With the CDC reporting that over 35% of Americans are fully vaccinated — about half of U.S. adults — the forced COVID-19 work-from-home experiment is approaching an end. Often considered the frontrunners in shaking up the modern office concept, Microsoft is planning to reopen their office workspaces in September, while Google is limiting employees to a maximum of 14 days WFH annually without manager approval.
With hybrid workspace mandates dependent on employer policy, one thing is for sure: American workers are on the move and business travel is on the rise.
So as the cacophony of the morning commute crescendos and the summer travel season starts, we introduce our new favorite backpacks and bags. Meet our top four favorites for bringing back the employee dress code.
1. The Jetsetter
Everything you want from a commuter bag without the bulk, the Impact Tech Backpack from Port Authority® is packed with pockets for all your essentials. Finished in smooth, 300-denier twill polyester, it’s ideal for both embroidery and color printing. And don’t let the slimmer silhouette fool you, it includes a dedicated padded pocket to keep your laptop safe and in place.
Ideal for: Quick business trips, out-of-office client meetings, sport conferences and campus commuting.
2. The MultiTasker
Topped with four D-rings and a laser-cut Hypalon front panel, the OGIO® Utilitarian Pack is a travel bag you can build on. Hook pouches, flashlights, keys, and other essentials to extend its already ample storage space. Specialty compartments for gadgets, clothes, and shoes are all about that work-life balance while you’re on the road. As tough as it may be, the backpack has a soft side when it comes to protecting precious cargo. Store tablets and laptops in the rear padded slot, phones in the fleece-lined front pockets, and eyeglasses in the top molded compartment.
Ideal for: Urban dwellers, business travel, outdoor adventuring and summer road trips.
3. The Chameleon
One bag. A dozen uses. Softly structured, and swathed in durable 1,680D polyester, The OGIO® Commuter Duffel comes with a removable crossbody strap that comes in handy because, with the carrying capacity that’s inside, you won’t want your arms weighed down. One part satchel and two parts gym bag, it easily transitions to meet all of the day’s demands. The inside features a removable mesh bag, for clothes or shoes, and a protective laptop sleeve.
Travel tip: Zip through terminals with ease and consolidate your carry-ons. All three of the above styles slide right over your rolling suitcase handles.
4. The Cool Kid
The Port Authority® 18-Can Backpack Cooler is ideal for professionals in the food or beverage industry. With a durable 600 denier polyester exterior and a heat-sealed, water-resistant PEVA-lined interior, this backpack helps keep perishables cool and fresh between meetings. And when work is over, it’s always welcome at the after-hour golf outings and team camping trip. Padded straps make carrying heavy cans a cinch, while the roll-top closure buckles down to keep contents from shifting.
Ideal for: Chefs, boating, sport professionals, coaches, camping, golfing and food service reps.
Don’t stop here! View all our latest bags, backpacks, duffels and satchels here.
Are you excited to see people going back to work? What’s your bag of choice? Let us know and join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram.