Show off Your Style at the Office With the Best Work Backpacks
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Once upon a time, if you were traveling to work and had things to carry along to get your job done (or if you were planning to go somewhere at the close of business), a briefcase or spacious purse was the obvious choice. Nowadays, however, with more and more folks commuting (as opposed to driving themselves), it's normal to need a little extra space, not to mention a more convenient way of carrying office essentials. Thankfully, work backpacks for women exist. (Though that's just a term; anyone can use any backpack, but today we're here to focus on some particularly posh silhouettes.)
When shopping for a women's work backpack, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind. Look for a spacious design, plenty of organization, and multi-use features — such as a trolley sleeve or hidden shoe compartment, should you want to use your backpack for pre- and post-work activities, like trying a TikTok workout at the gym. Thankfully, there are many backpacks on the market, a few of which check all these boxes and more. While few brands offer as colorful and convenient styles as Calpak, there are plenty of budget-friendly options to choose from, too. To prove it, we've rounded up 16 of the best laptop backpacks for women.
Ready to make commuting more convenient than ever? Uncover your ideal work backpack, ahead. And for more of the best bags and backpacks for women, check out our top guides:
Best Work Bags for Women | Best Weekender Bags | Most Stylish Travel Backpacks for Women
Kaya Laptop Backpack
Made of faux leather, the Kaya backpack earns our "best for travel" spot because of the organization it provides, plus its thick sleeve to attach to your rolling luggage. Calpak makes this backpack available in over a dozen limited and classic colors, from this gorgeous papaya to timeless caramel and charcoal grey.
What Will Fit: A zippered back compartment can house a 15-inch laptop. Various interior pockets can also help you stay organized.
Kaya Laptop Backpack
$138.00
calpaktravel.com
CalpakLXY Vegan Vintage Leather Backpack
If rustic chic is your aesthetic, this super affordable (yet super cool) vegan "leather" backpack might just be perfect for you. Made of quality faux leather, its durable hardware is made of solid metal. And if you don't have as much to pack or you don't want it to look too bulky, you can adjust the straps to streamline.
What Will Fit: At 14.3-inch height, you can fit a MacBook or regular-sized laptop inside. Sorry, MacBook Pros. Six compartments of varying sizes can house daily essentials.
LXY Vegan Vintage Leather Backpack
$37.99
amazon.com
LXYHimawari Travel School Backpack with USB Charging Port
Just because your backpack is going to the office doesn't mean you have to shy away from a pop of color. This cool backpack also comes equipped with a USB charging port — a definite bonus if you have a lengthy commute to work.
What Will Fit: Measuring 16 inches in height, this function-forward backpack can fit a laptop that's up to 15.6 inches long. Two small open pockets on the inside, two outside side pockets, and one front pocket with a zipper are also available to store other odds and ends.
Himawari Travel School Backpack with USB Charging Port
29.99
amazon.com
himawariLaptop Backpack
With a five-star rating and over 21k reviews, this sneaky backpack looks like it could be a regular professional work bag at first glance. It also comes outfitted with a USB port and luggage strap, making it super easy to travel with.
What Will Fit: This backpack has a laptop pocket that can fit laptops 15.6 inches or smaller, a compartment made for an iPad or tablet, the main compartment with many small pockets, a front zip pocket, and two side pockets for your water bottle or umbrella. As a bonus, the nylon exterior is water-repellent.
Laptop Backpack
$26.99
amazon.com
KROSERBREMEN Vegan Backpack
This army green backpack made out of durable vegan leather comes equipped with a padded laptop sleeve and phone pocket — perfect for keeping your electronics safe and organized. It's various compartments are great for the hyper-organized. As a bonus, according to the vegan and cruelty-free brand, the interior linings of all bags are made from 100% recycled water bottles.
What Will Fit: At 15 inches in length, this bag can snuggly fit one standard-sized laptop, like a MacBook (but not a MacBook Pro) in its padded laptop sleeve. Inside, you'll also find a zippered pocket, smartphone pocket, and two pen slots.
BREMEN Vegan Backpack
$210.00
mattandnat.com
Matt & NatMoleskine Classic Backpack, Small, Black
Moleskine Classic Backpack, Small, Black
$94.60
amazon.com
Product Shot ImageAnti-Theft Signature Nylon Slim Backpack
The backpacks from your youth were probably on the bulkier side, holding all of your textbooks and miscellaneous school supplies. This super slim and soft navy bag is the perfect grown-up version that will make your daily commute much smoother. One unique feature is the ability to lock the front zippered pocket for added security.
What Will Fit: One of the smaller bags on our list, this pick can only hold the smallest of laptops or iPads. If you like to travel light, this one is for you. It also comes with an RFID-blocking card/passport compartment.
Anti-Theft Signature Nylon Slim Backpack
$60.00
amazon.com
TravelonBRINCH Laptop Backpack for Women
One of the best budget buys on our list, this durable nylon backpack offers a USB charging port, as well as different compartments to suit your device needs. This super roomy backpack also has padded shoulder straps, so you'll stay strain-free on your way to work.
What Will Fit: At 15.7 inches in height, this backpack can fit a standard-sized laptop like a MacBook comfortably. A tablet pocket perfect for a 10.5-inch iPad, two smaller inner pockets, pen slots, two water dual side pockets for water bottles, and an exterior zip pocket are also provided.
BRINCH Laptop Backpack for Women
$19.99
amazon.com
BRINCHModoker Vintage Laptop Backpack
This nylon and polyester backpack with vegan "leather" trim is another affordable option that will look great going into the office every day. Its external USB charging port makes it a standout, as do its many pockets — 6 total. You'll appreciate the adjustable, padded shoulder straps.
What Will Fit: You can fit up to a 15-inch laptop inside. There are six pockets to house your belongings: one main compartment, one laptop pocket, one zipped pocket to hold smaller items of value, one pencil case, and two side pockets for water or an umbrella.
Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack
$23.99
amazon.com
ModokerDagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Love the look of a classic backpack but crave a more modern textile? This water-resistant neoprene backpack from Dagne Dover is the perfect pick. Sold in three sizes and six colors, the cushy-yet-lightweight backpack features adjustable straps, a front zipper pocket with little elastic slots to secure lip balm, a main interior compartment with a padded laptop sleeve, two mesh slip pockets, and three zip pockets, as well as a separate back zipper laptop compartment. (Yes, this backpack comes with two places to store a laptop securely.) Additionally, it features a hidden slip phone pocket at the top of the pack, as well as a detachable pouch that connects to a key leash. But there's more! The backpack also comes with a shoe bag, so if it doubles as your gym bag, you have a protected place to store whatever shoes you're not wearing in the moment. In short, it's one of, if not the most organized work backpack on the market. (Which is likely why everyone and their mother and brother carries one in New York City and San Francisco.)
What Will Fit: At 17 inches in height, this designer find can house a standard-sized laptop, like a 13-inch MacBook, and larger tech items alike.
Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
$215.00
dagnedover.com
Dagne DoverStackers Laptop Backpack Black
Chic bags are not always practical. Many have sacrificed function for fashion, but not so for this Stackers backpack. It has several compartments, ways to attach things like keys, and even a removable pouch. As far as innovation goes, this bag also comes with what they call a "popper" to make it fuller if needed, plus a luggage strap if you're traveling.
What Will Fit: Standard-size laptops up to 15 inches can fit inside. There's also a special compartment for water bottles, in addition to other sections in varying sizes.
Stackers Laptop Backpack Black
$300.00
containerstore.com
StackersTed Baker Belux Imitation Croc Large Backpack
If you hate a bag with a ton of compartments (it can be easy to lose your things when there are so many nooks and crannies), this bag is simply one large pocket. Zipped to close with adjustable straps and a top handle, it's a minimalist option that doesn't sacrifice on size. Bonus: It has a hidden back side pocket for easy-to-reach items like phones and keys.
What Will Fit: At 15 inches in height, this sleek backpack can accommodate larger laptops like MacBook Pros (though it will be snug).
Ted Baker Belux Imitation Croc Large Backpack
$175.00
bloomingdales.com
Ted Baker LondonBROMEN Leather Laptop Backpack for Women
Made of high-quality vegan "leather," this stylish bag is both durable and versatile. Choose from 11 different colors and patterns that showcase your personal style.
What Will Fit: At 15 3/4 inches in height, this bag can accommodate most standard-sized laptops. Your 16-inch MacBook Pro won't be able to fit, though. Use this backpack's many sections for your belongings: one internal pocket with a zipper, two slip pockets inside, two outside pockets for easy access, and one laptop sleeve with a strap.
BROMEN Leather Laptop Backpack for Women
$69.99
amazon.com
BromenThe ReNew Transit Backpack - Warm Charcoal
The ReNew Transit Backpack - Warm Charcoal
$78.00
everlane.com
Product Shot ImageHerschel Supply Co. Orion Mid-Volume [width:One Size]
Herschel Supply Co. Orion Mid-Volume [width:One Size]
$119.95
zappos.com
Product Shot ImageLuka Laptop Backpack
This unique business-casual backpack is not only convenient for workers on the go, it's also very trendy thanks to its puffy silhouette, which is huge in 2023. The fan-favorite backpack is sold in six bright colors, as well as in four neutral core shades.
What Will Fit: So much more than you'd expect! It features a front zip pocket, a main compartment with slip pockets and a mesh zip pocket inside, a back laptop pocket that accommodates up to a 15-inch laptop, and a shoe compartment at the bottom. But that's not all. The back of the pack, which is equipped with adjustable padded straps, features a trolley sleeve with another hidden zip pocket, perfect for storing valuables like a passport, wallet, and phone. Needless to say, we're big fans of this fashion-forward laptop backpack.
Luka Laptop Backpack
$108.00
calpaktravel.com
CalpakWhat to look for when shopping for work backpacks for women
✔️ Size: Do you prefer a slim backpack or one with more depth? Do you want an expandable design or one with set parameters? Generally speaking, a backpack that's at least 15 inches tall is ideal, as it will be able to accommodate most laptops. If you have a larger laptop, though, opting for a pack in the 17-inch range is advised.
✔️ Material: If you'll be wearing your backpack out and about while commuting, it will be helpful if it's water-resistant. Otherwise, it could soak through and affect the contents. Additionally, some materials, like faux leather, are easier to clean than, say, nylon or neoprene.
✔️ Key Features: A few features that are especially convenient in a work backpack for women include key leashes (so you don't have to go hunting for your keys), designated phone pockets, hidden compartments (great for wallets and passports), and a variety of interior zip pockets (which make staying organized on the go less of a hassle).
FAQ
Are work backpacks professional? Absolutely! While some materials, like faux leather, will look more polished, nylon, neoprene, and polyester laptop backpacks are considered commonplace in formal and business casual offices alike.
What size backpack is best for commuting? It ultimately depends on your own size, as you don't want to be weighed down by your pack. That said, a 15- to 17-inch-tall backpack is generally best.
How do I find a comfortable backpack for commuting? Look for ones with padded backs and adjustable straps, that way you can tailor their wear.
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