For Part I of the Men’s Leather Bags Series, please visit here.
The Backpack
More and more people are choosing backpacks as their everyday work bags for one practical reason: maximum carry comfort. You don’t really need to be a student or an adventurer to enjoy the convenience of backpacking. In urban settings, backpacks are still a versatile and practical choice for commuting and travel, especially for those who are dedicated to two-wheeled day-to-day transportation.
The key to not looking juvenile while carrying a backpack is the quality of the material and the construction of the bag. A good quality leather backpack provides you with a whole lot of style plus a touch of adventure, not to mention the durability that real leather provides. Stick with simple and classic designs that offer just the right amount of storage for your day-to-day essentials.
While you enjoy the convenience of wearing a backpack to work, keep in mind that your backpack should meet your work requirements and also suit your style. Fortunately, there are professional backpacks specifically made with business carry in mind.
A premium leather backpack brief, for instance, is one part backpack, one part briefcase. Featuring quality materials and a stylish vertical design, this type of bag seamlessly combines the practicality we love about backpacks with the protection and mature style of briefcases, easily beating out the more conventional and boring cases being carried by others in the conference room.
For a more professional look, go with a pure leather classic flap-top backpack with buckled strap closure or locks. It should also come in a solid hue. Avoid huge logos and patterns, as they can come across as sporty. Other factors to consider when choosing a business backpack include solid construction so that the bag holds up well even when empty, a comfortable size with just the right amount of organization for your needs and without getting bulky when filled, and last but not least, a versatile design and multiple carry options, from a top carry handle to detachable back straps that can be converted to a shoulder strap, that provides utmost mobility to the business type on the go.
If you are more into classic and rugged than modern and sleek, you will find retro-style backpacks appealing. These are heritage-inspired backpacks and are not without modern conveniences (by that I mean nice linings, adjustable straps, dedicated pockets, et cetera. I knew some of you couldn’t live a life without your electronics).
Retro backpacks aren’t going to offer you a whole lot of utility as do today’s high-tech packs, but when it comes to a smooth transition between activities, occasions, and seasons, the versatility of these types of bags is unparalleled. Whether you’re lugging around a day’s worth of stuff on the commute or the trail, packing for a weekend getaway, or needing something to use as a carry-on for your next flight away, these bags will more than suit your needs.
Pick a pack with a discerning eye and consider the key criteria of a true retro styled backpack, including a solid construction that exudes an aura of personality, utilization of heavy-duty materials that embrace natural wear and tear, and a well-conceived minimalist design that keeps your belongings secure and easily accessible at the same time.
In terms of style, You can keep the style simple with a drawstring closure and single strap is worn over the shoulder or across the body (Overnight Travel Bag LD02, third image), or go classic with a foldover flap and magnetic strap closures (Classic Leather Backpack L26, second image), or go utilitarian with a top-loading pack that offers efficient storage under a zippered, flip open top (Roomy Carry-On Backpack LK20, bottom image).
