Minimalist Backpack: Best Sleek & Slim Backpacks  

There was a time in your life that flashy, bulky backpacks were all the rage. It was about the same age that your sneakers would light up, and sugar was its own food group.

As we get older, our taste evolves (as it should) and we gradually move from the flashy options to the more mature, sensible one. For the modern man looking to appear sleek, sharp, and together, a minimalist backpack will certainly shelter some of the burden. 
The bag you carry says a lot about you; it can imply how wealthy you are, if you prefer things that are more classic or ornate. Minimalist backpacks give an effortless, timeless look to the many that carry it, and come in different designs and shapes to fit every man on the go, no matter where you're headed.  

When choosing the right minimalist backpack for you, it is important consider the attributes that make up your favorite bag: 

Finding Minimalist Backpacks That Fit You

• Comfort: The ideal backpack will have padded, adjustable straps. Bags designed for longer wear may also have a chest strap or waist belt, which can help maintain posture. 

• Size: You want a bag that is sized appropriately for both your body type, and compliments the width of your back — and laptop! Most backpacks will range between sizing 13 to 18-inch laptops. 

• Material: While all minimalist backpacks share a simple yet sleek aesthetic, there are different materials that greatly impact the overall look and feel of your minimalist backpack. Your ideal backpack will fit into the various activities in your life. For example, if you don’t work in a fancy office and love to adventure outdoors, a canvas or polyester backpack may be a better fit than a leather or Cordura one. If you like (getting Pina Coladas and) getting caught in the rain, consider a waterproof material like cotton canvas or certain types of nylon. 

• Features:  Where you’ll use your bag will advise what features to prioritize. Planning on commuting to your job with this bag? Better make sure you have a roomy laptop sleeve. Hoping to bring it on a hiking trip? Make sure there is one, if not two, easily accessible places to hold your water. 

• Type: There are different types of backpacks, including:

  • Day Pack: Often referred to interchangeably with traditional backpacks, it denotes a smaller size; often lighter and more compact than regular backpacks. 

  • Drawstring bag: Closed securely by a drawstring or cord, it is lightweight and ideal for short, light trips and everyday use. It’s both very simple and often a more affordable option because of less padding and pocket functionalities. 

  • Rucksack: This type of backpack can be identified by its buckle flap at the top of the bag, and likely have more outer pockets than traditional backpacks. 

  • Satchel: This always-leather backpack features a double-buckled top flap and  front pocket.

  • Knapsack: Always made of canvas and waterproof materials, this bag typically features a drawstring and flap at the bag's opening, like a more modern Rucksack.

  • Randoseru: If it sounds fancy, you’re right. It features a hard shell shape that is typically made from leather or to resemble it for a sleek face. 

Once you’ve determined the features and style that’s important to you, it’s time to find the perfect minimalist backpack to match your needs and what you plan on packing. Below we share some of our favorite sleek backpacks that are perfectly suited for the smart, modern man on every occasion.  

The Idealist (The Ridge’s Top Picks!)

• Ripstop - The Weekender | This lightweight, 5-star rated bag is the perfect companion when making a quick getaway out of town. This minimalist weekend bag comes in navy, olive, white, and black, and is made of the same ripstop material found on parachutes, sails, and hot air balloons for dependable durability. The roomy inner compartment is lined with convenient storage departments and includes a shoe tote and laundry bag, so it’s ready to keep up with whatever adventure you take it on. Take 10% off your purchase for new customers on The Ridge. 

• Ripstop - The Classic Backpack | 60’s rock and roll, black and white movies, and handwritten thank you notes — you can’t go wrong with a classic. Ripstop’s Classic Backpack is available in navy, olive, and black, and made from the same performance-grade material as The Weekender. The classic design is given a modern twist with an  integrated power bank, outer USB port, and is as perfect for hiking as it is for your office commute. This durable, versatile, classic is yours for just $75. 

• The Weatherproof Commuter | Never take a rain check with this waterproof backpack that has nearly 300 5 star reviews on The Ridge. The classic design includes full compartment access for horizontal packing, thoughtfully designed pockets, a comfort-lined laptop holster, and mobile charging so that you can stay plugged in and powered on while on the go. 

The Outsider 

• Tom Bihn Daylight Backpack | The USA-made ultralight nylon backpack won’t slow you down on your next hiking expenditure. The Daylight Backpack features YKK zippers with plastic sliders, top-shelf U.S. webbing backpack straps, and a 420D nylon ripstop exterior. Or, wear it to the office and let everyone think you completely leave your house on the weekends. We won’t tell. The Daylight Backpack is currently available in six colors, with eight more on the way, for $85. 

• Matador Beast28 Ultralight Technical Backpack | If you can’t find a travel buddy, look no further than this sleek backpack. It features a flexible frame that moves with your body, EVA foam-padded, breathable mesh shoulder straps, and supportive back panel. The dual-department design with a half clamshell zipper, key loop for small items and oversized water bottle pockets. Plus, the gear loops are perfect for securing hiking poles, ice axes, and tools — if you’re into that sort of thing. Get yours for $158 on Amazon. 

• Heimplanet Monolith Minimal Daypack | Looking for a bag to save for a rainy day? This weather-resistant 500D Cordura bag features three lower pockets that are kept shut by PU-coacted YKK zippers. An interior MOLLE organization grid keeps your valuables right as rain. Get yours from Amazon in grey or blue for $120.

• Herschel Retreat Backpack | Looking to make a getaway into the jungle unnoticed with your laptop? Herschel’s sleek army-print bag is the perfect way to get lost in the woods, or at least give your daily look a rugged, yet refined edge. This bag was designed for the man on the go, and outfitted with enough pockets and room inside to keep you stocked for any day-long adventure, and ready for any trek ahead. While our team loves it in green, it’s available in an array of colors on Amazon for just $53.

The Workaholic

• Incase City Collection Backpack | If the mailman look doesn’t suit your style, this bag is the perfect solution for the urban commuter. The USA-made polyester backpack for me features a laptop sleeve that fits up to 17-inch devices, and the air mesh shoulder padding makes your bag feel lighter by alleviating tension on your shoulders, so there’s no slowing you down on the go. Unless, of course, your train is running late. Get it on Amazon for just $90. 

• Aer Fit Pack 3 | Don’t sweat the day ahead when carrying this minimalist backpack with an inside that is anything but. Insulated sections store your gym clothes, shoes, and water bottle, while the other half protects your laptop and daily essentials. Who says you can’t have it all? This compact bag is available in Gray or Olive for $145. 

• Alchemy Equipment AEL013 Minimalist | For the urban warrior finding their way through the concrete jungle, this sleekly-designed bags boasts a spacious laptop sleeve, low profile shoulder straps, waterproof zippers, and TPU grab handle. This nylon number distinguishes itself with a unique black marble upper, polyurethane coated denier Kodra base, and the custom anodized aluminum hardware. Try it free for 30 days with complimentary shipping for $170.  

• Bopai Super Slim Laptop Backpack | The slimmest on the list, this Bopai bag measures just three inches thick, and has an ultra simple design. It’s made from waterproof leather and nylon, but without the price tag to match. Due to it’s transportable size and durable material, it’s the perfect bag for the public transit commuter. Plus, you needn’t worry about pick-pocketers on the go — this bag has a clever anti-theft design and double concealed zippers. Best of all, this is one of the best slim backpacks and is  currently on sale for $56 (normally $89) on Amazon. 

The Globetrotter

• Brooks England Pickwick Reflected Leather | Agility and style come together with this soft Italian, vegetable-tanned leather cycling backpack. Handmade meticulously perforated leather meets premium detailing and an ultra reflective backing for an increasingly supple touch and timeless look. The design features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, an expandable capacity, and reflects light of incoming traffic and lights, making it as safe as it is stylish. The bag ages beautifully due to the high quality leather, and is available now for $450. 

• Southern Field Industries Olive & Black Backpack | This Japanese-made bag is a heavy-weight, yet simple bag made of waxed cotton canvas and vegetable-tanned cow leather. It features a personal touch with hand-polished and hand-painted leather edges, solid brass hardwares, and a hatch-top zipper closure. The interior features a laptop sleeve pocket, an interior small pocket, and cushioned shoulder belt and back panels for comfort. The website has a PayPal integration and offers international shipping. 

• Bellroy Melbourne Backpack Compact | Looking for a bag from down under? Look no further. This sleek backpack features a minimalist look while offering maximum access — and is perfect for the modern professional. The bag fits a 13-inch laptop, and the fold top makes one-handed access more accessible. It also features interior side pockets, a document holder, sunglasses pocket, water bottle sleeve, and magnetic closure. The bag is available for $139 in black, limestone and lunar. 

While there are endless sleek backpacks available online, minimalist backpacks provide a uniquely modern and efficient feel to the owner, no matter the context of their environment. We hope that our top picks help you on your search for the perfect minimalist backpack, and tell us which one you pick when you order the best slim backpack for you.