10 Best Women’s Backpacks for Work in 2024 - Tested and Reviewed
It wasn't long ago when a women's professional backpack was almost unheard of. Our work bag choices were typically limited to purses or tote bags. However, the times are changing and backpack brands are now introducing many women's work backpack options in sleek silhouettes. With the increasing items we carry daily—laptops, tech accessories, water bottles, and even a change of clothes—a spacious work backpack has become a more practical choice. But can a backpack be professional? We think so!
Finding the perfect functional and stylish work backpack doesn't have to be overwhelming. In this buying guide, we've done the legwork, researching and testing numerous brands to find the very best work backpacks for women. Our top picks span from cute business-casual designs to more polished professional styles. We've also highlighted some versatile convertible backpacks that can transform into a chic tote bag in mere seconds. Plus, for those on a budget, we've included a few affordable options!
How We Chose These Backpacks
Shown in Photo Above:
Sherpani Camden Convertible Backpack - Roomy backpack tote available in lots of fun colors
Lux & Nyx Origami Backpack - A refined and water-resistant backpack for the modern commuter.
Troubadour Ember Backpack - Business backpack for women with lots of organization
Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack - Spacious (and stylish) women’s work backpack under $100
Sophisticated Style
From meeting clients in a conference room to meeting colleagues at a coffee shop, a stylish backpack will help you look and feel your best throughout the work day. But we didn't just look for sophisticated style, we also paid attention to a high quality construction. This buying guide features work backpacks for women made with water-resistant nylon, canvas, vegan leather as well as sustainable materials.
Most of the backpacks we chose are offered in different colors so that you can express your unique style. After all, the the perfect backpack is the one that make you look and feel your best.
Shown Above: Troubadour Ember Backpack. Model height: 5’6”
A Comfortable Fit
There are tons of cute work backpacks out there, but why do so many have thin backpack straps and terrible comfort features? Whether you need a backpack for your daily commute or business trips, having a comfortable backpack is important. This is why we paid attention to finding packs with padded adjustable straps, a comfortable back panel and a chest strap when needed.
Our main priority was finding women's work backpacks that are not only comfortable but a good fit. For many women, most backpacks are either too broad in the shoulder straps or too long on the back. This is why we focused on backpacks that are a better fit for people with narrower shoulders and a shorter torso length. Although "professional backpacks for women" can be worn by anyone, it's worth pointing out this distinction when we talk about fit. For larger work bags, check out our list of the best work backpacks for men as well as our business casual backpack buying guide.
Great Organization
A backpack for everyday use has to help you stay organized. We looked for bags that can be used by professional women with specific features like a dedicated laptop sleeves and exterior pockets for easy access to small items. Just as important is a roomy main compartment that has enough room for work items such as a lunch, water bottle and light jacket or sweater.
Business travelers may need a daily bag that can double as their travel bag. While others would like ample space for workout clothes and other after-work activities. For safe daily commutes, we included our favorite women's backpacks with hidden pockets. Whatever your carry goals, we made sure to include backpacks of all sizes so that you can find the perfect one.
Best Work Backpacks for Women
Lux & Nyx Origami Daily Backpack
Why We Chose This Backpack
Perfect mix of style and function. Roomy main compartment, lots of pockets, and a dedicated laptop compartment makes it perfect for everyday use.
What to Keep in Mind
If using for travel, the slim trolley sleeve isn't compatible with some wider luggage handles.
Our Thoughts
Chic, spacious, and incredibly versatile, the Lux & Nyx Origami Daily Backpack is a must-have for professional women on the go. Known for their thoughtful designs, Lux & Nyx delivers yet again with the Origami Backpack, blending form and function in a way that stands out from the crowd.
The spacious interior of the Origami is perfect for work essentials, allowing you to easily pack bulkier items like a change of clothes or a lunch box. Its signature "origami" exterior design cleverly hides three quick-access pockets, ideal for storing smaller items like wallets, phones, or other must-haves on the go.
Comfort is another standout feature. With adjustable shoulder straps and a padded back panel, this backpack is one of the most comfortable we've tested, thanks to Lux & Nyx’s thoughtful design. Made with elegant satin fabric and topped with water-resistant zippers, the Origami Backpack offers peace of mind in inclement weather, making it the perfect choice for daily commuters.
Key features:
16-inch dedicated laptop compartment
Lots of exterior and interior pockets for organization
Available in professional colors: navy, black, champagne and crimson
Water-resistant zippers
Sherpani Camden COnvertible Backpack TOte
Why We Chose This Backpack
A cute women's backpack available in lots of colors, with a roomy main compartment that can fit work essentials like lunch and a change of clothes.
What to Keep in Mind
While the Sherpani Camden can be carried as a backpack, tote, or crossbody, the backpack straps cannot be tucked away when not in use.
Our Thoughts
Offered in a wide range of colors, the Sherpani Camden is the perfect work backpack for women who want a pop of fun and style during their daily commute. Say goodbye to boring backpacks!
One of the standout features of the Sherpani Camden is its versatility. It can be carried three ways: as a backpack, tote bag, or crossbody. Each Camden comes with an extra single shoulder strap, which can be attached in seconds to convert it into a crossbody bag. Comfort isn’t sacrificed either, thanks to the inclusion of a sternum strap and padded, adjustable shoulder straps.
The Sherpani Camden shines in the small details. Not only is it made from materials sourced from recycled plastic water bottles but it’s packed with organizational features. The four exterior pockets give you easy access, including two side pockets that can hold a larger 40 oz water bottle. Inside, you’ll find a spacious main compartment along with a 15" laptop sleeve for your tech. With its thoughtful design and versatility, the Sherpani Camden really does make the perfect companion for a busy workday.
Key Features:
Capacity: 21L
15" padded laptop compartment
Available in lots of different colors
Sustainable materials: Every bag diverts 28 plastic bottles away from landfills and waterways
Kroser Laptop Backpack
Why We Chose This Backpack
Great value for such an affordable price. Lots of interior pockets for organization.
What to Keep in Mind
Zippers and internal lining may not hold up as well over time when compared to pricier bags.
Our Thoughts
A consistent bestseller on Amazon, the Kroser Laptop Backpack is our top professional backpack recommendation for budget-conscious women. This affordable laptop backpack is packed with pockets designed to help you stay organized during a busy workday. It features padded sleeves for both a laptop and tablet, a luggage strap for travel, and lots of smaller pockets for daily essentials. Our favorite feature has to be the USB charging port that is built-into the side of the backpack. So, if you are looking for a stylish and affordable charging backpack for women, look no further!
In terms of work-ready style, this backpack doesn't disappoint! Its versatile tote-backpack design offers two carrying options: use the adjustable straps to wear it as a traditional backpack or opt for the top handles when you're in the mood for a chic tote. The gold hardware coupled with PU leather accents infuses a touch of elegance, making it a great fit for professional settings.
The Kroser Laptop Backpack is available in 15.6" and 17" versions. We found that the 15.6" laptop compartment can accommodate a 16-inch Macbook Pro, while the separate tablet sleeve fits an iPad Pro comfortably. For those with a PC laptop larger than 15", we suggest upgrading to the larger 17" Kroser Laptop Backpack.
Key Features:
15.6" laptop sleeve and separate tablet sleeve
Built-in USB charging port
Made with water repellent fabric with PU leather accents
Affordable budget price
Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack
Why We Chose This Backpack
Stylish laptop backpack with a large capacity. Great for women who need lots of packing space.
What to Keep in Mind
The Everlane ReNew Transit isn't as structured as other bags we tested. Can sometimes look sloppy depending on how you pack it.
Our Thoughts
The Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack is one of the largest work backpacks for women on this list with a spacious capacity of 27 liters. This is enough room for all of your daily essentials plus a lunch, light jacket or change of clothes. There is also a separate compartment for a 15-inch laptop and a few exterior pockets for organization. (P.s. We did test the laptop sleeve and can confirm that it fits a 16-inch Macbook Pro)
Those looking for a work backpack that can also double as a travel bag will love the travel-focused features on the ReNew Transit. In fact, this is one of our favorite personal item backpacks for flights! The spacious interior is great for packing for a weekend trip while the trolley sleeve makes strolling through busy airports a breeze.
Between the large capacity, omfortable padded straps, sleek style and the Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack is easily our favorite backpack under $100. Make sure to check out our Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack review for more details.
Key Features:
Capacity: 27L
15-inch laptop compartment (fits 16” Macbook Pro)
Two water bottle holders (inside and outside)
Sustainable: Made from recycled plastic bottles
Troubadour Ember Backpack
Why We Chose This Backpack
A sophisticated women's business backpack design with some of the most comfortable padded shoulder straps we have tested. Water-resistant construction.
What to Keep in Mind
No water bottle pockets. 13L may not be enough room for women who carry bulky items to work like a change of clothes or lunch.
Our Thoughts
The Troubadour Ember is our top pick for those looking for a professional backpack for women that doesn't skimp on the important details. What sets the Ember apart from other work backpacks is that it includes a dedicated laptop compartment with sleeves for both a laptop and tablet plus an extra padded sleeve inside the main compartment, making it the best laptop backpack we have tested for women who carry multiple devices to work. If that weren't enough you also get generous interior pockets for work essentials and a water-resistant design that's made to protect important items on rainy commutes.
One area where Troubadour backpacks really thrive is with their comfort features. The backpack straps on the Ember are super comfortable thanks to their generous padding and ergonomic S-curve design. And say goodbye to flimsy back panels! This backpack gives you real back panel padding in a breathable design for all day comfort. Honestly, when it comes to women's backpacks, few impress us more than Troubadour bags. They consistantly hit that design sweet spot between comfort, function and style.
At 13-liters, the Troubadour Ember is on the smaller side. It's profile is slim and sleek, making it perfect for professional settings. We really do recommend it if you don't like the look of a bulky backpack and we found it perfect for storing business essentials such as tech, notebooks and small items. With this said, the Ember may be a little too small if you need to carry bulkier items to work like a lunch box or heavy jacket. This is just something to keep in mind.
Key Features:
Capacity: 13L
Water resistant construction
Lots of smaller pockets for organization
Padded laptop compartment + extra padded sleeve
Peak Design EverYday Backpack Zip
Why We Chose This Backpack
Well-made backpack with water resistant design and great organization. Daily commuters will love the ability to divide the inside to pack a lunch and other work essentials.
What to Keep in Mind
15L version only fits a 13-inch laptop and has no tablet sleeve. The roomier 20L version of the Everyday Backpack Zip does not come in the Bone color we have featured here.
Our Thoughts
Peak Design may be praised for their innovative camera backpacks, but the Everyday Backpack Zip is a true game-changer for professional women. Don't let its minimalist, sleek design fool you—this stylish backpack is packed with features that make it perfect for work.
Our favorite feature? The customizable interior dividers! You can easily section off the main compartment to keep your lunch and work essentials separate or you can remove the dividers altogether and have one roomy compartment for packing. The side zippers also makes accessing stuff a breeze since each side panel opens up to reveal a combination of zippered and slip pockets, perfect for stashing small items. There is even more organization on the outside of the bag with a rear 13-inch laptop sleeve and stretchy water bottle pockets.
The Everyday Backpack Zip comes in both 15L and 20L sizes. We tested the 15L version, and it's spacious enough for a packed lunch, a sweater, and some extras. It's size is also perfect for women with shorter torso lengths. However, if you need more space—especially if you carry a 15-inch laptop —the 20L version is worth the upgrade.
Key Features:
Capacity: 15L (also available in 20L)
13-inch external laptop compartment
Water-resistant construction
Includes sternum strap and ergonomic back panel
More Great Work Backpacks for Women
Pacsafe Citysafe CX Anti-Theft Backpack
The Pacsafe Citysafe CX is a stylish backpack that is packed with anti-theft safety features for both daily commuters and frequent business travelers alike! Each exterior zipper closure has a built-in locking feature to keep thieves from entering your pack. If that wasn't enough, one shoulder strap also includes a lock that allows you to attach your Citysafe CX to a table or chair leg to prevent bag snatch and grabs. These anti-theft features really give the Pacsafe Citysafe CX a leg up from the competition and we really do recommend you take a closer look at this bag if you commute in crowded space or travel for work frequently.
As a daily commuter backpack for women we really love the 17-liter main compartment that gives you ample space for a busy work day. Inside you'll find a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of internal pockets to keep you organized. Each Pacsafe Citysafe CX is designed for those with shorter torsos for a better fit with being too small. With its compact size, stylish design, and impressive anti-theft features, Pacsafe offers one of the best laptop bags currently available for commuting and travel.
Key Features:
Capacity: 17L
16" laptop sleeve
Made with anti-slash water-resistant fabric
Anti-theft zippers in main compartment and front pocket
Lo & Sons The Rowledge
The Lo & Sons Rowledge a standout women’s business backpack thanks to thoughful design and luxury materials. It's fair to say that The Rowledge backpack is not cheap and can be considered an investment piece to your daily business wardrobe. Instead of synthetic leather, the Rowledge uses buttery soft Nappa leather accents and small details like water-resistant zippers and Jacquard interior lining all adds up to its luxury feel. With its high-quality construction in mind, it's safe to say that Lo & Sons Rowledge has set a new standard for professional women's backpacks.
What the Rowledge does very well is give you with lots of pockets for daily organization. Not only does the roomy main compartment have enough room to hold bulky items like busines files and folders, a lunch or even a spare pair of shoes, it's also packed with interior pockets for small items like business cards and pens. The outside of the backpack is just as impressive. The Rowledge gives you a seperate laptop compartment, zipper pockets for quick access to daily essentials and side pockets that zip up when not in use for a cleaner look. When it comes to organization, the Rowledge is a complete rockstar and one of our favorite women's business backpacks to date.
Key Features:
Capacity: 17L or 21L (so that you can find the perfect size)
Seperate laptop compartment for 13" device
Water-resistant construction with real Nappa Leather accents
Convertible backpack purse design
Available in different luxe color combinations (choose between gold, silver or black hardware)
Lux & Nyx The Zoe
The Zoe by Lux & Nyx is our recommendation for anyone looking for a well-made backpack to wear in professional settings. The features that Lux & Nyx includes in this pack are incredible!
As a laptop backpack for work, the Zoe gives you a separate laptop compartment with sleeves for a laptop and tablet to keep your tech safe. This bag is also packed with exterior pockets for easy access to small items. But our favorite feature has to be the side pocket for shoes, making the Zoe the perfect backpack with shoe compartment for after-work activities.
If you love the look of a leather backpack but want a vegan alternative, this is the bag for you. The Zoe is actually a vegan leather backpack that uses eco-friendly "Freedom Fiber" instead for an upscale look.
Key Features:
Avaiable in Small and Large sizes for the perfect fit
Side-access shoe compartment
Separate compartment for laptop and tablet
Made of eco-friendly vegan leather with gold hardware
LaFlore Paris bobobark Convertible Backpack
Laflore Paris offers a sophisticated backpack for work with the bobobark convertible backpack purse. What we love most about this bag is its slim profile that still gives you the room you need for everyday use. The main compartment is big enough to store a 15-inch laptop inside the padded laptop sleeve with plenty of room for notebooks, an umbrella and other work essentials. The phone and laptop pockets allow for quick access to your tech through exterior zippers.
A standout feature is that the bobobark is convertible. The adjustable straps allow you to wear the bag as a backpack, crossbody bag or handbag.
The Laflore Paris bobobark is perfect for anyone who needs a cute laptop backpack for work made from high quality vegan materials. This makes the bobobark perfect for those who like the look of a leather backpack but are looking for a more ethical option. Each bobobark backpack is handmade with an exceptional attention to detail that you’ll rarely find in mass-produced bags.
Key features:
15-inch laptop sleeve
Can be worn as a backpack, crossbody or handbag
Vegan, water-resistant construction, metal hardware (no plastic!)
Our Testing Process
The Backpackies team tested dozens of women's work backpacks and only highlighted the very best. Our main priorities when testing were comfort, organization and style. We also kept in mind that a "work backpack for women" is a broad category. This is why we focused on selections that are versatile enough for both daily commuting and business travel.
Our testing items included a water bottle, laptop, tablet, tech chargers, a light jacket, business binders, notebooks, shoes, clothing, and personal essentials like cosmetics. Each backpack was evaluated by their easy access to items as well as their organization of these items. Many of these backpacks we have personally used in the real world for our own commutes and weekend getaways, while others underwent testing in our studio. The top picks chosen in this buying guide were the ones that performed the best.
Finally, comfort and fit were just as important as style. If the backpack wasn't comfortable to wear, then we just did not include it.
Work Backpacks for Women - Common FAQs
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The short answer is yes, a backpack can be considered professional. The secret lies in choosing the right design.
For professional settings, choose a backpack with a mature and sophisticated design. This means avoiding loud colors and sporty designs that look like they belong on a hiking trail instead of a client meeting. Dangling straps, like those from hip belts or shoulder straps, should also be avoided for a cleaner look. In this buying guide we really tried to avoid women's backpacks with elements like mesh water bottle pockets, bungee chords and compression strap so to ensure that the bag is as sleek looking as possible while still being functional.
When it comes to materials, classic choices like high-weave nylon and genuine or faux leather are recommended for women's professional work backpacks. Sticking to neautral colors such as black, navy, gray and beige will also elevate the bag to a more professional look. These rules aren't set in stone, and what you ultimatly wear depends on how casual your work setting is, but sticking with tried and true materials and colors will add up to a more professional look.
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For most women, a backpack that measures 17-inches or under in height will provide the best fit. This will accommodate for a shorter torso and provide a more proportional look when worn on the back. Given the need for a more compact fit, we found that many women's backpack for work can range from 13 to 25 liters in capacity. Although 13 liters is on the smaller side, it gives you just enough room to organize smaller work essentials such as a laptop, pens, a wallet, water bottle and cosmetics kit. A 25 liter pack is better suited for bulkier items like multiple binders and folders, a jacket or lunch box.
To get a better idea of what size backpack you really need, make sure to check out our Backpack Size Guide. This helpful guide illustrates what fits in different size packs.
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With commuter backpacks our emphasis is always on comfort. If you plan on wearing your work backpack for long periods of time during daily commutes then having comfortable padded adjustable straps and a breathable back panel is a must. Other features like exterior pockets for quick access to items like a metro card or umbrella are also helpful.
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Absolutely! A good professional backpack is versatile enough to use for both daily carry and travel. If you need a bag that does both make sure to choose a backpack with travel-specific features such as a trolley sleeve, water bottle pockets and easy-access pockets for travel essentials. Many backpacks also include safety features such as secret anti-theft pockets for items like passports, wallets and other valuables. These are all must-have features for traveling and the good news is that many modern women's work backpacks do include them!
More Helpful Resources
Backpack Size Guide - 14 liters? 25 liters? This visual guide helps you choose the right size bag.
Best Backpacks for Work and Gym - Larger bags for work essentials and gym kit
Best Waterproof Backpacks for Women - Great commuter backpack options
Backpacks like Tumi - List of alternative brands to Tumi
