Work and gym backpack: what to look for

If you train after work, you know the problem: your laptop and documents should stay clean and protected, but shoes and training clothes have to come along too. Two bags are a hassle, and a classic gym bag looks out of place at the office. A good backpack for work and gym solves exactly that. These five points decide whether it works in everyday life.

1. A separate shoe compartment

Shoes are the bulkiest and dirtiest thing you carry. A dedicated compartment keeps them away from your laptop, clothes and food. Look for one that is ventilated and accessible from the outside, so you don't have to unpack the whole bag. Keep in mind that a shoe compartment takes space from the main compartment, so check before you buy whether your shoe size fits. Good to know: the shoe compartment of the DAYFARER Backpack 24L fits shoes up to EU size 48.

2. A dedicated laptop compartment

Your laptop should not sit loose in the main compartment. A separate sleeve at the back protects it and keeps it within reach, for example on the train or at airport security. Check the size: many backpacks stop at 15 inches.

3. The right size

Around 18 liters is enough for a laptop, documents and small items. Once training clothes and shoes are added, 22 to 26 liters is more realistic. Bigger is not automatically better: a half-empty 35-liter backpack quickly looks shapeless at the office.

4. Open it up instead of digging

With a top loader, whatever you need is always at the bottom. A main compartment that opens fully like a suitcase makes packing in the morning and changing at the gym much easier.

5. Materials that handle both

Your backpack sits on the office floor and on wet tiles in the changing room. A robust, water-repellent fabric and covered zippers matter more than lots of outer pockets. Water-repellent does not mean waterproof: wet gear belongs in a separate pouch.

How we solved it with the DAYFARER

The DAYFARER Backpack 24L is designed for exactly this kind of day. It has a separate, ventilated shoe compartment, a dedicated laptop compartment for devices up to 16 inches and a main compartment that opens fully. It is made from 100% recycled 420D Velocity nylon with YKK AquaGuard zippers and a magnetic FIDLOCK V-Buckle. It measures 48 x 30.5 x 20 cm and weighs 1.3 kg.

If you don't need a shoe compartment, the more compact DAYFARER Backpack 18L is the better choice: the same design, a laptop compartment for up to 16 inches and a fully opening main compartment, but no separate shoe compartment.