Traditionally, men carried briefcases to work. Nowadays, a lot of men prefer a backpack because it is practical, convenient, and can haul more things. However, not all backpacks are ideal for working professionals. Thus, it is best to opt for a product with a boardroom-friendly design.
You’ll also want to check the backpack’s construction to ensure durability. Moreover, you also need to consider the storage capacity. As much as possible, opt for a spacious backpack with numerous compartments to keep all your daily essentials organized.
Unfortunately, there are hundreds of backpacks sold on the market, and choosing the best product could take a lot of searching. To help, here is our list of the best work backpacks for men.
Briggs & Riley Kinzie Street Backpack
Founded by Richard Costa in 1993, Briggs & Riley is a US-based company that manufactures bags. This company designs its products based on real-world needs and wants, resulting in bags that are durable and functional.
The Briggs & Riley Kinzie Street may have a small and minimalist design, but it is large enough to hold your daily work essentials. This lightweight backpack is made with a Tartex fabric with a polyester coating, which is durable and moisture-resistant. It also has a mesh back padding that allows air to circulate, keeping your back cool and providing lumbar support. Best of all, it has a hidden RFID blocking security pocket to keep your credit cards secure.
JanSport Interface Backpack
JanSport began making backpacks in 1967. Today, this American brand is well-known for manufacturing simple, durable, and functional bags.
Unlike most JanSport backpacks with kid-friendly designs, the JanSport Interface Backpack has a sleek and sophisticated design, making it suitable for working professionals. It features a large laptop compartment and a front pocket with an organizer panel to keep your things safe and organized. This American made backpack is also made with durable fabric, straps, and zippers. Also, it comes in different colors and designs, so you’ll be to pick a product that matches your style and personality.
Swiss Gear Bungee Backpack
Headquartered in Switzerland, Swiss Gear is popular for manufacturing and selling bags with smart designs and superior quality. The core design components of Swiss Gear bags are style, functionality, and technology. So, it is not surprising that products from this brand are popular and highly-rated.
The Swiss Gear Bungee boasts an all-black exterior with the brand’s iconic logo, making it the perfect bag for men who are always on the go. It has a large compartment for your laptop and two small compartments that can hold your other work essentials. It also features an airflow back panel and shock-absorbing shoulder straps that provide superior comfort and support. Lastly, it is made with 900D polyester, a durable material that can handle everyday use. You can also use it as a travel backpack.
Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
Based in Canada, Herschel Supply Co. was founded by Lyndon and Jamie Cormack in 2009. This company is known for producing high-quality retro backpacks that offer modern functionality.
The Herschel Supply Co. Little America offers a perfect balance between style and functionality. It features a large main compartment with a padded and fleece-lined sleeve for your laptop. Plus, it has a front pocket for your small things. It also has an air mesh back padding and contoured shoulder straps for added comfort. Finally, it is made with 100% polyester, which is extremely durable.
If you are an active man looking for a reliable sports bag, check out our guide to the best backpacks for athletes.
Carhartt Legacy Classic Backpack
Carhartt is a popular US-based company that manufactures a variety of products, including backpacks and work clothes. This company aims to provide its customers with high-quality products, so you’re guaranteed that the bags from this company are tough and functional.
The Carhartt Legacy Classic may have a standard design, but it has a lot of great features. For one, it is built with 1200D Poly with Rain Defender, so it can keep your things dry in light rain. For storage, it has a large main compartment with a padded laptop pocket and tablet sleeve. Plus, it has two zippered pockets on the front for your small items. For optimum comfort, it has contoured shoulder straps and padded air mesh back panel.
Our guide to the top hiking backpacks features some excellent bags for outdoor adventures. Check them out.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Backpack
Based in New York, Kenneth Cole is an American fashion house that was founded in 1982. It aims to provide its customers with an array of fashion-forward products with superior craftsmanship. As such, you can expect that Kenneth Cole backpacks are stylish, functional, and durable.
The Kenneth Cole Reaction is sleek and sophisticated, so it is suitable for modern professionals. It is crafted from a luxurious cowhide Colombian leather, which is extremely durable. Moreover, it has a padded pocket for your laptop and an RFID protection pocket. Also, it features EZ-scan section that includes a full-length zipper pocket and two zippered accessory pockets. Lastly, it has an airflow back design with thick padding, which supports your back while you’re on the move.
For extremely durable options, be sure to browse our list of top-rated military backpacks.
Incase ICON Pack Backpack
Founded in 1997, Incase is an American company that manufactures and sells a variety of products, including bags, cameras, and accessories. This brand’s backpacks are made with premium materials, so they are not only functional but long-lasting as well.
In terms of durability, the Incase ICON Pack is hard to beat, thanks to its weather-resistant 70D Diamond Wire rip-stop nylon construction. This work backpack also offers numerous compartments. To be specific, it has a large main compartment for your flat documents and larger items. Plus, it has a perforated suede laptop compartment. Also, there are several zippered pouches for your tech accessories, storing your travel cameras and other small items.
Victorinox Altmont Backpack
Widely known for its pocket knives, Victorinox is a company based in Switzerland. Aside from knives, this company also manufactures high-quality watches, fragrances, and travel gear, including backpacks.
Constructed from durable polyester, the Victorinox Altmont can withstand heavy use. Plus, it can keep all your things organized, thanks to its numerous compartments. To be specific, this backpack has a main compartment with three mesh pockets and a file divider. There is also a padded rear compartment where you can store your laptop or tablet. Moreover, it also features two zip-away side pockets and two vertical-zip front storage pockets. Finally, it has a front pocket that features a file divider, two pen holders, credit card slots, a key leash, and four slip pockets.
Oakley Voyage 23l Backpack
Based in California, Oakley was founded by Jim Jannard in 1975. This company designs and manufactures lifestyle pieces and sports performance equipment, such as backpacks, watches, shoes, and other accessories.
Made from 100% polyester, the Oakley Voyage 231 has a superior build quality and rugged design. Although it doesn’t have a designated laptop compartment, it features a large main compartment. Plus, it has external pockets with ID windows and card slots. Aside from that, it comes with comfortable straps, so you can carry it without feeling fatigued. Best of all, this backpack is easy to clean because it is machine washable.
For your long running sessions, be sure to provide yourself with a reliable running backpack from our list.
Moleskine ID Backpack
Founded in 1997 by Francesco Franceschi, Moleskine is an Italian manufacturer of luxury notebooks, journals, backpacks, wallets, and various accessories. This company only uses the finest materials, ensuring you that its products have superior quality.
The Moleskine ID is the perfect blend between casual and corporate. Thus, you can use it together with a suit or casual attire. For its features, this backpack has an elastic band construction with magnetic closures. It also comes with an electronics sleeve where you can store your 13-inch laptop or tablet. Also, it features a pocket for your ID or cards, two pen holders, and an internal pocket for your small essentials.
Timbuk2 Q Backpack
Based in San Francisco, Timbuk2 was found in 1989 by Rob Honeycutt. Since its inception, this company has designed high-quality backpacks, bags, and accessories built to last.
The Timbuk2 Q is a compact backpack great for daily use. It is made with a lightweight nylon fabric, which is extremely durable. Aside from a large main compartment, it also has a padded compartment for your laptop or tablet. Also, there are several small pockets for your daily essentials, such as keys and gadgets. Finally, its ergonomic shoulder straps can provide a comfortable fit.
Thule Subterra Backpack
Thule was founded in 1942 by Erik Thulin in Sweden. This company manufactures and sells a variety of products, such as bike racks, rooftop tents, backpacks, and many more. When it comes to bags, this brand offers stylish, versatile, and durable backpacks.
The Thule Subterra is a commuter-inspired backpack made with nylon. Inside its large main compartment are a laptop sleeve and a small tablet pocket. It also has a molded SafeZone pocket that can keep your phone, glasses, or other breakables safe and intact even if the bag is thrown around. This backpack also comes with adjustable straps to secure the bag onto your body.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Headquartered in California, Peak Design was founded in 2010 by Peter Dering. This company aims to provide its customers with products that are innovative and beautifully crafted.
With its sleek and sophisticated design, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is perfect for creative and adventurous people. It is made with waterproof 400D nylon canvas shell. Its main compartment has a padded sleeve for your laptop. Plus, it has three Flexfold dividers to keep your documents or everyday gear protected and organized. Also, it has exterior and interior pockets for your small essentials, like pens and keys.
Fjallraven Raven 28 Backpack
Founded in 1960 by Ake Nordin, Fjallraven is a Swedish company specializing in outdoor equipment, including backpacks and clothes. All Fjallraven backpacks are popular for its versatility and durability.
The Fjallraven Raven 28 may have a simple design, but it is great for everyday use, thanks to its 100% polyester construction. Plus, it can keep all your things organized due to its numerous compartments. For one, its main compartment has a padded pocket for your laptop. It also has a small fleece-lined pocket with zipper for your phone and sunglasses, two side pockets for your water bottle, and a zippered front pocket. Other notable features include padded shoulder straps and a back panel that provides excellent comfort and back support.
Vaschy Leather Backpack
Based in California, Vaschy manufactures various kinds of bags, including backpacks. This brand is perfect for those who are active and casual, and it aims to provide its customers with premium quality products.
The Vaschy Leather Backpack is designed with genuine leather and canvas, which are soft, durable, breathable, and shrink-resistant. It also features a large main compartment with a padded compartment for your laptop. It also has a front pocket with leather flap, two interior pockets, and two side pockets for your daily essentials. Plus, its padded shoulder straps and back panel can provide optimum comfort.
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Nike Heritage Backpack
Headquartered in the USA, Nike is a multinational corporation that designs and manufactures footwear, apparel, bags, equipment, and accessories. Most Nike products are popular all over the world due to their top-notch quality.
With its clean design, the Nike Heritage is the perfect balance between simplicity and functionality. Plus, it is made with 100% polyester, which is a durable material. For its other features, its spacious main compartment has a laptop sleeve. Also, it has a zippered front pouch where you can store small items. Finally, its padded shoulder straps and back panel provide comfort while you carry your gear. Students can also carry it as a quality backpack for students.
eBags Professional Backpack
Based in Colorado, USA, eBags is an online retailer of handbags, backpacks, luggage, and travel accessories. Every eBags brand product incorporates thoughtful design and uncompromising quality, so it is not surprising that the products from this brand are popular and highly rated.
Built for the professionals on the go, the eBags Professional Backpack offers numerous compartments displayed across its Teflon-coated waterproof exterior. All compartments are zippered to ensure that all your things are safe and secured. Also, its main compartment has separate sleeves for your laptop and tablet. Lastly, it comes with padded air mesh back panel and adjustable straps, allowing you to carry it comfortably and with ease.
Everki Versa Backpack
Everki is a global brand based in California. It manufactures and sells stylish and innovative travel and laptop bags that address the varying needs of business professionals. All Everki products combine convenience, comfort, and durability.
If you’re searching for a product that is sleek, stylish, and functional, the Everki Versa is an excellent choice. It features a water-repellant ballistic nylon exterior with premium leather accents. Aside from that, its main compartment has a separate file divider to keep your documents neat. Plus, it has a designated compartment for your laptop. There are also two side pockets for your water bottle and other things. Lastly, it has a padded and breathable back panel that can support your back as you carry the backpack.
Wenger Ibex Backpack
Headquartered in Switzerland, Wenger offers backpacks with smart design and superior quality meant to deliver style and performance.
Constructed with 90% polyester and 10% PVC, the Wenger Ibex is big enough to hold a 17-inch laptop and durable enough to endure your day-to-day activities. It features three main compartments that provide ample space for all your belongings. It also has a Triple Protect padded compartment for your laptop and a dedicated pocket for your tablet. Furthermore, it has a front compartment with pockets and slots for your small things. For optimum comfort, this backpack comes with shock-absorbing shoulder straps. Plus, it has air-flow back padding that allows continuous air circulation, keeping your back cool.
Take a look at our selection of the most popular tactical backpacks.
Incase City Collection Backpack
Incase is an American company that manufactures high-quality products. All Incase bags are crafted using the finest materials, so they are not only functional but long-lasting as well.
The Incase City Collection is a high-security backpack with an elegant and professional design. It’s made with 500D blended weave polyester, which is extremely durable. Plus, it comes with a lot of internal pockets and compartments, including a padded sleeve for your laptop. It also has an air mesh padding on the back to keep you cool. Lastly, it has adjustable shoulder straps with air mesh padding for a customized fit and added comfort.
For more stylish products like this. be sure to browse our list of top-quality sling backpacks.
Swiss Gear 1900 Scansmart Backpack
Swiss Gear is a popular backpack brand because of its smart design and superior quality. A lot of Swiss Gear backpacks are also modish and functional.
Aside from being stylish, the Swiss Gear 1900 Scansmart can also withstand heavy use and harsh conditions, thanks to its weather-resistant 1200D ballistic polyester exterior. Moreover, it also has numerous compartments, including a laptop compartment, an accordion file folder, a floating tablet pocket, and two breathable side pockets for your umbrella or water bottle. For comfort and support, it has contoured shoulder straps with mesh fabric and a padded back panel with Airflow ventilation.
Timbuk2 Rogue Backpack
Timbuk2 is another well-recognized backpack brand because it manufactures high-quality bags meant to last for years.
The Timbuk2 Rogue is a military-inspired backpack with urban design. It features a stretchy, air mesh sleeve to keep your laptop safe and cool. It also comes with internal pockets for your pens and other work essentials. There’s also an elasticized external side pocket for your water bottle. Furthermore, it has cushy straps and ventilated back panel, which provides comfort and support. Best of all, its water-resistant TPU exterior can keep grime and water out, so don’t fear a short walk through the rain with this bag protecting your gear.