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12 Best Work Backpacks for Men
By Mark Jessen - Guide Published: , Last Updated:
When seeking out the best work backpacks for men there’s a fine line between looking like a grown man and a high-schooler. That’s why we’ve done the digging for you and compiled a list of our favourite work backpacks because whether or not you work in an office, hospitality, retail or in any number of professions, there’s bound to be a bag to meet your needs and price range. We recommend reading the sizing dimensions we’ve outlined carefully, alongside the weight and volume that are of utmost importance. Ultimately, there’s no one size fits all model so you’ll have to take all factors into consideration. Check out our list of the best work backpacks for men below.
1. Stubble & Co. Everyday Backpack
Stubble & Co. has long been a favourite brand of ours and the Everyday Backpack has proved an invaluable addition to our daily commute. Packing the same tough durability as the brand’s best-selling Roll Top, while sporting an updated minimalist aesthetic, it’s the perfect bag no matter where you’re headed. Not only does the Everyday Backpack offer up a dedicated 16-inch laptop compartment and organised interior, its weatherproof exterior—with water-resistant zips and waterproof bound seams—will keep your contents safe from the elements at all times. Simultaneously, the bag’s breathable and cushioned back panel maximises comfort, and little details like a mesh pocket on the strap for your Airpods up the convenience factor considerably. If you’re looking for an immaculately crafted larger backpack to carry all your stuff at a reasonable price, this is our pick of the bunch.
Dimensions: 300 x 460 x 140mm
Weight: 0.9kg
Volume: 20 litres
Price: from AUD$263
2. Bellroy Tokyo Totepack Compact
Bellroy is a brand we’ve come to love for their everyday carry essentials, and while this bag mightn’t be the most popular choice on the website we prefer it for its all-around attitude. Remaining stylish while offering all the features you need on a daily basis, the Toyko Totepack is a compact, streamlined pack, perfect for city workers who like a classic look and crave plenty of features. Scaled-down a size for shorter days in the modern-day hybris working environment you’ll find all the essential features inside, including; a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to a 13-inch laptop, notebook, pens, tablets and whatever else you may need for day-to-day. The vertical front pocket is great for one-handed essentials and with five colours to choose from the choice is yours.
Dimensions: 400 x 270 x 140mm
Weight: 700g
Volume: 14 litres
Price: from AUD$219
Buy Bellroy Tokyo Totepack Compact here
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3. Carl Friedrik Bowen
Of course, no list of backpacks is right without Carl Friedrik. This is our favourite of the brand if only for the quality of the Italian Vanchetta leather that’s perfect for any gent looking to make a statement. It features two main compartments with a wide zipper for accessing the main section and a separate padded laptop compartment for easy access. Every tooth of the Raccagni zippers has been individually brushed and polished before assembly. The leather front features a vertical zip pocket for frequently accessed items and inside, the backpack for work contains a zip pocket, two fabric pockets and two penholders. We love how comfortable the adjustable full-leather straps are, but all this comes at a pretty spectacular price.
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Dimensions: 390mm x 320mm x 150mm
Weight: 1.5kg
Price: from AUD$1,250
4. Topo Designs Daypack
This stylish silhouette is the ideal travel companion for work. It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re commuting through town, across campus or hitting the trail with a host of functional features we’ve come to love. The internal sleeve fits most 15-inch laptops with internal organisation panels, side water bottle pockets, an exterior pocket for quick-access items and a padded back panel for additional comfort. The 1000D Cordura exterior is durable and resilient, and the natural leather lash tabs are perfect for securing extra gear or attaching a bike light. Best of all, there’s a wide range of colours to choose from (maybe the most from any backpack on this list).
Dimensions: 482mm x 279mm x 127mm
Volume: 21.6 Litres
Price: from USD$99
5. Brooks Pickwick Patchwork
This would be our recommendation for a light backpack for those who cycle to work. We love the fact it’s made from a ripstop fabric woven using a special pattern that creates a highly reinforced material able to withstand rips and tears, it’s also waterproof and exhibits a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio. Internally, this backpack for work fits a 15-inch laptop with the organisation for small items as well as two outer pockets with two-way stretch material. Vegetable-tanned leather details and custom alloy hardware complete the look that we think is one of the best.
Dimensions: 480/550mm x 310mm x 150mm
Weight: 980 g
Volume: 12/26 litres
Price: from €280
Buy Brooks Pickwick Patchwork here
6. Bellroy Oslo Backpack
Equipped for the open road, dressed for the job. This bag has the performance you need while shifting through life’s environments with a padded internal pocket to fit a 13-inch laptop, space for all your charging accessories, a document slip large enough for an A5 notepad and quick access to storage space all around. Hidden, clean, and never in your face, Bellroy makes some of the best work backpacks in the business and the Oslo is a standout.
Dimensions: 300 x 440 x 160mm
Weight: 650g
Volume: 16 litres
Price: from AUD$179
Buy Bellroy Oslo Backpack here
7. Hex Supply Signal Backpack
Hex has a great range of bags most suitable for work, yet the Supply Signal pack stands tall thanks to its timeless design. We love the padded and faux fur lined storage compartments for a 13 or 15-inch laptop with a zippered tablet pocket on the front of the bag. The main internal storage compartment is spacious and includes an organiser for pens and cards. Supply Signal is made from canvas with genuine leather details.
Dimensions: 457mm x 330mm x 114mm
Volume: 17.25 litres
Price: from USD$90
Buy Hex Supply Signal Backpack here
8. North St Davis Daypack
Rainproof construction and attention to detail are key highlights of this daypack. Like the majority of packs on this list, the bag has a slim and lightweight hourglass design perfect for everyday use. There’s space for most 11-13-inch laptops and whatever else you need for a day at work or play. What sets North St designs apart are the upgrade options. Both front and rear internal soft Velcro rows allow for numerous accessories including organiser and laptop sleeves. The Davis Daypack is available in a wide range of colours, both standard and limited edition. Most importantly these bags are made to order.
Dimensions: 600mm x 457mm x 254mm
Weight: 540g
Volume: 20 litres
Price: from USD$140
Buy North St Davis Daypack here
9. Rains Cargo Backpack
This sleek backpack looks to take design cues from stealth fighter jets, combining a unique aesthetic with practical features to carry and protect your everyday essentials. Inside, you’ll find space for a 13-inch laptop, while the exterior is protected by Rains waterproof PU coated signature fabric. Adjustable straps aid with the fit, while the attachment points allow you to carry gear externally should you need any more space.
Dimensions: H 45 x W 26 x D 12cm / H 17.7 x W 10.2 x D 4.7 inches
Material: 100% polyester with polyurethane coating
Volume: 14 liters / 3.7 gallons
Price: from USD$220
10. Sandqvist Bernt Backpack
This water-resistant urban backpack is constructed from eco-friendly polyester and features leather details. It’s a versatile and practical bag that jumps from the office to the weekend hike with ease. The laptop compartment can fit up to 13-inch models, plus there’s the main compartment, another outer pocket for quick access, two water bottle pockets and two inner mesh pockets for valuables. Berner is available in 5 colourways.
Dimensions: 450mm x 280mm x 160mm
Volume: 20 litres
Price: from €179
Buy Sandqvist Bernt Backpack here
11. STATE Bags Kane Double Pocket
This robust utilitarian backpack has it all. The laptop sleeve fits models up to 15-inches. The extra roomy main compartment has space for all your everyday gear, gym outfit, and a change of clothes if heading to the spot straight after work. One side pocket fits a large 17oz S’well water bottle or smaller, while the front pocket is ideal for quick access to essentials. perfect for the rain, the State Kane Double Pocket is constructed with a water-resistant, rubberized fabric.
Dimensions: 17″ H x 13″ W x 6″ D
Weight: 1.37 lb
Volume: 18 litres
Price: from USD$125
Buy STATE Bags Kane Double Pocket here
12. Aer Tech Pack
The Tech Pack is designed to organise and protect all your technology essentials. It features multiple compartments and a structured body that remains upright when you set it down. The Tech Pack can hold laptops up to 15.6-inches, has a quick-access top pocket for essentials and an exterior water bottle pocket. This Aer bag features a water-resistant front, ballistic nylon sides and a padded mesh back panel for enhanced comfort and breathability.
Dimensions: 480mm x 320mm x 180mm
Weight: 1.49kg
Volume: 18.5 litres
Price: USD$210
General FAQ
The best backpacks for work include the Classic Backpack Plus from Bellroy and the Tech Pack from Aer. These two options are vastly different but offer enough in the way of storage, function and design to get you and gear around in a practical, stylish manner.
While a leather portfolio may look the part, many of us would rather the practicality of a backpack. Backpacks are accepted in most offices but don’t necessarily scream success. Unless you carry a Montblanc or Louis Vuitton, an ordinary backpack may not impress a client or boss who favours bespoke suits.
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