It begins, our Sixth Annual Carry Awards enters the final stages. To kick things off, we’re opening with the ‘new look’ Best Work Backpack. Trained eyes will spot a shift to a more heightened ‘formality’. This year, finer materials and craftsmanship are more prevalent as the trend of executives ditching the briefcase continues, and more premium brands knuckle down on crafting backpacks with not only a luxury touch but with daily functionality in mind.
16 finalists. 11 countries represented. One winner. But which one gets the job done in a way that leads by example, and merits the ultimate recognition? Vote for your top choice now.
VOTING CLOSED
_________________________________________________________
Troubadour Goods Fabric + Leather Ziptop Rucksack
Refined in build and style, the Troubadour Goods Fabric + Leather Ziptop Rucksack brings undeniable luxury to your work day. Meticulously handmade with premium materials, this bag looks equally professional in the boardroom, airport lounge or during the daily commute. The minimalist aesthetics are complemented by organization that’s functional without becoming cluttered. Quick-access pockets keep essentials tidy and easily within reach, while the interior padded laptop pocket keeps up to 15″ tech safe on the go.
_________________________________________________________
Bellroy Duo Totepack
Carry needs change, from day-to-day and throughout the day. So Bellroy have designed the Duo Totepack as a flexible companion that adapts easily on the go. The bag can be carried as a backpack or tote, with a durable and water-resistant build for many years of trusty use. Multiple pockets are on hand to keep your tech, tools and EDC tidy and accessible. And for added flexibility, the nifty design even expands when you need to squeeze in a little extra.
_________________________________________________________
Porter x Descente ALLTERRAIN Boa Backpack
This sleek collaboration between Porter x Descente ALLTERRAIN offers a pack with both style and performance. The clean silhouette suits a variety of work settings, while Boa system dials let you easily adjust the shoulder straps for a tailored fit. And with handy quick-access pockets for essentials and an interior laptop pocket, your gear will remain safe, secure and at the ready.
_________________________________________________________
Carl Friedrik C3-1 Backpack
Suave in style and beautifully crafted with top-notch materials, the C3-1 is a bag that means business. Two compartments and a choice of pockets keep your tech and work supplies well organized. And when it’s time to travel, the pass-through trolley sleeve makes it easy to secure the backpack to rolling luggage.
_________________________________________________________
Aer Day Pack
The functional design and minimalist aesthetics of the Aer Day Pack make it a great option for informal and formal environments alike. The thoughtful design is self-standing for easy access, with two compartments and plenty of pockets on hand to keep frustrating rummaging at bay.
_________________________________________________________
Thisispaper Atom Backpack
Elegant efficiency is the name of the game with the Atom Backpack. And it delivers, with chic looks and a practical design for a variety of work environments. A central zipper provides easy access throughout the main compartment, while a mix of interior and exterior pockets and dedicated tech storage keep your gear in order.
_________________________________________________________
MSPC (master-piece) Stream 2Way
As the name suggests, the Stream 2Way offers a choice of carry options. Backpack mode when you need to cover longer distances or carry heavier loads, and briefcase mode for a more formal look and carrying over shorter distances. Complementing its adaptable portability is a wide-opening main compartment for ready access to work tools, handy pockets for organization, and smart looks that keep things professional in the office.
_________________________________________________________
Arc’teryx Nomin 2.0
The updated Arc’teryx Nomin offers a solid combination of technical design and durability that will go the distance. The weatherproof pack features two compartments to organize gear on the go, all in a lightweight and streamlined design that will draw plenty of admiring looks.
_________________________________________________________
Helinox TERG Daypack 3Way
Great access and multiple carry options ensure the TERG Daypack 3Way can handle a variety of day-to-day needs. The main compartment opens wide for convenient packing and retrieval of items, while a choice of shoulder, briefcase and backpack carry modes enables you to get your gear where you need it to go with ease and comfort.
_________________________________________________________
Atelier de l’Armée Voyager Pack
Made by hand in the Netherlands, the Voyager Pack lends understated sophistication to your work carry setup. The pared-back aesthetics and attractive combination of Italian wool and vegetable-tanned leather bring style to any meeting or after-work socialising. And minimalists will appreciate its decluttered approach to organization, with a laptop compartment and two interior pockets.
_________________________________________________________
Thule Accent Backpack 23L
Sleek, sturdy and adaptable, the Thule Accent Backpack is a versatile bag for travel or daily use. It looks smart in formal and informal settings alike, and offers a good mix of exterior and interior organization options to ensure hassle-free access to items as required. And when travel calls, the luggage pass-through strap will help you on your carry journey.
_________________________________________________________
hardgraft Neat Backpack
Luxurious in design and practical in nature, hardgraft’s Neat Backpack carries work essentials in striking style. The bag is made in Italy with vegetable-tanned leather, water-repellent coated canvas and weatherproof zippers to keep the elements at bay. Quick-access pockets keep smaller items within reach, while the main compartment fits up to a 15″ laptop.
_________________________________________________________
côte&ciel Sormonne
côte&ciel’s expert blending of form and function is well displayed with the Sormonne, a bag that delivers serious style credentials without sacrificing everyday functionality. The bag fits up to a 13″ tech device, with two exterior pockets for storing frequently used items. All in a well-crafted design that moves easily between work and play.
_________________________________________________________
Trakke Bannoch Backpack
The Bannoch Backpack finds a great balance of smart aesthetics, durability and versatility. Made with a weather-resistant blend of cotton and stinging nettle fibers, this sturdy pack will handle the daily commute for years to come and is tough enough for weekend adventures too. And if you love plenty of pocket options, you’re spoilt for choice. With 17 pockets on offer, including a 15″ laptop sleeve, A4 document storage and Trakke’s Gask pocket array, you’ll find a place for all your bits and pieces.
_________________________________________________________
The North Face Kaban
Sleek and thoughtful in design, the Kaban easily adapts to a range of work carry needs. A wide-opening front organizer panel and self-standing design enable convenient access. Handy ejector handles let you quickly get to your tech. And multiple pockets keep items in check. Complemented by a water-resistant build that takes inclement weather in its stride.
_________________________________________________________
Incase City Commuter Backpack
The City Commuter packs a punch with eye-catching urban style, durability and a host of organization options to ensure your gear stays jumble-free throughout the day. The pack is made with water-resistant and abrasion-resistant Diamond Ripstop weave material crafted from recycled PET bottles. Multiple pockets and compartments provide plenty of flexibility for organizing work and day-to-day supplies, and with the ability to expand the pack, you won’t be short of space on days when larger loads are called for.
_________________________________________________________