These days, backpacks are made with lots of lifestyles and different uses in mind. You can find hiking backpacks with sleeping bag compartments and lightweight commuter cycling backpacks with hydration ports.
There are backpacks with detachable daypacks for city tours or short hiking trails, and check in-friendly backpacks let you pass through the TSA scanner without removing your laptop.
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BEST FOR VERSATILITY
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![]() | BEST FOR GYM AND SPORTS
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![]() | BEST FOR OFFICE COMMUTE
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BEST FOR TRAVEL
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If you plan on playing outdoors once you reach your destination, the Ventura Pal is a great choice. It’s extremely lightweight at 0.7 lbs and rolls up or folds up into its own bag for convenience. The breathable, vented shoe compartment at the bottom fits both men’s and women’s shoes. The main compartment also includes a zippered wet pocket for dirty towels or wet swimsuits. Customers have also used the compartments for liquids on planes, cosmetics, toiletries, and snacks.
You’ll have 35 liters of storage, one main compartment with a separator and small zippered pocket, a zippered front pocket, and 2 side pockets. The Ventura Pal is made of durable tear and water-resistant nylon fabric and has two-way heavy-duty bar tacks at the stress points for long-lasting use.
Overall, the Ventura Pal is a practical and durable backpack for vacations, day trips, day hikes, and for use as a pool or spa back.
The Travel Max is a lightweight, casual tote you can use as a weekender, workout, or swim and gym bag. The bottom built-in shoe bag holds men’s and women’s shoes up to size 13 and has exterior zippers. The ventilated mesh of the shoe compartment keeps shoes or dirty gym shorts separate from your clean things.
The unique 3-way design of the unisex travel bag allows you to carry it as a duffle, shoulder bag, or crossbody bag. It’s made of highly durable polyester fabric that is wear and tear-resistant for long-lasting use. The shoulder straps are padded and adjustable for comfort. As a duffle bag, the Travel Max has dual handles.
The duffle/backpack has a large capacity (30 liters), and the main compartment will hold enough clothing for 3-5 days. Put your cellphone and headphones in the top zippered pocket. A side pocket holds a water bottle or umbrella, and two other mesh outside pockets keep your passport and other documents handy.
Overall, the Travel Max is versatile for carrying and suitable for outdoor sports like fishing and hunting as well as used as a gym/swim bag.
Carry the Hopopwer Backpack with shoes compartment as a handbag, backpack, or shoulder bag. The shoulder strap is removable and the backstraps are tuckable into the zippered bottom compartment. The bag has a separate shoe compartment and two wet pockets. All pockets have a waterproof lining and are easy to access.
The Hopopower is made of high-density premium water-resistant nylon fabric for comfort and durability. The carry straps are padded with bubble foam and are adjustable. Use the wet pocket on the front for wet clothes after working out, swimming, or showering. All your other gear stays clean and dry in the main compartment. The bag is washable in cold or warm water.
Large enough for most sports equipment, such as a helmet and football, the Hopopower works well as a sport or gym bag and is priced right.
The BeeGreen Drawstring Backpack has a large shoe compartment on the right side that can hold up to two pairs of shoes. It’s an athletic sports bag for men and women. With dimensions of 16 x 20 inches, the interior is big enough for gym clothing, a basketball, and a towel. The main compartment can also be used for textbooks.
A front zippered pocket can fit an iPad or Kindle, or use it for sunglasses and other small items. A side zipper opens to another compartment. Stash your wallet, cellphone, and other valuables in the secure hidden pocket to safeguard against pickpocketing. Two side mesh pockets hold a water bottle, umbrella, or sunscreen.
Adjustable drawstrings lighten your burden and allow the bag to fit teens or adults. The straps are thick and sturdy and don’t dig into your shoulders. Two carry handles on the top make the bag let you tote the bag, or use them for hanging it at the gym. The wide reflective strip down the middle enhances visibility for safety at night.
The BeeGreen is of high-density durable Oxford. It’s machine washable, dries quickly, and comes with a 1-year no-rip warranty. Overall, this bag works well for sports, hiking, and camping, and gyms that only allow drawstring bags. It’s versatile enough for short trips.
The Under Armour Hustle backpack has a roomy gusseted front shoe or laundry pocket at the bottom. Keep shoes and dirty laundry separate from your other gear.
It features UA Storm technology for a highly water-resistant finish. The bottom panel is tough and abrasion-resistant. Made of polyester, it’s lightweight at 2 lbs. The padded shoulder straps are extra comfortable. The dimensions are 19.3 x 13 x 5.9 and the capacity is 26 liters.
Carry up to a 15-inch Macbook Pro or similar computer in a softly-lined computer laptop sleeve. Two water-resistant front pockets protect your valuables. Strong zippers make it easy to access gear. Two side pockets hold your water bottle and umbrella. The Hustle 4.0 also features a D-ring on the front panel as an attachment point for keychains or hanging a locker lock.
Multiple uses are suggested for the Hustle 4.0 from work or school to the gym or travel. It’s a great laptop backpack for stopping by the gym after work where the weather is often rainy.
Cycle to work, to the gym, and for weekend recreation with the Osprey Radial commuter backpack. The main compartment’s inside zippered shoe pouch keeps sweaty sneakers separated from your jacket and gym clothes. Or use it for an extra water bottle.
The main compartment also has a laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17-inch screen laptop, a document sleeve, and room for more gear. Store your phone and wallet in the zippered side panel pocket, and sunglasses fit into the scratch-resistant zippered slash pocket within easy reach while cycling.
A side panel stretch mesh pocket expands to hold folded items. The Osprey Pack is expandable for flexibility for holding heavy clothing or other gear with a capacity of 34 liters. It’s made of 210D Nylon Dobby with 500D Nylon on the bottom. Other features include a Lidlock helmet carry, reflective print and zip pull, and an integrated rain cover. An integrated kickstand keeps the backpack upright on the ground.
Overall, the Osprey Radial Pack is a good choice for cycling commuters who need room and organization. Versatility includes using it as a weekender for travel. The suspended air mesh back panel is adjustable and gives great ventilation for comfort.
As the name implies, the Oakley Men’s Kitchen Sink is a comprehensive backpack that carries loads of gear with a spacious bottom shoe compartment. The backpack has dimensions of 20 H x 14 W x 8 D inches and has a capacity of 34 liters. Its constructed of heavy-duty abrasive-resistant fabric with strong zipper closures and easy-to-detach clip reinforcers. The Oakley is waterproof enough to keep contents dry in light rain.
The Oakley features versatile storage options and tough hardware. Your electronics travel safely and securely in the 17-inch padded laptop sleeve with side access and a hard media-player pocket at the top. Carry textbooks, notebooks, extra clothing, a 1-liter water bottle, and more. A front zip pocket has an accessory organizer panel. Access the front pouch while the bag is still strapped.
Although a bit heavier than other backpacks (4 lbs), adjustable mesh-lined shoulder straps and a padded compression back panel give lots of back support and helps keep you cool and comfortable. Mid support buckles enhance comfort.
The Oakley Kitchen Sink Backpack is perfect for spending the day on a college campus and is suitable for traveling. It’s well worth the higher price.
The Creek Transit 32 by Black Diamond combines style and function with toughness. The outer shell is made of durable, waterproof 800D nylon and 1260D ballistic nylon. Carry climbing shoes, sneakers, gym clothes, or a chalk bag in a separate, dedicated compartment. The backpack’s dimensions are 23 x 12 x 12 inches and it has a capacity of 32 liters.
The Creek Transit features a spacious zippered lid with organizer pockets. A padded laptop compartment with exterior access holds a 15-inch laptop. Pack the bag easily while sitting upright with the haul bag-style bottom. The top and front of the bag have haul loop handles. Reflective webbing on the front gives visibility for safety. The shoulder straps and back panel are padded for comfort for hiking or cycling. Removable waist straps help stabilize your load.
Overall, the tough, highly durable Creek Transit is great for daily commuting, long day hikes, and for use as a weekender. Waterproof and rugged, it’s worth the higher price of similar backpacks.
Switch between duffle, backpack, and gym bag with the G4FREE 3-Way Backpack. Made of tear and water-resistant nylon fabric, the bag has an upgraded, ventilated shoe compartment that fits up to size 12 shoes. The dimensions are 23 x 10 x 12 and the capacity is 40 liters.
Detachable and padded straps allow for wearing as a backpack, slung over one shoulder, or carried by the two handle straps. The top has a reinforced D-loop handle. Solid stitching at the stress points and high-quality SBS zippers enhance durability. One spacious main compartment has a mesh zippered pocket inside. A side pocket holds headphones, a cellphone, notebooks, a passport, and a water bottle. Store an iPad or Kindle in the front zippered pocket. A carrying pouch is included for folding and storing the bag.
Overall, the G4FREE carries a lot of gear yet it’s small enough to use as a carry-on for travel. It makes a great gym bag and is reasonably priced. It’s not the best choice for long hikes.
Office commutes and business travel is a breeze with the MarsBro Laptop Backpack. An isolated bottom compartment holds dress shoes for meetings or gym shoes for after work. Customers also use the compartment for wet, dirty clothes or toiletries.
The MarsBro is made of heavy-duty Oxford and has metal zippers for durability. An insulated pouch fits a 17.3-inch laptop and the bag opens for scanning at the airport without removing it. Save time and get on with your business or leisure trip. A second zippered compartment has 2 zippered and 3 unzippered pockets for plenty of organization. This compartment also has 2 pens & pencil holders, and a removable keychain holder.
Besides the TSA-friendly laptop sleeve, a third compartment has more pockets for organization and a built-in USB charging cable. Keep your electronics charged on the go. The back of the bag has a pocket luggage strap, and there’s a small, zippered pocket on the shoulder strap. One side pouch is insulated for hot and cold drinks.
For comfort, the straps feature soft padding. The balanced design helps distribute weight and prevent overheating. The comfort and travel features of the MarsPro make this backpack a great choice for business and travel. With a capacity of 25 liters, it roomy enough for lots of gear yet small enough to use as a carry-on.
Backpacks with dedicated shoe compartments allow you to keep your shoes or dirty laundry separate from your other gear. Some customers even use them for carrying liquids on planes or for toiletries. When choosing a backpack with a shoe compartment, consider the purpose or ways you will use it. Size and capacity are considerations as well as price range, comfort, and durability.
A few of our picks are versatile as 3-way carrying backpacks. Use the bag as a duffle, backpack, or shoulder bag. Some of the bags are more suitable for hiking. Others are better suited for sports or stopping by the gym after work. Some are better suited for traveling.
You can find backpacks in our collection that hold quite a bit of gear while still being compact enough as a carry-on. Check the reviews for size and capacity. Look for the shoe sizes the shoe compartment will accommodate.
Backpacks with shoe compartments come at prices to suit every budget. Our pick’s price range is from under $30 to just under $200. Prices are related to durability and the features offered. Consider how long the backpack may last and what features will give you a good experience.
Carefully consider all of the features you’ll find useful. Our collection has backpacks with features like organizational pockets, laptop and media pockets, TSA-friendly, built-in USB chargers, reflective strips, and accessories like storage pouches or rain covers. Little things like removable keychains and pen & pencil holders are very appealing.
With its unique 3-way carrying design, the Travel Max is our pick for versatility. Use it as a casual weekender or as a gym bag. It holds 3-5 days’ worth of clothing and is light enough for a day hike.
The BeeGreen drawstring backpack holds 2 pairs of shoes or one pair along with dirty gym clothes. The interior is big enough for clothes, a towel, and a basketball. It also fits an iPad or Kindle.
The Osprey Radial commuter backpack is great for cycling to work and stopping by the gym with its inside zippered shoe pouch and laptop sleeve that fits a 17-inch screen laptop. It includes a Lidlock helmet carry, integrated kickstand, and rain cover.
The TSA-friendly MarsBro is our choice for best for traveling. Pass through check-in while leaving your laptop in the bag. The MarsBro also has a convenient built-in USB charger. It holds lots of gear yet fits as a carry-on on major airlines.