Travel & Commuter Backpacks
20 Products
Learn More About Commuter Backpacks
Commuter packs give you the freedom to travel to work or school and back home in comfort and style. These backpacks typically offer laptop protection in the form of an internal sleeve or compartment (sometimes padded), pockets for organizing daily essentials, and features like padded straps and a sternum strap for comfortable wear while walking, biking, and taking public transportation. Sometimes commuter packs have a sleeker look than a backpack intended for the outdoors.
The North Face backpacks are ready for adventure. You know they’re used to bagging peaks and crushing rough trails. But the same qualities that make our outdoor equipment top of its class make many of our models great candidates for your next commuter backpack. Just choose one with a laptop sleeve, pack up and go.
Here’s one you can count on day in and day out: Our classic 30-liter Recon Backpack. Its professional look is understated, and many will recognize this model from the trail. But it’s also equipped with a 16-inch laptop sleeve, and its FlexVent™ makes work travel and treks through the city a breeze. Find a work backpack that keeps you organized, comfortable, and looking great.
For a sleek, minimal office crossover pack, check out the Kaban LTE Backpack. It has a clean design, a padded fleece-lined compartment for 16" laptops, two water bottle pockets, a sternum strap, and fabric coated for weather-resistance.
From multi-day business backpacks to school backpacks and everything in between, versatility and toughness are defining features of The North Face backpacks. And that’s probably the kind of person you have to be at work—on your toes and ready for anything. Come prepared with everything you need thanks to a spacious commuter backpack from The North Face. With professional looks, weather-resistant materials, and great organizing features, you’ll be glad that you brought it along.
FAQs
For most people, a pack around 20L-30L is sufficient. Less than 20L is ok if you have minimal items to carry. If you tend to carry a laptop, charger, lunch, and a water bottle, look for something around 20L to 26L. For those who also carry gym wear or an extra layer, look for something with a volume greater than 26L.
Laptop protection: A separate laptop compartment at the minimum.
Multiple pockets: Internal pockets for pens and small accessories. Fleece lined pockets for phone and/or sunglasses. Pockets that allow for quick access to keys and a work badge.
Comfort details: Padded shoulder straps, cushioned and breathable back panel, sternum strap for weight distribution.
Traditional zip top: These are easiest for daily use.
Roll-top: Often more weather-resistant but sometimes slower to access the internal compartment.
Clamshell: Great for packing and travel.
If you want to commute with something other than a backpack, consider a messenger bag or tote. Messenger bags sometimes give you a more traditional office look without needing to use a briefcase. Totes can be a stylish option especially if you have a short commute.
Yes. Look for packs with reflective details, water resistance, a streamlined profile, and space for a lock.