Best backpacks for men: 30 bags and briefcases for work and travel

Backpacks and messenger bags can truly carry it all from wireless earbuds and tablets to portable chargers and an extra pair of socks — even your wallet could fit inside freeing up space in your jean pockets

The over-shoulder essential is great for weekend trips and hiking, providing comfort, support and, most of all, the ability to carry whatever you need for the day.

Plus, men’s bags make excellent gifts for any time of year or person whether he’s a student, avid traveler or that one friend who always comes prepared.

If you recall the 90s (and the decades before), you probably remember when every man in the business world carried a briefcase. Often clad in leather, the hard case with handle made it easier to transport folders, legal notepads (remember those?), and other important documents.

Today’s work style has become more casual. Although some still use a traditional briefcase, many are opting for backpacks or messenger bags. Storage-wise, they can handle more stuff. They’re also designed to be more comfortable to carry.

For those of you concerned that carrying a knapsack looks less than professional, you’ll be glad to know that many men’s backpacks are compact and sophisticated looking, available in varying textiles and colors to match your unique needs and style.

Do people still buy briefcases?

If you recall the ’90s (and the decades before), you probably remember when every man in the business world carried a briefcase. Often clad in leather, the hard case with handle made it easier to transport folders, legal notepads (remember those?), and other important documents.

Today’s work style has become more casual. Although some still use a traditional briefcase, many are opting for backpacks or messenger bags. Storage-wise, they can handle more stuff. They’re also designed to be more comfortable to carry.

For those of you concerned that carrying a knapsack looks less than professional, you’ll be glad to know that many men’s backpacks are compact and sophisticated looking, available in varying textiles and colors to match your unique needs and style.

For example, one men’s leather backpack that we love is the Cole Haan Triboro Backpack ($348). It has a slim, almond shaped silhouette, fits a 15 inch laptop and has an exterior travel pass-through for when you’re traveling.

Speaking of which, if you’re planning to go on the open road or air — whatever — a best men’s travel backpack is the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack ($200). It has a suitcase-style zippered opening, which makes it easy to neatly pack clothes and other overnight essentials. It also has a laptop and tablet sleeve, security YKK zippers and compartments on both sides. The bag’s low profile straps help balance its weight, which also makes it a comfortable carry.

Which are the best companies for backpacks?

It only takes a quick search to know there are plenty — and we mean plenty — of men’s backpacks to choose between. If you’re short on time or simply don’t have the patience to look at each one, here are some of the best backpack brands to narrow your hunt.

• Yeti
• CamelBak
• Fjallraven
• Osprey
• Tumi
• The North Face
• Topo Designs

We rounded up a selection of backpacks and messenger bags to fit all of your needs. Our top selects include options from budget-friendly brands like Amazon and Target, and a variety of investment-worthy styles at Bloomingdale’s and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Take a peek at the best backpacks and bags for men we find fitting for work and travel. Oh, and browse our edit to the best work totes for more recommendations.

To shop this article for a specific bag, simply click on each link below:

• Best Budget-Friendly Men’s Backpacks and Messenger Bags
• Best Luxury Men’s Backpacks and Messenger Bags
• Best Men’s Messenger Bags and Briefcases For Commuting
• Best Men’s Travel Backpacks
• Best Men’s Gym Backpacks

Best Budget-Friendly Men’s Backpacks and Messenger Bags

1. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack, $24, original price: $41

As an Amazon’s Choice product, you can’t go wrong with a match-all gray and black pack that is designed for all your carrying needs. With a slot for your laptop — a must-have these days — it’s a sturdy, functional and safe option that comes in other colors, too. Plus, it has over 82,000 reviews (more than 72,000 give five-stars) so you know it must be a keeper.

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2. All In Motion Black Backpack, $40

If you’re looking for a backpack you can toss things into without worrying about it getting a bit scratched up, All In Motion’s Black Backpack is for you. It comes in a neutral color you can pair with any jacket or top and features a bottle pocket to carry your water or coffee tumbler on the go.

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3. Lubardy Leather Messenger Bag, $40, original price: $56

For a timeless messenger back you can bring to work (or anywhere, for that matter), pick up Lubardy’s Leather Messenger Bag. The supple textured leather exterior will hold up over time, too, and it comes in different tones to choose from on Amazon.

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4. J World Nell Messenger Bag, $19

Resembling more of a portable cooler than a messenger bag is J World’s Nell. The affordable price point and goes-with-everything navy exterior make it great if you’re just looking for a simple bag to travel with.

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5. Goodfellow & Co. Backpack, $25

Featuring a main compartment and front pocket this casual backpack will do the job for less than $30. It also features adjustable straps to personalize to your liking.

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6. SUPACOOL Lightweight Casual Laptop Backpack, $29

We can’t get over this fiery red backpack that’ll certainly have all eyes on you. It comes with a main compartment, front zip pocket and a bottle holder so you can have all the essentials with you whether you’re headed to school or spending a night somewhere.

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Best Luxury Men’s Backpacks and Messenger Bags

1. Tumi Essential Travel Backpack, $230, original price: $325

One of our favorite designer men’s backpacks, the Tumi’s Essential Travel Backpack is an investment, but a good one at that. This gorgeous navy exterior is impressively roomy, made perfect by its modern zippers with leather trim and luxe feel. It features a hanging name tag, gunmetal hardware, and two, easy-to-reach interior pockets.

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2. Polo Ralph Lauren Leather Backpack, $348

Black leather will never fade out of style and Polo Ralph Lauren’s Leather Backpack is the investment piece that you’ll be thankful you purchased later. The lined interior, adjustable shoulder straps and dedicated spaces for your tiny travel essentials are a few reasons why we think it’s worth the splurge.

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3. Troubadour Adventure Slipstream Backpack, $445

It’s time to put Troubadour’s Adventure Slipstream Backpack on your radar. Though it’s quite up there in price, the handsome deep green coupled with black detailing on the straps make it worth the buy. Oh, did we mention it has Italian leather trim?

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4. Gucci Ophidia Monogrammed Coated-Canvas Messenger Bag, $1,580

Snag this luxe messenger bag by Gucci if you’re looking to upgrade your crossbody bag from casual to chic. The leather lining really gives it a designer feel while the “GG” pattern will bring some texture that’ll make your everyday outfit feel complete — while freeing up some pant pocket space.

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5. Burberry Charcoal Check Messenger Bag, $1,550

This messenger bag takes the timeless Burberry gingham and darkens it to create these luxurious look you can store your tablet, wallet, snacks and more inside. The front clips offer added security while the adjustable strap allows you to wear it over your shoulder or as a crossbody bag. It’s even versatile enough to wear with a pair of trousers or your favorite ripped jeans.

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6. Frye Logan Messenger Bag, $498

Frye’s Logan Messenger Bag is picture-perfect for fans of distressed leather, coming in both light and dark brown. It has an adjustable strap, an imported leather design and is quite roomy too, featuring two interior pockets and even pockets for your card and pen.

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Best Men’s Messenger Bags and Briefcases For Commuting

1. Matein Business Briefcase, $31+

As one of Amazon’s bestsellers, Matein’s Business Briefcase is a quality, less-than-$50 option. Though it comes in a darker gray, we especially like the heather gray look to accompany the black comfortable straps and front twin buckles.

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2. Estarer Computer Messenger Bag, $44+

With a more generous capacity than most, Estarer’s Computer Messenger Bag can probably store all of those tech gadgets you have: headphones, chargers and other necessities. A great men’s backpack for work, it also comes in a variety of colors.

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3. Fossil Buckner Commuter, $180

Fossil’s Buckner Commuter taps into a high-end design without the extraordinarily priced ticket. This two-tone black with notes of brown is a fabulous neutral choice, too, especially with its impressive capacity and versatility.

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4. Vibrant Voyage Briefcase, $209, original price $261

Doubling as a travel carry-on is Maverick & Co.’s Vibrant Voyage Briefcase. It holds its shape well, has stunning brown handles and detailing, and is waterproof. This best laptop backpack for men can also fit your 15″ laptop just fine.

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5. Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, $79+

Timbuk2’s Classic Messenger Bag is a classic carry-all with a synthetic material that’s easy to wipe clean if dirt and debris find their way onto the surface. Plus, the colors to choose from are endless and, whatever shade suits your fancy, rest assured that they all come with smart straps attached to different compartments for extra security.

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6. CoolBell Convertible Messenger Bag, $50, original price: $60

CoolBell’s Convertible Messenger Bag is another versatile pick, coming in a variety of neutral colors and with a lightweight design. Not to mention, its laptop compartment is clad with a telescopic belt to provide more protection to your valuables.

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Best Men’s Travel Backpacks

1. Carhartt 25L Classic Backpack, $50

We’re big fans of Carhartt, especially if you’re the outdoorsy type and adore hoodies and leggings. The brand’s natural brown backpack has a main compartment to house a laptop and tablet, along with contoured shoulder straps to keep you nice and comfortable for wherever you’re bringing it. When not working, this also makes a great for the great outdoors, which is why we also suggest is it as one of the best hiking backpacks for me.

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2. Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack, $88

As one of the most popular backpacks — both for its travel-friendly size and the variety of colors it comes in — Fjallraven’s Kanken Classic Backpack is one that’ll stay with you for years. With a rain flap to protect your items, it’s almost weather-proof and you can’t beat the comfort.

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3. The North Face Borealis Nylon Backpack, $99

Meet the backpack that truly never gets old. The North Face’s Borealis Nylon Backpack is the premier option if you want to store a bunch of things but don’t want it to lug in weight on your back. Its pull-in exterior straps make everything nice and compact and for that, we salute this trusty bestseller.

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4. Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack, $90, original price: $110

We adore Herschel’s Little America Laptop Backpack for having that minimalistic flair. Not only is it slim and ideal to transport and put under your seat on the plane, train or bus, but the exaggerated brown straps also make it especially perfect for school and work.

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5. Away F.A.R Convertible Backpack 45L, $220

Add a pop of color to your luggage with this convertible travel backpack. Away stepped up their game with this design as it features a lightweight and high-strength polyester material that can take the beatings that come with travel. There are multiple pockets for you to store clothes, shoes, valuables and more while the added handles mean you can carry it as a briefcase when your shoulders need a break.

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6. Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack, $95

This is probably the most stylish travel backpack we have ever seen. It comes with a sleek foldover design for keeping your valuables secure and protected while you’re catching your connecting flight or train. The cream-like color also adds a trendy, put-together feel (even if you are one to pack the morning of).

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Best Men’s Gym Backpacks

1. lululemon New Crew Backpack, $98

Whether you’re in need of a quality gym bag or one to commute with, lululemon’s New Crew Backpack is one of the most versatile options on this list. It’s made of water-repellent fabric, also comes in an all-black colorway and has dedicated spots to store your laptop and water bottle.

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2. UA Utility Baseball Print Backpack, $65

Under Armour wasn’t messing around when they created this backpack. It comes in a range of colors and patterns like the red above (which you definitely won’t be losing anytime soon). The exterior material is also made from a water and weather-resistant material so it won’t get soaked from your extra sweaty workout.

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3. Nike Utility Elite Training Backpack, $112

There’s one thing for sure about this backpack: it’s not short on storage. The exterior has three front pockets, side bottle holders and a main compartment. You can quite literally fit everything you could possibly need for the gym or workout class. It even comes with a top and side handle for easy carrying, too.

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4. Ytonet Gym Backpack, $40

What’s most notable about this gym backpack (besides the amount of storage compartments) is the separate compartment designed to hold your shoes. Yes, that’s right you won’t have to worry about your smelly sneakers leaving a not-so-pleasant aroma on your change of clothes.

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5. Transit Sport Backpack, $60

Run don’t walk to this backpack as it’s made from a durable material that will last you a lifetime and feature front straps for hooking or strapping your shoes, skateboard, water bottle and more onto it. The front pocket, main compartment and side bottle holder also means you can pack your essentials so you can keep your hands free.

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6. MIYCOO Gym Bag, $25, original price: $30

Can’t decide between a duffle or backpack for the gym? Well, you can have the best of both worlds thanks to MIYCOO’s gym bag. The versatile design features backpack straps, a front handle and a clip-on strap for carrying over your shoulder. No matter how you carry it though, there is plenty of pockets and storage options for keeping your gym clothes, sneakers and more all in one place.

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