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From dressy picks that would look great with a suit to everyday schleppers, these are the best backpacks for work commutes.
Rebecca Strong
Around a year ago, it dawned on me that my work bag of choice might be to blame for my embarrasisingly poor posture. Carrying the weight of all my belongings on one shoulder day in and day out had taken quite a toll — and I even started to experience neck and back pain as a result. I eventually switched to a backpack — which distributes that weight more evenly across my body — and never looked back. Since then, I've been on a quest to find the best backpacks for work.
There's no doubt that a backpack is the most efficient and comfortable to tote your essentials to and from the office. But not all backpacks are suitable for work. Obviously, at a bare minimum, it has to be big enough to fit a laptop, lunch, wallet, phone — but slender enough that you aren't going to take someone out when you weave in and out of people on a busy street or subway car. Ideally, there should also be a pocket for smaller items like pens, and chargers.
On my search for backpacks that check all of these boxes, I tested a handful of popular styles. My favorites fused comfort, style, durability, and functionality — an impressive feat.
Best overall: Troubadour Pioneer 3.0
Rebecca Strong
Standout features: It couldn't be easier to keep all your work essentials organized in the Pioneer 3.0, thanks to the dedicated tech compartment, lockable main compartment for valuables, and thoughtfully designed pockets for pens, power banks, and water bottles.
Laptop compartment: Cushioned tech section to protect your laptop or tablet, fits up to a 17" laptop
Troubadour really has thought of everything in constructing this durable, functional backpack. Firstly, it's constructed with lightweight, waterproof fabric spun from recycled plastic bottles — and even the zippers are waterproof, meaning I never have to worry about my gear getting wet on a rainy commute.
Not only that, but everything is designed with easy access in mind: for example, the shoulder strap pocket allows me to quickly grab my phone or keys, and the dual elasticated 1-litre bottle holders make it simple to hydrate in a cinch.
Most importantly, though, what I appreciate about the Pioneer 3.0 is that I have peace of mind my devices and other valuables are protected. The tech section is engineered with protective cushioning to safeguard my laptop from damage, and the lockable main compartment (where I stash my wallet) even features an AirTag pocket just in case I misplace my bag.
The reason the Pioneer 3.0 tops this list, though, is because, in addition to functionality, it also promises comfort — which is crucial when I'm toting it to and from the office every single day. The ergonomic design includes sculpted and padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel. Did I mention that it looks sleek as heck, and maintains its shape no matter how little or how much I'm storing inside it?
By the way — Troubadour is so confident in the quality of this backpack that they offer a five-year guarantee, meaning they'll repair anything that goes wrong within that time frame.
Best budget: YALUNDISI Vintage Backpack
Rebecca Strong
Standout features: The exterior USB charger and interior charging cable on this backpack ensure you'll never lose access to your devices — while the many pockets make it easy to find your water bottle, wallet, compact umbrella, pens, key fob, and other essentials.
Laptop compartment: Separate laptop sleeve fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop
I'll admit I was a bit skeptical about how well-made a backpack could possibly be with a price tag of $35.99. But the YALUNDSI Vintage Backpack has garnered thousands of five-star reviews, and now I see why. It's lightweight, looks and feels surprisingly high quality, and the padded shoulder straps are pretty comfortable.
Thanks to the many different pockets and storage compartments, I've also never had trouble finding any of my belongings in this backpack. That includes two side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas; a front zipper pocket for my wallet, keys, and other items I don't feel like digging for (with an added flap for security); a roomy main compartment for my lunch, planner, and light jacket; and the dedicated laptop compartment.
One distinguishing feature of this backpack is the built-in USB charging port and cable. It's important to clarify that the backpack itself doesn't actually power your devices — but the port does allow you to store the charging brick inside while still making the phone easily accessible in the side pocket.
The only con? The exterior nylon material is not fully waterproof. It can stand up to a light drizzle, but I wouldn't reach for this backpack when it's downpouring — especially if I'm bringing my laptop or tablet with me.
Most spacious: BÉIS The Backpack
Rebecca Strong
Standout features: With the largest capacity on this list, it can fit everything you need and more while still feeling comfortable on your shoulders.
Laptop compartment: Padded laptop compartment fits up to a 15" laptop
I bought this backpack about a year ago before a trip to Grenada, and despite lugging it to and from the library, work, and on flights numerous times since then, it's held up remarkably well. It has one of the larger capacities of the backpacks on this list, and to that end, I'm constantly amazed by just how much I can stuff in here — an entire outfit change, a meal, and so much more. This backpack comes in eight different colors, but since I travel a lot (and conveniently it comes with a luggage sleeve) I bought the black so it's less likely to show stains. That said, the sturdy canvas material is super easy to spot clean.
As for the storage features, the BÉIS backpack has two side slip pockets for water bottles and other knick-knacks I need at the ready, an interior and exterior zip pocket, and a padded tech pocket. I love that it has a two-way full-zip around closure, and the padded straps have been much appreciated while I'm hustling around on a stressful work day.
Honestly, my only issue with this backpack is that sometimes the adjustable straps don't stay at the adjusted length and slide around a bit. But I'm willing to put up with this small annoyance since this backpack is so comfortable, durable, and versatile.
Best stylish: Dagne Dover Dakota Large Backpack
Rebecca Strong
Standout features: In addition to a roomy main compartment, this waterproof backpack also offers uniquely handy features like a separate zippered shoe bag, a dedicated tablet compartment, and a hidden pocket for valuables.
Laptop compartment: Exterior laptop sleeve zips shut and fits most 16" laptops
After I kept spotting this trendy backpack all over Instagram, I decided to see whether the influencer-favorite piece lived up to the hype. Now I totally get why Dagne Dover — a female-founded brand — has amassed a cult following.
The Dakota backpack comes in ten different eye-catching colorways, from muted taupe and heathered gray to rich olive green and neutral blush. Beyond the style factor, though, this backpack also boasts a waterproof neoprene exterior and is loaded with storage options, from the dedicated zip-closure laptop pocket and tablet sleeve, a hidden pocket for valuables, and — wait for it — a separate shoe bag for those necessary after-work footwear changes (IYKYK). I love that the main compartment is spacious enough to fit a whole outfit, too, in case I'm headed to the gym or happy hour drinks after I leave the office.
Also worth noting: The adjustable, padded straps never dig into my shoulders, and the luggage-handle sleeve makes this backpack versatile enough for travel, too.
Standout features: A premium full-grain leather construction, soft microfiber lining, built-in separate tablet pocket, and removable magnetic pouches (to store chargers and other essentials) make this backpack just as practical as it is stylish.
Laptop compartment: Padded laptop compartment fits most 13-16" laptops
This is the Rolls-Royce of backpacks. It's handmade by expert craftsmen in Spain with buttery premium full-grain leather that only looks better with age and even features aviation-grade aluminum buckles. But there's more than meets the eye here: There's a laptop compartment that's padded for maximum protection, a built-in tablet pocket that fits up to an iPad Pro 12.9" with the keyboard attached, a water bottle pocket, and even a special stylus holder. The luggage sleeve allows for easy attachment to a suitcase handle while traveling, and the sternum strap ensures that the weight is evenly distributed while I'm wearing it.
The Harber London backpack comes in three timeless shades: black, tan, and deep brown — and it also comes with two different insert options depending on your needs. The Tech Dopp insert features dedicated slots for cords, and is perfect for storing a Bluetooth or USB mouse, chargers, AirPods, notepads, and pens. The Nomad insert, meanwhile, can store an iPad mini or Kindle, smartphone, business cards and credit cards, notepads, and pens.
All in all, this backpack may come with a heftier investment, but it's built to last — and Harber London offers a one-year warranty. I can't count how many compliments I've received when toting this backpack on the train.
Best minimalist: Parker Clay Miramar Backpack
Rebecca Strong
Standout features: Despite the slender profile, this high-quality sustainable leather backpack fits all the basic work essentials — and features an exterior zip pocket for any items you need easy access to.
Laptop compartment: Fits up to a 13" laptop or tablet.
I felt like Mary Poppins the first time I sported this sleek leather backpack. While it may look like it has a slim profile, it surprisingly fits all my must-haves: including my 13" Macbook Air, wallet, sweater, sunnies, charger, and snacks. The Miramar doesn't have tons of pockets, but there's beauty in its minimalism. Whereas most backpacks can look (and feel) bulky, I was able to navigate city crowds with ease while sporting the Miramar.
Parker Clay is a certified B-Corp, and I've been a fan for a while not only because of its products' beautiful craftsmanship but also because of the positive impact the brand is committed to making. Parker Clay bags are made with sustainably sourced leather in Ethiopia, where they hire at-risk women, pay them fair living wages, and provide them with benefits (including paid maternity leave), and healthy subsidized meals – along with skills training, career advancement, and financial literacy opportunities.
The Miramar features adjustable straps for a flawless fit — and thanks to the top handle, it can double as a tote bag, too. And from an aesthetic standpoint, I love the way the natural brass zippers complement the warm rust-brown leather. Keep in mind, though, that since this backpack is unlined, you'll probably want to store your laptop or tablet in a padded case.
