Best Lightweight Backpack

Backpacks are versatile, handy, near-perfect pieces of luggage-if they’re comfortable. Thick, wide straps, and well-designed backpacks are the ones you can walk around with all day and not pay for it later. These are light, breathable packs that still have plenty of separate compartments suited to sport gear or work documents.

These are my top picks for lightweight backpacks that can still pack plenty of books, laptops and gear, without sacrificing the elements of style.

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Why it's best:
O’Neill figured some things out a few years ago and has been making insanely comfortable backpacks ever since. The Psycho backpack has a removable wet/dry sac (so your damp wetsuit doesn’t invade your whole bag), external utility straps you can stash away, headp... read full reviewAvailable From:
Amazon.com

Why it's a best pick:
The Nike C.O.R.E. Max backpack is big enough for lots of stuff, but doesn’t look bulky on your back. Its three flat main compartments allow you to separate and organize your books and other gear. A padded laptop compartment with a Velcro strap keeps your computer snu... read full review

Available From:
Amazon.com

Why it's a best pick:
The DaKine Campus backpack is great things in a small package. Black canvas with red/green/yellow detailing, this backpack has a laptop sleeve, a fleece-lined sunglass holder, and an insulated cooler pocket. There are mesh side pockets and an organizer pocket to keep your ... read full review

Available From:
Tilly's    $49.99

Why it's a best pick:
The North Face Surge is a backpack that will last you for as many years as you want it to. The molded back panel and thick, supportive straps will be easy on your back and shoulders. The organizer compartment is easily opened with a clasp, and there are several compartment... read full review

Price Range:
$99.99 - $114.90
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Available From:
eBags    $99.99
Rocky Mountain Trail    $114.90

Why it's a best pick:
The JanSport AirVital Pack is the better-looking cousin of the backpack we all had in high school, the one with the one large compartment and small front zip pocket that got us through those difficult years. The AirVital Pack has a more aesthetic design, with two main compa... read full review

Available From:
Amazon.com
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