16 Affordable North Face Backpack Alternatives

Looking for some affordable alternatives to North Face backpacks? A backpack outlasts almost everything else in a closet: camping trips, work commutes, and weekend getaways all call for a carryall that holds everything from a laptop to a spare umbrella.

The North Face has long been synonymous with high-quality, long-lasting backpacks. While the North Face brand name comes with a higher price point, there are alternatives with different layouts, capacities, and price points. A cheaper laptop daypack is not necessarily a substitute for a framed hiking pack.

Buyer’s Guide

Which bag is the “best” is a very personal decision, but there are some factors that can help narrow down the choice.

Usage:

• Are you looking for a camping backpack? Look for capacity suited to your load, a supportive harness, and a rain cover if needed. Water resistance is different from waterproofing; a high denier number alone does not establish durability

• Are you looking for a regular work commute backpack? Then you’ll be looking for compartments for all your gear so you can find everything quickly

• Does this need to fit under an airplane seat for travel? Compare the packed dimensions with your airline’s personal-item allowance; we wrote a whole article on that subject

There are many more backpacks below, but these are four starting points: VASCHY for school, SwissGear for organized laptop carry, Kelty for a larger framed travel pack, and HuaChen for the canvas look. Compare their layouts below:

VASCHY Classic School Backpack

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SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart

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Kelty Redwing Traveler 50

See On Amazon

HuaChen Canvas Backpack

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Want to see the full list? Here are North Face backpack alternatives across several price points, starting with the more traditional camping and outdoor versions.

Alternatives To North Face Backpacks: For the Great Outdoors

Airlab Rucksack Backpack

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Features:

• Drawstring closure

• Compression straps

• Large capacity

• 15-inch laptop pocket

Pros:

• Fits a ton of items - great as a travel bag

• There’s an anti-theft pocket at the back for keeping small valuables out of immediate view; it is not theft-proof

• Nice-looking, with a simple rucksack silhouette

Cons:

• The drawstring closure isn’t as secure as a zippered closure or magnetic closure

• The main pocket is deep, rather than wide, so your stuff might get jumbled up

The Airlab Rucksack Backpack is an inexpensive choice that can work for light outings, but also be comfortably repurposed as a gym or travel bag.

Amazon Basics Travel Laptop Backpack

See on AmazonSee on Amazon Basics

Features:

• Padded compartment sized for a 17” laptop

• Water-resistant shell

• Multiple secondary pockets and compartments

• Padded shoulder straps

Pros:

• Advertised for most 17-inch laptops; check your device’s actual dimensions

• Multiple organizer pockets without a complicated travel-pack layout

Cons:

• Water-resistant, not waterproof; heavy downpours will get through

• The listing doesn’t identify the zipper maker or establish long-term durability

• No clamshell suitcase layout; airline fit depends on packed dimensions

The Amazon Basics is the no-romance pick. If you need a laptop on your back a few times a week and don’t want to splurge, it’s hard to beat. Read our full Amazon Basics review for honest notes on all three Amazon Basics categories.

Kelty Redwing Traveler 50 Backpack

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Features:

• Perimeter frame; Kelty lists steel and HDPE for the current Traveler

• 50-liter capacity and a ventilated back panel

• Side-access laptop storage

• 600D recycled ripstop polyester body

• Wide U-zip opening — loads from the panel, not just the top

• Signature wing pockets

• Stowable hip belt

Pros:

• The frame and hip belt help manage a larger travel load

• Wing pockets with pass-behind storage

• The front opening makes loading/unloading gear way easier

Cons:

• At about 3 lb 10 oz, this is much heavier than a simple school daypack

• No waterproofing guarantee; use a cover or dry bags for vulnerable contents

• Its listed 23-inch height exceeds many cabin-bag limits; check your airline

A roomy travel-first option for road trips and longer getaways. It’s a bit much for the office or classroom though. These specs are for the Redwing Traveler 50, not the older Redwing hiking models.

Oakley Bathroom Sink Backpack

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Features:

• 23-liter capacity; nylon/polyester shell

• Padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 13 inches

• Mesh-lined straps for cooling

• Specialized compartments for your gear

Pros:

• The padded back and mesh-lined straps are useful for daily carry

• Abrasion-resistant fabric and substantial hardware

• Separate pockets keep small gear away from the laptop

Cons:

• The hardware adds bulk compared with a basic daypack

• Cleaning needs to follow the care label

The Oakley Bathroom Sink Backpack is a rough-and-tumble choice for those who need a backpack that can go on the road with them. The linked older Bathroom Sink fits most 13-inch laptops; the newer RC model has different specifications.

HuaChen Vintage Canvas Backpack With Leather Trim

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Features:

• Front zip pocket and hidden back pocket

• Large main pocket

• Drawstring closure

• Leather trim

• Padded sleeve advertised for a 15-inch laptop

Pros:

• The vintage canvas and brass hardware look stylish

• The canvas gives it that old-school rucksack look

• The main compartment is large, and with the exterior pockets, you can fit all of your gear in this backpack

Cons:

• Single main compartment with no internal organization beyond the laptop sleeve

• Bottle pockets take up space on the sides

• No waterproofing guarantee; add rain protection for electronics

The HuaChen Vintage Canvas Backpack is a good choice for those who like an old-school, almost military look but still want a padded sleeve for a laptop or tablet.

Alternatives To North Face Backpacks: For the Traveler

Next up: alternatives that are less “go climb a mountain” and more “which is my departure gate again?”

MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack

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Features:

• 17-inch laptop pocket

• 30-liter advertised capacity

• Padded shoulder straps

• Luggage strap

• Lay-flat laptop section for easier access at security

Pros:

• A separate section keeps the laptop away from the main packing space

• Water-resistant fabric, rather than a waterproof compartment

• Several compartments for separating clothes and tech

• Luggage strap lets it ride on a rolling suitcase

Cons:

• Check the side-pocket fit if you carry a wide bottle

• More compartments mean more bulk than a simple daypack

• A lay-flat design does not guarantee you can leave a laptop inside at security

The MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack is not flashy, but it is highly-functional and has a layout suited to travel and daily commuting. The lay-flat opening is the useful travel feature here. USB ports appear on some older MATEIN versions, but are not listed for the current linked 17-inch model. Follow the screening officer’s instructions even with a bag marketed as TSA-friendly.

KAKA 35l Travel Backpack

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Features:

• Terylene oxford fabric

• Computer and tablet compartments

• Lock with combination

• Water bottle and key compartments

Pros:

• This versatile backpack can be carried as a duffle bag or shoulder bag

• There are several anti-theft mechanisms that come with the backpack

• 35-liter advertised capacity for a weekend packing list

Cons:

• This bag is NOT waterproof

• The convertible straps add complexity compared with a simple backpack

• Check dimensions rather than judging its size from photos

I’d recommend the KAKA 35l Travel Backpack for weekends away - as long as your travels don’t include the great outdoors. It’s stylish and functional enough to work as a daily backpack for students as well.

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

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Features:

• Made with weather-resistant 1200D ballistic polyester

• Padded media pocket with headphone cord port

• ScanSmart lay-flat technology for laptops up to 17 inches (useful for accessing it at security)

• 31-liter capacity

• RFID Pockets

• Easy access laptop and iPad compartment

• Front compartment with organizational pockets

• Two side pockets to accommodate water bottles, umbrellas, etc.

Pros:

• Comfortable shoulder straps

• Plenty of room

• Lay-flat opening makes the laptop easy to reach; follow screening instructions

• Listed dimensions are 18.5 × 13.25 × 9 inches; compare with your airline’s allowance

• The heavy-duty grab handle makes it easy to pick up and move

Cons:

• At about 3.3 lb empty, it is a relatively heavy laptop bag

• A full organizer section can add considerable depth

SwissGear’s 1900 specification does not list a USB port. Overall, the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack is a solid option if you fly a lot, but for regular work and school, you may want to consider an alternative.

Alternatives to North Face Backpacks: For Everyday Carry

Last stretch: alternatives built for everyday carry, whether that’s a laptop for work or textbooks for school.

Modoker Canvas Laptop Rucksack Backpack

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Features:

• Padded laptop sleeve

• Tablet sleeve

• USB pass-through port; power bank not included

• Front compartment

• Multiple interior and exterior pockets

• Canvas body with vegan-leather trim

Pros:

• The canvas and vegan-leather trim give it a vintage look

• Large enough for all your devices

• Several compartments help separate travel or college gear

Cons:

• The USB port does not supply power itself

• Use a dry bag or liner to protect electronics in rain

This option is great for students and professionals who like the canvas-rucksack look.

HFSX Laptop Backpack

See on Amazon

Features:

• Polyester fabric

• USB pass-through port; power bank not included

• Headphone jack

• Large side pockets

• 15.6-inch laptop compartment

Pros:

• Separate laptop and main compartments.

• Many compartments, which makes organization easier.

Cons:

• Measure your laptop before relying on the screen-size claim.

• This backpack is not waterproof.

• Water-resistant fabric is not a waterproof enclosure for electronics.

With its simple look, HFSX Laptop Backpack is a great option for students who want organized laptop storage without a bulky travel pack.

AmazonBasics Classic Backpack

See on AmazonSee on Amazon Basics

Features:

• Large main compartment

• Two exterior water bottle compartments

• Small front pocket

Pros:

• Plain black styling is easy to pair with school or work gear.

• Truly has the “classic” backpack look

• Lightweight but roomy

• The linked listing is a single backpack

Cons:

• No padded laptop compartment is specified in the current listing

This simple, no-frills basic backpack is ideal for students or overnight travelers who know what they like.

Vaschy Classic Water-resistant Backpack

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This simple polyester daypack has a main compartment, a front pocket, and side pockets for bottles. Its water-resistant fabric helps with light splashes, but it is not a waterproof pack.

Choose it for light daily carry. Check the selected model’s laptop storage before buying: VASCHY sells several similar-looking backpacks, and the lightweight version should not be assumed to have the older model’s padded laptop sleeve or faux-suede base.

JanSport Right Pack Backpack

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Features:

• Laptop sleeve that fits up to 15-inch devices

• Suede bottom

• Web haul handle

• Padded shoulder straps

Pros:

• The Jansport brand is reliable for quality backpacks

• Many color options

• Roomy interior that can fit enough clothes for a short trip

Cons:

• This backpack can only be washed by hand

• One side water-bottle pocket, rather than a pair

• A single main compartment gives less separation than the travel packs above

The JanSport Right Pack keeps the classic suede-bottom look you probably remember from high school, with a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve and a side bottle pocket. It would be appropriate for professionals and older students who want that simple layout.

Carhartt Triple Compartment Work Backpack

See on AmazonSee on Carhartt

Features:

• Durable 1200D material

• Padded pocket to hold a laptop up to 17 in

• Front compartment with organized divisions

• Water-resistant

• Padded Air Mesh back panel that wicks away sweat

Pros:

• Contoured, padded shoulder straps

• The back mesh allows air to get through and cool you

• Reinforced base for setting the bag down on rough surfaces.

Cons:

• Check your laptop’s dimensions; 17 inches is a screen-size claim

• 35 liters is more bag than many light commuters need

The Carhartt brand is known for its durable and tough products for work and play. The 35L Triple-Compartment Backpack adds substantial storage and laptop protection to that work-bag approach.

BOPAI Slim Laptop Backpack

Features:

• Concealed main zipper and a hidden back pocket

• Flannel laptop compartment

• Luggage strap

Pros:

• Slim 16.5 × 11 × 2.7-inch body for a compact daily load

• Lightweight and breathable

• Professional appearance

Cons:

• May be too thin for some tastes

• Too small if you need to carry a big load

• The slim silhouette leaves less room for bulky clothes

This ultra-slim backpack is best for career individuals or graduate students who want a more polished look in their backpack. It is not right for you if you like to use your pack like a duffel bag.

Tzowla Business Laptop Backpack

See on Amazon

Features:

• Laptop Compartment for laptops under 15.6 inches

• Luggage strap to secure the backpack to a rolling suitcase

• Anti-theft pocket hidden at the back

• Two mesh umbrella/water bottle pockets

• USB port

• Breathable material that keeps air moving on your back

• Wide, padded shoulder straps

Pros:

• Comes in various colors and patterns

• Combination lock for the zipper pulls

• USB pass-through port; power bank not included

• The hidden pocket keeps small valuables out of immediate view; it is not theft-proof

• Good value for the money

Cons:

• Check bottle-pocket dimensions for the version you choose

• Smaller than it looks

• The listing describes water-resistant fabric, but not waterproof seams or zippers

The Tzowla Business Laptop Backpack is perfect for students and commuters who want laptop storage and a luggage strap.

An older pick: Tocode

The original Tocode Laptop Backpack was a laptop daypack with a USB pass-through port, several organizer pockets, and a 15.6-inch sleeve. Its old design is retained here as a historical reference, rather than linking a different brand under the Tocode name. The 16 alternatives above offer other options for that covered commute.

Before You Go…

Side note: If you’ve been looking for alternatives because your existing North Face backpack needs a lot of TLC… we’ve got you covered! Check out our next article and see if you can breathe some new life into an old faithful: How To Wash a North Face Backpack