There are a lot of companies out there vying for your backpack bucks and many of them make good products. Under Armour however, have risen above the competition as a result of their creative approach to design. Under Armour backpacks emphasize structure and the way the bag interacts with the body over sheer volume. UA knows that the best backpack is the one that feels like an extension of your body, rather than an anchor tugging at your shoulders and putting strain on your back. With that in mind we present the 17 best Under Armour backpacks on the market today.
The Best Under Armour Backpack
1Under Armour Undeniable Backpack
Sometimes you just need to stuff a beach towel, some flip flops and sunscreen into a bag because it’s summer and the living it easy. The Under Armour Undeniable Sackpack is undeniably convenient, and not just for the beach. It’s ideal for gym clothes, pool clothes, laundry or anything else you need to tote that isn’t too heavy and doesn’t need to be carefully arranged. There’s 1,500 cubic inches of space, side pockets for your valuables, UA’s custom sternum clip, exterior storage pockets for peripherals and the whole things cinches up with the company’s single cord system.
Sports bag with side pockets for peripherals.
Single cord cinching.
UA’s custom sternum clip.
Weight: 11 oz.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1261954
- Weight8.5 ounces
The single cord system saves time and hassle.
Great for beach or pool or to use as a gym bag.
Handy front pockets for misc things big and small.
Sternum clip can bind.
2Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack
The Under Armour Hustle 3.0 backpack is a perfect expression of UA’s design ethos that places a premium on structure and ergonomics while at the same time pushing the backpack style envelope. The Hustle 3.0 slips on like a tailored shirt and is so comfortable you may forget you’re wearing it. Raining? No problem. The UA Storm tech provides a high degree of water resistance. Need to take along your laptop? No problem. There’s a padded laptop sleeve inside, along with a shoe pocket at the bottom of the bag just for good measure. Be sure to also check out our list of the best laptop bags for more great items like this.
Highly water resistant.
Shoe pocket for the busy professional.
Lined and padded laptop sleeve.
Weight: 1.3 pounds.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1294720-P
- Weight1.31 pounds
One of the sharpest looking backpacks out there.
The shoe pocket is an awesome touch.
First rate stitching throughout.
You’re going to pay for the style and comfort.
3Under Armour Storm Recruit Backpack
The Storm Recruit is another sharp looking backpack from Under Armour, but one with a more utilitarian bent than the Hustle 3.0. The Storm, with its molle webbing down the back, 3 tiers of zippered pockets and D-ring (more like a V-ring actually) for last minute clip-ons is going to appeal to office worker, student and weekend hiker equally; with the water resistant UA Storm technology buttressing the argument that it belongs on the trail. Like all UA bags the Storm redefines comfort but the shoulder straps here are particularly noteworthy for the outstanding way they distribute the load.
Durable, reinforced bottom panel.
Fully adjustable HeatGear shoulder straps.
Laptop sleeve accommodates up to 15” device.
Weight: 1.2 pounds.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1261825
- Weight1 pounds
Comfortable regardless of what you’re carrying.
3 tiered storage design makes for easy access.
Will stand up to any rain shower.
None worth mentioning.
4Under Armour Ozsee Sackpack
The Ozsee is a stripped down version of the company’s Undeniable Sackpack for those who just need a stylish way to transport their gear to the beach, the pool or the gym. The bag itself is a 50/50 polyester and nylon blend that has an agreeable texture but is also extremely durable. It features the UA easy cinch drawcord that doubles as a shoulder strap and it weighs a mere 8 oz. Inside there’s a soft lining that treats even your sand covered bathing suit with respect while outside the UA sternum clip keeps the whole thing under control while you’re in transit.
Water resistant shell.
UA easy cinch drawcord.
900 cubic inches of space.
Weight: 8 oz.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1240539
- Weight3.04 ounces
The Ozsee is a light sports bag for everybody.
Just load it, cinch it and shoulder it.
Great gym bag.
No pockets.Under Armour
5Under Armour Unisex Hustle Backpack LDWR
The Unisex Hustle Backpack LDWR from Under Armour has a boxier profile than most UA bags. Here, that boxiness is put to good use though as it results in 1350 cubic inches of space that will accommodate everything from your books to your running clothes and shoes as well as your laptop and peripherals. We’re not sure what makes this particular bag a “unisex” ruckpack, since the bulkier profile seems pretty male-oriented. But that doesn’t detract from the bag’s functionality. It’s highly waterproof, comfortable, has a durable, reinforced bottom and fully adjustable, ergonomically sculpted shoulder straps.
Durable top handle for side carry.
Waterproof pocket for your tech.
1350 cubic inches.
Weight: 15 oz.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Weight15.8 ounces
Carries lots of stuff comfortably.
The back padding is some of the company’s best.
The back pocket is nice and deep.
Not sure this is really “unisex”.
6Under Armour Undeniable 3.0 Backpack
There is absolutely no denying that the Undeniable 3.0 from Under Armour takes a fresh look at the backpack and presents us with something both unexpected and highly functional. It looks a bit like what you might get if you crossed a clothes hamper with a standard ruckpack. The flip top provides easy access to the voluminous inner compartment where you’ll find your laptop sleeve and valuables pocket. That flip top itself has an additional pocket and the molle webbing lets you attach what you need for the trail. If you like flip top backpacks, don’t miss out roll top backpacks review.
Polyester/Nylon blend.
Water resistant UA Storm technology.
Large enough to hold basketball or soccer ball.
Weight: 1.45 pounds.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1294721
- Weight1.45 pounds
The backpack for the on the go pro.
Very comfortable no matter how loaded it gets.
Flip top makes access ultra-simple.
Opening the flip top in the rain.
7Under Armour Storm Big Logo IV Backpack
The Big Logo IV Backpack by Under Armour provides 2,000 cubic inches of capacity created by adding depth. That additional depth means obtaining and retaining balance, especially with a full load, could be problematic. But with the Big Logo IV it’s just another day at the office. There’s plenty of lightweight but effective padding to protect your back, a large fore-pocket for clothes, the usual good sized laptop sleeve and a top carry handle. The HeatGear® shoulder straps make carrying any extra weight a snap. And the UA Storm water resistant treatment keeps everything nice and dry.
Gusseted front laundry pocket.
Discrete water bottle sleeves.
UA Storm water-resistance.
Weight: 1.2 pounds.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1263965
- Weight1 pounds
Another design winner from Under Armour.
Extremely comfortable even full.
Carry your laptop to the laundry with you.
The top handle can be a bit awkward.
8Under Armour Packable Backpack
The Packable Backpack is a pack you can bring along with you in another pack (or in the leg pocket of your cargo pants) just in case you find you need more storage capacity. When deployed it creates a backpack with 1,400 cubic inches of water resistant space where you can keep new purchases, wet beach clothes or anything else your heart desires. It’s virtually waterproof, simple to use and can really come in handy in a pinch. Use it for groceries instead of planet killing plastic.
100% water resistant nylon.
Grab handle up top.
Adjustable shoulder straps.
Weight: 4 ounces.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1256393
- Weight4.6 ounces
Take it to the market to carry your purchases.
Multiple ways to access the main compartment.
Easily cleaned in the washer.
Not a heavy-duty backpack.
9Under Armour Hudson Backpack
The Hudson is a deceptively large backpack that’s just as comfortable in camp as it is on campus. The lack of exterior pockets indicates its more academic leanings, while the molle webbing says it’s not just for the library. The large central compartment invites you to stuff in your hiking gear while the laptop sleeve says “not so fast”. Some would say the pack lacks direction, but we prefer to think of it as versatile instead. And it is. The Hudson is equally at home in an office tower at the mouth of the Hudson River or in a campsite on the edge of Hudson Bay. For more camping backpacks, check out our backpacking backpacks review.
Chest strap.
Generous amounts of molle.
Water resistant 100% polyester shell.
Weight: 2.5 pounds.
- BrandUnder Armour
- Model1294719
- Weight2.5 pounds
Makes a great carry-on bag.
Nifty lined valuables pocket up front.
Sternum strap keeps the load under tight control.
Wouldn’t mind an exterior pocket or two.
Under Armour Backpack Buying Guide
How We Chose Our Selection of Under Armour Backpacks
- Reviews - We don’t put much stock in other reviews as we’re fond of drawing our own conclusions. That said we’ll sift through what customers are saying to see if there is a consensus about this or that bag and if there is we’ll give it due consideration.
- Price - There are no cheap Under Armour backpacks, nor are any of them outrageously expensive. Still, we’re looking for value so if we think 2 bags are pretty much equal when it comes to features, size, etc and one is less expensive than the other we’ll choose the less expensive one in most (not all) cases simply because it represents a better value.
Features To Look For In Under Armour Backpacks
- Material - Because we’re talking about a single brand here there aren’t going to be a lot of different materials in play. And because we’re talking Under Armour it’s a pretty safe bet those materials are going to range from good to excellent, with the possibility of the low-quality outlier here and there. That said the majority of Under Armour backpacks are made from either 100% polyester or 100% nylon. Cordura (usually nylon, but often nylon blended with cotton or other natural fibers) is used in several of their backpacks while in a few others the company use a nylon/polyester blend.
- Size - The majority of Under Armour backpacks are 18 inches tall with a few slightly taller or shorter. Where size differences really come into play is not in the height so much as the volume of the bag as expressed by its circumference and augmented by various exterior pockets either on the back, the back and sides or even the back, sides and top. Generally the more the bag is aimed at an adult audience the more pockets. When looking for a UA bag keep in mind how you plan to use it and what you will typically be carrying in it.
- Weight - Under Armour backpacks are for the most part extremely lightweight, which is one of their distinguishing features. The majority are under 1.5 pounds with only a few of the larger, multi-pocket backpacks tipping the scale at 2 pounds or a bit more. The lightweight nature of the UA backpack means the weight is not really a prime concern.
- Durability - As all UA bags are made from nylon, polyester, cordura or a blend of those fabrics and all feature high-quality stitching they are all quite durable. That’s not to say there isn’t variation. There is. For instance, there’s no question the Guardian is a more formidable bag than the Undeniable Sackpack. While both will stand the test of time the Guardian is constructed to withstand the more considerable weights and stresses a university student or working professional will make on their bag.
- Design - Under Armour backpacks display an immense variety of designs ranging from the sleek and edgy Hustle 3.0 to the business-like Guardian to the more utilitarian UA Huey Backpack to the looser and more freeform design of the Storm Hustle II. No matter which bag you choose however you’ll benefit from UA’s total commitment to efficient use of space, comfort and impeccable balance.
- Straps - People tend to nitpick just about everything and that’s fine. Constructive criticism drives improvement. One aspect of the Under Armour sports bag you almost never hear people complain about however are the straps. That’s because the company has gone to great lengths to make sure the straps on their bags are always well-padded and designed for humans, not mannequins. Another thing that sets UA straps apart from other backpacks is that most of the taper as they dive from the shoulder toward the hip. This eliminates a major source of irritation and a major complaint people have with most bags: that their arms are constantly rubbing against the lower portion of the shoulder straps.
- Color - UA backpacks run the color gamut from a deep charcoal grey monochrome to the vibrant primary colors and prismatic patterning of the boy's Scrimmage Backpack and everything in between. The coloring of their backpacks however is always tastefully done and exhibits considerable thought.
- Waterproofness - Under Armour employs what they call their Storm technology. This is a treatment they apply to almost all of their backpacks that provides them with a high degree of water resistance. While not truly waterproof in the sense that you could go swimming with one on your back they will more than stand up to your average rain or snow event. Some models also include a genuinely waterproof pocket to store things like your smartphone.
- Compartments - Virtually all UA backpacks (not the backpacks) have a large main compartment with a padded, lined laptop sleeve. Beyond that, the number of compartments depends on the model. Most main compartments can be entered from the back or top while the main compartment of the flip-top packs is only accessible from above.
Types of UA Backpack
- Regular backpack - Everyone will recognize the profile of the standard UA backpack. It’s the same one men and women, girls and boys have been wearing for decades. The difference with UA is in the attention to tailoring. UA backpacks have distinctive lines that are the result of the care and consideration they give to making sure whatever you are carrying in your pack rests easily on your back. Most UA backpacks taper at the top and bottom with a few exceptions, notably the Cordura Regiment Backpack which has the boxy profile of the more traditional rucksack.
- Sackpack - The sackpack is a modified stuff sack with thin shoulder straps that is intended mostly to hold lightweight items like gym clothes. There is a drawstring at the top of the sports bag and this type of backpack typically rides lower on the back than a standard backpack.
About The Brand
Under Armour was started in 1996 in the basement of Kevin Plank’s grandmother’s house. That year he had a total of $17,000 in sales. The next year he moved into an office in Baltimore, received his first large team orders and the rest, as they say, is history. The company today is one of the most recognizable sporting apparel brands on the planet with hundreds of millions of dollars worth of contracts to supply gear to UCLA athletics, Major League Baseball, and more. They are also one of the leading brand name makers of backpacks alongside other brands such as CamelBak and Patagonia.
Under Armour Backpack FAQ
Q: Why should you buy an under-armour backpack?
A: You should buy an Under Armour backpack because you enjoy outstanding design. Because you appreciate comfort and durability and because you’re a fan of value. These are not your parent’s backpacks. They’ve been meticulously thought out by the designers who took a critical look at the state of the existing backpack and said: “We can do better”.
Q: How to wash under armour backpacks?
A: You're Under Armour backpack can be machine washed in a gentle cycle using cold water and allowed to thoroughly air dry. If you use the backpack regularly you should probably wash it in this manner every couple of months. Just make sure to wash it either by itself or with like color items. Don’t worry, it won’t hurt it.
