The Best Professional Backpack for Commuting

I have tried many different bags to carry all of my files and my computer.  I am always left frustrated with digging for my keys, searching for a pen, etc...  This all changed recently.  I saw my friend, Christine Bedre (The Pickled Principal) with this amazing backpack and, I was sold immediately. I ordered it from Amazon before I left for the TEPSA Summer Conference.  This backpack held all of my presentation materials and travel necessities too.

Swiss Gear Backpack

I commute about 40 minutes to work each day.  For some of you, 40 minutes doesn't seem so bad when compared to your travel time.  I can cut it down to maybe 30 minutes some days if I take a different route through the countryside.  However, that route has many roads without phone reception.  Also, in the early mornings, I run into the fear of hitting deer. 

This backpack carries not only some in-progress files, my macbook, but it also has many essentials for a long day.  I love all of the sections.  I think my favorite sections of the backpack are the two very front ones.  I have pens, keys and business cards in the front.  Anything that I need quickly is located in the front.

I removed all of my "stuff" so you can see the inside easily.

You may be thinking I'm not a backpack-kind-of-girl.  I thought the same thing for a long time.  I fought that same fight until I met up with Christine at Starbucks to begin planning Morale Magic.  Shopping for a professional looking backpack that is office/school appropriate and stylish can be a bit tricky.  Some bags can leave you looking unprofessional.  I'm totally fine with the look of this backpack even carrying it on my back with my dress and heels.  However, I can switch it out if going to a fancy meeting.  In that instance, I can carry my Dagne Dover bag. 

What do you use to carry your work essentials in each day? Have you converted to a backpack yet?