Stylish backpacks for women

August 6, 2016 5:16 PM

I've decided I'm done carrying heavy purses and doing damage to my shoulders and back. But that means a backpack. However I'm a woman in my 30s who dresses nicely for work (and stylishly otherwise). Women who have found stylish backpacks, what are your recommendations? Price range up to $250ish, leather, tan/light brown. Thank you!!
posted by namemeansgazelle to Clothing, Beauty, & Fashion (27 answers total)

Yes it's over $250 but it's also a bargain at 40% off. And it seems perfect!

JW Hulme Editor Backpack
posted by littlewater at 5:31 PM on August 6, 2016

Zara has stylish backpacks in that prince range. There aren't many matching your description right now -- this one maybe? -- but I think they tend to have more backpack stock in fall/winter.
posted by stellarc at 5:44 PM on August 6, 2016

I went to two coach outlet stores this weekend and they both had beautiful leather backpacks around $179-220 depending on the style.
posted by rubster at 5:44 PM on August 6, 2016

I LOVE the look of the backpacks from Modernaked on Etsy.
posted by deus ex machina at 5:48 PM on August 6, 2016

While I don't own the backpack, I have a couple Matt & Nat bags which I really like and which so far have held up well. Pleather vegan leather has come a long way in recent years and these bags look really good. Nordstrom stocks them and sometimes has them on sale.
posted by crush-onastick at 5:53 PM on August 6, 2016

Pretty basic Longchamp backpack:
posted by vacuumsealed at 5:59 PM on August 6, 2016

I've had a Coach backpack for 15 years. They are stylish and wear like iron.
posted by Sweet Dee Kat at 6:58 PM on August 6, 2016

I got a beautiful leather backpack in Florence and found that it was no more comfortable than a good shoulder bag. Less so, because I couldn't sort of even out the weight the way I do with a shoulder bag. The thin leather straps (so pretty!) were stiff and uncomfortable and cut into my shoulders near my neck. My point is make sure you try it out with stuff in it for weight, before you decide whether you're returning it or not.

That said, I have a Jack Georges handbag and the leather is so amazing, I would try their backpacks. Something like this maybe.
posted by fingersandtoes at 6:59 PM on August 6, 2016

I'm not sure of the current stock, but I highly recommend searching for vintage Coach backpacks on eBay. The vintage ones are thicker leather and last so much longer. Plus, vintage! Automatically more sustainable and hipper.
posted by instamatic at 7:24 PM on August 6, 2016

Roots' stuff is really nicely made with buttery soft leather and they have a number of nicer backpacks (mixed in with some more standard ones). Lots of browns!
posted by kmennie at 7:43 PM on August 6, 2016

Don't know what kind of purses you've been using, but have you tried a messenger/laptop bag? (the kind where the shoulder strap is on the side opposite the bag, across the chest) I find they balance the weight much better than a bag (like a big purse) where the strap goes over the shoulder on the side where the bag is. Mine has a wide strap with one of those pads on it that's free to slide for adjustment. I find it a breeze to carry and think they look much more professional than a backpack (no matter how nice), and when it's really loaded down (computer+books+other crud) I can shift it back (bag over butt, strap pad over chest) so the weight is more distributed front-back than side-side. Plus, they make them in really cheap styles so you could test drive it for a week before investing in a nice one.
posted by sexyrobot at 7:49 PM on August 6, 2016

Mandarina Duck is the brand which makes the backpack that I'm currently using. They are an Italian brand, tremendously well made, and they have leather backpacks in your price range (their colors this season are a little bold but they do have neutrals as well).
posted by librarylis at 8:53 PM on August 6, 2016

I bought this bag from Levenger last year, and have been really happy with it. It fits my laptop no problem without looking remotely like a laptop bag, and I find it comfortable overall. I bought it in plum and it started looking scuffed pretty quickly, but I also never did anything to protect the leather, and I tend to fling it about. YMMV.
posted by current resident at 9:20 PM on August 6, 2016

I have worn real leather backpacks for years for ergonomic reasons. I use a large one day to day, and a small one for nights out. One of the best and handsomest I've ever owned, I bought directly from China on ebay.

Anyway, no offense to sexyrobot, but if you put much stuff in your backpack (or frankly even if you don't), you're really doing a job on one shoulder with messenger-type bags. What you want is even distribution of weight. To fingersandtoes' point, this won't happen if the straps are too thin—or it's worth adding if the bag rides too low down on your back. So thin straps fail on two counts: By not being able to hold the weight of the bag properly (and possibly digging into your shoulders), but also by quickly stretching out, which only makes things worse.

Ideally, you want the backpack sitting high on your back. Your strong upper trapezious muscles (back of the shoulders) should be bearing the majority of the weight; when bags sink down, that weight suddenly shifts to your middle to lower back. That does a job on your posture, and all good ergonomics start with good posture. On a related note, pay attention to how the interior of the bag is designed. You want something with some form of interior division to help you adjust the weight of the contents of the bag (so not everything sinks to the bottom), but you don't want so much division that you can't fit things inside. Sometimes it's just a matter of rearranging, too, it depends on the bag and what you carry. Generally speaking, you're better off with a vertical design (rather than a more school-girl style horizontal design).

I always buy my bags on ebay, either vintage or new. I always get ones with wide straps, preferably with some fabric in addition to leather, to keep them strong. And I always get "convertible" bags, so going into an interview/doing business I can "convert" the bag, by moving the strap, into something that looks more or less like a briefcase or a nice-looking woman's oversized shoulderbag. Then, as soon as I leave the building, I can reconvert it, and wear it as a backpack.

I've also never dared carry a laptop in a leather backpack. I think even the strongest leather would likely stretch or strain too much as a result. For laptop purposes, I have a convertible fabric-style bag, that looks even more more like a briefcase, only, again, with removable, hidable straps.
posted by Violet Blue at 1:02 AM on August 7, 2016

I have the Baggu canvas backpack and love it and wear it every day -- they also do a gorgeous leather version!
posted by ukdanae at 2:53 AM on August 7, 2016

I actually switched to messenger-style bags for greater back comfort, over backpacks. For my last few years in backpacks, I had to have a sternum strap in order to not be in pain.

I actually think the biggest benefit of switching for me was the new bag was smaller, so I had to start carrying less stuff. I suggest you get the smallest bag that would be workable for you, so you are forced to limit the mass you carry.

Of course the weight of the bag itself can be significant, so you'll have to trade off between heavy and more sturdy vs lightweight but possibly less durable, if you're insistent about leather.
posted by nat at 4:33 AM on August 7, 2016

I love leather backpacks and am drooling over many of the beautiful bags linked here. (That bright yellow Mandarina Duck backpack is the bomb!)

My fave backpack isn't made any more so I can't link to it. I second the notion of vintage Coach bags through EBay. Do a little bit of research before hand to make sure you aren't ripped off (like: does the ad list the style number, can you find other pictures of that style online, are there any reports of counterfeit versions.) I haven't ever been burned, though.

I will give one piece of advice. The connection of the straps at the top of the bag is the weakest point here. Most bags have straps directly sewn to the bag but a few like the first one suggested have hardware at the point of connection. Since putting the backpack on no taking it off requires lateral pulling, and even more lateral strain occurs on a single strap if you only hook it over one shoulder (as I do all the time), the lateral pull wears at the sewn in straps and even really good leather will start to strain. Having a D ring or similar at that juncture will make the bag last longer. I've had to have a few bags repaired at that site.
posted by Sublimity at 6:52 AM on August 7, 2016

Baggallini is my go-to for backpacks, which I have used for 10 years or more instead of a purse, for daily life and when I travel. Much below your price range and perhaps not stylish enough, but I love them for their lightweightness, their many pockets, their simplicity.
posted by mmw at 7:58 AM on August 7, 2016

Knomo's Beaux is on sale in the Espresso colorway.

Not leather, but my EDC backpack is MZ Wallace's Metro, though I'm jonesing for the new Jordan style.
posted by evoque at 8:33 AM on August 7, 2016

I adore my Henri Bendel jetsetter backpack. It's a compliment generating machine. It's a little above your price point but they run sales frequently online.
posted by BusyBusyBusy at 10:07 AM on August 7, 2016

My husband gave me Knomos Beauchamp. I was sceptical as i had really wished for a shoulder bag. 6 months on i really love it and would not trade it. Lovely wide straps. Well made. I think it cost about 200 euros.
posted by 15L06 at 10:28 AM on August 7, 2016

For backpacks, Everlane has just released a new line that is very hipster-stylish in canvas and with padded straps. Canvas will be lighter than good quality leather.

For messenger bags, I have a techy-stylish Timbuk2 classic messenger in gray houndstooth and light pink trim; they don't make my colorway any more, which is a pity because it was the most stylish choice by far two years ago, but they have a custom option that is still well within your price range. Nylon so super light and there's an optional cross-body strap for stabilization if needed.
posted by serelliya at 10:29 AM on August 7, 2016

I've been a backpack purse person for many years, cycling through Baggallini (which are very nice, but not leather and hence a bit more casual looking than you may want) and various other examples. This is my current purse (although I bought it direct from the manufacturer and paid a bit less for it) and have been very happy with it for over a year. I can reach into the open pocket without taking the bag off my back, it has a few hidden pockets on the outside (one accessed through a zipper under the contrasting flap on the front, and a flat zippered pocket on the back), and just one small pocket in the main compartment.
posted by DrGail at 11:11 AM on August 7, 2016

I'm a massive fan of the Grafea leather backpacks. I got mine on ebay, unworn, for about a third of the price on the website (I paid around £60), but they're also available on ASOS. Really excellent quality full grain leather, comfortable, very stylish. I get compliments on it at least once a week.
posted by litereally at 4:25 AM on August 8, 2016

I also am completely over regular purses - I'm so done with the back pain that comes from always slinging heavy objects over just one shoulder. I ended up getting a Brahmin packpack, and used it as my primary (only) purse for about 6 years and only replaced it when it was starting to look a bit too worn in for my professional workplace. Brahmin even replaced a strap free of charge when it accidentally hooked on something and snapped.

Just a few months ago, I got this Brahmin Darcy in midnight blue (it looks like it's discontinued now?) and I have to say that with one minor caveat, I love it. It dresses up beautifully and does not look like a traditional backpack, and I'm able to fit my large (9x12) notebook in there with no issues. I already know the customer service is great, and the bag is very comfortable as well. The only minor caveat I have is that the top flap is not as easy as I'd like to zip shut - I would have preferred an easier close. But honestly, that's a minor issue and I'm very, very happy with my backpack.

They run about $330, but you can occasionally find sales. I also considered the Henri Bendel linked above, but it's a bit too much hardware for me - I like a sleeker look.
posted by widdershins at 9:16 AM on August 8, 2016

This one is not leather, but nylon. Since I otherwise have the same criteria as you I thought to mention it: Baggallini Mendoza

It is 13" x 12.5" x 6" which is enough to fit an 11" MacBook air and its peripherals. It converts seamlessly from a backpack to a shoulder bag, and because it's got a minimal exterior, it's pretty elegant.

It also has a zipper pocket against the back, which is why I chose it over other backpacks for commuting, for the security.

It was a tight squeeze and I haven't road tested it yet, but in that bag I have my biggish wristlet wallet, a pair of Cocorosa folding shoes, a shawl, a plastic rain poncho and overshoes, my noise cancelling headphones, my grooming kit, my Book wallet with travelcard, my car keys, my sunglasses, my tissue holder, my pocket fan and sunscreen, my headache stick, some aspirin, some lipstick and my Gerber Shard. And the aforementioned laptop and peripherals, which can only fit in the central zipper pocket.

I admit it looks rather dense, but I've never fit so much into such a small pack before.
posted by tel3path at 5:24 PM on September 1, 2016

This may or may not fit what you're after (and I'm way late to your question besides), but I discovered Rough & Tumble's 3-in-1 bags recently and am in love. There's a short flat strap for shoulder carry, a long flat strap for cross-body, or the long strap also cinches up to turn the bag into a backpack.

I find that no matter how I carry a bag, after a while it feels uncomfortable, and being able to switch to a different configuration makes all the difference. I also find different carry options optimal for different situations (like if I'm getting in and out of a car a lot I use the shoulder carry because it's easiest to take on and off, if I need to get to the bag's contents frequently I use crossbody for easy access, and if I'm walking a lot and don't need to get stuff out of the bag, that's when I switch it to backpack mode).

I have a leather Hobo Pack (for occasions where a purse is called for) and a waxed canvas 1904 (more of a messenger/utility bag). The only thing I'll caution about is that if you're carrying something big and rigid like a laptop, the backpack mode is doable but not ideal because it really works best if you can cinch the bag's top corners together. You can see what I mean in the pics on their website.

I'm not in any way affiliated although I know I sound like an ad--I just get excited about products that blend form and function so nicely. It's also a small company and the bags are made in the U.S.
posted by mama casserole at 8:22 AM on September 6, 2016