Everyday Carry

The Toughest Bags for EDC in 2022

Authored by:
Mags Tan
Reviewed by:
Bernard Capulong
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
14+ Years Reviewing EDC Products
The Toughest Bags for EDC in 2022

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When it comes to daily drivers, never a bad idea to go for a bag that’s ultra durable. After all, what gets more used and abused than our backpacks? Imagine how disastrous it would be for your pack to spill open on the street, scattering your belongings as you silently regret skimping on such an essential part of your loadout. Or worse, have something important in your bag fall and get damaged out due to poor construction. Fortunately for the fans of the overbuilt, there is a healthy selection out there of bombproof bags designed for commuting, work, school, and everything in between. Whatever you’re hauling, we might have the bag for you.

Content
Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24L

Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24L

Purchase
Key Features
3-zip opening
Internal accessory pockets, external water bottle pocket
15” laptop sleeve with padded bottom
Removable sternum strap
Specifications
Storage Capacity
24L
Weight
2.75lb
Materials
500D CORDURA Nylon, YKK zippers
Reviews


Price
$$$
A new addition to the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault line is the 24L version which still sports its distinctive 3-zip design for easy rapid access to the interior. Further dialing in the organization are various interior pockets for smaller items, and a floating padded laptop sleeve to protect your critical tech. A zipper top pocket and water bottle pockets keep essential within reach from the outside.
Flowfold Denizen 18L Tote Backpack

Flowfold Denizen 18L Tote Backpack

Purchase
Key Features
Made in the USA
Convertible to tote
Separate laptop and tablet sleeves
Top handles and adjustable shoulder straps
Specifications
Storage Capacity
18L
Weight
0.625lb
Materials
Lite Skin sailcloth or X-Pac
Reviews


Price
$$
Easily transition from work to play with the Flowfold Denizen, whose straps neatly stow away to transform from backpack to tote bag. X-Pac construction keeps the bag lightweight yet durable enough to withstand abuse from the elements and various adventures. Generous pockets inside and out, as well as a padded laptop compartment and water-repellant zippers keep your gear intact no matter where you go. Bonus points for American-made quality backed by a lifetime warranty.
WANDRD PRVKE 31L

WANDRD PRVKE

Purchase
Key Features
Checkpoint-friendly
Side access camera storage
Modular internal storage available, laptop sleeve
Roll top expands for extra 5L of space
Specifications
Storage Capacity
21L or 31L
Weight
2.8lb
Materials
1680D ballistic nylon
Reviews


Price
$$$
For the photographer on the go, the award-winning WANDRD PRVKE Pack is a great option for a versatile daily backpack. The laptop sleeve opens flat to quickly go through TSA checkpoints, and side zips offer easy access to cameras in the main compartment. A large water bottle or tripod could be stuffed in the side pocket that also zips flat until you need it. The included rain fly can be discreetly stashed in the bottom, and the roll top even expands for an additional 5L of space for an extra jacket or unexpected souvenirs.
EVERGOODS CPL24

EVERGOODS CPL24

Purchase
Key Features
Integrated harness
Contoured shoulder straps and back panel
Hydration pouch compatibility
Easy on-body access to contents
Specifications
Storage Capacity
24L
Weight
2.8lb
Materials
500D High Tenacity nylon, YKK zippers
Reviews


Price
$$$$
The EVERGOODS Civic Panel Loader 24 checks all the right boxes for a city-focused backpack that thrives in any environment. A streamlined profile in durable 500D HT nylon coupled with 3D-patterned foam shoulder straps and strategically placed pockets afford a comfortable carrying experience suitable for active lifestyles. A sturdy side handle also gives the option of side carry in tighter commuting situations.
Filson Dryden Ballistic Nylon Backpack

Filson Dryden Ballistic Nylon Backpack

Purchase
Key Features
Padded 15” laptop compartment
Cushioned, ventilated shoulder straps
Dual side drop-in external pockets
Internal and external organization pockets
Specifications
Storage Capacity
25.5L
Weight
N/A
Materials
1000D CORDURA nylon
Reviews


Price
$$$$
Old world durability meets present day technology in the Filson Dryden Backpack. Built out of heavy-duty CORDURA nylon, the Dryden is accented with bridle leather handles and attachment tabs for a touch of class. Coil zippers and leather tassels access the wealth of organizational pockets on the interior and exterior, and a hidden zippered back panel houses a 15” laptop. Weather resistant and ergonomic, this handsome pack is made to withstand the hard wear of daily use.
GORUCK Bullet Ruck

GORUCK Bullet Ruck

Purchase
Key Features
Opens flat
Optimized for hydration
Padded straps and back panel
MOLLE expansion
Specifications
Storage Capacity
15L or 10L
Weight
1.55lb
Materials
1000D CORDURA Nylon
Reviews


Price
$$$
No conversation about indestructable bags is complete without GORUCK getting a mention. The Bullet Ruck is one of their smaller offerings at 15L, but is still packed with the heavy-duty features of its bigger siblings, making it a solid everyday option for your essentials. It opens flat for ease of packing, and sports 3 rows of MOLLE webbing along the front for attaching different accessories. A hydration bladder can be clipped to an inner D-ring, and a handful of interior pockets help you organize your loadout.
Brown Buffalo Conceal Backpack V3

Brown Buffalo Conceal Backpack V3

Purchase
Key Features
Made in the USA
Removable Black Ballistic 15” laptop sleeve
Webbing latch points on sides
Removable sternum strap
Specifications
Storage Capacity
19L
Weight
3.4lb
Materials
1050D CORDURA nylon, YKK AquaGuard zippers
Reviews


Price
$$$$
Known for creating utilitarian products with a timeless aesthetic, Brown Buffalo delivers yet again with the Conceal V3. Tucked away under the slim and unassuming profile is a a well-considered interior: a mesh pocket for small items, dump pockets large enough to fit 32oz water bottles, and a removable Black Ballistic laptop sleeve that can be used separately as a shoulder bag. The hook and loop field on the back panel could also take other packing cubes in case you decide to forego the laptop sleeve, allowing further expansion or customization.
Black Ember Citadel R2

Black Ember Citadel R2

Purchase
Key Features
IPX6 waterproof rating
Ergonomic EVA foam shoulder straps
Clamshell opening
Quick access internal and external organization
Specifications
Storage Capacity
25L
Weight
3lb
Materials
800D Microhex, YKK AquaGuard zippers
Reviews


Price
$$$$
Glide through your daily commute with the sleek and minimal Black Ember Citadel R2. The durable 800D Microhex textile is laser-cut for a durable, over-engineered pack that satisfies lovers of the stealthy blacked-out aesthetic. Every bit of the Citadel R2 is designed for maximum ergonomic comfort, from the EVA foam shoulder straps to the contoured and ventilated back panel and Maglock sternum strap. And here’s another one for the photo crowd: Black Ember offers an optional modular DSLR pack that can be attached to the inside back panel.

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North St. Weekender X-51

North St. Weekender X-51

Purchase
Key Features
Made in the USA
Stowable backpack straps
Water bottle pocket and hydration pouch compatibility
Optional modular accessory pouches
Specifications
Storage Capacity
28L
Weight
2.75lb
Materials
500D X-51 X-Pac
Reviews


Price
$$$$
For a pack that blurs the line between modern laptop bag and convenient one-bag carry-on, consider the Weekender from North St. The made-to-order backpack features a generous interior that opens flat for easy packing, and is decked out with rows of hook and loop panels for customizing with packing cubes or modular pouches. A padded top-loading laptop pocket is tucked away in the back, and the front features a couple zippered pockets, as well as mounting points for additional stowage.
Able Carry Daily Backpack

Able Carry Daily Backpack

Purchase
Key Features
Cushioned straps and ventilated back panel
Bottom straps prevent sagging when empty
Sternum strap
Key leash and side hooks for attachments
Specifications
Storage Capacity
20L
Weight
2.1lb
Materials
X51 X-Pac or 1000D CORDURA Nylon
Reviews


Price
$$
Able Carry had their beginnings on Kickstarter with their bestselling Daily Backpack. Designed for life in busy Hong Kong, it’s a great urban all-rounder: large internal pockets that keep your belongings organized and secure, wide cushioned shoulder straps and vented back panel for whole day comfort, and discreet attachment points on the side. Their A-frame construction keeps the bag from sagging when empty and also relieves strain on the shoulders when carrying. a full load .

Are you looking to upgrade to a super-tough bag this year? If so, which one? Share it with us in the comments below!

Bernard Capulong

Founder and Editor-in-Chief


About the Reviewer
Bernard Capulong is an everyday carry (EDC) gear expert, entrepreneur, all-around nerd, and the founder and editor-in-chief of EverydayCarry.com—the largest online community for EDC gear enthusiasts. Since founding Everyday Carry in 2009, he’s built over a decade of experience in the industry, reviewing and highlighting brands and products, including pocket knives, flashlights, wallets, watches, bags, pens, and much more.

Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.

In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.

Discussion (5 total)

Brandon ·
Why is there never ever any First Tactical, Maxpedition, Vanquest, Condor, 5.11, etc. etc. You guys never consider these other, arguably more common, brands for some reason.
1 Reply
Nil Lambrechts ·
Great article, the Brown Buffalo is a must-have for me!
0 Reply
Andrew Craftsmaster ·
Yep. Brandon raises an excellent general point. To be fair you did feature a Vanquest Pouch a few weeks ago.
Personally, since most if these bags are online only, we need some way to compare.

How do these bags compare to The North Face, to the various Maxpedition lines, etc.

David Hughes went right to the point regarding the Mystery Bag relying on a zipper to be weight bearing. Holy Smokes! How do you guys decide on what to feature?

0 Reply
1 more comments