Chances are you've seen a Nordace backpack out in the wild. They’ve become incredibly popular for their sleek, modern travel backpacks that are packed with smart features like built-in USB ports, clever compartments, and anti-theft pockets, all at a pretty reasonable price.
Their minimalist design makes them perfect for commuters, digital nomads, and frequent travelers who need function without sacrificing style. If you love the Nordace vibe but are curious about other options out there, we've rounded up 16 similar brands that offer that same smart, travel-ready feel.
Nomatic is for the serious traveler or digital nomad who prioritizes hardcore functionality. Their backpacks are known for incredible organization, with modular pouches, RFID-blocking pockets, and durable, water-resistant materials designed to protect all your gear. They feature the same tech-focus as Nordace but are definitely a premium upgrade.
While Nordace keeps things stylish and affordable, Nomatic leans into highly customizable, ultra-durable gear for those willing to invest a bit more. A typical backpack starts around the $200 mark, but for that, you get a pack engineered for maximum efficiency on the go.
Shop now at https://nomatic.co
Best known for their iconic messenger bags, Timbuk2 also makes fantastic, durable travel backpacks perfect for city adventures. They share Nordace’s functional, minimalist aesthetic but with a slightly more rugged, urban edge. You'll find smart organization and padded laptop sleeves in most of their designs, which typically range from $100 to $180.
What really makes Timbuk2 different is its focus on customization - you can design your own bag with different colors and patches for a truly personal touch. It’s a great option if you want Nordace-like practicality with more personality and proven durability.
Shop now at https://timbuk2.com
If you're drawn to Nordace's clean lines, you'll love Bellroy. This brand excels at creating incredibly sleek and slim backpacks that don't skimp on organization. They are masters of understated design, using high-quality, eco-friendly materials that look and feel premium. Pricing is a step up from Nordace, generally sitting between $150 and $250.
Bellroy is for the modern professional who wants a bag that transitions seamlessly from the office to the airport. They offer similar organizational features and tech integration as Nordace, but with a more refined and elegant aesthetic.
Shop now at https://bellroy.com
Aer makes beautiful, minimalist travel backpacks for the modern professional. Crafted from durable materials like ballistic nylon, their bags feature thoughtful compartments and TSA-friendly designs, making travel a breeze. Like Nordace, Aer focuses heavily on smart organization, but with a more sophisticated and luxurious feel.
Their packs, which start around $200, are built to last and look sharp doing it. If you’re looking for a bag that works for the gym, the office, and a weekend trip while looking incredibly cool, Aer delivers.
Shop now at https://aer.com
Known for their rugged car racks, Thule brings that same toughness and reliability to their travel gear. Their backpacks are built for durability, blending security and smart storage in designs that can handle rough commutes and adventurous travel. Expect TSA-friendly compartments and anti-theft features in the $100 to $200 range.
While Nordace has a sleeker, more urban-focused design, Thule’s strength lies in its durable construction. It's the perfect choice for someone who wants smart features but prioritizes a pack that can truly take a beating.
Shop now at https://thule.com
Peak Design creates innovative and extremely versatile backpacks beloved by photographers, creatives, and commuters. Their signature is modular organization - internal dividers and pouches can be configured to fit your specific gear. Ranging from $150 to $300, a Peak Design bag is an investment in adaptability.
Their aesthetic is techy and clean, sharing Nordace’s focus on clean lines and function. The key difference is the deep level of internal customization, making them ideal for anyone carrying specific equipment like cameras and expensive tech.
Shop now at https://peakdesign.com
For years, Incase has been a go-to for protecting your tech with clean, minimalist designs. Their backpacks are especially popular in the creative and tech community for their excellent padded laptop sleeves and well-organized cable management sections. With prices usually between $80 and $180, they sit in a similar bracket to Nordace.
If your top priority is keeping your MacBook and other devices safe, Incase is a fantastic choice. Their style is even more understated than Nordace, focusing almost entirely on sleek, practical protection for the modern urbanite.
Shop now at https://incase.com
A true classic in the luggage industry, Samsonite offers reliable and durable travel backpacks packed with practical features. While their designs can be more traditional, many of their newer packs include TSA-compatible laptop compartments and smart storage solutions for tech, priced anywhere from $70 to $200.
Think of Samsonite as the time-tested, dependable alternative. While Nordace captures a more modern, trendy tech feel, Samsonite delivers proven durability and brand recognition with many of the same smart travel-focused features.
Shop now at https://samsonite.com
Famous for their sleek rolling luggage, Away also offers stylish backpacks designed to coordinate perfectly with your suitcase. Often featuring a trolley sleeve, USB charging ports, and multiple organized compartments, they are built for convenient, modern travel. Their backpacks typically run from $125 to $245.
Compared to Nordace, Away leans even more heavily into a minimalist, fashion-forward aesthetic. It's the backpack you buy when you want your entire travel setup to look coordinated, cohesive, and effortlessly stylish.
Shop now at https://away.com
Hynes Eagle delivers incredible value, offering functional travel backpacks at a very accessible price point, usually between $50 and $100. You'll still get key features like TSA-approved laptop sections and plenty of pockets without the brand name markup.
If you're looking for the smart, organized feel of a Nordace pack but on a tighter budget, Hynes Eagle is an excellent place to start. Their designs are practical and feature-rich, providing most of what travelers love about smart backpacks without breaking the bank.
Shop now at https://hyneseagle.com
Osprey is a heavyweight in the world of outdoor and travel packs, known for ergonomic comfort and bombproof construction. While their heritage is in hiking, many of their travel and day packs include smart organizational features and laptop protection, with prices from $80 to $180.
Choose Osprey if your travels are a bit more rugged. While Nordace is built for the city and airport, an Osprey pack can handle a tough hike in the morning and a city walk in the afternoon, all while offering superior carrying comfort.
Shop now at https://osprey.com
Briggs & Riley is a premium luggage brand for the road warrior who needs rock-solid reliability. Their backpacks are built to an impeccably high standard and often feature TSA-approved security locks and highly durable materials. At $200-$400, these are investment pieces.
What sets them apart is their unconditional lifetime guarantee - they’ll repair your bag for free, no matter the cause. It's a high-end alternative to Nordace for the frequent flyer who values professional-grade durability and complete peace of mind.
Shop now at https://briggs-riley.com
Knomo perfectly blends fashion with function, creating stylish, tech-focused backpacks for the modern professional. Their designs are sleek and often feature premium materials like full-grain leather, plus RFID protection and beautifully organized tech compartments. Prices usually fall in the $150 to $250 range.
If you love Nordace's feature set but want a more elegant, office-appropriate look, Knomo is it. Their bags don't scream "tech backpack" - they whisper sophistication while still keeping all your gadgets safe and organized.
Shop now at https://knomo.com
Venture Pal focuses on lightweight, practical, and highly affordable travel gear. Their backpacks, typically under $50, offer surprising functionality for their price, with plenty of compartments, water-resistant fabrics, and comfortable straps.
This is your no-frills, grab-and-go option. It's a great choice for casual trips or for students who need a reliable bag for daily use without investing in a pricier smart backpack. While it lacks some of the premium features of Nordace, it delivers on practical organization for a fraction of the cost.
Shop now at https://venturepal.com
Thousand designs thoughtful gear for urban mobility, and their backpacks reflect that ethos. They offer modern, minimalist backpacks with a strong emphasis on security features like hidden pockets and anti-theft designs. Price-wise, they sit around $150 to $250.
Similar to Nordace, their style is tech-forward and sleek, but with a major focus on keeping your belongings safe during a busy commute in the city. If security is your top concern, Thousand is a fantastic, stylish choice.
Shop now at https://thousand.cc
Everki builds dependable and smartly organized backpacks with a focus on protecting electronics. They're well-known for their heavily padded laptop compartments and professional, clean aesthetic. At $80 to $150, they offer solid value in the same price range as Nordace.
Everki backs their products with a limited lifetime warranty, adding a layer of trust. They offer a straightforward, highly functional alternative to Nordace, perfect for anyone who needs a reliable workday and travel companion to protect their tech.
Shop now at https://everki.com
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