The best work backpacks for women are a must for carrying essentials with ease and as our research showed, there is no age limit to a backpack. We found a range of backpacks in practical and luxurious fabrications that will take you from work to weekend in style.
While we love the best tote bags for unrivaled sartorial style, when it comes to practicality on the day-to-day commute, sometimes we have to admit defeat and opt for one of the best backpacks to lug our essentials around. The best work backpacks for women have a space for everything; from laptops to gym kits and even your lunch, you can team one with any of the best crossbody bags to keep your wallet, phone, and keys close by too. Backpacks also offer added health benefits as they spread the weight of what you're carrying across your back, leaving you largely hand-free. The padded straps can help prevent digs and pain too.
If you have always associated a backpack with school, have no fear. Some of the best designer bag brands also produce work backpacks for women to keep you looking chic on the go. When shopping for the best backpack consider what you'll need to fit in and when you'll use it to ensure you get the right fit and style for you. According to the British brand Aspinal of London, the average woman carries 17 items in her handbag at any one time, weighing roughly the same as three bags of sugar. So getting a good fit is a must. If you're worried about trying to fit too much in, you could also look at some of the best laptop bags to help spread the load. These are our best work backpacks for women, from super stylish to waterproofed fabrics and practical fastenings.
Best work backpacks for women, as chosen by our fashion team
The best work backpacks for women should combine style and practicality. Versatile designs can also double up as the best weekend bags, with waterproof detailing making them also ideal companions for camping and adventure. The best backpacks should be roomy enough for your essentials, with plenty of practical storage solutions to help you organize your life, but without compromising on design. These are our favorites...
Hunter has a strong and well-respected heritage, loved by everyone from the Royals to the best fashion bloggers, you'll recognize Hunter's infamous wellington boots from magazines and festivals, as they are the comfortable flats to be seen in for tackling wet weather. Making some of the best waterproof jackets, the brand also does some practical and stylish water-repellent backpacks that will keep your belongings dry on your commute. In plenty of color choices, from black backpacks to bold pops or red and yellow, they even have laptop sleeves, making them ideal for work or back to school.
Browse all Hunter backpacks from $85 / £65 (opens in new tab)
Hunter backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $110 / £90 | One of the best waterproof laptop backpacks, this bag is certified vegan, water-resistant and available in four colors - we love this khaki backpack. There’s a laptop sleeve - making it ideal for work and side pockets for quick access to a water bottle when you're on the go.
RRP: $100 / £75 | Coming in two colorways, this is a handy tear-resistant and water-repellent backpack that is lightweight. Wearable two different ways - as a backpack and crossbody and two front clip fastenings, and top flap, it will keep your valuables safe and dry.
RRP: $135 (US only) | For a slightly edgier look, we love this large backpack. Ideal for holding workout gear as well as daily essentials, the color means it's incredibly versatile and is smart enough to team with the best loafers for women for the office.
Sweaty Betty is responsible for some of our best leggings outfits, with clothing that takes you from workout to sidewalk with ease, but the brand's bag collection is also worth checking out for multi-use totes and water-resistant running backpacks that offer a sporty and sleek aesthetic. Lightweight and durable, this is the ideal backpack for those that go from office to gym (or vice-versa).
Browse all Sweaty Betty Backpacks from $108 / £85 (opens in new tab)
Sweaty Betty backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $108 / £85 | A fantastic multi-purpose option, this backpack can be converted into a tote bag. Available in two colorways - classic black or sage green - this sporty style offers plenty of versatility depending on what your day holds.
RRP: $128 / £95 | Made of a lightweight water-resistant fabric, this waterproof backpack has an adjustable chest strap to stop excess movement as you run - ideal for adventure and work. In three colorways, black, plum or a pretty mist blue for a brighter feel.
RRP: $108 / £85 | This backpack is one of our favorite multipurpose bags, doubling as one of the best gym bags thanks to its numerous and spacious pockets. We love that there are four colors to choose from - especially this pale pink hue.
Scandinavian clothing brand Fjallraven makes some of the best work backpacks for women. Lightweight and spacious, its designs span many iterations, with over 18 colors in the brand's best-seller Kanken design, there is a Fjallraven for every taste. Channel the fashion color trends 2023 by selecting a muted neutral, or go bright and bold to turn heads. With a focus on practicality, designs are spacious and secure with lots of zipped pockets to help you organize your backpack.
Browse all Fjallraven backpacks from $55 / £60 (opens in new tab)
Fjallraven backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $75 / £80 | With room for your gym gear, lunch and everything else, this has convenient top handles for easy carrying and comes in 9 different colors, there's something for everyone. The padded main compartment is designed for a laptop, while the rectangular shape makes it ideal for work files too.
RRP: $120 / £100 | Iconic for a reason, available in 8 colors, the main zips open right down to the bottom so you don't have to empty your bag to find items. With three sizes to choose from, this best seller for the brand is ideal for work or weekend outings. We love this green backpack for a spring capsule wardrobe.
RRP: $110 / £120 | Ideal for carrying a laptop or other office essential equipment, the Raven 28 backpack offers multiple compartments. Throw in the best wallets for women or keep your cards in the handy security pocket. Made from durable recycled materials, it is suitable for all manner of outdoor jaunts.
Cambridge Satchel Company, as the name suggests, specializes in satchels with a vintage aesthetic. Playing into the latest handbag trends, there are lots of silhouettes available, the smaller of which are more practical for weekend use. When it comes to the best backpacks, however, the kitsch nostalgic designs are sweet and playful, with lots of colors available from bold hues to classic neutrals and spring-ready pastels
Browse all Cambridge Satchel Company Backpacks from $215 / £150 (opens in new tab)
Cambridge Satchel Company backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $215 / £165 | A slightly smaller design than many of the brand's backpacks, this muted blue design is a practical option for those heading out after work. The angular and clean lines of the bag will work well with tailoring, so try pairing it with your best blazer and slim fitted trousers.
RRP: $280 / £198 | This 13-inch backpack features two internal press studs to adjust the volume of the main compartment, so you can switch up the fit depending on the needs of the day. The black colorway ensures it will go with everything, although it does come in a stylish oxblood too.
RRP: $280 / £215 | Keep the spirit of summer in your accessories and embrace dopamine dressing. We love the buckle hardware and contrast stitching on this satchel that will add some sophisticated style to any ensemble. Throw on with some leggings or jeans when running weekend errands.
French clothing brand Longchamp has some of the biggest cult bag buys around. The Le Pliage is a lightweight, foldable bag that draws inspiration from origami and is possibly the brand's biggest hit. Its high-end accessories are loved the world over and every bag can easily be filed under investment piece. Thanks to good design and classic craftmanship its brands will be ones you hold onto for years to come. While Longchamp's canvas designs are probably the most well-known, its leather interpretations are absolutely beautiful. Though they come with a higher price point, they are worth every penny. And if you buy one of these best designer backpacks, check out some of the brand's best designer cardholders for a complete look.
Browse all Longchamp backpacks from $140 / £95 (opens in new tab)
Longchamp backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $140 / £90 | Made of lightweight recycled polyamide canvas and trimmed with leather, this backpack folds down to a fraction of its size, making an ideal extra bag when packing for a holiday. The khaki hue makes this design smart enough for the office, although it is available in seven colorways.
RRP: $560 / £415 | Though on the pricier side, we think this sophisticated backpack adds serious luxe to any outfit. Ideal for teaming with your best trench coat on your commute, or taking on a weekend outing this is an investment piece that will serve you in style and practicality.
RRP: $985 / £730 | With a statement Longchamp stamp, this sportier iteration is ideal for off-duty days and morning commutes. With two handy front pockets for those items you need to grab quickly, it's available in a tan hue too, the bag features a key holder for easy organization.
Founded in 2009, Canadian brand Herschel is an expert at creating functional backpacks with a cool edge. With a sporty, skater aesthetic, if you want to lean fully into the look at the weekend, it's the ideal bag when it comes to how to wear Vans, making it just right for weekend excursions as well as daily use. With Herschel's instantly recognizable Little America buckle design bag to the more luxe-looking Orion, there is a style for everyone and we love the backpacks preppy feel. And it isn't just winning on sartorial style points, it's practical too. With plenty of room for your laptop too, most designs feature an internal 13" sleeve and extra padding to keep it safe.
Browse all Herschel Backpacks from $40 / £45 (opens in new tab)
Herschel backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $75 / £64.95 | One of the best work backpacks for women in terms of space and storage, the color block is just one of 19 timeless and considered colorway options for this crowd-pleasing bag.
RRP: $70 / £75 | Great for overnight, or a commute, this bag features bottle pockets and a key clip for practicality. Roomy enough for essentials, it can hold a laptop, making it ideal for those on the go.
RRP: $155 / £150 | Available in two sleek and stylish colorways - maroon and a dusty pink, this backpack features a side zipper that gives access to the main compartment without having to undo the front fastening - handy if you're on the move. Upping the style-ante we love the streamlined silhouette.
All Katie Loxton designs are created in-house by Katie and the team so expect cute details, chic colorways and high-quality craftsmanship. The backpack collection looks way more pricey than the tag suggests and many bags can be personalized, making them a fantastic gift too. Although they may not all fit your laptop in, they are big enough for the essentials and make chic day to night bags.
Browse all Katie Loxton Backpacks from $89 / £49.99 (opens in new tab)
Katie Loxton backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $99 / £69.99 | A stylish minimalistic backpack that will slot in easily with any work outfit. The hidden clasp and gorgeous resin, and tortoiseshell detailing offer an elevated feel. As the image suggests, this design can be personalized too.
RRP: $89 / £59.99 | In a refreshing cream colorway offers any outfit an instant refresh. Practical and stylish, it features gold-tone hardware for a smart finish, as well as a top handle for easy carrying. Like other Loxton styles it can also be customized.
RRP: $129 / £59.99 | This olive shade is the perfect color for spring and will match with anything in your wardrobe. We love the sleek and minimalistic design that will work beautifully with both casual items such as jeans and t-shirts, to pairing with tailoring.
Knomo is all about quality. From full-grain leathers, premium fabrics, and custom-made hardware, each bag is packed with functional pockets to help you get organized and sectioned spaces for laptops, to keep your tech safe. Sleek and discreet, this is the backpack for those women who can't believe that backpacks can be given a grown-up polish.
Browse all Knomo Backpacks from $122 / £89 (opens in new tab)
Knomo backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $158 / £129 | From work to the weekend, the Cromwell backpack is super versatile. With a padded compartment for your laptop and an organized interior, you can rest easy that your items are safe from the rain with its thermoplastic waterproof fabric.
RRP: $158 / £199 | A sleek laptop backpack, this style will fit up to a 15-inch laptop, making it the ideal commuter piece. With two front pockets, for easy organization, this lightweight, professional bag has a bright lining for an added flash of fun.
RRP: $219 / £179 | In the classic Knomo silhouette but with an added chic leather trim, this is a stylish and slimline design with pockets and sections to make organization easy. It also comes with a trolley sleeve making it an ideal bag for those who travel for work.
American clothing brand, Michael Kors is a staple amongst the fashion crowd and his handbag line can be spotted on arms across all the major fashion cities and beyond. Creator of some of the best designer sunglasses, Kors has bags to suit all tastes and needs, with the brand's backpacks both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Definitely among the best designer bags for work, you can be sure of quality and style. Focused largely on the monogram trend, these bags aren't discreet but they are certainly stylish.
Browse all Michael Kors Backpacks from $258 / £270 (opens in new tab)
Michael Kors backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $378 / £320 | The monogram trend was a big hit in this season's fashion trends, injected into the best Gucci bags as well as, Michael Kors utilizing logos to up-style accessories. With an upper and lower compartment for easy organization, the gold hardware adds a touch of luxe.
RRP: $358 / £345 | If monogram isn't really your thing but you still want a backpack with some designer edge, look no further. The spring-ready pink color will help you to master how to dress simple but stylish, whilst the saffiano leather ensures a bag that will wear well. We love the curved, structured silhouette.
RRP: $378 (US only) | Made with 100% leather, this stylish, rich tan backpack is great all year through, but will look rich and warming with fall neutral hues for a cozy finish. With numerous zipped and sectioned compartments, you can easily organize the items you need for the day.
We're big fans of Australian clothing brands and the best Australian swimwear brands, so it's no surprise we've fallen for Aussie-based brand Bellroy too. making some of the best backpacks, alongside a host of other well-thought-out bag silhouettes, the brand marries sleek design and practicality with ease. A certified B Corp – Bellroy makes products that last and have a positive impact on the planet, using fabrics from recycled plastic bottles and plant-based technologies for accessories that are sustainable too. In fact Bellroy is so sure of its quality, bags have 3 year warranties too (check specifics before purchasing).
Browse all Bellroy backpacks from $95 / £89 (opens in new tab)
Bellroy Backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $159 / £129 | Sleek and compact, this backpack can fit a surprising amount inside. With pockets for a laptop, notebook, and chargers, plus inside compartments for valuables, this is the ultimate everyday bag. That will make organizing belongings a breeze. The light grey color keeps this bag versatile for all seasons. Plus, it is water-resistant and leather-free - what's not to love?
RRP: $175 / £149 | Featuring internal pockets for easy organization there are two pop pockets for a water bottle, umbrella, and spare shoes, as well as a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 13-inches. With padded shoulder straps (that tuck away flat) the bag has a top handle so you can use it as a tote too. Made from 100% recycled, water-resistant woven fabric.
RRP: $99 / £89 | With the ability to be folded or rolled, this bag is ideal for the concrete jungle and beyond. With an internal document sleeve, water bottle pocket, and a raised sunglasses pocket with water-resistant zip, this lightweight bag is made from durable ripstop, created from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles. Incredibly light (hence the name), it's designed for work and play.
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