Briefcases vs. Backpacks: Which One is Best for Your Daily Commute?
The bag you choose for your commute can make a big difference, as it can make your travel more comfortable and less hectic. Whether you travel by car, bus, train, or bike, carrying the right bag will help you bring all of your essential items and make your commute much easier.
Briefcases and backpacks are both very good options for commuting and in this article, we will be looking at all of the unique benefits and traits of each to help settle the Briefcases vs. Backpacks debate. So, without further delay, let's get into it.
The Case for Briefcases
The briefcase has long been associated with professionals in business and corporate environments. They provide a refined and organized way to carry personal belongings and work essentials in a more elegant and professional look, which is why many professionals prefer a briefcase vs backpack for work.
Briefcases also often come with designated compartments that make it easier for you to organize your belongings inside them. Many briefcases also come with separate compartments for laptops and other office commute accessories. You can also get a laptop bag briefcase if you are looking for a briefcase mainly for your laptop
The Case for Backpacks
While backpacks might look less professional than briefcases, they make up for it by offering you more space for your items. Taking a backpack vs briefcase for work is also the more comfortable option, as many people might prefer carrying a double strap backpack on their shoulder vs a briefcase.
There are also a lot of backpacks that are made specifically for professional use, so their overall design and look is very professional, making them an ideal choice for people looking for a business backpack vs briefcase.
How to Decide Which one is Best for you
Assess Your Commute
- Driving: Both options work well here. That said, most people will find briefcases easier to place on a car seat without taking up too much space.
- Public Transportation: A backpack may be more practical for navigating crowded buses or trains, while a briefcase works well for shorter, more direct routes.
- Walking or Biking: Its much easier to ride your bike with a backpack, as you can just have it on your shoulders while you are riding your bike. Of Course, you can do the same with a briefcase, but it is a bit more difficult. Laptop backpacks are especially good for this as you can easily carry your laptop with you.
Consider Your Workplace Culture
- Corporate Settings: A briefcase goes better with formal business attire and traditional office environments.
- Casual or Creative Workspaces: A well-designed backpack can be a suitable alternative.
- Hybrid Work Environments: Backpacks are often more flexible than briefcases, making them ideal for hybrid work environments.
Think About What You Need to Carry
- Minimalist Needs: If you only carry a laptop and a few documents, a briefcase may be the best choice.
- Multiple Items: If you need extra space for lunch, gym gear, or additional items, a backpack is likely the better fit
Real World Situations
The decision of a briefcase or backpack for work will often come down to what your individual circumstance is.
Say, for example, you work in an IT based field where having a bag that can carry a laptop is a necessity. You might want to opt for a laptop backpack vs briefcase, as it is easier to carry a laptop in a backpack, especially if your laptop is a bit heavy. Having a backpack in an IT company will also not be an issue as most people will come with backpacks.
Comparatively, if you are someone who is working in a company where you need to go dressed to work in a suit, a briefcase might be the better option as briefcases are often better suited to those types of work environments. Some workplaces also have a strict dress code, and briefcases have an edge over backpacks in those situations.
Pros and Cons of Briefcases and Backpacks
Pros and Cons of Briefcases
| Enhances a professional appearance and pairs well with business attire. | Can be uncomfortable for long walks or bike commutes due to uneven weight distribution. |
| Offers structured compartments for quick and easy organization. | Limited storage space for bulkier items like gym clothes or packed lunches. |
| Ideal for short commutes and formal business settings. | Less versatile for casual or multi-purpose use. |
| Durable, especially when made from high-quality leather or reinforced materials. | Lacks the hands-free convenience of a backpack. |
Pros and Cons of Backpacks
| Evenly distributes weight, reducing strain on the shoulders and back. | Less formal in appearance, which may not align with corporate dress codes. |
| Provides ample storage space for laptops, documents, and extra items like gym gear. | Requires removing the backpack to access items, making it less convenient in some situations. |
| Versatile for work, travel, and casual settings. | Some designs can be bulky, making navigation in crowded spaces more difficult. |
| Allows for hands-free convenience while commuting. | Overloading a backpack can cause posture problems over time. |
Conclusion
So there you have it, a detailed look at both backpacks and briefcases and which one works best for commuters. Both have their own pros and cons, and the best one for you ultimately comes down to your individual needs.
If you are currently looking for a briefcase or backpack, make sure you check out Everki, an online store that has tons of top-of-the-line bags with something available for everyone!
FAQ’s
● Q: Is a briefcase necessary for business attire?
○ A: A briefcase is not necessary for business attire, but it goes better with business clothes. Briefcases are also a much better option for business attire when compared to backpacks.
● Q: What size laptop fits in most backpacks?
○ A: Most laptop backpacks will have enough space for almost any laptop. The laptop backpacks available on Everki have all the space you need and carry any laptop you might have.
● Q: Can a backpack still look professional?
○ A: Yes, backpacks are often not considered professional, especially when compared to briefcases, but they can still look professional. Business backpacks have a very slick and professional look, making them very good for professional settings. You can find a wide array of backpacks suited for professional workplaces on Everki!
