We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Herschel is a great all-rounder backpack brand with high scores for durability, design, comfort and value for money. It beat out big competitors like Kathmandu and Macpac to be crowned this year's award winner.
Backpacks come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles. However, there are a few main types of backpack to choose from:
To find the best backpack for your needs, consider the following factors:
How you'll use your backpack is a crucial factor that will determine the type of bag you buy. For example, if you're looking for a heavy-duty pack you can take on multi-day hiking treks through rough terrain, you'll need something very different to someone who wants a pack they can strap on their back while they cycle to work.
Think carefully about what your backpack will need to do before you start shopping.
If possible, head in-store to put a backpack through its paces before you buy. If the store allows it, take along all the gear you'll need to carry and load it into the bag. Try a few on to check they're the right size for you, if the shoulder straps are comfortable or dig in, and if there's enough airflow between the bag and your back. Also, check whether the straps can adjust to suit different loads and carrying conditions and if the bag is contoured to match the shape of your back.
The backpack you choose will obviously need to be large enough to hold everything you need to carry around, but this will also need to be balanced with other practical considerations. Check if the bag, when fully loaded, will be lightweight and comfortable enough for you to carry. Also, is it a practical size to take on crowded public transport? Can it fit in an overhead compartment on a plane as a carry on bag?
Check if there are multiple compartments to help you arrange your items and how easy it is to access the space. Traditional backpacks are "top-loaders" but many travel bags open like suitcases for easier access. Look for compartments for special items, such as padded laptop compartments and easy-to-access compartments for those items you need to use frequently, such as your keys, wallet and phone.
Consider what sort of protection the backpack will provide for the items you're carrying. Is it padded to protect against bumps or being dropped, or is there a special padded compartment for items such as laptops? Is it waterproof or at least water-resistant? Are there lockable zippers to help prevent theft?
Next, take a closer look at how the bag has been put together to make sure it'll stand up to the daily rigours of life on the train, backpacking around the world or hiking through the wilderness. Is the material suitable for how you plan to use the pack? Are the zippers strong and durable? Are the buckles sturdy and secure?
You can pick up a no-frills backpack for everyday use for as little as $30. But if you're looking for a specialist hiking or travel backpack, prices can range anywhere from $50 up to $500, with some even more expensive models available.
In many cases, choosing a backpack will mean prioritising substance over style. But if you're shopping for a bag you can wear into the office every day, you'll also want to consider the way it looks.
Some bags come with wheels so they can be pulled around when you get tired of carrying the weight on your back.
The biggest advantages of backpacks are their versatility and practicality. If you'll be on the move a lot, potentially climbing lots of flights of stairs, a backpack will definitely come in handy. They can also be useful if you'll be venturing off the beaten track a little bit, and they're easier to run with than a suitcase – so you can make it to the gate in time if your connecting flight is delayed.
But if you're travelling somewhere and you plan on staying in one place, a suitcase might be a better bet. Suitcases are easy to wheel around airports, they're easy to pack and unpack, and hard-shell suitcases in particular can stand up to plenty of punishment.
Find out more in our suitcase and luggage buying guide.
Before deciding on the best backpack for your needs, consider the following:
| Total Score | Overall rating | Value for Money | Comfort | Design | Durability | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Herschel | 8.2 | 4.5 | 4.28 | 4.28 | 4.56 | 4.39 |
| Kathmandu | 8.19 | 4.49 | 4.2 | 4.33 | 4.41 | 4.45 |
| Osprey | 8 | 4.09 | 4.64 | 4.55 | 4.73 | 4.55 |
| American Tourister | 7.93 | 4.33 | 3.92 | 4 | 4.42 | 4.25 |
| BlackWolf | 7.91 | 4.26 | 4.26 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.26 |
| Other | 7.83 | 4.25 | 4.2 | 4.22 | 4.2 | 4.24 |
| Macpac | 7.61 | 4.18 | 3.96 | 4.21 | 3.96 | 4 |
| Caribee | 7.52 | 4.12 | 3.84 | 3.84 | 4.16 | 3.96 |
From the best model for women to the top lightweight option, these are the 12 best hiking backpacks available right now in Australia.
If you’re looking for the perfect travel backpack, we help you find the best luggage for your next trip.
From the best option for camera to the top wheeled model, these are the 12 best backpacks available online.
Belkin's Active Pro Backpack is a good match for those with laptop carrying needs.
Forget crossbody bags and pretty purses, the backpack is your new best friend. Here's where you can buy one online.
Get your hands on cool backpacks and lunch boxes that your kid will absolutely love this school year - no matter how old they are.
