With remote work and hybrid schedules more popular now than ever, millions of people in the United States are now mobile while working. Whether commuting to and from the office on in-person days, signing in from a coworking space, or traveling on business, it’s helpful to have a sturdy, reliable bag to transport work materials and a laptop in.
While there are many options out there, an everyday carry bag–or EDC bag for short–is one of the most versatile options available. These bags are designed to hold everything an individual may need for a day or two and provide maximum convenience. However, picking the right bag isn’t always easy, so here are a few tips to help out.
Why Switch to an EDC Backpack for Work?
Truth be told, there is no shortage of bag options for people who need to transport vital work equipment. Brief cases were once quite popular and still provide some utility, and tote bags can usually fit a laptop and some gear. So why choose an EDC work bag over other options? In the end, it comes down to convenience.
EDC bags are carefully designed to maximize comfort, utility, and versatility. They tend to come with lots of different compartments and pockets to make separating and organizing items easy. You’ll often find a designated laptop sleeve, a slot for tablets or notebooks, pockets for pens or sticky notes, space for a light sweater or similar garment, and a water bottle pocket. Rather than having you throw everything in one area and later fishing around for a particular item, a well-designed EDC work bag invites you to have a specific space for everything you might need throughout the course of a work day.
They’re also made with comfort in mind. Rather than having to lug around a heavy briefcase or an awkwardly shaped and ill-fitting bag, EDC bags are ergonomic and help distribute weight evenly across your body, resulting in a comfortable fit that won’t leave you sore. This is especially convenient while commuting, whether on public transportation or when taking your own vehicle. On trains and buses, EDC bags are lightweight, slender, and easy to maneuver, and they don’t leave you feeling awkward or bulky in public spaces. They’re easy to take with you on a bike or scooter, too.
And if all that isn’t enough, they tend to be highly stylish, coming in a wide variety of colors and materials.
What Features Should a Work Backpack Have?
A work backpack should include several perks that enhance your daily life. From comfort to style, there are several features to keep in mind when shopping for the perfect EDC backpack. Look for the following:
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Laptop Sleeve: You’re likely to carry a laptop for work, so make sure it fits snuggly in your bag. You may also want pockets for laptop accessories, like a charger, mouse, or tablet. If you have a large laptop, a bag like the Able Carry Max EDC is ideal.
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Water Bottle Pocket: Staying hydrated on the go will help you feel better and work harder. Find a bag with a dedicated slot for your favorite water bottle.
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Ventilation: Avoid sweat stains on your back by looking for an EDC work bag with good ventilation. The Able Carry Daily Backpack’s air channel helps keep air flowing on walks and long commutes, cooling your back and preventing excessive sweating.
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Cross Straps: A simple strap that runs across your chest better distributes the weight of your backpack, making carrying it easier and more comfortable.
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Shoulder Padding: For maximum comfort, find a bag with good shoulder padding, like in the Able Carry Daily Plus. This prevents even a heavy bag from cutting off circulation and overtaxing your shoulder and back muscles.
3 Tips for Picking the Best EDC Work Backpack
1. Determine Your Ideal Size
The point of an EDC work bag is to help carry everything you’ll need for a workday, so start by figuring out exactly how much space you need, and what type of space it is. If your laptop is a priority, look for a bag with a sizable and protective laptop slot. If that’s the majority of what you need, you can choose a smaller day bag with around 16-20 liters of volume. People who carry books or bulkier items may want something as big as 30 liters.
2. Find the Right Fit
After function comes comfort. Try on a variety of bags to determine what bodystyle and frame fits best. Frameless backpacks are uncomfortable when heavy and are harder to organize, so look for a bag with an internal frame. It’s also important to measure your torso size and shoulder width to find the best fit. Many bags are adjustable and able to fit a variety of sizes comfortably.
3. Choose a Style
Finally, look for something that matches your style. Find a material and color that both match the types of outfits you’re likely to use while working. This is especially important if you plan to take your bag to the office or to meetings.
Commute in Style With Able Carry
At Able Carry, our backpacks are carefully engineered to hold everyday items safely and comfortably. Our designs are created to help make your daily life easier. From laptop sleeves and water bottle pockets to padded straps and extra slots for storage, our everyday carry backpacks have plenty of storage to hold everything you need for work. Shop online today to discover premium comfort and style.