How to choose the right backpack for business travel?
When it comes to carry comfort, backpacks are king. Two shoulder straps offer the benefit of balanced load distribution, while sternum straps and hipbelts help stabilize the load too. Both useful when you're carrying gear for extended periods of time, closing deals like a boss. Not to mention having a bag close to your body makes navigating through crowds much easier (compared to wheeled luggage for example). And if you add sharp, business-ready aesthetics to the mix, you get all the benefits of backpack comfort while still looking good and professional.
How to choose the right backpack for business travel?
Business aesthetics
As touched on above, smart aesthetics are important in a business travel backpack. Understated is best, with neutral colorways like black or gray and clean silhouettes that will fit more easily into meetings and formal occasions.
Comfort
When it comes to staying comfy on your journeys, keep an eye out for features such as ventilated back panels, well padded shoulder straps that contour to the body, hipbelts and sternum straps. Especially if you'll be carrying heavier loads and want to minimize fatigue as much as possible.
Weatherproof construction
You won't always be able to avoid downpours during your trips, so weatherproof construction is definitely key to help protect expensive tech and ensure your clothing stays dry. Look out for features such as coated fabrics, weatherproof zippers and raincovers to help keep the elements out.
Access and organization
Access and organization are also important considerations when choosing a business travel backpack. Ideally it should offer separate storage for work tools and clothing and travel essentials. Dedicated quick-access storage for tech makes it easier and faster to get to on the go, while clamshell access for the main compartment removes a lot of potential hassle in reaching items throughout the bag. Additionally you'll want sufficient pocketing to ensure smaller items are within easy reach and don't get lost in a jumble of gear. And don't forget, you can always make use of packing cubes to help you stay on top of gear and avoid having to undo all your careful packing each time you want a particular item.
Gear protection
Speaking of protection, a good business travel backpack should offer sufficient protection for your valuables-be it from drops or thieves looking for an easy target. The likes of suspended laptop storage and lockable zippers will give you that little extra peace of mind.
Flexible portability
While backpack mode is great for load carrying, the ability to carry the bag as a duffel or in briefcase mode will better suit a formal event. Not only will it look more professional but the bag will also not crinkle your blazer or suit jacket around the shoulders.
Daypack adaptability
Lastly, while it's not strictly necessary, it is useful having a backpack that can compress down for day trips. Alternatively you can pack a packable daypack for carrying essentials at your destination.
So with these considerations in mind, check out our selection of the best travel backpacks for business...
