Back in the days, men carried a briefcase to work. Besides its function, a briefcase somewhat served as a form of a statement. It showcased one’s importance and exclusivity in the business world. It still does, however, in a fast-paced world such as these days, a briefcase has become less efficient. So, men started to turn into a more practical option: a backpack. Now, the question is, can we combine the exclusivity of a briefcase with the practicality of a backpack? Well, yes! With these men’s backpack for work, you will get the best of both worlds!
How To Choose The Best Men’s Backpack For Work
To get the best of both worlds, you need a backpack that doesn’t just serve as a rucksack. A good backpack for businessmen should fit your persona and personality. So, think of your style, your commute, and most importantly, your preferences.
Compartment
If you’re going to travel a lot with your laptop, the first thing you need to consider is the bag’s laptop compartment. Think of the size of your laptop. Some backpacks can only fit a 15” laptop, while some others offer up to 17.6” space. And it’s very important to stick to the recommended size. If an 18” backpack says it can only fit a 15” laptop, don’t even think about trying to cramp up your 17” laptop. You’re risking damaging both laptop and backpack.
Besides the laptop compartment, take a look at the extra compartments, especially if you’re planning to carry a lot of stuff. Small pockets in the front compartment are useful. While some backpacks even have media compartments for your phone and tablet. And if you had enough of having to remove your laptop on every airport security check, you might want to consider the TSA-friendly compartment.
Style and Color
It may sound shallow, but believe us, buying a bag that suits your style is important. Because this ensures that you will make the best out of it. If you love it, you’ll wear it more! Some backpacks are simple. They offer basic functions and provide standard compartments, and available in black only. This is the safest bet. But if you actually care about how you look, you should consider the design, shape, and even color.
Here are your common options: classic, vintage, or modern. Classic backpacks are similar to a rucksack. They’re shaped like a pear, bigger on the bottom to give extra space. Vintage backpacks mostly made of canvas or leather with earthly colors, giving that nostalgic feeling from the good old times. Last but not least, is the most common option you will find, modern backpacks. They’re designed to adapt to the sophistication of technology. They may not look pretty, but they serve their purpose and beyond.
Material
Polyester is the most common backpack material these days. It’s durable and easy to clean. They’re usually water-resistant as well. But don’t expect to wear polyester bags and make a fashion statement. Leather, on the other hand, is all about exclusivity, just like the vintage briefcases we mentioned earlier. But this material is not the best when it comes to maintenance. Last, we have nylon, the most lightweight material of all three. Which one should you choose? It depends on your preference and working condition. Each businessman should have his own best men’s backpack for work.
Under Armour Men UA Hustle LDWR
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Under Armour is one of the leading brands for sportswear, even some polarized sunglasses for men. One of the reasons is its lightweight yet durable workout outfits. You can expect the same type and quality of material for Under Armour backpacks. Indeed, the Under Armour Men UA Hustle LDWR is lightweight, yet durable. Thanks to its super quality 100% Polyester. And it’s waterproof! This feature, plus the padded slot in the main compartment, provides extra protection for your laptop.
Size-wise, it’s relatively small. But this bag provides a 24-liter capacity! More than enough to store important stuff you can’t afford to cramp up in the luggage. No matter what the weather looks like, your stuff is safe and dry inside this compact bag.
What We Love:
It’s super lightweight yet durable.
Pros:
- Can be used on a daily basis
- Waterproof in any weather conditions
- Affordable
Cons:
- Might be too small as a carry-on
The North Face Borealis
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Nylon is a lightweight material, while polyester provides resistance against water and tear. The North Face Borealis combines the two. So, you will get the best of both worlds. In addition to this, mesh and padding are added to give extra comfort.
Store your 15” laptop safely inside the padded sleeve in the main compartment. The middle compartment has extra pockets to organize small stuff better. And the front compartment provides easy access to passport, boarding pass, and other travel documents.
This simple backpack offers a 28-liter capacity. We all know how easy it is to overload a bag and make it heavier to carry. But thanks to the FlexVent suspension system on the bag’s shoulder straps and back panel, it won’t be a chore to carry this bag even when fully loaded!
What We Love:
It has everything you need from a simple, conventional backpack.
Pros:
- FlexVent suspension system gives extra comfort
- 28-liter capacity
- Padded sleeve for 15” laptop inside the main compartment
- Elastic bungee at the front provides external storage
Cons:
- Not so water-resistant
KROSER Laptop Backpack Large Computer Backpack
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This one offers a slim and sleek design without compromising capacity. The main compartment has a padded sleeve for your gadgets. You can fit up to 17.3” laptop in it. And the front compartment offers many pockets to hold small items perfectly. Your phone, pens, earphones, and house keys have their own pocket. No more digging around indefinitely!
Keep your things dry underneath the water-repellent poly fabric. Besides durability, this material is good enough to keep water out on drizzly days. But why get wet when you can carry an umbrella comfortably on one of the side pockets? KROSER Laptop Backpack is designed to fit a laptop securely while providing comfort for the traveler. Thanks to its breathable mesh back and padded shoulder straps!
What We Love:
It’s compact but provides enough room to carry stuff when you’re traveling for work.
Pros:
- Luggage strap and belt make it easier to carry
- Glasses hook on one shoulder strap
- Zipped side pockets
- Built-in USB port to charge your phones (power bank is not included)
Cons:
- A bit too heavy for its size
YOREPEK Travel Backpacks for Men
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Like traveling light on business trips? With YOREPEK Travel Backpacks for Men, you only need to have one carry-on. The middle compartment offers a big capacity where you can store your clothes and even your shoes. And the back compartment is designed for a 17” laptop and its accessories too. Keep your documents neat in the front pockets. There are two extra compartments (zipped pocket and net pocket) on each side of the bag, making a total of four side pockets.
Since you can fit a lot of stuff in this backpack, it can be pretty heavy. But we wouldn’t put this on our list of men’s backpack for work if that’s an issue. To overcome this, YOREPEK adds airflow and ergonomic design. These make it easy and comfortable to carry even when it’s fully packed. Material wise, it also offers the best: high quality, shockproof polyester fabric. In addition, the lining is made of high-density nylon, providing tear and water-resistant features.
What We Love:
It’s one bag to fit all you need for a short business trip.
Pros:
- Large capacity
- Tear and water-resistant lining
- Comes with extra gift wrap
- Built-in USB port to charge your phones (power bank is not included)
Cons:
- Overloading makes it not durable
PUMA Men’s Contender Backpack
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100% Polyester material makes this backpack water-resistant yet breathable. It does look relatively small, but PUMA Men’s Contender Backpack can fit a 17” laptop. With another compartment at the front, you can organize small things better. And the two net pockets, perfect for water bottle and umbrella, are great additions for active gentlemen such as yourself.
This backpack is super lightweight. However, it still offers a large capacity. The padded contour straps ensure comfort on your back and shoulder while on-the-go. Size-wise, it fits the under-seat storage perfectly! This way, you can always stay close to your important stuff even on board.
What We Love:
It’s simple and super lightweight.
Pros:
- Large capacity for its size
- Weigh less than 1lb
- Branded, yet affordable
Cons:
- The laptop compartment is not padded
Herschel Little America Backpack
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While most options of men’s backpack for work offer abundant compartments and pockets, this one offers simplicity. This is perfect for those who just want a simple backpack that fits comfortably. The main compartment offers 17-liter capacity. Inside, there’s a padded sleeve to store your 15” laptop. An internal media pocket fits your phone comfortably. Not to mention the headphone port for devoted iTunes and Spotify users out there!
There’s an extra front pocket with a key clip to store your small items. The magnetic strap will keep everything secure, yet easier to access. Herschel Little America Backpack is made of polyester, it’s lightweight and water-resistant. Herschel also provides a lifetime warranty for manufacturing defects.
What We Love:
The style is simply timeless!
Pros:
- Limited lifetime warranty
- 17-liter capacity
- The main compartment has a draw-cord closure
- Internal media pocket
Cons:
- Bulky when fully packed
Kattee Men’s Canvas Leather Hiking Travel Backpack
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If vintage is what you’re looking for, Kattee Men’s Canvas Leather Backpack can be a great option. As you can tell from its name, this bag is made of high-density canvas. The genuine cow leather comes in the bag’s trims, giving it a nice vintage and classy touch. From the outside, it may look small, but it can fit your 17” laptop and any A4 documents.
The main compartment is spacious, with plenty of inner pockets to organize your stuff. There are also two side pockets for extra room and one front pocket with magnetic closure. Function-wise, this backpack is great. And what’s great about Kattee backpacks, especially this one, is its versatility. You can wear this on a business trip, day-to-day work, or even hiking.
What We Love:
It’s practical, vintage, yet classy. It says a lot about who’s carrying it!
Pros:
- Practical capacity (can fit a 17” laptop)
- High-quality canvas material
- Leather trims
Cons:
- Not the most durable backpack
Briggs & Riley @work Medium Cargo Backpack
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Prices don’t lie. Briggs & Riley @work Medium Cargo Backpack may be on the pricey side, but they certainly offer quality. Let’s start with the material. It’s made of 1600D ballistic nylon fabric, which is lightweight yet durable. And for a luxury touch, accents of genuine leather are added. While even the best men’s backpack for work still exudes a bit of informal nuance, this product shouts exclusivity and elegance. Definitely a great match for your suit-and-tie!
Don’t let the slim design fool you, because this bag can fit a lot. Your 15.6” laptop can be securely stored in the padded laptop compartment. Overall, it offers more than 27-liter capacity while weighing 2.6lbs only.
What We Love:
Plenty of pockets in the front compartment allow you to organize optimally.
Pros:
- Neat and various front compartments
- Big capacity but not bulky
- Stylish and sleek design
Cons:
- Relatively small side pockets
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
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This is not just one of the best men’s backpack for work, but also one of the bestsellers. Let’s find out why. First of all, just take a look at the design. It’s sleek, simple, yet trendy. Plus, it has all you need from a backpack. Back compartment for a laptop? Check. Spacious main compartment? Check. Front compartment with small pockets? Check. Two side net pockets? Check. But, there’s more! Matein Travel Laptop Backpack has a built-in USD port for convenient phone charging. And we especially love the back pocket to store your important stuff safe from pickpockets!
The bag is made of polyester fabric which is water-resistant and durable. All zippers are made of metal, making it long-lasting even after years of daily wear. Even though it’s relatively lightweight, the back is pretty sturdy. Yet the soft ventilated padding gives you good back support. This is essential especially when the bag is fully packed.
What We Love:
This bag is designed with style, without compromising its functions.
Pros:
- More than enough compartments and pockets to keep things neat
- Built-in USB port to charge your phones (power bank is not included)
- Anti-theft back pocket
- Water-resistant
Cons:
- Not enough padding in the laptop compartment
Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Business Backpack
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First of all, let’s take a look at the brand. If you’ve read some of our travel gear articles, especially on the best luggage, you should be familiar with Samsonite. This brand offers quality and style. Expect the same for its best men’s backpack for work.
Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Business Backpack is, indeed, designed for businessmen who are always on the go. This bag provides designated compartments, not just for your 15.6” laptop, but also for your phone and tablet. Plus, you don’t have to remove your laptop through the airport security check with, thanks to its TSA-friendly feature.
As we take a look at the top carry handle and ballistic polyester material, we are ensured of this bag’s durability. Not to mention it also boasts the air channel system and lumbar support which give maximum comfort even when carrying a fully loaded bag.
What We Love:
It’s super comfortable to carry.
Pros:
- TSA-friendly laptop compartment
- Air channel system
- Lumbar support
- Big capacity
Cons:
- Not waterproof
SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart
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This product is also featured on our 13 Best SwissGear Backpacks article. And with over 10,000 reviews on Amazon, that should come as no surprise. Overall, buyers trust SwissGear quality. And if that’s not enough, their products come with a 10-year warranty. It sounds like a good deal!
SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart is made of a superior ballistic fabric. This makes it weather-resistant and durable. The laptop compartment does not just protect your 17” laptop, but also your tablet inside its own floating sleeve. Besides, it’s TSA-friendly, so you don’t have to remove your laptop through the security check.
The main compartment is spacious. You can fit plenty of clothes, enough for your next business trip. Overall, the bag provides a 31-liter of capacity. Worried about overloading? Even when it’s fully packed, its mesh-fabric shoulder straps and padded back panel will make sure it’s comfortable to carry.
What We Love:
A bag that is thoughtfully designed when it comes to function, space, and comfort.
Pros:
- Airflow ventilation technology gives support and comfort
- Large capacity, up to 31 liters
- ScanSmart makes going through airport security check hassle-free
Cons:
- Zippers could have been sturdier for a bag this size
