Show off Your Style at the Office With One of These Work Backpacks

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How we dress for work has changed over the years. Because of this, many of us have shifted our classic officewear wardrobes to incorporate more business casual (if not classically casual) garments, shoes, and accessories. While this means that we've made room for the perfect white leather sneakers, comfortable trousers, and fun graphic sweaters and tees in our closet, we've also begun to rethink how we carry all of our office essentials to work. After all, totes are uncomfortable and briefcases are outdated. As such, we set out on the hunt for the best work backpacks for women in 2024.

When scouring the web for the perfect work backpack, we paid attention to a few key features to help streamline your own search. We prioritized top-rated silhouettes with spacious designs, ample organization, anti-theft features, and dedicated compartments or sleeves for tech, and in doing so found 18 stellar work backpacks for women who commute. No matter your budget, color preference, or capacity needs, ahead, you'll find at least a few work backpacks that fit the bill.

Keep reading to uncover your ultimate work backpack. 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 overall" spot because of its chic design and the organization it provides with its multiple interior pockets. The surprisingly spacious interior includes a built-in laptop sleeve, and there is an exterior trolley sleeve to slide onto rolling luggage. The Calpak backpack is available in over a dozen limited and classic colorways, 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.

Luka Laptop Backpack

This unique, business casual backpack is not only convenient for workers on the go, but it's also very trendy thanks to its puffy silhouette — a favorite style in 2024. The beloved backpack is sold in three neutral core shades as well as a number of limited-edition bright colors and metallic styles.

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 such as a passport, wallet, and phone. Needless to say, we're big fans of this fashion-forward laptop backpack.

New Crew Backpack

Perfect for the gym-goer, the Lululemon New Crew Backpack is a spacious silhouette outfitted with an easily accessible front zip pocket, an open main compartment, a separate back zip laptop compartment, and two side pockets with adjustable straps to secure water bottles, BlenderBottles, umbrellas and the like.

What Will Fit: A lot! This water-resistant, nylon backpack has a spacious main compartment that's great for toting a change of clothes, a cosmetic bag, and a lunch bag. Meanwhile, the back laptop compartment can fit laptops up to 15", along with a notebook or two. And mind you, there's still packing potential in the front pocket, as well as the two side slip pockets.

Grand Ambition Leather Convertible Luxe Backpack

If you're not sold on carrying a backpack every day of the week, you'll love the Cole Haan Grand Ambition Leather Convertible Luxe Backpack, which can be carried as a backpack, tote, or crossbody. Its minimalist-chic design doesn't hurt, either.

What Will Fit: The Cole Haan Grand Ambition backpack features a main zip-top compartment with a slip laptop sleeve that has a zip pocket and slip pockets on the exterior of it. It can accommodate laptops up to 13" while also having enough room to store a notebook or two.

Anti-Theft Business Backpack

Looking for a backpack that will go with anything and everything while keeping your belongings safe and secure on the go? This popular anti-theft backpack is worth considering. Designed with water-resistant microfiber leather and ballistic nylon material, it's built to withstand not only the weather but any potential pick-pocketers, too.

What Will Fit: This nondescript faux leather backpack offers much more than meets the eye. It's outfitted with adjustable straps, a USB charging port, a hidden rear anti-theft pocket, and unique hidden zippers that make it difficult to break into. Inside the bag, you'll find various slip pockets, zip pockets, and pen slips, as well as a separate rear tech compartment that showcases a padded design with elastic straps to secure both a 15.6" laptop and a tablet.

Orion Backpack

Purveyor of awesome, trendy bags, this pick from Herschel Supply Co. is unlike many of their other options. Created with textured nylon and CareSmart leather trim, this padded backpack features adjustable straps, zip enclosures that go two ways, and the top-carry handle that Herschel is known for.

What Will Fit: At 15.5-inches in height and 12-inches in width, this bag can accommodate laptops smaller than a MacBook Pro in its built-in laptop compartment.

The ReNew Transit Backpack

This Everlane backpack, which is made of 100% recycled polyester, is a commuter's dream. Not only can you safely secure your laptop inside, its many pockets and two water bottle holders make it perfect for traveling to and from the office. If you're commuting overnight, there's a pass-through strap to attach safely to your rolling luggage.

What Will Fit: Standing at 15", this backpack's exterior laptop pocket can fit a standard-sized laptop, such as a MacBook. Zip pockets throughout can safely hold other essentials, such as your passport, wallet, phone, and more.

Belax Mock-Croc PU Backpack

If you dislike bags with a lot of compartments because it's easy to lose your things in all of the nooks and crannies, this bag is the one for you. It's essentially one large pocket. Zipped to close with adjustable straps and a top handle, it's a minimalist choice for the light packer. Bonus: It has a hidden back side pocket for easy-to-reach items like a phone and keys.

What Will Fit: At 10.25-inches in height, this sleek backpack can fit an iPad mini or Kindle but not a standard-sized laptop or iPad.

Nombongo Large Leather Backpack

If you love a bag with pockets, this backpack from Bostanten will easily become your new favorite. The sleek leather design and neutral colorways give it an air of luxury while still retaining the best part of a backpack: compartments.

What Will Fit: Either of the two main compartments can fit a laptop up to 15.6". With eight well-designed pockets, this bag can hold everything you may need for a day at the office or traveling.

Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Love the look of a classic backpack but crave a modern textile? This water-resistant neoprene backpack from Dagne Dover is the perfect pick. Sold in three sizes and eight colors, the cushy-yet-lightweight backpack features adjustable straps, a front zipper pocket with little elastic slots for 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 at the moment. In short, it's one of, if not the most, organized work backpack on the market. That's likely why everyone and their mother 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, such as a 13-inch MacBook and larger items alike.

Metro Backpack

This sleek, two-in-one backpack is great for those who need to fit not only work items but gym-related items in their backpack as well, such as sneakers and a change of clothes. There is a waterproof compartment that's perfect for workout garb. The detachable front pocket can be left on for additional space or taken off for a slimmer appearance. It slides through a loop and adheres via magnet. There is also a hidden pocket on the back of the backpack for items such as a passport, wallet, or other valuables you may wish to conceal.

What Will Fit: The backpack's 16.5-inch height means it can easily fit a 15-inch laptop. The interior pocket made of waterproof fabric is perfect for sweaty gym clothes or an extra pair of shoes, and the detachable front pocket is great for smaller, additional items such as keys, charging cords, and a wallet. If you're traveling, the small, detachable bag could also act as a carrier for toiletries.

Vegan Vintage Leather Backpack

If dark academia or vintage charm is your aesthetic, this super affordable (and super cool!) vegan "leather" backpack might just be 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-inches in height, you can fit a MacBook or regular-sized laptop inside — sorry, MacBook Pros! Six compartments of varying sizes can house other daily essentials.

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.

Laptop Backpack

With over 20,000 five-star ratings on Amazon, 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 travel-friendly.

What Will Fit: This backpack has a laptop pocket that can fit computers 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.

Anti-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 a great grown-up version that will make your daily commute much smoother. One unique feature is the ability to lock the front zipper pocket for added security.

What Will Fit: One of the littler bags on our list, this pick can only hold the smallest of laptops or iPads. If you like to travel light, this is the backpack is for you. It also comes with an RFID-blocking card/passport compartment.

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 your shoulders will be strain-free on your way to work.

What Will Fit: At 15.7-inches in height, this backpack can fit a standard-sized laptop, such as a MacBook comfortably. A tablet pocket perfect for a 10.5-inch iPad, two smaller inner pockets, pen slots, two dual-side pockets for water bottles, and an exterior zip pocket are also provided.

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 does its many pockets (six in total!). You'll appreciate the adjustable, padded shoulder straps, too.

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 zipper pocket to hold smaller items of value, one pencil case, and two side pockets for water or an umbrella.

Leather Laptop Backpack for Women

Made of high-quality vegan "leather," this stylish bag is both durable and versatile. Choose from 9 different colors that showcase your personal style.

What Will Fit: At 15.75-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.

What 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, such as a Macbook Pro, opting for a backpack in the 17-inch range is advised.

✔️ Material: If you'll be wearing your backpack out and about while commuting, it'll be helpful to have a water-resistant bag. Otherwise, it could soak through and affect the contents, many of which are tech-related. Additionally, some materials, such as faux leather, are easier to clean than, say, nylon or neoprene.

✔️ Key features: A few features that are especially convenient in a work backpack include key leashes (so you don't have to hunt for your keys), designated phone pockets, hidden compartments (great for wallets and IDs), and a variety of interior zipper pockets (that make staying organized less of a hassle).

FAQ

• Are work backpacks professional?
  Absolutely! While some materials, such as faux leather, will look more polished, nylon, neoprene, and polyester laptop backpacks are considered commonplace in formal and business casual offices as well.

• What size backpack is best for commuting?
  It ultimately depends on your size, as you don't want to be weighed down by your backpack. That said, a 15- to 17-inch-tall backpack is typically 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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