When looking for a good backpack, look no further than the undeniable quality and style of a great American-made backpack. Apart from the right size and style, quality is critical.
Whether you are looking for a tactical backpack for hiking and camping, or just a really good bag that will comfortably fit your laptop during your daily commute, our selection has something for everyone.
Best hunting backpack: Stone Glacier Sky 5900 American Made Backpack
- Load rating: 150-plus lbs.
- Hydration-compatible
- Full-panel zip for access to the main bag
- Front zipped pocket
- CORDURA 500 and Xpac fabric
- Duraflex military-approved buckles and webbing
- Made in the USA
- Model: Sky 5900
Born in Montana, Stone Glacier builds products for big game hunting in big mountains. However, its products also work very well for recreational uses like backpacking. We tested the Sky 5900 backpack over two years of elk hunting and have been consistently impressed by the pack’s ability to carry very heavy loads. And, thanks to the expanding shelf, the already-large pack can expand to take immensely large loads. For those looking for one large backpack that can do it all, this one fits the bill.
The pack is built with relatively heavy materials, CORDURA 500 and Xpac fabrics, and YKK #10 zippers, meaning it’ll last for many years. The only downsides are weight (the pack tips the scales at 5 lbs 7.1 oz on a Medium Xcruve frame) and price (from $659). Its modular nature means you can customize the pack to fit your needs. Read our full review on GearJunkie.
See Stone Glacier Sky 5900 American Made Backpack on BlackOvis
See Stone Glacier Sky 5900 American Made Backpack on Scheels
Best waxed canvas backpack: Defy Bucktown Waxed Canvas American Made Backpack
- Made of Martexin Waxed Canvas
- 23-liter capacity
- Spacious, easy load main compartment
- Plenty of pockets and water repellent zippers
- Incorporates a dedicated laptop sleeve
- Handmade in Chicago, USA
- Model: Bucktown Waxed Canvas Backpack
- Weight: 3 lb
This Defy Bucktown Waxed Canvas backpack has been handcrafted in Chicago. It has a built-in house for your laptop and other devices, as well as pockets and compartments for books, documents, and other everyday carry items. It features plenty of compartments.
This backpack has been built to last. Stylish and practical, this is a bag for both students and professionals.
See Defy Bucktown Waxed Canvas Backpack on Amazon
Best rugged backpack for outdoorsmen: Goruck GR1 Military Grade American Made Backpack
- Constructed from military-grade water-resistant material
- Exceptional 26-liter capacity
- Internal pocket layout for superior organization
- Integrated laptop pocket holds up to 17”
- Extra padded comfort shoulder straps
- Made in the USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee
- Model: GR1
The rugged outdoorsman needs a super-strong tactical backpack and the Goruck GR1 Military-Grade Backpack is about as tough as they come. The first thing you’ll notice is that it opens flat to make packing and organizing your items easier. There are plenty of compartments and pockets for all of your essentials and it even includes a removable, hard plastic sheet to keep your laptop stable and protected inside your bag.
The rainproof outer layer will keep everything dry. The sturdy, durable YKK zippers keep things secure, while the wide shoulder straps are extra padded for comfort.
You can be certain this backpack will take you on adventures. Stay organized and ready for action everywhere you go.
See Goruck Gr1 Military-Grade Backpack on GORUCK
Best all-round backpack: Topo Designs Core Pack in Black American Made Backpack
- Highly durable 1000D Nylon exterior
- Generous 25-liter capacity
- Dedicated padded laptop compartment
- Contoured comfort fit shoulder straps
- Spacious internal capacity with clamshell opening
- Lots of internal and external pocket features
- Handy additional sternum strap and waist belt
- Model: Core Pack
The hallmark of a good American-made backpack is versatility and this one from Topo Designs can easily see you through an entire day of activity from work to the gym.
There are many stylish design features with this backpack, but the most important aspect is comfort. The contoured comfort fit straps sit snugly over your shoulders and are fully adjustable. The addition of a sternum strap and waist belt allows you to completely secure the backpack to your torso to keep your bag and contents from bouncing around.
The internal chamber has a dedicated space for your laptop and features plenty of other pockets that make it easy to pack everything you’ll need. There are also other pockets on the outside to keep water bottles, hats, and other gear within easy reach.
See Topo Designs Core Pack In Black on EVO
Best backpack for camping and hiking: The Rambler Black Camo Expandable American Made Backpack
- Waterproof, expandable, roll-top design backpack
- Carbon fiber internal frame for heavy load dependability
- Shoulder straps featuring Arkiv rails for additional accessory attachments
- Features front zipped pocket to fit up to a 15-inch laptop or tablet
- Expands easily from 22 to 44 liters
- Features six large compartments and four small compartments
- Guaranteed to last forever
- Model: The Rambler
The Rambler Black Camo hails from San Francisco. This is an incredibly versatile backpack that has been designed to cater to heavy loads. It can be adjusted depending on how much you have to haul. The interior is quite deep, making this ideal for the hiking pack rabbit that likes to travel fully prepared. Choose from roll-top adjustable on-demand storage or the traditional flap-down configuration. It can quickly and easily double its capacity making it ideal for campers and hikers.
This backpack is manufactured from 100% weather-resistant fabrics of the highest quality, so you can hit the trails in any weather. It features Arkiv rails so you can attach extra accessories and the front zipped pocket can fit a laptop or tablet up to 15-inches.
If you’re looking for a good quality backpack made in the USA, this one will not disappoint.
See Rambler Black Camo Expandable Backpack on Mission Workshop
Best all-weather backpack: Topo Daypack American Made Backpack
- 1000D ballistic nylon exterior coated construction
- Stylish co-ordinated black leather base
- Large main interior compartment
- Internal organizer pocket
- Fits most 15” laptops
- 20-liter capacity
- Model: Topo Daypack
A sturdy and stylish backpack shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg. This model has a high-end style that is packed with features you’d normally find in an upscale backpack.
Made with a 1000D nylon exterior coated construction that is water-resistant, it has plenty of room for all your gear so you can get through your day without changing bags.
This is the ultimate everyday carry bag as it is extremely tough and dependable. It can fit a 15″ laptop.
See Topo Daypack American Made Backpack on Topo Designs
Why trust us
We know backpacks. From the daily commute, hiking and camping on the weekends, or traveling the world, we carry our backpacks practically every day of the year. In addition to having lots of experience with various bags and backpacks, we’ve also taken the time to research a wide variety of new bags so that we could bring you the highest quality products made in the USA. We’ve included great everyday carry options for getting from A to B and more durable packs for your weekend getaways.
Who this is for
This guide has been put together for those who love a functional bag and want one that is US-made. From hikers to gym enthusiasts, as well as business executives and students, our guide to American-made backpacks offers multiple options.
How we picked
Narrowing down the huge range of choices available to what we consider to be the best backpacks required a fair bit of research, including reading hundreds of customer reviews. We looked at backpack manufacturers who use quality materials to ensure our selection would offer practical storage solutions.
How we tested
To make sure the backpacks we chose as our top options were up to snuff, we tested them by wearing them during our outings, including hiking and hunting. One of our team members tested the Stone Glacier Sky 5900 backpack during a long-duration hunt and reported that it did an incredible job at being both a hiking daypack and a heavy hauler. The backpack, like all models we chose for our list, is rugged, durable, and carries heavy-weight like a dream but easily transitions to a daypack when you need it. Aside from testing, we also did a fair bit of research online, reading hundreds of customer reviews – both positive and negative – to make sure we chose the best options out there.
Features to look for in American-made backpacks
Strength
We use bags to pack and carry everything from documents, digital devices, and other everyday items. Convenience is one thing, but you also need the bag to be strong enough to endure everyday knocks. A nice strong bag needs to be made of quality materials that are tough and tear-resistant. Both quality canvas and leather backpacks are strong and durable and should last you years, if not decades if you care for them properly.
Weight
The raw materials used to make backpacks need to be durable but also light. Ultralight backpacks will not add too much of a burden to your back, neck, and shoulders.
Size
The size of your backpack will depend on what you need to carry. Smaller, lightweight backpacks are ideal for carrying documents and small devices and they make great everyday bags. However, if you plan on lugging around your heavy mountain or camping gear, you will need a pack with a larger capacity.
Comfort
A good backpack must feel comfortable when it’s hanging over your shoulders and along your spine. Even the tough traveler needs a bag that has an adequately padded body, particularly along the back, but the straps should also be padded and adjustable. Look for lightweight padding as well as an ergonomic design.
Compression system
Bags with a compression system allow you to tighten the pack to stabilize the contents. Not only does this make the bag easier to carry, but the contents also won’t move around so much and this can prevent damage. Some bags have an automatic compression system while others feature straps on the sides of the bags that you can use to compress as needed.
Weather resistance
Water-resistance is crucial in case you need to head out in the rain. This is especially important if you carry digital devices but also to protect mountain gear when you’re hiking. Even Hyperlite mountain gear serves you best when it is dry, so make sure your pack is made from materials that repel water.
Authenticity
There are endless varieties of backpacks available but if you want the real deal, you should stick to brands you trust. Look at brands that are known for manufacturing excellent quality American-made backpacks and support locally made gear. Steer clear of cheap imitations if you want a backpack that will last.
Laptop storage
Students and office workers pack a lot of gear into their bags, with laptops and other digital devices being the most essential everyday item. Most of these bags have a dedicated compartment specially made for housing laptops or tablets. These compartments are generally padded for protection.
Sources
- Bad Backs And Backpacks – Harvard Health
- Backpack – Wikipedia
