Editor's Note: This story originally appeared in Volume I of B.H. Magazine. Purchase your copy here.
Hands-free commuting is as efficient as it is liberating. That's why we're helping you get strapped (if you'll pardon the expression) with a selection of the best daypacks, backpacks, and even fanny packs — handpicked by the editorial team at Boss Hunting.
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The 9 Best Daypacks For Carrying Your Essentials In 2024
Rimowa Signature Flap Backpack
Backed by a handy two-year guarantee, trust the wunderkinds at Rimowa to build the world's most over-engineered knapsack.
The brand's large flap backpack — available in five colourways — features 23 litres of carrying capacity, with an external shell manufactured out of leather and regenerative nylon.
As with all of the brand's hand-carries, the flap backpack (flapback?) is built with a pass-through allowing you to conveniently affix it to the handle of your check-in luggage.
Wandrd 'D1' Fanny Pack
Keep your essentials in check with this 2L "fanny pack" (AKA bumbag) that can be worn on your hip, cross-body style, or carried in the crook of one's arm.
The body is fashioned from 1680D nylon: a basket-woven military spec textile, originally made to withstand flying debris and shrapnel. Ergo, more than a match for the odd spilled coffee.
Matador SEG28 Travel Pack
Extremely tactical in its aesthetic and built with a cleverly segmented design, the 'SEG28' is ideal for elite-tier travellers who wish to avoid the luggage carousel at all costs.
A well-designed clamshell undercarriage allows users to stow away bulky and/or dirty items comfortably; while a top-accessible essentials compartment means you can always reach your travel essentials at a moment's notice.
Bellroy 'Venture' Sling
Made from durable recycled fabric that has been certified 100% leather-free, this 'Venture' day bag clocks in with 9 litres of carrying capacity.
Other standout features include the quick-release buckles — which you can detach on either side — in addition to a lined pouch that is constructed with "intelligent pocketing." There's even a slip pocket tailormade specifically to fit an AirTag (apologies Android users).
Aer 'Travel Pack 3' Backpack
If you buy one backpack from Aer in your lifetime, this should be it. Sporting a 35-litre carrying capacity, thanks to the bag's 1680D ballistic nylon shell, this is one of the most versatile daypacks to crack our list; with plenty of side pockets, an expanding compartment for your water bottle, and even attachment points if you want to add a hip belt into the mix.
Epperson Mountaineering 'Bucket' Backpack
Inspired by the traditional mountain climber's chalk bag, this compact yet practical design is manufactured in the USA with a distinctive multipaneled construction.
On the material front, Epperson has chosen to make its bucket-shaped backpack in 1000D Cordura nylon. Abrasion and tear-resistant, it is also coated in Urethane to achieve a water-repelling finish.
Porter Yoshida & Co 'Force' Daypack
Sporting a clean and discrete aesthetic, Porter's classic 'Force' design is one of the best daypacks for seasoned urban commuters.
Inside you'll find the usual assortment of intelligent storage (e.g. a dedicated laptop pocket), but better than that, there's even a detachable sleeve that you can hoof around separately — a signature quirk of this beloved Japanese brand.
Freitag 'F155 Clapton' Backpack
A real palate cleanser if you'd like an alternative to all of this shortlist's ballistic nylon, this 'F155 Clapton' is constructed from recycled tarpaulins and seatbelt fabric.
A unique take on the daily backpack that's deserving of equally memorable trips.
Alpaka 'Go' Sling Mini V2
Make your everyday adventures as weather-proof as possible with this compact five-litre sling from Alpaka. The brand has gotten creative on the material front; with this sling bag's front and side panels made out of recycled sailcloth, and an 840D nylon panel for robustness where it counts.
If you enjoyed this round-up of the best daypacks, backpacks, and hands-free carry options, here are a handful of our other favourite style stories to keep you reading:
