Anonymous wrote:Thanks, everyone!

This is in the category of what I need, but way over my budget and it's still ugly. I'm willing to spend up to $300. I do have a nylon commuter Tumi backpack (Cora) that I love.

https://www.tumi.com/p/excursion-backpack-duffel-01397731596/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0bunBhD9ARIsAAZl0E1jQB15wdBBVGFM49O3ZkkrVU-rtIuthyNwlg4WTYWqVUoKPCGR0QsaAuxvEALw_wcB

Can you explain what about this bag fits your criteria? I agree that it’s really ugly.

I have the Tumi Uma and it’s been great for travel.

E-Bags motherlode series really are the best in terms of organization and storage.

Anonymous wrote:Everlane's backpack looks modern and professional:



https://www.everlane.com/products/mens-renew-backpack-black

Thanks, I'm considering this one!

Thanks, everyone!

This is in the category of what I need, but way over my budget and it's still ugly. I'm willing to spend up to $300. I do have a nylon commuter Tumi backpack (Cora) that I love.

https://www.tumi.com/p/excursion-backpack-duffel-01397731596/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0bunBhD9ARIsAAZl0E1jQB15wdBBVGFM49O3ZkkrVU-rtIuthyNwlg4WTYWqVUoKPCGR0QsaAuxvEALw_wcB

Anonymous wrote:Agree with PPs that nylon is the way to go. I use it for work too because leather was killing my back. With nylon I think you just have to get it as plain and inoffensive as possible. I like this one: https://statebags.com/products/kane-double-pocket-backpack-nylon-black.

Link got messed up but it was the State Bags "Kane Double Pocket"

Anonymous wrote:Agree with PPs that nylon is the way to go. I use it for work too because leather was killing my back. With nylon I think you just have to get it as plain and inoffensive as possible. I like this one: https://statebags.com/products/kane-double-pocket-backpack-nylon-black.

State bags are great. This is my favorite, though it is sadly now sold out: https://statebags.com/collections/adult-backpacks/products/lenox-with-shoe-pocket-backpack-nylon-black

I love the shoe pocket for work travel, so I can wear my sneakers for the plane but switch into work-appropriate shoes if I need to go straight to an office/conference/work dinner upon arrival.

Agree with PPs that nylon is the way to go. I use it for work too because leather was killing my back. With nylon I think you just have to get it as plain and inoffensive as possible. I like this one: https://statebags.com/products/kane-double-pocket-backpack-nylon-black.

Anonymous wrote:I have a Tumi backpack that I use for my commute (metro) and for traveling. It’s great. I can’t believe it took me so many years to switch. I think the leather ones look nicer, but I got nylon so that I wouldn’t have to worry about rain or about the leather rubbing off on my more delicate shirts, like silk.

Always nylon for travel. Leather is too heavy. Even the well-made leather ones that are designed to be lighter, they are heavier than nylon. When you are lugging it around an airport, in cabs, etc., you just don't want any extra weight. Plus it's a backpack -- it's going to look a little sporty no matter what, just lean into it.

I have a Tumi backpack that I use for my commute (metro) and for traveling. It’s great. I can’t believe it took me so many years to switch. I think the leather ones look nicer, but I got nylon so that I wouldn’t have to worry about rain or about the leather rubbing off on my more delicate shirts, like silk.

Tumbuk2 are my favorite:

https://www.timbuk2.com/collections/travel-backpacks

Anonymous wrote:Is this just for commuting in town? I have a Briggs and Riley backpack that I use daily.

No for airplanes, sorry for being unclear. "Carry on" is the key phrase.

Is this just for commuting in town? I have a Briggs and Riley backpack that I use daily.

Everlane's backpack looks modern and professional:



https://www.everlane.com/products/mens-renew-backpack-black

What have you seen that is ugly? I mean, a backpack is a backpack.

Like have you looked at: Dagne Dover, Lo & Sons, State, Tumi?

For a travel backpack, I really like having the sleeve that fits over the retracting handle of a rolling suitcase. Especially if you are traveling for work and have a laptop in your backpack -- it's really nice to be able to remove it but secure it somewhere else.

I need a carry on backpack for work (semi-casual atmosphere) but everything I've looked at is either really ugly or somewhat ugly.

Has anyone found a good one? It can be sporty (Patagonia, North Face, Bellroy) or more business-like.