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

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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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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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.