5 Great Backpacks for Business Travel

In the fast-paced world of business travel, backpacks can help you stay agile and organized while still retaining a suitably professional style. Of course, not just any backpack will do. Choosing the right companion for your particular carry setup is key to a successful trip, ensuring it offers the travel-friendly features you need while also nailing the right aesthetic. So we’re delving into 5 great options for business travel backpacks, along with helpful tips to pick a pack that’s perfect for your needs.

Top Backpacks for Business Travel

Bellroy Transit Workpack (from US$199)

The Bellroy Transit Workpack is a versatile all-rounder for business travel, everyday commuting, and trips to the gym. With three sizes including 20L, 28L, and 38L options you can travel lean and agile or carry extra depending on your specific load requirements. Each size offers an exterior-access laptop compartment, a clamshell main compartment for easy packing and gear retrieval, and a choice of quick-access pockets to store items such as a water bottle, keys, a phone, a passport, and a wallet. Additionally, a contoured and breathable back panel and padded shoulder straps ensure loads stay comfy on the go, while water-resistant fabric and zippers help keep the elements at bay.

Stuart & Lau Crosby Backpack (US$295)

The 20L Stuart & Lau Crosby Backpack pairs a clean and timeless aesthetic with thoughtful features such as an exterior-access 16″ laptop compartment, contoured padded shoulder straps, and top and side grab handles for convenient maneuverability in tight spaces. Durable Japanese YKK Excella metal zippers, scratch-resistant anodized alloy hardware, a waterproof DuraLite fabric shell, and waterproof rubberized base stand up to demanding use and offer protection against the elements, while Italian full-grain leather details provide a refined touch. The clamshell compartment and interior pockets make it easy to pack and organize items, while a front quick-access pocket stores frequently used items at the ready. Plus, you also benefit from a leak-resistant water bottle pocket and an Add-a-Bag luggage sleeve for securing the pack to wheeled luggage.

Stuart & Lau Capstone Backpack (US$335)

The 23L Stuart & Lau Capstone Backpack dials in durability, style, and functionality in one. The tough DuraLite fabric shell and weatherproof YKK AquaGuard zippers protect gear from the elements, while Italian full-grain leather details elevate the luxurious feel. The sleek silhouette looks sharp in professional settings, while a flexible panel-loading design offers top-loading access or a fully opened main compartment depending on your needs. The exterior-access laptop compartment accommodates up to 17″ devices and an expandable side pocket stores flasks and bottles for easy access. Small essentials can be stashed in the top and side quick-access pockets and the Add-a-Bag system allows for all-in-one transport with wheeled luggage.

rofmia Daypack V2 L (US$513)

T rofmia 30L Daypack V2 L is a versatile pack for both travel and everyday use, handmade by a small two-person operation in Minokamo City, Japan. The understated design features a tough and waterproof 5.0 oz. DCF shell, complemented by weatherproof YKK zippers for dependable protection against inclement weather. A separate 16″ laptop compartment keeps tech secure but quickly retrievable and the clamshell main compartment makes for convenient packing and access to your gear. Interior pockets including a padded document pocket and zippered storage keep items tidy in the main compartment, with quick-access exterior pockets taking care of the items you want close at hand. (Note, rofmia bags regularly sell out, so be sure to check their socials for updates on restocks).

Carl Friedrik 72-hour Backpack (US$545)

If you’re seeking luxurious quality that doesn’t sacrifice utility, Carl Friedrik’s 72-hour Backpack is an excellent choice. As the name suggests, it’s designed to accommodate three days’ worth of travel gear, offering a convenient clamshell main compartment and a separate compartment for documents and a 16″ tech device. The 25L backpack provides three interior pockets for organizing smaller items, complemented by quick-access top and side exterior pockets for items such as a phone, passport, wallet, or glasses. The weather-resistant, durable shell is made with 100% recycled nylon, while Vachetta leather detailing enhances the premium look and feel. A rear luggage sleeve keeps you moving freely with wheeled luggage, while a lifetime warranty provides confidence on journeys both near and far.

How to Choose the Right Backpack for Business Travel

First-Class Functionality

A great business travel backpack nails functionality from the start, keeping your gear well organized and accessible throughout the trip, yet secure when not required. As business travel usually requires traveling with tech, a padded laptop compartment is an important feature – ideally externally accessed for getting through airport security with as little hassle as possible. Quick-access pockets for items such as your phone, wallet, and passport will keep them safe but within easy reach, especially if you need to leg it to a connecting flight. Then it’s a case of delving into features that will meet your specific needs. For example, maybe you need document storage, a luggage pass-through sleeve, or space for a portable charger. Ultimately, the pack you choose should deliver the functionality you require in an intuitively user-friendly design.

Comfort Is Key

When it comes to travel, carry comfort is a priority that can make or break your trip. Opt for a backpack with features that make your carry experience as enjoyable as possible, such as padded and adjustable shoulder straps, a breathable back panel, and a sternum strap to help stabilize and secure the load. Speaking of loads, if you’ll be carrying a fair amount you might appreciate load lifters and a hip belt for that extra comfort boost.

Travel-Ready Security

Having inbuilt security features can provide welcome peace of mind during your travels and there are several different options to consider. Anti-theft features such as lockable zippers, concealed compartments, and RFID-blocking pockets all help to keep valuables and sensitive information secure.

Suitable Size and Capacity

For overnight trips with small loads, a compact bag should do just fine. However, if you need to carry more then you’ll need to look at bags with larger capacities (or potentially external carry options for bulkier items). While you don’t want to overpack, you also don’t want to leave essentials behind that might require finding replacements at your destination. Also, consider designs that make optimal use of the stated capacity. Fun fact: not all equal-capacity bags are actually…well, equal. For instance, depending on the design, two packs with the same capacity may not be able to fit the same loadout or an 18L pack from one brand may feel larger than a 20L pack from a different brand. Think about what you’re carrying and how the pack’s layout will accommodate those items (for example, rectangular-ish packs work well with boxy packing cubes and document folders).

Durability for the Demands of Travel

While a carry-on backpack won’t suffer the same abuse as checked baggage, you’ll still be hauling it in and out of vehicles and overhead compartments. There will be inevitable scrapes, scuffs, and marks from mysterious substances. Perhaps the occasional downpour to contend with. Not to mention general wear and tear that comes with extensive travel use. So tough, travel-friendly materials and dependable construction are vital to ensure your pack is in it for the long haul. Durable, water-resistant fabrics will help protect your gear from the elements and will be easier to clean if required than materials that stain easily. Solid stitching and trusty zippers and hardware will ensure your pack can handle demanding travel for years to come, and while this may require investing a little extra, you won’t have to contend with broken straps or failed zippers that spill your contents out.

Professional Aesthetics

While functionality is vital in a business travel backpack, aesthetics shouldn’t be an afterthought. The style of your bag says something about you before you’ve even said a word, so your pack should match the professional appearance you want to convey. While this won’t be the same for everyone (for instance, a boardroom executive won’t necessarily dress the same way as a creative), you still want to exude an air of professionalism. Neutral bag colors like black, navy, olive, or gray work best here, keeping things understated and versatile and allowing you to transition smoothly from meetings to airport terminals and everywhere in between.

Consider Brand Reputation and Reviews

Look to brands with an established reputation for creating highly considered travel gear. Check out reviews of particular pieces you’re interested in to see how they perform in real-world use. Also consider the level of customer support and any warranties provided, as these can foster confidence that you’re getting a quality product and that help is at hand if anything goes wrong.