Smart business backpacks for work
Backpacks have become so popular as more and more guys carry their laptops around, but I'm still amazed at how many men look like they might be going rambling, rather than to work.
So, I decided to take a hike around the internet for you and gather some images of smart sleek backpacks that I often recommend to clients, which are are suitable for work. Some are from favourite brands of mine that I've known for awhile and a couple are from new ones that I was excited to discover.
This is from one of the new brands I discovered - Maverick & Co based in Hong Kong. Made from water and scratch resistant nylon and Saffiano leather, this is exactly the sort of minimalist style I love. And the price is pretty streamlined too which was a pleasant surprise.
Navy Vibrant Dome backpack - Maverick & Co at Opumo - £140
***Update - the one above is no longer available but this one from Troubadour is a similar style and it's £176
Another new brand to me, Ateliers Auguste is a Parisian company and as you might expect from our stylish cousins across the Channel, it's contemporary, understated and elegant.
Menilmontant grey cordura & black leather backpack - Ateliers Auguste at Opumo - £340
***Updated link to khaki and brown version - £337
Carl Friedrik was set up by 2 charming Swedish brothers and these guys firmly believe less is more when it comes to design. This smart brown backpack perfectly proves their point and will look great with a blazer and chinos or could even be worn with a suit.
Brown C3-1 leather and nylon backpack - Carl Friedrik - £295
*** No longer available in leather and nylon but this lovely chocolate leather one for £425 looks good enough to eat!
I've had a long standing love affair with Mismo bags and I really like how they've mixed the navy and brown on this one to give a sharp, clean look. If you're cycling or walking to the office this one is functional as well as looking great.
Navy and dark brown 'M/S' backpack - Mismo at Opumo - £380
*** Oops - it's gone up a bit and is available here at £420.82 but sign up for their newsletter and you can get 10% off bringing the price back down - yay :-)
Another long term favourite is Want Les Essentiels. If you're less 'suited and booted', and more 'business casual' then the khaki colour of this bag makes it a bit more relaxed but still look office appropriate.
Khaki 'Kastrup' leather trimmed neoprene backpack - Want Les Essentiels at Matches - £420
*** I can't find the khaki anymore but you could snap up a burnt orange or pale grey on sale for £118.50 here or various blues and blacks here which range from £158 - £395
Sandqvist has also long been one of my preferred brands for their minimalist Swedish style. Made of robust canvas and leather, this is perfect for the city commute and takes you easily from bike to boardroom.
Black canvas and leather 'Hege' backpack - Sandqvist at End Clothing - £199
*** Yass! Still available and the same price too.
Introduced to me by a client, Knomo is now firmly on my radar to recommend to other customers, who are looking for simple, smart bags at an affordable price.
'Harpsden' waterproof 14" laptop backpack - Knomo - £89
*** Still available, but unfortunately gone up by £10 to £99.....fortunately you could sign up to their newsletter and get 10% off taking it back down again. Alternatively, it's available in other colours too and some are on sale.
Gillian and Alistair who run Tusting bags are a thoroughly lovely couple, who care deeply about the bags they make in their factory in the Buckinghamshire countryside. I've seen some of their bags in action and can vouch for the fact that they not only look great to start with but they also age beautifully.
Black leather 'Clifton' backpack - Tusting - £575
*** Updated price of £635 - this one's an investment piece, but will last well.
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