City backpacks
Everything your day needs.
Start with your route: office, university, bike or city break. After that it comes down to your laptop, space and rain. Every detail comes from the product description or the manufacturer.
Where are you taking the backpack?
Which laptop needs to come along?
What else goes in?
How much rain do you get caught in?
How much would you like to spend?
Our selectionSuits you
The backpacks we took a close look at. Every answer narrows it down.
Faded ones no longer match your answers. At the end we show you up to six matching models.
Not every wish is met. At the end we show you up to six models that come closest.
Your recommendation
Sorted by your answers
A quick trade-off
These models differ from your preferences or budget, or a detail is unknown. Each model explains its limitations.
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Why it suits you
Range
29 backpacks we took a close look at
The North FaceBase Camp Fuse Box30 l15 Zoll1,063 gfrom €113.85A large zipped lid opens the main compartment, where your 15-inch laptop sits in a padded sleeve. A mesh pocket, key holder and a second inner pocket keep small things together. On the outside, a pocket with a security zip gets you to your keys or card quickly.
Item no. 571-NF0A3KVRXA71001 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceVault27 l15 Zollwater-repellentfrom €59.35The large main compartment takes books and a 15-inch laptop in a padded sleeve. At the front, zipped pockets, a tablet sleeve and a key loop sort the small things. The backpack stands upright, which makes packing easier, and reflective details help in low light.
Item no. 571-NF0A3VY24H01001 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceBorealis Classic29 l15 Zollwater-repellentfrom €87.35The large main compartment has its own sleeve for laptops or tablets up to 15 inches, and a second compartment adds organiser pockets. The chest and hip straps come off when you are only riding to work. Two mesh side pockets and reflective details complete it.
Item no. 571-NF00CF9C4GZ1001 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceBorealis28 l16 Zollwater-repellentfrom €87.35The padded laptop compartment takes devices up to 16 inches, the large main compartment books and folders. At the front there are organiser pockets, a padded tablet sleeve and a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses or keys. The backpack stands upright, with reflective details all round.
Item no. 571-NF0A52SE4HF1001 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceJester28 lwater-repellent754 gfrom €63.85The main compartment and zipped front pockets split your things, and a tablet sleeve is built in. At the front, a bungee system holds a jacket, and two water bottles fit at the sides. The water-repellent coating keeps light rain off.
Item no. 571-NF0A3VXF4H01001 · as of 25 October 2026
FjällrävenSkule 2828 l15 Zollwater-repellentfrom €98.35The zipped main compartment holds a padded sleeve for computers up to 15 inches. The front pocket with mesh organiser pockets takes pens, cables and keys. The Oxford fabric is water-repellent, and there is an opening at the top for a drinking tube.
Item no. 1108-F23346-550-One-Size · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceBase Camp Daypack25 l16 Zoll1,106 gfrom €110.35A fleece-lined compartment behind the padded back panel takes laptops up to 16 inches and tablets. On the outside there is a front pocket with a secure zip, two mesh pockets and a key hook. Straps at the front hold a jacket, and two bottle pockets sit at the sides.
Item no. 571-NF0A8BK4C7E1001 · as of 25 October 2026
FjällrävenSkule 2424 l15 ZollPU coating, 1,500 mm hydrostatic headfrom €73.75The main compartment has a raised, padded laptop sleeve, so the laptop does not sit directly on the bottom. Outside there is a zipped pocket with a key clip and stretch side pockets. The fabric has a PU coating with a 1,500 mm hydrostatic head, and there are reflective details at the front.
Item no. 1108-F23200335-300-One-Size · as of 25 October 2026
FjällrävenKånken16 lwater-repellent300 gfrom €81.95The straps can be switched, so you carry the Kånken as a backpack or as a bag. A large zip opening, two flat side pockets and a zipped front pocket keep packing simple. Inside there is a removable seat pad, and on the front a reflective logo.
Item no. 1108-F23510-021-One-Size · as of 25 October 2026
DeuterGigant32 l17 Zoll1,140 gfrom €83.15The Gigant is built for commuting in the city and takes a 17-inch laptop. An organiser compartment sorts pens and phone, and there is also a document compartment and stretch side pockets. The Airstripes back system ventilates your back, and the hip belt comes off.
Item no. 10-381272170000 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceSurge31 l16 Zollwater-repellentfrom €97.85The laptop compartment protects devices up to 16 inches, the main compartment takes books and folders. At the front there are zipped pockets and a padded tablet sleeve, at the top a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses and phone. The water-repellent coating keeps light rain off, and reflective details help in low light.
Item no. 571-NF0A52SG4HF1001 · as of 25 October 2026
DB JourneyHugger Backpack 25L25 l16 Zollwater-repellentfrom €124.05A built-in rib structure keeps the shape, even when the backpack is empty. The main compartment opens fully, and a large top pocket takes the essentials. The padded laptop compartment fits devices up to 16 inches, and the Hook-Up System™ lets you hang the backpack on a Db roller case.
Item no. 69-1000175201201 · as of 25 October 2026
OrtliebVario26 l1,200 gfrom €179.85The Vario has a roll closure and a Quick-Lock mounting system that turns it into a pannier on your rack. To switch, you turn the front pocket inside out. Inside there is a bag with a laptop compartment, outside a mesh side pocket and reflectors.
Item no. 1120-F7720 · as of 25 October 2026
OspreyQuasar 2626 l14 Zoll800 gfrom €82.35The Quasar has a laptop compartment for devices up to 14 inches and a bungee for quickly strapping things on. There is extra storage on the outside and room inside for books and work papers.
Item no. 18-10004598 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceKaban LTE27 l16 Zoll1,128 gfrom €106.45The padded laptop compartment is lined with fleece and, according to the manufacturer, takes most 16-inch laptops. The main compartment has a mesh pocket and a key hook, and a top pocket holds your phone or sunglasses. Reflective details all round help on dark journeys home.
Item no. 571-NF0A8BK8KX71001 · as of 25 October 2026
FjällrävenKånken Laptop 15"18 l15 Zollwater-repellentfrom €107.95Here the Kånken gets its own padded compartment for a 15-inch laptop. The Vinylon F fabric repels water and dries quickly. The main compartment holds a foam seat pad, and there are two open side pockets and a zipped front pocket.
Item no. 1108-F23524-501-One-Size · as of 25 October 2026
DB JourneyRamverk Backpack 21L21 l16 Zollwater-repellentfrom €129.15The moulded front and EVA side panels keep the backpack in shape, even when it is empty. You reach the padded laptop compartment from the back, and according to the manufacturer a 16-inch laptop fits. Outside there is a bottle pocket and straps to hold, say, a jacket.
Item no. 69-1000258101501 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceBase Camp Voyager Pro Lightweight Pack15 l16 Zollwater-repellentfrom €59.35At 505 g it is light and still has a sleeve for a 16-inch laptop or a tablet. At the front, an elastic bungee system holds a jacket or shoes. The fabric has a DWR treatment and keeps off light rain.
Item no. 571-NF0A8GJABQW1001 · as of 25 October 2026
DB JourneyRamverk Backpack 26L26 l16 Zollwater-repellentfrom €161.85The Ramverk 26L holds 26 litres, which makes it about 5 cm taller than the 21-litre version. You open the padded laptop compartment from the back, and according to the manufacturer a 16-inch laptop fits. Outside there is a bottle pocket and straps for extra gear.
Item no. 69-1000259101501 · as of 25 October 2026
FjällrävenSkule Top 2626 lwater-repellent750 gfrom €98.35The Skule Top 26 is packed from the top and has a padded laptop sleeve that can take a hydration bladder instead. It also has a large lid pocket and two stretch side pockets for bottles. The 600D Oxford fabric is water-repellent, and the back panel is ventilated with air mesh.
Item no. 1108-F23350-560-One-Size · as of 25 October 2026
Tasmanian TigerUrban Tac Pack 2222 lwater-repellent920 gfrom €101.45The main compartment unzips fully and has a large MOLLE hook-and-loop panel inside that you fill with pouches as needed. You can shape the removable back plate with its aluminium stay to your back. A removable hip belt and a height-adjustable chest strap keep the load steady.
Item no. 1996-7558-040 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceBerkeley Tote Pack13 l16 Zollwater-repellentfrom €48.65You carry the Berkeley Tote Pack over one shoulder or like a backpack. The laptop compartment takes devices up to 16 inches, and there is a zipped main compartment and two outer pockets. The crinkle-look nylon has a water-repellent coating.
Item no. 571-NF0A52VSASX1001 · as of 25 October 2026
The North FaceGlen Canyon Rucksack29.5 l16 Zoll776 gfrom €85.65The large main compartment holds a padded, fleece-lined sleeve for a 16-inch laptop or a tablet. Two oversized outer pockets with press studs keep things to hand, and inside two stretch mesh pockets and a zipped pocket with a key clip sort the rest. The ripstop nylon has a wax coating.
Item no. 571-NF0A8EERJK31001 · as of 25 October 2026
FjällrävenKånken Graphics16 l400 gfrom €90.15The Kånken Graphics has patterns inspired by shapes from the animal world, so every piece looks a little different. At 16 litres and 400 g it stays small and light. The rear inner pocket holds a removable seat pad.
Item no. 1108-F23200356-577-986-One-Size · as of 25 October 2026
VAUDECoreway Pack 2020 l15.6 Zollwater-repellentfrom €89.85The separate, padded laptop compartment takes devices up to 15.6 inches. The roll closure lets you adjust the volume and get into the main compartment quickly. The removable hip belt keeps the backpack in place when cycling, and the fabric has a water-repellent treatment.
Item no. 13-480830100000 · as of 25 October 2026
DakineCampus Premium Backpack 28L28 l780 gfrom €87.95Laptop and tablet get their own padded compartment with a fleece-lined tablet sleeve. There are also two large main compartments, an organiser pocket and a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket. A security pocket for valuables sits on the back panel.
Item no. 2106-D1012723-089 · as of 25 October 2026
DakineAtlas Backpack 2.0 28L28 l560 gfrom €52.35The large main compartment has a laptop sleeve, and at the front there is a large zipped pocket. The skate carry straps let you strap a skateboard or other bulky items to the outside. The shoulder straps and back panel are padded, the back panel with air mesh.
Item no. 2106-D1013515-016 · as of 25 October 2026
DakineJune Backpack 25L25 l16 Zoll630 gfrom €71.95The main compartment closes with a drawstring and hook and can also be opened by zip. The unpadded laptop sleeve fits most 16-inch laptops. You attach accessories to the MOLLE loops on the outside, and there is also a removable accessory pouch and stretch mesh pockets for water bottles.
Item no. 2106-D1012750-001 · as of 25 October 2026
OrtliebVelocity Lite 23L23 lwaterproof880 gfrom €112.35The Velocity Lite is made from waterproof material and rated IP 64. It closes with a roll and hook-and-loop closure, and inside there is a large zipped compartment and a padded laptop compartment. The back padding is ventilated, and the hip belt comes off.
Item no. 1120-R402001 · as of 25 October 2026
Nothing matches these filters. Try removing one.
H Values marked H come from the manufacturers.
Good to know
If you want to dig deeper
For a laptop, lunch and a jacket, 20 to 25 litres is usually enough. If you take a change of clothes or gym kit, 24 to 30 litres works better; bigger backpacks quickly get bulky on a full bus or on the bike.
Laptops are named after their screen diagonal in inches. A sleeve for 15.6 inches takes most 15-inch devices; for 16 and 17 inches you need a sleeve with exactly that size. If no size in inches is given, the only way is to measure: compare your device's width and height with the size of the sleeve.
A waterproof backpack, for example with a roll-top, keeps out longer rain too. Most city backpacks are water-repellent: a shower beads off, but steady rain gets in at seams and zips. A rain cover then adds protection, on the bike as well.
For a laptop, lunch and clothes to change into, around 24 to 30 litres makes sense. With less volume the laptop still fits, but the clothes get tight.
Water-repellent means drops bead up on the surface. Waterproof means the material and the construction keep water out even in longer rain; on backpacks this usually takes welded seams and a roll-top.
Reflective details let others see you sooner in the dark. They do not replace lights on your bike, but they help, especially on the way to work in winter.
Manufacturer information: The North Face Base Camp Fuse Box · The North Face Vault · The North Face Borealis Classic · The North Face Base Camp Daypack · Fjällräven Skule 24 · Deuter Gigant · The North Face Surge · DB Journey Hugger Backpack 25L · Osprey Quasar 26 · The North Face Kaban LTE · DB Journey Ramverk Backpack 21L · The North Face Base Camp Voyager Pro Lightweight Pack · DB Journey Ramverk Backpack 26L · The North Face Glen Canyon Rucksack · Dakine Campus Premium Backpack 28L · Dakine Atlas Backpack 2.0 28L · Dakine June Backpack 25L · as of 25 October 2026. Product details from the product pages on sportfits.eu.
Product images: manufacturers, via SportFits
