13 best women’s backpacks we recommend for the office, travel and more
Whether you’re a student or off to the office, there’s nothing quite like a backpack to carry all of your essentials in a comfortable, stylish manner.
Much like men’s backpacks and messenger bags, options fit for women typically boast exterior zipper pockets, an embossed design of some kind — perhaps gold hardware, tassels or a pebbled leather shell — and come in a catalog of classic styles.
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To help you enjoy your shoulder carry-all more and stress less, the Post Wanted team hand-picked our favorite women’s backpacks for you to enjoy and recommend to everyone you know, too.
Not to mention, you may want to also browse our edits of the best adult lunch boxes and best crossbody bags to complete your online shopping haul of must-have accessories.
Pros:
- Under $100
- Comes in a roster of neutral colors
- Made of recycled plastic water bottles and comes with a laptop sleeve, key leash and a water bottle pocket
Cons:
- Some may find keeping the exterior clean a hassle
Shay Mitchell’s playbook with her brand Béis. Its Expandable Backpack has ample storage, is 100% sustainable (made of recycled plastic water bottles), and has the luxury of perfectly compartmentalizing everything, from your smaller tech items to your laptop.
Materials: 100% Recycled poly, (Trim) 100 % Recycled faux leather, (Liner) 100% Recycled Poly
Pros:
- Comfortable on the back and shoulders
- Well-made pockets that won’t weigh down once filled
- Water-repellent design that’s ideal for any type of use
Cons:
- Some may find the canvas material needs to be cleaned and maintained more than some other fabrics
We all love lululemon, and its Everywhere Backpack 22L Tech Canvas is a quality shoulder bag to pick up. For less than $100, it’s spacious with a front zippered pocket and also comes with side pockets to stash smaller items and your water bottle. For that reason, it’s a prime option for students, athletes and simply for everyday use.
Even better, its interior padded pocket fits a 16-inch laptop, so it’s a fantastic score for airport travelers to double as a carry-on pack.
Materials: (Liner) 100% Recycled Polyester, (Body) 100% Recycled Polyester, (Strap Lining) 100% Polyester
Pros:
- Spacious and doubles as a carry-on
- Comfortable to carry
- Soft fabric and design allows you to store a variety of items while not weighing you down
- Comes in three different size options to meet your preferences
Cons:
- Pricier than the typical backpack
- Side water bottle pocket can be bigger to accommodate tumblers of different sizes
Meet the backpack we personally use and can’t stop recommending IRL: the Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack. Price will depend on your preferred size and you should certainly snag it if your main objective is carrying everything comfortably.
As the option we resort to for commuting to the office in NYC, we haven’t met a more comfortable backpack. Its soft exterior lends itself to a roomy interior that’s filled with plenty of space to store all of your essentials. Plus, it’s entirely well-made and has lasted for years of good use.
New York Post Review: The Dagne Dover Dakota Large Backpack isn’t just a bag; it’s my ride-or-die travel companion, my organized-overpacker’s dream, and honestly, the only backpack I’ll ever need. Crafted from sleek, water-resistant neoprene, it looks sharp without trying too hard, and somehow manages to hold everything without bulging like it’s about to explode. Inside, it’s all intentional design: a padded laptop sleeve, mesh compartments that keep your chaos in check, and even a little shoe bag (because yes, I’m that person who packs an extra pair “just in case.)” Whether I’m heading to the library, commuting to work or sprinting through an airport terminal, it holds up, holds everything, and holds it all together.
But its real moment to shine? My honeymoon to Hawaii. This backpack will serve as my carry-on, my mobile command center, and my zippered sanctuary of sanity. It’ll be loaded with all the essentials: passports, snacks, sunscreen, probably a small pharmacy — and will still have room for whatever airport souvenirs I impulsively buy. I don’t need another backpack because this one does it all, and it does it in style. Durable, lightweight, and somehow always looking fresh, the Dakota is proof that when you find the one, you just know.
Material: Premium neoprene, (Liner) 100% REPREVE recycled poly
Pros:
- One of the best brands for traveling and securing your belongings
- Comes with a variety of integrated storage pouches
- Includes a five-year warranty upon purchase
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
This guide would be incomplete without a mention of Tumi, the unbeatable travel brand with exceptional on-the-go items. Notably, its Voyageur Celina Backpack is a splurge worth making as it features a laptop pocket, interior multifunction pockets and exterior zip pockets.
Materials: 100% nylon
Pros:
- Waterproof exterior
- Comes in a variety of colors
- Sustainable with plenty of space to store your belongings
Cons:
- Exterior may not be the most versatile, though it’s great for traveling and outdoor activities
Meet one of the best brands for luggage, backpacks and travel items. The CALPAK Terra Laptop Backpack is a tried-and-true Post Wanted favorite, featuring a range of colors. It also has a back slip pocket that’s designed to accommodate up to a 14-inch laptop.
Additionally, we love how it’s crafted from durable recycled ripstop nylon coated with TPU laminate coating, so it’s both trusty and sustainable.
Materials: Recycled Ripstop polyester with TPU coating
Pros:
- Stylish and durable
- Slim profile but can hold a lot
- Adjustable straps
Cons:
- Straps can become uncomfortable after a while
A chic backpack, found. The Longchamp Le Pliage Green M Backpack is slim but mighty, boasting plenty of storage space for your daily essentials. The top zippers and has a snap closure, while the interior is large enough for a 14-inch laptop.
New York Post Review: “Partner got me this for Valentine’s Day when I was looking for a chic work backpack. I didn’t realize how spacious and comfortable this bag would end up being. It’s similar to all classic Le Pliages — big open storage with one smaller pocket by the zipper. I love holding my work ID, perfume, chapstick, house keys in the smaller pocket while the rest fits my 13-inch laptop, notebook, an umbrella (if needed), and an extra sweater or cardigan for chilly office days. Because of the square design, lots can fit inside and it’s wider than you’d think; plenty of room for larger laptops or bulky cases.” — Michelle Moezam, senior commerce social media marketing manager
Materials: Polyamide fabric with a minimum of 70% recycled fibers, (Trim) Russian leather
Pros:
- Affordable, appealing to a variety of shoppers
- Comes with an integrated USB charging port
- Has a comfortable and practical design
Cons:
- Some reviewers say the backpack is somewhat smaller than it appears online, though not a dealbreaker
The UGRACE Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port is an excellent value for the price. Clad with nearly 12,000 glimmering reviews, this carry-all is made with premium lightweight, tear-resistant oxford fabric that’s comfortable to wear and durable enough to last for years.
What’s more, it’s also water-resistant, securely fits your laptop or tablet and comes in a few shades to choose from.
Materials: Polyester
Pros:
- One of the best backpacks we reviewed
- Best quality for a travel brand, based on personal testing and experience
- Available in a suite of colors, all made in alluring leather exterior
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
- While spacious, the structured design may not allow it to have much “give,” like some other backpacks
Structured and equipped for all of your on-the-go travels, the Monos Metro Backpack is an investment worth making, much ado to its sleek profile, water-resistant nylon and vegan leather details. It also features the brand’s patented QuickSnap Modular Kit System, allowing for interchangeable, streamlined packing.
Materials: Nylon and vegan leather
Pros:
- Separate padded compartment to keep laptop
- One of the widest color selections
- Two zippered pockets
- Made with quick-drying
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Can be difficult to spot clean the exterior
No backpack list would be complete without a recommendation for Fjallraven. A favorite of travelers, commuters and students, most of us have owned one of the brand’s backpacks at least once. Its Kanken Laptop 17″ Backpack is a favorite of Moezam, with its multiple zippered pockets, water-resistant exterior and padded laptop sleeve. Even if you don’t have a 17-inch HP to slip inside, the backpack comes in sizes that are just right for a 13-inch or 15-inch laptop, and is available in a myriad of standout colors.
New York Post Review: “I bought this initially for a weekend trip and nicknamed it the ‘never-ending backpack’ because it seriously fits so much. When flat on its back, the front zipper opens almost all the way, so you can see every nook and cranny, which makes packing it up so nice and efficient. Similar to how you can see inside a duffel, this sort of design makes it so you can rearrange as [needed]…There is a slide-in pocket in the back and a completely separate compartment for a laptop with extra cushioning for support. I loved this detail and was the reason I bought it. I normally travel with multiple tech elements: Kindle, a Nintendo Switch, and a laptop. The laptop pocket being completely separate also makes for a quick and easy grab at airport security.” — Moezam
Materials: 100% vinylal, (Lining) 100% polyamide 70D (recycled)
Pros:
- Glossy, smooth vegan leather exterior
- Comes with a padded laptop sleeve, making it great for students and commuters
- Chic and stylish
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
- While spacious, the structured design may not allow it to have much “give,” like some other backpacks
We also love the Modern Picnic’s The Backpack — coming in multiple colors, smooth to the touch and great for storing your laptop, an umbrella and other odds and ends. Its vegan leather straps give it that ultra-designer feel, too. And when you want to use it like a tote, take the sturdy handle on this women’s backpack purse in hand. From the front, no one will even suspect it doubles as a backpack!
Materials: Vegan leather
Pros:
- Easy-to-carry design
- Features water-resistant neoprene
- Versatile and practical
Cons:
- Price point may be unreachable for some
With great durability comes great reward, and it’s called the Alo Yoga Stow Backpack. Back in stock and ready for all of your on-the-move activities, it holds with it that easy-to-carry style that isn’t as big as your average-sized backpack. Plus, its water-resistant neoprene is easy to clean.
Materials: Water-resistant matte neoprene
Pros:
- One of the most spacious to take with you at the airport
- Several functional pockets to easily organize your belongings during travel
- Features a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage
Cons:
- Not a huge, stylish color variety to choose from, though not a dealbreaker; there are five moody neutrals to choose from
Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Backpack is a feel-good carrier that you’ll be glad you took with you on your next flight. Though great for a variety of occasions, it’s especially perfect to take with you before you’re flying in the sky.
What’s the hype? It features a 15-inch exterior laptop pocket for easy TSA access, catch-all zip pockets for passports and tickets, interior slip pockets for magazines and notebooks, two water bottle holders and a convenient magnetic closure. There’s even a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage. Yes, it’s that good.
Materials: 100% Recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish
Pros:
- Sporty yet academic look
- Excellent for carrying supplies and athletic essentials for school sports
- Simple to wipe clean
Cons:
- May become heavier than most when filled due to its dimensions, though not a dealbreaker
The adidas Weekender Backpack is an excellent option for traveling from school to work to play. It has a sporty look without looking too much like a gym bag, and certainly doesn’t compromise the storage space.
With plenty of zip options, it’s the ideal carrier for supplies and all of your athletic essentials, too. With a sportier look, you’ll be glad that it’s easy to clean; simply wipe down the lining and be on your way.
Materials: Nylon
Can backpacks be stylish?
Absolutely. In fact, the right backpack can even enhance your outfit in the same way the wrong one can take away from it.
Think about it? How often have you taken an hour to plan the perfect ensemble for work, only to have it ruined by a giant, clunky backpack?
While we love a tote or purse, backpacks are often the most practical choice, especially when you have multiple things to carry. The good news is that there are a variety of fashionable backpacks for women to choose from.
Modern Picnic’s Picnic Backpack ($210) is a minimalist dream. From the front it looks like a slim and sleek tote, but if you check out the back, there are handy straps to carry on your back. An insulated compartment inside works perfectly for your lunch, and there’s also a laptop sleeve. Made of vegan leather and available in three colors, it’s as stylish as they come.
If you’re looking for a gorgeous women’s commuter backpack, go for the Tumi Voyageur Celina Backpack ($475). It has adjustable straps, a laptop sleeve and multifunctional pockets for every lipstick, tube of SPF and notebook you need. More important, it has lovely metal detail.
Another one worth checking out? The Mancio Vintage Laptop Backpack($20). Besides being slim and compact, it has a USB charging port, is made with tear resistant Oxford fabric and is available in six different colors.
Are backpacks still in fashion?
Certain items never go out of style and backpacks are one of them. They’re an accessory staple that’s not only a necessity for back to school but many adults who rely on them for work. Unlike a purse, they can hold a laptop, an extra set of clothes, snacks and other things you can’t leave behind.
In terms of fashion, not all backpacks are made with style in mind. However, the ones on this list are.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
For over 200 years, the New York Post has been America’s go-to source for bold news, engaging stories, in-depth reporting, and now, insightful shopping guidance. We’re not just thorough reporters – we sift through mountains of information, test and compare products, and consult experts on any topics we aren’t already schooled specialists in to deliver useful, realistic product recommendations based on our extensive and hands-on analysis. Here at The Post, we’re known for being brutally honest – we clearly label partnership content, and whether we receive anything from affiliate links, so you always know where we stand. We routinely update content to reflect current research and expert advice, provide context (and wit) and ensure our links work. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
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