The Best Backpacks for Living in Madrid: My Top Picks After 2 Years

Affiliate Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I genuinely use or have thoroughly researched. Thank you for supporting Madrid Made Easy!

Two years ago I landed at Barajas with two suitcases and absolutely no idea what daily life in Madrid would look like. Fast forward to today and my most-used piece of gear isn't a suitcase — it's a good backpack.

Whether you're commuting on the Metro, hauling groceries back from Mercado San Miguel, or heading out for a weekend trip to Toledo, a great backpack makes Madrid life noticeably better.

Here's what I've actually tested.

Quick Comparison

1. Aer Day Pack 3 — Best Overall

The Aer Day Pack 3 has been on my back almost every single day for the past 14 months. It handles the Metro with ease, fits under the seat on Renfe trains, and looks professional enough for client meetings in Salamanca.

Why it works for Madrid specifically: The quick-access water bottle pocket on the side is genuinely useful when you're grabbing agua from a kiosk. The organization keeps your NIE documents, metro card, and work laptop all separate and accessible.

2. Osprey Daylite Plus — Best Budget Pick

If you're watching your euros (and in Madrid's rental market, who isn't?), the Osprey Daylite Plus punches well above its price. I used this for my first six months before upgrading.

3. Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L — Best for Creatives

If you're a photographer, designer, or content creator living in Madrid (and there are a lot of us), the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is in a class of its own. I use this on weekends when I'm shooting around Lavapiés or Retiro.

What I Look For in a Madrid Backpack

After testing six different bags in this city, here's what I've learned actually matters:

Anti-theft features

Madrid is generally safe, but pickpocketing on crowded Metro lines (looking at you, Line 1 during rush hour) is real. Bags with back-panel access or hidden zips are noticeably less stressful to carry.

Size: 20–25L is the sweet spot

Too small and you can't do a proper supermarket run. Too large and you're getting stuck in Metro turnstiles and getting glares on the bus.

Water resistance

Madrid summers involve thunderstorms that materialize in literally 4 minutes. A water-resistant bag saves laptops and stress.

Looks professional enough for Spanish work culture

This matters more than you'd think. Spanish office culture tends to be fairly formal, and a hiking pack covered in patches might not land well in certain contexts.

Final Verdict

For most people living in Madrid: Get the Aer Day Pack 3. It's expensive but it's the last backpack you'll buy for years.

On a budget: The Osprey Daylite Plus is genuinely excellent and keeps your money for cañas.

If you're a photographer: The Peak Design Everyday is worth every euro.

Have questions about life in Madrid or which gear to bring? Drop a comment below or reach out on the contact page.