10 Best Rolltop Backpacks UK 2024 | Rains, Johnny Urban and More

Many happy owners call this Samsonite rolltop an excellent purchase. It carries a good 20 litres rolled down and can take a 15.6” laptop, plus the reinforced nylon and special zippers make it 100% waterproof. A breathable backrest, padded shoulder, chest and waist straps provide ultimate comfort.

For cyclists, there are reflective panels and a helmet fastening system. The shoulders also come with handy pockets to hold your AirPods. This is not the cheapest, but it’s a remarkable bag with a host of features and remarkable quality. The functionality and long-lasting craftsmanship make this our top choice for a rolltop backpack.

Superb manufacturing and design make this a top rolltop backpack. This ecological all-rounder packs everything you need into a straightforward and elegant package. The comfy, thick padding and waterproof coating make it ideal for work and play. It features two outside pockets and a padded 15.6” laptop compartment.

It's made from recycled PET bottles inside and out, so you can feel good about your purchase, too. It's not as roomy as some, holding 12.5 litres and a little over 15 unrolled, which keeps it from being our top choice. That aside, this is a remarkable rolltop backpack that ticks all the style boxes. 

This is a tough, reliable bag with a bevvy of useful features. The waterproof matte nylon comes in a range of snazzy colours, and if hiking, you'll find the chest and hip straps give amazing stability and comfort. 

Inside, there's a soft pocket to protect sunglasses and phones as well as a padded laptop sleeve, making this another great option for both travel and the great outdoors. Besides that, it would also make for a smart, durable bag for commuting.  

The Chrome 2.0 urban drybag combines serious style with excellent manufacturing. Many owners mention how hard-wearing and scratch-resistant the bag is, even after frequent use. On the front are reflective hooks to attach items such as a bike light, while a 15” padded compartment will keep your laptop safe on your commute.

The chest strap provides extra comfort and stability when walking or cycling, but the minimalist design means you won't find any front external pockets. If you're after something fuss-free and have the budget, this is a great rolltop that will last you many years. 

This waterproof bag by trending brand Rains emphasises function and quality, with a remarkable paired-back design that's available in several attractive colours. The main compartment can hold 18 litres which is great for day-to-day use, and there's a chest strap meaning it’s superb for cyclists too. 

A padded side compartment gives easy access to your 15” laptop, and there’s a front zipper pocket for small items too. This is a fantastic bag for anyone after something simple, stylish and very well made.  

The Evervanz is a reasonable, sturdy and water-resistant backpack with great features. Unlike a lot of rolltops, it’s available in a range of colourful patterns, and it can hold 25 litres or 18 when rolled up. It has a chest strap for stability – which even has an inbuilt emergency whistle – and a hidden back zipper pocket to store valuables too. 

And that's not all, as there's an easy-to-reach water bottle pocket and 16” laptop compartment to boot. All of this makes the Evervanz a brilliant pick for travel or for students. Polyester means that it might not be as hard-wearing as some other choices in this list, though. 

Fjällräven is known for its charming Scandinavian design paired with fine workmanship, and the Ulvö is no exception. Special woven nylon makes the bag extra strong, water-resistant and very easy to clean. Padded straps and a laptop sleeve provide comfort and protection, while the dry-bag-inspired fold-ver top keeps your things safe and sound. 

Another useful feature is a bag loop to clip on a light or reflective strip for night cycling. Many owners mentioned how comfortable this bag was to carry around, too, and at 23 litres, it should hold all you need for work or study. The only downside is that all this quality does come at a cost. 

Camelbak made its reputation by producing clever bags that keep you hydrated on the go, and now they've brought that innovation to the rolltop. This 20-litre bag comes with breathable mesh to keep you cool and comfortable and a secure side pocket for a water bottle. It's made from 70% recycled materials to keep your impact on the environment low, too. 

Many reviewers found it to be an ideal day bag for moving around town or short hikes. Be aware, though, that the light material means while it can stand up to light rain, it isn’t 100% waterproof. It's also worth mentioning that this bag doesn't have a dedicated laptop compartment but can hold a 14" device.

This rolltop from Earth Pak has a great balance of simplicity and durability. There’s a mesh pocket and a spacious central compartment that will hold up to 35 litres and the fabric is a strong, flexible PVC. A sternum strap provides comfort for hikes and any type of travelling, too.

This bag isn’t ideal for the office, as there's no laptop compartment and the bright colours might raise some eyebrows in more formal settings. But with its practicality and hard-wearing material, it's a perfect choice for the outdoors.  

The Inateck rolltop can store 25 litres or up to 30 with an unravelled top, including a large 17” laptop plus a smaller tablet in separate protective pockets. It's water-resistant with an access port for headphones or a USB cable, too, and would look good both in professional environments and for weekends away.

Some reviewers mentioned the nylon wasn’t as durable as expected, although this is reflected in the price. Also, the bag's broad width may be uncomfortable for people with narrow shoulders. That aside, this is a solid functional backpack to protect your items at an affordable price.