Level Up Your Game: 11 Backpacks That Seamlessly Switch from Boardroom Boss to Jet-Setting Pro—You Won’t Believe #7!

Herschel has been doing its thing (and by “its thing” we mean putting up numbers in the backpack game) for a minute now, and the brand’s hard-earned industry credibility is nothing to scoff at. It should be one of the first places you check any time you’re in the market for an upgrade. This classic style is an editor favorite, since it goes easily with any outfit and any taste—and it’s surprisingly good-looking for costing under $100.

Rainproof, because real adults actually dress for the weather (and guard their electronics from certain ruin in the process). This business-ready backpack is all about bringing the elevated energy of a briefcase right to your back, with comfort all the way. Its simple hook closure keeps things sleek, and you can rest easy knowing your gadgets and papers are safe inside.

This cool camo backpack from Eastpak is definitely more streetwear than officewear. It’s fun and funky, and all its pockets (on the front and back) make it a great option for traveling. It has a substantially padded laptop sleeve, which will keep your tech safe.

Life may get crazy, but this backpack will help keep you sane. With dedicated compartments for your laptop, workout gear, and water bottle, it will put you in an organized state of mind. Lululemon’s deep, zippered spaces are great for everything from airport travel to a trip to the gym, and the sleek exterior is nothing to sneeze at either.

There are many reasons we named Troubadour’s Apex Backpack our favorite work backpack, but to sum it up, it basically has everything you could ever want in one. Its waterproof exterior, two expandable side pockets, hidden AirTag pocket, ergonomic padding, and heavily cushioned laptop sleeve truly make this bag stand out from the rest.

Tumi is the brand to go to if you’re a traditionalist—when it comes to luggage, nothing is more traditional than Tumi. The iconic brand keeps things simple, subtle, and sleek, with an all-black backpack that works great for any environment but especially for business travel. Because when you’re flying across the country, you’ll appreciate all those extra pockets and special features this bag has to offer.

Métier is where bags become heirlooms, and this leather backpack is one for the ages. Not only is it straight up gorgeous, but it also has an impressive interior with multiple small pockets and a large laptop pocket. Get the matching folio for a set that will really impress.

We’re using gift liberally here. Get it for your cousin going to law school, your boyfriend starting out a firm, or … yourself for any occasion you deem necessary. The key is to spring for a little monogram, not the big trapunto but a simple gold embossing.

As for quality, Leatherology is one of our go-tos for sophisticated leather goods at not-eye-watering prices. The materials are great, the construction is solid, and it’s all minimal. Nothing flashy or over the top.

Old-school mountaineering vibes from the brand that does, as it turns out, still make a great backpack. A playful one too, with its color-blocked exterior, but don’t think L.L. Bean is skimping on functionality. The water-resistant, abrasion-resistant fabric will prove that, right alongside the interior organizational compartments.