We spoke with Burr and Cassandra Sethi of Next Level Wardrobe for buying considerations and researched the most comfortable, durable, and functional designs for the workplace. Our top pick is the Rains Backpack, a fully waterproof carrier with a classy, minimalist silhouette. Here are the best backpacks for work. It’s got one main compartment and a laptop sleeve that fits computers or tablets up to 15 inches (and potentially larger), plus one internal and one external zipper pocket. This satchel doesn’t have a water bottle sleeve, but there’s enough room to fit one in the main compartment. Like most Rains products, it’s waterproof with a water column pressure of 8,000 millimeters, which means the thermoplastic-coated fabric could be submerged in 8 millimeters of liquid before anything seeps through. The urban-Scandinavian design features unisex sophistication and is available in several versatile hues ranging from black to taupe to deep olive. We wish it were a little more affordable, but this is a quality option for work—and it comes with a two-year warranty. This carrier has a padded sleeve for laptops up to 17 inches and a main compartment, plus multiple zipper pockets, two side pouches for water bottles or umbrellas, and several smaller pockets for objects like pens and keys. In total, you have 18 pockets to work with for all your items. This backpack also has a media organizer with a designated phone pocket and a USB port for convenient charging on the go—but you have to supply the power bank. Measuring 11.4 inches long by 6.6 inches deep by 15.9 inches tall, this carrier has an 18-liter capacity for a decently roomy but streamlined look. It’s got a clamshell-style main compartment that opens entirely and lays flat like a suitcase, a 15-inch laptop sleeve, multiple internal pockets, and a snap-on front pouch. The slim profile doesn’t come with dedicated water bottle pockets. However, the Metro also has a trolley sleeve on the back, making it easy to slide onto the handle of a suitcase when traveling. This satchel is made of vegan leather and has a wipeable polyester lining. We wish it came in more colors, but the black hue is endlessly chic and versatile. And while there’s no designated laptop sleeve, you have plenty of room to fit your device, plus there are seven other pockets for organizing other personal items. This pack has several other pockets and pouches, including internal and external water bottle sleeves and two zipper pouches. The recycled polyester material may wrinkle when it’s not full of your belongings, but we appreciate that it’s water-resistant and sustainable. Padded shoulder straps make the Carry All comfortable on your back, and you can slide it onto your suitcase with the trolley sleeve for easy rolling. This handsome backpack is made of heavy-duty twill nylon and features a thermoplastic water-resistant coating. The price is undoubtedly steep, but you can count on long-lasting quality. Plus, July backs it with a five-year warranty. This durable option measures 14 inches long by 6 inches deep by 15 inches tall and offers 20.6 liters of space for your work gear. While it doesn’t have a laptop sleeve, there’s plenty of room to stash your device in the spacious main compartment. The Aven also offers plenty of small-item storage, with front and back zipper pockets, bottle pouches on each side, multiple interior pockets, and a key clip. While this bag requires a bit of an investment for its durability and style, it comes with two-year warranty protection. The medium is 11.5 inches long by 5 inches wide by 17 inches tall with a 16-liter capacity that fits most 13-inch laptops, but this bag also comes in a small size (8 liters) and a larger option (20 liters). We wish the price were a bit more accessible. Still, this modern neoprene carrier checks all the boxes: a multifunctional design, a weather-ready exterior, a professional appearance, and a cool factor to boot. This pack measures 11.5 inches long by 5.5 inches deep by 16.25 inches tall and has a 17.5-liter capacity. While the pocket options aren’t as generous as some backpacks, under the dual-buckled front flap are a spacious main compartment, a 16-inch laptop sleeve, a hidden storage sleeve, a mesh pouch, and a key clip. Plus, you get two water bottle pockets on each side. The Survey II also has a reinforced base, allowing it to sit upright on flat surfaces. It’s not inexpensive, but the lifetime warranty can give you peace of mind about your purchase. For more versatility, Burr suggests something that can convert from a backpack into a shoulder bag and/or tote. Sethi recommends a functional design that also looks put together.
Size
First and foremost, Sethi says, “It needs to have enough space for all your belongings.” To figure out what size you need, she and Burr suggest thinking about what you plan to put in your backpack, whether it’s a laptop, a tablet, a notebook, cords, files, or a packed lunch. And from a stylist’s standpoint, Burr recommends choosing “one that balances nicely with your height and build.”
Durability
As with any item you use or wear every day (or at least five days a week), durability is key. Ideally, your work backpack will be water-resistant, if not entirely waterproof. Even if you don’t live in a particularly rainy climate, this fabric treatment makes it easier to wipe clean, so you won’t have to worry about setting your pack down on the ground or spilling something on it. Other than that, a sturdy design is crucial. Top features include reinforced seams, reliable zippers, tear-resistant straps, and heavy-duty materials. That said, you can expect to pay a bit of a premium for a more durable design.
Why Trust The Spruce?
Theresa Holland is a freelance writer and product tester specializing in accessories, luggage, and work essentials. She has personally owned bags from Herschel, July, Monos, Dagne Dover, and July. In addition to The Spruce, she contributes to Travel + Leisure, People, Byrdie, and MyDomaine. However, if you drive to work and your backpack spends close to zero time outside or on the floor, it may not need to be cleaned as often—two to four times a year may suffice. In any case, you’re wise to wipe your bag down regularly with a sanitizing solution. For this article, Theresa interviewed personal stylists Ginger Burr of Total Image Consultants and Cassandra Sethi of Next Level Wardrobe, who offered backpack recommendations and buying tips. She then considered a plethora of designs from various brands and selected backpacks that stood out in terms of appearance, durability, compartments, and capacity.
