What Makes A Good Work Backpack - Know Before You Buy

If you’re asking, “what makes a good work backpack?”, you’re probably in need of one. However, we’ve got to admit it; finding the perfect one can be a daunting task with so many options. 

What Makes A Good Work Backpack - CabinZero

Work backpacks are an important investment.

Whether you’re an office worker, digital nomad, or a wanderlust, having a good work backpack is a long-term investment. It’s not just about having enough space to carry your daily essentials. It’s also about travelling to work in comfort and style

From specs to design, let’s break down what to look for when buying a work backpack.

How To Choose A Work Backpack?

What makes a good work backpack depends on plenty of qualities. It’s certainly not the same as picking out a watermelon at the store by tapping on its skin. So, let’s start with the first quality.

Style

Probably the first priority when it comes to choosing a business backpack, how you style your backpack does come into play as a #1 factor. Generally, a minimalistic backpack that emphasises functionality would be preferred in a professional working environment.

What Color Backpack Is Best For Work? Neutral colours like black, white, navy, grey, muted brown, and beige/sand are best for a formal work environment. They match well with most outfits and are not “popping” enough to gain unnecessary attention.

Not only that, these colours are also unisex. Both genders can rock them. 

Other work-appropriate colours can be: dusty pink, sage, olive, and moss green. If your workplace allows a less formal palette, you can try pale orange, chocolate brown, and true blue.

These are still stylish-looking but at the same time don’t scream “I bought this for a trip, but I have to wear it to work now!”. 

Material

What Makes A Good Work Backpack? | CABINZERO

A robust work backpack can handle anything you throw at it.

How do you know if a backpack is good quality? By what’s made of. 

You can have a work backpack with 100 different pockets and in the most fashionable design ever, but if it breaks down or tears apart after a few wash, then it’s definitely not worth investing in.

Generally, nylon takes the top spot. It is cheap, durable, and intrinsically water-resistant. On top of that, it’s easy to clean and quick to dry. Its drawback is that it isn’t always the most classy or fashionable material.

Leather, however, is almost the polar opposite. Leather material itself exudes an aura of class and grace. But it’s a hassle to take care of. You must be extra careful when using your backpack to avoid scratches and chafing. In addition, oil application is required once in a while to maintain the immaculate leather look. Oh, did we mention that it’s ultra-expensive?

Good quality nylon or polyester is a blessing. It’s versatile enough to perform well for other uses, for example: travelling, going to the gym, or simply a day out with friends or families on the weekend. 

Size and Capacity

Size matters — at least, when it comes to what makes a good work backpack. 

Most daily-use backpacks range from 28 to 36 litres in capacity. Though, it doesn’t mean that the bigger, the better. The best size for a work backpack is one that fits your needs the most. 

  • 28L - 30L: This size range fits most 12" to 15.6" laptops. It offers enough space to carry work essentials, documents, and some extra items like a small lunchbox, and a folded set of clothes.
  • 36L - 40L: This range is on a larger side for a work backpack, which is perfect for larger laptops (up to 17’’), extra essentials, and the occasional 1-day business trips.
  • 42L - 44L: At first glance, this size range doesn’t seem like it will suit to be a regular work backpack. However, it can be useful if multi-day travelling is your work or you need to carry bulky and heavy work gear.

You should also consider dimensions (width, length and depth). Some backpacks may have a large capacity but will not fit a laptop of a certain size, for example. 

There are also backpacks that have been perfectly measured to fit different needs, like flying or riding or playing sports.

Laptop Sleeve

What Makes A Good Work Backpack? | CABINZERO

Travelling is a breeze with the right laptop backpack.

Another usual suspect when it comes to choosing a work backpack is a laptop sleeve or, better yet, a laptop compartment. Once this box is ticked off, your device will be better protected from falls, spills, or any unexpected impacts that comes your way. You can breeze through security checkpoints or whip out your laptop for a quick email check without having to rummage through your entire bag.

A standard laptop sleeve or compartment will do. Buit if you want to make sure your laptop stays fully secure, opt for a suspended laptop sleeve (like those found on the CabinZero Military packs) that holds your laptop above the base of the backpack. That way, hard surfaces, sudden impacts, and pressure from other items.

Compartments

Backpacks with just one large compartment are fine, but ones that have separate compartments in various sizes are very handy, not just for going to work but for packing in general as well. Check for pockets and clips to store pens, glasses, or notebooks. There should be also enough compartments for your chargers, cords, and the like.

Hardware

Besides the overall material and size, what makes a good backpack also depends on its parts. Think of straps, zippers, and more. They all play a crucial part in helping you choose your best work backpack that offers the right performance and comfort.

What Makes A Good Work Backpack? | CABINZERO

A backpack should have all the parts you need for working without hassles. 

It’s the little things that matter. Check the buckles, clips, and other hardware for strength and durability. Metal hardware is generally more durable than plastic.

For instance, poor-quality zippers are prone to all sorts of problems: jamming, breaking, or separating over time, leaving your belongings vulnerable.

We learned this the hard way. That’s why we use zippers from trusted manufacturers such as YKK. Companies that use YKK or other trusted hardware brands often proudly advertise them because they know it’s a mark of excellence and reliability.

Best Work Backpacks: CabinZero’s Pick

To help you find the best work backpack that balances between style and quality, here are some of CabinZero’s recommendations for the best work backpacks.

Classic Tech

What Makes A Good Work Backpack? | CABINZERO

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CabinZero’s classic line is loved for being a trusted travel companion for everyday uses. It’s lightweight, essential-focused, and versatile! That’s not to mention that it’s perfectly sized to fit all major airlines’ carry-on size allowance, so you can travel hassle-free without worrying about baggage fees.

Now, with a dedicated padded laptop compartment beside the regular sleeve and a water bottle pocket, the Classic Tech is the answer to your need for a good work backpack.

Military

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CabinZero’s military line is perfect for every challenge on the road. It makes the perfect work backpack because it’s designed with durability and duality in mind. The new updated version includes a suspended laptop sleeve and additional paddings on the back.

With features that can rock both work and outdoor adventures, it can withstand frequent wear and tear and does not require lots of maintenance. You don’t have to worry about getting an extra backpack for travel anymore.

Classic Plus

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Love the Classic Tech but want a size up? The Classic Plus is for you! 

Beside the adored features of the Classic Tech, it also comes with stowaway shoulder straps that allow you to carry it like a suitcase, making it an amazing hybrid backpack for both working and travelling.

What Makes A Good Work Backpack: Conclusion

What makes a good work backpack depends on multiple factors. Most important ones are size (capacity), material, and design (parts and functions).

28L - 36L in capacity are the best sizes for a work backpack. To be more efficient and protective, opt for ones with padded laptop compartments and work-appropriate colours. 

To find the best work backpacks or learn more about work-travel balance, drop by CabinZero today! 

And while you’re here, don’t forget to leave a comment or reach out to us via social media. 

 Nguyen Tran Gia Khanh


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