5 Best Hard Shell Backpacks (Review) In 2022

Brad Robinson
Written by
Last update:

If you’re looking for a new backpack or want to replace your old one with a new one, then you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve searched high and low to find the best hard shell backpacks. We believe our list of the 5 best hard shell coolers in 2019 contains the top picks on the market and meets a wide range of needs, including hiking, fishing, travel, school, and more!

You won’t find any faux leather or cloth here. Since hard shell backpacks are built to be waterproof and durable, they most often use high-end material like laminated nylon, glass-reinforced nylon, and heavy-duty polyester to ensure that each product stays functional and keeps your possessions safe, even in bad weather conditions.

NameCategoryProduct
OGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3 Motorcycle BackpackBest OverallOGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3 Motorcycle Backpack
CUCYMA Motorcycle Backpack Motorsports Track Riding Back PackBudget PickCUCYMA Motorcycle Backpack Motorsports Track Riding Back Pack
HAZARD 4 Grayman Pillbox(TM) Optics Shell-PackUpgrade PickHAZARD 4 Grayman Pillbox(TM) Optics Shell-Pack

1. OGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3 Motorcycle Backpack

Our rating: 9 / 10

OGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3 Motorcycle Backpack

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Many pockets that are perfect for those on the move
  • Has a removable support for carrying helmets
  • Hot and cold weather ready
  • Reversible flap to hide shoulder strap buckles or straps
  • Cold weather-ready
  • Spot clean
  • Water resistant

Cons:

  • The lower part of the main compartment is not completely waterproof
  • Not waterproof

If you're a biker who carries around the backpack and not the panniers, the OGIO No Drag Mach 3 may be the perfect backpack for you. As you can probably tell from its name, this backpack is very good at not adding unnecessary friction to your ride.

The No Drag Mach 3 is a 1200 cubic inch backpack, and its divided into two main compartments. The main compartment has both an upper and lower section. The lower section has a waterproof zipper to keep your gear safe and dry, and the whole compartment is padded to keep the contents of your bag safe from impacts.

The No Drag Mach 3 also has an external pocket with a Velcro and buckle flap, making it easy to access your phone or any other important items you need to get to quickly.

2. HAZARD 4 Grayman Pillbox(TM) Optics Shell-Pack

Our rating: 8 / 10

HAZARD 4 Grayman Pillbox(TM) Optics Shell-Pack

Check Price on Amazon

Pros:

  • Superior quality – best backpack among hard shell ones.
  • Storage space – enough for long trips.
  • Toughness – built to last for many years.
  • Water resistance – can be stored into water.
  • Durability – very strong and hard to break.
  • Meets military specifications – all of the materials used comply with USCG and US Army standards.

Cons:

  • Not waterproof – it is just water resistant.
  • Large – it can be tough to take in crowded areas.

The military grade hard shell backpack is designed to keep your valuables safe. It is made from SuperTuff CORDURA. This type of fabric is durable and lightweight. It can hold a lot of equipment. So you can carry it everywhere with you. It also has adjustable straps and multiple layers to provide maximum comfort.

The hard shell backpack is waterproof. But not 100%. So it is better not to put it into water. But you can put it into rain without any additional coverings. If you want to have fully waterproof one, please check this link:

  • Not waterproof – it is just water resistant.
  • Large – it can be tough to take in crowded areas.

3. Lenovo Legion Armored 17 inch Gaming Backpack

Our rating: 7 / 10

Lenovo Legion Armored 17 inch Gaming Backpack

Check Price on Amazon

4. CUCYMA Motorcycle Backpack Motorsports Track Riding Back Pack

Our rating: 7 / 10

CUCYMA Motorcycle Backpack Motorsports Track Riding Back Pack

Check Price on Amazon

Comes with two shoulder straps, Zipper top closure, and inner pockets.

From the creators of the best 22 inch wheeled suitcase comes the CUCYMA motorcycle backpacks, designed with rugged functionality and equipped with pockets for maximum storage comfort. With this backpack, you can go hands free on your travels with the essential items you need. There are many colors and 3 different sizes to choose from.

The materials of the backpack are robust, water and puncture resistant which makes it durable and suitable for the outdoors such as on a trip to the beach or riding a motorcycle. The large main compartment bag is secured with a zipper and has big capacity, 2 side pockets, and a laptop sleeve. It features a waterproof cover and reflective tape for safety.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best quality backpack?

The best backpack will ultimately be one that is the right fits your needs and fits in your budget. If space is an issue, then the higher end, smaller backpack may not be right for you. If you’re using the backpack for photography, then you may want more of the available space to be used. Although both backpacks pictured are only about 34 liters, they are made from different materials. The first one is more expensive and made from a more durable material, which makes sense if you are traveling. The second one is smaller, but made from a lighter weight material.

If you want to use the backpack for school, you may want to go with the lower one. Even though it’s smaller it still looks and functions as a quality piece of luggage.

What are the most durable school backpacks?

The most durable backpacks are the ones that are constructed with thick and high quality materials. If using one of these backpacks will mean that you can use it from the time you start school up until you get your bachelors degree, then it’s definitely worth a little extra investment.

The good thing is that these backpacks are durable, but that doesn’t mean that they lack style. Rather, you have a ton of options if you’re looking for a backpack that’s fashionable as well. So without further ado, here are the best backpacks that are durable: 2. Stone Coast Gear Core Book Backpack (Black~Brown)

What is the best heavy duty backpack?

The best heavy duty backpack will depend to your needs. If you are a very active person who needs a lot of gear, then you may want a more robust and durable backpack that is designed to handle the wear and tear of outdoor use. Some of the best choices for the best heavy duty backpack are as follows:

The aR2 Heavy. This is a popular backpack choice for serious outdoor users who need a large-volume backpack as their main pack. It is made by High Sierra and comes in a wide range of sizes and colors.

The aR2 is made of 420-denier nylon with a polyurethane exterior. It has a number of hooks and clips for external items and is made to accommodate all types of camping gear. The heavy duty backpack is made for high wear and tear and is very large, with a capacity of 80 liters of gear. Its large volume means that it needs to be well balanced to be carried around.

Conclusion

Choosing the best hard shell backpack isn’t easy due to the number of top-rated hiking backpacks out there. We have many hiking backpack reviews to make your choice easier. We have chosen some of the best models out of the various categories of hiking backpacks available today. We think they are the best of the best.

Our Recommendation

NameCategoryProduct
OGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3 Motorcycle BackpackBest OverallOGIO 123007.36 No Drag Mach 3 Motorcycle Backpack
CUCYMA Motorcycle Backpack Motorsports Track Riding Back PackBudget PickCUCYMA Motorcycle Backpack Motorsports Track Riding Back Pack
HAZARD 4 Grayman Pillbox(TM) Optics Shell-PackUpgrade PickHAZARD 4 Grayman Pillbox(TM) Optics Shell-Pack