Best Work Backpack for Women: 7 Things to Look For
More and more women swap the shoulder bag for a backpack on the way to work. It spreads the weight over both shoulders and keeps your hands free for a coffee, a phone or a train ticket. The catch: many work backpacks look like they belong on a hiking trail rather than in a meeting room. So what makes a good work backpack for women? Here are seven things to check before you buy.
1. A laptop compartment that fits your laptop
Start with the laptop, not the bag. Check the screen size of your laptop (13", 14" or larger) and then look at the size of the padded laptop section, not the outside of the backpack. A laptop that is too small will slide around; one that is too big will not close properly.
The London Backpack fits a 13" or 14" laptop in the padded section. A larger laptop, up to 15.6", fits in the front pocket instead.
2. Enough pockets to stay organised
A good work backpack has a place for everything, so you are not digging for your charger at the bottom of the bag. Look for separate pockets for your laptop, a tablet or notebook, cables, cards and pens. The London Backpack has 13 interior pockets.
3. Weight and comfort
Leather is heavier than nylon, so check the weight of the empty bag. The London Backpack weighs 1.7 kg. In return you get a structured backpack that keeps its shape and carries the weight on both shoulders instead of one.
4. More than one way to carry it
Your day is rarely one thing. A backpack on the way to work is ideal; walking into a meeting, you may prefer something lighter on the eye. Look for a backpack you can also wear crossbody. The London Backpack comes with a removable strap, so you can wear it as a backpack or crossbody.
5. Leather that lasts and looks smart
Not all leather is the same. Top-grain leather is the outer layer of the hide, sanded and finished for a smooth, even look. Vegetable-tanned leather is tanned with plant-based tannins. The London Backpack is made from vegetable-tanned, top-grain leather with a fine pebbled grain and a satin finish. It is water-resistant and scratch-resistant, so a rain shower on the way to work is no problem. It is not waterproof, so do not leave it out in the rain all day.
6. A size that suits your frame
Many laptop backpacks are made with a tall, broad frame in mind. On a smaller frame they look oversized. Check the measurements: the London Backpack is 30 x 37 x 11 cm (W x H x D), a compact, upright shape that still fits a laptop, tablet and notepad.
7. A colour that is yours
Most work backpacks come in black, grey or navy. If you want a bag people remember, choose a colour. The London Backpack comes in seven: Deep Red, Deep Green, Dutch Orange, Navy Blue, Petrol Blue, Classic Tan and Deep Black. Read how to choose a coloured leather laptop bag for help matching it with your workwear.
Checklist: the work backpack for women
| Check | What to look for | The London Backpack |
|---|---|---|
| Laptop fit | Padded section that matches your screen size | 13" or 14" (up to 15.6" in the front pocket) |
| Organisation | Separate pockets for laptop, tablet, cables and cards | 13 interior pockets |
| Weight | Check the empty weight | 1.7 kg |
| Carry options | Backpack and a second way to wear it | Backpack or crossbody (removable strap) |
| Material | Leather type, water resistance | Vegetable-tanned, top-grain, water-resistant |
| Size | Measurements that suit your frame | 30 x 37 x 11 cm |
| Colour | A colour you will enjoy every day | Seven colours |
Backpack or briefcase?
If you drive to work or travel by plane a lot, a briefcase can be the better choice. The Amsterdam Briefcase has the same leather and interior, and slides over your suitcase handle. Read Briefcase or Backpack: Which Suits You? to decide.
Frequently asked questions
What size backpack do I need for a 14-inch laptop?
Look at the laptop compartment, not the outside of the bag. The London Backpack has a padded section for a 13" or 14" laptop and measures 30 x 37 x 11 cm.
Is a leather backpack professional enough for the office?
Yes, if it has a clean, structured shape. A leather backpack with straight lines and a satin finish looks as smart as a briefcase, and you can wear the London Backpack crossbody when you prefer.
Is a leather backpack waterproof?
Our leather is water-resistant, not waterproof. It handles a rain shower on your commute, but should not be left in the rain for long.
See all styles in our leather laptop bags for women. Every bag comes in a gift box with a fleece cover, with free shipping within the EU, 30-day returns and a 1-year warranty.
