A great work backpack doesn’t have an easy job of things. The functionality needs to be on point, with good access and organization. But it also needs to exude a certain style that’s appropriate for your office setting, be it casual, formal or somewhere in-between. Plus features such as protection from the elements and comfortable suspension setups all add to the overall enjoyment and ease of use your work companion should provide.

Below we have our top candidates for the coveted title of Best Work Backpack. But which finalist has gone above and beyond?

Pick your top choice.

VOTING CLOSED

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Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus

The Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus is a smart choice for most people, sporting a clean aesthetic, a smart array of pocketing, solid harness, and a price tag that won’t break the bank, it performs in work settings with grace and ease. Made from water-resistant Venture-weave polyester and leather, and zipped closed with YKK water-resistant zippers, the Plus keeps your gear crisp and dry during commute showers. And with a dedicated padded and suspended laptop compartment your valuable tech will keep off the ground and safe from bumps. Classic, simple, smart.

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Brooks England Sparkhill Backpack 15L

Got a rainy bike commute ahead? The Sparkhill has you covered with its weatherproof, durable build featuring PU-coated Nylon 66, PU-coated Cordura and top-notch YKK AquaGuard zippers. Cyclists will also appreciate the reflective detailing and helmet attachment features. Quick-access pockets stash essentials within easy reach and the exterior-access padded laptop compartment stores up to 13″ tech at the ready. All in a slim, comfy and sleek British design that glides effortlessly from the active commute to the office.

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Troubadour Goods Explorer Apex Rucksack

The Explorer Apex Rucksack dishes up Troubadour’s signature premium look and feel at an affordable price tag, allowing you to embrace a touch of luxe in your work carry without breaking the bank. The lightweight, weatherproof and durable build is designed to keep going strong year after year, delivering an enticing mix of quality, elegance and functionality. Exterior quick-access pockets are complemented by an interior padded 15″ laptop sleeve. Plus there’s a detachable pouch, perfect for organizing smaller work tools and EDC items. And a luggage passthrough sleeve comes in handy for travel use too.

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beruf baggage Urban Explorer 20

The Urban Explorer 20, from this little-known Japanese brand, neatly balances a minimalist exterior with versatile functionality in the internals. The removable organizer panel stores your tech and work supplies and is easy to include or remove as your carry needs dictate. The pack offers a choice of quick-access pockets including a charging cable passthrough pocket and a discreet pocket for valuables on the back panel. The luggage passthrough sleeve lets you secure the bag to rolling luggage. And with its durable, weatherproof X-Pac construction, you don’t need to worry about poor weather either.

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Porter Flight Backpack

While leather backpacks are often visually appealing, they can end up being fairly heavy and impacting on carry comfort. But Porter’s Flight Backpack offers the best of both worlds. A soft, attractive leather build that keeps weight to a minimum. The leather undergoes a special process to enhance its softness while keeping bulk down. The 12L pack weighs just 600g and offers top and side quick-access pockets and a wide-opening main compartment for easy loading and retrieval of gear. Beautiful, minimal, very Porter.

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master-piece Tact Backpack

Handsome aesthetics, excellent build quality and practical design make the Tact Backpack a worthy partner for work and the weekend alike. The bag is meticulously crafted in Japan, with a water-repellent build that features a combination of twill and leather for an enticing visual contrast. Additionally, the Tact Backpack includes a key and lock for security on the go. The main compartment opens wide for easy access and includes a laptop sleeve, with additional pockets on hand to store frequently used items. And for flexible portability the shoulder straps can be removed to carry the bag briefcase-style.

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HERZ Beatle Backpack

The HERZ Beatle Backpack is a boardroom-ready bag that exudes class and quality. Beautifully handcrafted in Japan, the leather backpack complements its suave styling with practical features such as a self-standing design with four feet at the base, as well as front and back quick-access pockets. The interior fits a 13″ laptop and the shoulder straps are removable if you want to carry the bag just using the top handle.

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Miranda Kaloudis PAN 6-In-1 Backpack-Bag

Smart-casual urban styling and flexible portability are thoughtfully brought together in the PAN 6-In-1 Backpack-Bag. Handcrafted with suede and waxed canvas, the bag features padded laptop storage and further pockets for organizing smaller items. Carry options include backpack, tote and shoulder bag modes, with each mode providing the ability to alternate between slim and regular volume setups to suit changing loads.

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LEON FLAM Maipo

LEON FLAM’s Maipo takes its inspiration from vintage hiking backpacks but looks right at home in modern-day work environments. Expertly handcrafted in France, the bag features a durable and stylish combination of heavy canvas and full-grain vegetable-tanned leather. It offers a simple snap button closure and an interior zipped pocket, with a bright lining in the main compartment to easily discern individual items. The bag fits up to a 14″ laptop and adds undeniable French chic to any work carry setup.

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QWSTION Roll Pack

QWSTION’s Roll Pack does a fine job bringing sustainable construction, understated Swiss style and adaptability to your work day. The bag is made with sustainably produced Bananatex® material and vegetable-tanned leather detailing. The rolltop main compartment adapts easily to changing loads and provides a merino felt laptop sleeve that fits up to 15″ devices. Further pockets store smaller items tidily and a side zipper provides access to the main compartment without having to undo the rolltop opening. The pack also offers adjustable straps and a modular carry handle to enable a range of portability options.

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Glaser Designs Business Backpack

If you’re after business-ready carry with a personalized touch, the Glaser Designs Business Backpack is up to the task. This custom-made backpack hailing from San Francisco comes in your choice of leathers, linings and hardware. You can also specify dimensions and strap lengths and partner the supplied laptop sleeve with a choice of optional accessories including a camera insert and travel organizers. Suave and luxurious, it’s a premium piece for elevating your work EDC.

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WaterField Designs Sutter Slim Laptop Backpack

With its pared-back aesthetic, slim profile and thoughtful design, the Sutter Slim Laptop Backpack is a savvy choice for carrying minimalist work loads. The front features staggered pockets with a pleated leather panel to reduce bulge and maintain the pack’s clean look. The interior provides padded storage for a 15″ laptop and 13″ tablet, along with additional pockets for smaller items. The slim profile navigates crowds like a pro while keeping you stylish on the go, with a luggage handle passthrough sleeve for easier travels as well. The San Francisco-made pack features a structured build to help it stand upright and prevent sagging when not full. It comes in a choice of black ballistic nylon or brown waxed canvas with full-grain leather detailing.

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côte&ciel Oril S EcoYarn Grey Backpack

côte&ciel are experts at infusing fashion-forward aesthetics into practical designs ready for everyday use. And their Oril S EcoYarn Grey Backpack deftly displays their expertise, offering an eye-catching aesthetic partnered with useful organization to tackle the work/play divide. The water-resistant pack provides a rear compartment for storing work tools, with a range of pockets including a 13″ laptop pocket. The front compartment is handy for bulkier and quick-access items, such as lunch and an outer layer or gym gear.

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The North Face Access 02 Backpack

TNF’s original Access Pack was one of the bravest and most ambitious packs we’ve seen released in the everyday space. The Access 02 has taken the learnings from that and trimmed down the weight penalty to deliver a new iteration much better than its predecessor. The pack offers dedicated laptop storage with a handy laptop-ejector handle for quick access. You also get stand-up design and quick access to the main compartment with a simple and satisfying push of a button.

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Haglöfs Torsång

The Torsång’s heritage aesthetics salute the brand’s origins while adapting to a variety of casual work and play environments. It’s made with a durable, bluesign® approved 500D ATY Oxford Polyamide fabric and leather detailing. An interior laptop sleeve holds up to 15″ tech, while dual exterior pockets stash frequently used items. Added bonus? The pack is versatile enough for outdoor use too when it’s time to leave the 9-5 behind and head out on adventures.

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Alchemy Equipment AEL022 30 Litre Zip Access Daypack

The AEL022 is an updated take on Alchemy Equipment’s popular AEL002, a pack that melded performance and fashion like few have done before, with new additions including stretch side pockets, a stowable waist belt and a redesigned profile with a fuller base. The durable, water-resistant build is ready for rainy commutes, while a variety of organization options keep your gear tidy and prepped for access. The interior waterproof pocket is a convenient stash point for valuables or toiletries, while the exterior 15″ laptop compartment features an ejector mechanism for easy access.

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Thule Crossover 2 Backpack 20L

Thule’s Crossover 2 Backpack 20L is tailor-made for organization lovers who want dependable, everyday functionality from their carry gear. The pack has a dedicated 14″ laptop compartment, a front organization panel, a crush-resistant SafeZone compartment for items such as a phone and sunglasses, an RFID-blocking pocket and a side water bottle pocket. Delve into the main compartment and you’ll find a protective 10.1″ tablet sleeve, a document sleeve and a zippered pocket. The pack also includes a luggage passthrough panel for smoother travel carry with rolling luggage.

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ISM Classic Backpack

The ISM Classic Backpack keeps things simple, understated and functional, delivering a versatile and compact piece with a quality feel and elegant look for formal and informal settings alike. It’s crafted with full-grain leather and nylon and backed by a lifetime guarantee. The separate laptop compartment offers two padded sleeves for tech, while the main compartment has three organization pockets. There’s also a front quick-access pocket and a charging cable passthrough point. And with its memory foam strap and back padding it keeps you carrying in comfy style too.

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Trakke Bannoch Backpack V2

The Bannoch V2 still retains its attractive urban-friendly styling, host of useful pockets and rugged, weatherproof handmade construction. But it welcomes some updates too. The pack features a new waist belt slot, making it compatible with Trakke’s optional padded waist belt for carrying heavier loads. And it also features a “slating” flap effect on the front, minimizing the need for fiddly zips, while still keeping all compartments free from water. All delivered in a burly, dry-finish waxed canvas available in a choice of colorways to suit your preferences.

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Minaal Rolltop

The Minaal Rolltop ticks plenty of work-friendly boxes, including easy access to gear, sleek aesthetics, and a comfortable and stowable harness for life on the go. The magnetic rolltop opening is quick and easy to use, while access is enhanced further with a full-length front zipper to reach gear throughout the main compartment without rummaging. The slim profile works well in crowded areas. And there’s a choice of quick-access pockets at the ready for your frequently used items, as well as a suspended 15″ laptop sleeve.

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Vote now!