Going back to the office is another adventure in its own, isn’t it?
In our opinion, here are the best bags that combine function, form, and style, all at the office, sorted by transportation method. We also have taken care to select bags under $250 (except for one).
All those miles hauling things around the globe has to account for something.
If you regularly commute by train, bus or subway, transitional backpacks and purses are the best bet for staying comfortable. Nothing beats the ease of a backpack.
If you regularly commute by car, then a world of options is available to you.
Ready for rush hour. (Enric Martinez / Flickr)
Moleskine Vertical Device Bag
For a safe bet, the Moleskine Vertical Device Bag has a sleek profile that transitions easily from the office to a drinks-and-dinner situation.
Somewhere between a transitional tote, briefcase, and backpack, it has the capability of being carried a number of different ways, though to be honest, it is usually just kept it in its backpack state the majority of the time.
(For what it’s worth, I have been complimented on the way it looks as a purse.)
Besides the main laptop compartment, which fits several paper documents, a large water bottle, and daytime knickknacks, what really makes this bag that stands out are the two or three deep, outside pockets outside the bag that securely hold keys, wallets and anything that may need to be accessed frequently.
Just don’t expect to be able to throw a bulky lunch—hard because of its slim profile unless you have a slim bento—and a change of gym clothes in there. This is the best best for a straight plug-and-play office mission if there’s nothing else going on for the rest of the day.
Price: $249
Capacity: 9 L
Monos Metro Backpack
Need to carry everything? This is the bag to bring if you need to carry a mobile workstation on the go or if there’s a very, very full day ahead of you.
Sporting a metro look.
There’s enough space for a laptop, office documents, a change of clothes, light jacket or hoodie, lunch, a water bottle and anything that you deem an emergency (diaper bag?) without being too crazy ridiculous.
This bag even fits our hospital call binder and still has *some room to spare, which is incredibly impressive, considering what we need to bring there on a case (and also just so happen to be in the office).
Not as sleek as the others, it makes up for everything its in easy-to-clean nylon exterior, especially when you’re thrown into a variety of environments (and bacteria).
There’s an added bonus that the Monos Folio Kit is also there to save the day if you need extra space! (Or go without it, if you don’t need it.)
This pack can also be used as a mini packing cube, stashing laptop/office accessories, as well as some makeup and light gym clothes inside the main backpack.
This bag is a little less precious, in the best way possible. Price:
Capacity: 18L
Sandqvist Jones Metal Hook
For a sleek work bag that is also a statement piece, the Sandqvist Jones Metal Hook fits the bill (those dollar bills, that is).
Luckily, its visual and physical heft is accompanied by backpack straps that make it easier to carry around. This bag is slightly different from the others in the fact that it follows the form of a doctor's bag, which means its wider than it is taller.
Perhaps what we love about this form factor is that it allows easy access to greater variety of things (without needing to open it up like a clamshell).
Built with canvas and leather accents, this is the power bag that isn't as impractical as the others. It's also a gorgeous piece for that weekend out of town.
Our only quibble is that the bag is closed by clasps, making it difficult to open the bag quickly, and there isn't a zipper sealing the main compartment, but it is also easier to cinch the bag so it's not uncomfortable if you're only carrying a small number of items.
There's only one exterior pocket, but that's not the reason why you buy this bag.
Price: $350
Capacity: 18L
Day Owl Backpack
Dedicated water bottle pocket is A+.
It's like going back to school.
The Instagrammable, Herschel-reminiscent Day Owl delivers the goods if you want a clean, friendly bag for the office. It's guaranteed to offend no one.
Most impressively, it has dedicated exterior pockets for a 14" laptop, sunglasses/wallet, and a neoprene-lined water bottle slot (which we LOVE) for easy access. There's also a bigger compartment for knickknacks like keys and makeup.
Though the main compartment isn't a full clamshell, it goes most of the way there, and has pen/tablet compartments slots designed to satisfy just about anyone.
The backpack retails at $149, though a smaller version retails at $129 (it was perfect for our needs, though). If you are open to slight imperfections, consider purchasing a "misfits" bag for $99. The brand also sells secondhand versions for $89.
It might not make a statement, but i's our to-go choice if there's really no one (and you're worried a toddler might come creeping up to it.)
Price: $99-$149
Capacity: 10-18L
