These 13 Men’s Work Bags Are Sure To Earn You Compliments and Double Takes
It doesn’t matter if you’re a guy who works at an office building or if you’re someone who works from home (but travels to the occasional coffee shop or co-working space) when it’s time to get down to business, you need something that’ll house all the tools of your trade. And in 2020, it’s more likely that means your work laptop, notebook, gym clothes and various chargers rather than, say, a drill or hammer.
The best work bags for men can handle it all, but the real question is what’s the best men’s work bag for you? Before we dive in, it’s important to know your basic style options, because there are a few. Because we’re suckers for a great bag, we’ve covered all of our favorite types of work bags for men:
We’ve even covered our favorite men’s fanny packs, although you should decide for yourself whether you’re coworkers are ready for that. Depending on your occupation, you might be able to get away with a more casual work bag, but if you work in a more conservative environment such as a law firm, then your day to day activities might call for a more formal bag. Regardless of what job helps you bring home the bacon, we’ve gathered the best men’s work bags for you right here.
1. Banuce Vintage Genuine Leather Messenger Bag
BEST OVERALL
Leather briefcases can be really gorgeous, and they’re sort of a status symbol, but they can also be really expensive, and bargain ones are usually a hit or miss. If you’re looking to achieve that classic leather aesthetic for a reasonable price, this modern men’s briefcase hits all the marks. The design is timeless and simple — and it’s crafted out of genuine leather with twill lining and rust-proof hardware — so it won’t go out of commission anytime soon.
Image couteau of Amazon
2. Haneda Want Les Essentiels
BEST LUXE
Sleek meets durable with this smooth nylon work bag. Don’t let the slim exterior fool you, this leather-trimmed briefcase has room to fit a 15″ laptop plus some of your other important office essentials — such as charging cords and notebooks — which can be kept in the interior pockets and slots. But it’s the polished silver hardware against the midnight black bag that really elevates the entire look.
Image courtesy of Mr. Porter
3. Brooks England Leather Backpack
BEST MINIMALIST
The clean and simple design of this bag takes the trendy street design of the roll-top and elevates it for the office. It’s built from beautiful chocolate-colored leather, and the canvas shoulder straps are not only durable, but they add a bit of rugged edge to this sophisticated men’s work bag. Silver hardware dons the straps and buckle, and to protect it from dirt and scuffs, it’s even got little feet to keep the bag slightly off the ground.
Image courtesy of Mr. Porter
4. Timbuk2 Weatherproof Roll Top Backpack
BEST WATERPROOF
If you’re someone who lives in the city, meet your dream work bag. This little slice of commuter’s heaven is very functional without sacrificing style. It features a large roll-top with magnetic closures and the main compartment is seam-sealed – giving you added protection from spills and weather. Plus, it’s large enough to fit your laptop, work supplies, and even a pair of gym sneakers, so you can head directly from the office to your workout… no excuses.
Image courtesy of Amazon
5. Herschel Supply Co. Canvas Backpack
BEST CANVAS
If you work in a more casual work environment, like a media company, then a more casual backpack is the best men’s work bag for your day-to-day needs. A little colored canvas never hurt anybody, which is why this green option lands on our list. It boasts a top-loading drawstring compartment that’s got plenty of room for all your goods. Not to mention, it’s a clean aesthetic that allows you to rock an outdoorsy edge at the office.
Image courtesy of Mr. Porter
6. Kenneth Cole Reaction Business Backpack
BEST GROWN-UP BACKPACK
Finding a good backpack for work can be tricky if your office is on the conservative end of the business-casual evolution. Some backpacks look a little less-than-professional and are probably better suited on a college campus than at an office. But this backpack from Kenneth Cole Reaction achieves a happy medium. The sharp light brown leather bag (which is also available in black or dark brown) has a padded space for a large 16″ laptop, as well as several other compartments to house your various work essentials. It’s spacious and stylish all in one.
Image courtesy of Amazon
7. Cote & Ciel Ballistic Garonne Backpack
MOST VERSATILE
Not only is this stylish messenger back water-resistant, but it’s also versatile. You can carry it over the shoulder or swing it on your back. The simple exterior is a minimalist’s dream, and a padded laptop compartment with a double-zipper closure will keep your tech safe no matter which way you wear the bag.
Image courtesy of SSENSE
8. CoolBell Convertible Backpack
BEST REVIEWED
When it comes to the best work bags for men, this versatile bag is a crowd favorite. It features several multipurpose pockets and can be converted from a backpack to a messenger bag in seconds. The canvas bag, which is available in an assortment of colors, holds a 4.5-star rating and has more than 1,000 positive customer reviews on Amazon. Not bad for a lesser-known brand and a $50 price tag.
Image courtesy of Amazon
9. Topfox Canvas Messenger Bag
MOST ORGANIZED
If you’re the type of person who likes to have a spot for everything — down to paperclips and pens, then this highly organized messenger bag might be for you. The canvas over the shoulder crossbody bag boasts several large compartments, each with their own variety of pockets and storage slots. And at under $30, it’s quite a value.
Image courtesy of Amazon
10. Filson Journeyman Backpack
MOST DURABLE
Filson is a brand synonymous with durability, and this backpack is perfect for work and play. Whether you’re going to the office or headed on a weekend getaway, this bag will do the job. It’s built from a cotton/twill combo — complete with an oil wash finish and leather pulls — to achieve a perfect vintage aesthetic.
Image courtesy of Amazon
11. Fossil Men’s Defender Messenger Briefcase
BEST VINTAGE-STYLE BAG
The Fossil Defender Messenger is a fresh bag with a vintage look. The classic design includes a carrying handle that allows you to unclip the messenger shoulder strap and use it as a traditional briefcase. The cherry on top is the detailed stitching, which adds a bit of something extra, while the bronze hardware pulls the whole piece together. Sometimes it’s all about the aesthetic.
Image courtesy of Amazon
12. Diesel Black Trophy Backpack
BEST NYLON
When it comes to nylon, jet black is the way to go — it’s handsome and super easy to clean. The laptop compartment here features a velcro strap so your tech will be safe, snug and secure. And multiple carrying handles make transporting this bag around town a breeze.
Image courtesy of SSENSE
13. Ted Baker London Wool Document Bag
BEST DEAL
Ted Baker London makes sophisticated and practical apparel and accessories. They prioritize form and function over flash and trend-chasing, and their wool document bag is the perfect work bag for men who don’t want to carry too much stuff. Even better, this designer bag is 50% off at Nordstrom. As a gift for a recent college graduate or as your new go-to laptop bag, this bag is a great find.
Courtesy of Nordstrom