Whether you’re commuting, traveling, or exploring the great outdoors, a good backpack is your perfect companion: It’s easy on your back (literally and figuratively) and you’ve got your hands free. Women tend to lug a few more items around than men, like a second pair of shoes to dress up or down, hand lotion, female hygiene products, and probably makeup, all of which lead to a fuller and heavier bag. The perfect women’s backpack is therefore comfortable, can transition from work to leisure, and keeps your belongings safe and organized. Do you need help picking a model that works for you or a female S.O.? We got you! StudyFinds created a list of the best backpacks for women.

Backpacks are much better for your back than shoulder or messenger bags because they contribute the bag’s weight evenly across your body (if worn correctly ). That’s good news, as over 15 million adults in the U.S. need relief from chronic back pain – making back and neck pain the most expensive health condition in the U.S. at $134.5 billion . Over-the-counter pain treatments bring little relief and often come with nasty gastrointestinal side effects. 

“Back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide and is commonly managed by prescribing medicines such as anti-inflammatories. But our [research] results show anti-inflammatory drugs actually only provide very limited short-term pain relief,” says Associate Professor Manuela Ferreira at The George Institute for Global Health in Sydney, Australia. “They do reduce the level of pain, but only very slightly, and arguably not of any clinical significance.”

A better way to fight back pain is physical therapy or yoga . And according to a German study , adding cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to your treatment improves back pain by a whopping 84 percent. For immediate relief, switch to a (better) backpack. StudyFinds went through recommendations on ten expert websites to find the top five best backpacks for women. If we missed any great models, please let us know in the comments.

The Dagne Dover Dakota is the most recommended backpack for women and holds the “Best Overall” position on the experts lists at InStyle and Rank & Style. “I bought this one because it’s so light, it’s machine washable, the black one is chic and professional, and it has all the compartments to keep me organized,” Rank & Style quotes a user of its favorite backpack.  

“ For a fits-everything, lasts-forever, comfortable-to-wear backpack, look no further than Dagne Dover’s Dakota backpack,” goes InStyle ’s glowing review. “It even features a sleeve in the back to comfortably fit over your suitcase in case you plan to travel with it.”

“ The neoprene is so light and soft. The main compartment is roomy enough for gym shoes and clothes, planner books, a makeup bag, as well as an exterior side pocket that can accommodate a thin water bottle,” writes Marie Claire ’s reviewer about the magazine’s best for travel pick. “Also, the interior features a laptop sleeve with an elastic enclosure to keep your laptop or tablet in place — safe and separate from your other belongings. The adjustable straps are also made of neoprene so it’s easy on the shoulders during your commute.”

This colorful backpack is a little more affordable than its competitors – and highly fashionable. “ This backpack has gained a cult following over the past few years, and for good reason. The Swedish brand stands out with its distinctive fox logo and simple, well-made bags. The vast array of colors also makes it a fashion favorite — you’re sure to find a hue you like no matter your style,” Rank & Style states about its second favorite backpack.

Fjällräven’s popular Kånken model is on the small side (it was originally designed to prevent back problems in school children) and InStyle ’s best mini backpack. “ Every detail has been thoughtfully designed. Take, for instance, the main compartment, which has a large zipped opening, intended to make it easy to pack and unpack. Then there’s the included foam seat cushion, which is stored in the interior back pocket, preventing whatever poky items you stuff in there from digging into your back. It’s also created out of a weather-resistant vinylon fabric that can withstand dirt and moisture. Win-win.”

“ Scandinavian clothing brand Fjallraven makes some of the best work backpacks for women,” claims Woman & Home . “Lightweight and spacious, its designs span many iterations, with over 18 colors in the brand’s best-seller Kanken design, there is a Fjallraven for every taste.”

Another stylish and more affordable backpack option is Everlane’s Renew Rucksack. It’s both practical and professional: “ This classic more vintage-style daypack or rucksack is great for the woman who wants to be out for a day sightseeing with a versatile bag that matches a classic outfit,” says Halfhalftravel .

According to Travel Away , this backpack has it all: “If your ideal backpack combines contemporary aesthetics with versatile functionality and, most importantly, an affordable price tag, then you are going to love this elegant multitasker from Everlane. Wrapped in machine-washable 100% recycled polyester and complete with a padded laptop sleeve, The Renew Rucksack makes for a stylish yet practical companion for all your everyday endeavors, be it commuting to work, hanging out with friends, or hitting the road.”

“ Our pick for the best stylish women’s travel backpack is the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack,” writes Travel + Leisure . “It’s large enough to hold a 15-inch laptop without looking overly bulky since the laptop can slide into its own separate pocket (also a bonus when it’s TSA time). […] The backpack is also water-resistant so you’ll be safe even in an unexpected storm. And, of course, we appreciate that it’s made from recycled plastic bottles and uses Bluesign-approved fabric dyes for its five neutral color options, too.”

To leather or not to leather? If real leather is not an issue but a plus for you, experts recommend the leather backpack from Cuyana. “Made in a small family-owned Italian factory outside of Pisa,” it “combines luxe fabrics with an elegant silhouette to make the perfect companion from work to weekend,” says Travel Away .

The Cuyana is InStyle ’s favorite splurge backpack: “ You’ll feel like a true professional strolling into work wearing this refined leather backpack that would pair well with business-casual or more formal office attire. While many backpacks can be work-friendly, this Cuyana one is particularly work-appropriate thanks to its built-in safety features,” such as an interior laptop sleeve.

Prefer a leather look, but without harming animals? The Calpak Kaya Faux Leather Laptop Backpack is a “s uper stylish upgrade to a traditional backpack,” per Rank & Style . For Bestproducts.com , it’s “ a no-brainer for work. Not only is the design sophisticated enough to flaunt through your office, but its laptop pocket also makes lugging your computer back and forth for those remote days so much easier. Plus, if you ever have a business trip, the luggage trolley sleeve will come in handy.”

Our last but not least pick is another affordable backpack by a cult brand, but more suitable for the trails than the office. “ A perfect backpack for the outdoor enthusiast,” according to Rank & Style. “This bag has all the features you’d want for a day on the trails. There’s plenty of room for all your essentials, plus padded shoulder straps and back panel, sternum, and waist straps for extra support and comfort on long hikes.”

“To those in the market for an affordable backpack, look no further. Already a classic, The North Face’s Women’s Borealis Backpack makes the perfect accomplice to afternoon hikes, bike cruises, beach days, and any other excuse to leave the house,” adds Travel Away. “Enhanced with articulated shoulder straps and a women-specific FlexVent suspension system certified by the American Chiropractic Association, this backpack is incredibly comfortable to carry. It also comes with a padded laptop sleeve and 360-degree reflectivity for increased safety in low-light conditions.”

Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

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