10 Best 26-liter Backpacks [2025]

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Finding the perfect 26-liter backpack can often feel like an overwhelming task, especially with the vast array of options available on the market today. Whether you’re gearing up for a day hike, commuting to work, or just need a reliable bag for everyday use, the choices are endless, and each one claims to be the best. Sorting through countless brands, styles, and features can consume much of your valuable time and may even lead to confusion rather than clarity.

To ease the burden of decision-making, we undertook a thorough analysis to shortlist the best 26-liter backpacks that meet a variety of needs and preferences. Our selection process involved extensive research, user reviews, and comparison of key features to ensure that our recommendations are not only practical but also tailored to suit diverse lifestyles. With our curated list, you can save time and hassle, allowing you to confidently choose a backpack that perfectly fits your needs without the stress of endless searching.

Top 10 26-liter Backpacks In The Market

Best 26-liter Backpacks Review

Bestseller No. 1
ZORFIN 26L Black Backpack for School, College, and Travel: Water Resistant...
  • 26L Capacity School Backpack: 16.5"x12"x7.5" - Roomy Design for Essential Storage.
  • Convenient Storage Backpack: Our unisex laptop backpack features two main compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve for up to 15.6" devices. It also boasts a discrete front stash pocket, a utility pocket with an integrated organizer, and an additional external zippered pouch for quick access. Plus, two side pockets accommodate various water bottle sizes.
  • All-Season Tough Backpack: This backpack for men and women is crafted from 900D nylon with a water-resistant coating, ensuring it's both sturdy and resistant to the elements. Coupled with YKK zippers and reinforced stitching, it's built to last, providing peace of mind for all your journeys.
  • All-Occasion Backpack: The stylish and practical bag is ideal for teens, college students, and adults. Choose from various colors to match your style, making it perfect for school, travel, work, and everyday adventures.
  • Our Guarantee: A 3-Year Warranty for your backpack, backed by our commitment to resolve any issues swiftly, ensuring your satisfaction and peace of mind.
Bestseller No. 2
Thule Enroute Backpack 26L, Black
  • Elevated, dedicated pockets protects up to a 15.6" laptop and up to a 10.5" tablet
  • Protective pocket provides quick access and safeguards a phone, sunglasses, or other valuables
  • Organization panel allows you to keep small accessories, pens, and keys easily accessible
  • Spacious secondary compartment stores a change of clothes, accessories, or other personal items and has a zipped TPU pocket that is water-resistant to protect other contents & is opaque for privacy
  • Stretchy stuff-it pocket provides quick access and storage for gear on the go
Bestseller No. 3
Thule Chasm Backpack 26L, Black
  • All the exterior and interior fabrics, webbings, and mesh are made of 100% recycled materials
  • Protect a 16" MacBook in the elevated, thickly-padded sleeve
  • Quickly access a phone and small items in the top zippered pocket with soft-lining and mesh walls
  • Protect contents from the elements with a durable, weather-resistant front panel and base
  • Keep accessories secure and easy to locate in the organizational panel with a soft-lined mesh pocket, slip pockets, and bulk storage for a power brick
Bestseller No. 4
Herschel Supply Co. Classic Backpack, Black (New), Standard-26L
  • INNOVATIVE MATERIAL: Made from recycled polyester
  • LAPTOP PROTECTION: Features a floating sleeve designed to securely fit and protect 13" and 14" laptops, ensuring your device stays safe during your commute or travels.
  • CONVENIENT DESIGN: Includes a water bottle pocket and a front pocket for easy access to essentials, while zippered closures with Prusik cord pulls enhance security and functionality.
  • COMFORTABLE CARRYING: Equipped with adjustable, padded shoulder straps for a customized fit and maximum comfort, making it ideal for daily use or long trips.
  • DISTINCTIVE BRANDING: Showcases the “Put Yourself Out There” internal label and Herschel Supply stripe DNA tab, adding a touch of style and authenticity to your bag.
Bestseller No. 5
Pacsafe V 26L Tour backpack
  • ANTI-THEFT DESIGN - Featuring Lockable Zippers and Slash-Resistant Material (lightweight steel mesh) to prevent theft and pickpocketing, along with an RFID-blocking pocket to keep your credit cards and IDs safe. Patented in the USA by Pacsafe, the original anti-theft brand.
  • CAN BE LOCKED TO FIXTURES - Adjustable, padded shoulder strap is detachable and reinforced with slash-resistant wire. Backpack can be securely locked to tables or chairs to protect your phone, camera, laptop, wallet, keys, money, passport, DSLR etc
  • ORGANIZATION - 3* Lockable Zippered Compartments, Main compartment with 16" Padded Laptop Sleeve, 1* RFID Blocking Pocket meets official US FIPS 201 quality standard to protect credits cards/IDs against unauthorized scans, 2* Internal Zippered Mesh Pockets, Pen & Phone Pocket, Key Clip, 2* Side Water Bottle Pockets, Zippered Hidden Back Storage Pocket
  • TRAVEL READY - Enjoy comfortable padded shoulder straps and back support with an adjustable sternum strap and removable hip belt. This bag features a zippered pocket on the left strap for easy access to your AirPods and transit card. There's a Luggage Slip that slides over luggage handles to keep bag balanced on a wheeled bag when in transit. 26L of generous storage space to fit all of your travel essentials.
  • DIMENSIONS, WEIGHT & WARRANTY - 18.3"H x 11.4"W x 7.3"D Weight: 2.43 lbs. Made with soft, durable, water-resistant, and easy-to-clean Recycled Polyester to ensure long-lasting everyday use. Comes with a 5-year Pacsafe warranty.
Bestseller No. 6
Osprey Hikelite 26L Unisex Hiking Backpack, Pine Leaf Green
  • Ventilated Backpanel – AirSpeed suspension increases airflow and ventilation to your back through a tensioned mesh backpanel delivering maximum all-day hiking comfort
  • Integrated Raincover Included – Be ready for rain with a built-in raincover that stows away neatly when skies are clear. Made with bluesign APPROVED fabric and DWR treatment made without PFAS. Stores in a zippered pocket at the base of the backpack
  • Trail-Ready Storage – Roomy main compartment, front shove-it pocket, internal organization and reservoir sleeve with hose port for easy water accommodation.
  • Comfort That Moves With You – Padded hipwings, adjustable sternum strap and compression straps help to stabilize load and capture trekking pole handles on the trail
  • Minimalist and Durable – Featuring a clean design that's built from 100% recycled, bluesign APPROVED nylon main body fabric for men and women who appreciate technical features, ventilation and carrying comfort
Bestseller No. 7
Travelpro Altitude Medium Expandable Travel Laptop Backpack 25-30L, 16 Inch...
  • TOUGH & ECO-FRIENDLY: High-density ballistic ECOFAB material with DuraGuard coating resists stains and scrapes, made from 100% recycled plastic bottles with ECOFAB interior lining with H2O guard wipes clean. Ultra-strong, water-resistant and traditional YKK zippers stay on track and glide with ease.
  • PREMIUM DETAILS & EXPANSION: Full-grain leather touch points and airline-grade aluminum hardware bring style and resilience. Side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas. Heavy-duty front webbing and interior webbing offers multiple spots to attach gear. Zippered expansion gives you up to 20% more space when needed.
  • ORGANIZED STORAGE & TECH PROTECTION: Multiple compartments and a handy key leash keep essentials in check. Travelpro ID TheftBlock pocket, dedicated pocket for a tracking device, and discreet anti-theft pockets. Separate padded sleeves cushion your tablet and laptops up to 16”. Travelpro QuickSlip pocket with magnetic closure is secure but easy to access cellphone.
  • BUILT FOR COMFORT & CONVENIENCE: Airflow back panel and adjustable shoulder straps are padded for all-day comfort. Removable, aircraft-grade aluminum sternum straps disperse the load weight to prevent shoulder strain or fatigue. Rear stacking strap secures the backpack to your rolling luggage.
  • WARRANTY & DIMENSIONS: Backed by Limited Lifetime Coverage plus trusted companion promise, which covers the cost of repair for damage from airline or other common carrier for 1 year. Applicable when purchased as new and after registration. Overall Dimensions: H: 17 in. W: 14.5 in. D: 8.5 in. Case Dimensions: H: 17 in. W: 11.5 in. D: 8.5 in. Weight: 3.7 lbs. Vol: 25 L, 30 L (Expanded)
Bestseller No. 8
Think Tank Photo - MindShift BackLight 26L Camera Backpack (Montane Green)
  • Back-panel access to your camera gear without taking the pack off, allowing you to work out of the bag without getting your harness dirty, wet, muddy or icy
  • Dedicated compartments fit up to a 16” MacBook Pro and full-size tablet
  • Daypack capacity! Front pockets totaling 9L carry personal gear for a day’s outing: extra layers, a light jacket, food, etc.
  • Fits 2 standard-size camera bodies and 4-6 standard zoom lenses, a flash, 16” MacBook Pro, and full-size tablet. Maximum lens size: 200-400mm f/4 detached from body.
  • External Dimensions: 11.4” W x 20.3” H x 7.9” D (29 x 51.5 x 20 cm), Internal Dimensions: 10.2” W x 19.3” H x 5.9” D (26 x 49 x 15 cm), Laptop Pocket: 10” W x 15.3” H x 1” D (25.5 x 38.8 x 2.5 cm), Tablet Pocket: 9.3” W x 10.2” H x 0.6” D (23.5 x 26 x 1.5 cm), Volume: 26 Liters, Weight: 3.9 lbs. (1.8 kg)
Bestseller No. 9
Osprey Quasar 26L Commuter Backpack, Sawdust Tan/Raisin Red
  • Internal laptop/document sleeve
  • Scratch-resistant zip pocket
  • Dual stretch mesh bottle pockets
  • Internal organization pocket
  • Front panel adjustable bungee with quick release buckle
Bestseller No. 10
eagle creek Explore Backpack - Adventure Travel Backpack for Hiking -...
  • Backpack Luggage: The Eagle Creek Explore Backpack is the perfect carry backpack for storing all your travel essentials, no matter where you go
  • Outdoor Travel Backpack: With adjustable external compression straps and an adjustable sternum strap, this hiking backpack is durable and comfortable
  • Lightweight Backpack: This casual daypack has a padded laptop compartment and quick access pockets that make it a dual-use commuter backpack
  • Eco Friendly Backpack: This recycled polyester backpack is made of 100% recycled fabric that makes it a sustainable backpack travel accessory
  • Adventure Travel Outfitters Since 1975: At Eagle Creek, we know a thing or two about travel—we equip travelers with gear to take beyond the familiar and into the unknown

Bottom Line

In conclusion, our selection of the best 26-liter backpacks is the result of thorough research and consideration of various factors that matter most to users. We evaluated each product based on its functionality, durability, comfort, and design, taking into account real user reviews and expert opinions. Our goal was to compile a list that not only highlights the best options available but also caters to different needs, whether you are a student, a traveler, or an outdoor enthusiast.

By following our list, you can save time and make an informed decision when choosing a 26-liter backpack that fits your lifestyle. Each of these backpacks has been vetted for quality and practicality, ensuring that you invest in a product that will serve you well in various scenarios. Whether you’re commuting, hiking, or simply running errands, selecting one of the backpacks from our curated list can enhance your experience and provide the functionality you need. We hope this guide helps you find the perfect 26-liter backpack that meets your requirements and exceeds your expectations.