Sure, we all know what wardrobe essentials for work professional women are supposed to have in their closets, but if you’re buying one for the first time or replacing one you’ve worn into the ground, it can be a pain to find exactly the right incarnation in stores. In “The Hunt,” we search the stores for a basic item that every woman should have.
It’s been far too long since we talked about backpacks for work — so let’s discuss! If you’re in the market for a backpack for work, how important is style versus function for you — will you only accept a stylish backpack for work, or do you need a rugged, waterproof bag to trek your extra large laptop on your bike commute? Are you forever on the hunt for a great convertible backpack, that can be worn as an ergonomic, hands-free friendly backpack when you’re on the go but looks like a purse, tote, or briefcase when you’re walking into your meeting? To what extent do you feel like, as a professional, you need to separate yourself from school backpacks as well as trendy, it-girl backpacks? Do you want something minimal and affordable — or loaded up with pockets and the best materials you can find?
There are a TON of options for stylish backpacks for work — we’re picturing some of the classic Hall of Fame styles at top, as well as featuring a few particular women’s backpacks we’ve found. We also rounded up options for waterproof backpacks, laptop backpacks, and backpacks under $100!
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- Hall of Famers (specific styles that have stood the test of time): Tumi, MZ Wallace (quilted, bepocketed), Marc Jacobs, Rebecca Minkoff, Knomo
- Usual Suspects (reliable brands or stores to check first): Tumi, MZ Wallace, Lo & Sons, Cuyana, Everlane, Knomo, Herschel, Victorinox
- Under $100: Everlane, Herschel, New Day (nylon, faux leather, laptop), Lands End (nylon, canvas, waxed), Vera Bradley, Baggu,
- Waterproof: RAINS, Lands’ End,
- Convertible backpacks: AllSaints, Lo & Sons, Cuyana, Mark & Graham
- Laptop backpacks (13″ or up): Knomo, Lo & Sons, Tumi, New Day, Dagne Dover, MZ Wallace, RAINS,
- Laptop backpacks (15″+): Cuyana, Kenneth Cole
I always love nylon for backpacks because the bag is so lightweight! This $29 super affordable square backpack from Target’s New Day line comes in a number of fun colors (love the burgundy!), and, at 15″ x 12″ x 6.5,” it’s big enough for a bunch of work papers, personal belongings, and a small laptop or tablet. I even like the top handle, making it easy to grab and go (and a nice option if you don’t want to walk into your meeting wearing a backpack). The brand also offers a faux leather option and a laptop backpack in the same price range.
RAINS is a newish line to me, but they have a number of waterproof bags that look very minimal and sleek, as well as affordable. (Not pictured, but I kind of really love this holographic version.) The pictured backpack ($110) is large enough to hold your 13″ laptop, and features a clip flap and magnetic-snap closure.
Readers turned me on to the Knomo line years ago, and their bags look just as perfect now as they did years ago if you’re looking for something that’s sleek and polished with thoughtful features from a company known for quality. This backpack features a laptop compartment with shockproof padded protection, an ergonomic padded back-panel, and a ton of pockets inside and out. I like the bright red lining. The pictured bag is $179.
One of Lo & Sons’ newer offerings is this lovely backpack — as usual, it’s got a ton of thoughtful features that set it apart from the pack, like a travel sleeve that can also be used to tuck away the backpack sleeves if you’re carrying it like a top-handle tote. It has the brand’s signature lavender lining, metal feet on the bottom, a key leash, and an outside pocket for a water bottle. It’s $375, and fits up to 13″ and 14″ laptops (you can check compatibility on the site.)
This AllSaints backpack isn’t the roomiest or sleekest, but it’s my personal choice for when I’m schlepping around enough that I want to wear a backpack because, in my humble opinion, it looks the most like a regular hobo bag when you’re not wearing it on your back, and looks nice either in the crook of your arm or on your shoulder. The pebbled leather is soft but durable, and I like the side pocket and tassels hanging from the hardware. It’s $398 at Nordstrom, Bloomingdale’s and AllSaints; they also make a smaller option.
Readers love their Cuyana totes, so I thought I’d take a swing by the website to see if they offer a backpack — and indeed they do. This convertible satchel comes in a 13″ and 15″ version (the 15″ is pictured), and it converts from a backpack, to a crossbody, to a top handle bag. The interior sleeve fits a 15″ laptop, which is bigger than a lot of the ones featured today. I wish it had a better bottom for standing up by itself (not only is the bottom rounded, but it doesn’t have feet), but I think it’s an interesting new addition to the backpack for work game. Jemma’s Poppins bag, as well as Senreve’s backpack, have a similar tote feel. (Cuyana also offers a sleeker leather backpack with a top handle.) The convertible satchel backpack is $425-$445, at Cuyana.
Readers, which are your favorite backpacks for work — which are stylish enough to look nice with your workwear? Which are large enough to hold all your stuff? What thoughtful design details do you appreciate the most?
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BabyAssociate
I have a bag very similar to the Target one pictured that I got in a pinch when travelling. It’s really nice, but does not have an interior sleeve for a laptop. I have two Tumi backpacks and I will admit do live up the the hype/price.
Ellen
Dad wants me to get a bullet proof backpack to protect me on the subway and on the NYC streets, given the number of crazies out there with guns and knifes. I do know that it won’t be 100% effective, but at least my hands would be free, and I could lock it so that people wont be able to stick their hands in and get my personal stuff when my back is turned. Does the HIVE know where we can get stylish versions of these? Dad says he is not opposed to fashion, but wants safety too. If anyone has bought one, please tell Corporete so we can compare and comment, as appropriate. Thank you!
Anonymous
I love backpacks. I have the large leather backpack from Cuyana (not the one pictured). It holds my MacBook and a bunch of other stuff. I get so many compliments on it. It’s been really durable a year in. Only negative is that the top isn’t very secure. If I’m traveling, I use my Tumis. I like the nylon one because it’s so light weight. The coated canvas one is good for if it’s raining but it’s a tad heavier. Those are going on pretty frequent wear over five years now. For casual wear, I have an MZ Wallce one. Also very smartly designed pockets. Don’t think it would take the day in and day out weight of all of my workstuff though like a Tumi.
Manhattanite
I just started using a backpack again for work. I’m using an old eBags nylon backpack that isn’t made anymore, but is just big enough for my 14 inch laptop and a couple of notebooks. I commute by subway and it’s so much better on my shoulders using the backpack than a tote bag.
Allison
Two Canadian brands make great work backpacks. Matt and Nat and Poppy Barley. I’ve had Matt and Nat’s Fabi bag for years and it really hits all the important details… laptop sleeve, sleek looking but big enough for work stuff plus a lunch container, good price point.
anon a mouse
Would love suggestions for a backpack that can hold a 13″ laptop and has an external pocket for a water bottle — the water bottle pocket seems to be hard to find, but I don’t want a water bottle in the same compartment as my computer.
Anonymous
MZ Wallace Metro. I can fit a water bottle on either side pocket.
VeganJo
All my Tumi bags have always had thoughtful and ultra-functional water bottle pockets. I’m a believer.
CHL
I love my Everlane backpack. Simple, inexpensive and good quality. I always have people ask me where I got it and I feel totally comfortable bringing it to a business setting.
anon
I love the Knomo backpack but can’t justify the cost, considering I have a Knomo computer bag already. The quality and details are impeccable.
Zaeobi
I guess you can think of it more as justifying the investment in your shoulders & back (by carrying something that better distributes the weight there, instead of a bag that only goes on one side of your body)?
J.J.
I have the Knomo beauchamp mentioned above. With great organization and the perfect number of pockets, it is perfect for conferences and travel but I don’t feel quite as professional when I wear it. Another great backpack is Rebecca Minkoff Julian. This has basically replaced a purse for me. I have one in black and one in an almond color. The regular size is roomy enough for work and easily holds a small tablet, books, and other odds and ends but won’t fit a laptop or file folder.
Kelly
After 20+ years of professional travel, I converted to the Lo & Sons bags – the OMG in particular, about 5 years ago. I recently bought their new backpack model (convertible to a satchel) and love it. It’s not quite as roomy as the OMG but has lots of useful pockets including for exterior water bottles, fits my full-size laptop and iPad and a number of red wells, and slides over the top of my suitcase.
Daisy
I just commented elsewhere today that I love my Briggs & Riley backpack for work. It looks polished and intentional, very much a work bag and not just a casual backpack, which makes me feel comfortable carrying it to the office.
HD
I have and love the Lo & Sons Hanover Deluxe. The water bottle pockets on the outside and inside are perfect. It’s lightweight and well-organized. Highly recommend!!
Emma
I just got the Lo & Sons bag and have used it one trip. Its a great travel bag and fits a lot of stuff in it. I really like the separate laptop zipper and that you can tuck the backpack straps away to look like a tote (although I wish the tote handles were large enough to go over a shoulder). It also has water bottle holders on the sides that zip up to be sleeker if you’re not using them. I got it on sale for $300, so maybe wait until they have another sale if you want to buy one.
VeganJo
Tumi all the way. Durable, thoughtfully designed, good looking, not overwhelming on my frame, holds everything. I went crazy when I started walking a lot more for work about 5 years ago and so now I have a backpack, a tote, a crossbody, a wallet, and they’ve all held up super well all this time. Highly recommend.
shortperson
i have the aer fitpack 2 because it has a separate pocket for gym clothes and a bottom pocket for shoes but looks passable for work/court/etc.
Zaeobi
Just chipping in to mention that Briggs & Riley have some rather sleek but practical backpacks that come with a lifetime guarantee. May be worth it for those of us who don’t want to go through a research ordeal every time their backpack needs replacing.