The best commuter backpack can make all the difference in your daily routine. Ideally, you want a backpack that’s smart-looking enough for work, tough enough for daily use, and designed to store and protect work supplies and electronics.
Are Backpacks Business Friendly?
The backpack’s long association with college students and hikers slowed its acceptance in the business community. Changes in backpack design, coupled with a move towards more casual business attire, have opened the door for backpacks as legitimate business accessories, although in very formal workspaces, the briefcase still reigns supreme.
The best work backpack is made from high-quality materials and has a sleek, minimalist design. Choose a commuter backpack that matches your corporate culture and dress code. Black, dark blues, and browns are popular color choices for work bags. Avoid bright colors, which are considered too casual for a business environment.
Key Features to Look For in a Commuter Backpack
Comfort
A comfortable backpack is essential if you walk or take public transportation during your commute. The best work backpacks take this into account with lightweight designs, padded adjustable straps, and breathable back panels.
Organization
A good commuter backpack offers plenty of organizational features, including padded sleeves for laptops and tablets, zippered pouches and compartments for pens, phones, keys, and charging cords, and separate sections for safely storing documents. A side pocket for a water bottle or travel tumbler makes your commute more pleasant, while quick-access exterior pockets allow you to store your phone, transit pass, or other frequently used items.
Durability
Commuting exposes your backpack to harsh weather conditions and environments that can scratch, tear, or otherwise damage your bag's exterior. When choosing a durable commuter backpack, look for the following:
- High-quality materials such as high-density ballistic nylon, canvas, or leather.
- Double or reinforced stitching.
- High-quality metal zippers.
- Exterior DuraGuard® coating to protect against scrapes and stains. Water-resistant interior lining.
- Protective bottom panels to reduce wear and tear.
Size and Capacity for Daily Commuting Needs
Smaller backpacks tend to be popular for commutes and are usually about the size you’d use for a personal item on an airline. A 10- to 19-liter backpack is sufficient for light loads and 13-inch laptops. 20 to 29-liter commuter backpacks can hold 15- to 16-inch laptops with plenty of room for documents and other essentials.
Work backpacks of 30 to 39 liters are available, but most people won’t need anything this big during their daily commute. Such backpacks are, however, an excellent choice for business trip bags. If you normally only need a small-capacity backpack but occasionally find yourself transporting large loads, consider a commuter backpack with a zippered expansion.
Tech-Friendly Commuter Backpack Features
Tablets, phones, headphones, and e-readers can all make a long bus or train commute pass faster. Electronic device batteries, however, can run down at the most inconvenient times. If you can’t face a commute without your tunes or favorite mobile game (or if you like to get some work done while you travel), look for a backpack with USB connectivity. These cool commuter backpacks include USB A and C ports with fast-charge capabilities and a dedicated pocket for your power bank.
Top Travelpro® Backpack Recommendations for Commuters
- The Travelpro® Altitude™ Slim Expandable Laptop Backpack 20-24L is one of the best work backpacks for people who commute and also take regular business trips. In addition to carefully designed organizational compartments and padded sleeves, this commuter backpack includes a zippered expansion for an instant 20% boost in space. Full-grain leather touch points, airline-grade aluminum hardware, and hardy, water-resistant, and traditional YKK® zippers add serious style and toughness.
- The Crew™ Executive Choice™ 3 Slim Laptop Backpack is a sleek commuter backpack with separate padded tablet and laptop sleeves, lie-flat side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella, and a Travelpro® QuickSlip™ front pocket with magnetic closure, perfect for cell phone storage. The Platinum® Elite Business Backpack features compartments for power cords, pens, and other small items, with padded laptop sleeves and a Travelpro® ID TheftBlock® pocket to protect credit cards and passports against loss and identity theft.
- The Maxlite® Laptop Backpack is lightweight yet ultra-durable and designed for total convenience on the move. Stay organized with padded laptop and tablet sleeves, built-in pockets for power cords and other necessities, and a Travelpro® QuickSlip™ front pocket with magnetic closure for storing a cell phone or keys.
- The Travelpro® x Travel + Leisure® Women's Convertible Tote proves you can have it all. This professional bag transforms from an over-the-shoulder carry-all to a crossbody bag to a backpack using the same elegant webbing strap. The interior of this modern beauty offers an additional zippered pocket and an interior padded sleeve to protect laptops and other electronics up to 15”.
Need more commuting inspiration? Check out the complete Travelpro® Backpack Collection and shop our Altitude Collection, a multifaceted lineup of sleek, everyday carry backpacks designed to upgrade your work commutes and travel adventures.
