But which one has worked hard enough to merit the top spot on the list?

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Ucon Acrobatics Brandon Backpack (~US$ 85)

The Brandon Backpack is a great option for minimalists, with its low-key aesthetics and just enough organization to keep the essentials tidy without cluttering things up. It’s also made with weatherproof recycled materials and fits up to a 15″ laptop.

Buddy x B: MING by BEAMS Play Backpack (~US$ 130)

The Play backpack offers a solid mix of street style, quality weatherproof construction and convenient access. Made in Japan, the bag has a front pocket for ready access to frequently used items, along with a wide-opening main compartment to easily pack and retrieve your gear.

The Brown Buffalo Conceal Pack (US$ 139)

The Conceal Pack is built tough to tackle whatever the day or night may bring, with hard-wearing 1000D Cordura and water-repellent YKK AquaGuard zippers. Combine its ruggedness with a sleek exterior and useful interior organization for your tech and smaller EDC, and you’ve got a reliable companion for the commute and travel alike.

F/CE No Seam Zip Lock Bag (US$ 185.13)

If protection from the elements is a priority, look to the waterproof No Seam Zip Lock Bag. With its welded construction and zip lock rolltop closure this pack is equally at home on city streets in a shower or sailing out at sea, all the while keeping your gear safe and sound in pared-back style.

Arc’teryx Arro 22 Backpack (US$ 200)

The Arc’teryx Arro 22 has been a street staple for over 10 years, and is a prominent pack in Japanese street culture. Seen in so many variations and collabs, this is about as classic and timeless as you can get. A considered mix of urban styling and outdoor technical design makes it equally adept at conquering the city or a weekend hike. An interior sleeve fits up to a 15″ laptop or hydration bladder, while exterior front and side pockets are ideal for stashing items you want close at hand.

Helinox TERG Daypack Anotherday (US$ 250)

Looking for a pack that moves smoothly from the streets to the hills? Meet the TERG Daypack Anotherday, which offers excellent access to gear throughout the bag by fully unzipping the front panel. There’s also a dedicated laptop compartment and a choice of exterior pockets for ready access to your day-to-day or outdoor essentials.

master-piece WAP No.02520 (~US$ 253)

Roaming with smaller loads? Consider the WAP No.02520, which is well suited to day trips or EDC use with an 11L volume and a range of pockets to keep smaller items in check. Made in Japan, the pack salutes the outdoors with its exterior rope attachment but is equally ready for a day on campus, at the beach or a lazy weekend meander.

MAKAVELIC 4th Anniversary Bind Up Canvas Backpack (US$ 269)

Tokyo brand MAKAVELIC find a great balance of street style and everyday functionality with this pack. Durable construction and handy quick-access pockets and straps keep you well prepped to handle a range of EDC or travel needs.

Lexdray Ibiza Pack (US$ 269)

Lexdray teamed up with DJs to design the Ibiza Pack, and if you dig organization this pack will definitely be your jam. There’s multiple compartments and a host of interior and exterior pockets to keep all your bits and pieces tidy and easily accessible. Plus with backpack straps and tote-style handles, you can haul in the way that best suits your changing needs.

master-piece Slick Series Ballistic Backpack (US$ 295)

The clean silhouette of master-piece’s Slick Series Ballistic Backpack stands out in any urban setting. But take a closer look and you’ll also find top-notch Japanese craftsmanship, simple organization and the versatility to move smoothly from work to play.

Haerfest Arch Backpack (US$ 295)

The slim, stylish profile of the Arch Backpack delivers an instant hit of street suaveness to your carry setup, backed up with a durable build featuring Japanese jacquard cotton, leather detailing and brass hardware. But there’s more than just appealing aesthetics, with a convenient front pocket and space for up to a 15″ laptop in the main compartment.

F/CE Travel Backpack (US$ 298)

From work to the weekend, the F/CE Travel Backpack has you well covered with a versatile design that can stash your day-to-day gear or travel essentials equally well. The 33L pack includes an interior sleeve that fits up to a 15″ laptop, as well as a variety of internal and exterior pockets and attachment points to secure your gear on the go.

AS2OV Waterproof Cordura 305D Backpack (US$ 310)

Looking for a refined balance of durability and functionality? Japanese brand AS2OV deliver with this pack, which merges quality craftsmanship, organization for smaller items, and understated aesthetics that look equally good on the streets, in the office or on your travels.

Côte&Ciel Nile Memory Tech Backpack (US$ 325)

The Nile Backpack immediately draws the eye with its draping form, but look beneath the casual-chic style and you’ll find plenty of practical features too. A padded laptop compartment keeps your tech safe while the front compartment is ideal for bulkier items. And if it rains, the water-repellent fabric and integrated rain hood help keep you and your gear dry.

Alchemy Equipment X Carryology AEL222 (~US$ 340)

Our goal when we teamed up with Alchemy Equipment was to create a sleek all-rounder that could move from the city to the mountain and beyond. The Alchemy Equipment X Carryology AEL222 fuses tailored style and functionality to embrace the office, the weekend and outdoor adventures. It’s crafted with a combination of subtle and water-resistant Cordura® Canvas CD Camo Jacquard and top-grain leather. The bright orange lining in our signature collab colorway makes the contents easier to quickly identify. There’s dedicated storage for a 15″ laptop with a useful ‘eject’ pull-tab, plus a range of additional pockets for handy organization.

master-piece × Tadaomi Shibuya COLLABORATION SERIES No. 01990-ts (~US$ 378)

master-piece teamed up with illustrator and designer Tadaomi Shibuya for this collaborative pack which sports a distinct take on urban camouflage with straight lines. The eye-catching looks are complemented by a water-repellent and abrasion-resistant build featuring a hard-wearing combination of leather, polyester and Cordura fabric.

hobo CELSPUN® Nylon Sherpa Backpack by ARAITENT (US$ 389)

Tough and adaptable, this Sherpa backpack is made in Japan with CELSPUN nylon and leather detailing. The pack features a drawstring main compartment and interior sleeve for storing your tech or documents, while a choice of exterior pockets ensure frequently used items stay at the ready.

Atelier de L’Armée Flight Pack (US$ 435)

Ruggedly stylish, this Flight Pack is handcrafted in Italy with water-repellent Swedish M90 Camouflage fabric and vegetable-tanned leather. The pack offers front and side exterior pockets, as well as further interior pockets for storing a laptop and smaller items. And with its multifunctional design you can easily alternate between day-to-day use and overnight trips.

Y-3 Large Backpack (US$ 460)

Stemming from a collaboration between adidas and Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto, the Y-3 Large Backpack combines a sleek athletic feel with everyday functionality. The pack includes a range of pockets for stashing smaller essentials, in a design that looks equally at home in work or workout environments.

WANT Les Essentiels Kastrup Backpack (US$ 495)

Want low-key elegance to carry the essentials? The Kastrup Backpack provides a considered blend of fashion and function, with a sleek exterior, wide-opening main compartment for easy access, and sufficient organization to keep your tech and small items tidy without sacrificing the minimalist-chic style.

Arc’teryx Veilance Nomin Pack 2.0 (US$ 763)

The revised Nomin Pack definitely falls within premium pack territory, but the superior construction will take a beating for years to come, while those uber-sleek aesthetics will draw more than their fair share of admiring glances. The weatherproof backpack provides two compartments and a selection of organization options to keep tech, documents, and small EDC or travel items in order.

bagjack NXL Skidcat (~US$ 825)

Handmade in Berlin, the NXL Skidcat is a tough and weatherproof pack with a variety of useful features to make carrying easier. The bag stands upright for easy packing and unloading, and features a range of pockets including two removable inner pockets to tailor it to your needs. And with quick and easy magnetic Fidlock buckles access is simple too.

visvim Suede-Trimmed Cordura Nylon Backpack (US$ 860)

There’s no denying it’s pricey, but visvim’s 20L backpack is a definite classic on the streetwear scene. This version features a durable and stylish combination of Cordura nylon and suede, brought together with careful Japanese craftsmanship. The pack includes an interior pocket and laptop sleeve, along with quick-access pockets to keep essentials close at hand.

foot the coacher x Porter Back Pack (US$ 872)

Is this bag expensive? Yes. But do you get a lot for your hard-earned bucks? Heck yeah. Born from a collab between foot the coacher and Porter, this pack offers a great combination of urban tactical style, meticulous Japanese construction, and practical versatility to suit a range of carry needs. Front, side and hip belt pockets keep smaller items within easy reach, while the main compartment can be accessed from the top as well as through a side zipper.

Porter by Yoshida Counter Shade Backpack (US$ 1088.35)

Hailing from one of Japan’s most respected carry brands, the Counter Shade Backpack delivers on multiple fronts, with dialed-in urban styling, solid craftsmanship and a versatile design that lends itself to EDC, travel and more. A mix of exterior pockets are on hand for frequently used gear, while an interior sleeve takes care of your tech on the move.

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and wander X-Pac 30L Backpack 

and wander finds the sweet spot between outdoor and EDC design with the X-Pac 30L Backpack. This lightweight and water-resistant pack offers good access throughout the main compartment, along with a choice of handy quick-access pockets and the versatility to move between outdoor and urban pursuits.

and wander Cuben Fiber Backpack 

Weighing in at just 225 grams, this Cuben Fiber backpack is a great option when you want to shed excess carry weight while still enjoying functional features. The rolltop opening gives you the flexibility to adapt to a range of loads, while quick-access pockets keep frequently used essentials within easy reach.

visvim Jute 20L Backpack 

The premium price tag is undeniable (and so is the amount of times this silhouette has ‘inspired’ others), but the urban style is solid with this visvim Jute 20L backpack. Crafted with a combination of Italian jute fabric and UK suede, the pack features a 15″ laptop compartment, side and top entry, along with exterior storage options for quick-access and bulkier items.

Hobo CELSPUN® Nylon Slope 35L Backpack by ARAITENT 

Eye-catching and multifunctional, this handsome heritage-vibe pack adapts to a variety of day-to-day or overnight carry needs. A wide U-shaped opening provides ready access for packing and retrieving your gear, with interior storage for a laptop and convenient exterior pockets and attachment points for keeping frequently used and smaller items within easy reach. Hobo collaborated with Japanese tent maker ARAITENT to make the pack, so you know it’ll perform well when weather strikes.

Hobo x Wild Things Coyote X-Pac Nylon Backpack 25L 

Looking for access with a nod to the outdoors? Look to this collaboration offering from Hobo and Wild Things. Made with durable, water-resistant X-Pac nylon, the bag provides easy access with a wide-opening main compartment. Exterior attachment points let you tailor your carry setup to changing needs, while an interior sleeve provides storage for your tech.

Porter GORE-TEX® Paramount Packer Backpack 

Durable, highly water resistant, and versatile, this Porter pack is a fine option if you like flexible carry that can adapt to EDC and travel needs. The pack is made with 500D Cordura nylon, a GORE® Fabric for Bags waterproof membrane, and sealed seams to help keep the elements at bay. A rolltop closure gives you the flexibility to play with different loads, and multiple quick-access organization options keep the essentials at the ready.

HEAD PORTER x HAVEN Mil X-Pac Rucksack

The HEAD PORTER x HAVEN Mil X-Pac Rucksack salutes military inspiration while keeping the aesthetics understated enough for day-to-day urban needs. Made with lightweight yet durable and water-resistant X-Pac laminated ripstop, the bag offers a top flap and drawstring closure, along with multiple pockets and straps to help keep your gear tidy on the go.

Porter-Yoshida & Co. x James Jarvis Backpack 

A limited edition release celebrating Yoshida & Co.’s 80th anniversary, this striking pack features a print by London-based artist James Jarvis. The 24L pack includes a rolltop drawstring closure and a mix of interior and exterior organization, all brought together with expert craftsmanship.

master-piece Leather Over Backpack 

master-piece are masters at fusing street style with topnotch construction and practical design, and this pack is no exception. The bag exudes quality with its durable leather construction, partnered with distinct aesthetics and a range of useful features such as dual access options and a mix of interior and exterior pockets and attachment points.

master-piece Game Technical Nylon Backpack 

Crafted with durable 1680D ballistic nylon, this water-resistant pack will stand up to the rigours of daily use while also offering convenient access to the main compartment. Plus it gets creative with thoughtful pocket designs to help keep the contents secure.

master-piece FDMTL Daypack 

Guaranteed to draw admiring glances, this fine piece stems from a collaboration between master-piece and the denim experts at FDMTL. Combining ballistic nylon, patchwork denim and vegetable-tanned leather, the pack brings flair to your carry setup while offering handy exterior pockets and reliably durable construction.

KATSUYUKIKODAMA Backpack 

Want a pack that melds urban cool with everyday functionality? This backpack hits the mark, pairing urban-friendly styling with multiple compartments for organization and storage for up to a 15″ laptop.

Missoni Green Porter Edition Flap Backpack 

If money is no object and luxurious packs are your passion, this Missoni x Porter backpack is certainly worth checking out. A thoughtful merging of Italian style, Japanese craftsmanship and practical design, the pack features a drawstring and flap closure, a choice of pockets, and plenty of casual-chic charm.

Arc’teryx x Beams 40th Anniversary Sebring 

When Arc’teryx and Beams team up, awesomeness ensues. Case in point, this collaboration Sebring marking Beams’ 40th anniversary. A nifty blend of urban and outdoor inspiration, the pack provides a versatile design with multiple organization options and quick, fuss-free access to your gear.

B JIRUSHI YOSHIDA Foot the Coacher x Porter Backpack 

Like your packs with visual impact? This pack certainly catches the eye, but also delivers on functional features too such as a choice of top and front access, solid construction, and useful pockets and attachment points for organizing your day-to-day carry items.

F/CE. Dry Line No Seam Daypack 

Worried about the weather soaking your gear? This completely waterproof daypack has you covered with its ultrasonic welding and weatherproof fabric and zippers. The wide opening allows for easy packing and access, with pockets to keep smaller items in check. And with its low-key aesthetics this pack blends into a variety of settings, from city streets to boat trips.

Descente Allterrain x Porter Boa Backpack 

This stylish offering from Descente Allterrain and Porter exudes city chic, complemented by practical features for everyday use. Quick-access exterior pockets store smaller items within easy reach, while a laptop finds a home inside the main compartment. In addition, the pack features Boa system dials for conveniently adjusting the shoulder strap length.  

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Mission Workshop The Fraction

The Sanction got shrunk! All the top-notch quality you’d expect from Mission Workshop, but in a convenient daypack size. This 14L pack is a great alternative to MW’s other backpacks when you want to roll with just the essentials.

RAWROW R Bag 208

Clean Korean street style. A versatile offering from one of our favorite South Korean carry brands. Multiple carrying options, a mix of pockets, and understated aesthetics allows this pack to adapt to work and play.

Arc’teryx Astri 19

If you want a lightweight, simple and multifunctional pack, this one should definitely be on your radar. While the organization is minimalist, it will help keep the essentials tidy. And with its durable weather-resistant construction and sleek looks, the Astri 19 can move between the trail and the office.

Aer Travel Pack

Can Aer do wrong? Not in this lifetime. This crowdfunded pack offers plenty of handy features for travelers, from a clamshell-style opening for easy packing and access, to a separate ventilated compartment for shoes or dirty laundry. And by cinching down the compression straps, you can convert this carry-on bag to a daypack for use at your destination. We’ve had one our guys test it from NY to Indonesia to Sydney and back and his verdict was pretty simple: “this thing rips!”

Bedouin Foundry Delireis

Let’s be honest, every wish list has a Bedouin on it. In this case, the Delireis made the cut. Why? It’s simple, really… Look at it! It exudes class and quality, with premium materials and solid construction. Scottish waxed canvas, top-grain vegetable-tanned leather, and a rugged AustriAlpin COBRA buckle come together to make one seriously beautiful pack. Plus with craftsmanship and materials guaranteed for life, you can rest assured this handmade rolltop is built to last.

Boreas Gear Larkin

When you want to move light and quick, this 18L daypack does the trick. We dig it because it’s super versatile when it comes to outdoor pursuits such as day hikes and cycling, with hydration bladder compatibility and quick-access pockets.

DSPTCH Daypack – 3sixteen 2016 Special Edition Waxed Canvas

Collabs always get the cravings kicking and this one was one of our favs for ’16. With space for tech, work tools, and everyday essentials, this is a useful pack for work, travel, and the weekend, with a bomber build to match.

GORUCK GR1

So iconic. The GR1 is built tough to handle demanding environments, but works equally well for day-to-day carry needs. A choice of pockets and interior and exterior MOLLE attachment points help organize your gear, and the clamshell-style opening provides quick access and easy packing. Use it for the commute, travel, outdoor adventures and an around-town bag, and don’t be afraid to put it through the wringer.

KILLSPENCER Rucksack

Not only is this signature KILLSPENCER, but it’s one of their most affordable packs. Attractively understated, this Rucksack is stylish enough for the office and your downtime pursuits. Crafted in the USA with water-repellent army duck canvas and leather detailing, the pack fits up to a 15″ laptop and offers a selection of pockets for smaller items.

Tom Bihn Synapse 25

Still Tom Bihn’s most nailed silhouette. The Synapse 25 fits a surprising amount of gear while still retaining an attractive form that doesn’t look overly bulky. Thoughtful design and pocketing makes this a great option for users who appreciate lots of organization options. The work commute, overnight trips or weekend getaways…this pack takes them all in stride.

Thisispaper U-tility Backpack

We discovered Warsaw’s This is Paper a few months back and were impressed. If we were to choose on piece from them, it’d be their U-tility. A fine balance of raw and refined gives this pack attractive urban-friendly looks. Complementing its style is a rolltop design with magnetic closure, handmade brass hardware and a COBRA buckle, interior pockets for small EDC and a laptop, and a quick-access exterior pocket.

Atelier de l’Armée Flight Pack

Refined street style meets luxe. An eye-catching pack that fuses fashion and function, the Flight Pack is handcrafted in Italy with 18oz water-repellent cotton canvas and vegetable-tanned full-grain leather. A range of pockets keep items organized, while the rolltop design can accommodate larger and smaller loads depending on your needs, and secures with adjustable leather straps.

Tanner Goods Voyager Daypack

Heritage nailed. A great combination of materials and a multifunctional design makes this daypack a handy addition to any carry collection. The bag is constructed from Salt & Pepper canvas made to original Swiss military specifications, with vegetable-tanned Cambara English bridle leather accents and brass hardware. Carry your work supplies during the commute, or sling it on your back for a relaxing day exploring the outdoors.

Porter Future Backpack

You know we love Porter. The striking silhouette of this pack will draw attention wherever it’s used, while meticulous craftsmanship and a flexible design enables the pack to glide from everyday to outdoor and travel settings with ease.

AS2OV Waterproof Cordura 305D Daypack

AS2OV, a brand built by a former MSPC designer, gets technical with Japanese urban carry. This pack works well in a variety of settings thanks to its durable and weatherproof build combined with a useful selection of pockets. Suitable for work, school, travel or the trails, the pack includes a removable waist belt to boost carry comfort and storage space as required.

Trakke Cuillin

Less is more (and it’s awesome). Elegantly clean and simple, the Cuillin is a rolltop that can do double duty as an urban or outdoor daypack. Crafted by hand in Scotland, the pack has an attractive waxed cotton exterior to protect your gear from the elements, and can be partnered with an optional waist belt and sternum strap if desired.

Peak Design Everyday Backpack

Peak Design’s Everyday series brings true innovation to the carry world, not to mention creating serious buzz, and the Everyday Backpack lives up to that reputation. Customizable organization, expandability and multiple access points makes this a great pack for camera gear as well as EDC.

hobo CELSPUN® Nylon “SHERPA” 38L Backpack

The hiking-inspired aesthetics of this made-in-Japan pack give a nod to outdoor adventure, but the 38L bag is more than up for urban roaming too. An interior laptop sleeve keeps your tech secure, and quick-access pockets keep frequently used items within easy reach.

Black Ember Gen 03 Backpacks

Dig tweaking your carry setups? Black Ember’s Gen03 collection of packs are designed to let you do just that. Compatible with Black Ember’s modular accessories, these packs can be customized to suit changing carry needs. Add in their durable weatherproof construction and you have versatile offerings for work, play and travel.

PS:

What’s on your wishlist??

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