If you’re looking for the ultimate guide to the best skateboard backpacks in 2023- we’ve bought, tested & reviewed (what seems like ALL of them) so you don’t have to!
This ultimate buying guide will save you tons of time searching and comparing to find the right one. If you’re in a hurry (or want the TLDR version) we’ve summarized our findings for the best skateboard backpacks in 2023 below:
Four years ago I bought my first skateboard backpack & I can’t believe I went through THAT much pain & suffering without one. I was lugging around my dirty, grimy skateboard & HEAVY longboards through airports, train stations & buses all over the world without one.
My skate pack is now an integral part of my traveling kit (wherever I go) & something I can’t imagine being without. I use it for commuting to the skate park & the gym…so don’t just think of it as a piece of travel luggage.
It made a huge difference to free up my arms while gaining some storage capacity at the same time. My guess is that it can do the same for you too.
So whether you’re off on a long trip, college, office, skate park or the gym or just want a backpack that can do it all- you’ve come to the right place! We’ll help you find the right backpack.
What makes a good skateboard backpack? We have pretty high standards for the items that made our list…
11 Things to look for in a good skateboard backpack
First & foremost the best skateboard backpack should securely hold different types of skateboards like a longboard, penny board or electric skateboard, or electric longboard like a champ.
Breathability – You don’t want your backpack to be soaking wet with sweat all day long after commuting into work or school & totally stinking up your immediate area. We like breathable materials in all the important places.
Sturdy & Solid Zippers – No pulling, yanking or getting stuck half way through opening the bag because the zipper barely moves. We’ve checked each zippered compartment for sturdiness & reliability.
Spacious with Lots of Pockets & Compartments – We want you to be able store all your necessary items like cellphones, water bottles, books, laptops and overnighting items.
Durability– Your pack should be made to last with durable, polyester material construction.
Lightweight & comfortable– Our skate backpacks have been tested to be comfortable even when fully laden with boards and essential gear.
Strong Padded Straps – These straps should be padded for comfort & able to deal with the weight of your board plus personal items. We prefer breathable mesh for better air circulation. The right bag should have chest straps & waist straps.
Dark Color – Grime happens, spills happen & skateboards are usually pretty dirty. We like skateboard backpacks that are darker in color to hide all this.
Water-Resistant Material – Many use their skateboard backpacks for work or school which means the contents need to stay dry. We like packs that offer water resistant materials.
Laptop | Ipad Padded Sleeve – If you’ve ever opened your bag to discover a totally wrecked laptop or cracked iPad- it’s not a good feeling. We will share many options for those who need a padded room for their electronics (interior laptop sleeve).
Adjustable shoulder strap & adjustable sternum strap– These are super important features to us because they allow you to adjust, customize & wear the bag comfortably while walking or skating.
Storage Capacity- absolute must (trust us, we know!). When you to love to travel all over the place with your skateboard and longboards…have space for it all is a must.
Holds Important Little Things Safely- Sunglasses, cell phone & personal items with some decent, well thought out internal organization.
Price – A good skateboard backpack will be a little pricey but worth it in the long run since they will last a long time.
So that was easy enough… right? I’m not even going to bore you with what’s basically a description of every single backpack on the market because this buying guide has ALOT more information than your average skateboard backpack review! It will literally take you less time to read this article than it will take you to find the best backpack.
Here are some of the best skateboard backpacks available in 2023 according to the criteria we laid out above, our personal experience & of course our personal opinion. All of these have been bought, tested & reviewed by me personally.
BEST BACKPACKS FOR SKATEBOARDING, LONGBOARDING & PENNY BOARDING IN 2023:
Dakine Mission 25L Backpack
The Dakine Mission 25L Backpack is hands down, one of THE BEST skateboard backpacks in our buying guide. It’s ergonomic, well assembled & made of durable materials all at an affordable price. It has all the extra space you need for easier access to the big things and even the small things.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
- Bonus! Snowboards too!
Best for:
- Skate Park,
- Laptop Storage (up to 17.3″)
- School Books,
- Longer Travel Trips
- Gym Trips
- Overnight Trips
Dimensions: 21.5”H x 13”W x 7”D
Capactity: 25 L
PROS:
-The most important feature on this skate pack is the waist strap & sternum strap. This helps spread the weight distribution across your shoulders AND your waist which is more ergonomic.
-HIGH construction quality with extra padding in the straps & back panel (the best found in our reviews)
-Sleek, streamline, compact design that is really comfortable.
-Over all bigger pack which is perfect for those carrying heavy loads.
CONS:
-If we find any we’ll let you know!
Bottom Line:
This skate pack has style, a really comfortable, ergonomic fit and it’s a great choice if you’re looking for a backpack that can basically do it all & store it all. You can pick from 8 different colors.
Dakine Heli Ski Backpack
The Dakine Heli Ski Backpack is also one of the BEST skateboard backpacks in our buying guide. It’s ergonomic, well assembled & made of durable materials all at an affordable price. It has just enough space for the essentials. It’s a streamlined version of the Mission (previously discussed) designed for shorter trips requiring less storage volume.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
- Bonus! Snowboards too!
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage
- School Books
- Shorter Travel Trips
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 20”H x 15”W x 5”D
Capactity: 12 L
PROS:
-The most important feature: two adjustable skateboard straps that’ll hold your skateboard, longboard, penny board or electronic skateboard to the back of the pack.
-Padded adjustable shoulder straps & adjustable sternum strap for comfort.
-Padded laptop compartment with well designed internal structure.
-Large main pocket to store clothing, books, electronics for easy access to the items you need just like a regular backpack.
-Tons of internal storage structure (zippered pockets, pen holders etc).
-Two front accessory pockets (for small items) that zip shut.
-Two side water bottle pockets (mesh) to store water bottles.
-Padded back panel that breathes well.
-Dark color hides all the dirt & grime from your longboard, penny board or skateboard decks.
-Front accessory pocket has a special area for a u-lock bike lock which can be used to secure your bag when travelling on a plane or train.
-High quality zippers, straps and literally everything else.
Cons:
-More expensive than the Mission backpack but it’s built like a tank and will last you a long time.
Bottom Line:
Dakine Heli Ski Backpack is still a great choice of skateboard bag and will work well for most situations. While it is missing some capacity of the Mission, it ticks a lot of boxes. You won’t be disappointed with the purchase. The Heli comes in 7 different colors | patterns so you’re bound to find something that suits you.
BURTON Kilo Backpack
The BURTON Kilo Backpack is a very stylish and functional skateboard backpack with enviable storage space.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
- Bonus! Snowboards too!
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage
- School Books
- Longer Travel Trips & Overnights
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 19.3”H x 11”W x 7”D
Capacity: 27L
PROS:
-Two adjustable straps to hold any size skateboard on the outside of the bag.
-The best laptop compartment of any bag we tested doing this review. It fits up to 15″ laptops & has it’s own pocket suspension system for maximum protection
-Interior pockets. Exterior pockets. SO. MANY. POCKETS. Including some with fleece lining which are great for storing sunglasses or delicate electronics like your phone.
-Two mesh pockets on the side (one regular, one with a zipper) to store water bottles.
-Overall a very functional, sleek looking bag that can fit all your skateboard gear and more.
-Huge capacity but still reasonably priced
CONS:
-Looking at the materials | construction and making comparisons with the Dakine models it doesn’t appear to be the most durable backpack on this list (relatively speaking) but you’ll get many years of use out of it without a doubt.
-No waist strap for extra comfort.
-Not as much back padding as the Dakine Models
Bottom Line:
The BURTON Kilo Backpack is an excellent backpack for this price range. There are a slew of pockets for small items. It will fit a large skateboard, your laptop and all your other gear. Might find it heavy to carry for longer distances but should be comfortable while riding.
Adidas Kelton Skateboard Backpack
With a lifetime warranty and killer styling the Adidas Kelton Skateboard Backpack has a lot to love including spacious dual zip storage compartments & an internal zip storage pocket. This bag is really versatile & could easily be used like normal backpacks.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 15″)
- School Books
- Shorter Travel Trips
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 20”H x 13”W x 12”D
Capactity: Unknown
PROS:
-Lifetime Warranty
-The Kelton Skateboard backpack has two beefy & wide external skateboard straps that are adjustable and can be used to store your board.
-Front side has a special area for a u-lock bike lock which can be used to secure your bag when travelling on a plane or train.
-Very well made, stylish & on trend. Four colors to choose from.
CONS:
-If we find any we’ll let you know!
GoRide Longboard Backpack
In our view, the GoRide Longboard Backpack is the best longboard backpack or cruiser backpack we saw in our review. It’s designed specifically to hold a really long, heavy longboard but also has more than enough storage for laptops, tablets, books & of course all your personal items.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 17″)
- School Books
- Longer Travel Trips/ Overnights
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 20”H x 12”W x 6”D
Capacity: UNKNOWN
PROS:
-Hands down the GoRide Longboard Backpack is most secure setup for holding an oversized longboard or cruiser. FOUR very secure straps for lashing down the longest & heaviest longboards out there. I love the wheel truck strap for keeping my longboard from flopping around while I walk- really unique feature to this pack.
-Well padded chest AND waist straps. Man, I love me some waist straps.
CONS:
-Styling is pretty MEH with that big @ss logo on the back and only two colors to choose from. You could do worse though…
-There are some small pockets but not many. With the exception of the laptop sleeve compartment there’s not a lot of internal structure or organization…just a big main compartment to throw everything in. Some might argue that’s better because you have easier access to all your things.
Nixon Ransack Skateboard Backpack
If saving the environment is totally your jam then the Nixon Ransack Backpacks made with recycled ocean plastic might speak to you. With a large 26 liter capacity and rugged good looks (6 on trend colors to choose from) it hits a lot of marks with us skaters.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- School Books
- Longer Travel Trips/ Overnights
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 19.5”H x 12”W x 6”D
Capacity: 26 L
CONS:
-The laptop sleeve is underwhelming in size (hard to even fit a 15″) and lacking in padding to be protective in any way. It will hold your laptop but you need to be careful about how you put down the bag.
Element Mohave Skate Backpack
The Element Mohave Skate Backpackk ticks all of our boxes and comes in on the lower end of the price range in some dark colors | patterns we like. The single compartment with laptop sleeve gives ample space for all the big stuff (like a pair of shoes).
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 17″)
- School Books
- Longer Travel Trips/ Overnights
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 18”H x 11”W x 8”D
Capacity: 30 L
PROS:
-Nice beefy skateboard holding straps….the best we’ve seen in during our review.
-Large capacity single compartment that’s great for packing an overnight back or all that gym gear (including shoes & your laptop).
-Well constructed, durable bag for the price point.
CONS:
-Large in your face company logo plastered to the front of the bag. So I’m docking it for style points here. Design is definitely not as sleek or ergonomic as the Dakine or the Burton models we previous crushed on HARD but this pack is OKAY. There are only a handful of colors | patterns to choose from which is also a bit of downer.
Bottom Line: This is a basic skateboard back pack that checks all the boxes with the exception of style points. For this price range it’s a good buy if you can stand to be a human billboard for the Element Skate company.
187 Killer Pads Skateboard BackPACK
The 187 Killer Pads Skateboard Backpack comes in on the small end of the scale with a capacity of 20 Liters. The manufacturer claims that it is made with ballistic abrasion-resistant fabric that will withstand the constant abrasion of grip tape.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 15″)
- School Books
- Shorter Travel Trips
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 46cm X 28cm X 16cm
Capacity: 20L
PROS:
-ballistic abrasion-resistant fabric that gives every indication that this pack will withstand the wear and tear of skateboard grip tape. Very durable materials.
-double stitching and heavy duty zippers speaks to it’s overall durability.
-Sleek styling & on trend color choices ( 3 colors to choose from).
CONS:
-A bit on the small side.
Burton Treble Yell Skateboard Backpack
The smaller Burton Treble Yell Skateboard Backpack is compact, lightweight, long-lasting, and feels more spacious than 21L. This skate pack has plenty of storage for your daily necessities plus a 16.5″ laptop | tablet capacity. We love the high-quality internal padding that protects all your gadgets.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 16.5″)
- School Books
- Shorter Travel Trips
- Gym Trips
- Kids
Dimensions: 19”H x 12”W x 7”D
Capacity: 21 Liters
PROS:
-Fantastic array of colors & patterns to choose from. Something for everyone here.
CONS:
-The straps on the Burton Treble Yell Skateboard Backpack aren’t quite long enough to handle wider skateboards, longboards and cruisers which is a bit of a bummer.
BEST Skateboard Backpacks ON A Budget
The next few skateboard backpacks come in on the budget end of the scale. They’ll do the job but they might be lacking on features, durability, volume or style. They most likely will not last as long as some of the other models we mentioned above.
But if you JUST need a backpack to carry some small items around along with your skateboard or you have a kid in school that burns through a backpack every school year…. & affordable price is one of the most important factors- you’ve reached the right part of our review.
Simbow Skateboard Backpack
This Simbow Skateboard Backpack hits some serious high notes with THREE, count’em THREE straps to secure your skateboard. The pack itself is on the larger side and has plenty of nifty features.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Smaller Cruiser Boards
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 15″)
- School Books
- Shorter Travel Trips
- Gym Trips
- Kids
Holds Skateboard Types: Standard Skateboard, Longboard Skateboard, Cruisers, Penny Board, Electric Skateboard, Electric Longboard
Best for: Skate Park, Laptop Storage, Primary School Books (not great for college level storage needs), short travel trips
Dimensions: 18.5”H x 11.2”W x 4.7”D
Capacity: 30 L (calc from manufacturer seems smaller than 30L to me)
PROS:
-Three straps to secure a skateboard to the outside of the pack which is great if you just need something basic to carry around the essentials.
-Combination lock to secure the contents of the main compartment (you pick the code)
-Special attachment point to secure the bag to a rolling luggage handle
-Reflective stripes on front and back of pack
-Secret back side compartment for hiding valuables.
-Slim, sleek styling. Pretty darn attractive overall for the price point.
-1 year warranty
CONS:
-The durability of this bag over the long haul leaves me with some questions. It has a 1 year warranty but I wouldn’t expect it to last any longer than that.
-One color to choose from- black.
Ronyes Skateboard Backpack
For the price point, the roomy Ronyes Skateboard Backpack ticks a lot of boxes. A decent amount of storage, generous laptop sleeve and attractive styling with some hidden gems like a USB port & a ball net that could be used for your skateboard helmet (or a soccer ball, basketball- you name it).
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 17.3″)
- School Books
- Longer Travel Trips/ Overnights
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 20”H x 13”W x 6”D
Capacity: 30 L
PROS:
-This is the only BUDGET skate pack with a waist strap.
-Holds large laptops up to 17.3″ (biggest laptop space on our budget review bags)
-Ball net is good for holding balls to your commuting destination OR your skateboard helmet. It’s a unique feature that no other pack we tested offers!
-Interior pockets. SO. MANY. INTERIOR POCKETS. There’s a place for everything.
-Internal USB charging port which is handy for traveling. Simply add your own charging pack to the back pack charge your devices.
-Will fit penny boards, skateboards, longboards, electric skateboards & even snowboards which is one of the few budget backpacks on our list that will hold just about ANYTHING on wheels.
CONS:
-This bag has a lot of nice features but let’s not kid ourselves here. It’s not the highest quality. The bag I received was in fine working order but I did read some gnarly reviews about zippers crapping out way too soon and seams coming undone at strap attachment points.
Eastsport Multi Compartment Skater Backpack
The Eastsport Multi Compartment Skater Backpack ticks many boxes and comes in at about half the price of our non-budget models. Some style and durability is sacrificed here but we still think you’ll get a good backpack that’ll last you awhile.
Note: this pack is for smaller penny boards, narrower popsicle boards (less than 7.5 inches). NOT good for longboards, larger electric skateboards or cruiser boards…the straps just aren’t long enough to the hold them.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Smaller Skateboards
- Penny Boards
- Smaller Electric Skateboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 15″)
- School Books
- Shorter Travel Trips
- Gym Trips
- Kids
Dimensions: 18”H x 12”W x 7”D
Capacity: Unknown
PROS:
-Hands down the most affordable skateboard backpack on the list but with price comes some durability tradeoffs. Be prepared.
-Beefiest skateboard straps in the budget friendly category.
-With 15 colors | patterns to choose from you’ll find something that’ll definitely fit your personal style. I see like 7 stylish looks I’d gladly purchase.
CONS:
-You get what you pay for here. This bag is decent but if you or your kid is hard on backpacks then you should really consider spending the extra dough on the Dakine, Burton or other models previously mentioned in the non-budget category.
-Skateboard straps aren’t long enough to cover every type of skateboard. Best suited for penny boards and narrow popsicle sticks (less than 7.5 inches wide).
Bottom Line:
This skate pack has a lot of storage volume & holds your smaller skateboards securely. It’s the best priced, highest quality BUDGET model on the market today. But you get what you pay for. This isn’t going to last you a lifetime and you are sacrificing durability for price.
BEST SKATEBOARD Backpacks FOR Electric Skateboard & Electric Longboard
Because electric skateboards are relatively new to the skateboarding world there isn’t a ton of options available BUT the few we found were pretty awesome setups for your electric skateboard, or electric longboard rigs!
GoRide Electric Skateboard or Electric Longboard Backpack
In our view, the GoRide Electric Skateboard or Electric Longboard Backpack the best electric skateboard backpack or electric longboard backpack on the market today. It’s designed specifically to hold your electric skateboard or longboard (by a company that makes them) but also has more than enough storage for laptops, tablets, books & of course all your personal items.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Standard Skateboard
- Longboard Skateboard
- Cruisers
- Penny Board
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Laptop Storage (up to 17″)
- School Books
- Longer Travel Trips/ Overnights
- Gym Trips
Dimensions: 20”H x 12”W x 6”D
Capacity: UNKNOWN
PROS:
-Hands down most secure setup for holding your skateboard or longboard. FOUR… count’em FOUR very secure straps for lashing down the longest longboards out there. I love the wheel truck strap for keeping my longboard from flopping around while I walk.
-Well padded chest AND waist straps. Man, I love me some waist straps.
CONS:
-Styling is pretty MEH with that big @ss logo on the back and only two colors to choose from. I’ve seen worse though…
-There are some small pockets but not many. With the exception of the laptop sleeve compartment there’s not a lot of internal structure or organization…just a big main compartment to throw everything in.
Bottom Line: We love this electric skateboard backpack for it’s uber secure means of keeping a electric skateboard or electric longboard attached with minimal flopping. It’s the best we found across our review. It’s just the right size and ticks so many boxes it’s hard not to love it.
INKTELLS Electric Skateboard or Electric Longboard Backpack
The Inktells Electric Skateboard or Electric Longboard Backpack is another option for holding your electric skateboard or longboard (ideally on local cruises) if you don’t need a lot of storage space. The small zippered pocket is enough space to hold an extra battery pack and the remote…and perhaps a wallet but not much else.
Holds Skateboard Types:
- Electric Skateboard
- Electric Longboard
Best for:
- Skate Park
- Cruising
Dimensions: 37.4”H x 8.6”W
Capacity: UNKNOWN
PROS:
-Well constructed pack with a unique design to minimize the bounce experienced while walking with the board on your back. Extremely secure setup for your electric skateboard or longboard.
CONS:
-Shoulder straps are just basic straps. No padding, no shaping. Not very ergonomic. Not ideal for long carrying time. If you’re just zipping in and out of an ice cream shop or something it won’t be a big deal.
Bottom Line: We love this electric skateboard backpack for it’s uber secure means of keeping a electric skateboard or electric longboard attached with almost zero flopping around. If you don’t need the storage space and just want something to hold your rig while cruising the boardwalk for ice cream shops…this will do.
To summarize our conclusions, the best skateboarding backpacks in 2023 are hands down the Dakine Mission 25L Backpack & the Dakine Heli Ski Backpack. We think they are the perfect fit for skateboard commuters & a high-quality backpack for the price point.
These two skate packs are the most durable skateboard backpacks on the market today and darn comfortable fit to wear for extended periods of time even if you’re using it as a shoulder bag. Either of these skate bags are your best option for holding longboards, skateboards, penny boards, cruisers AND even snowboards if you’re so inclined!
The high-quality zippers, padded adjustable shoulder straps, padded back panel, durable skate straps made everyday use a breeze. With enough space to hold everything you might need on your commute (with quick access to a padded laptop sleeve, large main compartment, front pockets & a small pocket for small items) & unique design…it’s hard not to love.
For tight budgets we recommend the Ronyes Skateboard Backpack. The Ronyes Skateboard Backpack is an excellent value at such a low price point- good for packing out your work, school or office items with your Skateboards, Longboards & Penny Boards.
In a close 2nd for the budget category is the Simbow Skateboard Backpack or the Eastsport Multi Compartment Skater Backpack. Either is good option for the kiddos school & skate park trips. While it’s not as durable & doesn’t hold a wide range of skateboard/longboards sizes as our premium picks…it does have a stylish look and is extremely affordable.
The GoRide Electric Skateboard or Electric Longboard Backpack are From our perspective is the best electric skateboard or electric longboard backpack due to the shear board holding capacity. The ultra secure lashing system & carrying capacity can’t be beat.
We hope that you found our ultimate guide to the best skateboard backpacks in 2023 useful for finding the best skateboard backpacks for you or someone you love! Is this a gift for someone special? Check out our article Handpicked Gifts For Skateboarders for even more ideas!
Whether it's cruising on concrete, jamming at the local rink or dropping in at the skatepark, Lisa J. Skates is the queen of balance and the motivation behind boardwalkskater.com, She's your ultimate guide to living your best life on wheels. With over 30+ years of first hand skating & coaching experience, Lisa’s infectious zeal makes you want to come along for the ride. She'll easily help you get started in roller skating, skateboarding or longboarding!