A work backpack is an essential item for many people, especially those who commute to work or school. It must be durable, comfortable, and practical enough to carry all the necessary items, such as laptops, notebooks, water bottles, and snacks. However, with so many available options, choosing the best work backpack that suits your needs can be challenging.

The critical thing to consider when looking for a work backpack is its functionality. It should have enough compartments and pockets to organize your belongings and keep them easily accessible. The size and weight of the backpack are also essential factors to consider, as it should fit comfortably on your back without causing any strain or discomfort.

We spent hours researching and testing various work backpacks to identify the ones that stand out in terms of functionality, comfort, and style. This article discuss the top picks for the best work backpacks and what makes them unique. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone who needs a reliable backpack for everyday use, we’ve got you covered.

Best Work Backpacks

When finding the perfect backpack for work, there are a few key factors to consider. You want something comfortable to wear for long periods of time, has plenty of storage space for all your daily essentials, and looks professional enough for the office. That’s why we’ve researched and compiled a list of the best work backpacks on the market. Whether commuting to work or traveling for business, these backpacks will keep your belongings organized and easily accessible while still looking stylish.

StarTech.com 17.3″ Laptop Backpack (US $136)

We highly recommend the StarTech.com 17.3″ Laptop Backpack for IT professionals and technicians who need a durable and spacious backpack for their daily commutes and travels.

Pros

• The laptop backpack has a padded compartment that fits a 17.3″ laptop and a tablet, ensuring your devices are protected from drops and impacts.
• The removable accessories case is a great feature that allows you to store all your IT accessories, including your laptop charger, display adapters, wireless mouse, tools, and measurement instruments, in one place. The case is easy to access from the backpack’s side pocket and can be adjusted to suit your needs.
• The backpack’s ergonomic design is a big plus, as it features breathable padding that helps relieve pressure and strain on your back and shoulders. The adjustable shoulder straps and soft padded handle make it comfortable, regardless of how you carry it.

Cons

• The backpack’s durability isn’t the best, as some customers have reported that the zipper has separated after a few months of use. However, the backpack comes with dual zippers, so you can still use the other one if this happens.
• The laptop storage area has no bottom or top padding, so if something hits it or it’s dropped on the ground too hard, it can damage your laptop.
• The backpack’s design is a bit bulky and may not be suitable for people who prefer a sleek and minimalist look.

The StarTech.com 17.3″ Laptop Backpack is a great investment for IT professionals and technicians who need a reliable backpack for their daily commutes and travels. The backpack’s spacious compartments and removable accessories case make it easy to organize your IT accessories and devices, while its ergonomic design ensures that you can carry it comfortably for long periods. However, the backpack’s durability and bulky design may concern some users.

SwissGear Canvas Work Pack Pro Laptop Backpack (US $140)

If you’re looking for a durable work backpack that can keep your tools and tech organized, then the SwissGear Canvas Work Pack Pro Laptop Backpack might be worth considering.

Pros

• The padded laptop compartment and dedicated tablet pocket provide safe storage for your personal tech.
• The essentials’ organizer has 60 compartments to keep your tools, power cords, chargers, and business cards neat and accessible.
• The backpack is comfortable to carry, thanks to the ergonomically contoured mesh shoulder straps, airflow back padding, and EVA molded bottom.

Cons

• The leather falls apart quickly, especially when carrying a heavy load.
• The zippers, especially for the laptop compartment, don’t stay closed.
• The backpack can’t stand upright with tools in it.

We’ve been using the SwissGear Canvas Work Pack Pro Laptop Backpack for a few weeks now, and we’ve found that it’s a decent work backpack for those who need to carry a lot of tech and tools. The padded laptop compartment and dedicated tablet pocket have kept our personal tech safe from drops, and the essentials’ organizer has made it easy to keep our tools and accessories organized.

The backpack is comfortable to carry, even when it’s fully loaded, thanks to the ergonomically contoured mesh shoulder straps, airflow back padding, and EVA molded bottom. We’ve also appreciated the add-a-bag trolley sleeve, which has made it easy to attach the backpack to our carry-on luggage.

However, we’ve noticed that the leather falls apart quickly, especially when carrying a heavy load. We’ve also had issues with the zippers, especially for the laptop compartment, which doesn’t stay closed. Additionally, the backpack can’t stand upright with tools, which can be frustrating when you need to access your tools quickly.

Overall, if you’re looking for a work backpack that can keep your tech and tools organized, and you don’t mind the issues with the leather and zippers, then the SwissGear Canvas Work Pack Pro Laptop Backpack might be worth considering.

Hap Tim Laptop Backpack (US $36)

We highly recommend the Hap Tim Laptop Backpack for anyone looking for a versatile and spacious work backpack.

Pros

• The backpack features a well-padded, depth & width adjustable sleeve that can hold different size laptops up to 15.6 inches, providing good laptop protection.
• It has high storage volume and many pockets, making organizing all your work essentials easy.
• The doctor bag style large opening allows for quick access and easy packing and unpacking, and the headphone/cable pass-through is a convenient feature for charging your devices on-the-go.

Cons

• The backpack’s design may not be suitable for everyone’s taste.
• The exterior material is not the most durable and may show signs of wear over time.
• The backpack may feel heavy when fully loaded.

This backpack is perfect for anyone who needs to carry their laptop and other work essentials on-the-go. The adjustable laptop sleeve provides great protection for your device, and the numerous pockets and compartments make it easy to keep everything organized. The doctor bag style large opening is a unique feature that sets this backpack apart from others, and the headphone/cable pass-through is a nice touch. Overall, we highly recommend the Hap Tim Laptop Backpack for anyone needing a versatile and spacious work backpack.

SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack (US $89)

If you’re looking for a durable and spacious backpack that can hold all your work essentials and more, the SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack might just be what you need.

Pros

• The backpack is made from durable 1200D ballistic polyester fabric, making it sturdy and long-lasting.
• The backpack is equipped with a large opening main compartment with rugged oversize zippers, adjustable side compression straps, a heavily padded back panel with Airflow ventilation technology, padded contour shaped shoulder straps with mesh fabric and built-in suspension for comfortable carrying.
• The backpack features ScanSmart lay-flat technology for the ultimate in laptop-in-case TSA scanning for most portable computers up to 17” in size.

Cons

• The backpack might be too large and bulky for some people’s liking.
• The backpack’s zippers might be difficult to use at times.
• The backpack might not be suitable for those who prefer a more minimalist design.

We’ve been using the SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack for a while now and we’re impressed with its durability and spaciousness. The backpack is made from tough ballistic polyester fabric that can withstand wear and tear, and it has plenty of compartments and pockets to store all your work essentials and more. We especially like the ScanSmart lay-flat technology that allows for hassle-free TSA scanning of laptops up to 17 inches in size.

The backpack also features a heavily padded back panel with Airflow ventilation technology, padded contour shaped shoulder straps with mesh fabric and built-in suspension for comfortable carrying, and adjustable side compression straps to help distribute the backpack’s weight evenly. However, the backpack might be too large and bulky for some people’s liking, and the zippers can be a bit difficult to use at times. Additionally, the backpack might not be suitable for those who prefer a more minimalist design.

Overall, if you’re in need of a durable and spacious backpack that can hold all your work essentials and more, the SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is definitely worth considering.

KROSER Laptop Backpack 17″ Stylish Water Repellent (US $26)

If you’re looking for a stylish and practical work backpack, the KROSER Laptop Backpack is a great option. It’s made from quality materials, has a built-in USB port for charging your phone, and is roomy enough to fit a 17-inch laptop.

Pros

• The backpack is made from durable and water-repellent materials, making it a great choice for everyday use and outdoor activities.
• The built-in USB port is convenient for charging your phone on the go, and the bag is lightweight and easy to carry.
• The backpack has multiple compartments, including a roomy space for your laptop and tablet and pockets for storing small items like credit cards and keys.

Cons

• The backpack may not be suitable for heavy-duty use, as some users have reported issues with the zippers and stitching.
• The bag may not fit all 17-inch laptops, so check the dimensions before purchasing.
• The backpack may be unsuitable for those who prefer a more professional or formal look.

We’ve been using the KROSER Laptop Backpack for a few weeks, and we’re impressed with its overall quality and design. The backpack is made from a combination of PU leather and nylon, making it durable and water-repellent. We’ve used it in light rain and had no issues with water getting inside.

One of the standout features of the backpack is the built-in USB port. We’ve found this to be incredibly convenient for charging our phones on the go, and it saves us from having to carry around a separate power bank. The backpack also has multiple compartments, including a roomy space for our laptop and tablet and pockets for storing small items like credit cards and keys.

While we’re generally happy with the backpack, there are a few downsides. Some users have reported issues with the zippers and stitching, so it may not be suitable for heavy-duty use. Additionally, the backpack may not fit all 17-inch laptops, so check the dimensions before purchasing. Finally, the backpack may not be suitable for those who prefer a more professional or formal look, as it has a more casual and sporty design.

Overall, we think the KROSER Laptop Backpack is a great choice for anyone looking for a stylish and practical work backpack. It’s made from quality materials, has a built-in USB port, and is roomy enough to fit a 17-inch laptop. Just be aware of its limitations before making your purchase.

KEOFID Classic Carry-On Travel Backpack (US $39)

If you’re looking for a backpack that can handle all of your work and travel needs, the KEOFID Classic Carry-On Travel Backpack is a great option.

Pros

• The backpack is made of high quality, water-resistant fabric, providing a sturdy and chic exterior.
• With a built-in USB charging port, it’s easy to keep your phone charged on-the-go (power bank not included).
• The backpack has a luggage belt on the back panel, making it easy to put on your luggage handle when you travel.

Cons

• The backpack may be too large for some users who prefer a smaller backpack.
• The backpack may not have enough padding for some users who need to carry many heavy items.
• The backpack may not be suitable for children under 12 years old.

In our experience, the KEOFID Classic Carry-On Travel Backpack is a practical and classic backpack that’s suitable for laptops, files folders, all chargers and other accessories. The backpack has a variety of compartments and pockets that meet all your needs, with an anti-theft hidden pocket to keep your important items safe.

The backpack’s classic design includes four compartments and two side pockets. The main compartment has a 15.6” laptop pocket and an extra padded sleeve for tablets or Kindle, and can store books and business files while still having room for daily necessities. The front compartment has an organizer and two front pockets providing plenty of organization capacity. The two elastic side pockets can fit different sizes of bottles.

The KEOFID Classic Carry-On Travel Backpack is a great choice for commuting and a good gift for men and women. It’s also a good casual travel backpack for travel and a good work backpack for business. The backpack is perfect for college and a good gift choice for Christmas.

KEOFID backpacks provide a 12-hour customer service and a 1-year warranty policy, so you can buy confidently. Overall, we recommend the KEOFID Classic Carry-On Travel Backpack for anyone needing a practical and stylish backpack for work and travel.

CYUREAY Convertible Daypack Laptop Backpack (US $29)

If you’re looking for a versatile backpack that can keep up with your busy schedule, the CYUREAY Convertible Daypack Laptop Backpack is a great option.

Pros

• The built-in USB port design allows you to charge your cell phone on the go without opening the backpack.
• Made of water-resistant, durable, and breathable nylon fabric, this backpack is perfect for any weather condition.
• The backpack is spacious enough to fit a 15.6″ laptop and has plenty of pockets for organization.

Cons

• The design could be improved with more internal pockets for pens and other small items.
• The backpack may be a little heavy when fully loaded.
• The actual color of the backpack may differ slightly from the picture due to display differences.

We’ve been using this backpack for a while and it has been a great companion for our daily commute. The USB port design is a game-changer, allowing us to charge our phone without having to take out the power bank. The water-resistant fabric is also a plus, especially during rainy days. The backpack has a rectangular opening that provides easy access to the items at the bottom, making it easy to find what we need without having to dig through the entire backpack.

The backpack has two front zipper pockets, two side pockets, and one front pocket, providing ample space for storing all our essentials. We especially love the wide-open design, which makes it easy to see everything inside the backpack. The backpack is also very comfortable to wear, thanks to the dual padded, reinforced, and adjustable shoulder straps that fit snugly around our shoulders.

Overall, the CYUREAY Convertible Daypack Laptop Backpack is a functional and stylish backpack that can be used for daily use, business travel, and short trips. If you’re in the market for a backpack that can keep up with your busy lifestyle, this backpack is definitely worth a try.

LIGHT FLIGHT Travel Laptop Backpack (US $30)

We highly recommend the LIGHT FLIGHT Travel Laptop Backpack for a versatile and stylish work backpack.

Pros

• The separate laptop compartment fits up to a 15.6” laptop, and the large main compartment is roomy for daily necessities, such as A4 folders, magazines, tablets, chargers, power bank, and clothes.
• The front zippered pocket of the backpack allows you to put your small items in an organized manner, and the backside hidden pocket keeps your phone or other valuable items. There are also side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas.
• You can charge your phone via the side pocket’s hole so that you don’t need to take the portable charger all the time. Just keep your phone powered up on the go.

Cons

• The backpack is not completely waterproof, so it may not be suitable for heavy rain.
• The zippers can be a bit difficult to open and close at times.
• The backpack may not be suitable for those who need a lot of organization and compartments.

We recently used the LIGHT FLIGHT Travel Laptop Backpack and were impressed with its large capacity and easy access pockets. The separate laptop compartment kept our laptop safe and secure, and the side pockets were perfect for holding our water bottle and phone. The backpack’s stylish design made it perfect for both work and travel.

The backpack’s charging feature was also a great addition, as we could keep our phone charged on the go without having to carry around a separate charger. The backpack’s mesh padded shoulder straps provided comfortable wear, and the back luggage strap made it easy to transport.

Overall, the LIGHT FLIGHT Travel Laptop Backpack is a great option for those looking for a versatile and stylish work backpack that can also be used for travel.

Volher Laptop Backpack (US $31)

If you’re looking for a backpack that can handle your laptop and other essentials, the Volher Laptop Backpack is a great choice.

Pros

• The backpack has a lot of storage space and pockets, including a separate compartment for your laptop and a spacious packing compartment for other items.
• It’s comfortable to wear, with thick but soft padding on the back and adjustable shoulder straps.
• The backpack is durable and water-resistant, so it can handle everyday use and outdoor activities.

Cons

• The backpack may be too bulky for some people, especially if you don’t need to carry a lot of items.
• The USB charging port may not work with all devices, and the cable may be too short for some users.
• The backpack doesn’t have a lot of internal organization, so you may need to use packing cubes or other accessories to keep your items organized.

We’ve been using the Volher Laptop Backpack for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its overall quality and functionality. The backpack has a lot of storage space, including a separate laptop compartment that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop and smaller devices like a 13-inch MacBook. A spacious packing compartment for books, clothes, and accessories also exists. We appreciate the mesh pockets on the side of the backpack for water bottles and other small items.

The backpack is comfortable to wear, with thick but soft padding on the back and adjustable shoulder straps. We also like the foam-padded top handle, which makes it easy to carry the backpack by hand. The backpack is also durable and water-resistant, thanks to its polyester fabric and metal zippers. We’ve used the backpack in rainy weather and haven’t had any issues with water getting inside.

One of the standout features of the Volher Laptop Backpack is the USB charging port, which allows you to charge your phone or other device while on the go. There’s also a headphone jack to listen to music or take calls hands-free. However, we did find that the USB port may not work with all devices, and the charging cable inside the backpack may be too short for some users.

The main downside of the Volher Laptop Backpack is its bulkiness. If you don’t need to carry many items, the backpack may be too large for your needs. Additionally, the backpack doesn’t have a lot of internal organization, so you may need to use packing cubes or other accessories to keep your items organized. Overall, we think the Volher Laptop Backpack is a great choice for anyone looking for a durable, comfortable, and functional backpack for work or travel.

VANKEAN Laptop Backpack for Women and Men (US $29)

If you’re looking for a stylish and functional backpack for work, college, or travel, the VANKEAN Laptop Backpack is worth considering.

Pros

• The black and gold design is fashionable and eye-catching.
• The backpack is lightweight and easy to carry.
• The backpack is water-repellent and scratch-resistant, protecting your belongings from the elements.

Cons

• The USB port needs a power bank to function, which is not included.
• The backpack may not fit larger laptops over 15.6 inches.
• The backpack may not have enough padding for heavier items.

We were impressed with the VANKEAN Laptop Backpack’s multi-functional design, which includes five compartments and two side pockets. The separate laptop compartment fits laptops up to 15.6 inches, while an extra padded sleeve provides additional protection for tablets or Kindles. The main compartment is spacious enough to store headphones, business files, and other daily necessities, while the front compartment and two front pockets provide plenty of space for organization.

One of the standout features of this backpack is the external USB charging port and set-in charging cable, which allows you to charge your phone on the go. The dedicated laptop compartment is shockproof and padded with foam protection, while the velcro strap prevents your laptop from falling out. The backpack also has a luggage strap for easy transport while traveling.

Overall, we think the VANKEAN Laptop Backpack is a comfortable and stylish option for anyone carrying their laptop and other essentials. Its sleek design and ample storage space make it a great choice for work, college, or travel.

Buying Guide

When choosing a work backpack, several factors must be considered to ensure that you get the best product for your needs. Here are some of the key features to look for:

Size and Capacity

Consider the backpack size you need based on the items you plan to carry. A backpack that is too small may not be able to accommodate all your essentials, while one that is too large may be cumbersome and uncomfortable to carry. Look for a backpack with a capacity that suits your needs.

Comfort and Support

A good work backpack should be comfortable, especially if you carry it for extended periods. Look for a backpack with padded straps and back panel to support and reduce strain on your shoulders and back. A sternum strap and waist belt can help distribute the backpack’s weight evenly across your body.

Organization

A well-organized backpack can help you keep your items easily accessible and prevent them from getting lost or damaged. Look for a backpack with multiple compartments, pockets, and sleeves to help you organize your items. A dedicated laptop sleeve, for example, can protect your laptop from scratches and bumps.

Durability

A work backpack should be able to withstand daily wear and tear. Look for a backpack made from durable materials such as nylon or polyester. Additionally, a backpack with reinforced stitching and a water-resistant coating can help protect your items from the elements.

Style

While functionality is important, you also want a good backpack that suits your style. Look for a backpack that comes in a color and design that you like and that matches your personal style.

Considering these factors, you can choose a work backpack that meets your needs and provides comfort, organization, durability, and style.