The 10 Best men's rucksacks

Keep your hands free for the important stuff with these bags that are suitably smart, sporty or casual

1. Rapha

£130, rapha.cc

Panels that follow the curve of your back (while letting in air to prevent sweat) a laptop sleeve, and a stowaway rainproof cover make for the ultimate cycle-to-work bag.

2. Fjallraven Kanken

£55, asos.com

Look like a Scandi schoolboy, if not a fjallraven (Arctic fox), with this jaunty pack from the 50-year-old Swedish brand. An outer newspaper pocket completes the package.

3. Mulberry Postman's Lock

£795, mulberry.com

With its fine leather styling, this is likely to be a touch smarter – and dearer – than your postie's bag. But it's capacious, and easily converts from messenger bag to backpack.

4. London 2012

£15, shop.london2012.com

Now the Games are gone, it's worth a gamble that this will become a souvenir classic. If not, who cares – it's cheap and a fine gym bag for inspired people of any generation.

5. Herschel Little America Mountain Bag

£79, endclothing.co.uk

Channel your inner American Boy Scout with a classic knapsack from Herschel that combines heritage with modern touches.

6. Asos

£15, asos.com

For those who favour simplicity over outdoorsy "heritage". This bag is made of canvas and has a decent-sized front pocket and a zip – and nothing more.

7. Ally Cappelino Wiggo

£160, allycapellino.co.uk

The tribute to our Bradley, the Tour de France and Olympic hero, is a simple affair and you needn't wear it riding, but it comes with a waterproof cover just in case.

8. YMC v Chapman camping rucksack

£225, youmustcreate.com

You'll be excused if you don't head for the hills with this limited edition rucksack, but it'll serve you just as stylishly in town.

9. Aiguille Midi

£89, albamclothing.com

Handmade for Albam by Kendal climbing company, Aguille Alpine Equipment, this pack has a generous 30-litre capacity and should last a lifetime.

10. JanSport

£60, johnlewis.com

My JanSport has survived more than a decade of travel without even managing to look dirty. This durable red number makes an ideal school or aircraft carry-on bag.