The 15 Best Backpacks for Work, According to Editors and Commuters of All Ages

Name: Calpak Luka Backpack
Brand: Calpak
Price: 115 USD

with organizational pockets galore

By Marissa Wu

•

Published Jun 2, 2024

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Paula Boudes/PureWow/Retailers

When it comes to the perfect work bag, there are so many options. Hipster canvas tote, luxe leather handbag (à la Meghan Markle’s versatile Cuyana tote), briefcase, ubiquitous Longchamp Le Pliage and the humble backpack. Done incorrectly, it will catapult you back to your middle school days hauling a math textbook and seven binders like a bag of rocks. Pick one of these 15 best backpacks for work, however, and I promise it’s an instant glow-up from the school yard to the office. I’ve included serious picks with neutral colors and slim profiles from the likes of Tumi, Everlane and Lo & Sons, but also included expandable and heftier options for those who need something to accommodate their capacious lunch box. Whichever one of these editor-approved backpacks you choose, you’ll arrive to the office in style.

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The 10 Best Backpacks for Work at a Glance

Best Overall Backpack for Work

Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

~~$95~~; $71 at Everlane

Best Backpack for Work with Pockets

Lo & Sons The Rowledge

~~$428~~; $321 at Lo & Sons

Best Value Backpack for Work

Quince Neoprene Backpack

$100 at Quince

Best Lightweight Backpack for Work

Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack

$90 at Nordstrom

Best Backpack for Work for Petites

Troubadour Apex Backpack 0

$245 at Amazon

How I Vetted the Best Backpacks for Work

To select these 15 best backpacks for work, PureWow editors, testers and I took as many models as we could for test runs in the real world. We traveled with them across the country, lugged them to the office and filled them with everything from multiple laptops and heavy tech gear to clothes, shoes and handbags to see how each backpack held up. Then, I evaluated the findings, taking into account pros as well as cons. Additionally, I researched some of the internet’s favorite brands, combing through hundreds of buyer reviews. In the end, those that made the cut had to be comfortable, stylish, have great organization and preferably have a dedicated laptop sleeve.

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Everlane

Best Overall Backpack for Work

1. Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack

What We Like

slim and compact
roomy
can pack a lot without it feeling terribly heavy

What We Don’t Like

pockets could benefit from more organization

Everlane

Everlane’s ReNew backpack hit all the right marks. It’s the lightest backpack on this list, which is a game changer when your laptop already weighs at least 2 pounds. There are plenty of pockets, including one slightly concealed on the flap closure, with a roomy interior. I have successfully shoved two computers, two vintage (bulky) instant cameras, a two spare pairs of shoes, a , charging cables, an emergency pouch (painkiller, lip balm, pads) and the other necessary sundries into this backpack. Yes, it gets heavy, but the straps do a good job of distributing the weight so it feels lighter than it is. Even on my daily 1.5-mile walking commute. If you travel on public trans., your fellow passengers will appreciate that it doesn’t protrude wildly, so you don’t clock someone in the head by accident.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches
Weight: 1lb 5oz
Capacity: 27L
Max Laptop Size: 15 inches

~~$95~~; $71 at Everlane

best backpacks for work lo and sons Rowledge

Lo & Sons

Best Backpack for Work with Pockets

2. Lo & Sons The Rowledge

What We Like

tons of organizational pockets and storage slots
removable organization insert
padded bottom to protect hardware

What We Don’t Like

pricey
max laptop size is 13 inches
bulky

Lo & Sons

Organization fanatics, rejoice. Lo & Sons’ The Rowledge has pockets galore. Pen holders, cell phone pockets, notebook compartment—every tool and trinket has a proper place. Additionally, the backpack comes with a removable organizational insert, which you can take out if you require more space. It can also transform into a briefcase by neatly tucking away the straps and carrying it by the handles. At about 3 pounds empty, I find it a tad heavy, though the padded shoulder straps do a marvelous job of distributing the weight. Even toting two laptops felt weightless.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 10.75 x 6 x 16 inches (small), 11.5 x 6.75 x 16.5 inches (large)
Weight: 2.9lbs (small), 3.2lbs (large)
Capacity: 17L (small), 21L (large)
Max Laptop Size: 12.75 inches (small), 13.5 inches (large)

~~$428~~; $321 at Lo & Sons

Quince

Best Value Backpack for Work

3. Quince Neoprene Backpack

What We Like

made of recycled materials
neoprene looks sleek and modern
roomy interior without being too bulky

What We Don’t Like

water bottle pockets are small

Quince

One problem with backpacks is that they can make you look like a tortoise. Not so with Quince’s neoprene backpack. “It feels manageable, and I was actually surprised by how small it looked on my back,” comments PureWow Vice President of News and Entertainment, Philip Mutz. “The material is water-resistant neoprene with a rubbery feel (almost like a scuba suit). There’s a seven-inch detachable zipper pouch that’s great for small items like keys, wallet etc.” With a volume of 16L, it’s on the smaller side, but don’t be fooled. The main compartment has a laptop sleeve that fits a 13-inch computer, and roomy interior for any extras, like office shoes, a book or e-reader and a lunchbox, if you’re the packed lunch type.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 17 x 11.5 x 5 inches
Weight: 1.79lbs
Capacity: 16L
Max Laptop Size: 13 inches

$100 at Quince

Fjallraven Kanken

Best Lightweight Backpack for Work

4. Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack

What We Like

super roomy
lightweight
fun colors

What We Don’t Like

thin straps can dig into shoulders when bag is heavy

Fjallraven Kanken

I’ve had the classic Kanken backpack for years now and have used it to tow everything from my laptop to many heavy cameras. The color selection is huge (53 colorways), and I opted for a yellow/orange dreamsicle rendition. The biggest pro for me is that the bag weighs nothing—less than a pound. That’s perfect because my work bag always weighs a million tons, from my computer to book, pouch of essentials and a change of shoes when I’m feeling extra indecisive. This bag doesn’t have many pockets, just a small zippered exterior one and a sleeve in the main compartment with a foam cushion. (The brand says it’s made to be sat on.) There are also two side pockets, but they don’t stretch, so you’re limited in your water bottle options. But for those who want a clamshell opening and lots of free space, you really can’t do better.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 14 x 10.8 x 4.7 inches
Weight: 0.66lb
Capacity: 16L
Max Laptop Size: 13 inches

$90 at Nordstrom

Troubadour

Best Backpack for Work for Petites

5. Troubadour Apex Backpack 3.0

What We Like

comfortable straps
won’t overwhelm petites
great pockets and storage

What We Don’t Like

rigid design makes it hard to store

Troubadour

Our tester, Sarah Wong, is 5’2’’ and told me that the Troubadour Apex didn’t feel overwhelming on her petite frame. She did concede that it does run a little big, but if you’re someone who needs absolutely everything on the go when you’re headed into the office, this is a good compromise between a proportionally correct bag and a whale-sized bag that will swallow you whole. “Overall, the backpack has a sleek, modern and unisex appearance,” Wong says. “The mixed material design gives it a balance of professional and fashionable. There are a ton of separate pockets, mostly in the main compartment. The laptop layer is also separated into two parts, which allows room for additional tablet or documents. The zippered pocket on the left strap is what I find the most remarkable design aspect of this bag, since it allows for secure storage and extremely easy access to important but frequently used items, such as car keys, phone and subway card.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions:
Weight: 2lbs 2oz
Capacity: 25L
Max Laptop Size: 17 inches

$245 at Amazon

$245 at Troubadour

Monos

Best Vegan Leather Backpack for Work

6. Monos Metro Backpack

What We Like

sleek vegan leather
detachable pouch transforms into a clutch
made from recycled materials

What We Don’t Like

no external water bottle pocket

Monos

“This is a super sleek backpack made from smooth, vegan leather fabric,” says PureWow Associate Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera, noting that the bag is chic enough to tote to work—because who wants to look like they’ve packed for the first day of third grade? “The Metro backpack is packed with tons of organizing pockets that make it so easy to grab things on the go, but its stand-out feature, in my opinion, is the detachable Metro Kit in the front that can be used as a clutch on its own,” she continues, so you don’t have to hesitate about taking it on a work trip and worrying about packing an extra handbag. “The backpack felt totally comfortable thanks to the lightly padded straps.” The 18L capacity makes an optimal mid-size backpack, with a 15-inch laptop compartment.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches
Weight: 2.4lbs
Capacity: 18L
Max Laptop Size: 15 inches

$200 at Monos

Dagne Dover

Best Neoprene Backpack for Work

7. Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack

What We Like

extra laptop sleeve
lots of handy pockets
made from recycled materials

What We Don’t Like

if you don’t need second laptop sleeve, it can does take up storage space

Dagne Dover

Dagne Dover makes *the* neoprene backpack in three sizes and ten colors. Though, commuters will want to stick with the medium or large, which accommodate 13- and 15- inch laptops, respectively. “I love the overall design. It looks like a grown-up backpack, not boring and stodgy,” says PureWow Executive Managing Editor Catrina Yohay. “I love the classic shape and smart design (lots of external and internal zipper pockets and side pockets to hold a water bottle/sunglasses/umbrella/etc.)” Yohay calls out the Dakota’s dual laptop sleeves with additional padding for maximum protection. If you often travel with more than one computer, this is incredibly useful, along with all the other organizational pockets. “This is where I think the backpack shines,” she says.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 13 inches (small), 11.5 x 5 x 17 inches (medium), 13.25 x 5.25 W x 17.5 inches (large)
Weight: 1lb 10oz (small), 2lbs 3oz (medium), 2lbs 12oz (large)
Capacity: 8L (small), 16L (medium), 20L (large)
Max Laptop Size: 13 inches (medium), 15 inches (large)

$215 at Dagne Dover

Nomatic

Best Business Travel Backpack for Work

8. Nomatic Travel Pack

What We Like

sleek, professional design
expands to 30L

What We Don’t Like

heavy

Nomatic

Our tester, Alex Ingram, used the Nomatic Travel Pack as a work bag and then toted it on a weekend trip to Philadelphia as his personal item in addition to a suitcase. “The bag shines in terms of aesthetic; it’s sleek and professional,” he tells me. “The color is beautiful and feels unique yet timeless.” The backpack has a 20L capacity but can expand to 30L. “Even when fully expanded, the bag remains stylish and never looks too bulky,” he reports. “The zippers are somewhat ‘hidden’ because it makes the bag look more polished. It’s a great bag if you travel for work and need to look buttoned up coming off a flight into the office.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: From 17.5 x 11 x 5.5-6 inches
Weight: 3.46lbs (14L), 4.16lbs (20L)
Capacity: 14L, 20L
Max Laptop Size: 17 inches

~~$300~~; $240 at Nomatic

$300 at Amazon

best backpacks for work: topo designs global travel bag

REI

Best Backpack for Work for the Frequent Flyer

9. Topo Designs Global Travel Bag 30L

What We Like

organizational mesh pockets
distributes weight well
can be carried five ways

What We Don’t Like

attracts dust particles easily

Topo Designs

Topo’s Global Travel Bag can be carried five ways: top handle, two side straps, backpack style and as a duffle. It fits a 15-inch laptop in the roomy main compartment, and our tester, Elaine Sheh, notes, “I like that there are also mesh zipper pockets to keep your small trinkets like my AirPods, keys, wallet, etc., on the side.” The design is compact, but that can come in handy. “I realized later it is more top heavy than most backpacks, which allows for the weight to be distributed more evenly,” Sheh explains. Topo’s backpack meets most airline carry-on requirements and has plenty of mesh pockets to keep your clothes organized on a short business trip.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 12.5 x 20 x 7 inches
Weight: 2lbs, 10oz
Capacity: 30L, 40L
Max Laptop Size: 15 inches

$199 at REI

$199 at Topo Designs

Chrome Industries

Best Men’s Backpack for Work

10. Chrome Camden Backpack

What We Like

comfortable straps
key holder for easy access
smooth zippers

What We Don’t Like

some find 16L too small

Chrome Industries

Chrome’s Camden backpack has my brother’s stamp of approval. His review (in typical male sparseness): “Very solid, great for work, keeps things well organized.” I can’t say my brother cares much for aesthetics, but I think the Camden is sleek and minimalist, making it a great backpack for every season. My brother added, “The padding on the straps and the back of the backpack makes it comfortable to wear and the zippers feel well made. They won’t catch on the inside and open and close seamlessly. I also found the compartments in the main pocket useful for pens and notepads. And I love the key holder on the inside; I use it all the time.” He did note that he found the 16L a tad small and would have opted for a 20L, like the Highline, instead, so keep that in mind when shopping.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 17.25 x 9.5 x 5 inches
Weight: 1.3lbs
Capacity: 16L
Max Laptop Size: 15 inches

$100 at Chrome Industries

best backpacks for work tumi just in case backpack

Neiman Marcus

Best Backpack for Work for the Light Packer

11. Tumi Just In Case Backpack

What We Like

lightweight
stylish
stain and water resistant

What We Don’t Like

no dedicated laptop sleeve

Tumi

Perhaps the work backpack really isn’t your jam, but you like the practicality of being hands-free. Tumi’s Just In Case Backpack is unassuming and polished, so slim and light you’ll probably forget it’s there. Our tester, Anna LaSita, notes: “The material doesn’t stretch, but I fit my book, sweatshirt, snacks and work laptop comfortably in the bag.” A big plus to this backpack is that it’s under a pound empty, so you can load up belongings to your heart’s content. It also folds easily, so you can store it when you’re not headed to the office. Note that there isn’t a dedicated laptop sleeve, so you might want to store yours in a case.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 15.5 x 12.3 x 4.5 inches
Weight: 0.6L
Capacity: 15L
Max Laptop Size: 13 inches

$150 at Neiman Marcus

$150 at Nordstrom

Peak Designs

Best Backpack for Work and Play

12. Peak Designs Travel Backpack

What We Like

theft deterrent zippers
compresses to 30L

What We Don’t Like

weighty

Peak Designs

Consider this the work backpack version of a “ludicrously capacious” bag. (Yes, it has room for your lunch pail.) Our tester, Tisha Tong, told me she’d never used such a thoughtfully designed backpack before. There’s a clamshell opening, though you don’t have to unzip all the way to access your belongings. In the main compartment, there are pockets galore, plus a dedicated laptop sleeve for a 15-inch computer. The official capacity is 35L but can be compressed to 30L or expanded to 45L if you need to pack an extra set of clothes for an event or gym sesh after office hours. The only downside is the backpack’s weight, but Tong says that the waist and chest strap do a great job of distributing the load, so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 9 x 22 x 13 inches
Weight: 4lbs 8oz
Capacity: 45L (fully expanded), 35L (normal), 30L (compressed)
Max Laptop Size: 15 inches

$230 at Peak Designs

Lo & Sons

Best Luxe Men’s Backpack for Work

13. Lo & Sons Hanover Supreme

What We Like

water resistant
straps have memory foam padding

What We Don’t Like

heavy

Lo & Sons

I had my youngest brother, arguably the most fashionable of all my siblings, take the Lo & Sons Hanover Supreme for a spin. The key highlights: suave (but charmingly simple) design, a key leash that prevents you from fishing around while you stand at the front door laden with groceries and memory foam padding in the shoulder straps for additional comfort. You can pack it away here, as the Hanover features a removable organizational insert with a 16-inch laptop sleeve. There are also dual interior mesh water bottle pockets and 3D front pocket with organizers to wrangle those little trinkets, from pens to charging cables.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 12.4 x 4.65 x 17 inches
Weight: 2.2lbs
Capacity:
Max Laptop Size: 16 inches

~~$268~~; $188 at Lo & Sons

Honest

Best Backpack for Working Parents

14. Honest City Backpack Diaper Bag

What We Like

unisex
insulated pocket for snacks and bottles
portable changing mat

What We Don’t Like

some buyers report faulty zippers

Honest

This polished, unisex diaper bag from Jessica Alba’s Honest brand is a must for working parents who are running between daycare, errands and the office. The backpack features a wipeable lining to make cleaning inevitable spills a breeze, plus an insulated compartment for bottles and snacks. (We won’t tattle if the snacks are really for you.) There’s plenty of storage, including five organizational pockets in the main compartment and a zippered sleeve on the back for a portable changing mat and/or your laptop.

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 17 x 15 x 18 inches
Weight: 2.75lbs
Capacity: n/a
Max Laptop Size: 15 inches

~~$150~~; $112 at Honest

Calpak

Best Backpack for Work with Widest Color Selection

15. Calpak Luka Backpack

What We Like

22 colors
separate shoe compartment and umbrella pocket
plush, scratch-resistant exterior

What We Don’t Like

can be weighty

Calpak

Calpak’s Luka backpack comes in an array of colors—22, to be exact. There are three sizes, but if you’re shopping for your commute, stick to the 15-inch and 17-inch laptop renditions. The backpack is constructed from scratch-resistant polyester and has tons of organizational pockets, including a separated shoe compartment and umbrella pocket. There’s also a trolley sleeve for those who make frequent business trips. “I’ve been through my fair share of brand name backpacks and this one tops the charts,” writes one buyer. “I’m short (5’2”) and petite and was afraid to get a huge backpack that swallowed me or was too big to lug around the airport. I went for the 15-inch and have no regrets.”

Fast Facts

Dimensions: 16 x 12 x 7 inches (15-inch), 18 x 13 x 8 inches (17-inch)
Weight: 1.8lbs (15-inch), 2.05lbs (17-inch)
Capacity: 22L (15-inch), 31L (17-inch)
Max Laptop Size: 15 inches, 17 inches

From $54 at Calpak

What to Consider When Buying a Backpack for Work

When shopping for a backpack for work, I recommend, as someone whose commute involves a lot of walking and tight spaces, you keep in mind the following: Laptop sleeve; wide, padded shoulder straps; size; organizational pockets; design and colors.

If you don’t have a laptop case, you’ll probably want to prioritize a backpack with a padded laptop sleeve for extra protection. And since tech gets heavy, I find that wide, padded shoulder straps help to more evenly distribute the weight so that nothing is digging into your shoulders. Backpacks come in various sizes, and the ones on this list will accommodate computers from 13 to 17 inches. You should also take into account your workplace environment—not every office will love your neon, boxy bag that transports your entire desk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can You Look Professional with a Backpack?

It depends on the industry you work in, but if your office is more laid-back, you can look professional with a backpack. As someone who has carried totes, purses and backpacks, my advice is to choose a backpack whose design and colors are minimal and polished. Think neutral colors, slim profiles and, if available, materials like leather. On this list, I would recommend the Tumi Just In Case Backpack ($150), Nomatic Travel Pack ($300; $240) or the Monos Metro Backpack ($200).

What Makes a Good Work Backpack?

Again, it depends on what you need, but at a minimum, you should prioritize a dedicated, padded laptop compartment unless you store your computer in a portable case. Generally, backpacks will fit up to a 17-inch laptop, but some designs will only accommodate up to 13 inches. Also take into consideration anything else you’d normally pack for the workday. If you bring lunch, a change of shoes and clothes for the gym, you’ll want a bigger backpack than someone who’s just commuting with a computer and e-reader.

Marissa Wu

SEO Editor

Writes across all verticals, including beauty, fashion, wellness, travel and entertainment, with a focus on SEO and evergreen content
Has previously worked at Popular Photography and Southern Living, with words in Martha Stewart and Forbes Vetted
Has a B.S. in journalism from Boston University

read full bio

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