Morgan Scott February 2, 2019 Work

10 Best Men’s Backpacks For Work that are Professional and Stylish

Morgan Scott February 2, 2019 Work

Editor’s Note: We have updated this list for 2021 with some new bags we think you will love. Some of our initial picks have gone out of stock so we went ahead and updated our top picks and added more budget-friendly options. We hope you enjoy the update!

In today’s world of fast paced business, having a reliable way to lug around your business essentials is more important than ever. Whether it’s during a bustling morning commute or a hectic business trip, a work backpack provides a comfortable and hands-free way to navigate a busy work day.

Many brands have begun offering modern backpacks for business professionals that rival more traditional forms of business carry. Long gone are the days of unstructured polyester backpacks that look too sloppy to wear to the office. Instead opt-in for a carefully crafted business laptop backpack made of premium materials that will look great with a suit.

Here we review our top picks for the best men’s backpacks for work that tick the boxes for both professional and stylish. More importantly, these backpacks have the features you need for comfortable business carry during your daily commute or next work trip.

Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack

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Victorinox Altmont Fliptop Professional Backpack

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Solo Thrive Backpack

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Table of Contents

Best Backpacks for Business Professionals

1. Briggs & Riley @work Medium Cargo Backpack

2. Kenneth Cole Reaction Slim Tech Leather Backpack

3. Victorinox Altmont Fliptop Professional Laptop Backpack

4. Stubble & Co The Roll Top Backpack

5. Troubadour Apex Backpack

6. Samsonite Kombi Large Backpack

7. Troubadour Ridge Backpack

8. Solo Thrive Backpack

9. Rains Backpack

10. Tumi Brief Pack

Info and Criteria

• Types of men’s work backpacks

• Criteria used for evaluation

Best Backpacks for Business Professionals

Professional backpacks for work are different from your run of the mill backpacks for school or travel. A good men’s work backpack should be functional enough for business carry while also looking like it belongs in a professional setting. This means choosing a backpack made of high grade materials with an emphasis on finer craftsmanship and design. 

Here we list our favorite men’s backpack for work that strike a balance between business functionality and mature style.

Briggs & Riley @Work Medium Cargo Backpack

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Briggs & Riley offers a true daily backpack for business professionals with their Medium Cargo backpack. The style is mature enough to blend in with more formal settings while the inside jammed packed with pockets and organizers for busy days when you need to take your work with you.

Read more about the Briggs & Riley @work Medium Cargo Backpack

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 18” x 13.5” x 8” 

• Capacity: 27.3L

• Material: 1600D Ballistic Nylon with leather accents.

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6”

The best men’s work backpack for daily carry and travel.

The Briggs & Riley @work Medium Cargo backpack is perfect for anyone who needs a versatile backpack that will look good commuting to the office or boarding a plane.

The Briggs & Riley @work series offers a few different size options for their Cargo backpacks and although the Cargo also comes in a larger size, we like the 27.3 liter capacity of the Medium Cargo backpack as an everyday backpack for work. The interior is divided into three main compartments; laptop compartment, main compartment with file pockets and the front organizer pocket for smaller items.

Available in grey or black, the 1600D ballistic nylon and leather accents give the Medium Cargo backpack a refined look that can be worn with a suit or other business attire.

More Briggs & Riley bags

Briggs & Riley Cargo Backpack Briggs & Riley Large Cargo Backpack Briggs & Riley Medium Cargo Backpack Briggs & Riley Leather Medium Backpack

Kenneth Cole Reaction Slim Tech Leather Backpack

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The Slim Tech backpack by Kenneth Cole is a beautifully crafted leather business laptop backpack that will have no problem finding its place at client meetings or busy subway commutes.

Where the backpack really shines is in it’s compartments and organizers. Everything from your laptop and tablet to your files and business cards will have a home. For a bag that can carry so much, the Kenneth Cole Slim Tech backpack is surprisingly slim and handsomely sleek.

Read more about the Kenneth Cole Slim Tech backpack

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 16.25” x 12.5” x 4.5

• Material: Full Grain Columbian Leather

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15.6” 

• TSA friendly laptop compartment that opens flat

Kenneth Cole Reaction Back-Stage Access Colombian Leather Slim Dual Compartment 16″ Laptop Business Backpack, Brown Buy on Amazon

A sophisticated leather backpack for business professionals.

The Kenneth Cole Reaction Slim Tech backpack is perfect for anyone who wants a premium work backpack with modern tech carry features such as a TSA friendly laptop compartment, separate tablet sleeve and tons of organizers for things like cables, power banks and headphones. 

Many backpacks for business professionals don’t have a well rounded approach to carry. These backpacks either don’t have enough compartments for proper tech carry or look too casual to wear to the office. The Kenneth Cole Slim Tech backpack however is incredibly office appropriate while still having the storage features we have come to expect from more casual laptop backpacks. The backpack itself is slim enough to avoid the awkward bulk that many men’s backpack have. The Columbian leather is high quality and provides the bag structure for a refined look.

Victorinox Altmont fliptop professional laptop backpack

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Although better known for their Swiss Army Knives, Victorinox has long been present in the carry space for some time now. With their Altmont series of professional backpacks, the brand has managed to bring their Swiss Army Knife multi-functionality into backpack form.

What we like most about this backpack is its spacious main compartment that opens fully to reveal two separate organizer panels. Small details such as file dividers, storage for tech cables and a separate tech compartment make the Victorinox Altmont Fliptop backpack a clear choice for those who need a handsome backpack for work without having to sacrifice function. 

Read more about the Victorinox Altmont Fliptop backpack

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 19.3” x 13” x 10.23”

• Capacity 26L

• Material: Polyester

• Weight: 2.2lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15” 

The Swiss Army Knife of work backpacks

When it comes to backpacks for business professionals, few manage to combine the functionality and style of the Victorinox Altmont Fliptop backpack. This backpack is great for anyone who wants a sleek and minimalist styled backpack to wear with everything from suits to business casual.

Those who need considerable space for their tech will love the separate laptop compartment on the back of the backpack. The compartment features both a padded sleeve for a laptop up to 15-inches and room for your tablet. Inside the main compartment you’ll find organizer pockets lining the compartment walls. These pockets are perfect for smaller tech accessories such as chargers, cables and power banks.

Like a well-designed multitool, the Victorinox Altmont Fliptop backpack is versatile enough to be used daily for busy city commutes or occasionally for air travel. Those same tech pockets can hold toiletries and at 26-liter capacity, the main compartment is large enough to store extra clothes or other travel items.

Stubble & Co The Roll Top Backpack

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The Roll Top by Stubble & Co is the perfect backpack for work commuters who are serious about having a single bag that can do it all.

Built from the ground up as a commuter backpack, the Roll Top backpack is one of the Stubble & Co’s most popular work bags thanks to its weatherproof construction, clever storage compartments and a sleek design that looks as great at the office as it does on the weekends.

Read more about the Stubble & Co Roll Top

Features at a glance: 

• Dimensions: 11” W x 17.32” H x 5.9” D

• Capacity: 20L

• Materials: 600D Recycled PET, Tarpaulin base, YKK Aquaguard zippers

• Weight: 1.98 lbs

• Laptop compartment: Up to 16”

The Stubble & Co Roll Top backpack was originally designed with cycling and outdoor use in mind thanks to its head-to-toe weather resistant construction.

The roll top design acts as a natural barrier against moisture from penetrating the inside of the main compartment. Stubble & Co has also constructed the backpack with sealed seams to act as an extra water barrier and the outside pockets are secured with YKK Aquaguard zippers for peace of mind during nasty rain showers.

As a backpack for working professionals, the Roll Top doesn’t scream “I’m a cyclist” like most other commuter backpacks. In fact, Stubble & Co does a great job at offering an understated design with a blackout color scheme and minimal branding. The recycled PET material also makes the exterior easy to wipe down so that your backpack always look fresh.

Each Roll Top backpack is equipped with an easy-access laptop compartment that can fit a laptop up to 16-inches. The roomy 20 liter main compartment is the perfect size for daily work items without making the bag too bulky. If slim and professional is what you are looking for in a work backpack, then the Roll Top may be just the ticket.

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Troubadour Apex Backpack

Troubadour

For business professionals who still want to show up in style, the minimalist design of the Troubadour Apex may be just the ticket for a polished backpack with all of the must-have features of a professional work bag. 

Inside you’ll find a main compartment that’s perfect for business cary with multiple pockets and padded sleeves for a laptop, tablet, tech accessories and personal items. Troubadour even manages to sneak in a few extra pockets for water bottles and smaller items on the outside that blend into the backpack for a sleek look. It is these details that make the Troubadour Apex such an attractive option for those looking for a reliable work backpack.

Want an even sleeker professional backpack? Troubadour offers a leather version of the Apex Backpack that is sure to turn some heads at the office.

Read more about the Troubadour Apex

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 19” x 12.5” x 6”

• Capacity 25L

• Material: Waterproof Ecoguard (recycled fabric), vegan leather trim, waterproof coil zippers,

• Weight: 2.2lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 16”

A modern professional backpack for work

The first thing you’ll notice about the Troubadour Apex backpack is its sleek minimalist design. For those who work in professional settings, the Apex is the perfect balance of stylish without being too casual for more conservative work environments. 

One of our favorite features is the slim design that prevents the bag from looking too bulky when worn. A common problem with many work backpacks is that they often stick out a little too much and give you that unfortunate turtle shell look. The Apex prevents this by giving you a streamlined silhouette without sacrificing too much on carry room.

25-liters is a sweet spot for daily carry backpacks. Inside you’ll be able to fit all of your work tech and essentials and still have room to spare for a lunch or a change of clothes.

Waterproof features for commuters

Daily commuters will enjoy the waterproof features that Troubadour builds into every Apex backpack. The Troubadour Apex is made from waterproof fabric and uses coil zippers that are set in waterproof tape to prevent moisture from penetrating the bag. The trim is also made of vegan leather – a highly water resistant material that is tactically placed on the top of the bag where rain and snow are most likely to make first contact.

The slim and professional design of the Troubadour Apex is definitely a step up style-wise from your average waterproof backpack for college or travel while still giving you the protection you need on rainy days to and from the office. This killer combo makes this backpack perfect for daily urban work commuters who need to protect their expensive tech and important work items from the elements.

Samsonite Kombi Large Backpack

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Stylish yet professional, the Samsonite Kombi Large is one of the best work and travel backpacks thanks to it’s roomy main compartment and business organization pockets. We especially love the main compartment pocket sleeves that allow for safe storage of a laptop and business files while still having extra room for personal items like a jacket or extra pair of shoes.

Read more about the Samsonite Kombi backpack

What we like most about Samsonite is that they offer backpacks similar to Tumi or Briggs & Riley but at a much more affordable price. In this regard, the Samsonite Kombi is a great value for the price. The backpack does a great job at keeping a professional look without being too boring. This is thanks to the ballistic nylon material that gives the bag its structure, keeping the Kombi looking professional when worn. The Kombi also features leather accents and tough points throughout the bag that give it a touch of sophistication.

When it comes to functionality, the Kombi Large is the perfect size for both daily work commutes or business travel. It’s not too bulky yet the main compartment is large enough for extra clothes, a pair of shoes or other items. Since the Kombi is structured, you won’t have that awkward bulk that other backpacks get when full which is perfect for business professionals who would look awkward with more casual backpacks.

The Samsonite Kombi can be broken down into two sections; the main compartment with laptop and file sleeves and the outer pockets which include a business organizer for stuff like your tablet, business cards and smaller items. The bag also includes a fleece lined accessory pocket for small items like sunglasses. 

Samsonite Kombi Small Backpack, Black/Brown Buy on Amazon Samsonite Kombi 4 Square Backpack, Black/Brown Buy on Amazon

The Samsonite Kombi series of backpacks is available in a few different sizes. We like the Kombi Large backpack as a versatile work and travel backpack but Samsonite also offers the slightly larger Kombi Square and the slimmer Kombi Small.

More Samsonite bags

Samsonite Kombi Large Backpack Samsonite Modern Utility Paracycle Backpack Samsonite Encompass Convertible Backpack Samsonite Tectonic 2 Backpack Samsonite Openroad Lady Backpack Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Slim Backpack

Troubadour Ridge Backpack

Troubadour

Troubadour offers a mature work backpack that doesn’t skimp on style with their Ridge Backpack. As a business backpack, the Ridge packs a punch with a waterproof construction, an array of pockets for organization, and dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves. All of these features are presented in a sleek and modern design that looks great dressed up or down.

Read more about the Troubadour Ridge

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 18.5” x 12” x 7”

• Capacity 25L

• 16” padded laptop compartment and separate tablet sleeve

• Waterproof fabric, lining and zippers

• Retractable bottle pockets

• Ergonomic shoulder straps and breathable back panel

• 5 Year Guarantee

A Men’s Professional Backpack for Work and Travel

The Troubadour Ridge is a great choice for those who want a waterproof business backpack for daily work commutes that will still look great at the office. At under a 25L capacity the Ridge a streamlined look while still offering enough organization for your daily essentials.

The 25L main compartment is surprisingly roomy enough to carry your business essentials, a laptop, tablet, tech accessories and even a change of clothes. For someone looking to carry their work essentials and a gym kit, the Troubadour Ridge really gets the job done.

What we love about this backpack is its amazing pocket placement. On the outside of the bag you have 3 smaller pockets all equipped with waterproof zippers. These are great spots for items like headphones, sunglasses and other things you need quick access to. Each side of the backpack also features tactfully hidden water bottle pockets that retract for a cleaner look when not in use.

On the inside of the Ridge Backpack is where some serious magic happens. You’ll be greeted with a large organization panel filled with smaller pockets for your work items. A tablet, chargers, phone and pens all have a home here.

For frequent business travelers, the Troubadour Ridge business backpack fits under many airline personal item backpack size restrictions and can easily fit under airline seats. The backpack also includes a discreet zippered pocket on the side of the bag that’s perfect for stashing a wallet, passport or other valuables when on the move.

A Business Backpack That Blends Style and Function

The Troubadour Ridge Backpack is a great option for those looking for an alternative to a briefcase or leather business backpack for work.

The design itself is a nice great mix of stylish and sleek with elements that you would normally find in a super polished business backpack such as lux fabrics, slimmer shoulder straps and handles and minimal branding. Whether you are looking for a backpack that looks good with a suit or something a bit more casual – the Ridge has you covered.

As for functionality, the sleek all-black zippers are actually highly water resistant. When paired with the waterproof exterior fabric and lining you have a the perfect work backpack for daily commutes even on days when the weather is less than perfect.

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Solo Thrive backpack

Buy on Amazon

The Solo Thrive is a large capacity backpack for those who need reliable yet affordable backpack for work. The main compartment is large enough to fit everything from books to gym clothes and the front pocket organizers are perfect for organizing smaller items. In addition, the separate padded compartment is huge and can fit a laptop up to 17.3 inches.

If you are looking for an affordable work backpack that packs some serious carry, then the Solo Thrive is for you.

Read more about the Solo Thrive backpack

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 19.5” x 15” x 8.5”

• Material: Polyester

• Weight: 2lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 17.3”

• Internal tablet pocket 

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The best professional backpack for those on a budget

Solo is known for offering some of the most affordable yet attractive men’s work backpacks on the market today. With the Thrive backpack, Solo has managed to include a ton of small carefully designed features that are usually only found in more expensive professional backpacks. 

Examples include contrasting orange liner to easily spot items in the bag. This is a key feature if you are like us and tend to lose small items in the main compartment. The bag also features a small quick-access pocket in the front of the bag that can fit small items like a phone, tickets or passport.

Combine these features with its large capacity and ergonomic back and shoulder straps, and you have an attractive work backpack that can double as a travel and weekend bag when needed. 

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Rains Backpack

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Rains offers a modern rucksack perfect for those who want a slim, sleek and simple work backpack that will look good with everything from a suit to more casual workwear.

The bag itself is made of waterproof material and even features waterproof zippers and hardware. For city commuters, the waterproof nature of the Rains backpack will be a saving grace next time there is a heavy downpour while on your way to work.

Read more about the Rains backpack

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 18.5” x 11.2” x 3.9”

• Capacity 13L

• Material: Waterproof 50% polyurethane, 50% polyester

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 13”

• Hidden outer back pocket with waterproof aqua guard coil zipper

Sometimes the best backpacks for work are the simplest

If we were to list the reasons why we love the Rains backpack, it would not be a long list of features. Instead, our love of this bag consists of things it lacks. The bag lacks exterior storage pockets. It lacks tons of interior organizers and pockets. It also lacks loud branding and design. In short, we love the Rains backpack because it’s simple.

Along with being simple, the Rains backpack pairs great with more formal work wear such as a suit jacker or dress shirt. Its slim design allows it to be worn in more formal work environments without looking out of place.

As for the technicals, the Rains backpack is made out of a waterproof material that repels water keeping your laptop and important business paperwork dry during even the heaviest of downpours. Add in slim adjustable straps and you have the perfect professional looking backpack for city commuting. 

Tumi Brief Pack

Buy on Amazon

Tumi offers a spacious backpack for those who need to take their work with them with the Brief Pack. With tons of pockets and organizers, you are bound to fit just what you need during your next work commute. Perfect for business trips and daily carry alike, the Tumi Brief Pack puts an emphasis on real world business carry with pockets for everything from laptops, paperwork, business cards and personal essentials. 

Read more about the Tumi Brief Pack

Features at a glance:

• Dimensions: 17” x 12” x 8”

• Material: Ballistic Nylon

• Weight: 3.3lbs

• Laptop Compartment: Up to 15”

A high quality business backpack for work and travel

The Tumi Brief Pack is a part of Tumi’s Alpha line of bags and backpacks which focus on professional business carry and travel. The Brief Pack comes in a variety of flavors, while the Tumi Alpha Brief Pack reviewed here is designed for everyday business carry the Tumi T-Pass Brief Pack version has more of an emphasis on business travel features such as a TSA-friendly laptop compartment. 

What we love about the Tumi Brief Pack is how it is designed as a professional backpack for work first and foremost. All versions of the bag include a roomy main compartment that can fit everything from business paperwork, books or extra clothes for the gym or light travel. Separate pockets for a laptop and tablet make accessing your tech a breeze while smaller media pockets are perfect for storing smaller accessories like chargers, cables and headphones.

What separates the Tumi Brief Pack from some of the other bags on this list is its price and quality. When it comes to pricing it’s no secret that Tumi bags are expensive. But you get what you pay for as the quality in the Tumi Brief Pack is bar none. Tumi’s use of ballistic nylon and high grade leathers makes the bag look and feel like a high quality bag. 

more Tumi bags

Tumi Sheppard Deluxe Brief Pack Tumi T-Pass Business Class Brief Pack Tumi London Roll Top Backpack

Types of men’s work backpacks

When shopping for a new men’s backpack for work you may notice that most work backpacks can be divided into three distinct flavors; tech carry, business carry and business travel. Each has their own set of special features with the most versatile backpacks sharing features with all three categories.

Tech Carry

Work backpacks with an emphasis on tech carry will have special pockets laptop, tablet and electronic accessories. Unlike other business carry and travel backpacks, tech carry backpacks may be slimmer in design and have smaller main compartments as a result. A good example of tech-focused backpacks are the Incase Icon and Troubadour Apex.

Business Carry

Backpacks with an emphasis on business carry will have larger main compartments and special pockets for things like business paperwork, binders and books while having smaller organizers for business essentials like pens and business cards. 

Business carry backpacks are designed to look professional enough to wear to the office with more formal business attire. Examples of business carry backpacks include the Kenneth Cole Reaction Slim Tech backpack or the Samsonite Kombi.

Business Travel

Business travel backpacks are professional looking backpacks that are made especially for those who travel for work. Features on business travel backpacks include larger main compartments for clothes or other personal items as well as travel specific features such as TSA friendly laptop compartment and a trolley sleeve so the bag can be attached to luggage handles. Examples of business travel backpacks include the Tumi Brief Pack and Travelpro Platinum Elite Business backpack. 

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Above we reviewed the three main types of backpacks for business professionals. Now we will go over our criteria for choosing the backpacks on the list. 

Made for business carry

The backpacks we considered must be made for business carry. Although having tech and travel features is a huge plus, there must be enough space and functionality for proper business carry such as paperwork, folders, a laptop and tablet as well as organizers for small items. 

Versatile

The perfect work backpacks should also be versatile. This means it should be able to double up as a travel bag or work to gym backpack if needed. Extra room for personal items was a must. We believe a good men’s work backpack should be more than just a glorified briefcase. 

Professional and Stylish

The best backpacks for work also look the part. This means a professional backpack should be made of high grade materials such as leather and ballistic nylon. The bag should also be well made with no fraying or poorly constructed stitching. Brands like Tumi, Briggs & Riley and Samsonite are all great examples of brands that make good quality backpacks for work that also look professional enough to wear in more formal settings. 

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