A backpack doesn't mean back-to-school, as our research into the best backpacks for working women showed. We found a range of backpacks that are stylish and a sensible way to carry your essentials.
While we love our 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 all our essentials around. The best backpacks have a space for everything. From your laptop to your gym kit and even your lunch, a practical option, you can team it with one of the best crossbody bags to keep your wallet, phone and keys close by. 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're style-conscious and have always associated a backpack with back-to-school, have no fear, some of the best designer bag brands also produce backpacks for working 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. From super stylish to waterproofed fabrics and practical fastenings, these are our best backpacks for working women.
Best backpacks for working women, as chosen by our fashion team
The best backpacks for working 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...
When it comes to British clothing brands, 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.
Browse all Hunter backpacks from $60 / £45 (opens in new tab)
Hunter backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $95 / £75 | A certified vegan, water-resistant bag available in five colors. There’s a laptop sleeve and side pockets for quick access to a water bottle.
RRP: $60 / £45 | Coming in three different colors, this is a handy tear-resistant and water-repellent backpack that is lightweight and easy to fold away when not in use.
RRP: $295 / £245 | Highly water-resistant, this rubberized leather backpack is secured with both a parachute clip and zip at the top for maximum rain resistance.
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 milti-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. In classic black, it 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.
RRP: $108 / £85 | This sporty and roomy backpack is also one of the best gym bags featuring handy pockets and a secure fastening. The straps are adjustable for ultimate comfort.
Scandinavian clothing brand Fjallraven makes some of the best backpacks for working 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. 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 $50 / £55 (opens in new tab)
Fjallraven backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $70 / £80 | With room for your gym gear, laptop, and everything else, this has convenient top handles for easy carrying and comes in eight different colors, there's something for everyone. The rectangular shape makes it ideal for carrying work files too.
RRP: $130 / £110 | The Kanken is iconic for a reason. Available in 18 colors, the main zips open right down to the bottom so you don't have to empty your bag to find items. A best seller for the brand this is ideal for work or weekend outings.
RRP: $200 / £165 | A timeless design, made from recycled wool with leather details. This backpack is super smart. Ideal for what to wear to an interview, it also has a laptop sleeve inside too, making it a practical and aesthetically pleasing choice.
Cambridge Satchel Company, as the name suggests, specializes in satchels with a vintage aesthetic. Playing into the handbag trends 2022, 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 fashion color trends 2022 favorite - pastels.
Browse all Cambridge Satchel Company Backpacks from $210 / £150 (opens in new tab)
Cambridge Satchel Company backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $225 / £175 | A slightly smaller design than many of the brand's backpacks, this 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.
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 day. The black colorway ensures it will go with everything.
RRP: $290 / £205 | Embrace dopamine dressing with this pink satchel. With a nostalgic 'back-to-school' feel, it's a fun and youthful design. Pairable with smart and casual outfits, this will work well with your best jeans at the weekend.
Zara is our go-to when we want to translate the best fashion trends 2022 has to offer to our wardrobe at a budget-friendly price. One of the best Spanish clothing brands, Zara has a huge array of bags to choose from and although they probably won't last you quite as long as a designer iteration, if you like a quick fashion fix or want to trial the look, it's certainly a good place to head. From chunky chains to stylish quilting, Zara's bags will hit the mark for those that want to inject a little style into their morning commute.
Browse all Zara Backpacks from $29.90 / £19.99 (opens in new tab)
Zara backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $29.90 / £19.99 | Named for its functionality, the Everyday backpack is a really sleek design choice. Featuring a magnetic clasp and an inner drawstring for added security, this will work well with workwear outfits all year through.
RRP: $49.90 / £29.99 | Quilted accessories remain a core fashion trend, both on bags and outerwear. This neutral-hued beige bag is a smart way to interpret the look into a backpack and we love the chunky chain for added detail.
RRP: $129 / £79.99 | With multiple pockets, this women's backpack is a good choice for those with a lot to pack in. Great for those who like to get organized, this backpack will work for the weekend as well as work.
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 a bag, check out some of the brand's best designer cardholders for a complete look.
Browse all Longchamp backpacks from $125 / £80 (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.
RRP: $590 / £415 | For a more elegant silhouette, try this luxe leather bag, available in seven different colors. The attractive tan hue of this iteration ensures this goes with everything from your best winter coat to your best denim jacket.
RRP: $895 / £695 | With a statement Longchamp stamp, this sportier iteration is ideal for off-duty days as well as your morning commute. With two handy front pockets for those items you need to grab quickly, the midnight blue is gorgeous.
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 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 $31.99 / £30 (opens in new tab)
Herschel backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $69.99 / £65 | Featuring a padded and fleece-lined laptop sleeve will ensure the safety of your device, while the drawcord closure and buckle straps keep everything secure. The tan and navy combo is an absolute classic and will go with everything.
RRP: $84.99 / £85 | A great overnight bag too, this bag features bottle pockets and a key clip for practicality. Roomy enough for essentials, it can also hold a laptop, and with the best pink dresses high on the agenda, we're loving this colorway too.
RRP: $149.99 / £150 | Sleek and stylish, this backpack features a side zipper that gives access to the main compartment without having to undo the front buckle fastenings. Meanwhile, the jet black hue ups the style ante on this clean-line backpack.
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 $65 / £49.99 (opens in new tab)
Katie Loxton backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $89 / £54.99 | 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: $79 / £54.99 | In a summer-ready hue, mint green 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. The back pocket is ideal for travel passes.
RRP: $77 / £54.99 | With its clean, simple lines this minimalist backpack is made from 100% vegan leather and has a soft suedette lining. The pale grey coloring is a pretty, neutral color that will work well with black, navy and camel hues.
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 felt that backpacks couldn't be given a grown-up polish.
Browse all Knomo Backpacks from $136 / £99 (opens in new tab)
Knomo backpacks: fashion editor's picks
RRP: $136 / £99 | 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: $228 / £179 | Fitting a 13-inch laptop, the Mini Chiltern is a versatile bag that works as both a tote and a backpack. In water-resistant nylon, and with an RFID-protected pocket you can be sure both your personal data and your belongings are safe.
RRP: $228 / £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.
