best EDC Backpack?
Consider the Size
The best EDC backpack is one that fits all your daily essentials.
To find the best EDC backpack for your objects, list the items you need to carry each day. Lay them out flat and see how best to store them in a bag, then take a look at our guide to figure out which one will suit.
Water-Resistance
Do you hike a lot, put your bag down often, or live in an area with frequent rain spells?
Opt for basic backpacks with a water-resistant body. It is especially important if you carry electronic devices every day.
Comfort
If you carry heavier loads daily, look for backpacks with padded handles and ergonomic shoulder straps. Hip belts will also help distribute the weight across your back.
If you have broad shoulders, go for a larger bag.
Another feature that’ll make your everyday carry backpacks comfortable is air-mesh padding on the back panel.
Additional Features
Here are other features that can help you choose the best EDC backpack for you:
- Side pockets for water bottle
- Hidden pockets for passport and wallet
- Organized compartments
- Expandability
- Dual-side accessibility
- Dedicated laptop compartment
Different Types of Bags For Everyday Use
Backpack
A sack carried over one’s back with two straps for each shoulder.
Tote Bag
A large bag with a single wide opening, meant to be carried by hand or on the shoulder.
Satchel
Satchels are medium-sized bags that come with two handles and a long strap.
Clutch Bags
These handheld bags are meant to carry a few small items. They sometimes come with a removable strap.
Crossbody
Worn across the body, these bags have a long strap and store small essentials.
How to Care for Your EDC Backpack
No matter how durable and sturdy the best EDC backpack is, proper usage can add years to its life.
Here are some tips to help you take good care of your EDC:
- Put the right items in the right compartments.
- Do not load the bag over its capacity.
- Do not put your bag down on dirty pavements.
- Adjust the straps to distribute the load evenly on your shoulders.
- Immediately clean up spills and stains on the interior and exterior.
- Don’t place sharp objects without a safety cover inside or near the bag.
Do you love backpacking? Our guide to survival backpacking is just what you need.
Wrapping up the Best EDC Backpacks
No two EDC backpacks are the same; neither are the users who use them. The best EDC backpack for you will be easy to customize to suit all of your daily carry needs.
We hope our list of top 11 EDC options will help you find the perfect partner through all your journeys.
For more information on everyday survival items and their multiple uses, visit Survival World.
Gary’s love for adventure and preparedness stems from his background as a former Army medic. Having served in remote locations around the world, he knows the importance of being ready for any situation, whether in the wilderness or urban environments. Gary’s practical medical expertise blends with his passion for outdoor survival, making him an expert in both emergency medical care and rugged, off-the-grid living. He writes to equip readers with the skills needed to stay safe and resilient in any scenario.