Looking for the best backpacks for London in 2026? Whether you’re commuting on the Tube, cycling through Shoreditch or heading from the office to the gym, the right backpack makes everyday life easier.
The best backpacks for London combine weather protection, comfortable straps, practical laptop storage and a design that works with your wardrobe. After all, nobody wants an oversized hiking bag on a crowded Northern line or a soaked laptop after an unexpected downpour.
From premium commuter bags to affordable everyday essentials, we’ve selected 11 of the best backpacks for London life in 2026. Our edit includes stylish, practical options from Troubadour, Stubble & Co, Rains, Bellroy, Fjällräven and more.
Whether you’re looking for a smart work backpack, a weather-resistant commuter bag or something versatile enough for weekend travel, there’s an option for every budget and routine.
For more wardrobe inspiration, explore the latest London fashion news, features and shopping guides on LDNFASHION.
Quick Look: The Best Backpacks for London in 2026
Short on time? Here’s our edit of the best backpacks for commuting, work, university and weekend travel. Click any backpack to shop.
| Backpack | Best for |
|---|---|
| Troubadour Apex 4.0 → | Best overall |
| Stubble & Co Roll Top → | Rainy commutes |
| Rains Backpack W3 → | Minimalist style |
| Bellroy Transit Workpack → | Hybrid working |
| Herschel Little America → | Everyday versatility |
| Fjällräven Kånken Laptop → | Students |
| Timbuk2 Authority DLX → | Tech organisation |
| Chrome Highline 20L → | Recycled materials |
| Matador SEG45 → | Weekend travel |
| The North Face Borealis → | Gym and office |
| Eastpak Out of Office → | Best affordable |
What Makes the Best Backpacks for London Commuting?
London commuting puts a backpack through its paces. One minute you’re standing on a crowded Tube, the next you’re walking through heavy rain with a laptop, lunch and gym kit.
The best backpacks for London need to balance comfort, practical storage and everyday style.
Before choosing a backpack, consider these essentials:
- Weather protection: Water-resistant fabrics work for occasional showers, while more protective constructions are preferable for regular cycling.
- Laptop storage: Look for a padded compartment that fits your device securely.
- Capacity: Around 15–20 litres works well for lighter daily loads. Choose 25–30 litres if you regularly carry gym clothes.
- Comfort: Padded shoulder straps and breathable back panels make longer commutes easier.
- Security: Internal compartments and concealed zipped pockets help keep valuables organised.
- Style: A streamlined design works just as well with tailoring as it does with weekend clothes.
Our selection of the best backpacks for London covers everything from lightweight daily bags to larger travel-ready designs.
The 11 Best Backpacks for London in 2026
1. Troubadour Apex Backpack 4.0: Best Overall Backpack
Best for: Professionals and everyday commuters
London-founded Troubadour has built a reputation for combining minimalist design with practical performance. Its Apex Backpack 4.0 is a strong choice for anyone who wants one bag for work, commuting and occasional travel.
The design is smart enough for an office but practical enough for everyday use. Its structured shape, thoughtful compartments and weather-resistant construction make it particularly appealing for city living.
The Apex 4.0 offers approximately 22 litres of storage, making it suitable for a laptop, accessories and daily essentials without feeling unnecessarily bulky.
Key features:
- Weatherproof fabric made using recycled materials
- Protective laptop compartment
- Organised storage for smaller essentials
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps
- Luggage sleeve for travel
- Minimalist design suitable for work
Worth knowing: Troubadour sits at the premium end of the market. However, its understated design and practical features make it an attractive investment for regular commuters.
Our verdict: The best choice for anyone looking for a smart, versatile backpack that can handle both the office and everyday London life.
2. Stubble & Co Roll Top 20L: Best for Rainy Commutes
Best for: Cyclists and all-weather commuters
British accessories brand Stubble & Co understands the demands of everyday commuting. Its Roll Top 20L is designed for people who need practical storage without sacrificing style.
The roll-top opening is particularly useful during unpredictable weather, while the streamlined shape makes it a natural choice for cyclists and commuters.
The bag combines water-repelling construction with useful everyday features, including laptop storage and comfortable carrying straps.
Key features:
- 20-litre capacity
- Weather-protective recycled materials
- Roll-top closure
- Separate padded laptop compartment
- Breathable back panel
- Chest strap for additional stability
- Reflective details
Worth knowing: Roll-top bags take slightly longer to open than conventional zipped backpacks. Also, waterproof materials do not necessarily mean every seam and opening is completely watertight.
Our verdict: A practical choice for commuters who regularly walk or cycle through London’s unpredictable weather.
3. Rains Backpack W3: Best Minimalist Backpack
Best for: Style-conscious commuters
Danish brand Rains has made its name with sleek, weather-ready accessories. Its signature Backpack W3 is particularly well suited to London, where a practical bag still needs to look good.
The clean silhouette works with everything from oversized coats to tailored trousers. Meanwhile, the coated fabric helps protect your belongings from everyday rain.
With a relatively compact capacity, this is a good option for anyone who travels light.
Key features:
- Signature PU-coated fabric
- Minimalist flap closure
- Internal laptop compartment
- Concealed rear zipped pocket
- Slim, structured silhouette
- Compact everyday storage
Worth knowing: The Backpack W3 is better suited to carrying daily essentials than bulky gym equipment. For more space, consider the Rains Rolltop Rucksack.
Our verdict: One of the best-looking backpacks for London commuters who value simplicity and understated design.
4. Bellroy Transit Workpack: Best for Hybrid Workers
Best for: Office workers and organised commuters
Australian accessories brand Bellroy specialises in clever storage solutions, and its Transit Workpack is a particularly good fit for hybrid working.
The 20-litre design offers enough room for a laptop, charger, notebook and everyday essentials without looking oversized. Its clamshell-style opening also makes packing and finding your belongings easier.
Unlike traditional backpacks, which often have one large compartment, the Transit Workpack uses dedicated storage areas to keep everything organised.
Key features:
- 20-litre capacity
- Water-resistant recycled fabric
- Separate laptop compartment for devices up to 16 inches
- Wide-opening main compartment
- Quick-access pockets for smaller essentials
- Luggage pass-through for travel
- Comfortable padded back panel
Worth knowing: Although the Transit Workpack works well for daily commuting, it isn’t designed to replace a dedicated hiking or heavy-duty travel backpack.
Our verdict: An excellent option for anyone splitting their week between home, office and coworking spaces.
SHOP BELLROY TRANSIT WORKPACK →
5. Herschel Little America: Best Everyday All-Rounder
Best for: Everyday use and carrying extra essentials
The Herschel Little America has become something of a modern backpack classic. Inspired by traditional mountaineering bags, its distinctive shape combines heritage styling with everyday practicality.
The spacious 30-litre design makes it especially useful if you regularly carry gym clothes, books or additional layers.
Meanwhile, its padded laptop sleeve and comfortable shoulder straps make it suitable for commuting.
Key features:
- Generous 30-litre capacity
- Padded laptop compartment
- Recycled fabric construction
- Drawstring opening with magnetic strap closures
- Front zipped pocket
- Expandable water bottle pockets
- Adjustable shoulder straps
Worth knowing: At 30 litres, the Little America is considerably larger than some other backpacks in this guide. That makes it useful for carrying more, although less convenient on crowded trains.
Our verdict: A versatile everyday backpack with plenty of storage and a recognisable design.
SHOP HERSCHEL LITTLE AMERICA →
6. Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15″: Best for Students
Best for: Students and casual everyday wear
Few backpacks are as instantly recognisable as the Fjällräven Kånken.
Originally introduced in Sweden in 1978, the Kånken has become a favourite among students, creatives and anyone who appreciates simple Scandinavian design.
The Laptop 15″ version retains the original’s boxy silhouette but adds a dedicated padded laptop compartment.
Its lightweight construction and compact shape make it particularly well suited to navigating London on foot or public transport.
Key features:
- Approximately 18-litre capacity
- Separate padded 15-inch laptop compartment
- Durable Vinylon F fabric
- Lightweight construction
- Padded shoulder straps
- Front zipped pocket
- Wide range of colours
Worth knowing: The Kånken is water-resistant rather than waterproof. Its relatively simple organisation also means it isn’t the best choice for anyone carrying lots of tech accessories.
Our verdict: A timeless backpack for university, everyday commuting and casual city life.
7. Timbuk2 Authority Pack DLX: Best for Tech Organisation
Best for: Professionals carrying multiple devices
If your daily commute involves a laptop, tablet, headphones, cables and notebooks, the Timbuk2 Authority Pack DLX deserves consideration.
Designed around organisation, this structured backpack offers multiple compartments to keep work essentials separated and accessible.
Its professional appearance also makes it suitable for office environments, while the padded carrying system helps manage heavier loads.
Key features:
- Approximately 28-litre capacity
- Padded laptop compartment for devices up to 17 inches
- Multiple internal organiser pockets
- Dedicated storage for accessories
- Air-mesh back panel
- Luggage pass-through
- Compression straps
- Reflective details
Worth knowing: The Authority Pack DLX is relatively bulky compared with more streamlined commuter backpacks.
Our verdict: One of the strongest options for commuters who carry several devices and want everything in its place.
SHOP TIMBUK2 AUTHORITY ON AMAZON →
8. Chrome Industries Highline 20L: Best Recycled-Material Backpack
Best for: Urban commuters looking for recycled materials
Chrome Industries has long been associated with cycling culture, particularly its hard-wearing messenger bags and urban accessories.
The Highline 20L takes that practical approach and applies it to a more understated everyday backpack.
Its streamlined silhouette works well for city commuting, while the use of recycled fabrics gives it an additional point of difference.
Key features:
- 20-litre capacity
- Recycled fabric construction
- PFAS-free materials
- Padded laptop storage for devices up to 15 inches
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Internal organisation pockets
- Side bottle pockets
- Lightweight design
Worth knowing: Although Chrome has a strong cycling heritage, the Highline is better viewed as an everyday urban backpack than a fully waterproof technical cycling bag.
Our verdict: A smart option for commuters who want a practical design with recycled materials.
9. Matador SEG45 Travel Pack: Best for Weekend Breaks
Best for: Weekend travel and short city breaks
Not every backpack needs to be designed for the daily commute.
If you’re regularly catching the Eurostar, heading away for the weekend or travelling with cabin luggage, the Matador SEG45 offers a different approach.
Its segmented storage system helps organise clothing and accessories without requiring separate packing cubes.
The 45-litre capacity also provides considerably more space than a typical commuter backpack.
Key features:
- 45-litre capacity
- Segmented storage compartments
- Multiple external access points
- Clamshell-style main compartment
- Dedicated laptop storage
- Weather-resistant materials
- Designed for travel organisation
Worth knowing: At 45 litres, this is too large for most everyday Tube journeys. Check individual airline baggage allowances before travelling, particularly on budget airlines.
Our verdict: A clever alternative to a small suitcase for weekend breaks and short trips from London.
10. The North Face Borealis: Best for Gym and Office
Best for: Active commuters and everyday versatility
The North Face Borealis has become a familiar sight across London, and with good reason.
Originally developed with outdoor practicality in mind, the backpack has evolved into a versatile everyday option for students, commuters and people who need to carry more than just a laptop.
With approximately 28–29 litres of storage, depending on the version, there’s room for work essentials, gym clothes and an extra layer. Meanwhile, the comfortable carrying system makes it suitable for longer journeys.
Key features:
- Approximately 28–29-litre capacity, depending on model
- Padded laptop compartment
- FlexVent suspension system
- Breathable back panel
- External bungee storage
- Multiple organiser pockets
- Water bottle pockets
- Reflective details
Worth knowing: The Borealis has a more technical, outdoors-inspired appearance than minimalist backpacks from Troubadour or Rains.
Our verdict: An excellent all-rounder for people who combine commuting, exercise and everyday activities.
SHOP THE NORTH FACE BOREALIS →
11. Eastpak Out of Office: Best Affordable Backpack
Best for: Students, casual commuting and everyday essentials
Sometimes the simplest option is the right one.
Eastpak’s Out of Office backpack offers a practical, understated design without the premium price tag associated with more technical commuter bags.
Its straightforward construction makes it useful for students, casual office environments and anyone who wants a reliable everyday backpack.
With a 27-litre capacity, there’s plenty of room for books, lunch and other essentials.
Key features:
- 27-litre capacity
- Padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 14 inches
- Spacious main compartment
- Front zipped pocket
- Padded shoulder straps
- Comfortable back panel
- Durable, water-resistant fabric
- Wide selection of colours
Worth knowing: The Out of Office doesn’t offer the same weather protection or technical organisation as more expensive commuter backpacks.
Our verdict: A practical everyday option for shoppers who want a simple backpack without spending a fortune.
How to Choose the Best Backpacks for London Life
The best backpack isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the one with the most features. It’s the one that suits your daily routine.
When comparing the best backpacks for London, think about how you travel, what you carry and how often you need to use the bag.
Consider Your Commute
If you travel primarily by Tube, a streamlined 15–20-litre backpack is often sufficient. It carries your essentials without taking up too much space.
Cyclists may prefer weather-protective materials, reflective details and a chest strap for stability.
If you regularly cycle to work, choosing the right outerwear matters too. Explore our waterproof jacket guides for more practical clothing options.
Think About Capacity
The best backpacks for London commuters generally offer enough room for a laptop, lunch and daily essentials without unnecessary bulk.
For most people, these sizes provide a useful starting point:
- 10–15 litres: Light commuting and daily essentials.
- 15–20 litres: Laptop, lunch and everyday accessories.
- 20–30 litres: Work essentials, gym clothes and additional layers.
- 30 litres and above: Travel, overnight stays and heavier loads.
Check Laptop Compatibility
Don’t assume a backpack will accommodate your laptop simply because it has a padded compartment.
Laptop sleeves vary in their internal dimensions, so check the manufacturer’s measurements before buying.
Understand Waterproofing
Some of the best backpacks for London feature coated fabrics, roll-top closures and other details designed to handle wet weather.
A water-resistant backpack can handle light rain and occasional showers. However, prolonged exposure to heavy rain may eventually allow moisture inside.
If you regularly cycle through wet weather, look for a bag with a protective closure, suitable seams and clearly stated water-resistance specifications.
For valuable electronics, an additional waterproof sleeve can provide extra protection.
Choose Something You’ll Actually Wear
Your backpack is part of your everyday wardrobe.
Minimalist designs from Troubadour, Rains and Bellroy work particularly well with tailoring and smarter clothing. Meanwhile, The North Face, Eastpak and Herschel offer a more casual approach.
If you’re updating your everyday wardrobe, browse our latest trainer guides for footwear that works with both casual and smarter commuter looks.
Are Sustainable Backpacks Worth Buying?
Sustainability has become an increasingly important consideration when choosing accessories.
Several brands in this guide incorporate recycled materials, including Troubadour, Chrome Industries, Herschel and Stubble & Co.
However, recycled materials are only one part of the picture.
When comparing the best backpacks for London, durability and repairability deserve as much attention as recycled materials.
A well-made backpack that lasts for years may be a better long-term purchase than a cheaper alternative that needs frequent replacement.
Look for durable construction, repair options, clear material information and meaningful warranty coverage.
Ultimately, the most sustainable backpack is often the one you use regularly and keep for the longest time.
Final Verdict: The Best Backpacks for London in 2026
For most London commuters, the Troubadour Apex Backpack 4.0 is our top recommendation. Its combination of smart styling, practical organisation and weather protection makes it a strong everyday choice.
If your commute involves cycling or walking through the rain, the Stubble & Co Roll Top 20L is particularly appealing.
For something more fashion-focused, the Rains Backpack W3 offers one of the cleanest silhouettes in the selection.
Meanwhile, the Bellroy Transit Workpack is ideal for hybrid workers, while the Eastpak Out of Office provides a straightforward, more affordable alternative.
Ultimately, the best backpacks for London balance comfort, storage, weather protection and personal style.
Whichever you choose, prioritise laptop protection and the amount of storage you genuinely need.
Ready to upgrade your daily commute? Explore our top pick below.
SHOP OUR TOP PICK: TROUBADOUR APEX 4.0 →
Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Backpacks for London
What is the best backpack for commuting in London?
The Troubadour Apex Backpack 4.0 is our overall recommendation thanks to its smart design, practical storage and weather-resistant construction. The Stubble & Co Roll Top is another strong option for commuters who regularly walk or cycle.
What size backpack is best for the London Underground?
A backpack between 15 and 20 litres is usually sufficient for a laptop and everyday essentials. Larger backpacks can be useful if you carry gym clothes or additional equipment, although they’re less convenient on crowded trains.
Which backpack is best for London rain?
The Stubble & Co Roll Top and Rains Backpack W3 are worth considering for rainy commutes. However, check each bag’s specific waterproofing claims, particularly if you’re carrying expensive electronics.
What is the best backpack for work?
For professional environments, the Troubadour Apex 4.0 and Bellroy Transit Workpack are excellent options. Both combine understated styling with dedicated laptop storage and useful organisation.
What is the best affordable backpack?
The Eastpak Out of Office offers a practical design and generous storage without the premium price of more technical backpacks.
Are backpacks better than messenger bags for commuting?
Backpacks distribute weight across both shoulders, which can make them more comfortable for carrying laptops and heavier loads. Messenger bags may be convenient for quick access, but backpacks are generally better suited to longer commutes.
