Wanderer Ayon Let’s be real — finding a good backpack that doesn’t scream “budget” can feel like hunting for a unicorn. But here’s the deal: You don’t have to fork out a hundred bucks to get something stylish, tough, and downright functional. That’s where our Top 10 best backpacks for men and women under $60 in July 2025 swoop in like superheroes.
Whether you’re trekking across Europe, cramming in lectures, or just navigating the chaos of daily life, we’ve got a pick with your name on it — and yes, it’ll cost less than dinner for two at Olive Garden.
Let’s dive into the Top 10 best backpacks for men and women under $60 in July 2025, shall we?
1. ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L
Weight: 0.74 lbs
Capacity: 30L
Why You’ll Love It:
- Folds into a sandwich-sized pouch. Yep, sandwich-sized.
- Multiple pockets for excellent organization.
- Emergency whistle and reflective strips? Safety first!
- Tear-resistant nylon and smooth SBS zippers.
🔍 Details:
- Ultra-lightweight at only 0.74 lbs, making it ideal for day trips, hiking, or as a secondary travel bag.
- Compact design that folds into a palm-sized pouch — great for stuffing into luggage when not in use.
- Water-resistant, tear-resistant nylon fabric ensures durability in unpredictable weather or rugged terrain.
- Includes mesh side pockets, zippered compartments, and front pouch for essentials like maps, snacks, or electronics.
- Integrated reflective strips and safety whistle on chest strap provide added security for night travel or emergencies.
If you’re looking for an ultra-light and travel-friendly solution, the ZOMAKE Lightweight Packable Backpack 30L is one of the most practical best backpacks for men and women. It weighs less than a pound and folds into a compact pouch small enough to fit into your palm. Despite its size, it opens up to a roomy 30L capacity—perfect for hiking, city tours, or as an emergency extra bag during travel. Crafted from tear-resistant, water-resistant nylon, it withstands light rain and rugged terrain. Multiple zippered compartments, mesh side pockets, and reflective safety strips make it ideal for day-long adventures or urban errands.
2. SHRRADOO Extra Large 50L Travel Laptop Backpack
Capacity: 50L
Perks:
- 20 pockets (yes, 20!) to sort your life.
- USB charging port & password lock.
- TSA-friendly laptop compartment.
🔍 Details:
- Comes with 20+ compartments including a padded laptop sleeve, large main compartment, quick-access pockets, and RFID-blocking pocket.
- Equipped with external USB port and built-in charging cable (power bank not included) for convenient on-the-go charging.
- TSA-friendly flat-lay design allows quick access during airport security checks.
- Padded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps provide ergonomic support for long carries.
- Features anti-theft lockable zippers and luggage strap to secure the bag onto suitcase handles.
✅ Best For: Business travelers, students with lots of gadgets, and organized commuters.
For those who need serious space and organization, the SHRRADOO Extra Large Travel Backpack delivers a generous 50-liter capacity. This is one of the most versatile best backpacks for men and women who travel frequently, carry tech gear, or commute daily. It includes over 20 pockets, a padded laptop compartment, and even a USB charging port to stay connected on the go. Designed with TSA-friendly flat-lay access, it’s perfect for hassle-free airport checks. The thick padded back panel and adjustable straps ensure all-day comfort, making it a reliable choice for work or travel.
3. Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack
Perfect For:
- Students
- Office workers
- Budget-conscious commuters
🔍 Details:
- Simple, no-frills design made with durable polyester and reinforced stitching for daily use.
- Padded compartments fit laptops up to 17″, along with files, chargers, and stationery.
- Features multiple storage zones: front zippered pocket, internal organizer, mesh water bottle holders.
- Adjustable padded straps and mesh back panel help distribute weight and increase airflow.
- Extremely budget-friendly and versatile best-backpacks-for-men-and-women.
✅ Best For: Students, office workers, and anyone looking for dependable value.
Simplicity meets functionality in the Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack. This minimalist design stands out among budget best backpacks for men and women offering padded protection for laptops up to 17 inches. Multiple compartments hold notebooks, tech accessories, water bottles, and daily essentials. The durable polyester construction and padded shoulder straps make it suitable for students, office workers, or travelers looking for a solid backpack without breaking the bank. Its sleek black look and practicality have made it a favorite entry-level option.
4. REEBOW GEAR Military Tactical Backpack 40L
Features:
- 40L of survival space
- MOLLE webbing for attachments
- Double-stitched zippers and hydration-ready
🔍 Details:
- Built from heavy-duty, water-resistant 600D polyester with double-stitched seams for maximum durability.
- MOLLE (Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment) webbing system allows users to attach gear like pouches, tools, or survival kits.
- Comes with ventilated mesh padding, waist and chest straps, and heavy-duty zippers for outdoor ruggedness.
- Internal ompartments provide space for hydration bladders, survival tools, and clothing.
- Available in multiple camo colors, giving it a tactical/military aesthetic.
✅ Best For: Hikers, campers, preppers, and those needing a rugged backpack for harsh environments.
For outdoor lovers or those in need of a rugged design, the REEBOW GEAR Tactical Backpack is a tactical powerhouse among best backpacks for men and women. Designed with military-grade 600D polyester and MOLLE webbing, it’s ideal for hiking, camping, or emergency prepping. The 40L capacity includes compartments for survival gear, hydration bladders, and essentials. Padded straps, hip and chest buckles, and breathable mesh back padding ensure comfort in rough terrain. Its camo aesthetic also appeals to those looking for a tougher, adventure-ready pack.
5. KEOFID Travel Backpack with USB Port
What Stands Out:
- Sleek design with USB charging
- Laptop & tablet compartments
- Water-resistant fabric
🔍 Details:
- Sleek and professional exterior that blends perfectly for both work and travel environments.
- Features USB charging port and headphone port, ideal for commuters and students on the move.
- Includes compartments for laptops, tablets, accessories, and personal items.
- Water-resistant material keeps electronics and documents dry in mild rain conditions.
- Breathable padded shoulder straps and anti-theft zipper design for safe daily use.
✅ Best For: Commuters, students, and professionals wanting style and functionality on a budget.
KEOFID’s Travel Backpack offers an ideal balance of modern design and everyday utility. This is one of the best tech-friendly best backpacks for men and women offering a USB charging port, a sleek profile, and dedicated compartments for laptops, tablets, and accessories. Built from water-resistant material, it’s suited for daily commutes, campus life, or casual travel. Anti-theft features like hidden zippers and a luggage strap add to its appeal. Its design fits comfortably in professional settings while delivering travel-ready functionality.
6. Maelstrom Hiking Backpack 40L with Rain Cover
What You Get:
- Rain cover + hydration compatibility
- Multiple compartments + safety whistle
- Reflective logos and compression straps
🔍 Details:
- Comes with a built-in rain cover and water-resistant materials to withstand rain, snow, and trail dust.
- Designed for long hikes with breathable mesh shoulder straps, chest straps, and hip belt for even weight distribution.
- Built-in safety whistle, night reflective strips, and multiple gear loops for trekking poles and gear.
- Separate compartments for hydration bladder, dirty/wet clothes, sleeping bag, and food.
- Compression straps stabilize loads and minimize shifting during movement.
✅ Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and adventurers who want long-haul performance without a heavy price tag.
The Maelstrom Hiking Backpack is made for outdoor performance and durability. Among all outdoor best backpacks for men and women this one shines with its built-in waterproof rain cover, ergonomic chest/hip straps, and breathable mesh padding. It provides ample space for food, clothes, hydration packs, and gear, while offering a whistle buckle for safety and reflective accents for visibility. Whether you’re trekking through forests or heading on a weekend camping trip, this backpack is built to handle it all while keeping you dry and organized.
7. MATEIN Carry On Travel Backpack (Expandable 45L)
Perks:
- Expandable to 45L
- Airline carry-on compliant
- Hideaway straps, USB charging
🔍 Details:
- Expandable main compartment increases storage space for longer trips or heavy packers.
- Airline-compliant carry-on size with suitcase-style opening for easy packing and unpacking.
- Hideaway padded shoulder straps allow conversion between backpack and suitcase mode.
- External USB port with cable plus padded laptop compartment make it a travel-tech hybrid.
- Water-resistant polyester and luggage strap on back panel for stacking onto rolling suitcases.
✅ Best For: Frequent flyers, digital nomads, and light packers needing maximum flexibility.
For jet-setters and weekend warriors, the MATEIN Carry On Travel Backpack is one of the most airline-friendly best backpacks for men and women. It expands from 35L to 45L, giving you more room when needed. It features a suitcase-style opening, hidden shoulder straps, and padded laptop storage. Made from water-resistant fabric, it fits under most airline seats and overhead bins. The built-in USB port is a bonus for digital nomads, and the minimalist design suits both business and leisure travel.
8. MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack 17”
Why It’s Awesome:
- TSA-approved laptop section
- USB charging port
- Anti-theft back pocket
🔍 Details:
- TSA-approved lay-flat laptop compartment for hassle-free airport security checks.
- Multiple interior and exterior pockets hold devices, chargers, pens, notebooks, and more.
- External USB charging port with built-in cable (power bank not included).
- Anti-theft back pocket for storing valuables like wallets or passports.
- Comfortable airflow design with padded back panel and shoulder straps.
✅ Best For: Tech-heavy commuters, travelers, and students carrying larger devices.
This MATEIN backpack caters to tech-savvy professionals and students alike. As one of the smartest best-backpacks-for-men-and-women, it includes a TSA-compliant laptop compartment that opens flat, ideal for airport screening. The multiple pockets help organize gadgets, books, and supplies efficiently, while a USB charging port keeps your phone powered throughout the day. It also includes hidden anti-theft pockets and a luggage strap for secure travel. Padded straps and airflow back design ensure a comfortable carry—even when fully loaded.
9. Carhartt 21L Classic Daypack
Design Highlights:
- Water-resistant 600D polyester
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Sleek urban vibe
🔍 Details:
- Made from durable water-resistant 600D polyester with Rain Defender technology.
- Includes a dedicated padded laptop sleeve and internal organization panel.
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps and air mesh back panel for breathability.
- Minimalist design with Carhartt’s signature rugged styling — perfect for daily urban use.
- Front zippered pocket for keys, sunglasses, or quick-grab items.
✅ Best For: Urban commuters, high school or college students, and fans of rugged fashion.
Carhartt’s 21L Daypack brings the brand’s signature ruggedness into a compact form. Perfect for everyday urban use, this is one of the most stylish yet durable best backpacks for men and women under $50. It includes a padded laptop sleeve, a front organizer, and a water-repellent finish. Ideal for students, professionals, or commuters, it blends rugged charm with modern function. The air mesh back panel and padded straps make daily wear comfortable, while the minimalist design suits any outfit or occasion.
10. Carhartt 25L Classic Work Backpack
Best For:
- Daily grind
- Work commutes
- Everyday carry
🔍 Details:
- Slightly larger than the 21L version, offering more space for books, tech, lunch, and work gear.
- Rugged materials withstand daily wear and tear, with YKK zippers and reinforced stitching.
- Internal padded laptop sleeve, large main compartment, and mesh water bottle pocket.
- Cushioned back panel and adjustable straps provide excellent comfort.
- Understated design makes it versatile for work, school, and weekend use.
✅ Best For: Professionals, tradespeople, and students looking for a stylish, durable, and compact daily backpack.
Rounding out the list is the Carhartt 25L Classic Work Backpack—a larger, more functional version of its 21L sibling. Designed for durability and comfort, it’s one of the best backpacks for men and women seeking a workhorse for daily use. It features a padded laptop sleeve, spacious compartments, YKK zippers, and a water-repellent finish. Whether you’re carrying textbooks, tools, or your lunch, this backpack can handle it. The neutral, understated design suits office environments just as much as the worksite.
✨Final Thoughts: Carry Smart, Spend Less
So, what have we learned, fellow bag hunter? You don’t need to break the bank for durability, design, and features. The Top 10 best backpacks for men and women under $60 in June 2025 prove that quality and affordability aren’t mutually exclusive.
Whether you’re eyeing the rugged REEBOW GEAR, the sleek KEOFID, or the featherlight ZOMAKE, each pick here is battle-tested and budget-approved.
Your adventure — whether it’s on campus, through TSA lines, or into the great outdoors — deserves a sidekick that won’t bail on you. So grab your favorite from the Top 10 best backpacks for men and women under $60 in June 2025, and get packing. Your journey awaits.
👉 Pro Tip: Choose a backpack that fits your daily lifestyle—work, travel, school, or outdoor activities—and prioritize comfort, durability, and features based on your needs.
Also Read- Top 5 Best Hardside Carry-On Luggage Under $100 in 2025
❓FAQs: All Your Backpack Questions, Answered
Q: Can these backpacks handle laptops safely?
Yes! Most options like MATEIN, Amazon Basics, and Carhartt have padded compartments for laptops up to 17 inches
Q: Are these backpacks waterproof?
Not all, but several like the Maelstrom and Carhartt bags are water-resistant — enough to handle light rain.
Q: What’s the best for hiking or outdoor use?
Hands down, the Maelstrom and REEBOW GEAR tactical backpacks are built for the wild.
Q: Do any of them work as carry-on luggage?
Yep! MATEIN’s expandable travel backpack is a champ for air travel and meets most airline size requirements.
