Leather Backpack for Business Casual?

[Sam L]

I am in a business casual work environment, and I commute by train everyday. While I agree that a briefcase would definitely look nicer, a nice backpack (e.g. leather) would make my commute so much more comfortable to carry my laptop and other work items back and forth. So my questions are:

1. Is this okay, or does it look bad enough to warrant forgoing the comfort?

2. Do you have any recommendations for nice leather (or any other nice material) backpacks that are not too expensive?

 

[KOz]

I am in a business casual work environment, and I commute by train everyday. While I agree that a briefcase would definitely look nicer, a nice backpack (e.g. leather) would make my commute so much more comfortable to carry my laptop and other work items back and forth. So my questions are:

1. Is this okay, or does it look bad enough to warrant forgoing the comfort?

2. Do you have any recommendations for nice leather (or any other nice material) backpacks that are not too expensive?

1. You did not post any pictures and, as such, it's hard to give tailored advice. What do your colleagues do?

You also alluded to the fact that it's a style/comfort trade-off. Do you find briefcases that uncomfortable? I find that backpacks can damage jackets and make the entire outfit significantly hotter.

2. No specific recommendation for brands. However, good leather will always cost a notable amount. Consider canvas as a material.

 

[Sam L]

1. You did not post any pictures and, as such, it's hard to give tailored advice. What do your colleagues do?

You also alluded to the fact that it's a style/comfort trade-off. Do you find briefcases that uncomfortable? I find that backpacks can damage jackets and make the entire outfit significantly hotter.

2. No specific recommendation for brands. However, good leather will always cost a notable amount. Consider canvas as a material.

I generally wear suede loafers, cotton chinos, an oxford or dress shirt, and will wear a semi-casual jacket (like a chore coat). It depends on the colleague - in my office, I don't think anyone cares if you wear a backpack, but it's more a question of style rather than a question of what my colleagues will approve. I do find briefcases quite uncomfortable, specifically for a train commute where I am standing in one spot for a decent amount of time. It's doable, but I'd definitely prefer not to if a nice backpack is an okay alternative.

To your other point, what about a backpack would damage a jacket more so than a briefcase? Even if I used a briefcase, I would be using the strap on one shoulder, and if anything, I would think that unevenly distributes the weight which would do worse damage to the jacket.

 

[KOz]

I generally wear suede loafers, cotton chinos, an oxford or dress shirt, and will wear a semi-casual jacket (like a chore coat). It depends on the colleague - in my office, I don't think anyone cares if you wear a backpack, but it's more a question of style rather than a question of what my colleagues will approve. I do find briefcases quite uncomfortable, specifically for a train commute where I am standing in one spot for a decent amount of time.

Very fair - I did not realise standing was involved during the commute. What about something you can wear over the shoulder?

 

[SuaveStyle]

I personally think as long as you’re not wearing it with suits, a nice backpack can easily work. It definitely offloads the weight of a single strap with a briefcase and can hold a lot more stuff, including say a lunch bag/pale. That is part of the reason I bought one myself. It’s great for traveling too. I can fit a dopp bag, change of clothes, plus laptop etc as my “personal item” carry on. I have the JW Hulme backpack in heritage (pic below). I did pay a little over 600 for it on sale, but it will last a lifetime if cared for. Frank Clegg has a nice looking option too but it’s more expensive. The only other ones I’ve seen that were actual full grain leather that were cheaper was Coach and you can check their outlet, run 150-250ish. Not quite as classic looking but a solid option if that is your price range imo.

 

[callum82]

I think it's good for the look you are describing. If you are dressed like you are on Mad Men I would say get a nice briefcase. Boss has a decent leather backpack for around 200usd.

 

[rjc149]

Backpack straps put stress and wear on a jacket's shoulder seams and sleeves (as you're putting on and taking off the pack), so if you're wearing a jacket, I would opt for a hand-held briefcase, using the shoulder strap only for moments when you need to be hands-free.

Commuting with a backpack is much more convenient and comfortable, especially if you need to tote a laptop around. I only carry my lunch and some knickknacks (a book, notebook, headphones, keys, business cards) so a soft briefcase with a shoulder strap is fine for me. If I carried a laptop, I would go with a backpack with smooth shoulder straps (like leather) that won't abrade the shoulders as much.

 

[Sam L]

I personally think as long as you’re not wearing it with suits, a nice backpack can easily work. It definitely offloads the weight of a single strap with a briefcase and can hold a lot more stuff, including say a lunch bag/pale. That is part of the reason I bought one myself. It’s great for traveling too. I can fit a dopp bag, change of clothes, plus laptop etc as my “personal item” carry on. I have the JW Hulme backpack in heritage (pic below). I did pay a little over 600 for it on sale, but it will last a lifetime if cared for. Frank Clegg has a nice looking option too but it’s more expensive. The only other ones I’ve seen that were actual full grain leather that were cheaper was Coach and you can check their outlet, run 150-250ish. Not quite as classic looking but a solid option if that is your price range imo.

Thank you. Have you ever found it to be an issue with ruining your sport coats?

I've found a few less expensive options online. What are your thoughts?

https://www.massimodutti.com/us/brown-foldable-leather-backpack-l02101464

Sloan Backpacks | Full Grain Leather or Organic Cotton Canvas

For work, school, or the weekend, choose a Sloan Backpack made from durable leather or heavy duty organic canvas, both with a built-in padded laptop sleeve.

www.leatherology.com

https://www.levenger.com/collection...acket-utility-backpack?variant=42513344954517 (I like this, but not sure if the mesh padding on the straps and back will be particularly bad for my semi-casual jackets).

 

[GaiusM]

Check out the Capra Leather thread - haven't tried them myself but have heard many good things from others here. They are a forum sponsor as well. Very reasonably priced and quality seems good.

 

[Sam L]

Check out the Capra Leather thread - haven't tried them myself but have heard many good things from others here. They are a forum sponsor as well. Very reasonably priced and quality seems good.

Thanks for the tip. Those look really nice.

 

[johng70]

I think backpacks are fine for business casual. The problem is when you want to go leather and you're concerned about price point. That usually means you'll end up with a bag that shows it's age (and not in a good way) after a few years depending on how you use it. The more you slide it around and abuse it the more cheaper leather will lose it's finish (not tanned well) and scuff badly. Then the bag looks really bad. You want leather that is full grain. What you're unlikely to see on a website though is the tanning process. You can have quality tanned full grain leather and cheaply tanned full grain leather. The full grain tells you the leather itself will hold up well - so tanning is an unknown and will determine if/how the finish rubs off over time. Stitching, zippers matter too. I would look for bags manufactured in Western Europe / USA primarily if you want something that will last and look good for a decade or more. If you don't mind replacing every 3 years or so then it matters less.

 

[robline]

I underwent a similar journey of discovery recently. When I started out 30 years ago, I got a Waterfield COZMO bag like this: https://woklongbundle.blogspot.com/2012/03/brand-new-waterfield-cozmo-small.html It went with me every day on day/weekend trips on three continents and held up well, and looked great. Even today.

But after a couple of decades, I wasn't happy as much. The cross-body or over-the-shoulder carry each had their drawbacks. And eventually, when I went to Los Angeles for a 24-hour marathon business trip, it was the last straw. Always shifting the bag weight around. Constant awareness of if the strap is slipping. The awkward miles of walking with the bag gently swap-swap-swapping at my hip.

So I got a waterfield executive leather laptop backpack: https://www.sfbags.com/collections/bags/products/pro-executive-laptop-backpack

I've only had it for a couple years but so far it is by far the right call. Is it slightly less stylish... I suppose? But you know what's more stylish? Comfort, confidence, and utility. I can walk with this from my house to the car to the airport, on the plane, train, wherever, with three days of clothes, toiletries, and all my work stuff. It's comfortable and looks good enough for my tastes. I have absolutely no problem with a business backpack if you carry it well, with an air of "I'm down for whatever." Now I cringe whenever I see a briefcase or messenger bag.

 

[admz]

I have been using this Piquadro model for a few years, it's still in great shape and the leather is very good quality. If you look around their website, you'll find various options ranging from conservative to sporty. I see they don't sell my colour anymore - a sort of deep olive green which I think is very cool - but they still have a good selection.

https://www.piquadro.com/us/bags-an...ize-computer-14-and-ipadr-backpack-21329.html

I own a briefcase as well, but I barely take it out of the closet because I am very happy with the backpack.