Going somewhere? Whether you’re headed to the office, hiking trails, or (safely) traveling, packing requires the best luggage that can handle your load. Traditional men’s backpacks with zipper closures work if you’re carting around everyday essentials to and from the office (think a laptop, notebook, lunch, etc.), but as far as actual storage space goes, they can be pretty limiting.
That’s where the best rolltop backpacks come in. Mary Poppins would envy their seemingly never-ending supply of storage space, not to mention their versatility. Keep them rolled down when you’re packing light, or roll them all the way up for maximum packing capacity. Rolltop backpacks cater to your cargo, and we’ve rounded up some of the best rolltop backpacks on the market below so you can find one to suit all of your packing needs.
1. Roadrunner Bags Large Roll Top Backpack
BEST OVERALL
From hiking to biking, roaming the great outdoors to navigating a city, this rolltop backpack from Roadrunners is equipped to handle a full load (read: a maximum of 46 liters of volume). It’s even prepared to keep your belongings dry in damp weather conditions, thanks to its 100% water-resistant rolltop closure, cordura shell, and nylon webbing.
The Large Roll Top Backpack is loaded with pockets, including a zip front pocket for necessities, a zip document pocket above that, plus dual side pockets for things like u-locks, umbrellas, and water bottles. Additionally, its padded back with vented mesh and cushioned shoulder straps make it more wearable, while its blinky-light loop and reflective tongue made of silver 3M keep you visible on the road.
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2. Berliner Bags Vintage Leather Backpack
BEST FOR EVERYDAY
The Berliner Bags rolltop backpack has vintage appeal, and its sleek aesthetic is exactly what makes it the ideal option for work or school. It’s made from high-quality, durable leather that’s been vegetable tanned (an ancient process involving plant tannins and oil that gives each bag a unique color and finish) and lined with cotton. It also features a reinforced bottom for added stability and protection, plus metal buckles and top-quality metal zippers for added durability.
Each purchase is covered by a one-year international warranty and a 100-day return policy, though we doubt you’ll need either. The fashionable accessory is highly functional: It has a high volume of storage, a compartment that fits laptops up to 15.6 inches, a front pocket plus an additional, secret back zip pocket, plus smaller compartments for pens, phones, as well as a carabiner for keys.
3. Johnny Urban Canvas Rolltop Backpack “Adam”
BEST AFFORDABLE OPTION
One of Johnny Urban’s most popular rolltop designs, the “Adam” canvas rolltop backpack was practically designed. It’s a unisex style constructed of durable, vegan-friendly cotton canvas that holds up, even when used daily. It features padded shoulder straps and is padded along the back and bottom, as well, for maximum wearing comfort, plus a little extra cushion to protect your belongings inside the bag.
There’s a large main compartment when you open the bag and a smaller compartment for valuables. Along the exterior are two additional compartments for small items like your wallet, keys, or phone. The backpack comfortably fits a laptop and any other work essentials as-is, but can also be turned into a weekender bag by unrolling the top, creating enough room to fit a change of clothes.
4. Amazon Basics Anti-Theft Roll Top Backpack
BEST FOR ORGANIZATION
Amazon’s backpack is an organization aficionado’s dream. It’s loaded with compartments and pockets of varying sizes, so all your belongings stay easily accessible. It keeps your precious cargo protected with features like reinforced closures, an invisible phone pocket, and durable metal zippers to keep your load on lock. Plus, the rucksack-style is also water-resistant, so you don’t need to sweat the occasional rainstorm.
5. GotBag. Rolltop Backpack
BEST SUSTAINABLE OPTION
GotBag.’s rolltop backpack is constructed from 3.5 kg of plastic recovered from the ocean through the brand’s clean-up program in Java, located just off the north shore of Indonesia. It’s the first rolltop backpack of its kind on the market that serves not only the wearer, but our planet, as well.
And while the eco-friendly factor is a major selling point on its own, the backpack also has some great features, like a removable laptop sleeve you can leave and store your computer in, or take out to take full advantage of the bag’s impressive 30 liters of storage volume. What’s more, the bag is coated with 100% waterproof, bio-based polyurethane for ultimate protection and has a padded back for ultimate comfort.
6. Rains Rolltop Rucksack
BEST WATERPROOF OPTION
The Rolltop Rucksack from Rains, a contemporary rainwear lifestyle brand specializing in waterproof outerwear and accessories, is the Scandinavian-inspired label’s reimagining of a cycling backpack. It’s fashionable (available in six sleek colors), functional, and made from Rains’ signature waterproof fabric (a combination of polyurethane and polyester) with a water-repellent zipper, so you never have to worry about getting caught in a storm. The rolltop design can expand to 18 liters in volume and includes one large, main compartment, a front pocket with zipper closure, plus a side-access 15-inch laptop sleeve.
7. TIMBUK2 Tuck Pack Laptop Backpack
BEST FOR COMMUTING
The focus behind the TIMBUK2 Tuck Pack rolltop backpack is simplicity. It’s decently sized and expands to 26L of volume. Exterior compartments include dual side pockets to store a U-lock or umbrella, a front zip pocket for smaller valuables, plus a side-zip pocket for secret storage (AKA a place for your wallet or phone). Interior compartments include pen sleeves and a laptop pocket (however, reviewers note it isn’t padded, so be cautious). The rolltop bag also features reflective zipper pulls and vista loops for blinking bike lights, so it’s an especially great pick for bikers who need that extra source of visibility. And if you like to keep your baggage close, the backpack also has a padded backside, adjustable shoulder straps, and chest strap.
8. Mission Workshop The Rhake Waterproof Laptop Backpack
BEST FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS
With Mission Workshop’s The Rhake, you get what you pay for. It’s designed with not one but two layers of weatherproof materials, plus water-resistant zippers throughout to ensure gear stays safe and dry. Special features along the exterior include horizontal straps with quick-release buckles to lock in various clothing items, a perforated foam back panel for wearable comfort, 10-inch iPad or tablet pocket, a hidden water bottle pocket, an accessory pocket, and two Arkiv rails along the shoulder straps to attach small accessories. It also offers 22-liters of volume at full expansion, so load up.
9. Besnfoto DSLR Camera Back – Rolltop Series
BEST FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS
This rolltop backpack from Besnfoto was designed specifically for the on-the-go photographer. It’s a hiking rucksack that fully opens from the back, is loaded with different compartments to fit the various parts of DSLR cameras, and also has a laptop compartment that can fit up to 15.6-inch laptops. It can also hold clothing, snacks, books, and other, smaller equipment/devices you might need on your adventure. And if that still isn’t enough storage for you, it also comes with two additional straps at the front for outdoor accessories, such as a longboard, chair, or yoga mat.
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