This Backpack Is Going To Be Your Commuting Staple

If you've spent time commuting with a laptop, you know it's a serious drag to carry a heavy computer in a shoulder bag. Over the past several months, I've noticed affordable laptop backpacks popping up everywhere, and I have to admit that the idea of carrying a backpack again intrigued me. If you're anything like me, chances are the last time you carried a backpack was in high school or college. But after spending almost two years commuting in New York City with a heavy shoulder bag, I'm feeling the effects in my tight shoulders and perpetually sore neck. After my pilates teacher chastised me (once again) for hauling a heavy bag on one shoulder, I had to find a new solution.

That's why I started researching backpacks that were chic enough to carry to work but still functional, and Bartaile's cute options immediately caught my eye. The company was created by two University of Pennsylvania MBA candidates who were looking for beautiful but functional bags to carry their laptops to school and work. They created Bartaile, which sells convertible laptop bags that can be carried as backpacks, on your shoulder or cross-body. I mean, these bags don't look like the typical backpack.

They're super cute, right?

The two options Bartaile currently sells retail for $225 and $325, so they're not super affordable options. But the brand recognized that, and its founders decided to develop a lower-cost option that would retail for a lower price point. To fund the project, they've created a Kickstarter that's launching April 18. The first people who support the project will be able to get the new Nylux version of its C12 bag for just $130, which is a significant savings from the $225 option.

It's still super chic, right? The $130 bag option will be available for 30 days, then the campaign will end and the Nylux C12 will be available on the Bartaile website for $185. Here's a peek at the inside of the bag.

The new version even has the brand's signature laptop pocket as well as handy pockets for all your devices.

I love that the bag comes in multiple colors too. The basic black is gorgeous of course.

I'm also loving this olive green option. Both colors are great. I know I'll be keeping an eye on the company's website over the next few weeks and be prepared to sign up as soon as that Kickstarter launches.