12 Non-Dorky Backpacks for Grown-Ups
Whether you're taking a night course or hauling files to and from the office, these carryalls handle it all in style.
By Amber Kallor

Photo: Courtesy of Baggu
Carry Something Bright
Yes, you can pull off a Crayola-inspired knapsack after you've graduated from elementary school—as long as it isn't covered in kiddie designs or doodles. (It doesn't hurt that this stylish option is made entirely of recycled cotton.)
$32, BagguBag.com
$32, BagguBag.com

Photo: Courtesy of Poketo
Carry Something Soft
Nautical summer stripes look ready for fall when they're splashed across durable sweatshirt fleece and trimmed in vegan-friendly faux leather.
$58, Poketo.com
$58, Poketo.com

Photo: Courtesy of Need Supply
Carry Something Denim
This durable jean pack is ideal for schlepping around heavy legal briefs or textbooks. Plus, the top handle makes it easy to slip over your wrist if you're toting a light load.
$62, NeedSupply.com
$62, NeedSupply.com

Photo: Courtesy of Cambridge Satchel
Carry Something Neon
This vintage-style backpack, handmade in the United Kingdom, comes in highlighter-like shades and is quickly becoming a cult favorite among fashion aficionados. For a more personalized touch, get it embossed with your initials.
$154, CambridgeSatchel.co.uk
$154, CambridgeSatchel.co.uk

Photo: Courtesy of Olivia and Joy
Carry Something Multipurpose
This pewter satchel is like getting three bags in one: The detachable strap allows you to sling it over your shoulder or quickly turn it into a backpack. Plus, the traditional handle works if you want to tote this like a purse.
$98, OliviaandJoy.com
$98, OliviaandJoy.com

Photo: Courtesy of Coach
Carry Something Shiny
Water will slide right off this patent leather Poppy carryall if you get caught in the rain. And don't let this bag's all-business black exterior fool you—inside you'll find bright pink lining scattered with hearts.
$298, Coach.com
$298, Coach.com

Photo: Courtesy of ASOS
Carry Something Floral

Photo: Courtesy of M Z Wallace
Carry Something Spacious
It's the little things that count—like six interior pockets (to keep small things from getting lost), magnetic closures and a drawstring top (to ensure your belongings stay secure), a Teflon-coated exterior (to prevent coffee spills from setting in) and easily accessible side pockets (to make getting to and turning off an accidentally ringing cell phone in the middle of class or a meeting a whole lot easier).
$193, MZWallace.com
$193, MZWallace.com

Photo: Courtesy of Deux Lux
Carry Something Structured
We love the boxy shape of this wool and faux-leather Deux Lux knapsack. It's big enough to hold your notebook or laptop without adding extra bulk.
$59, UrbanOutfitters.com
$59, UrbanOutfitters.com

Photo: Courtesy of Marc by Marc Jacobs
Carry Something Classic
The traditional shape you loved in middle school looks all grown-up when it's made of buttery-soft, cream-colored leather.
$458, Couture.Zappos.com
$458, Couture.Zappos.com

Photo: Courtesy of Herschel Supply
Carry Something Rugged
Padded straps ensure this mountaineer-style pack won't dig into your shoulders when you're making the trek to the office. Plus, it's big enough to handle all your gear for a weekend away (whether those plans include an uphill hike or some well-deserved R&R).
$85, HerschelSupply.com
$85, HerschelSupply.com

Photo: Courtesy of The Row
Carry Something Luxurious
In our back-to-school dreams that include George Clooney as our English professor and Ryan Gosling as our study buddy, we'd show up on the first day carrying this modern leather backpack with sleek gold hardware on our shoulders.
$3,900, TheRow.com
$3,900, TheRow.com
Published 08/05/2011