From forgetting your MetroCard, not having enough small cash, being in a cramped subway, to having sore shoulders at the end of the day, commuting to work holds different stories. It’s a lot to take in, not to mention that we have to do it every weekday. That being said, the slightest change in comfort improvement can make so much difference. One of the easiest ways to better this mundane activity is by finding the best bags for commuting to work.
A comfortable bag for commuting to work can be a lifesaver. Whether you’re taking public transportations or biking, having a bag that keeps all your essentials secure is key. Bonus points if it shows a little of your personality. Scroll down to find our choice of the best bags for commuting to work!
Riding to work? Don’t forget to keep your head safe as you ride through the hustles and bustles of the street. Check out these bike helmets under 100 for your ultimate protection. And gear yourself up with one of our best saddle bags.
How to Choose the Best Bags for Commuting to Work
If we look at a couple of years back, backpacks were still considered unprofessional. But now, it seems like practicality stands above everything else. And in recent years, we’ve seen a plethora of professional-looking backpacks and bags for work. Before you trade in your current bag—for whatever reasons—make sure that these features are equipped in your next bag.
Size and Functionality
First things first, you’re going to need a bag that will keep all your essentials safe and secure in one place. With various models and sizes are available in the market more now than ever, there’s something for everyone. The best bags for commuting to work can hold your laptop, iPad, notebooks, umbrella, water bottles, and more without being bulky. And there are plenty of choices for you out there!
Comfort
This comes as the second most important thing when you’re looking for the right bag for commuting to work. Since you’re going to spend a lot of time standing on a crowded train and perhaps walking (or running?) in heels, you really need a comfortable bag. If you’re looking for backpacks, find the ones with sufficient padding on the straps and the back. This will ensure maximum comfort as you wear them for hours. Ladies who prefer totes, you can opt for tote bags with the thicker strap as it provides better comfort on the shoulder.
Style
As professionals, what we wear is considered a reflection of who we are. That includes what type of bags we use when we show up for important meetings. That’s why finding the right bag with a proper style can be difficult sometimes. Not to mention you have to consider the other two things mentioned above. That’s why we’re helping you narrow down your best choices below!
Price
Getting what you pay for is pretty much still the rule of thumb. But then again, the most expensive item doesn’t always be the best item. There are plenty of good bags that don’t come with a disheartening price tag. And the best part is, they don’t compromise on the function as well!
Is it unprofessional to wear a backpack to work?
No. Wearing a backpack to work is now more of a practical issue rather than professionality. Since everybody knows these days we bring all kinds of odds and ends every day to work. Although note that your choice of colors, models, and styles can be off the mark sometimes. So, it’s best to choose something sleek and comes in neutral colors.
What bag should I use for work?
There are various styles of bags you can use for work. From backpacks, totes, to shoulder or messenger bags. All of these are considered professional in working places. The best bags for commuting to work can be different things for different people. So make sure you find the right fit, function, and comfort according to your own likes.
What bags should every woman have?
You should at least have three of these bags on your wardrobe; a black day bag, a go-to evening bag, and a versatile tote. These three are the most functional and needed piece of accessory you’ll need. You can always add more to the list but if you’re only starting out, find the best of these three and see how they elevate your overall style!
BOSTANTEN Leather Laptop Backpack
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This backpack is proof that fashion and function can go hand in hand. BOSTANTEN Leather Laptop Backpack is like no other best bags for commuting to work. Its dominant beige color with light brown accents is so impressive and gives off a classic vintage look.
People love how the bag comes with a separate laptop compartment for more secure storage. It’s also equipped with multiple pockets for easier organization. The back pocket is large enough to fit your iPad in. And even with all your items inside, the bag still has enough room for a lightweight sweater. Speaking of practicality, BOSTANTEN Leather Laptop Backpack manages to balance style and function very well. And we’re totally hooked!
What We Love
Stylish, functional, and practical. All the best things you can get in a laptop backpack for work!
Pros:
- Very stylish design
- Good quality leather
- Lightweight
- Equipped with multiple pockets
Cons:
- Non-functional side pocket
- Poor quality zipper
KMTOUW Women Laptop Work Tote
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KMTOUW Women Laptop Work Tote may make you think this bag costs hundreds of dollars from its look. Well, good news, the bag costs less than 50 USD! That being said, the bag offers everything you need from the best bags for commuting to work. Beyond its chic and sleek design, the bag is exceeding everyone’s expectations.
You’ll appreciate how spacious this chic tote is. From your 15-inch laptop, notebook, stationery, makeup pouch, to an umbrella; you can fit a ton in here! We absolutely love how it also comes with a longer strap so you can wear it crossbody. The sturdy handle promises a comfortable carry both by hand or over the shoulder. All in all, this lovely bag is both functional and fashionable. You better not skip it!
What We Love
A professional-looking bag that will fit all your working essentials!
Pros:
- Sturdy handle
- Comfortable to carry
- Comes with an additional longer strap
- Spacious interior
Cons:
- Durability issues
Herschell Odell Messenger
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Sometimes you just need a bag that’s not too large but still holds plenty of items. Now, that’s when Herschell Odell Messenger comes to the rescue. As one of the most popular bag manufacturers, Herschell quality is not up for debate. The brand makes some of the most comfortable, stylish, and durable bags on the market ever.
We can’t skip on the Odell Messenger as one of the best bags for commuting to work. The bag may look small, but don’t let it fool you. As much as it is a useful bag for traveling, it’s also a functional working bag. You’ll also appreciate how the bag is spacious enough without having a bulky figure. Featuring a reinforced carry handle, it’s comfortable to wear both across the body or on your shoulder. The external storage sleeve for phones allows for quick and easy access to your phone at any time possible.
What We Love
The timeless classic messenger bag is here to accompany your daily commute.
Pros:
- The total capacity of 26.5liter
- Very well-made and stylish
- Sturdy
- It keeps plenty of items without being bulky
Cons:
- The camouflage design is not for everyone
COACH Crossgrain Leather Tote
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There are many reasons why people love Coach Crossgrain Leather Tote. And it goes beyond the undeniably gorgeous design. For the most part, Crossgrain is the quintessential tote for professional women in big cities. Made of high-quality material, this bag is lightweight and comfortable to carry. The handles are long enough to carry on your shoulder but not too long to be carried by hand. All the more reasons for this tote being one of the best bags for commuting to work and also best tote bags for teachers.
You’ll find well-made, zippered pockets inside. And the outside pocket is a great bonus for when you need to put your items within quick access. Carrying a laptop with this bag may be a bit tight fit, but your Kindle or iPad will easily fit into it.
What We Love
Great multifunctional tote bag. Perfect for everyday use!
Pros:
- High-quality material
- Equipped with multiple pockets
- Flexible carry
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Doesn’t fit a laptop
Sid & Vain Leather Laptop Bag
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This leather bag is the perfect choice for anyone looking for that vintage-look bag. People love how the bag is strong and durable. Definitely will last for many years ahead with you! Not to mention how it has a premium, handsome look. On top of that, Sid & Vain Leather Laptop Bag makes a great gift idea!
It’s specifically made to fit a 15-inch laptop inside, as well as some notebooks and other office essentials you have. You’ll also appreciate the customized pockets for pens, cards, and ID equipped in the outer compartment. Not only it helps keep your things well-organized, but you also have easy access to those items. Considering its price tag, Sid & Vain Leather Laptop Bag is totally worth it.
What We Love
The premium look comes at an affordable price!
Pros:
- Made of great quality leather
- Durable
- Premium-look and well-made
- Lightweight
- Spacious and well-compartmentalized
Cons:
- Poor quality zipper
Oscaurt Laptop Backpack
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If you think a great, modern backpack costs a lot of money, think again. Oscaurt Laptop Backpack has everything it takes to be an urban backpack minus the expensive price tag. First things first, this bag is lightweight and spacious. But what makes this bag one of the best bags for commuting to work is its tech-driven design. The bag is equipped with a built-in USB port, making it easier for you in case you need to power up your devices while you’re on the move. Just make sure you got your power bank ready!
As the name suggests, the bag is equipped with a separate laptop compartment with sufficient padding. With several more compartments, it makes it easy to organize all your items. Overall, this bag is well-though thorough and is up to the job.
What We Love
Excellent heavy-duty backpack without having to break the bank.
Pros:
- Equipped with built-in USD port
- Water-resistant
- Very affordable
- Lightweight
- Slim design
Cons:
- Durability issues
- Hard to clean
NOMATIC Backpack
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For what it’s worth, the NOMATIC Backpack is meant to take a beating during your daily use. Its interior compartments are truly nothing like other best bags for commuting to work. With a total of 40 liters of storage, the spaces and pockets somehow make the bag highly customizable. You can carry the bag in two innovative ways; on your back or in your hand. Getting it real as a duffle bag!
The bag has a sleek finish with its waterproof exterior. You’ll appreciate how the straps are very-well padded and firm, providing maximum comfort throughout the day. The decent straps also allow for evenly distributed weight as well as maintaining its shape without sagging.
Nomatic is keeping busy, forward-looking professionals in mind when they made the bag. It’s made ready for anything that comes your way. Nomatic Backpack is also perfect for traveling, with over 20 features you don’t always find in any other bags. Including a shoe compartment, laundry bag, and RFID pocket.
What We Love
It goes beyond the bare minimum and offers a fantastic user experience.
Pros:
- A total of 40 liters of storage
- Versatile options to carry
- Equipped with an RFID safe pocket
- Waterproof exterior
- Firm and padded straps
Cons:
- Some users mentioned the bag is heavy even empty
Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote
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As we narrow down the top choices, we can’t miss out on Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote. This tote is the very definition of a useful everyday tote for professionals. It’s lightweight, roomy, and durable.
Considering its extremely affordable price tag, you may think twice before purchasing since you know what they say, you get what you pay for. But this tote has been constantly exceeding everyone’s expectations. With thousands of reviews and ratings, there is a large pool of people being satisfied with the bag, particularly because it works as advertised.
One thing you’ll love is how even the strap is thin, it doesn’t dig into your shoulder. And you know how much of a deal-breaker that is for totes, right? All in all, this is a great simple day bag for professional women.
What We Love
Does the job well and very affordable!
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Roomy
- Multi-functional use
- Durable and well-made
- A wide array of color choices
Cons:
- Some users complained about an unpleasant odor
NUBILY Laptop Bag for Women
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Not only NUBILY Laptop Bag for Women is meant to hold your laptop, but the bag also holds a lot more! With different compartments for different belongings, organizing your items is now easy and quick. Even with plenty of items inside, you won’t feel the weight with the crossbody strap. Another reason why it’s one of the best bags for commuting to work.
This is a perfect bag to substitute your chunky backpack. And just right for the days when you want to tweak your overall style a little chicer than usual. With 10 different choices of colors, there’s something for everyone. Overall, this bag is the ultimate carry-all for your daily use.
What We Love
The perfect laptop bag for anyone who loves to keep things light and breezy.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Waterproof
- Different compartments for different items
- Durable
- Comfortable to use for long hours
Cons:
- You may be welcomed with a strange odor as you open the package
- The main compartment doesn’t close completely even after you zip it close
TIMBUK2 Foundry Backpack
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TIMBUK2 has been around for years, manufacturing highly-functional and sleek design bags for travelers and professionals alike. The thing about their bags is they’re meant to be versatile and comes with an all-around smart design. Just like this charming Foundry Backpack. It’s simple yet durable and made of high-quality water-resistant canvas. The bag surely keeps drizzles away from your items inside.
If you love to keep your belongings tidy, this is the perfect bag for you. Its interior is equipped with incredible organizers. And although the side pocket can be a challenge to unzip sometimes, it’s a very secure part to place the items you need during the day. Such as mobile chargers, cables, and more.
What We Love
Perfect for anyone living in areas where they find themselves often caught in rain showers.
Pros:
- Water-resistant
- Made of high-quality canvas
- Well-constructed
- Worth the price
Cons:
- The zipper on the outside pocket is hard to unzip
Fjallraven Raven 20 Backpack
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Fjallraven Raven 20 Backpack costs a couple of bucks more than other best bags for commuting to work. But we promise you, this bag is definitely worth every penny. It’s simply a great compact backpack that’s meant for commuters without being age-inappropriate. It’s comfortable, comes in a unisex design, holds a lot, and is suitable to be worn for business. If you have been hunting for that kind of bag, you’ve found your match.
Equipped with a separate laptop sleeve, Fjallraven Raven easily holds a 15-inch laptop. The interior is well-compartmentalized and anyone who loves to keep their items organized will absolutely be over the moon. As if it can’t be any better than that, the bag is also equipped with side pockets for your water bottle.
The exterior is designed to make it more durable than it looks. The bag is not water-resistant but it would definitely survive a little drizzle without getting your items damp. You’ll love how the well-padded straps are meant to keep yourself comfortable. Even if you have to wear it for long hours!
What We Love
The bag ticks all the boxes; everything you need in comfortable bags for commuting, Fjallraven Raven has it all!
Pros:
- Great design
- Comfortable and sturdy
- Extensive padding on the straps
- Equipped with side pockets for water bottles
Cons:
- The bag doesn’t stand upstraight on its own
Cote&Ciel Isar Ecoyarn Medium Backpack
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You won’t find a backpack with this design anywhere else in the world and we can assure you that. Cote&Ciel Isar Ecoyarn Medium Backpack goes beyond the boxy backpack normative and taking it to another level, and of course, without compromising on its function. In fact, it sets the bar high in both style and function.
Available in medium and large sizes, going for the medium backpack is enough for your daily commute. With such a unique design, the bag comes with a padded and zippered laptop compartment. You may be confused at first since you’re not used to the novel design. But the more you explore the bag, the more pleasant it gets. As you discover more details, compartments, hidden pockets, and more, you’ll be very happy with the money that you spent on it.
What We Love
Part backpack, part a piece of art. Whether you’re in for the design or the function, both are equally satisfying.
Pros:
- Very unique design
- Weatherproof exterior
- Zippered and padded laptop compartment
- Great quality material
- Comfortable to use
Cons:
- This bag is maybe too bulky for some people
UTO Women Backpack Purse
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Everybody loves a practical and stylish bag, and that’s what UTO Women Backpack Purse offers. For less than 50 USD, you’re getting yourself a well-made and water-resistant leather backpack. One that is very easy to clean!
Now, let’s talk about its pockets and compartments. First of all, there are plenty and they all allow you to be very organized with your items. The bag is equipped with pockets both on the inside and outside. Note that it’s a very spacious backpack, it fits a 13-inch laptop and more. Plus, this bag offers flexible carrying options; on your back, shoulder, or just carry it by hand.
While most leather items usually need high-maintenance care, this bag care-routine is just as simple as it gets. Even if you happen to catch a drizzle, you can just wipe it off with a piece of cloth. UTO Women Backpack Purse comes in a wide range of colors. You’ll easily find the one that best describes your personality.
What We Love
Truly a definition of a practical and stylish backpack.
Pros:
- Soft leather material and luxurious looking
- Water-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Equipped with plenty of pockets, including on the sides
- Features a high-quality zipper
Cons:
- It’s a bit heavier than most of the best bags for commuting to work we have on this list
