15 Best Work Backpacks for Women 2024, According to Style Editors

We know, we know. Rocking a backpack isn’t always the coolest look, but today’s best work backpacks are all about personal style. We’re talking high-quality leathers, whimsical details like tassel and fringe, sleek designs, and bold colors that really show your personality.

To find the best ones, I looked for options with practical, office-friendly features: extra-wide interiors for your lunch container, quick-access pockets for your work badge, clear dividers for your laptop, padded and adjustable straps, zippered pockets, and a comfy back panel. I also asked my network of stylish women for their tried and true favorites; the ones they use for overnight travel, to brave New York City commutes, or to carry to the gym before heading home. I then tested them by hauling everything from my laptop and iPad to water bottles and a breast bump. Below are the high-functioning and chic bags that our editors love. Whether you’re eyeing an ergonomic laptop backpack, or an off-duty backpack-purse for after your 9-5, these options will shoulder it all.

The best work backpacks for women, at a glance

• Best Backpack Overall: Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack, $145
• Best Laptop Backpack: Cuyana Leather Backpack 13-inch, $478
• Best Travel Backpack: Béis The Wicked Backpack, $88
• Best Commuter Backpack: Tumi Celina Backpack, $475
• Best Convertible: Kate Spade Walker Convertible Backpack, $279

Best Backpack Overal: Longchamp

Longchamp is a legend in the work bag world, and this mini Le Pliage backpack proves why (as if their iconic tote bags hadn’t already made the case). Compact yet surprisingly spacious, this designer bag holds everything you need without adding bulk. “This bag is the perfect size to fit my on-set prop kit,” says stylist Rebecca Dennett, author of the Sixth Sense newsletter. “All my essentials fit without feeling cumbersome, and I can quickly locate them thanks to its compact design. Being hands-free is essential for my job, where I’m often doing ten things at once, so the fact it’s a backpack is perfect.”

• Dimensions: 10"W x 11"H x 4"D
• Material: Nylon with leather trim
• Colors: 4 colors

Best Leather Backpack: Coach Crosby Backpack

Let me start by saying that, admittedly, I am not a backpack person. That is, until I became a mom and quickly realized that city life and shoulder bags don’t harmonize well when you’re juggling a tiny human and all their paraphernalia. Ever since crossing over with my favorite diaper bag backpack, I’ve been much better off during the work schlep. This Coach backpack is absolutely gorgeous in dark cherry (a popular bag trend color we're seeing everywhere). More importantly, it’s seriously spacious, with a design that’s refreshingly simple (in the best way). I can fit a ton—from my laptop and water bottle to a full makeup bag, over-ear headphones, and sunglasses in the protective case—all without feeling weighed down or looking overstuffed. With two front pockets, I have plenty of easy access whether I’m reaching for my wallet, keys, a snack, lip gloss, or charger. Yes, she’s an investment, but she’s gorgeous and crafted from high-quality leather that will only get better with age.

• Dimensions: 13.75"L x 14.5"H x 5"W
• Material: Natural grain leather
• Colors: Maple, black

Best Tote Backpack: MZ Wallace Metro Utility Backpack

This quilted backpack is a standout choice for everyday wear and tear, unpredictable weather, and the chaos of kid-related mishaps. “I bought this backpack as an upgrade to my diaper bag from my first kid, knowing that I would be on the go more often,” says Caitlin Dunn, senior director of marketing at The Home Edit. “It’s perfect for all my mom-life and work-life essentials, with a pocket for everything (10 on the inside and eight on the exterior). It fits my laptop and toddler must-haves like wipes, sanitizer, and bottles of all kinds. The built-in stroller snaps make it easy to attach directly to stroller handles (no extra attachments needed). I use a Stoney Clover pouch for quick-grab diapering essentials for my one-year-old, and there’s a trolley sleeve for travel days. It's been my daily workhorse for over a year now.”

• Dimensions: 12.20"L x 5.5"W x 16.5"H
• Material: Nylon, Italian leather trim, matte black hardware
• Colors: Black, navy, grey

Best Commuter Backpack: Tumi Celina Backpack

This black and gold-trimmed Tumi backpack is great as a carry-on for vacation or as an everyday commuter work bag. After spending years traipsing around New York subways and streets lugging multiple Fairway bags, actress Kate Easton invested in this Tumi backpack and has never looked back. “It has compartments galore (just the right amount!), is petite enough that it doesn’t overwhelm my frame or break my back, and is simple and chic—the perfect New York bag.”

• Dimensions: 10.5"W x 16"H x 6.5"D
• Material: Nylon/leather
• Colors: 6 colors

Best Vegan Leather Backpack: Monos Metro Backpack

This backpack may look boxy and stiff, but it’s actually quite pliable, and, in fact, I love the structure it adds to more casual outfits. The top handles are a fantastic quick-grab option—I find myself using them as much as the adjustable (and very comfy) shoulder straps. Let’s talk interior: the padded laptop compartment does the key job of protecting my most important asset (hey, it’s my livelihood), and the roomy main section has enough space to fit my pump and all its parts. The detachable front pocket is perfect for small essentials—makeup, keys, wallet, phone, and snacks—and I love that it’s removable, which is great when I want a sleeker look or need to make sure it’s slim enough to fit under an airplane seat. Plus, the whole thing is water-resistant and made from 100% recycled materials, so it’s as eco-friendly as it is functional.

• Dimensions: 11.5"W x 16.5"H x 6"D
• Material: Vegan leather
• Colors: 5 colors

Best Minimalist Backpack: Mansur Gavriel Classic Leather Backpack

Behold, the minimalist leather backpack of my dreams—the ultimate non-backpack person’s backpack. I was initially skeptical of how much it could fit, but I managed to pack all my on-the-go work essentials: my laptop, headphones and sunglasses (both in their cases), coffee, and a sweater, along with my wallet, keys, and a protein bar (my official fuel). It’s deceptively spacious yet sleek, making it perfect for carrying a full day’s worth of necessities without feeling bulky.

The details really set this beauty apart and fully justify the splurge (there’s no way around the fact that it is one): the rich pebbled leather exterior is durable yet soft to the touch, and the suede lining feels impossibly luxe. The top flap and interior drawstring closure add both security and style, keeping everything neatly tucked away while maintaining a streamlined silhouette. I’m obsessed with the seaweed green color, which breaks up the neutrals I mostly live in.

• Dimensions: 9.75"W x 14.25"H x 6.25"D
• Material: Leather
• Colors: Seaweed, black

Best Designer Backpack: Tory Burch Nylon Flap Backpack

This backpack is deceptively lightweight and compact, yet it fits way more than I expected—including my laptop, headphones, umbrella, and coffee. I’m obsessed with the ’90s utilitarian vibe, and in the designer realm, it’s refreshingly affordable. The backpack repelled water, gave me easy access to my umbrella, and kept all my valuables dry. Win, win, win!

• Dimensions: 13.4"H x 10.6"L x 5.1"D
• Material: 100% recycled

Best Canvas Backpack: Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L Tech Canvas

When durability and water bottle holders are key, look no further than this Lululemon backpack. Made from tech canvas, it’s tough enough to handle daily commutes and weekend adventures alike. The water-repellent finish keeps your essentials safe, while the spacious 22L interior and organized pockets make it easy to stash everything from gym clothes to work gear.

• Dimensions: 11.4" x 5.9'" x 16.9"
• Material: 100% Recycled Polyester
• Colors: Navy, black, grey

Best Travel Backpack: Béis The Wicked Backpack

This backpack from Béis, Shay Mitchell's luggage brand, offers so many useful features like two water bottle pockets, a trolley-pass through, padded sleeve, and more. It's also stylish with eight different shade available. It's a great gift for the college student balancing work.

• Dimensions: 13" W x 19" H x 5.5" D
• Material: Cotton body, PVC trim, and polyester lining
• Colors: 8 shades

Best Laptop Backpack: Cuyana Leather Backpack 13-inch

Minimalist and sleek, with hardware that’s practically jewelry—this backpack is a beauty. It’s available in two sizes to suit your laptop and space needs, and comes in timeless neutrals that won’t clash with a single thing in your wardrobe. Plus, you can amp up the organization with the brand’s sleek accessories for a truly polished setup.

• Dimensions: 13.3"H x 9.6"W x 7.2"D
• Material: Italian leather
• Colors: Cappuccino, stone, black

Best Expandable Backpack: Away The Transit Leather Backpack

You love Away for the roller suitcases but don't sleep on the backpacks. This pebbled leather and canvas silhouette is minimal and sleek yet expandable (!!) to fit everything but the kitchen sink: think your laptop, a shoe change, a warm layer, a notebook, headphones, and so much more.

• Dimensions: 11.2" x 17.3" x 6.7"
• Material: Pebbled leather and canvas
• Colors: Cream white, black

Best Classic: Herschel Supply Co. Nova Mid-Volume Backpac

For those who appreciate the beauty of a true classic, this backpack is your forever go-to. Crafted from recycled water bottles, it’s the eco-friendly essential that shows simplicity can still mean serious dependability. It’s got all the essentials covered: a perfectly padded laptop sleeve, an expandable water bottle pocket, and just the right number of compartments to keep things tidy. With cushy, padded straps and a lightweight build, it’s ready for anything—a commute, a coffee run, or a weekend escape. Plus, with 25 colors to choose from—so many options.

• Dimensions: 15.75"H x 11"L x 5.5"D
• Material: EcoSystem 600D Fabric made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles
• Colors: 25 colors

Best Backpack for Work Trips: Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

This is the ideal work-travel backpack—sleek, organized, and ready to go. From a padded laptop sleeve for your tech to multiple zip pockets for quick-access items, it’s built to keep your essentials secure and your look polished, wherever work takes you—a choice carry-on backpack, for sure. Plus, the design slips smoothly onto luggage handles, making those airport dashes a breeze.

• Dimensions: 11.5"W x 15.5"H x 5.5"D
• Material: Neoprene
• Colors: Dune, camel, dark moss, storm

Best Convertible Backpack: Kate Spade Walker Convertible Backpack

For the multitasker who needs their laptop bag to flex as much as they do, this convertible gem is a dream. It seamlessly switches between a sleek tote and a hands-free backpack, depending on your day’s demands. With a dedicated laptop pocket, it’s perfect for securely carrying tech essentials while keeping things organized in style. It’s one of the best laptop bags for anyone who wants function and fashion in one.

• Dimensions: 4.75"L x 14.5" H x 14.75" W
• Material: Pebbled leather with faille lining
• Colors: Cherry juice, cedar stand

Best Unisex Work Backpack: Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Technically from the men's section, this backpack is a win for anyone who loves spacious exterior pockets and a utilitarian vibe. It’s made from 100% recycled, water-resistant fabric, thoughtfully designed for easy access with a 15" exterior laptop pocket, and has multiple zip compartments for essentials. Perfect for commutes, travel, and everything in between.

• Dimensions: 17.5”H x 12”L x 7.25”D
• Material: 100% Recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish
• Colors: 6 colors