Best Men’s Commuter Backpacks for Your Workday 2023

by Albert Varkki updated 07-07-2023

Table Of Contents

best commuter backpacks for men

You need a reliable and fashionable commuting backpack to get your essentials to work every day.

A backpack can now be both practical and professional, meaning you can wear it to your boardroom without people giving you a second glance.

In this post, we'll go over the best commuter rucksacks for 2023, as well as how to choose one.

Best Commuter Backpacks for 2023

Here we'll break down our top picks for a commuter bag by style and type.

Best Small Leather Backpack

liberty leather backpack for men

Winner: Liberty Leather Backpack

The best thing about the Liberty is its compact nature. You can fit a lot of essentials in this bag, as well as a 14 inch laptop, without it weighing you down on your commute. As it's made from full grain leather, it will stay looking smart as it ages (unlike a canvas bag) which is ideal for a professional environment.

Pros:

  • Full grain leather
  • 14 inch laptop sleeve.
  • Multiple front zipped compartments.
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Durable cotton lining and YKK zippers.
  • Handmade in Italy
  • Can be personalized

Click here to check the price

Best Large Laptop Backpack

prime leather backpack for men

Winner: Prime Leather Backpack

If you need more storage space in your commuter backpack, then the Prime is ideal. The 2 zipped pockets on the front make it convenient to carry essentials that you want to keep as easy access. The dedicated laptop compartment can handle a 14 inch laptop, and is more secure than most. It has reinforced handles to carry the extra weight you can pack into it.

Pros:

  • Full grain leather
  • 14 inch laptop sleeve.
  • Multiple front zipped compartments.
  • Adjustable shoulder straps
  • Durable cotton lining and YKK zippers.
  • Handmade in Italy
  • Can be personalized

Click here to check the price

Best Convertible Commuter Backpack

10x mens leather backpack

Winner: 10X Leather Laptop Backpack

The 10X is best for people who need a versatile bag that can be used for a commute and for traveling. It has a large main compartment designed for lots of items, as well as a dedicated laptop compartment for a 15.6 inch laptop. It has backpack straps and a shoulder strap, so it can be used as a messenger bag once you arrive at work.

Pros:

  • Full grain leather
  • Can convert from backpack to shoulder bag
  • Top and side handles.
  • Backpack straps hide in zip compartments.
  • Fits up to 15.6 inch laptop or tablet.
  • Handmade in Italy
  • Can be personalized
  • Available in brown, tan, black, or red leather.
  • Unisex.

Click here to check the price

Why Choose a Commuter Backpack?

We all need a little help getting to work now and then, and this is where a commuter backpack comes in. With enough room to hold everything you need for the workday, while still easily fitting below the seat in front of you on your morning commute, backpacks are the ideal choice for your journey to work.

A surprising amount of workers don't put enough money into their backpack, despite it being something they use each and every day.

Though it may be tempting to choose the cheapest choice, these backpacks rarely incorporate features and materials that are long lasting and spacious.

Once you have been caught out in the rain with your laptop, you will appreciate the value of a backpack that goes above and beyond to safeguard your valuables.

Your commuting backpack must be able to carry everything you need for your workday. This includes water, lunch, important documents, textbooks and devices, which is why a standard bag is rarely large enough.

Many low cost backpacks are lacking in features, and your shoulders will suffer as a result. To better protect your health and assets, it's important to invest in one of the best carry bags on the market.

Not all bags are created equal, and you don't want to waste your money on one that fails you in one way or another.

Shop Mens Leather Backpacks here

Important Backpack Features

Compartments

Depending on how much stuff you bring around with you on a daily basis, you will want to get a backpack that can accommodate everything. Instead of simply throwing everything about in the main compartment, you should opt for a backpack that allows you to carefully organize everything so you always know where your items are.

A designated sleeve or compartment for your gadgets is necessary if you're always carrying your laptop, as this keeps it safe and secure. Smaller pockets for all the necessary accessories - such as a charger, mouse and external harddrive - are also ideal in a commuter backpack.

If you regularly carry a lot of pens and documents, you should choose a backpack with an entire compartment dedicated to organization. There will usually be many side pockets and pen holders, as well as plenty of room in the main compartment for documents and notes.

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Sizes

You need to think about how you get to work each day, as you will need a bag that matches your commute style. If you drive to work every day, this will not be an issue as a larger and heavier back is easy enough to manage.

However, if you ride your bike, you should seek out a lightweight backpack that is made of strong materials. Straps that will securely attach your backpack to you while riding your bike are also beneficial. They will keep the backpack from moving about on your shoulders, and will keep it linked to your body even if you fall from your bike.

If you take public transport to work, such as the bus or subway, an anti-theft backpack may be better suited to your needs. There are many high quality options available.

These backpacks are ideal for public transport because they are made using materials that resist being cut, they have locking zippers, and they will successfully dissuade anyone attempting to enter them. If walking is your primary mode of transportation, an anti-theft bag is also recommended.

Comfort

Even if you're carrying a lot of weight, it's critical that you have a comfortable backpack. This is even more important if you will be carrying the backpack on your shoulders for the majority of the day. If you commute by car, you don’t have to be as concerned about its size or weight.

If you're going to ride your bike every morning, you will need something lightweight. Look for backpacks that are light and compact, but big enough to hold your laptop and belongings.

Furthermore, you should always inspect the back panel and harness closely, as these are the features that really matter if you are going to wear a backpack for a long period of time. Look for a pack with a ventilation system in the back panel and harness, as well as plenty of cushioning.

Even in the sweltering summer heat, these features will keep you cool and dry, stopping you from arriving at work with a sweaty patch on your back. The padding also ensures that nothing pokes you in the back while you're commuting, which is especially useful if you frequently carry sharp and heavy items in your backpack.

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For Work and Life

You should think about whether you are looking for a commuter backpack or something that can also be a little bit more versatile. What would you use a backpack for, if you didn't need it for commuting? If you are going on a trip via airplane, you should look for a TSA friendly backpack.

If you are cycling, you should look for a backpack that’s light and comfy, one that won't weigh you down. If you're going hiking or trekking, or on any other outdoor adventure, the most important thing to consider is how comfortable the backpack will be to carry.

As mentioned before, this includes ventilation and padding in the harness and back panel.

Alternatives to a Commuter Backpack

A great alternative to a commuter backpack is a messenger bag. These come with a shoulder strap attached, which allows you to keep your hands free in the same way a backpack does.

You could also use a duffel bag as a large work bag, which is especially useful if you also want to carry your gym gear with you to work.

You could also consider travel backpacks or laptop backpacks.

Final Thoughts

We hope you enjoyed our post on the best commuter backpacks.

If you did, why not leave a comment below? You can always contact the Von Baer team with any comments or questions to info@vonbaer.com.

You can read more Work related posts here.

Author: Albert Varkki

Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.

We always aim to have the highest editorial standards, and only publish accurate information on our website.

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