Selecting a brand new backpack is a really private determination you could and will take time over.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of backpacks on the market, however the selection turns into even trickier when you additionally need a bag that may handle your laptop computer and never weigh you down.
Fortunately in recent times laptops have gotten slimmer and lighter typically, saving our poor our bodies from having to lug round 3kg monsters together with huge heavy energy bricks. However regardless of this, you’ll nonetheless wish to go for a supportive new bag if you’re carrying round your laptop computer all day, in addition to anything that provides additional weight.
Whether or not it’s the charger or your mouse, or different stuff like your lunch or a coat, backpacks are available in each conceivable form and dimension. We’ve made positive to incorporate plenty of selection right here, however every bag included on this article has a devoted slot or sleeve inside to carry a laptop computer.
It’s smart to choose a bag that doesn’t promote you’ve acquired an costly laptop computer in your individual, so bear that in thoughts. We reckon most of those baggage are fairly refined.
We have now personally examined every backpack included for a number of months to make sure they need to be really useful as one of the best round. Whether or not you prioritise design, consolation or laptop computer safety, there’s one thing right here for everybody at a variety of various costs.
We have now listed the utmost dimension of laptop computer that every bag will take, and likewise the general capability (measured in litres).
Want a laptop computer to place in your new bag? Check out one of the best laptops to purchase in addition to one of the best finances laptops.
Finest laptop computer backpacks 2023
WaterField Important Laptop computer Backpack – Finest laptop computer backpack
Professionals
- Fleece-lined laptop computer pocket
- Waterproof options
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 16in
Capability: 17L
The ‘Important’ laptop computer bag from WaterField is, nicely, focussed on the necessities – however it actually nails them.
The aesthetic is easy, however glossy, with a selection of vibrant accents beneath the black physique. Constructed from water resistant nylon, with waterproof seals across the zips, that is sturdy sufficient to outlive the weather, with a structured physique that holds its form even when the bag is empty.
Outer pockets on both sides will maintain water bottles or small umbrellas, and there are zipped compartments on each the within and out of doors for protecting observe of your free bits and items.
The one padded and fleece-lined laptop computer pouch is sufficiently big for 14in and even some 16in units, with a easy velcro strap to carry issues in place.
There’s additionally a well-made messenger bag model when you want a shoulder bag. This spherical up is especially for two-strap backpacks, however the high quality of the Waterfield Important messenger is so good we additionally needed to provide it a shout out. Its simplicity is its secret – a slender bag with shocking capability that matches as much as 14in laptops together with books, chargers, water bottle and extra.
It has intelligent magnetic snap-shut buckles that slide open and a intelligent orange lining—as a substitute of black—that helps you simpler rapidly look and see what’s inside.
Aer Metropolis Pack – Excellent construct high quality
Professionals
- Strong supplies
- Suspended laptop computer pocket
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 16in
Capability: 14L
One of many easiest laptop computer backpacks is the Metropolis Pack made by San Francisco firm Aer. The bag is well-designed and of fantastic high quality with prime supplies, zippers, and compartments.
The outer materials is a really hardy 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon full with YKK zipper and Duraflex plastic on the tag pulls that makes for a premium feeling product. Importantly, the padded laptop computer pocket (as much as 16in) is suspended so your laptop computer gained’t hit the bottom if you put the bag down. The straps are additionally very snug for all-day put on.
There are tons of storage pockets to organise your stuff within the entrance compartment, in addition to two exterior pockets, certainly one of which has a mushy lining on your cellphone or glasses. With a tiny pocket contained in the bag to fit an AirTag, it is a trendy backpack with excellent consideration to design element.
The one draw back is the bag solely has a 14L capability regardless of being comparatively giant and boxy. That’s as a result of the principle compartment has good size and width however not a lot depth at solely 5in (12.5cm). It means you have to stack objects resembling coats, footwear, lunch field or headphones on prime of one another, tower fashion, and also you run out of room surprisingly rapidly.
In any other case it is a stellar selection.
Stubble & Co – Trendy & top quality
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 16in
Capability: 21L
We’ve little question that Stubble & Co is making among the most trendy and well-made baggage round. And we’ve included two right here as a result of they’re each so good.
First up is ‘The Backpack‘, which isn’t an excessively difficult rucksack with extra pockets than you’ll be able to bear in mind. As a substitute, it’s easy and efficient with only a pocket on the entrance and a small one inside. You additionally get aspect pockets for objects like water bottles.
This up to date mannequin has a 21L essential compartment and you’ll match as much as a 16in laptop computer within the protected part on the again. Moreover, the fabric is now water resistant premium Tekwax canvas (additionally discovered on the brand new The Weekender – a holdall with a laptop computer compartment). Should you want a totally waterproof bag then look to The Roll High.
Not solely does The Backpack look nice—out there in All Black and Pirate colors—the craftsmanship is phenomenal. The magnets on the lid have been changed with a safer G clip.
The Commuter (pictured on the left, $155/£125) is out there in two colors and can also be produced from British Millerain premium Tekwax canvas. It’s a extra conventional form with comparable 20L capability together with extra sections–specifically a devoted laptop computer compartment with its personal zip–and pockets if that’s extra the type of factor you want.
Stubble & Co The Journey Bag – Finest laptop computer backpack for journey
Professionals
- Large 42L capability
- Suits (most) airline cabin limits
- Clam shell flat opening
- Loads of pockets
Cons
- Costly
- Test your airline limits
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 16in
Capability: 42L
Sneaking as giant a carry-on bag as doable when taking a flight is now normal follow for many of us. It saves some huge cash on placing one other bag within the maintain and may get you out of the airport a lot sooner—leaving these unhappy baggage carousel waiters within the mud. And there’s a lot much less probability of the airline shedding your gear.
The light-weight (1.7kg; 3.7lb) and comfy Journey Bag from premium baggage maker Stubble & Co (see above) has been praised in lots of locations as the last word flight carry-on baggage because it has a large 42L capability however nonetheless matches inside most airways’ carry-on baggage dimension limits.
It options a big and simply accessible side-opening, padded laptop computer compartment that can simply match a 16-inch laptop computer, though perhaps not if it’s in its personal protecting case. Different laptops needs to be wonderful, and nicely protected inside.
Its Peak/Width/Depth dimensions are 55 x 38 x 24cm (22 x 15 x 9 inches). That’s just about bang on or fractionally over the restrict, which is extensively thought to be 55.9 x 35.6 x 22.9cm (22 x 14 x 9 inches) for home flights. Because it’s a backpack, you don’t need to issue a deal with or wheels into that restrict. It’s inside BA’s 55 x 40 x 23cm restrict however over United’s 56 x 35 x 22cm. the preferred airways, we predict the Journey Bag ought to simply match when you don’t overfill it—put that coat on when checking in or going via the gate. The bag’s mushy sides and aspect compression straps additionally enable a little bit of squidging if you’re made to load the bag into one of many dreaded Departures dimension cages.
If travelling by practice or coach, you’ve gotten fewer size-limit fears, and the 42L capability needs to be sufficient for a brief break with out requiring a suitcase.
Like all one of the best baggage, the Journey Bag opens out flat in a ‘clamshell’ format, making entry to even deep objects a lot simpler than with a extra closed design.
There are ten sturdy pockets—4 exterior for accessibility. Beneficiant inside pockets are meshed so you’ll be able to rapidly see the place all of your objects are saved. An elasticated water-bottle pocket matches a good sized flask and a normal plastic bottle. And there’s a hidden pocket on the again on your valuables.
Some airways cost over $100 per flight for a bag within the maintain, so whereas The Journey Bag is pricey it might save a frequent flyer that buy value a number of instances over.
Bellroy Tokyo Totepack – Tote and backpack in a single
Cons
- Not fully waterproof
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 15in
Capability: 14L or 20L
This backpack has giant tote handles on the highest so it may be carried as a tote if you wish to, and the again straps fold neatly away.
However this bag remains to be finest when used as a backpack and is pleasingly protecting and comfy regardless of the marginally uncommon design. We examined the bigger 20L model (there’s a smaller 14L too) and managed to slot in excess of anticipated with a 15in laptop computer, books, headphones, keys, lunch, and spare footwear all becoming in there with room to spare. It’s a little bit of a Mary Poppins bag.
There are intelligent touches like the 2 inside pockets for water bottle, umbrella, or footwear in addition to two exterior zip pockets for simple entry to smaller objects. The highest zipper has a climate flap beneath to make up for the actual fact the zippers and supplies used right here aren’t waterproof. However this is a wonderful and excellently well-made laptop computer backpack from Bellroy that manages to be light-weight however sturdy.
STM Banks – A number of house
Professionals
- Particular laptop computer safety options
Cons
- Smallish capability
- Awkward openings
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 15in
Capability: 18L
STM Banks is the newest laptop computer bag from Australia-based STM, providing a accepatible 18L capability with out compromising the slimline design. There’s additionally breathable mesh cloth on the again, serving to to keep away from the awkward again sweat when carrying a rucksack.
It’s designed to be an on a regular basis bag in addition to a laptop computer bag, with loads of house on your laptop computer (as much as 15in), charger, cellphone, lunch and even a jacket – consider me, I’ve tried. There are many pockets of all sizes and shapes that’ll maintain all the pieces from sun shades to telephones to battery packs and extra.
That’s to not say that it doesn’t have some spectacular laptop-specific options together with the corporate’s personal Slingtech safety that suspends the laptop computer sleeve from the bottom to guard it from drops, whereas additionally offering additional cushioning on the corners.
It additionally options the all-new CableReady routing system that means that you can retailer run cables via totally different sections of the bag, excellent for protecting your smartphone or laptop computer topped up whereas on the go.
Our solely criticism? Whereas there may be loads of storage, we discovered that the openings have been a bit tight for our liking, making peering into the contents of the bag a barely awkward course of. It’s an identical story with the entrance pockets, that means you’ll be relying extra in your sense of contact than sight when fishing on your iPhone cable or headphones.
Chrome Industries City Ex 2.0 Rolltop – Finest for rain
Cons
- No exterior pockets or bottle holder
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 15in
Capability: 20L or 30L
Should you cycle and want to hold your laptop computer then look no additional than this superior light-weight, totally waterproof rolltop backpack from Chrome Industries.
The knurled welded materials means this seems like a dry bag, and it just about is one – however it’s acquired extra form and organisation. A padded laptop computer sleeve on the within matches as much as 15in computer systems, and two different pockets allow you to slip a ebook, cellphone and pens into place in order that they don’t clang round the principle a part of the bag along with your bigger objects.
As it is a rolltop with clip-down closure there aren’t any exterior zippers (no zips in any respect in truth) and no water bottle pockets. That is price taking into consideration if you’re one to be taking issues out and in of your bag loads, however bear in mind you’re gaining full waterproofing by making that sacrifice – giving nice peace of thoughts when lugging your laptop computer via the rain.
The U-loops on the again for a U-lock are cleverly reflective, and the straps with a chest strap are very snug. For a glossy minimalist look with sufficient laptop computer and climate safety to not fear, it is a nice selection. You may even put bigger, taller objects within the bag when unrolled as the fabric stays upright and stiff, and there are carry handles for if you do.
We examined the 20L model however there’s a bigger 30L one when you carry round loads of gear.
Moshi Muto – Compact, safe & trendy
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 13in
The Moshi Muto is a splendidly trendy and purposeful bag for 11in to 13in laptops. As a three-way convertible bag, you should utilize it as a backpack, a crossbody sling, or briefcase.
It’s nicely made and designed with each anti-theft and RFID safety. It’s additionally snug to put on with padded straps.
Clipping within the staps to make use of the Muto as a backpack was fairly apparent, barely much less apparent was understanding re-orienting the straps to make use of the bag as a sling. Trace: you’ll want to attach one of many straps diagonally and tuck the opposite one away below the flap on the again.
Should you’re utilizing the bag as a briefcase, you’ll have to tuck each straps away below the again flap. A short instruction notice would have been helpful — however that’s about the one criticism I’ve in direction of the Muto.
I actually preferred the clear minimalist design. It’s an amazing selection for the workplace or a wander across the metropolis. You may preserve all of your necessities in a single place with peace of thoughts. There’s additionally a pocket on your water bottle.
Targus Work + Play Biking 15.6″ Laptop computer BackPack – Finest for cyclists
Professionals
- Particular bicycle owner laptop computer backpack
- Loads of pockets
Cons
- Straps not as padded as we would like
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 15.6in
Capability: 27L
Should you cycle to work and like a rucksack to the over-the-shoulder commuter-style baggage, then Targus has the reply.
It developed the Biking BackPack with knowledgeable bicycle owner, which appears an odd selection since execs don’t are inclined to cycle round with gear on their again.
In any case, it is a well-designed rucksack that can accommodate all the pieces most cyclists will want. Which means a useful inside compartment which is able to preserve a pair of footwear separate from all the pieces else in the principle compartment, lash factors on the surface to which you’ll connect a helmet (when not biking, clearly), taillights and your bike lock.
There’s house within the padded rear compartment for a laptop computer as much as 15.6in and many different useful pockets on your cellphone, keys and different bits and items.
There’s even a devoted house on the backside to maintain a spare innertube, tyre levers and different instruments.
Proving it thought of all climate circumstances, the bag additionally has a shiny orange rain cowl saved within the base which you’ll rapidly whip out in a downpour and it has a zipper so you’ll be able to nonetheless connect a light-weight to the rucksack.
The straps aren’t as thick and padded as we’ve seen on different Targus baggage, however it’s good to see an elastic strap that clips between the shoulder straps to assist preserve it from transferring round whereas biking.
Harber Commuter Backpack – Style-focussed
Professionals
- Tremendous trendy
- Particular pill part
Cons
- Small capability
- No pockets
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 16in
Capability: 17L
Harber’s Commuter is a backpack for the fashion over substance crowd. Handmade in Spain from a mix of recycled cloth and full grain leather-based, that is undoubtedly a looker, and oozes high quality from prime to backside.
Constructed for laptops from 13in as much as 16in, you get a padded compartment on your PC – with a false backside in order that it gained’t thud into the ground if you drop your bag down. An extra pill part is right for these of us wielding twin units, however be warned: that’s all you get.
There aren’t every other pouches or pockets, inside or out, which suggests this solely fits minimalist tastes – when you have a tendency to hold a load spherical with you, it’ll all need to go free into the principle compartment.
Troubadour Apex
Professionals
- Luxurious really feel
- Suits as much as a 17in laptop computer
Laptop computer dimension: as much as 17in
Capability: 25L
This backpack is a bit on the expensive aspect, however we included it right here due to the sheer high quality of supplies and the actual fact it’s one of many few backpacks on the market we predict genuinely appears good with a go well with, if it’s worthwhile to costume up your laptop-carrying look.
The Apex’s 25L capability is well-spaced out sufficient to slot in a 17in laptop computer in addition to lunch and health club gear (belief us we’ve completed it), which is protected against the weather with waterproof outer cloth, lining and zippers.
A really snug again panel holds the pack barely off your again to make it extra breathable, whereas the leather-based accents on the black, inexperienced or blue colourways assist so as to add a bit of sophistication to the bag.
For travelling there’s a trolley sleeve on the again to connect to a wheelie bag’s deal with, and there are tons of inside and exterior pockets to please even the fussiest of organisers.
Laptop computer bag shopping for recommendation
Each laptop computer bag has a devoted compartment on your laptop, and baggage often promote the largest laptop computer you’ll be able to carry by giving a display screen dimension in inches. You would possibly discover {that a} laptop computer with a 16in display screen will match because of its dimensions, even when the bag says ‘as much as 15in’ – though it might be a decent match.
Pockets and flaps for simple entry
Frequent travellers ought to search for a bag with an easy-access laptop computer pocket, so you’ll be able to rapidly whip out your gadget at airport safety. A baggage pass-through flap will even enable you to connect the bag to your suitcase’s telescopic drag deal with.
The quantity of safety varies from bag to bag, with some producers offering all-around padding (with double on the backside) and others simply an inside pouch with no prime cowl. Learn our opinions to seek out out what degree of safety every bag provides.
In addition to your laptop computer, you’ll want room for the facility provide, different equipment and your personal gear, whether or not that’s a health club package, water bottle, paperwork, keys, cellphone and different devices. Most baggage have a nominal capability, however that is often the full quantity, fairly than a single house for stuff apart from a laptop computer.
A number of pockets are helpful as they assist preserve all the pieces separate and organise, whereas a bag with a big additional compartment is sweet for cumbersome objects resembling footwear. Search for a capability in litres, however keep in mind that the bigger the capability, the larger (and often heavier) the bag you’ll have to hold in every single place.
Some baggage have a devoted pocket for tablets and one other for smartphones or media gamers. The latter generally have a gap via which you’ll route your headphones.
It’s helpful to have a number of zipped pockets which might be accessed independently, fairly than having to open the principle zip to get at inside pockets. That offers would-be thieves a view of what you’re carrying and isn’t almost as handy.
Strap high quality: consolation, consolation, consolation!
Should you’re sporting your backpack for a number of hours at a time, you’ll wish to keep snug. Search for one with well-padded straps and – when you’ll be strolling lengthy distances – a chest strap to assist stabilise the load. Some baggage actually have a hiking-style waist strap, however that’s overkill on a laptop computer service.
Many will even be designed to assist with airflow so that you’re not a sweaty mess after a bit exertion.
Safety: Water, RFID and antibacterial
Many laptop computer baggage use water resistant materials both on the surface or within the lining. If it is a precedence, keep in mind that solely baggage marked as waterproof will guarantee your package stays dry. Some baggage include a separate rain cowl which you’ll pop over the rucksack in a downpour to maintain your package bone dry.
Water resistance doesn’t imply the identical factor as waterproof. Should you’re biking within the rain, it’s smart to make use of extra safety resembling a correct rain cowl or preserve some giant freezer baggage to seal in your devices.
Now that lockdowns are starting to ease, you might also wish to take into consideration added antibacterial safety – particularly when you’re one to maintain your backpack on soiled tube flooring or on the bottom. Some manufacturers like The Pure Bag even use silver-ion materials that forestall micro organism development. Although a better resolution could also be to go for a backpack made with easy-to-wipe materials or plastics.
Moreover, when you preserve your pockets, bank cards, and even Oyster card in your backpack, you may additionally wish to take into account a bag with RFID safety to maintain the baddies from getting their palms in your funds. Or get your self a wise pockets.
Costs
Costs differ extensively, and also you don’t all the time get what you pay for. Shopping for a laptop computer bag from a trend model, for instance, is likely to be extra pricey, however doesn’t assure higher high quality zips or fasteners than a less expensive bag. That’s the place our opinions are available in, after all.