Between paperwork, your laptop, and assorted work gear, heading to the office in the morning can be cumbersome. A good bag, whether it be a backpack or tote, is almost required. Show up with something that looks like it belongs in a middle school locker, however, and you won’t be doing yourself any favors and you might be leaving the wrong impression. If you’re in the market for a new bag, we know just what you need. Here are some of our favorites for the back to work season.
Everlane The Street Backpack
A work backpack is a bit tricker to nail than other styles. For some reason most backpacks still carry an air of immaturity. That’s not the case here with The Street Backpack from Everlane. Simple. Lightweight. Durable. The Street offers everything you want, including a great price. Made from nylon, The Street comes in four different colors, with our favorite being the Dark Grey Crosshatch. While it’s not large, it has plenty of space to carry most of your gear, assuming you don’t need many large tools for your line of work. If simplicity is your goal, you just found your new bag.
$38
Killspencer Utility Attaché Briefcase
The briefcase, in its original form, has slowly disappeared from the workplace. That means the time is right for you to score some Don Draper points while everyone else is sleeping. Killspencer has just the thing, as they took the traditional form of the backpack and decked it out in full grain leather. With internal organization, a suitcase loop, and water resistant zippers, it has everything you could need. It’s made in the USA and ready to turn heads at your office or on your next flight.
$550
Paul Smith City Webbing Portfolio Briefcase
PARTNER Slim, sleek, and finished with the colorful details Paul Smith is known for, this City Webbing Portfolio Briefcase is a fine partner for your climb up the corporate ladder. All the details are well thought out, as the modern briefcase comes with rolled handles, six interior pockets, and is built from polished pebbled leather. A wraparound top zip gives you easy access to all your paperwork and the slim build makes it ideal for commuting. Head to East Dane to pick one up and turn a few heads when you go back to work.
$675
Gustin Classic Tote
The tote is a simple, do-everything workhorse. Not the one you got at the grocery store for a buck, but rather something like this one from Gustin. Built from heavy-duty, water-repellant waxed cotton canvas that was sourced in the U.S., the Gustin Classic Tote is prepared for getting tossed around five days a week. Each is finished with straps made from Horween latigo leather and sewn with a few exterior pockets for some organization. You can throw your groceries in it if you want, but this tote is ideal for the office.
$89
Black Ember Minimal Travel Kit
Perfect for when your workday leads right into a red-eye, this bag from Black Ember doubles beautifully as a carry-on. Inside you’ll find a padded and suspended tablet sleeve that can handle small laptops, multiple storage pockets, and hoop style hypalon pulls. The exterior is crafted from abrasion resistant Cordura nylon and outfitted with waterproof zippers, reinforced weight-bearing points, a removable sternum strap, and much more. But while it’s decked to the nines with features, it still looks like a sleek, professional backpack that would be at home in a place of business.
$167
Wings+Horns x Porter Dispatch Bag
Wings+Horns collaboration pieces always get our attention, and you can find that Porter seal on a few pieces we own. So it makes sense that we’re excited about this collab bag, which blends the classic briefcase design with a weekender. Made from durable Cordura nylon along with mil-spec nylon web in the carry straps, the attractive bag is more than a pretty face. Travels or impromptu workouts are taken care of, too, as there’s a zippered shoe pocket with collapsible lining on the side. And a hidden snap pocket is ideal for small valuables. No matter where your day takes you, this Dispatch Bag can handle the gear necessary.
$350
Best Made Bonded Canvas Tote
Another canvas tote, this one from Best Made, that can handle all your work necessities can be yours for under $150. Engineered to last a lifetime, Best Made’s Bonded Canvas Tote is crafted with exceedingly durable 10 oz. canvas and a resilient twill interior to ensure your files and portable hard drives never fall through a rip or tear. The 17-liter capacity means you can stuff this thing full of pens, papers, electronics, and more without fear you’ll need another bag. Bring it to the office and have it pull extra duty on weekends around town; it can handle it.
$128
Topo Designs Mountain Backpack
Yes, we know Topo Designs is best known for bags that are ready to assist you along a trail, but their Mountain Backpack transitions quite smoothly into an office setting. Don’t let the name fool you, this is anything but a bag that only looks good with a layer for dirt. The lined interior offers a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of room for your paperwork. The exterior offers multiple carrying options, including the ability to wear the bag as a backpack in an effort to free your hands. Can you take it camping? Of course. Can you also take it to the office? You better believe it.
$149
Hook & Albert Twill Garment Weekender Bag
If your job requires frequent travel, consider investing in a weekender that’s business appropriate. We recommend this Twill Garment Weekender Bag from Hook & Albert. Designed to accommodate two suits, the weekender is perfect for quick business jaunts. There are also two shoe compartments and two zippered pockets on the exterior. The jetsetting businessman would be hard-pressed to do better in the bag department.
$395
Shinola Computer Brief
The Computer Brief from Shinola is the next evolution of the old school briefcase. It boasts the same basic dimensions but is built without the sharp edges and cumbersome frame. Three open interior pockets offer a bit of organization for your phone, writing instruments, keys, and other daily carry, while the leather accents ensure this bag can transport those things for years to come. As with everything that carries the Shinola name, all the American manufacturers involved in making this Computer Brief a reality were chosen for their commitment to quality, and that shows in the product you’re getting.
$450
Tanner Goods Voyager Daypack
The name alone informs you this bag is built for just about anything, which means it’s ideal for the unpredictability of some careers. If your line of work takes you to coffee shops all over the city in the morning and to different spaces in the afternoon, the Voyager Daypack from Tanner Goods is up for the challenge. Built to “fit just about anyone’s daily routine,” the Voyager Daypack is made from waxed twill, Cambara English bridle leather, and solid brass hardware. That means it’s tough enough for even the most demanding worker. There’s space for a laptop, a water bottle, and a ton of small accessories.
$200
