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Long gone are the days when you lugged your worn-out, torn-up backpack to school. Those patches were battle scars, signs of admiration to the other kids in the schoolyard. But you’re not in school now.
You’re all grown up and you have a real job. You’re a professional, and your backpack needs to reflect that. But you still need to use the thing, right? It needs to be functional. You have to haul your backpack and keep your gear protected on your commute. You’re probably going to have a laptop.
Maybe you need to travel on business trips. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could also take it on a plane? I think so too. Let’s have a look at some of your options.
Here are our parameters:
- Minimalist and professional
- Fits a 15” laptop, plus accessories
- Good for commuting and travel
Defy Bucktown Backpack
The black waxed canvas and waterproof YKK zippers make the Defy Bucktown a great commuter backpack. Sleek and minimalist, it has a spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve, large enough for a 17” Macbook. The panel organizer compartment and slash pocket store your small items, while side pockets can store a small water bottle.
$289
Briggs Riley Medium Backpack
The Medium backpack is a classic travel backpack, with a ton of organization. Designed around three main sections, the main compartment for large items, rear padded laptop sleeve, and a front compartment for small items. Two exterior pockets let you access items quickly at security. The exterior is well constructed from 1600 denier ballistic Cordura and sturdy YKK zippers.
$319
Waterfield Pro Executive Laptop Backpack
A highly sophisticated laptop backpack, made in San Francisco, and designed by their customers. The size is perfect for air travel, 25 liters is big enough for a minimalist business trip, and it’s small enough to fit under the seat on most airlines. Full grain leather front, spacious main compartment, and two side storage pockets for small items and a water bottle. Store your laptop in the additional folio, and you’re ready to carry it right from the bag to a meeting.
$349 (Laptop Folio is $49)
Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus
A minimalist approach to a classic laptop backpack. The Bellroy Classic is great for commuting with a contoured back panel, and removable sternum strap. Water resistant fabric, YKK zippers, and metal hardware will ensure your gear stays protected. This bag is light on features, but also light on weight at just over 2 lbs.
$179
Tom Bihn Synapse 19 or 25
A classic in the one bag travel community. In black or grey the Tom Bihn Synapse is also classy enough to work as a commuting backpack. It has a large back compartment, and a ton of exterior pockets for small items. It doesn’t have much support, so you’re going to want to get the cache if you’re carrying a laptop. This will offer padding while allowing you to easily remove it in airport security.
$200 (Cache is $30-45)
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L or 30L
The Everyday Backpack is designed as a photography backpack, but it also works great for commuting or business travel. Three interior divider compartments allow you to stack your gear, keeping everything from migrating to the bottom of the pack. For travel or commuting, just fold the flaps down, and you have easy top and side access to your gear. And did I mention this pack looks great too?
$259.95
Tumi Alpha Bravo Nellis Backpack
Tumi is well known for their high-end business backpacks. Constructed from ballistic nylon and leather accents, the Nellis Backpack will look great on the plane or at your next business meeting. Two large front organization compartments, and two side pockets for smaller items. The laptop compartment expands back, giving you easy access for up to a 15” laptop.
$339
Brooks England Pitfield Backpack 24-28LT
Build for urban cycling, the Pitfield Backpack 24-48LT looks like it should cost a lot more than it does. This all-weather backpack is ideal for commuting, with a main compartment that stretches to accommodate a helmet. Constructed from coated Nylon and Cordura, with YKK Aquaguard zips, and high grade aluminum hardware, the Pitfield Backpack will make you stand out at your next board meeting.
$173
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I run One Bag Travels as an independent website, I am not directly associated with, nor do I take payments from any of the companies featured on this site. My opinions are based on my personal experience with these products, as well as years of experience as an independent traveler.
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