Offices may have changed a lot over the last few decades, but one thing hasn’t: most of us still need to carry all our stuff to work.
Along with its cousin, the messenger bag, the humble backpack is still a workplace necessity. Whether you’re looking for a convenient swag option for your team or a branded accessory to get your things to the office and back, you’ve got a wide range of options.
We’ve compiled the best custom backpacks for work so you can find just the right one for your commute—whether it’s an office across town or a coffee shop down the street.
1. Carhartt Canvas Backpack
This canvas backpack from Carhartt is a true classic. It boasts the water-resisting durability you’d expect from one of the leading workwear brands, paired with the kind of deceptively simple yet stylish design that’s become the brand’s hallmark. If you’re looking for the best work backpack for pure longevity, simplicity, and timeless style, look no further.
Key feature: Water-shedding coating
2. The North Face Stalwart Backpack
The North Face bags are known for their longevity, functionality, and sleek design—and the Stalwart is no exception. This premium bag is designed so you can go straight from the office to the trail with a 15” padded laptop sleeve, handy organizational top panel, 26-liter capacity, and lightweight design. Just add your custom design, and it’s ready for any setting.
Key feature: Organizational panel
3. BAGedge Commuter Backpack
Sometimes, simple is best. This uncomplicated backpack doesn’t have all the fancy bells and whistles you might see from other options, but it’s got everything you need. With a 13” laptop compartment, mesh water bottle holder, and durable 600-denier polyester construction, it’ll do the job to help you do yours.
Key feature: Mesh water bottle holder
4. Breckenridge Classic Backpack
This classic backpack is all about comfort and durability. With padded shoulder straps, a protective fold for the zipper, and a large main compartment, it can hold everything you need for work without weighing you down. Just add your design onto the front pocket of this custom backpack to round out the look.
Key feature: Reinforced padded shoulder straps
5. Port Authority Value Backpack
If you’re looking for a functional custom bag with a distinctive design, this is it. Don’t let the budget pricing fool you—this backpack is built to last, fits most 15” laptops in its laptop sleeve, and packs plenty of comfort in its padded shoulder straps. And with a boxy throwback look, it’s a decidedly stylish pick, too.
Key feature: Retro design
6. Oakley Nylon Backpack
Better known for their premium sunglasses, Oakley’s bags are just as luxe. This 23-liter nylon backpack is water repellent and has 100% polyester lining to ensure your work supplies stay separated from the elements as you travel.
Key feature: Water repellent
7. The North Face Connector Backpack
Another great option from The North Face, the Connector is a premium option with a deceptively large 28-liter capacity, reinforced laptop sleeve, and convenient front panel. With features like its FlexVent™ suspension system and injection-molded shoulder straps, this pack is capable of getting your things to work in the office, in the cafe, or even on a mountain.
Key feature: Custom injection-molded shoulder straps
8. Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Team Backpack
Ready to get your hustle on? The Hustle 5.0 Team Backpack is the perfect companion for going from home to the office to the gym or field. But don’t let the athletic appearance deceive you, this Under Armour bag has features like top-of-the-line weather resistance, mesh back panel, shoulder clip, and a gusseted interior pocket that make it just as useful for work as it is for play.
Key feature: UA Storm technology
9. Graphite Dome 15" Computer Backpack
Looking for a bargain-priced backpack that performs like a premium one? This little bag boasts a big capacity, has plenty of space for a 15” laptop, and includes luxuriously padded shoulder straps for maximum comfort. Add your custom logo to the front to make it the perfect company swag idea.
Key feature: Padded shoulder straps
10. Tornado Deluxe Backpack
For a compact option with a stand-out design, consider the Tornado Deluxe. With standard features like mesh side pockets and front pocket for small items, it’s a convenient yet stylish option with a distinctive asymmetrical pattern on the front. Available in several colors, it can also perfectly complement your custom design for swag or corporate gifting.
Key feature: Distinctive design
11. OGIO Logan Backpack
This OGIO bag is one of the most versatile options on this list. Combining rugged durability, utilitarian functionality, and ergonomic design, the Logan is ideal for any work situation. And since it’s available in multiple colors, it can also pair well with any custom logo.
Key feature: Padded back panel with moisture-wicking air mesh
12. Overland 17" TSA Computer Backpack w/ USB Port
Most compact work backpacks are built for 15” laptops, but this is one of the best backpacks available for larger devices. It features a 17” laptop capacity, USB port, and a cable to charge your device on the go. Add your custom logo, and this option is ready to go to work, even if that takes you clear across the country.
Key feature: USB charging
13. Cotopaxi Batac Backpack
Sometimes, you want something a little different—and sometimes, you want something really different. That’s the Cotopaxi Batac. Featuring one of the most eye-poppingly distinctive color schemes you’ll find, this uniquely sustainable product is also uniquely produced, with each piece crafted to be literally one of a kind.
Key feature: One-of-a-kind surprise designs
14. Rainier TSA 17" Computer Backpack
For the more utilitarian work travelers out there, the Rainier TSA 17” is the perfect travel companion for extra-long-distance commutes. Its wide shoulder straps, numerous pockets, USB charging capabilities, and extra-large capacity make it one of the best backpacks for work and leisure travel.
Key feature: TSA computer compartment
15. Carhartt Foundry Series Pro Backpack
If you’re looking for a true work accessory from a true work brand, look no further than the Foundry Series Pro from Carhartt. Packed with pockets and backed by Carhartt’s renowned quality, this spacious backpack is built to last for years of commuting, travel, and play.
Key feature: 1200D heavy-duty polyester
16. High Sierra Elite Fly-By 17" Computer Backpack
Frequent flyers need travel gear that’s as mobile as they are, and this backpack from High Sierra fits the bill. It’s designed to be convenient for airport checkpoints, has tons of available compartments, and offers a cozy Cushion Zone™ compartment to keep your laptop safe while you’re on the go. With your custom logo, it’s ready to hit the road, the rails, or the sky.
Key feature: Checkpoint-friendly laptop compartment
17. Port Authority Nailhead Backpack
With a classic yet timeless design, the Nailhead backpack from Port Authority is a trustworthy option for anybody. Available in two colors, budget priced, and capable of being customized with your company logo, it’s the perfect gift for internal teams or as a tradeshow giveaway.
Key feature: Distinctive pin dot polyester construction
18. Merchant & Craft Ashton 15" Computer Backpack
For those who like a bag with a slightly more sophisticated feel, this Merchant & Craft computer backpack is a great alternative to the usual nylon or polyester. Made of soft yet durable PolyCanvas that can readily display your custom design, it’s one of the more comfortable — and attractive — options out there.
Key feature: PolyCanvas construction
19. Urban 15" Computer Messenger Bag
Since not everyone likes to carry their backpacks on their backs, a messenger bag is a great alternative. Its padded laptop sleeve keeps devices safe, while the front zipper keeps smaller items accessible at all times. As a swag piece or tradeshow giveaway, it also has plenty of space for featuring your company logo.
Key feature: Padded laptop sleeve
20. Port Authority Camo Xtreme Backpack
If you’re looking for a backpack that both stands out and blends in, consider the Camo Xtreme from Port Authority. This extremely functional bag boasts tactical features like air mesh back panels, a top hydration port, side entry zipper pockets, and stretchable side pockets to accommodate your favorite water bottle.
Key feature: Camouflage design
21. Trek 15" Computer Backpack
With so many relatively similar backpack designs out there, sometimes a touch of uniqueness can go a long way. This computer backpack foregoes the usual top zipper track in favor of a U-shaped opening, adding a useful large front pocket featuring your custom design.
Key feature: Distinctive U-shaped opening
22. Brooks Brothers Grant Dual-Handle Backpack
Some people like wearing a backpack, some like carrying a tote — but why choose? With multiple leather carry handles, this convertible Brooks Brothers bag does both. It also has a built-in zippered luggage trolley pass-through so you can transport it with ease when you travel.
Key feature: Converts from backpack to tote
23. Graphite 15" Computer Briefcase
For those who like to have their supplies readily at hand, one of the best work backpacks you can get is not a backpack at all — it’s an update to the classic briefcase. Made from durable PolyCanvas, this computer briefcase is a convenient way to get devices to the office and back while displaying a custom design of your choosing.
Key feature: Removable adjustable shoulder strap
What Makes the Best Custom Work Backpack?
As you search for the best custom work backpack for your needs, there are a couple things to keep in mind. If you’re shopping for promotional products, you’ll need to make sure it’s cost-effective while also reflecting your brand effectively. Bags produced by major brands can be more dependable for users and can offer positive associations with your brand as swag options, but you’ll also pay a premium for them.
If backpacks aren’t quite what you’re looking for, consider custom tote bags, which are even more affordable but still quite functional. No matter which you choose, RushOrderTees can get your products delivered on time for your upcoming conference or trade show.
Bryce Emley
About the Author
Based in New Mexico, Bryce Emley holds an MFA in Creative Writing and works as a content writer specializing in SaaS, tech, and eCommerce. When he isn’t writing content, he's probably writing poetry, screenplays, or creative nonfiction, or shopping for vintage anime t-shirts.