text: Top 10 Ergonomic Backpacks of 2020 | Video Review
  The 10 Best Ergonomic Backpacks
  This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in March of 2018. An aching back is no joke. Whether you already suffer from spinal issues or just want to preserve your health and posture, you'll want to check out these ergonomic backpacks. They offer a ton of features to keep you moving comfortably, including cushioning, ventilation, and efficient, thoughtful designs. They can hold plenty of stuff and look pretty good doing it, too. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
  This wiki has been updated 15 times since it was first published in March of 2018. An aching back is no joke. Whether you already suffer from spinal issues or just want to preserve your health and posture, you'll want to check out these ergonomic backpacks. They offer a ton of features to keep you moving comfortably, including cushioning, ventilation, and efficient, thoughtful designs. They can hold plenty of stuff and look pretty good doing it, too. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
  Good for extended trips, the Osprey Farpoint 55 (appx. $175) has great organizational features and excellent durability. Its hip belt and harness can be stowed away under a zippered panel, and its detachable mini pack is light enough to tote around all day while you explore.
  Soft front pocket for sunglasses
  Sleeping pad straps can be removed
  2. The North Face Recon
  No matter what you're carrying, The North Face Recon (around $99) will help you get around comfortably thanks to the company's signature suspension system. Its molded shoulder straps and breathable lumbar panel work together to keep you cool and pain-free.
  Big enough for books and binders
  3. Cotopaxi Allpa 35
  Sized well for a weekend getaway, the Cotopaxi Allpa 35 (around $145) opens like a suitcase and has several zippered, mesh compartments inside. It's quite lightweight, weighing in at just 3 pounds and 7 ounces, and there are multiple colors to choose from.
  Four other sizes available
  Exterior loops for carabiners
  For this update, we've added the lightweight Cotopaxi Allpa 35, a sleek design with a suitcase-style opening that weighs just under 3.5 pounds. Another newcomer is the Eagle Creek Women's Global Companion; it's from a well-regarded brand and is specifically designed for the female shape. On the high-end side of things, the Peak Design 45 is a cult favorite with smart details that its adherents rave about. We've bumped the Osprey Farpoint 55 up to the top spot because it represents the cream of the crop from a company whose gear offers exceptional organization and durability - especially for adventure travelers.
  We've removed the BackTPack 4; its nonconformist style couldn't make up for its poor reviews. The Friendly Swede Hiking Rucksack is no longer available, and the newer model from the company doesn't rate quite so high. Also gone: the Incase Icon, an expensive option whose reviews were not on par with its price tag. Finally, we've updated the information for several items, including The North Face Recon, the Hikpro 20L, and the Ivar Urban 20.
  We understand how crucial ergonomic features can be, so we've selected models with everything you need for pain-free carry, including padded straps, hip belts, and more. But we've also considered style, so many of our choices can give designer backpacks a run for their money. Taking these elements into account, we still like choices from popular manufacturer The North Face, but we've opted to replace the Big Shot with the newer Recon. An updated version of a classic, the Recon is attractive but not garish, comfortable but not over-designed. Plus, the 30-liter capacity is good for both short trips and daily commutes to work. We added another updated version, the new BackTPack 4, which offers upgraded features over the BackTPack 3, including an integral hip belt and an exterior water bottle holder.
  Finally, we selected one convertible wheeled model, the Osprey Packs Sojourn. It's big at 45 liters, so the backpack carrying straps are best used for short jaunts, leaving most of the work to the smooth dual wheels.
  Patagonia Stormfront 30L Many options can handle a little moisture, but the Patagonia Stormfront 30L has a sturdy TPU coating that won't let any liquid in, so it blows the competition out of the water, so to speak. This protection makes it a fine choice for those heading into the field for fishing or photography. patagonia.com
  L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack Designed for kids ages 10 and up, the L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack can handle all the abuse it's likely to receive. Both the ergonomically curved straps and the waist belt offer a wearing experience with plenty of support, while the reflective trim provides extra peace of mind. llbean.com
  Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 It's quite a feat that the roomy Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 weighs a mere 2 pounds. But no comfort features were omitted, since it boasts everything from an ergonomic unisex harness to air mesh shoulder straps that keep sweat at bay. gossamergear.com
  4. Eagle Creek Women's Global Companion
  Designed for the female shape instead of the male's, the Eagle Creek Women's Global Companion (about $114) has a tilted belt to fit wide hips and a narrow harness for short torsos. Petite ladies especially will find it more comfortable when compared to a unisex model.
  Opens horizontally like a suitcase
  5. Peak Design 45
  The dual side zippers on the Peak Design 45 (about $262) let you access your gear inside without having to take off the whole pack. It's a highly adaptable model with a modular organizational system, and it looks just as good fully expanded as it does when it's compressed.
  Passthrough interior divider
  Packing cube accessories cost extra
  6. Ivar Urban 20
  The Ivar Urban 20 (appx. $110) has an organizational system that was created specifically for balanced weight distribution. It will accommodate a 15-inch laptop snugly, and thanks to the angle of its compartments, it's easy to get to everything.
  Polyurethane coated nylon bottom
  7. Osprey Packs Sojourn
  Extended treks through the airport or city don't have to be a hassle with the convertible Osprey Packs Sojourn (appx. $300). You can carry it on your back with the harness when you're on rough terrain, and then roll it behind you when the ground is smooth.
  Suspension elements are removable
  8. Kopack Slim
  The curved, double-stitched straps on the Kopack Slim (around $33) have foam padding that is 8 millimeters thick. Anyone transporting their gear through an urban environment will appreciate its business-appropriate styling and hidden laptop compartment.
  Not adequately water resistant
  9. Kenneth Cole Reaction Business Travel
  The Kenneth Cole Reaction Business Travel (appx. $82) is proof that you don't have to sacrifice style for comfort. This journey-friendly design has plenty of pockets and can hold your big 17-inch laptop along with tons of other stuff, from sunglasses to snacks.
  Mesh-covered cushioning on the back
  On the heavy side at over 3 pounds
  10. Hikpro 20L
  While it's probably not a model you'd select for everyday use, the Hikpro 20L (about $16) is relatively inexpensive and still comfortable enough for short trips. At less than 8 ounces, it can be stashed in your luggage just in case it may come in handy along the way.