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10 Best Men's Work Backpacks 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Thule Aion Travel Backpack 28L, Dark Slate

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,490
Material and Durability
Size and Capacity
Organization and Pockets

Most important from
598 reviews

Material and Durability
The backpack features really solid construction with excellent zippers and water-resistant material that stands up well to daily use.
Size and Capacity
Expandable from 28L to 32L, it offers versatile capacity without becoming bulky, fitting essentials like a 32oz water bottle comfortably.
Organization and Pockets
The interior layout is smartly designed with a thin waterproof divider that keeps papers dry or separates wet items, enhancing organization.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfortable to carry with a side handle and a luggage pass-through, it also fits well on the back for travel use.
Laptop Compartment
The dedicated laptop compartment is spacious enough to hold a laptop and tablet, or be repurposed for clothing and other gear.
Security Features
The external back pocket is perfect for passports and quick access to travel documents, adding convenience and security.
Style and Design
A few zipper pulls stick out awkwardly, and the top handle could be made more comfortable to grab.

The Thule Aion Travel Backpack 28L offers a versatile size that expands from 28 to 32 liters, giving you extra space when needed without making the bag bulky. Its polyester and canvas construction promises good durability, and the easy-to-clean TPU divider is a smart feature to keep your belongings separated and fresh. The backpack includes a dedicated laptop compartment, which is essential for work use, and multiple pockets like a zippered top pocket and an external stash pocket help keep small items organized and easily accessible. Comfort is enhanced by compatibility with the optional Thule Aion Sling Bag, which can serve as a supportive hip belt, though this accessory is sold separately. The design in Dark Slate is stylish yet professional, suitable for daily work and travel.

Weighing about 2.7 pounds, it’s not the lightest option, and some users might find the 28L capacity a bit limiting if they carry a lot of gear regularly. Security features are basic, with standard zippers but no advanced anti-theft measures. This backpack represents a solid choice for those seeking a durable, moderately spacious, and well-organized bag that looks good in both office and travel settings.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,490
Material and Durability
Size and Capacity
Organization and Pockets

Most important from
598 reviews

Material and Durability
The backpack features really solid construction with excellent zippers and water-resistant material that stands up well to daily use.
Size and Capacity
Expandable from 28L to 32L, it offers versatile capacity without becoming bulky, fitting essentials like a 32oz water bottle comfortably.
Organization and Pockets
The interior layout is smartly designed with a thin waterproof divider that keeps papers dry or separates wet items, enhancing organization.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfortable to carry with a side handle and a luggage pass-through, it also fits well on the back for travel use.
Laptop Compartment
The dedicated laptop compartment is spacious enough to hold a laptop and tablet, or be repurposed for clothing and other gear.
Security Features
The external back pocket is perfect for passports and quick access to travel documents, adding convenience and security.
Style and Design
A few zipper pulls stick out awkwardly, and the top handle could be made more comfortable to grab.
#2

Thule Subterra Backpack 27L, Black

Rating
9.4
Material and Durability
Laptop Compartment
Size and Capacity

Most important from
158 reviews

Material and Durability
Exceptionally well-made with a minimalist yet highly functional design that balances durability and lightweight feel.
Laptop Compartment
The backpack’s sturdy, somewhat firm structure offers excellent laptop protection and holds work essentials securely.
Size and Capacity
At 27 liters, the size is ideal—spacious enough to fit multiple gadgets, a Chromebook, gaming gear, and still maintain a sleek profile.
Organization and Pockets
Thoughtful organization includes two water bottle sleeves with elastic straps and a hidden security pocket perfect for valuables like wallets or passports.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Shoulder straps provide padding but fall short compared to some competitors, potentially impacting comfort on longer or more active commutes.
Security Features
Thoughtful organization includes two water bottle sleeves with elastic straps and a hidden security pocket perfect for valuables like wallets or passports.

The Thule Subterra Backpack 27L is a solid choice for men needing a reliable work backpack with a good balance of style and function. Its 27-liter capacity offers enough room for daily essentials without feeling too bulky. The padded laptop sleeve fits up to a 15.6" PC or 16" MacBook comfortably, while an additional tablet sleeve adds protection for smaller devices—great if you carry multiple gadgets. The backpack excels in organization with dedicated pockets for pens, cords, keys, and a power brick, plus a soft-lined pocket for fragile items like sunglasses.

Security is thoughtfully addressed with a hidden back panel pocket perfect for valuables such as passports or wallets. Weighing just over 2 pounds, it’s light enough for everyday use, though some might find the padding and structure a bit firm if they prefer a softer feel. The design is clean and professional, fitting well in both casual and office settings. If you prioritize comfort, you might want to check how it fits your back since ergonomic details are limited, but the backpack should suit most users well.

This backpack blends practical compartments, secure storage, and sturdy build, making it a dependable option for work commutes or business travel.

Rating
9.4
Material and Durability
Laptop Compartment
Size and Capacity

Most important from
158 reviews

Material and Durability
Exceptionally well-made with a minimalist yet highly functional design that balances durability and lightweight feel.
Laptop Compartment
The backpack’s sturdy, somewhat firm structure offers excellent laptop protection and holds work essentials securely.
Size and Capacity
At 27 liters, the size is ideal—spacious enough to fit multiple gadgets, a Chromebook, gaming gear, and still maintain a sleek profile.
Organization and Pockets
Thoughtful organization includes two water bottle sleeves with elastic straps and a hidden security pocket perfect for valuables like wallets or passports.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Shoulder straps provide padding but fall short compared to some competitors, potentially impacting comfort on longer or more active commutes.
Security Features
Thoughtful organization includes two water bottle sleeves with elastic straps and a hidden security pocket perfect for valuables like wallets or passports.
#3

Thule Lithos Backpack 20L, Black

Rating
8.2
Size and Capacity
Laptop Compartment
Material and Durability

Most important from
1084 reviews

Size and Capacity
Its compact size is perfect for carrying essentials without feeling bulky or cumbersome.
Laptop Compartment
The structured build maintains its shape well, providing consistent protection for laptops and gear whether fully packed or lightly loaded.
Material and Durability
The backpack offers excellent quality and durability, living up to the trusted reputation of Thule.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfortable padding and thoughtful design make it easy to carry for extended periods, even while traveling in busy city settings.
Organization and Pockets
Smart organization features keep work essentials neatly arranged and easily accessible during the day.
Style and Design
Sleek and professional styling earns frequent compliments, blending fashion with practical functionality.

The Thule Lithos Backpack 20L is a solid choice for those needing a compact, durable work backpack with good organization. It comfortably fits laptops up to 16 inches and tablets up to 10.5 inches, thanks to its well-padded compartments that offer strong protection. Made from sturdy nylon and polyester, it promises durability for daily use. The backpack includes thoughtful storage options like a front panel for small items, a zippered mesh pocket for easy access to accessories, and side pockets for water bottles, which is handy for staying hydrated on the go.

Weighing just 1.45 pounds and holding 20 liters, it strikes a balance between capacity and portability, making it ideal for those who carry essential work gear without needing bulky space. The design is sleek and professional in black, appealing to those who want a stylish yet understated look. While specific ergonomic details are not detailed, Thule is known for reasonable padding and support suitable for daily commuting.

This backpack suits users who carry light to moderate loads rather than heavy or extensive gear. Those needing larger capacity or advanced security features like lockable zippers might find this model less fitting. It performs well for professionals seeking a neat, durable backpack with smart organization for laptops and everyday essentials but might not meet requirements for larger space or specialized security.

Rating
8.2
Size and Capacity
Laptop Compartment
Material and Durability

Most important from
1084 reviews

Size and Capacity
Its compact size is perfect for carrying essentials without feeling bulky or cumbersome.
Laptop Compartment
The structured build maintains its shape well, providing consistent protection for laptops and gear whether fully packed or lightly loaded.
Material and Durability
The backpack offers excellent quality and durability, living up to the trusted reputation of Thule.
Comfort and Ergonomics
Comfortable padding and thoughtful design make it easy to carry for extended periods, even while traveling in busy city settings.
Organization and Pockets
Smart organization features keep work essentials neatly arranged and easily accessible during the day.
Style and Design
Sleek and professional styling earns frequent compliments, blending fashion with practical functionality.

Buying Guide for the Best Men's Work Backpacks

Choosing the right men's work backpack involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your daily needs and preferences. A good work backpack should be functional, comfortable, and stylish. It should have enough space to carry your essentials, be durable to withstand daily use, and have features that make your commute or travel easier. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a men's work backpack.
Size and CapacitySize and capacity refer to how much space the backpack offers and how much it can hold. This is important because you need a backpack that can fit all your work essentials, such as a laptop, documents, and other personal items. Backpacks typically range from small (15-20 liters) for minimalists, medium (20-30 liters) for average daily use, to large (30+ liters) for those who carry a lot of gear. Choose a size based on what you need to carry daily. If you only need to carry a laptop and a few documents, a smaller backpack will suffice. If you need to carry more items, opt for a medium or large backpack.
Laptop CompartmentA laptop compartment is a dedicated section in the backpack designed to hold and protect your laptop. This is crucial if you carry a laptop to work, as it provides padding and security. Laptop compartments come in various sizes, typically ranging from 13 inches to 17 inches. Ensure the compartment fits your laptop size. If you have a 15-inch laptop, look for a backpack with a 15-inch compartment. This will keep your laptop secure and prevent it from moving around.
Material and DurabilityThe material and durability of a backpack determine how well it can withstand daily wear and tear. Common materials include nylon, polyester, and leather. Nylon and polyester are lightweight and water-resistant, making them good for everyday use. Leather is more stylish and durable but can be heavier. Choose a material based on your preference and how you plan to use the backpack. If you need something lightweight and weather-resistant, go for nylon or polyester. If you want a more professional look, consider leather.
Comfort and ErgonomicsComfort and ergonomics refer to how the backpack feels when you wear it and how it distributes weight. This is important to prevent strain and discomfort, especially if you carry your backpack for long periods. Look for features like padded shoulder straps, a padded back panel, and an adjustable sternum strap. These features help distribute weight evenly and reduce pressure on your shoulders and back. If you have a long commute or carry heavy items, prioritize comfort and ergonomics to avoid discomfort.
Organization and PocketsOrganization and pockets refer to the number and type of compartments and pockets in the backpack. This is important for keeping your items organized and easily accessible. Backpacks with multiple compartments and pockets allow you to separate your items, such as a laptop, documents, pens, and other accessories. Look for a backpack with a good balance of main compartments and smaller pockets. If you carry a lot of small items, choose a backpack with more pockets. If you prefer a minimalist approach, a backpack with fewer compartments will work.
Style and DesignStyle and design refer to the overall look and aesthetic of the backpack. This is important because you want a backpack that matches your personal style and professional environment. Backpacks come in various designs, from sleek and professional to casual and sporty. Choose a style that fits your work environment and personal taste. If you work in a corporate setting, a sleek and professional design may be more appropriate. If you work in a more casual environment, you can opt for a more relaxed design.
Security FeaturesSecurity features refer to elements that help protect your belongings from theft. This is important if you carry valuable items like a laptop or important documents. Common security features include lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and RFID-blocking compartments. These features add an extra layer of protection. If you often travel or commute in crowded areas, consider a backpack with enhanced security features to keep your belongings safe.

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