
Best American Made Backpacks in 2021

Think that wearing a backpack makes you look like a geek? Then think again my fashion savvy friends. Backpacks, whilst being undeniably ergonomically and anatomically friendly, are also very stylish these days. You don’t need to be a computer nerd or a teenager to get away with using one. In fact, with this Best of American Made selection you will, on the contrary, cut quite the chic but practical man about town with your straps powerfully slung over your broad shoulders and not a sign of a yodelling, knapsack yielding, hiker in sight! You do still however have our permission to go “a wondering” with your tactical, practical and durable good old USA made backpack in tow.
Whether you are looking for a tactical backpack, one that provides on-board hydration, something that you can easily travel with or a stylish commuter bag that will comfortably fit your laptop without compromising on space, we’ve got it covered and there’s no need to venture outside of the USA either for your inspiration. So let’s get down to reviewing our best of men’s backpacks selection, all born and bred, designed and manufactured in America.
The Best American Made Backpack
1Defy Bucktown Waxed Canvas American Made Backpack




Defy Bucktown Waxed Canvas is a super stylish, highly desirable and exceptionally well designed American made Backpack that has been lovingly handcrafted in Chicago and is full of nifty features that make it both a practical as well as stylish solution to your daily commute. Built to last, manufactured to be “tough as nails” and the very epitome of professionalism and downright, in your face, handsomeness. In fact, it is you, reflected in a Backpack! The Defy range is discerning as you’d expect being the brainchild of a former corporate advertising exec. His dream of delivering the ultimate All American Manufacturing Dream is realised in this no nonsense, feature packed durable Backpack.
Made of Martexin Waxed Canvas
23 litre capacity and weighing 3 lbs
Spacious, easy load main compartment
Plenty of pockets and water repellent zippers
Incorporates a dedicated laptop sleeve
Handmade in Chicago, USA
- BrandDefy
- ModelBucktown Waxed Canvas Backpack
- Weight3 lb
2Goruck GR1 Military Grade American Made Backpack

Whilst you might not quite be a badass yourself, Goruck GR1 Military Grade Backpack most certainly is. It’s badder than bad. It’s special forces military bad that’s just how hard and durable this American constructed bombproof Backpack really is. OK, so you’re not venturing into any war torn zones today – just the daily commute to contend with but man, if you were, you’d be wanting to take this beauty with you. With YKK zippers that will withstand a desert sand storm and a bag that has been strength tested to over 400 pounds, it looks the part and it performs the part. It’s stylish, secure, durable and comes with the ultimate lifetime warranty. We really are talking American construction that is nothing short of heroic. Super tough and versatile but with killer good looks too.
Constructed from military grade water resistant material
Exceptional 26 litre capacity
Internal pocket layout for superior organisation
Integrated laptop pocket holds up to 17”
Extra padded comfort shoulder straps
Made in the USA and comes with a lifetime guarantee
- BrandGORUCK
- ModelGR1
3Topo Designs Core Pack in Black American Made Backpack




This is a versatile and multi-tasking Backpack that will take you just as easily from the boardroom as it will the bonfire. Full of smart and stylish design features and with your comfort completely in mind, this American made Backpack is durable, practical and functional. With heavy duty YKK zippers a large front pocket with vertical zip entry and also a small internal stow pocket, the Topo Designs Backpack is a must for any adventurous spirit. With a spacious main internal chamber and self-adjusting side water bottle pockets, whether you are heading away on a weekend adventure with the boys or just commuting to and from work you are sure to look stylish and practical with this Topo design.
Highly durable 1000D Nylon exterior
Generous 25 litre capacity
Dedicated padded laptop compartment
Contoured comfort fit shoulder straps
Spacious internal capacity with clam shell opening for easy entry
Lots of internal and external pocket features
Handy additional sternum strap and waist belt
- BrandTopo Designs
- ModelCore Pack
4Carhartt Neptune Backpack

You know with Carhartt that you are getting premium quality workwear, designed to last with functionality but also design detail at its very core. This Neptune Backpack is no exception and with its unique roll down functionality you are getting up to a whopping 65.8 litres of internal space. It looks the part and it certainly acts it too. With its strong welded seams and reflective front strip this Backpack really is up for any job and will serve you well wherever you go. Carhartt began life back in 1855 so you know that you are buying solid American brand prestige and their WIP collection is no exception.
Nylon PVC coating
Roll down, fully adjustable design
Reflective front strip putting your safety first
49.9 to 65.8 litre expansion capacity
Adjustable, comfortable padded shoulder straps
- BrandCarhartt
- ModelNeptune Backpack
5The Rambler Black Camo Expandable Backpack




Is this a backpack or a beast? 100% manufactured in the USA and built to last, The Rambler Black Camo is one serious extra-large cargo backpack that can be used in two different loads. Roll-top for adjustable on demand storage or the traditional flap-down configuration. It can quickly and easily double its capacity and is manufactured from 100% weather resistant fabrics meaning that it is up for almost any challenge you can throw its way. Additionally, featuring handy Arkiv rails for attachment of extra accessories this is a super dependable and hard-working Backpack that will support you whatever the weather or wherever the latest adventure takes you. With a removable COBRA buckle closure you’ll be living your best life rambling like Sylvester Stallone in some covert undercover operation with this Backpack as your ally.
Waterproof, expandable, roll top design Backpack
Carbon fibre 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 litres for your convenience
Features six large compartments and 4 small compartments
Guaranteed to last forever
- BrandMission Workshop
- ModelThe Rambler
6Killspencer Black Nylon Backpack




Be prepared to kill it in the cool stakes with this super stylish USA manufactured Backpack from uber chic brand, Killspencer. Well known for their drool worthy Backpack collections this brand is a firm favourite with the fashion pack. Impeccably designed and packaged this is for the more discerning amongst you for whom style really does matter. We’re talking utilitarian inspired design with military grade precision engineering. Luxury meets functionality in the ultimate portable wearable Backpack. With details and features that make the Backpack also suitable for outdoor pursuits this is an urbanites dream. Be prepared to slay it with Killspencer Black Nylon Backpack.
Designed from fire retardant and waterproof material
Minimalist design and stylish features
Separate zipped computer compartment
Easy access small zippered top pocket
Light weight, portable but highly technical
Weighs approximately 4 lbs
- BrandKillspencer
- ModelDaypack
7Klettewer Market Bag




If you want a Backpack that is functional and practical, built to last but simple and elegant in design then this could be the one for you. Not all of us are into fussy design features. So, if it’s pared back, simplistic and chic design that ticks your Backpack buttons then consider the Klettewer Market Bag. There are no unnecessary pockets to contend with. No putting something away inside a complicated internal packing system and forgetting exactly where you put it! How frustrating is that. Not being able to place your hands on your keys or your wallet when you need them most. Instead you get an 11 litre capacity bag that is handmade in the USA and has at least the necessary laptop pocket along with padded shoulder straps for your comfort and convenience. Klettewer have been making bags for over 40 years so you can also rest assured that you are buying quality USA manufactured goods.
1000D Cordura heavy duty nylon fabric
Simple and elegant design
Buckle close top design with adjustable G-hook
Handmade to last in the USA
11 litre capacity open plan storage
- BrandGallantry
- ModelKlettewer Market Bag
- Weight1.16 lbs
8Topo Daypack

As easy on the eye as it is on the wallet this has all the high end design looks and features you’d expect from a Backpack but carrying it around certainly won’t break either your back or your bank balance for that matter! Made from durable black nylon with stylish co-ordinating leather trip detailing, Topo Daypack is another 100% manufactured and designed in the USA men’s Backpack that will take you just as easily from your commute to your studies and won’t let you down. They call it an “uncompromising everyday carry”, we say it’s tough, dependable and will look great on your back. Featuring a weather resistant and highly durable nylon exterior and a coated pack cloth interior it’s stylish and functional and can easily fit a 15” laptop. A Backpack that you are sure to get lots of continued use out of day in, day out.
1000D ballistic nylon exterior coated construction
Stylish co-ordinated black leather base
Large main interior compartment
Internal organiser pocket
Fits most 15” laptops
20 litre capacity
- BrandTopo Designs
- ModelTopo Daypack