11 BEST Business Travel Backpacks (For Men & Women)

//

A complete list of the 11 BEST business backpacks for men and women!

You know that feeling when you’re about to travel and realize that your carry-on bag is too small to fit all of your clothes? It’s not fun, but it doesn’t have to be this way.

Whether you’re planning a business trip to meet a client or going to open a new office abroad, these backpacks are exactly what you’re looking for.

From the best ones to carry your equipment to comfortable and padded ones, I’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide.

business travel backpacks

OVERVIEW – BEST BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACKS

Business travel backpacks are not just about looks — they must be able to carry all the equipment that you need for your workday, plus any personal items that you want to bring along in case of delays or unforeseen circumstances.

The right backpack will protect your gear and keep it safe while you’re on the go, but also give you easy access when necessary.

These are the 3 absolute best business travel backpacks:

  • Nomatic Travel Bag 20L – Best Overall Business Travel Backpack – From $300
    This bag features padded shoulder straps, reinforced stress points on the bottom panel, water-resistant lining, and a resistant laptop sleeve with an interior mesh pocket for quick access items such as tickets or passports.
  • Tortuga Setout – Best Laptop Backpack for Longer Trips – From $179
    The Setout 45L Carry-on Travel Backpack is a feature-rich bag that helps you stay organized. With space for 7 days’ worth of clothing, toiletries, and traveling necessities, you’ll never be without what you need, when you need it.
  • KomalC Leather Briefcase – Best Business Messenger Bag – From $89
    The KomalC Briefcase is mostly made from leather which is a nice touch if you’re coming from a nylon bag. It is an elegant and classy commuter bag for all business travelers.

Of course, this is only a short overview, so make sure to read until the end of this post to discover all the features of each of them in greater detail.

business travel backpacks 5

QUICK ANSWERS – BEST BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACK

CAN BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACKS REPLACE A SUITCASE?

Carry-on luggage typically measures 56 x 45 x 25 cm, but a suitcase can accommodate more than a backpack.

Yes, soft-sided backpacks are generally soft, but compressing a suitcase and securing everything with compression straps is something travel backpacks seldom enable.

Needless to say, a travel backpack can be a limitation depending on the number of clothes or items you plan to bring.

That said, it’s a great valid alternative if you plan to travel for a few days in or out of the country.

WHAT ARE THE TOP BACKPACK BRANDS FOR BUSINESS TRAVEL?

Other than the best daypack for travel, it’s important to consider the brands themselves.

Sure, while some brands may be unknown to you, some others are reputable and produce items for numerous years with outstanding quality.

These best backpack brands are:

  • Matein
  • Samsonite
  • Victorinox
  • Kenneth Cole
  • Tommy Hilfiger
  • American Tourister

There are dozens of quality brands on the market, however, these are the top backpack brands and you’re sure to get a quality product that will stand the test of time.

business travel backpacks

WHAT DO YOU NEED IN A BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACK? – THE KEY FEATURES

We’re focusing on the finest travel backpacks for business, which means they differ from other types of backpacks. But what should you consider before purchasing one?

There are several factors to take into consideration and we’ll go through them below.

SECURITY

Many business backpacks include hidden compartments, strong zippers, and hardy fabric that is difficult to cut through. When you’re transporting valuables, it’s critical to have a secure solution.

Having a hidden zipper, a secret compartment for your passport, credit cards, or other documents, and premium material hard to cut is essential for a smooth business trip.

IT SHOULD HAVE A LAPTOP COMPARTMENT

It goes without saying that having a laptop compartment in a business backpack is essential and is simply a must-have.

A laptop compartment is necessary to protect and secure your electronics while moving through the TSA line quickly.

The padding is very important since you don’t want to damage or even break your laptop. In general, virtually every well-designed backpack (except for hiking backpacks) comes with a laptop compartment.

ORGANIZATION & ACCESSIBILITY

The organization compartments are particularly crucial.

If you’re commuting with a laptop, several chargers, vital papers, clothing, and other items, you’ll probably want pockets to store them in. Of course, this implies you’ll need lots of pockets to accommodate everything.

My favorite backpacks have u-zip designs. This means that they can be opened fully on at least two sides for quick access.

business travel backpacks 6

STYLISH, CLASSY, & WEATHERPROOF

The greatest travel business backpacks are current and stylish, so you can go to the office and your vital meetings without looking like a hiker.

You may also want to consider how your backpack reflects your personality. Examine this list and see which travel company backpack fits your style the best.

If you’re going on business trips often, or if it’s going to rain a lot in the city you’ll be visiting, you might want to ensure that your bag is water-resistant or waterproof.

This isn’t necessary for work travel backpacks, but if you’re spending time outside or traveling to a city where it rains constantly, then it must be considered.

IT MUST BE COMFORTABLE & NOT HEAVY

Fit and comfort are critical elements in any backpack selection. A large or little backpack will be uncomfortable, clunky, and perhaps even painful if it’s not the right size for your frame.

This implies double-checking that the straps are comfortable and properly fit your body. Look for adjustable straps as well as waist straps to help distribute the weight of a bigger bag.

Hiking backpacks have more adjustable straps, whereas commuter bags have fewer of these features.

A USB CHARGING PORT WILL SAVE YOUR DAY

A USB attachment in a backpack is simply a long extension cable. The power bank is connected to the cable within the backpack.

Then you’ll need an electronic device and a supplementary charging cable, which connects from the outside of the bag.

When you don’t have access to a plug while on business travel, this may be a lifesaver.

business travel backpacks 2

THE 11 BEST BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACKS

If you’ve ever gone on a business trip, chances are you’ve carried your luggage in one of those ubiquitous black nylon backpacks.

But have you ever stopped to think about what makes the best business travel backpack?

If not, this is exactly what you’re looking for and we go into the 11 best travel backpacks for business to remain comfortable and secure on a business trip.

NOMATIC TRAVEL BAG 20L – $300

Nomatic, the company known for its packing cubes, has released one of the best backpacks ever made.

First and foremost, the bag is thing is water-resistant as well as super resistant to any situation.

As someone who travels quite a bit with only hand luggage, that’s important. Over time many bags wear down or start looking tatty.

It’s made of extremely durable material which does make the backpack feel slightly heavier than other comparable bags.

In addition, it’s very functional, and if you’re familiar with Nomatic products, this bag comes in the same size as their previous 20L daypack model (which was great).

They just made it less boxy and added a few extra pockets for good measure – basically, they turned what already worked into an even better product.

Lastly, it comes with a removable waist strap which is a huge selling point. With the waist strap, you can distribute the weight evenly and have a more comfortable carry even if it’s a bit heavier than usual.

All in all, the Nomatic travel bag is one of the most comfortable business backpacks.

The downside? It’s quite pricey – For $300, it’s an investment, albeit a good one as far as bags go.

TORTUGA SETOUT – BEST CARRY-ON BUSINESS TRAVEL BACKPACK – $179

The Setout Tortuga backpack is a sturdy, lightweight, and versatile backpack that is perfect for all purposes from outdoor adventures to business trips and even going on a road trip.

The design features include the use of high-quality external fabrics with water-resistant coating, durable lockable zippers, and multiple compartments to keep your gear organized.

2 versions are available – the 26L expandable and the 45L fully expanded. They both open flat like a suitcase and it is a great advantage when looking for specific items and not wasting time on a business trip with colleagues or managers.

The backpack also uses dual foam padded shoulder straps that are ergonomic, breathable, removable, and adjustable.

Last but not least, it is cheaper than other backpacks but it is still an investment. The expanded 26L version costs $179 and the bigger expanded one will set you back $199.

While the Nomatic is, in my opinion, the most comfortable backpack, the Tortuga quality is very close and it’s surely one of the best on the market.

VICTORINOX SWISS ARMY BACKPACK – $99

There are so many backpacks to choose from, but the Victorinox business backpack is one of the best because it features a padded laptop compartment and two large compartments with plenty of space for all your belongings.

With its classic style and sleek design, this backpack is perfect for all travelers who need to carry everything they might need on their business trip.

There are several models available to please everyone.

What I really liked about the Victorinox Swiss Army Backpack is the fact that it has multiple storage pockets to put anything you can think of from pens, notebooks, documents, and more.

It’s also classy which makes it one of the most attractive business backpacks I can think of.

OSPREY FARPOINT – COMFORTABLE BUSINESS BACKPACK FOR TRAVEL – $98

The Osprey Farpoint is a great backpack for those of you who are looking for a lightweight and durable carry-on that will fit into any overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you.

It has plenty of padding and comfort features but also has a limited number of pockets and zippers which might be off-putting to some people.

The backpack also cannot be carried like a traditional backpack with straps, so it might not be best for those who don’t like the feel of carrying their bag on their back.

MATEIN TRAVEL LAPTOP BACKPACK – $29

The Matein Travel Laptop backpack is an awesome backpack for all your needs, including business trips.

It’s made out of water-resistant and incredibly durable polyester and has tons of great features – a charging pocket, a beautiful design, a padded laptop sleeve, and ultimately, a luggage strap.

It offers several capacities, being able to hold up to a 15-inch laptop and a tablet combined. This makes it ideal for businessmen who need their accessories at hand whenever they’re traveling or going to work.

On top of all these features, the backpack provides an outside pocket specially designed to charge your phone or your tablet.

As such, you won’t have to worry about your battery ever again when you’re either working or traveling.

On the flip side, the backpack might not be as resilient against water as other backpacks here.

AMAZON BASICS SLIM CARRY-ON LAPTOP – $71

This slim and affordable carry-on laptop travel backpack comes with a padded laptop sleeve made of durable fabric and also features a foldable water-resistant cover to keep your laptop dry.

It has plenty of room for other essentials like clothing, shoes, toiletries, and snacks.

For less than $100, the Amazon Basics Slim Carry-On Laptop Travel Weekender is perfect for all frequent business travelers!

On the other hand, one point to note is that the compartments only open on two sides. Small packing cubes would help, but likely not solve the problem.

KOMALC 16-INCH LEATHER BRIEFCASE – $89

The KomalC 16-inch leather briefcase is perfect for business professionals who want to stand out from the crowd.

The exterior of the bag is made from high-quality buffalo leather and has a beautiful design that will perfectly match your business trip.

The interior is divided into two separate compartments with an inside pocket for your laptop and tablet, as well as plenty of space for files and folders.

It also includes a removable shoulder strap that can be tucked away when not in use.

All things considered, it’s one of the best business travel backpacks, however, it’s essential to highlight the fact that it needs to be maintained since it’s real leather.

SAMSONITE CLASSIC LEATHER SLIM BACKPACK – $150

We all know that backpacks are a necessity when going on a business trip, but the problem is they’re not always stylish.

However, this is not the case with the Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack.

This backpack is made of durable and rich-looking leather which makes it perfect for any professional looking to “spice up” their outfit.

With a sleek design, ample space, and more features than you can count on two hands, this backpack has so many advantages over other bags on the market.

It’s available in 2 colors – black and brown – to please everyone whether you’re going on a business journey or around town to meet friends.

KENNETH COLE REACTION MANHATTAN SLIM BACKPACK – $149

Kenneth Cole is a company that believes in the power of fashion to make your business trip more fashionable.

For this, they have designed backpacks with maximum functionality for today’s on-the-go lifestyle and the Manhattan Slim Backpack is the perfect example.

It has been made to fit laptops up to 16 inches and it’s great for going to the office or away for a few days.

This bag is a durable and stylish laptop backpack that will give you the ultimate protection for your most important belongings.

Made of an elegant Colombian genuine leather exterior with tear-resistant lining, it features RFID-blocking technology to keep all personal information safe from thieves as well as a trolley tunnel to fit over luggage handles so no more carrying heavy bags on wheels!

KROSER LAPTOP BAG PREMIUM BRIEFCASE – $39

This women’s black briefcase by Kroser is made from a soft, flexible material with extra pockets for organization.

It expands for greater capacity and is simply one of the best business travel bags.

In addition, its water-resistant exterior can withstand heavier rain or spills, preventing materials inside from being damaged by water.

There are compartments for your 17-inch laptop, iPad, pens, wallet, notebooks, and anything else you may need to bring with you when traveling.

The laptop compartment is padded which protects the items inside from accidental bumps or shocks that could potentially damage your items.

All in all, it’s one of the best bags to bring on a business trip abroad or around the country.

But, as constructive feedback, I’d say that the Kroser laptop bag doesn’t have enough padding on the sides and the bottom which is something worth considering.

EVERKI ATLAS BUSINESS LAPTOP BACKPACK – $159

The Everki Atlas is a compact, comfortable, and affordable business travel backpack that you can bring along anywhere you’re headed.

The first compartment is a special “checkpoint ready” pocket that will fit up to a 17.3-inch laptop and has been created especially for the ones with lots of equipment.

It has more pockets to place your accessories and small items such as a Kindle, phone chargers, cables, pens, and more.

It opens up 180 degrees which is convenient when going through a security checkpoint that accepts checkpoint-friendly bags.

Additionally, it includes wide, padded shoulder straps with a 5-point balance strap to distribute weight and wear it more comfortably.

The Everki Atlas comes in two different versions – the 15.6-inch and the 17.3-inch – with only a $10 difference between them and is definitely the best daypack for travel.

With this in mind, a point to mention is the weight. In fact, while the bag is greatly padded, it adds up weight and the Everki backpack weighs 4.01 lbs or 1.8 kilograms.

Needless to say, that’s quite some weight used and could be a disadvantage when traveling.

SUMMARY – BEST BUSINESS BAGS FOR TRAVELING

So there you have it, a list of 11 different business travel backpacks for men and women based on their size, weight capacity, price range, and more.

I hope that you were able to find the perfect backpack to take your business travel experiences from an average one to a great one!

If not, please leave a comment below this post so I can help provide some additional insight into which type may be best suited for your needs.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

Fb Community Image

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

bookingcom

Search and book accommodation worldwide.


logos 3

Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere.


logos 7

Find tickets, tours, and experiences around the world.


logos 14

Book buses, trains, and transfers online in advance.


discover cars

Search all rental cars in your next destination.


hey mondo

Need travel insurance for your next trip?

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

Please know this post may contain affiliate links. When making a purchase through one of my links, I earn a small kickback at no extra cost to you and it’s a big help to keep the site up and running. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I personally use and recommend.

Click here to find out how you can support the site organically.

Many thanks!

Leave a comment