Tiếng ViệtAre you looking for a new office backpack?
The office backpack is the latest trend embraced by a wide range of working professionals — from specialists to bank employees and consultants.
So what makes an office backpack different from an ordinary bag? Let’s explore the details with May Hop Phat below.
The material of an office backpack plays a large role in determining the overall appearance and functionality of the bag.
With an office backpack, you want a material that is easy to carry — one that reflects your profession and the way you approach your workday.
Depending on your occupation, here are some common materials suitable for a professional-looking office backpack:
Nylon or Polyester
Nylon and polyester are excellent materials for an office backpack because they are simple and durable. Both are classic materials found in the earliest uses of backpacks and bags, and they will last a long time without tearing, fraying, or losing shape.
One example is ballistic nylon, a very strong and sturdy fabric that many people use when commuting to work because of its lightweight yet durable properties.
Leather
Leather is a classic material that gives any office backpack a premium and stylish feel. Leather bags have long been used by working professionals, so a leather backpack can help you fit in with those who pursue a sophisticated and elegant style.
There is a long history of leather being used in carrying accessories, and owning a backpack made of high-quality leather somewhat elevates the luxury and elegance in office style.
Because leather does not roll up like other bag materials, the production cost will be higher. Leather backpacks also require greater craftsmanship and skill, so if you’re looking for a leather backpack, be prepared to spend more than you would on a knit-fabric backpack.
Weathered or Multi-layer Materials
Weathered and multi-colored materials have become popular over the past 5–7 years and are quite common because they are made from textiles typically found in clothing.
Wool and denim are both prime examples of this, as they are used in everyday wear from shirts to trousers.
Choosing a heated or multi-color material will suit a specific aesthetic and profession, as it will match your outfit, giving you a consistent look.
Materials to Avoid:
Although leather, nylon, polyester, and weather/deformation-resistant materials are great for office backpacks, there are some materials you should try to avoid, as they are commonly used in outdoor or school backpacks.
Cotton Fabric: Cotton is typically used for school bags (like Jansport, Herschel) and its ordinary appearance makes it look unprofessional. Canvas is also not waterproof (though some bags have an added waterproof coating), and it is a very good fabric and therefore more prone to tearing or ripping.
However, not all canvas bags are bad for professional use — many bags can elegantly and professionally combine cotton with leather.
Thin Lining: A thicker lining will be more durable, and you won’t need to worry about it tearing the way a thin lining might if you’re storing items with sharp edges or corners. An added bonus is that lining materials are often water-resistant and easy to wipe clean.
May Hop Phat recommends looking for an office backpack with a sophisticated combination of materials.
If your bag uses all the same material, nothing really stands out because there’s no contrast. But owning a bag with a combination of two materials can give it some contrast and uniqueness — for example, a fully black backpack can be given some subtle distinction.
Functional Features
What makes an office backpack different from a regular backpack is the features specifically designed around your work life — such as carrying tech accessories and work tools. Here are the most important features to look for in an office backpack:
Structured Office Backpack
An office backpack should have a structured shape because it makes it look more elegant and professional. This can be achieved with padding throughout the bag, which is also great for protecting your valuables.
Another benefit of having a structured backpack is that it will stand upright when placed on the ground. You want to be able to set your bag down, open it up, take what you need, and get on with your work — a bag that collapses when opened is harder to access.
Carry Handle
Whether you’re commuting or heading to a meeting, it’s important to have a lightweight backpack so you don’t have to worry about back or shoulder pain.
When you’re in the office, it’s great to have a bag that can also be easily moved, so having an extra handle is a very useful feature. A carry handle on the top or side of the backpack allows you to carry it like a briefcase when walking through a crowded area like the subway or bus.
Padded Laptop Compartment
If you’re carrying a laptop or tablet to work, you must have a padded laptop compartment. A great office backpack will have extra padding at the bottom to keep your tech safe.
When choosing an office backpack, remember to check whether the padding in the laptop compartment extends to the bottom of the bag or whether there is a gap of a few inches between the laptop sleeve and the bag’s bottom.
An added bonus is a padded laptop compartment that sits in a separate section from the main compartment, so you can easily retrieve your laptop without having to rummage through all your other belongings.
Comfortable Back and Straps
Comfort is another key feature in office backpacks. While it doesn’t need to have all the padding and functionality of a hiking backpack, there are a few must-have features for comfortable commuting.
One of these is a padded back panel and shoulder straps. A comfortable back panel will have some type of EVA foam or mesh inside to give your back a nice soft surface to rest against. Having breathable material on the back panel is great for hot summer days.
Padding on the shoulder straps is also a nice feature because it reduces pressure on your shoulders and allows for easier carrying.
Multiple Internal Compartments
A well-organized interior is another must-have feature of an office backpack, since you want to be able to easily retrieve items from your bag.
For easy access, you should choose a backpack with a U-shaped zipper opening. Backpacks with a U-shaped zipper, resembling a panel loader or tombstone shape, allow the wearer to easily see where their belongings are while making retrieval straightforward.
It’s convenient to have a work backpack with at least two main compartments — one dedicated laptop compartment to keep your tech safe and secure.
In the remaining compartment, it would be convenient if the backpack has some dedicated organization space, such as zippered pockets, mesh pockets, or key rings and cord pulls. More is not always better in the case of an organized office backpack, so it’s best to find a bag with all the necessary compartments but not so many pockets that you’ll never use them all and feel cluttered.
Durable and Weather-Resistant
Having a weather-resistant office backpack is a great feature, as it will give you peace of mind that your electronics will stay safe if you get caught in the rain. This could be waterproof zippers to keep your laptop compartment safe, or choosing a backpack with a water-resistant coating.
Some other convenient features include: luggage strap, gym organization tools, safety pocket.
Although the features mentioned above are must-haves in any office backpack, there are some additional features that can make a bag more versatile depending on your work style.
Conclusion
The right office backpack depends on your profession, preferences, and the features you need, but by following this guide, you’ll be better equipped to know what to look for and what to avoid.