Carry These Beyond The Office: 8 Actually Cute Backpacks

This hybrid tote bag backpack has quickly become my everyday carryall because the design can’t be beaten. I carry it on my back most of the time, but when tote mode is appropriate the straps hide away discreetly. It doesn’t look too “tech” — to my mind, the aesthetic gives visual arts professor at the New School. It fits so much and has such an intuitive interior with plenty of compartments so I’m never fishing around. While I hate the look of exterior pockets, I also hate not being able to put my water bottle somewhere convenient and the “pop pockets” are the perfect compromise. You can stow a water bottle, umbrella, or shoes in the two, spacious front-facing pockets that are super easy to access (I also keep my keys in them).

This chic silhouette is the slimmest, most elegant design I came across. It’s more portfolio than backpack, including the zipper design which goes down the entire length of the 10.5” by 15.3” bag. This genius feature makes it easy to unpack the bag even if you've wedged notebooks and folders tightly in. That said, it’s definitely on the thinner side (with a depth of 3.9”) so if you like to tote a lot of stuff around, this backpack may be too small for your needs. The pass-through sleeve allows it to slide over the handle of any suitcase. Like all Troubadour bags, it’s made of waterproof fabric that kept my stuff completely dry when I was caught unawares in an April shower.

Fans of the Prada Re-edition collection will be drawn to this nylon option available in black and olive. It has a bubbly shape that I prefer to the typical long backpack (think North Face) that doesn’t work well with my short torso. Note that it accommodates up to a 13” laptop, which you can stow in the padded mesh sleeve.

This backpack was my introduction to “gull wings” and I don’t think I can ever go back. The side panels unzip so you have full, unfettered access to your belongings without ever opening the top. This is a godsend because, for me, the biggest drawback of carrying a backpack is taking it off every single time I need to get something out. Don’t worry about your laptop sliding out because there is a separate, designated sleeve that zippers across the top and keeps it safe regardless of whether the gull wings are activated or not.

If you’ve ever wanted your backpack to close like a clutch, this vegan cork skin bag is for you. This material is much lighter than leather and is available in black, emerald, and cognac (as well as the cherry hue shown). Inch even closer to handbag territory with an add-on chain strap for $39.

For another convertible strap option, this super-structured backpack will not collapse on you.  Tuck away the straps and carry it briefcase-style or slide it over your suitcase handle with the pass-through sleeve. It comes in two sizes (small and large) and the front pocket has compartments for pens, keys, and small electronics.

Yes, this backpack costs more than the Coperni denim tote, but hear me out: it makes a heavy load feel light. If you’re packing lunch, gym clothes, sneakers, and a dopp kit — this is the backpack you want. With zero stitching on the back panel (for total waterproof-ness) and padded straps, this is what I’d pack as my go bag (if I were responsible like that).

Tom Bihn is the savvy traveler’s favorite brand and if you don’t mind a more technical look, you can’t go wrong with this ballistic nylon (the same fabric Tumi uses for luggage). Since it was originally designed as a day-hiking pack, it has serious reinforcement. If you want more flexibility you can remove the internal frame easily. With a full clamshell zipper, it can be unzipped nearly all the way around. This means you can essentially lay the two halves next to each other (connected by the base), which is super helpful if you’re packing to go on an overnight trip.