Yes, backpacks for work can look professional. Especially these ones
It seems as if the hybrid work arrangement is here to stay. Yay.
Yay for the flexibility, the balance, the days of the week where you don't have to commute. Yay for it all. Well, except for slogging our laptop, charger, mouse and miscellaneous work stuff to and fro. That's a nay.
To make your hybrid work life easier, it's time to start embracing the backpack. You can load them full of the necessary stuff and make them a permanent between-office-and-home solution. Unlike the alternative – armies of totes and laptop bags and briefcases to awkwardly juggle – they leave you hands-free to tackle trains, buses and ferries.
Is wearing a backpack to work actually professional?
The last thing any of us want is to show up to a professional office setting feeling like we're turning up to the first day of school – which, we surmise, has prevented many a worker from wanting to invest in a backpack in the first place.
But it really just depends on what one you're picking. Sure, there are some more casual options on the market – we might leave the Jansports and the Herschels for the weekend – but a good quality backpack definitely has its place in a work wardrobe.
In compiling a list of best work backpacks on the market, we had a couple of specifications: has to fit a laptop and a few other bits and pieces (your lunch, a book for the train, a file full of papers for meetings, etc, etc.). It also has to look sleek and work-worthy – something you wouldn't mind your boss's boss seeing you with.
The best backpacks for work
Here are our meticulously vetted picks for practicality, durability but most importantly: style. And while some definitely err on the pricier side, we're firm believers in cost per wear. Invest a little more upfront to reap the benefits (and then some) down the line.
ZINZ Slim and Expandable Laptop Bag
Sometimes you don't need all the space that a work laptop bag can provide. This is what makes the ZINZ Slim and Expandable Laptop Bag a perfect hybrid option, allowing you to expand and pack down as needed. It fits laptops up to 16 inches and is also designed to be anti-theft. When packed down, it's only 10cm in width, making traversing through a busy train platform a breeze. And when expanded it grows another 10 still, but retains its nice structure.
Reviewers are overwhelmingly positive in their assessment too, with a 4.5-star rating out of over 1,200 reviews. "I am often switching from working from home to the office and this [backpack] is just so versatile," one said. "This book bag is ingenious. I am SO glad I bought it for my most recent work trip," said another.
Bellroy Melbourne Backpack
Australian label Bellroy make a great range of simple, straightforward backpacks for the modern professional – and if we're being honest, we rate nearly all of them. (The Bellroy Oslo backpack gets a special mention too.)
The Bellroy Melbourne is our top pick from the brand for its sophistication and for the magnetic fastening detail, making it easy to slip things in and out. The compartments in this backpack are not messing around either – the laptop sleeve fits up to 16 inches and the various zips and pockets ensure everything has a home.
We like the slate colour and classic black (pictured). Other colours, including Saltbush and Navy, are on sale now for $179.
RAINS Backpack
RAINS are a top-notch brand famous for making waterproof jackets, bags and accessories. Their standard RAINS Backpack gets our vote for the size and storage – it can fit a 15 inch laptop and its protective sleeve with ease. Also, the ability to keep your precious technology safe from light downpours is a massive win.
Not to mention, this backpack is the best if you're looking to nail streetwear style.
RAINS Book Backpack
In a smaller size ideal for 13-inch laptops, the RAINS Book Backpack is a sleek and simple waterproof bag. It has the same waterproof features of the standard RAINS backpack but is a more manageable style for the chaos of a morning commute. (i.e., no whacking anyone in the face on the train.)
Samsonite Women Executive Backpack
The Samsonite Women Executive Backpack is the clean and straightforward pick for the woman who doesn't mess around. Everything has its place in this bag. Laptop, book, phone and water bottle all know where they need to be.
As the marketing spiel goes, it has a real 'desk-to-dinner' silhouette and it's true! Sleek and functional, we're loving this as a do-no-wrong option.
Status Anxiety Comes in Waves Backpack
Made from premium leather, the Comes in Waves Backpack is a decidedly versatile pick. It can be whatever you want at any stage: a backpack, a handbag, a briefcase, a shoulder bag. It has adjustable backpack straps and a removable crossbody strap along with a ton of handy compartments. It's also very roomy but not bulky, keeping an eye on chic design.
One thing to note is that there's no specific compartment for your laptop, so it'll just slip in there with everything else. However, it seems a small price to pay for an otherwise winning product.
FOSSIL Parker Brown Backpack
At 13 by 14 inches, the FOSSIL Parker Brown Backpack will just fit a standard laptop with a few other essentials. But it's best to measure yours to check it'll work before you add to cart. However, we love this pick for the timeless look. Just like the Status Anxiety pick, it has the inbuilt versatility of a tote, a handbag and a sturdy backpack to justify the price.
Carhartt Phillis Backpack
The Carhartt Phillis Backpack gets our vote for weekday to weekend transitional. In the black colour, it's nice enough to pair with a suit or blazer, but also won't look out of place if you pack it up to go away for a few days.
It's got a cushioned back and straps for comfort, as well as a laptop compartment big enough for a 15-inch laptop. And just like everything Carhartt makes, it's sturdy and designed to last.
Orvilly Laptop Backpack
A more affordable option with the same style cues as the Bellroy or Carhartt, the Orvilly Laptop Backpack will get you from point A to B, loaded up with all the necessary bits and bobs. It can hold a 15-inch laptop, as well as a bunch of smaller items to be stashed in the zipped pockets provided.
Florence The Emma Backpack
The Emma Backpack is a gorgeous little Italian leather backpack, suited for laptops 13 inches and smaller. And while she's cute as a button, the biggest plus of this backpack is that you can pull the straps through to seamlessly turn it into a handbag.
Not only is this a great work week-to-weekend option, but a day-to-night option too. You can confidently take it from the office to dinner and still feel like a gorgeous, gorgeous girlie.
Oxford Walsh Leather Backpack
And finally, for a bit of a style sidestep. The Walsh Leather backpack offers a more worn-in, textured feel to the leather backpack while remaining true to the classic design. We like the dual clasps and how they're secured by the understated metal hardware. Yet despite its obvious focus on style, it doesn't skimp on substance either, with a great amount of
Bonus, it's on sale for $229, which is a great price point for the quality in our opinion.
MINYII Large Travel Backpack
Another one under $100, the MINYII Large Travel Backpack is a multi-layer storage backpack with oodles of room for laptops, jumpers, a packed lunch and a water bottle. Plus more, if you fancy. While designed as a carry-on, we rate it for work for its versatility and size. Not to mention attractive price point. It also comes in a range of colours to suit your wardrobe.
HUGO Elliott Backpack
The HUGO Elliot Backpack is great for the man who wants to venture outside the typical backpack style, while still prioritising comfort and practicality. The multiple straps and pockets are almost utilitarian. The HUGO branding, along with the leather-look exterior, make this a premium choice.
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