Best Work Backpack Finalists (Pool A) – The Fifth Annual Carry Awards

A balance of practicality and style. Suitable organization for your needs. Durable construction that can handle daily use. And a touch of X factor to stand out from the crowd. Our Best Work Backpack Finalists combine all of these elements into pieces that cater to diverse work needs, from looking suave in the boardroom to keeping cool and comfortable on the cycling commute. With strong competition in this category, we’ve split it into two groups, starting with Pool A below.

Log your vote at the bottom of the page!

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Boreas Harajuku Lagunitas

The Harajuku Lagunitas delivers the technical functionality of an outdoor pack with attractive urban aesthetics for the daily commute. Supertramp suspension enables comfortable carry on the move, whether on foot or cycling. The pack is water-resistant with a waterproof pocket for protecting your phone from the elements. It’s also hydration bladder compatible, making it a versatile bag for weekend exploring too.

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Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck

The Rip Ruck merges Mystery Ranch’s military design expertise with everyday practicality, complemented by a durable 500D Cordura construction. The pack’s rip-zip opening allows quick access into the main compartment and front pockets. There’s also a padded laptop sleeve for tech or documents.

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Mission Workshop Fraction

The Fraction is a tough, weatherproof pack designed to carry your essentials in sleek urban-friendly style. The 14L pack is made in the USA and comes with a lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Multiple pockets are on hand for organization including space for a 13″ laptop.

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Killspencer Special Ops Backpack 3.0

The Special Ops Backpack 3.0 exudes quality, bringing class to your commute and elegant style to work environments. Made in Los Angeles, the pack is available in a choice of colors and materials including full-grain leather and water-repellent army duck cotton canvas. This slim and compact bag features a wide opening for easy access, along with interior and quick-access pockets for storing smaller items.

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Everlane Modern Commuter

With its clean exterior and handy organization the Modern Commuter suits a range of work and play environments alike. The padded laptop sleeve fits a 15″ laptop and smaller items can be stashed within a choice of pockets. Everlane also stands out for its transparent pricing, and this pack is a great budget-friendly option.

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Trakke Assynt 17

The Assynt 17 updates vintage mountaineering gear for the modern adventurer, with an interior laptop sleeve and pockets for valuables and frequently used items. Handmade in Scotland and tough enough to roam city streets and wildernesses alike, this multifunctional pack keeps things stylish in work settings yet hardy for embracing the outdoors on your downtime. And hey, it looks awesome in different flavors too, exhibit A: their Kestin Hare collab.

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RYU Quick Pack LUX 1.1

Busy lifestyles often mean having to squeeze a workout session into your lunch break or a quick trip to the gym before or after work. But with the Quick Pack LUX 1.1 you only need to carry one bag. The pack fits a 15″ laptop and looks sleek for work settings but is ready to hit the gym too. The eye-catching silhouette is complemented by a molded internal shell that helps protect the contents on the go. The drop front design makes packing and accessing gear quick and easy and serves as a portable locker, with a top loop to hang the bag up.

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Porter Hybrid

Built to withstand the daily grind without weighing you down, the Porter Hybrid is a lightweight and durable backpack made with the Japanese brand’s legendary attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship. The bag provides multiple pockets for organization and a flexible design that works for the commute, overnight trips and casual outdoor roaming.

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Bleu de Chauffe Woody

Inspired by old climbing bags, the Woody is a handsome piece that can be carried as a backpack or with the top grab handles. Crafted by hand in France with cotton canvas and vegetable-tanned leather, the bag features two exterior pockets, a removable interior pocket, and sufficient space for work and EDC essentials – all delivered with no shortage of French chic.

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Atelier de l’Armée City Pack

Designed to turn heads, the City Pack gives a sophisticated style boost to your work carry. Crafted by hand in the Netherlands with durable and water-repellent materials, this bag is built to last and features a 13″ laptop compartment and two front pockets.

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Bedouin Foundry Pequod

Hard-wearing and sure to draw appreciative glances, the Pequod brings style, durability and versatility together in a design that can move between work and play. Crafted by hand in England, with workmanship and materials guaranteed for life, the Pequod embraces demanding daily use and looks darn fine doing so. The bag includes an interior sleeve for a laptop and exterior straps for securing bulky items or carrying the bag as a duffel if desired.

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Y-3 Qasa

Stemming from a collaboration between Adidas and Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto, the Y-3 Qasa is a stylish blend of minimalist aesthetics and functional design that suits a range of workplaces. A host of pockets for tech, work tools and small EDC keep your gear tidy, while the wide top opening helps to make access simple and quick.