The best backpacks for striding to the office in style

Harber London

• Weight/Capacity: 0.40kg/1.5l
• Water resistance: Premium full-grain leather
• Storage capabilities: Laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve, multiple internal slots for phones and pens, quick access tech drop kit insert

We're big fans of Harber London's premium leather luggage for the commuter who demands a little more from their bags. We wouldn't recommend you take it out with you to the rugged streets if you care about protecting it from wear and tear, but for most casual commuters, it's a dream. Capacious enough to store a large-ish laptop, tablet and your packet of crisps, it's got everything you need for most work trips and can be a handy substitute for a weekend getaway.

The beauty in this bag outside of its stunning full-grain leather exterior is, in our opinion, the attachable tech drop pocket. Essentially an extender to your bag, it sits on the front to store phones, wallets, pens, charging cables, spare change, bank cards and all sorts for quick access without cluttering the main compartment. Think of it like a tiny hub of necessities within easy reach at the front.

Antler

• Weight/Capacity: 0.6kg/12l
• Water resistance: Water-resistant
• Storage capabilities: Padded pocket for a 13-inch laptop, back sleeve suitcase handle

Throw whatever superlative you like at Antler's Chelsea daypack, it's one of the best and most popular around, largely because it can adapt to any situation you may require. It's not particularly big, with enough space to fit just a 13-inch laptop in it, but if you're commuting, heading to the gym or just need a few bits to take with you on a trip, it's our top pick.

The flexible nylon is lightweight and breathable and if the navy option we've picked isn't quite to your taste, then there is a massive range of alternative options to align with your own taste.

Arket

• Capacity/Size: 1.3kg14l
• Water resistance: Water-repellent
• Storage capabilities: An external side pocket and three internal pockets, one with a zip closure

Arket is synonymous with smart design, most recently proven by this two-way bag. Doubling up as both a backpack and tote, it’s crafted from a compact nylon material to fit easily into any luggage (we suggest looking at the rest of the brand’s accessories for a full kit) and accommodates all weather conditions thanks to its water-repellent finish. Lightweight and durable, it’s a failsafe choice to compliment the casual side of your wardrobe.

Away

• Capacity/size: 20L
• Water resistance: This product is water resistant
• Storage capabilities: An internal organisation system, internal slip pockets, an internal laptop sleeve, external zip pockets

If you haven't already heard all about Away's Everywhere zipped backpack during the ad breaks of your favourite podcasts, then allow us to do the honours. The Everywhere backpack is, as the name may suggest, ready to take to any event or getaway – be that a journey to the office or a city break in Oslo – thanks to its ultra-versatile, minimalist appearance, durable construction and a plethora of storage options.

Monos

• Weight/Capacity: 272g/18l
• Water resistance: Waterproof
• Storage capabilities: Twill lining, mesh back, padded internal pocket, two patch pockets, adjustable shoulder straps

Perfectly designed for the metro-centric commuter, Monos' Metro is the epitome of cityscape exploration. Enough space for your laptop, lunch box, cafe reading book and your glasses (if you wear them), it's a capacious and stylish bag ready-made for your journey. Available in four nylon colourways or six vegan leather options, its got the visual chops to back up its functional wares.

Rains

• Capacity/size: 19L
• Water resistance: Constructed from waterproof PU fabric
• Storage capabilities: A single main compartment, a front pocket with a coated zip

Danish brand Rains is making waves in menswear thanks to its ultra elegant approach to outerwear. A prime example in the accessories department? This sand-coloured shell backpack, built to store an impressive volume of 13 litres and constructed with a practical waterproof finish. All in all, it’s a timeless finish to your attire come rain or shine.

Under Armour

• Weight/Capacity: 0.3kg/1l
• Water resistance: Polyester
• Storage capabilities: Large laptop compartment, three extra storage pockets, side water bottle pocket.

Sometimes you just need a quick grab bag of the essentials before you head out into the world, so if luxury leathers and premium brand names aren't your thing, then this versatile, rough-and-tumble sports backpack from Under Armour could be the key to your commuter dreams.

It's not the most spacious option around, though it's got enough in the cavern to hold a 15-inch laptop, your gym gear and a spare energy bar to keep you going. What we like here is the versatility. Wrought from a hardy polyester fabric weave, it's got the right attributes to jump from the office to the gym without breaking a sweat, and is reasonably equipped when it comes to extra storage, with three additional pockets to put your wallet or phone in as you travel. And considering the cost, it's one of the better value-for-money options out there.

Carl Friedrik

• Weight/Capacity: 950g/25l
• Water resistance: No
• Storage capabilities: Huge internal compartment, three interal pockets, one external pocket, glasses pouch

A gorgeous silhouette on the backs of commuters and luxe travellers alike, the 72-hour backpack from CF is the aspirational companion of our dreams. The brushed leather gives it a soft suede texture that elevates the overall aesthetic, but it's also got the goods when it comes to functionality. Enough space is provided for 72-hours worth of clothes and equipment, with a clamshell design main compartment that unlocks quick access to your entire bag.

That all said, it's worth pointing out that the nubuck leather is far from ideal protection against the elements, so keep that in mind if you're planning to head out into a deluge.

• Dimensions: 28cm(w) x 46cm (H) x 18cm (D)
• Water resistance: Nubuck leather materials and padded mesh fabric
• Storage capabilities: 16" laptop sleeve, front zippered pocket, 750ml side water bottle pocket

Regardless of your travel plans, the best backpacks are versatile, capacious and stylish, which just so happens to be three boxes ticked off from Carl Friedrik's City Hopper bag. Bouncing between commutes and weekend getaway plans, it's right there with you, with a roomy cavern for laptops, lunchboxes and notebooks, but it's also got enough space to store a spare set of trainers, your gym gear or clothes for an overnight stay. The fold-over top adds a flash of style but also has pragmatic capabilities, deterring unwanted snoopers in your luggage.

Pricey? Sure, but the brand is on the top end of the spectrum, and Nubuck leather doesn't come cheap.

• Weight/Capacity: 1.3kg/18l
• Water resistance: Full Grain Leather
• Storage capabilities: Laptop pocket, tablet pocket, two zippered front pockets, easy access top pocket, front pocket, trolley sleeve

Harber London are produces of some fine leather backpacks that are so luxurious, you'd probably be fearful of slinging it over your shoulder to weather the storm of the busy commuter train, but here is an office backpack that's ready to tackle the perils with you.

Why? It's a sturdy combo of leather and nylon fabric that hardier that most other options on this list while still offering a more subtle style of the quietly confident commuter. It's a ‘daypack’ size so won't be prepared to carry your weekend gear with you, but if it's just your laptop, a snack and a pair of sunnies, this should be your go-to.

• Weight/Capacity: 1.3kg/5l
• Water resistance: Premium full grain leather
• Storage capabilities: Laptop sleeve, tablet sleeve, front pocket, magnetic key holder, trolley sleeve

Not exactly affordable but cheaper than many high-end designer leather bags on this list, deluxe leather bag makers, Harber London, the Slim Laptop bag is a dream for agile workers bouncing between workspaces. At £379, it's still pricey, but considering the quality of the make and the capacious nature of the bag, it's well worth it if you consider aesthetics highly on your priority list and also want somewhere nice to store your laptop.

Three colour options are available – we'd recommend tan – and it's big enough to fit up to a 16" laptop, which is about has large as we'd want to lug around to work anyway. Once that's in, there's enough space for notebooks, a snack and a drink, though it's not perhaps as roomy as other larger backpacks on this list. That's fine though, as what it lacks in space it makes up for in stylish character.

• Capacity: 19L
• Water resistance: This piece's cotton-canvas construction will offer some protection, but it's not specifically designed for water-resistance
• Storage capabilities: A main internal compartment, an internal laptop sleeve, two flap-top side pockets

Who says you can't serve a stylish statement through your backpack of choice? Certainly not Gucci, whose latest design in the backpack department is built on a monogrammed coated-canvas. Reinforced with leather trims and panels across the body, it’s fitted with a bunch of pockets for a stylish collegiate touch to the exterior. Instant style win.

• Capacity/Size: H28cm x W23.5cm
• Water resistance: This piece's recycled nylon construction will offer some protection, but it's not specifically designed for water-resistance
• Storage capabilities: Two external buckled pockets and two internal pockets, one with a zipper

For the fashion-conscious, few backpacks promise enduring appeal more than those by Prada. Made of re-nylon which is sourced from recycled and purified plastic collected in the ocean, this minimalist silhouette is fitted with the house’s iconic metal triangle logo on the flap and classic buckle fastenings across the front storage. Practical and sustainable at once, it’s guaranteed to put you in the most stylish standing upon wear.

• Capacity: 16.7L
• Water resistance: This piece's leather construction will offer some protection, but it's not specifically designed for water-resistance
• Storage capabilities: A main internal compartment, a front zipped pocket

The elegant leather weave of Bottega Veneta doesn’t go unnoticed by a style-conscious crowd. This leather backpack is shaped by the brand’s trademark woven shape, sharply structured with both an internal and front pocket and carried via adjustable shoulder straps. Style it with your best monochrome ensemble for maximum effect.

• Capacity/size: 29L
• Water resistance: Though this piece will offer some protection from the elements, it is not designed to be water resistant
• Storage capabilities: A main internal compartment, a cushioned internal laptop sleeve, a pendolier and additional secure-zip pockets

Everyone’s favourite outdoor brand/designer collaborator, The North Face provides the perfect functional backpacks for all occasions. Its Jester backpack is one of its most organised vessels, stepping away from the vast storage space of its iconic Base Camp bags with neatly organised compartments for stationery, laptop and notebook, with plenty of space for gym kit to boot.

• Capacity/Size: H40cm x W33cm
• Water resistance: This piece's leather construction will offer some protection, but it's not specifically designed for water-resistance
• Storage capabilities: An external zipped pocket and a main internal pocket

Top points to Paul Smith for providing a backpack to seal your silhouette with pure elegance. Crafted from a luxury calf black leather, it features a softly striped motif across the front zipped compartment and is fully lined to last for years to come. Finished with both a top handle and two adjustable shoulder straps, you can carry or sling it during the day, the choice is yours.

• Capacity/Size: W33cm x L44.4cm
• Water resistance: This piece's cotton-canvas construction will offer some protection, but it's not specifically designed for water-resistance
• Storage capabilities: A single main compartment, an external back zip pocket, one internal zip pocket, a flat laptop pocket

Among some of the British heritage brand’s most iconic pieces, the Burberry backpack is almost as recognisable as a Burberry scarf. Patterned throughout with the label's world-renowned ‘Vintage Check’ design, this canvas backpack is hardy, comfortable, and highly spacious, complete with a mesh back panel, front pocket and adjustable shoulder straps to accommodate the height of any wearer. Its silhouette may be a bit of a statement, but rest assured that it won’t go out of style.