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Buyers Guide

Able Carry Max EDC

The Best Urban EDC Bags for Work, Travel, and Play

Urban backpacks are more than just a means of carrying your stuff — they’re an extension of your daily routine, a companion that moves with you through the hustle and bustle of city life. But finding the right one? It’s about nailing that balance between practicality and personality, form and function. You need a bag that works as hard as you do, with enough organization to keep your gear in check, and the durability to handle the chaos of the elements. Think quick-access pockets, slick designs, and materials that can take a beating while looking sharp. But also, don’t forget comfort — after all, it’s got to sit just right for those long days where you have to stay late and put in an extra shift.

In this guide, we’ll run through some of the best urban backpacks out there. Whether you’re a minimalist or a tech lover, we’ve got you covered with packs that can keep up with your urban grind.


Arc’teryx Granville 16 (US$200)

Arc'teryx Granville 16

If you value clean lines and outdoor/urban versatility, the Granville 16 should be on your radar. Its super sleek exterior blends seamlessly into city environments, while the durable and weather-resistant construction is designed to easily handle outdoor trails. The pack provides a top pocket for quick-access items, along with a stretch mesh sleeve in the main compartment for a laptop. Add in the ventilated, padded shoulder straps and breathable back panel and you have a multifunctional pack for diverse urban and outdoor carry needs, making it a solid all-rounder for your carry quiver.

Aer City Pack Pro (US$209)

Best Urban EDC Bags - Aer City Pack Pro

As the name suggests, Aer’s City Pack Pro is purposely designed for life in the city. And with its understated looks, tough build, and useful organization, it’s a great pick for handling the daily grind with tech in tow. A dedicated exterior-access laptop compartment and quick-access front, top, and side pockets provide plenty of options for storing tech, accessories, and EDC within easy reach. Additionally, a lay-flat main compartment makes quick work of packing and accessing gear. And with its durable 1680D Cordura® ballistic nylon exterior and padded, ergonomic harness, this pack easily handles daily use while keeping loads comfy on the go.

CODEOFBELL X-TYPE (US$219)

Best Urban EDC Bags - CODEOFBELL X-TYPE

Looking for a bag that stands out from the crowd? CODEOFBELL offers something a little different from standard urban packs with the X-TYPE. Designed to cater to a variety of changing carry needs in both urban and outdoor settings thanks to its multi-compartment design, the front zippered compartment offers useful storage for bulky items, laying flat if not needed but expanding to accommodate gear such as shoes or clothing, making it useful for travel or trips to the gym after work. Beneath this, you’ll find a compartment with one slip and one zippered pocket. Last but not least, the main compartment, which offers multiple pockets for organizing tech and accessories including padded laptop and tablet pockets. There is a range of additional external pockets, offering convenient storage for items such as a water bottle, notebook, and more. And with four colorways available, you’ve got style options to play with too.

Black Ember Citadel 20 (US$239)

Best Urban EDC Bags - Black Ember Citadel 20

Clean and compact, the Black Ember Citadel 20 is a slick choice for carrying smaller loads. Built with proprietary EmberTex material and YKK AquaGuard zippers, this burly and weatherproof pack is ready to venture out whatever the weather holds in store. The lay-flat design makes packing and access a breeze, with an interior suspended laptop sleeve keeping up to 14″ tech devices safe on the go. Top and front exterior pockets store items such as your wallet, phone, and keys close at hand, and there’s also a luggage passthrough for travel use. But what if you like the clean design but need a little extra space? Black Ember has you covered with the Citadel 25, which accommodates up to a 16″ laptop in a dedicated exterior-access laptop compartment.

Bellroy Transit Workpack Pro 22L (US$239)

Best Urban EDC Bags - Bellroy Transit Workpack Pro 22L

Want one pack for work, travel, and play? Bellroy delivers multifunctionality and urban-friendly style with the Transit Workpack Pro 22L. The clean silhouette suits a range of work and day-to-day environments, while the lay-flat main compartment offers hassle-free packing for travel or daily items. Front and side pockets keep essentials such as EDC, tech accessories, and a water bottle well organized, with a dedicated external-access laptop compartment storing tech at the ready too. Not to mention the pack also comes in a 28L version, so you’ve got a sleek option for larger loads too.

Able Carry Max EDC (US$280)

Best Urban EDC Bags - Able Carry Max EDC

From daily commutes to overnight trips, the Able Carry Max EDC offers flexible organization for a wide range of urban carry needs. Three separate compartments offer inbuilt organization for tech, clothes, accessories, and more. A front zippered pocket provides handy storage for shoes or gym gear, while the main compartment has a convenient clamshell opening and a choice of pockets for organization. The rear compartment offers dedicated storage for work accessories and tech, with space for up to a 17″ laptop and an admin pocket for bulky gear such as chargers. You’ll also find a luggage passthrough too, while the weather-resistant build provides peace of mind in varying weather conditions.

Tom Bihn Synik 26 (US$335)

Tom Bihn Synik 26

The Synik 26 finds the sweet spot between the Synik 22 and Synik 30 for day-to-day carry with travel flexibility. The pack offers excellent quick-access storage courtesy of five exterior pockets, while the dual-access laptop compartment can be accessed both internally and externally. The main compartment has a clamshell opening and comes with removable tie-down straps, making it easy to secure clothes or a packing cube. A luggage passthrough lets you pair the pack with rolling luggage and you can choose from a range of colorway and fabric options as well.

EVERGOODS ELEMENT Weathershed 22L (US$350)

EVERGOODS ELEMENT Weathershed 22L

The ELEMENT Weathershed 22L is EVERGOODS’ first waterproof backpack, made with a custom textile, sealed seams, and RF welding. Lift up the weathertight flap, secured by two magnetic Fidlock closures, and you’ll find two drop pockets and a zippered pocket for your small quick-access essentials. Inside the main compartment is a suspended and padded laptop and tablet sleeve, accommodating up to 16″ devices. Additionally, you also get enhanced gear visibility thanks to the light-colored lining, as well as an overload strap for larger loads. Sleek, tough, and built to tackle the elements, this is a trusty gear defender on wet commutes, rainy weekend trips, and beyond.

Mission Workshop Rhake (from US$435)

Mission Workshop Rhake

Mission Workshop built the Rhake to embrace the demands of inclement weather, while delivering urban-friendly style and functionality. The pack is made in the USA in a choice of materials and colorways, with a weatherproof laptop compartment that can be accessed externally for on-the-go ease. Front exterior pockets accommodate your day-to-day essentials such as a wallet, phone, charging cables, and a water bottle, while the roll-top main compartment can expand or contract as required to fit changing loads. Burly and versatile, the Rhake lends itself to everyday use and short trips while taking scrapes and showers in its stride.

Triple Aught Design Axiom S2 VX or WX Pack (US$450)

Triple Aught Design Axiom S2 VX or WX Pack

The 19L Axiom S2 builds on the foundations of the Axiom 24, with a sleekly refined design that enables access to gear even in tight spaces. A front admin pocket keeps small items at the ready, with additional pockets in the main compartment and the flexibility to pair the pack with optional Helix accessories. A rear laptop compartment can be accessed externally and fits up to 16″ tech. On the style front you also have a choice between VX or WX Pack versions, so you can roll with heritage vibes or a more tech feel depending on your preferences.

Leander Everyday Professional Backpack (US$495)

Leander Everyday Professional Backpack

Looking for luxury you can enjoy every day? Leander offers a suavely refined daily companion with the Everyday Professional Backpack. Made with custom weatherproof Leander Leather, the bag features a clean aesthetic that looks sharp in offices and meetings, with convenient access to your gear courtesy of a wide-opening main compartment. Pockets inside the main compartment house smaller items, while the separate rear laptop compartment provides exterior access to your tech. Elegant and practical, this is a savvy choice for the professional who wants a high-quality bag that can move seamlessly between work and play.

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