Best Every Day Carry Backpack in 2024

Are you looking the right EDC backpack for your every day & travel needs? If you’re looking for functionality then trust us this is the only guide you need to find the best EDC backpack in 2024!

Your EDC backpack is more than just a backpack. It is your go-to when you are outdoors. Pick the wrong one and you may not have enough space to carry all your essential gear or you may end up carrying extra weight around. Well, this could be frustrating if you have spent a lot on your EDC backpack.

An EDC backpack is the perfect fit for you and in this article I dive into and compared the Best EDC Backpack of 2024

YES, we’re talking about an EDC bag or an everyday carry backpack! With the rise of minimalism and how it can be very beneficial to our lives, backpacks have taken the same root in the form of EDC backpacks.

Best EDC Backpack 2024

1. GORUCK GR1 – Best Tactical EDC Backpack

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If you are you looking for military-grade durability, extreme functionality and fine craftsmanship in your EDC backpack then the GORUCK is the pure definition of all this it is an incredibly rugged pack.

If you want a tactical EDC backpack that doubles as your daypack then the GR1 is almost impossible to beat!

If you answered yes to these then the GORUCK GR1 is a perfect Everyday Carry backpack for you!

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This is another favorite of Redditors as the GORUCK brand claims that this is the toughest backpack ever built. It’s not only made for everyday use but also warzones and traveling the world. So you get the idea of how durable this backpack is. It comes with SCARS Lifetime Guarantee and was designed and proven by Special Forces soldiers. Built to last, this bag will last you a lifetime.

What Redditors had to say about it

u/pandadude “The GR1 fits what I usually need in my everyday carry (or carry-on travel) with ease and is as comfortable as a loaded backpack can be under heavy loads. The black is unassuming and blends into most casual situations and outfits. The proportions are nice for getting on a crowded subway or tossing under an airplane seat. My Thule laptop sleeve for a Macbook Pro 15″ fits into the laptop compartment. Shoulder straps are very comfortable. The bottom of the pack is slightly bigger than the top, which allows for more storage”

u/jdmess401 “I EDC’d a 21L every day for about three years when I commuted 1.5 hours each way via train between my home and Boston for work. Since I didn’t have a dedicated spot in the office, I had to carry everything I needed for a full 8-hour day: food, water, laptop, chargers, mouse, cables, battery packs, etc etc. I needed a bag to carry all those items. The GR1 held up incredibly well while performing these tasks. (The wide straps made it easy to lug the weight around, sometimes for hours if there was standing room only on the train.)”

u/heatx “GORUCK backpacks are great! I’ve used mine daily for the past few years. It’s one of the most versatile backpacks I’ve seen. It can work for almost any scenario. I’ve used this bag for traveling, college, photography, etc. it easily fits everything I need in it. “

Highlights

• Water Resistant Material: The backpack is made of nylon material that is water resistant. The main body is highly water resistant and can handle heavy amounts of rain. The channels for zippers have double-layered rain flaps to prevent water from entering the bag.
• Material: The main body is designed from 1000D CORDURA Nylon which increases its durability and has resistance to abrasions. D which stands for deniers tells us how thick or tough the fabric is. The usual nylon used for backpacks is 600D nylon, so the GR1 is superior when it comes to the quality of the material.
• Organization and Accessibility: This backpack has various compartments. The bombproof laptop compartment is at the back of the main compartment. It is very well protected as it is well padded and has a false bottom. With a U-shaped zipper, this bag opens flat and lets you organize the main compartment easily.
• Pockets and other pouches: The GR1 comes with three pockets that are placed inside and one slanted pocket on the exterior. The back section has a sleeve for tablets and other gear. It also has a velcro section on the exterior.
• MOLLE Webbing: The MOLLE Webbing on the exterior and interior lets you customize the bag as you want. You can purchase extra features like pouches and organizational sections separately to attach to the MOLLE.
• Value for Money: It’s an incredibly durable material that lasts a lifetime justifying the price point. It is covered by SCARS Lifetime Guarantee so you can get your bag replaced or fixed in case something goes wrong. It’s close to being waterproof and abrasions resistant. This is the bag you can have for life as it has great quality while offering good value for money.
• Other features: It has extra padded shoulder straps so you can carry heavy loads comfortably. It has YKK zippers with silent zipper pulls. As it is TSA-compliant it fits very well in the seat in front of you making it travel-friendly.

Comfort & wearing: The comfort on your back is excellent. The straps are quite robust and connect to the bag solidly. It also attaches directly to the top of the backpack allowing it sits super close to the top of your shoulder.

GoRuck: The US-based brand itself stands for ultimate craftsmanship with everything made in America and by the highly skilled workforce. Also, the founder has a background in Special Forces which is also the origin of the brand GoRuck.

Lifetime warranty: The GORUCK guarantee will cover any damage to your GR1 for a lifetime that is if something ever does manage to damage the beat.

Overkill Durability: The keyword here is “overkill” as the GR1 is made of solely military-grade materials right from the zippers to the fabric (1000D CORDURA). It can survive almost anything it’s even bombproof (just in case)

Organization: If you’re a modular packer you will love this pack it has very little organizational features in the main compartment allowing to organize using packing cubes and electronic cases.

Drawbacks but not deal breakers:

Weight: This is the only negative. Although this pack is small it is not that light it’s not a deal-breaker as most of the weight is due to the materials gone into making it.

Cost: It costs about $300 to get your hands on the GR1 but it’s mostly well spent as you’re getting top of the line military-grade materials, lifetime warranty, etc.

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If you have the budget and are looking for the best you cannot go wrong with the GORUCK GR1 it’s well over the top in terms of materials and craftsmanship, customization, support. 

Remember what is good is not cheap and what is cheap is not good. This is the same with EDC backpack those that are cheap to always have a trade-off on other essential features.

Moreover, an EDC backpack is an investment you want to keep using for a while and more importantly one that actually works when you need it.

With the GORUCK GR1, you can rest assured you have the best quality Everyday carry pack on the market almost the same as what they usually use in the army!

2. Nomatic 30l Travel Bag – Best Urban EDC Backpack

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The new Nomatic 30l Travel Backpack is one of the most epic backpacks on the market ….especially for EDC use in cities.

Nomatic backpack is a great and popular choice among urban digital nomads and is great for cities! Nomatic designs backpacks with organisation in mind

If you answered YES for any of these then the Nomatic is a great backpack for you. It is perfect for anyone who likes design, efficiency, and organisation.

It is easily one of the most minimal bags on the market! In fact, I travel full time with the bigger Nomatic 40L Travel Bag.

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Size: The Nomatic 30l Travel bag is available at a capacity of 30l and is great for EDC use. The Nomatic backpack is a smaller backpack with a versatile strap system allows you to go from backpack to briefcase/messenger carry for those times when you need to look more professional. 

Utility: Nomatic has a nifty side compartment to fit your laptop charger, phone charger and other wires and chords you will be traveling with. Trust me this makes a huge difference with regards to the space you have in the main compartment!

Laptop/Tablet Slot: Laptop sleeves are absolutely essential but to our surprise, most EDC travel backpack do not come with them! This is one of the biggest reasons we recommend modern functional bags like Nomatic and Tortuga for Digital Nomads and traveling professionals who carry a lot of tech with them.

Organization: If you have a lot to carry you will like the Nomatic EDC backpack as it has an exorbitant number of pockets for almost anything you can conceive of bringing along with you.

It also has a lot of pockets with add-ons for different uses. There can also be improvements made if you customize it especially with the different textures of pull tabs on zippers.  

RFID Safe pocket: The side compartment designed for your tech gear is also an RFID safe pocket. The RFID technology can help you stay safe from electronic pickpockets and is also super cool to have.

Pro tip: You need to keep only those items you need the most secure as space is quite compact. Think passport, cash, credit cards, IDs etc.

Weather-resistant material: It is quite common to get caught in the snow or rain so Nomatic has taken measures to ensure that no matter the weather your stuff stays safe. The exterior is 100% waterproof tarpaulin material along with a few zippers.

Drawbacks but not deal breakers:

The organization can be confusion: Something too much of something is bad in this case the Nomatic may seem overwhelming with all those pockets. You can forget where you put what item and end up searching endlessly in all the pockets.

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The Nomatic is one of the best EDC backpacks on the market right now especially because it is super tech-friendly which in our opinion is a no-brainer to get this over any other not so tech-friendly options.

It may be slightly expensive compared to other EDC options but trust me if you can afford it it is well worth the money. Some of the features will really compliment your travel journey really well. 

3. Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 (20L and 30L)

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This award-winning backpack is built around organization, protection, access, and expansion. Available in two sizes this backpack is aesthetically pleasing with its simple design. It is very versatile with minimal dangling straps. This pack makes quite a statement with its clean silhouette.

What Redditors had to say about it

u/JonkeyFresh “This bag is very well put together! I spend some time with the bag to thoroughly inspect where future points of failure could be. The stitching on the EDBP was not an afterthought. The durability therein rivals, if not exceeds, that of military-grade and tactical equipment, and I can imagine the shear and tensile tear tests far exceed industry standards. Overall, I am extremely pleased with my purchase and highly likely to make future purchases from PD.”

u/plaid-knight I used the Everyday Backpack 20L as EDC for work for a while, as well as on some short trips. I don’t have any photography gear, so it was just EDC. It was a fantastic bag, with thoughtful features. But the weight was above average. The weight comes from the extra padding all around the bag since it’s designed to protect photography gear. Honestly, it’s a great bag, so if you like the organization and the weight is okay with you, go for it.

u/lordkire “I have the 20L and the 30L of the Everyday Backpack and I think they work great. I take 30L to work every day. I like the extra room of the 30L for commuting because I’m free to stuff an extra jacket or sweatshirt in the main compartment or pick up some groceries during the day and I’m able to put them in my backpack for the bus ride home.

Highlights

• Minimalist design: The design is well thought out and hides a lot of nuances while offering great functionality. The loops and straps are hidden away and you can secure them in any combination to create extra hanging loops for small items. This backpack is expandable.
• Compartments and Pockets: The main compartment is divided into smaller units by Peak Design’s origami-inspired shelves and is enclosed by a flap via a Maglatch magnetic clasp. The side pockets are deep and shut magnetically and are made from nylon that adds stretch and drains away water. The internal side and top pockets are stretchy and the internal strip pockets are great for storing wallets or other items. The dual external pocket is great for fitting water bottles. The laptop sleeve is adjustable and can fit 14-16″ laptops. The luggage pass-through is magnetized.
• Waterproof Material: The backpack is made from 400D nylon that is weather resistant and has a DWR coating. It is water resistant as well.
• Adjustable Straps: The shoulder straps have magnets that make them stick to the rear panel of the bag when not in use. They are well-padded and comfortable. The straps have swivel points making the bag easy to swing around. The sternum strap is removable and adjustable. The handles on either side of the bag make it easy to grab and go.

4. Nomatic Backpack – Water-Resistant RFID Laptop Bag 20L

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Nomatic is known for its minimalist products that are highly functional. Its goal is to design products that inspire confidence for life on the move. This brand is the most highly recommended brand by Redditors. The Nomatic EDC Backpack is designed for everyday use and has a sleek minimalistic design. It is packed with features and is fantastic for organization and carrying a lot of gear as it has various pockets. It may be a little pricey but the features it offers and the high-quality material makes it worth it.

What Redditors had to say about it

u/Splint0r “I’m a big fan of Nomatic’s backpack for work and maybe short travel. I like the level of organization they have for various small items and I like the water bottle holders. I do think they are a little overpriced but they are high quality. If you like their style it is worth checking out.”

u/SkyeFarg0 “Bought my Nomatic Backpack when my role at work changed and suddenly involved greater travel. I wanted an everyday backpack that I could turn into an overnighter when I hit the road without having to transfer my day-to-day stuff. 2+ years later it’s all I use.”

u/TinKnightRisesAgain “Nomatic is the only backpack that does everything I need (laptop, document storage, water bottle, tech options) that doesn’t look like a kid’s backpack. The build quality is exceptional, and it looks sleek.”

Highlights

• Price and availability: Nomatic backpack is available online through pre-order on Amazon and comes with a lifetime warranty where you can make the payment using Afterpay. Although on the pricier end, it is worth the value as it has long-lasting durability and is built from quality materials.
• Material: The Nomatic Backpack is constructed from a durable tarpaulin exterior. Tarpaulin sheets are usually used to cover up construction work or performance stages to protect them from snow or rain. This material is very durable, waterproof, and flexible. The polyester or canvas cloth is coated with polyurethane which makes it water-resistant. This makes the cloth almost indestructible and provides great protection against weather conditions. The backpack has excellent abrasion and tears resistance.
• RFID Safe Pocket: This feature protects you against digital thieves. This anti-theft backpack features an RFID-safe pocket in the front to keep your information safe.
• Great back panel: Nomatic’s back panel has thick padding which feels very soft against the back. This provides the required layer between bulky items in your bag and your back. The spaced-out foam ridges in the back panel allow the air to circulate between them which keeps you dry during summer.
• Design: The solid black material makes the backpack look very sleek and professional. It has padded adjustable shoulder straps. The thinner sides of the straps are covered with breathable mesh that prevents sweat stains on the front of your shirt.
• Useful Sternum Strap: This useful addition helps keep shoulder straps in place and reduces the strain on your back. This strap is not removable.
• Organization and Accessibility: This bag has one main compartment which is very spacious and roomy. It has a full perimeter zipper that helps you expose the entire main compartment to access the items easily. It is great for carrying books, laptops, or files that can stand upright. It has various internal pockets to carry small accessories. It also has a padded laptop sleeve.
• Magnetic Side Pockets: Nomatic has two stretch side pockets that are created to fit water bottles. They are magnetic so they snap back to place when not in use. It has 20 different pockets that are either zippered or slip pockets. This helps you organize all items neatly making them easily accessible.
• Other features: It has a retractable key leash and a dedicated shoe compartment. With expandable capacity, you can also transform the backpack into a briefcase. The cord pass-throughs connect all compartments which are great for charging your phone. The hard shell sunglasses case does an incredible job of protecting your sunglasses.

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5. Osprey Daylite Plus – Best Budget EDC Backpack

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Do you want something small and light for daily activities, something for weekend jaunts into the local mountains or a daypack for an everyday commute?

But wait are you also on a budget so you want something you can afford as well?

Then let me go ahead and save you some time the Osprey Daylite Plus is the best budget EDC backpack for you!

If you answered yes to the questions above then the Osprey Daylite is a perfect fit for you! It’s perfect for anyone looking to start traveling and needs something that will last for a while.

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The affordable $65 cost is just one of the factors that made us pick the Osprey apart from the lifetime warranty there are some nifty features that can make any travelers life easy.

Costs: Let’s be honest with everything getting so expensive we often find ourselves having to justify expensive stuff but this is not the case with the Osprey Daylite plus as it’s a sweet $65! The Osprey Daylite Plus is quite affordable to all be it backpackers, hikers, and city dwellers alike. Hell yeah!

With the average cost for a EDC Backpack to be upwards of $200, you’ll find it extremely hard to find another daypack of comparable quality for a price this low.

All Mighty Guarantees: Getting an EDC backpack is a solid investment that you know you can use for years-on-end. If you the same type of backpacker as me that tends to not take care (abuse) your gear, the All Mighty Guarantee is going to be perfect for you!

The Osprey All mighty guarantee offers protection against all factory defects and also replacements free of charge within its reasonable lifetime.

In Osprey’s own words “Should you find any defect in the way your pack has been built we will repair or replace it without any charge, within its reasonable lifetime.”

Ultra-light Daypack: At only 1 lb. 3.8 oz the Osprey Daylite plus is lightweight so you end up carrying the weight of your other gear and not the backpack itself!

Breathability and Comfort: It has the same breathability and ventilation features as the rest of Osprey’s products. It also has a mesh-covered back panel with slotted foam for excellent ventilation.

The dreaded swamp-back-blues (think something stinky!) can be a very bad reality with other daypacks. Backpacks are made of only fabric where your back meets the backpack are serving up a recipe for some stinky swamp-back-blues.

Have you ever taken off your backpack after a hike and your t-shirt look so wet like you just got out of the shower?

That’s basically due to poor ventilation and breathability.

Fortunately, the Osprey Daylite Plus helps you stay cool even when you are active. But beware; the backpack is not a magical anti-sweat device! Although the mesh back panels will work really well to aid in keeping the air flow.

Drawbacks but not Dealbreakers

Not enough space: If you’re one who tends to pack more than the usual then you will find this bag not sufficient for you. There aren’t enough pockets for an internal organization so space can only get that much bigger. You’ll have to really plan your baggage to make sure it’s enough. Then again if you read our EDC buyers guide you will find that if you don’t need as much as you think.

Uncomfortable: If you are on the taller end you will find this a bit difficult to keep wearing as it’s not as customizable as the GORUCK and Tortuga. However, for others, this will be a perfect fit so we suggest you check the sizing guide on the Tortuga website to confirm the right fit.

Not weatherproof: Although the Osprey Daylite plus is not waterproof there is no hiking backpack or daypack that is waterproof. You always need an extra layer of protection for that.

Fortunately, you can get a weatherize/waterproof cover from Osprey itself for about $23 that fits the Daylite Plus perfectly!

The rain cover is a small investment to make that paired with the $65 investment on the bag and you’re looking at a sweet waterproof bag for barely $90!  

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The Osprey Daylite Plus has its pros and cons but mostly the Pros outweigh the Cons in this one. Also for a superb price of only $65 you really cannot go wrong with this daypack.

Don’t give into big names and flashy features sometimes you need lesser than you thought! Remember focus on needs not wants and you’ll always make the right choice!

6. 5.11 Tactical Rush 12 – Budget Tactical EDC Backpack

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Who is this for: The RUSH 12 is the fine EDC bag if you like a lot of organization in a smaller and compact backpack.

The 5.11 tactical Rush 12 is made to be a high performance, multi-purpose and rugged bag. It is quite suitable for a whole multitude of purposes right from an emergency grab-bag to a military tactical or hunting backpack or even for a daily use bag for college students. (That is if you dig the tactical look)

Reasons to buy:

Internal Organization: The internal compartments have 16 different compartments. Each of the compartments is optimized for different use, with a variation of sizes. This will be quite useful for students and professionals.

There is a space for organizing all your accessories along with a writing pad. There is also a fleece lining to keep your eyewear protected and unscratched.

Durable Construction: Being a tactical backpack this lived up to its name and as expected is made of fine highly durable materials like the 1000D Cordura construction.

Hydration Pocket: For Athletic people, they will find the 60 oz hydration pocket perfect to keep them moving. It’s also great for travelers who can avoid carrying a bottle and give up precious space.

The 60oz size is well sufficient to provide for a 1.5-liter bladder and is suitable for nearly all day trips like cycling, hunting or hiking.

Drawbacks but not Deal breakers:

No Laptop protection: In this digital age we’re all carrying digital tech especially laptops. It was a bit of a let down to find that the tactical rush 12 has no built-in protection for the laptop. This is not necessarily a bad thing as you can simply add your own by getting a more reliable laptop sleeve. The fact that a laptop will fit in is a pleasant bonus, especially in a military style backpack.

Cheaper than Goruck: Compared to the $300+ price tag of GORUCK, the 5.11 is significantly cheaper making it a great GORUCK Alternative.

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This is good tactical daypack but it could be a little too heavy for its size. It’s not really geared towards taller individuals as it’s not as customizable as the Nomatic, GORUCK etc. I wouldn’t recommend this for travelers but it’s definitely a recommendation for those looking for something for everyday commute.

As with virtually all things, there will be trade-offs to consider so as always we recommend analyzing your requirements before deciding whether this bag will work for your carry needs or not.

7. AmazonBasics Carry On Backpack – Best EDC Backpack for Airplanes

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The AmazonBasics Carry On Backpack is a great new backpack from Amazon that’s built to be a super convenient EDC backpack for airports and traveling on airplanes. While it may seem generic as most of the AmazonBasic Products, it does serve its purpose really well at an insanely affordable price.

The Carry-on travel backpack comes with internal, zippered laptop sleeve; ultra-flexible and lightweight; made of durable polyester. The main compartment comes with a great zippered mesh space, optional midway shelf, and internal/external compression straps.

It also has a front pocket and front-top pocket for easy access to documents and travel liquids.

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8. Bellroy Classic Plus Backpack 24L

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This backpack is a more affordable option than the other brands on this list. It doesn’t compromise on quality and is comfortable and sophisticated for everyday use. It offers easy organization and is thoughtfully designed. Its classic and streamlined design makes it a perfect backpack for an office commute to an urban getaway.

What Redditors had to say about it

u/eterbrownboy “It’s worth the price. I’ve had mine for over two years and recently passed it on to my wife and it still feels like a new bag. Looks great and is still in great condition.”

u/PNW247 “I just bought the Bellroy classic plus backpack. It was on sale and honestly, I can’t believe how nice this bag is for the price. I wish they had a longer warranty but I am super happy with it.”

u/Aesthetigeek “I bought the classic for uni and love it. It’s comfy, high quality, and still looks brand new after the 6 months I’ve now had it. I carry particularly a lot every day, such as a small selection of tools, a tool belt, and headphones, (live sound and lighting) alongside my laptop, lunch, and water bottle; sometimes a thermos as well. For anyone that carries a laptop, a couple of books, and maybe some lunch or snacks, this would be a perfect bag.”

Highlights

• Material and Aesthetics: This pack is made of several recycled fabrics depending on the color you choose. Some of these materials are recycled polyester, nylon, and other materials. The material is water-resistant with YKK zippers and an AquaGuard zipper on the top.
• Well-built harness system: The harness system is very comfortable and sleek-looking. The durable metal hardware helps manage excess straps. The sternum strap has plastic hardware giving the bag a clean look. The back panel has a natural contour that is comfortable. The handle at the top is made from a belt-like material making it convenient for grabbing.
• Pockets and compartments: The front pocket has a zipper that runs vertically which is different from what we usually see on other backpacks. It also has a dedicated key leash inside. The quick grab-and-go pocket on the top is covered by a fabric welt that keeps it secure. The soft and stretchy mesh pocket inside is great for storing bulkier items. There is a dedicated laptop compartment with a quilt-like lining and padding to keep any 15-inch laptop protected. It also features an internal mesh zip pocket for valuables and an iPad / A5 document sleeve inside.
• Organization and accessibility: With a 24L capacity, this backpack offers an easy-access pouch for tech accessories. The main compartment has a horseshoe-style opening offering great visibility inside. The pockets are segmented in a great way for ease of access.

What is an EDC Backpack?

An EDC Backpack or Everyday Carry backpack is pretty self-explanatory. It helps you carry all the things you need daily. It has to be tough enough, big enough, and reliable to carry around your must-have gear.

Essential Features Of A Good EDC Backpack

• Gear-type: Make sure you choose your gear first rather than picking your gear based on your backpack. EDC backpacks for civilians differ from backpacks for military personnel or law enforcement pros. So it is vital to plan your bag around your essential items and where you are headed.
• Water-Resistant Material: You do not want to open your backpack to find your things wet or soaking. Waterproof material prevents it from getting wet in a drizzle or a heavy downpour. Even a semi-waterproof material will do. Some backpacks also have a cover that you can put over them. Materials like treated nylon fiber are a good choice. Strong polymers are vital for the primary construction of the backpack.
• Ergonomic Design: The design determines the space you have to keep the essential items. A well-designed backpack reduces clutter and seems well-organized. EDC backpacks with multiple compartments with sleeves, webbing, velcro, or pouches can help store your items efficiently. This helps optimize the use of the limited space that the backpack has.
• MOLLE Integration: This is an optional feature but very useful. First developed by NATO for the marine corps, this feature stands for Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment. It increases the load-bearing capacity of the bag while making it seem lightweight.
• Zippers: If you are paranoid about someone breaking into your bag, look for bags with two zippers to lock them together with TSA-friendly locks. The zipper should be designed from hard plastic or rust-resistant aluminum giving it long durability.
• Multiple Compartments: There is nothing more frustrating than not finding something like your phone charger when you need it most. Multiple compartments let you sort items into smaller sections making it easier to find stuff. You know which item goes where so you can grab it without hunting for it.
• Internal Frame: Internal frame packs have built-in rods and a frame. It makes your bag slimmer and gives it ease of movement. Internal frames made of carbon fiber or tough plastic make the bag lighter and more durable.
• Padded Shoulder Straps: They make it easier to carry the load as the weight pushes down on your shoulder. It reduces the pressure on your shoulders and your lower back. Thin straps can bite into your shoulders, look for straps that are thick and heavily padded. Rigid corrosion resistance straps prevent the bag from falling off.
• Front-loading: This type of backpack lets you open the bag from the side to access all your stuff. A top-loading bag lets you access the items in your bag from a single hole at the top which is not very convenient. Front loading backpack gives you easy access to your stuff.
• Capacity: The size of the backpack must be proportional to your body. Getting a size bigger or smaller can cause back pain. Buy a size that can fit all your things but also has a bit of extra room. A size anywhere between 15-30 liters is sufficient for people who have a moderate or average body size. The most ideal size is anywhere between 20-24 liters.

EDC Backpack Buyers Guide: How to chose an Every Day Carry backpack?

An EDC backpack is perfect for someone who likes packing a lot of “just in case of items” in their everyday stash. It is larger than an average backpack but smaller than a full-fledged travel backpack.

EDC backpacks usually come with:

• 20-30 liters in volume
• With MOLLE integration
• hydration bladder systems
• fewer pockets but a more modular customization with possibilities for external pouches

But before we dive into the details we thought it would be best to share our criteria for choosing the right EDC backpacks.

The keyword here is “right” because there’s nothing perfect everything is just right for something. What may be good in one way will be bad in another. This is why we have a separate section of “Best used for” to give our readers a hint on what it is that could be right for them. Many a time we feel like we need a lot but honestly these are not “needs” rather they are “wants”.

We want you to focus on what you really need when you are making that purchase. Remember you’re not looking for the best features you’re looking for something that is just right for you. The key here is to look for something that is just right for you.

Okay, enough fluff these are some of the more important factors to look for in an EDC backpack:

• Size: We suggest carrying the smallest EDC backpack for your everyday needs this. You can look for something with customization options to add or remove spaces are you need to. You’re looking for a MOLLE pouch integration which will give you this customization and somewhat evolve as per your requirements
• EVERYDAY USE: This one’s a little obvious and is definitely one of our most important factors in choosing a good EDC backpack. As you will it be comfortable
• Travel: A good EDC backpack should easily work as both your carry on backpack and your travel daypack; it should fulfill all of your needs at home and also on the road.

An EDC bag works for both airports and airplanes will definitely get a bonus over a regular bag because then you have the ability to pack down more than you usually can in a normal backpack and at the same time not have to check it in due to its small size and pay baggage fees; A win-win situation!

• Day Hikes: It’s in the name “every-day” backpack so obviously you want it to be used today hikes. Often at time people, trekkers regret having a lot of baggage always wishing that they had something smaller and better suited for the task.

This is exactly what an EDC bag is its very light and will not get in the way of strenuous treks. It’s just enough to be sufficient on short treks.

Highly essential features to look for in an EDC backpack:

• High-quality craftsmanship: If you want to carry something every day and have it around every day you do not want something cheap that is going to fall apart. Invest in a quality bag from a brand that has a good reputation and you will have a bag for a lifetime.

We will always recommend going for genuine products over a knockoff and this is because of highly-quality craftsmanship.

• MOLLE integration: This is a valuable feature to have an in a tactical backpack as it is used for limitless customization options. Regardless of in a tactical use if you want something that will give you the versatility to adapt as per your needs.
• Hydration system: You’re looking for something that can cover large distances and meet your hydration needs. Having a hydration system will help you remain hydrated and at the same time save space by reducing the need to carry a separate water bottle.
• Adjustable fit: Everybody is different in size that meaning you don’t want a generic bag that is meant to “fit” everyone. Your EDC bag needs to fit your body perfectly without restricting your movement. This means having multiple adjustment straps and clips at minimum shoulders, hips, and sternum.  
• Organization pouches within the bag: Sometimes small bags have bad organization due to their size. A good indication of a high-quality EDC backpack is the well laid out, accessible and practical organization features built into the bag.

This is immensely important because you will be going in your backpack a lot to take out your everyday items. Spending ages searching for an essential can be a terrible turn off so you’re looking for something that is more hands-on!

Features to avoid in an EDC backpack

As important as the above essential features are it is also necessary to be aware of features to avoid when finding the best EDC bag for you.

• One large compartment: If you are going to carry your EDC gear in a bag then one large compartment is just going to jumble your gear making it harder to find what your EDC items.

Look for something with multiple compartments and organizational options within the bag to optimize space and better manage the load/

• Elastic straps: This is often used to cut costs in a cheap bag. Instead of making a strong, padding and adjustable straps a cheap elastic one is used to make a bag of one-size that supposedly fits all but fits none.

AVOID this bag at all costs instead look for a robust shoulder with hip straps and adjustable buckles for comfort and a long-lasting fit.

Can I really carry enough in my Every Day Carry Backpack?

An EDC backpack isn’t a big backpack it’s not meant for long-term travelers. But it sure is enough for a majority of the first time travelers’ It’s all about whether you carry just about enough than what you really need than what you want.  

An EDC bag is not intended to cover every possible circumstance this is what your bug out bag is for carefully assess your everyday carry needs and try these tips to minimize what gear you really need to be carrying.

1. Review your Everyday carry item list and pick what you actually use on a day-to-day basis and what you can cut out. Minimalism is bliss try it out!
2. Utilize multipurpose items to save on space and weight. Think about it having one for many is better than having many items for specific tasks.
3. Try to use lightweight options for items that you do carry. What helped me instantly reduce weight is a light-weight laptop. Modern laptops can get as low as 1 kg as compared to the normal 2-4 KG counterparts. Also look into uses materials like titanium, micarta, carbon fiber, and plastics.
4. If an item comes in multiple size variants choose the smaller version.

The best route is to follow a minimalists mindset when it comes to traveling we often don’t need as much as we think. If you really follow the guidelines we mentioned about then you will find an Everyday backpack sufficient for your travel!

SO what is the best EDC bag for YOU?

As you now know there are a lot of factors to consider answering this. The journey to finding the best EDC bag to meet your everyday carry needs is a subjective and highly personal choice only you can make.

You will need to find a balance that threats you will face and what you are willing to carry with you every step of your journey. Once you have come to a decision of what your EDC kit will be based on our EDC buyers guide above you can rest assured you are making the most rational decision.

Remember one thing having a smaller and lighter kit with useful, practical items are more desirable than having a giant bag full of items you are unlikely to ever use!

Found your next EDC backpack?

Remember to review your usual baggage and figure out first what you really need and don’t need. Read our EDC buyers guide carefully to understand what your requirements really are. There is no best backpack there is only one that is right for you. Make sure you get one based on your needs and not your wants.

We hope you found this EDC guide helpful by now you will consider all your options and make the most rational buying decision!

Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API