Trend Watch: Backpacks in the Boardroom

There’s a serious style shift happening in the corporate world. Execs at every level of the ladder are adopting backpacks as their daily go-to bag. While briefcases and messenger bags haven’t been abandoned, backpacks are gaining ground fast.

According to NPD, Inc., a market research firm that tracks retail trends, sales of adult backpacks have grown steadily in the past two years. Between August 2016 and August 2017, sales of that segment increased 5% to $864 million. Adult backpacks now represent 48% of the entire U.S. backpack market.

So why the changing tastes? The answer appears to be twofold:

More refined and sophisticated options.

“Backpacks have gotten more executive,” explained NPD analyst Michael Cohen in a recent Wall Street Journal interview. Across the board, labels and designers are creating fashionable and backpacks in in upscale materials like leather, or a mix of fabrication.

Backpacks are built for real life.

Whether you’re an executive or an intern, a backpack has the storage capacity for an entire day – no matter how packed your schedule is. It will hold your laptop, workout clothes and a water bottle as you go from office to the gym.

As you start planning for 2018 consider one of these backpacks for employee holiday gifts, for new employees, or for general branding purposes.

Tranzit 15” Computer Backpack

Designed to get you around in style. This backpack features a clean-wipe bottom, large zippered front pocket so you have easy access to all of those items that fall down to the bottom. The top loops on the bag will hold your umbrella or jacket (nice). The main compartment holds up to a 15.6” computer and has side pockets to hold your water bottle.

Heritage Supply Tanner Backpack

With an understated design, this sleek bag boasts a retail look. It’s lightweight, and basic with and perfect for any occasion. This bag features a large main compartment, side water bottle pockets, interior multi-function organizer, padded straps and neoprene top handle.

Timbuk2 Parkside Backpack

Timbuk2 started out offering only messenger bags, but they have evolved over the years and so has their product offering. Not only for bicyclists anymore, this brand now offers a variety of styles that are perfect for commuters or executives. This Parkside Backpack is a perfect example of the latter. Timbuk2 offers stock styles that you can customize or completely customizable bags that are unique to your brand. Whatever it is you are looking for, they have got it!

The Bottom Line

The backpack is evolving and as it becomes a go-to bag in corporate settings, it also becomes a great vehicle for delivering brand impressions. But remember, no matter what brand personality you’re working with, from corporate to casual, there’s a backpack that’s just right for you.