best work travel laptop bag

• Meet the Team
• Our Manifesto
• Work with Us
• Budget Travel
• Personal Development
• Work & Travel
• United Kingdom
• More of Europe
• Philippines
• More of Southeast Asia
• More of South America
• More of Central America
• South Korea
• More of Asia
• More of North America
• New Zealand
• Pacific Islands
• More of Oceania
• South Africa
• More of Africa
• More of the Middle East
• Travel Essentials
• Travel Gear

Home » Gear » best travel laptop bags

17 Best Travel Laptop Bags – Honest Reviews & Advice for 2024

Are you in search of a good all-around laptop bag for traveling around with?

In today’s world, travel and tech go hand in hand. You might be traveling for work or pleasure, commute or an international journey, but no matter where you’re going, chances are you’ll take your laptop or tablet with you.

If you’re reading this review, you’re probably looking for the best travel laptop bag to protect your precious computer and tech.

We agree that you should travel with a laptop and take care of it ! After all, working off a laptop gives loads of freedom to live and travel however you’d like. Plus, laptops make staying in contact with home a bit easier.

While looking through all of these laptop bags, you need to ask yourself: “which bag will work best for me and my needs?”

That’s where we come in with our detailed review of 15 of the best laptop bags for travel!

Quick Answer: What are the Best Laptop Bags for Travelers?

How to choose the best travel laptop bags, the best laptop bags for travelers, faq about the best travel laptop bags, final thoughts on the best laptop bags for travelers.

• Buy Us a Coffee!
• Best Overall Travel Laptop Bag – Nomatic Messenger Bag
• Best Overall Travel Laptop Bag Runner-up – Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack
• Best Carry-on Laptop Bag – Fjallraven Kanken #02 Laptop bag
• Best Messenger-style Laptop Bag – Kodiak Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag
• Best ‘Briefcase’ Laptop Bag for Business Travel – Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase
• Best Messenger Laptop Bag for Women – Sherpani Cabo Convertible Pack – Women’s
• Best for Small Laptops – Gulu Handmade Influencer Backpack
• Best for Traveling with a Laptop and Tablet – Inateck Travel Carry-on 40L Laptop Backpack
• Best Waterproof Laptop Bag – Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 20L Pack
• Best Hipster Laptop Bag – Stubble & Co The Roll Top

Nomatic Messenger Bag

• Price > $259.99
• > Great ergonomics

Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack

• Price > $250
• > Lockable zippers
• > Tablet compartment

Fjallraven Kanken No. 2 Laptop Pack

• Price > $155
• > Lockable main compartment
• > Padded shoulder straps

Kodiak Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag.

• Price > $269
• > Weatherproof
• > Thoughtful pockets

MYSTERY RANCH 3-Way Expandable Briefcase

• Price > $199
• > TSA-friendly
• > Removable cross-body strap

Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase

• > Carries 15″ laptop
• > 2 exterior pockets

Sherpani Cabo Convertible Pack

• Price > $74.95
• > Flashlight-pen included!
• > Multi-use

Gulu Handmade Influencer Backpack

• Price > $129
• > Simple designs
• > Good quality materials

Stubble & Co Roll Top

• Price > $170
• > Great laptop compartments
• > Cool and stylish

Inateck Travel Carry-on 40L Laptop Backpack

• Price > $42.54
• > Two laptop compartments
• > Lockable zips

Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 20L Pack

• > Rugged and durable
• > Completely waterproof

Pacsafe MetroSafe LS350 ECONYL Daypack

• > RFIDsafe blocking material
• > Cut-resistant material

MYSTERY RANCH Urban Assault Pack

• > YKK Zippers
• > Comfortable Straps

K&F Concept DSLR Camera and Laptop Bag

• Price > $59.49
• > Tough nylon material
• > Internal dividers can be personalised

Estarer 17.3” Laptop Messenger Bag

• Price > $29.99
• > Made from water repellent canvas
• > RFID protection pocket

REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 Recycled Daypack

• > Plenty of additional pockets
• > Breathable

The Roll Top Stubble & Co

• > Roll top makes it expandable
• > Durable and weather resistant material

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

When you think about it, there are many factors to consider when buying a laptop bag for traveling – which is why articles like this are so great of course!

You need to travel with a laptop, but is this mainly for commuting within your city, or traveling more broadly, nationally or internationally? And is this travel for work, school, or just plain travel? Do you need your laptop bag to be rugged or is it just for urban use?

Each will have an impact on the laptop bag you want to buy.

What Size Bag Do You Need?

There are some other obvious factors to take into account. You’ll need a bag that fits your particular travel laptop – and if you need to travel with more than one electronic device, you’ll need to make sure any bag you choose can comfortably fit another device.

The best travel laptop bags will include dedicated sleeves, pockets, and dedicated laptop compartments that fit your lifestyle! Also, remember there’s some great travel purses out there that you can combine with a laptop bag to keep your passport and wallet safe and organised.

Once you figure out what size and shape you want, you need to know how much extra stuff you want to carry. Is this bag for a short commute to school or work If so, you may only need a bag under 20 liters.

Are you traveling for longer periods? If so, you’re going to need space for clothes, adapters, and other miscellaneous kits. In this case, laptop backpacks might be better than a messenger bag. We have a best laptop backpacks post elsewhere on the site.

Type of Laptop Bag

There are a few different types of laptop bags in this article. We have reviewed classic messenger bags, urban backpacks, classic-style bags, and fully waterproof backpacks.

Some even switch from a messenger to a backpack for their laptops ! Depending on your style and needs, you will need to decide what type of bag you want.

Organization

Consider how you like to pack and travel. Are you a simple soul who can survive on the minimum? If so, you’ll be happy with a minimalist bag with fewer compartments, a laptop sleeve, and not much else.

Someone who prefers to travel with more kit, or likes to be more organized, will undoubtedly want a laptop travel bag with several compartments, pockets, and organization features.

The question of cost is also an important one for many, and will also have an impact on how long you’re expecting this bag to last – just a couple of weeks to cover you during an unexpected trip, or do you want a bag durable enough to last you for years.

Below is our full list of the 15 top laptop bags for travel on the market! We have reviewed bags for all styles, uses, and budgets. Whether you need a bag to travel for business, pleasure, or simply to-and-from work, we’ve got you covered below!

Introducing the world’s best co-working hostel – a game changing space…

Tribal Hostel Bali is finally open – this custom-designed co-working hostel is an absolute game-changer for digital nomads, wandering entrepreneurs and excitable backpackers alike… 

A unique coworking and co-living hostel for those that want to travel the world while working from their laptops. Make use of the massive open-air coworking spaces and sip on delicious coffee.

Need more work inspiration? Staying at a digital nomad-friendly hostel is a really smart way to get more done whilst still enjoying the social life of travelling… Mingle, share ideas, brainstorm, make connections and find your tribe at Tribal Bali!

#1. Nomatic Messenger Bag – Best Overall Travel Laptop Bag

Nomatic has provided us with a simple travel laptop bag. This slim over-the-shoulder is perfect for toting your laptop and necessary accessories around in an urban environment, and we love traveling with it!

This sleek laptop travel bag holds everything you need in a slim 3.5 inches. The padded straps even unbuckles so your bag can disguise itself as a professional travel briefcase. Traveling is easy with the Nomatic Laptop Bag, as it can slip right over your suitcase with its trolley sleeve.

Also, you won’t be the one holding up the line at TSA, as the bag allows quick access to those items that need extra screening.

To learn more about this awesome shoulder bag, be sure to read our full review of the Nomatic Messenger Bag!

UPDATE for 2021:  Nomatic no longer sells or does business in the European Union, which is an unfortunate development. Those living in the EU should consider the next bag instead…

• Sleek & urban
• Retractable key leash
• Detachable shoulder strap
• No additional tablet sleeve or pocket
• No cross-strap for extra comfort

Is the Nomatic Laptop Bag for me?

If you want a functional laptop bag that organizes and totes your stuff with the highest degree of style, this is your bag! However, if you need a little more storage space or are looking for a backpack, check out our other recommendations.

#2. Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack – Best Overall Travel Laptop Bag Runner-up

Regardless if you’re a commuter flying about town on an electric bike or digital nomad, you’ll need a bit more storage space in your laptop bag for all those important cords, external keyboards, and laptop mounts you’re surely carrying around (just kidding, us digital nomads are often lovers of minimalism).

The Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack provides space for all your work necessities and a few comforts as well, so it’s a great bag for weekend trips. Beyond space, the Setout’s distinct advantage is a beautifully organized interior.

This is laptop backpack has pockets for days, so you’ll never have to dig through the bag looking for that important piece that you just know you packed.

• 25L Capacity
• Comfortable to carry
• Tablet compartment
• Lockable zippers
• Only for urban use
• Not an all-in-one travel bag

Is the Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack for me?

We’ve answered this question in-depth in our Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review, but here’s the gist. If you want a bag to organize all your tech and a little more, this bag is perfect. If you’re looking for absolute maximum capacity to carry everything at once, we recommend the traditional Tortuga Setout.

REI is one of America’s biggest and most-loved outdoor gear retailers.

Now, for just $30, get a lifetime membership that entitles you to 10% OFF on most items, access to their trade-in scheme and discount rentals .

#3. Fjallraven Kanken No. 2 Laptop Pack – Best Carry-On Travel Laptop Bag

The combination of trendy styling, size, and resistance to dirt and water makes the Fjallraven Kanken a fine carry-on for traveling with a laptop.

Although one of the simpler laptop bags we’re covering, the double zip closure of the main compartment and its padded laptop sleeve, is lockable for peace of mind. This bag also includes several smaller pockets for keeping items organised, and useful black leather handles too.

Padded shoulder straps make this comfortable to carry while in the various queues you might well encounter at an airport.

• Beautifully styled
• Lockable main compartment
• Smaller pockets for organisation
• Padded shoulder straps
• Not fully waterproof
• 18-liter capacity

Is the Fjallraven Kanken 15” Laptop Bag for me?

If you’d rather go for a briefcase-style bag rather than a backpack, the Timbuk2 Flight Classic Messenger Bag is a great option! This bag will last you for years, through sun and rain, and for commute and business trips!

This bag also comes in multiple colors including black, army, and a neon teal.

#4. Kodiak Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag – Best Messenger-Style Laptop Bag

Enter the Kodiak Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag. A large sling bag for daily use, which not only looks totally classy AF, but also fits with a variety of work and travel situations. This bag has tons of internal pockets for your pens, small items, and even a padded, firm place to store files. It fits a 15″ laptop.

There is a removable cross-body strap for carrying. The shoulder strap includes a super comfortable air-mesh strap pad. The flap corners fold into place for weatherproofing and the waterproof thermoplastic liner keeps water out.

• Weatherproof material
• Thoughtfully distributed internal pockets
• Removable cross-body strap
• No backpack straps
• Leather is not the most weather resistant material

Is The Kodiak Messenger Bag for me?

This super snazzy, classy messenger satchel is a beauty. This bag will last you for years, through sun and rain, and for commute and business trips!

#5. MYSTERY RANCH 3-Way Expandable Briefcase – Best Briefcase-Style Bag for Business Travelers

This briefcase laptop bag is both rugged and practical! We think this is one of the best laptop bags for business travel!

It has a zippered main compartment, a laptop compartment and multiple accessory pockets. The bag can hold a 15″ laptop and an expandable zipper provides 5 extra liters of storage if you need it.

It also includes fully cushioned backpack straps when not in use. Like a briefcase, it provides adequate space for a laptop or iPad, binder, and any smaller things you may need to carry.

• TSA-friendly
• Only 18 liters
• Not much padding on the shoulder strap
• No bottle carrier

Is the MYSTERY RANCH 3-Way Expandable Briefcase for me?

This is a go-to bag for everyday and weekend use. Like a briefcase, it’s very convenient for a 15″ laptop and everyday necessities. Expanded, it can be used for a three-day business trip and will deploy the backpack straps for help with added weight.

#6. Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase – Most Stylish Briefcase-Style Laptop Bag

Looking for a stylish and modern briefcase to carry your laptop? If so, look no further than the Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase! Topo makes top quality and versatile bags. This bag is designed to carry a standard 15 in. laptop plus essentials, so it’s also a great laptop bag for business travelers.

Its double-layer bottom provides water resistance and durability.

• Carries 13″ laptop
• Exterior zipped pocket
• No water bottle pocket
• Not big enough to be a full day bag (more like a purse)

Is the Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase for me?

This is a high-quality, rugged briefcase bag that is stylish too! The internal space comfortably holds a 13″ laptop, book, and pad. The external pockets are useful. If you need a bag for your laptop and essentials, this bag is a great choice. If you want a laptop bag for commute, the gym, and travel, then it’s probably not big enough! Overall, Topo quality is hard to beat.

#7. Sherpani Cabo Convertible Pack – Women’s  – Best Messenger Laptop Bag for Women

This is stylish messenger is one of the best travel laptop bags for women (though men can use it too!). We love that it’s an all-in-one convertible backpack and cross body bag. It includes an anti-theft locking slider, anti-slashing fabric, and RFID-protected panel for added security and peace of mind.

There is a deep main zipper compartment with zipper locks. The padded internal laptop sleeve fits most 11 inch computers, and there’s an extra interior pocket for a phone and other bits.

It also has a front pocket as well as a back packet which doubles as storage for the straps when not in use. Bonus points for the included flashlight-pen!

• Super secure
• Flashlight-pen included!
• Only fits up to a 11-inch laptop
•  Tight squeeze for everything

Is the Sherpani Capo Convertible Pack Tote for me?

This is a go-to, multifunctional bag and backpack! There are a few things that can improve, but we like that it is a secure and stylish bag with a padded internal laptop sleeve and a nice array of exterior pockets. The biggest drawback, however, is that it only fits most 11 inch laptops. Get a bigger bag if you have a bigger laptop.

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

#8. Gulu Handmade Influencer Backpack – Best for Small Laptops

Gulu Made isn’t just a brand, it’s a credos. Every one of this brand’s backpacks comes from a factory in Uganda, handmade by local women who survived the brutal civil war That’s impressive enough, but this brand doesn’t just do good deeds, the products are absolute class and this piece is about all comfort !

This no-frills backpack doesn’t reinvent the industry by any stretch. It just recrafts it with a handmade approach. That results in a form-fitting back cushion that helps work with your body to carry the load. At the top of the panel is chimney-style ventilation that keeps things breathable while you go about taking care of business. It has water bottle pockets (and while we are discussing H20 a good level of water resistance and is an all round excellent everyday backpack.

• Simple designs
• Ethically made
• Good quality materials
• Just one main compartment
• Water resistant but not waterproof
• 20 Liters is too small for some

Is the Gulu Handmade backpack for me?

The truth be told, if you require the use of a larger laptop then this is not the pack for you. When I tested it I was using my MacBook Pro 11″ but my girlfriend tested it using her older 14″ and it was not a comfortable fit.

Still, if you are happy with a smaller travel laptop pack then this one is hard to beat. Its the best laptop backpack for those with small laptops.

#9 Stubble & Co Roll Top – Best Laptop Bag For Daytrips

This awesome laptop backpack has fairly recently come to our attention but has impressed us very much. The Stubble & Co Roll Top backpack superbly combines functionality with performance all in a part recycled, eco-friendly package.

This  lightweight backpack  is durable and very comfortable and intended for all weather conditions making it perfect to wear on your bike. Custom built with cycling and the outdoors in mind, the Roll Top features sealed seams, water-resistant zips, reflective logos and considered compartments. It’s also very well priced.

• Great laptop compartments
• Organizational pockets
• Cool and stylish
• Eco friendly
• Pockets might not meet the needs of some
• Roll top is not for everyone
• Lacks protection from scanning technology

Is the Stubble & Co Roll Top Backpack for me?

Yes it is! Ok, so this pack is stylish, practical, is built to a high spec and as far as day-sized backpacks go, is very tough to beat.

#10.  Inateck Travel Carry-on 40 litre Laptop Backpack – Best Laptop Bag for Traveling with Laptop and Tablet

The Inateck Travel Carry-on 40 litre Laptop Backpack offers two laptop compartments, each of which has the standard protection and padded sections you have come to expect from a dedicated laptop bag.

Double zips mean these compartments are lockable if you’re looking for extra peace of mind, while an additional rain cover means all your tech will be protected even in the worst of downpours.

Additional features include a very handy change pocket and an anti-theft pocket on the back panel. What’s more, this travel laptop bag has a great range of carrying options, with shoulder straps, side handle, and band to slip over the extended handle of a wheeled backpack too!

• Two laptop compartments
• Lockable zips
• 40 liters too large for some
• Square shape

Is the Inateck Travel Carry-on 40 litre Laptop Backpack for me?

We can see that the Inateck Travel Carry-on 40 litre Laptop Backpack might not be for everyone with its square shape. But anyone looking for a larger travel bag for a laptop will like the fact this offering from Inateck has a capacity of 40 liters, in addition to its two padded laptop compartments meaning a latop and all your other digital nomad essentials will fit nicely.

#11. Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 20L Pack – Best Waterproof Laptop Bag

The best part about this backpack is that it is completely waterproof. If you live and work somewhere it rains a lot, then this is one of the best laptop bags for you! This laptop bag holds a standard 15 in. laptop and has an additional internal sleeve for documents as well as a stretch-mesh pocket for the accessories and doodads.

It has a padded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort. A 1-handed release buckles hold the top lid closed and offer easy access with a zippered top flkat for extra security. I do wish there was a water bottle holder, however.

• Dedicated 15-inch laptop and iPad area
• Rugged and durable
• Completely waterproof
• Color can wear out easily

Is the Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 20L Pack for me?

This multi-functional, waterproof laptop bag. This bag is for you if you have to deal with traveling and commuting in the rain. It’s also quite sleek and stylish, and useful for multiple situations.

#12. Pacsafe MetroSafe LS350 ECONYL Daypack  – Best Travel Laptop Bag for Safety

The Pacsafe Slingsafe LS350 is one of the best travel laptop bags with anti-theft functionality. Plus, it has plenty of space for your books and docs, and a padded sleeve for your 13 in. laptop, all in a go-anywhere, protective design. If you need to keep your laptop safe, then this may be the bag for you.

This laptop bag comes with lots of safety features, such as  RFIDsafe blocking material  to prevent your credit card and other chip data from being swiped. There are cut-resistant achor straps for securing valuables and an internal attachment point for your keys an wallet.

At only 15 liters, however, it’s much more suited to safe city excursions rather as a soiltary travel bag.

• Strong securing points for valuables
• RFIDsafe blocking material
• Cut-resistant material
• Fits laptops only up to 13″
• Quite a small capacity at only 15 liters

Is the Pacsafe MetroSafe LS350 for me?

Don’t worry about traveling with your laptop thanks to this Anti-Theft Pacsafe Daypack. This backpack is for you if you prioritize security above all else! It is a small backpack, however, and may not be for you if you need more than 15 liters of space.

#13. MYSTERY RANCH Urban Assault Pack – Best Laptop Bag for Computer and Tablet

This laptop bag does it all. Use it for rugged travel or your day-to-day commute! I can’t think of a more perfect bag. It’s minimalist yet offers lots of storage, even for an 18-liter bag. There are small, inside pockets, and it can easily fit a 13″ laptop plus a tablet/reader.  The quality is bombproof and will handle any drops.

• 2 Internal zippered pockets
• The sleeve fits up to a 15-inch laptop
• YKK Zippers
• Comfortable Straps
• Only 18 Liter Bag
• No Water Bottle Pocket

Is the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack for me?

Don’t worry again about traveling with your laptop thanks to this bomb proof backpack! It’s durable and stylish all in one. While on the smaller side, it still helps you organize your essentials. This is a great bag, but only 18 liters. If you need a laptop bag for travel, consider a bigger sized pack.

#14. K&F Concept DSLR Camera and Laptop Bag – Perfect Bag for Laptop and Camera

This laptop travel bag is surprisingly lightweight given the specific protection it gives to both camera gear and a laptop, weighing in at 1.2kg.

It can hold two cameras, five lenses, those photographic extras all semi-professional cameramen require, and a laptop up to 13.3”!

It’s made from a tough nylon material which provides additional protection from tears, bumps, and light rain too. The interior dividers can be modified to your taste, with the main compartment opening flat to 180° for easy camera and laptop access.

There’s a space to hang a lighter weight tripod on the exterior side of the bag, and a waist belt in addition to padded shoulder straps to ensure all your expensive kit stays exactly where it should on your back.

• Dedicated camera and laptop bag
• Capacity for a large amount of camera equipment
• Tough nylon material
• Internal dividers can be personalised
• Not a briefcase-style bag
• Only fits laptops up to 13.3”
• Just one colour available

Is the K&F Concept DSLR Camera and Laptop Bag for me?

If you’re an active amateur or semi-professional photographer, you’ve got more than just a laptop to carry around with you as you travel. With this equipment being so expensive to buy and replace, you don’t want to risk using a bag that isn’t dedicated to the job. Instead, hit order on the K&F Concept, you won’t regret it!

#15. Kroser 15.6” Laptop Briefcase Bag – Best Laptop Bag for Business Travelers

Made from water-repelling canvas this Kroser briefcase-style laptop bag can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches.

Although it lacks the shoulder straps you’ll find on a backpack, it has both carry handles and a single shoulder strap for a choice of carrying options.

The main compartment is TSA-friendly, meaning it meets the needs of US airport security, while there are two other small compartments for notepads, paper, and pens. This laptop bag is good for business travelers.

Perhaps the best feature of the Kroser 15.6” laptop briefcase bag is its RFID pockets, which protect your electronic data on credit cards and passports from being scanned and then stolen.

• Made from water repellent canvas
• Carry handles and single shoulder strap
• RFID protection pocket
• Won’t fit larger laptops
• Weight of just over 1 kg

Is the Kroser 15.6” laptop briefcase bag for me?

If you’d rather go for a briefcase-style bag rather than a dedicated business backpack, the Kroser 15.6” laptop bag is a good option. In addition to the main compartment that will take an average-sized laptop, there’s the additional space supplied by further compartments, as well as RFID protection for your electronic data too!

#16. REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 Recycled Daypack  – Best Budget Laptop Backpack

This heavy-duty travel laptop bag will hold not only a laptop up to 15” in size in a padded pocket, but also an interior pocket for organization and is even designed to be overstuffed! Though only 28 L in size there are also exterior pockets as well as one dedicated for your water botttle.

Designed to most airline check-in restrictions, you’ll be breezing through airports in no time. What’s more, the back panel is lined with mesh to keep wearers cool, while adjustable shoulder straps keep everything sitting right.

• Capable of carrying laptops up to 15”
• Plenty of additional pockets
• Too small to suit all kinds of travelers
• A tablet sleeve would be a nice bonus

Is the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 Recycled Daypack for me?

While lacking in a tablet sleeve, the comfort of this pack combined with its budget price for such a sturdy beast is certainly nothing to ignore. The wealth of additional pockets and rather smart-casual stylish look only go further to accentuate this a budget pack suitable for most travelers.

#17. The Roll Top Stubble & Co – Best Hipster Laptop Backpack

The Roll Top is a great hipster-style 20L bag perfect for carrying around your laptop as well as having heaps of room for your other accessories. What really makes it stand out for a day pack is that the laptop compartment is in a separate pocket on the back of the bag. This both makes it mega secure (especially for a roll top) and also saves the massive main compartment for everything else.

Internally the main compartment is one massive space with a selection of pockets and organisers attached to the other side of the laptop compartment/ back panel. This works well giving you some level of organisation whilst also being super roomy.

• Capable of carrying laptops up to 16”
• Roll top makes it expandable
• Durable and weather resistant material
• Could do with more internal organisation
• Would like an internal zip as well as the roll top

Is Stubble & Co The Roll Top for me?

If you’re looking for something that is both stylish, functional and also super robust, the Roll Top is the perfect choice for a laptop bag. We love that it’s got that classic hipster feel whilst actually being super practical too. The black exterior also keeps water out well, is durable enough for everyday use and is smart enough for the office.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the difference between a laptop bag and a laptop backpack?

A laptop backpack is carried on your back with two straps. A laptop bag only has one strap and is held on one shoulder and across your chest and back.

Which is the safest laptop bag?

The Pacsafe Slingsafe LS350 is one of the best travel laptop bags with anti-theft functionality. It is made form cut resistant material which makes it one of the safest laptop bags.

What do I need to consider when buying a laptop bag?

Keep these key-features in mind: 1. Size and Volume of the bag depending on what kind of laptop you have 2. Style and design 3. Organisation and cost

What is the best laptop bag for large laptops?

If you own a 17inch laptop, you’ll love the Estarer 17.3” Laptop Messenger Bag . It offers plenty of space and protection for your laptop.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

We’ve worked hard to sort the wheat from the chaff so that you can see the best laptop bags on the market! From large, small, stylish, messenger-style, and functional, we’re confident you’ll find a keeper among our picks!

To summarize: we think that the Nomatic Messenger Bag is currently the best that money can buy. It’s versatile, tough, and does what it’s supposed to do (protect your gear).

That being said, there are plenty of other specialized bags out there for you to consider. The waterproof Arc’teryx Granville Pack  is great for those more demanding adventures. The Tortuga Setout is probably more appropriate for those traveling long term. Finally, the Kroser 15.6” Laptop Briefcase Bag is great for those who travel frequently for business,

Whether you’re looking for a laptop bag for travel, work, or everything in between, this list has you covered!

Although you should be able to use almost all of the bags on this list as a carry-on, some airlines still like to make a fuss over an inch or two. In this case, it pays to know the airline’s own carry-on regulations. Use this convenient list of airlines and their cabin policies as a reference, if needed.

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Share or save this post

I got a Pogoplug. An awesome piece of kit which ensures my precious photos are backed up at home on my own personal cloud. There’s no operating fees and you can attach as many drives to it as you see fit. If anything happens to my gear at least my memories are safe…

Also I ditched the laptop as a traveling companion and went for an iPad. Sure it’s not as powerful but it’s lighter and fils all the roles I need it to when I’m on the hoof.

Thanks for sharing that. iPads are certainly light but personally, I will not give up my Mac!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

• The Big Story
• Newsletters
• Steven Levy's Plaintext Column
• WIRED Classics from the Archive
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

The Best Laptop Backpacks for Work (and Life)

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. Learn more.

The Best Backpack Tom Bihn Synik 22 Read more

Most Stylish Rains Backpack Mini Read more

Best Budget Bag Herschel Heritage Backpack Read more

Best for Travel Tumi Velocity Backpack Read more

A backpack is the best, most efficient, and most comfortable way to carry your stuff—there's a reason why you don't see people hiking the Appalachian Trail with a tote. But finding the right one that works for you and your lifestyle isn't easy. Whether you're commuting to an office or school, running to your local coffee shop, or going on a weekend trip, a good backpack will look good and keep your stuff organized. It's easier on your neck and shoulders than an overstuffed purse or briefcase (and miles better than trying to hold everything in your hands).

Whatever your needs, we have a fit and functional backpack for you. We inspect backpacks for a suspended, padded laptop sleeve; durable fabrics and high-quality components; and versatile storage options. I carried them around on planes and on bikes, while hiking and walking around conferences. If I didn't have anything that I needed to carry, I put loose weights in them and swung and dragged them around.

Don't see anything you like here? Check out our other guides, including the Best Recycled Bags , Best Laptop Totes and Purses , Best Messenger Bags , Best Camera Bags , and the Best Travel Bags .

Updated June 2024: We added the Tumi Velocity Backpack, the Calpak Mini Convertible Diaper Backpack, the Evergoods Civic Panel Loader, and the Po Campo Bedford Backpack Pannier, and removed some older picks. We also updated links and prices.

Power up with unlimited access to  WIRED .   Get best-in-class reporting that's too important to ignore for just  $2.50  $1 per month for 1 year. Includes unlimited digital access and exclusive subscriber-only content.  Subscribe Today .

The Best Backpack

When I travel for work, I usually carry a Tom Bihn bag. The compact clamshell Synik 22 is my favorite. It's a small, low-profile bag that nonetheless fits a ton of stuff, thoughtfully placed and designed. For example, the zippered water bottle pocket is located in the middle of the backpack instead of on the side, so it won't tip you off balance. The pen pockets are located in flaps on the side rather than in the middle top, for convenient access when you're walking. The exterior is made from Bluesign-certified 400-denier ballistic nylon with top-of-the-line YKK water-repellent coiled zippers that are three times the size of normal daypack toothed zippers. You stand a better chance of lopping a finger off than you do getting this zipper stuck. Each bag has a lifetime guarantee.

Because the bag is so small, the pass-through on the back is only 7 inches wide—too narrow to slip over the handle of a carry-on. And the dense fabric and plentiful hardware—the zippers, O-rings, and buckles—make it a little heavy. But in the 22-liter size, I didn't notice the extra weight. It's the perfect, organized conference companion, but it's on the highest end of what we think is worth spending on a bag.

★ A roll-top Tom Bihn: The Tom Bihn Addax ($310) has become one of my go-to bags. Roll-top bags are more versatile than zippered ones. Don’t have enough room? Unroll it and stick your bike helmet in. Too much? Roll it down to compress the space. If you live in a rainy area, roll-tops keep water from seeping through the top zippers. Like all Tom Bihn bags, the pockets are metaphysical perfection, with a huge laptop pocket with two-way access that also has a tablet pocket for my Kindle, and front pockets with O-rings to hook keys and other sundries. It has a huge luggage pass-through and hefty padded shoulder straps. It's also hand-sewn in the US from PFC-free material and has a lifetime warranty that’s as bombproof as the ballistic nylon fabric. It’s a good thing because, at this price, you only want to buy it once.

Most Stylish

Many people prefer a more grown-up aesthetic, and to not look like a high schooler headed to algebra or a hiker traversing the Alps. The 8.5-liter Rains Backpack Mini holds just enough stuff and looks stylish while doing so. Product reviewer Medea Giordano notes that it holds a 13-inch MacBook and all her accessories that she needs for work. She has even packed this little bag with an extra outfit and toiletries for a night away. Plus, it looks so pretty.

You can upgrade to the 13-liter version for $125 , but both sizes have the same-size laptop sleeve. They're waterproof and come in fun colors, and the Mini has held up well over the past few years. There's a small phone zip pocket on the back panel, but it also works to hold a wallet. Look at Rains' other backpacks if you like its understated, Scandinavian style.

Best Budget Bag

Despite being more affordable than most of the bags on this list, this Herschel looks just as nice and is just as capable. Giordano used the Heritage as a school bag and filled it with a day's worth of textbooks and a laptop in its dedicated 15-inch sleeve. It also works as an overnight bag stuffed with clothes and a pair of shoes, and as a carry-on with essentials. It's made from 600-denier polyester with a faux leather bottom and handle.

After years of heavy use, Giordano notes that it has only recently started to show signs of wear, especially on the top handle. The bag itself hasn't ripped, and the straps are holding strong. The downside? There's no water bottle pocket. If the Heritage isn't what you're looking for, take a look at the rest of Herschel's backpacks .

★ Alternative: Cariuma makes some of our favorite recycled shoes , and the company also makes a simple laptop backpack ($89) out of recycled materials. It has an extremely basic design, without too many pockets, and it can fit laptops up to 17 inches deep. I like the bright green interior, which makes it easy to see all your stuff.

Best for Travel

Tumi makes iconic, instantly recognizable, and very expensive backpacks that are ideal for airplane travel. The latest one is the Velocity, which is a collaboration with McLaren Automotive, and the sleek design is meant to evoke the aerodynamic lines of McLaren's racing cars. The shell is made from CX6, a type of woven carbon fiber that is engineered to be both super strong and incredibly light. This means that the bag has a firm structure, just like a piece of carry-on luggage. It doesn't look saggy when it's empty or stuffed like a turkey when it's full, and it can fit a surprising amount of stuff—just unzip the front panel and it swings open like a glove compartment.

Setting aside how ironic it is to have a car-inspired backpack when your primary mode of transportation is biking, the Velocity has survived a week of being kicked around without a scratch. The padded laptop compartment fits laptops up to 15 inches (although surprisingly, the compartment is not suspended, so be careful putting it down). It also has travel-related extras, like a luggage tag, an add-a-bag sleeve, and a luggage-inspired leather grip handle. In keeping with the bag's slim profile, however, the water bottle pockets are extremely tight, and it's very expensive. Tumi has a wide array of equally attractive and useful laptop backpacks for less than half the price.

Best for School

I live next to a small private college, and the backpack I see the most often on students is a North Face backpack with an exterior bungee. The North Face offers several options in both men's and women's versions , but the Jester is the most affordable. It's versatile enough to take to school on weekdays and use for day hikes or traveling on the weekends. It comes in several different prints, but the solid version I tried is made from 600D recycled polyester with recycled plastic trims and a 28-liter capacity—more than big enough for my 13-inch laptop, jacket, snacks, and water bottle.

I like that the bag is affordable, recycled, and incredibly light (about a pound). I tried the women's version, which fits my narrow shoulders well, and has a FlexVent suspension system for maintaining airflow between your back and the bag. The top front pocket is incredibly spacious and well organized, with pen and lip balm pockets, and enough room for my giant sunglasses case, phone, and wallet. The bag is also balanced so that the weight lands between your shoulders instead of on your hips, which is more comfortable. Everyone says they like this distinctive giant bungee, and I understand that it helps pin wet jackets to your pack. However, it flops all over the place and gets caught on things if I'm not careful, and I do not like it.

★ Alternative: JanSport also makes affordable school backpacks. If you'd like to spend a bit more than the standard Superbreak ($38) , the Pro Pack system ($150) has a detachable front pack. When unhooked, the front pack is a fully functioning cross-body bag, and the backpack works with or without it. The strap unclips so it can be safely tucked away inside.

Best for Work

Backpacks are by far the most comfortable carrying option, but they don't always look professional enough for the workplace. If you're prepared to spend almost $600, this all-leather bag doesn't compromise on function. WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu made it through CES 2023 with this on his back. He stowed a 13-inch MacBook Air (it can fit up to 16-inch laptops), an iPad in the second laptop sleeve, chargers, cables, his camera, and a separate flash. There's decent organization in there, with a spare zippered pouch and padding at the base to protect your goods.

The front pocket can store a few other slim items, and he likes the tiny pocket near the handles for keys or sunglasses. But the side pockets are too tight to fit a water bottle.

★  Alternatives: We love Cuyana's leather tote , and its Leather Backpack ($478) is just as beautiful. The laptop sleeve fits my 13-inch MacBook, and a second pocket fits a tablet or Kindle. Two front magnetic-close pockets held my Owala water bottle . A more moderately priced option is the Bostanten backpack purse ($130) . As you might expect from the much cheaper price, the leather is shiny and stiff, and you have to treat the toothed zippers with some care or they catch. However, if your budget does not fit a $500 work bag, this will work well.

Best Backpack for Parents

As product reviewer Nena Farrell notes, many diaper bags retail for around $200, and you can only use them for a short time in your child's life. Why not get a stylish diaper backpack that you can continue carrying as a work or everyday bag long after your child is potty-trained? We love Calpak's Mini Diaper Backpack, which Farrell takes on outings with and without her kid. It fits an 11-inch MacBook, along with plenty of snacks and accessories. If you find you need a little more room for a big water bottle, it also comes in a standard size ($198) that has stroller straps.

The Best Backpack-Tote

United By Blue's Carryall tops our list of the Best Recycled Bags . It goes from tote to backpack easily; just unzip the back pocket, pull out the comfy backpack straps, and clip them onto the sturdy D-rings at the base. The material is water-resistant, and it's padded, so your 15-inch laptop is safe. The Carryall has two bottle pockets and enough organizational pouches to keep organized.

Everything is made of recycled materials, too—the interior, exterior, and straps are 100 percent recycled nylon, the padding is a combo of 60 percent recycled nylon and 40 percent recycled polyester, and even the zipper pulls are 100 percent recycled nylon paracord.

★ Another Convertible Tote: The Cotopaxi Del Día Todo Convertible Tote ($75) is made of repurposed nylon and polyester (as are all of the Del Día bags) and has wide, comfortable straps. There aren’t many organizational pockets, but WIRED reviewer Louryn Strampe says she likes the cavernous main compartment.

Best Backpack for Rucking

One of the latest fitness crazes is rucking, a sport where you carry heavy things around in nature, for exercise. You need a solidly constructed, and preferably military-inspired, backpack. The classic choice is the GoRuck GR1 ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), but reviewer Scott Gilbertson prefers the slightly less tactical style of the Evergoods CPL 24L, which was designed by a former head of product at GoRuck and a former Patagonia designer.

Our full review is forthcoming, but the GPL 24L is American-made and has a ton of organizational details, some of which Gilbertson is still discovering. The fabric is heavy-duty 840-denier that is water-repellent and can be carried both as a backpack and sideways, as a briefcase, which is convenient for airports. The main compartment unzips completely, like a suitcase, which allows you to see and organize everything, as well as the dedicated laptop compartment, which easily fit a 16-inch Lenovo 9i. It has a curved yoke design to sit on your shoulders comfortably, and as a bonus, Gilbertson also notes that Evergoods' Civic Access pouches are the best pouches he's ever tried.

The Cheapest Backpack

Out of the Woods makes its bags from what it calls “ supernatural paper ”—responsibly sourced tree cellulose—and it says 93 percent of the water used for manufacturing is returned to the source. It looks a little like leather but does feel like a piece of paper. And it's just $38. The main compartment has a snap-closure laptop sleeve, and the front pocket fits a 9.5-inch tablet (barely, but it zipped). Giordano found that the straps were comfier than she thought they'd be, considering they're not padded. However, the square of fabric where the straps are sewn to the actual bag needs to be worn in.

Best Backpack for Biking

My favorite backpack for biking right now is from Po Campo, which is a small, woman-owned business that makes biking bags that aren't hideous. (I also like the wink and the nod that I get from other women cyclists when they see I also have a Po Campo bag.) I like the Fidlock magnetic buckles, which clip easily on and off my bike rack, and the compression buckle across the top that lets the bag expand to its full capacity or compress for a lower profile when it's empty. The padded laptop compartment easily fits my 13-inch Macbook and is big enough for a 16-inch laptop, and there are a plethora of interior and exterior pockets for all my doodads.

As a side note, everything from this company is delightful. In the past few months, I have also acquired the grocery pannier ($75) , which is useful for the farmer's market or taking the kids to the park. My next acquisition will be the add-on helmet harness ($15) , which is a useful accessory that I can't believe I don't own yet. Let this be the last time I let my helmet clank loose around the table at a bar. Stay safe, everyone!

A Small, Customizable Bag

You've probably seen a Fjallraven bag on any plane, train, or bus. The 13-inch Kanken pack is especially small and good for everyday use, and it manages to fit a MacBook Pro in its laptop pocket. Plus the large main compartment and smaller front pocket can fit a Kindle, a thick planner, and a notebook, with room for lunch or a change of clothes. The fabric is rigid and repels water, and the company offers lifetime repairs (with a focus on sustainability ). The best part is that you can customize the Kanken to have any colors you want.

The side pockets are tight, so they won't fit every type of bottle. (It held a 20-ounce Starbucks bottle, but anything wider won't do.) The Kanken comes with a foam pad that adds an extra layer of cushioning while you wear it, and you can take it out to use as a cushion when you need to sit on a hard surface. (It's not super cushy, but it's better than the cold, hard ground.) The Kanken also comes in a 17-inch version if you need the extra space.

★ A convertible Kanken: We also like Fjallraven's Kanken Totepack ($100) , which is essentially the same as the backpack but can switch from shoulder bag to backpack. It's smaller and not as padded as the United By Blue bag, but it's cute and compact, and it repels water. You don't have to unzip and clip the straps either, so if you're in a rush, just pull the straps over your shoulders.

The Best Camera Bag

Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves Wandrd's Prvke series bags to hold all his gear, from his mirrorless camera and extra lenses to a 16-inch MacBook Pro and various other accessories. Despite months of regular use, it's in fantastic condition, thanks to the 1,680-denier ballistic nylon exterior and the weather-resistant zippers. Lots of little pockets adorn the bag to store cables, card readers, microfiber cloths, and the like—even one underneath that houses a rain fly to keep the bag dry when it's raining.

Julian opted for the Photography Bundle, which adds a camera cube filled with foldable Velcro dividers you can use to organize camera gear and keep them secure. It's also easy to access a camera from the side pocket without needing to take off the entire backpack. Wandrd is currently on Version 3 of the Prvke. Read our Best Camera Bags guide for more options.

For Organizers

The Dux's design takes some getting used to, but its organizational options might make you forget about its looks. This bag is very structured and surrounded by foam padding, so it can take a few bumps without breaking everything inside. Unzip the front pocket to unfurl two mesh zipper pouches and an additional fuzzy zipper pocket that fits fragile gear like sunglasses. Plus, there's a clip for keys, and if you need more room, you can unzip the bottom of this top pocket to directly access the main compartment of the bag.

This main section has three separate compartments you can access via either side of the bag, and it comes with a small pouch. You can fit cameras and lenses, or shoes and an outfit—whatever the day requires. (You can also remove the dividers.) The side entry flaps have their own pockets too, so every little thing you need to keep track of is accounted for. The two bottle pockets can unzip to expand—handy if you're carrying a tripod. The back is plushly lined with suspended pockets for a 16-inch Macbook Pro and tablet. There's yet another deep pocket on the very back of the bag near the handle, and slots on the shoulder straps to hold your phone, though it was tough to fit an iPhone with a Popsocket on the back.

A Vegan Work Bag

This bag is beautiful. Unlike a lot of the backpacks we like, the Bobobark looks great if you're dressed up, and it converts from a backpack to a purse—you can use the handle like a tote, sling it from one shoulder, or wear it cross-body. The straps could stand to be more comfortable though, and I opted to use it as a tote more than a backpack because of that.

The Bobobark is made from cork, which gives it a leather look without using animal products. It's water-resistant and durable, and the company sells cork conditioner and coloring cream to keep it looking its best—for the price, you will want to make sure it lasts a long time. While this size will hold your laptop and a few books, there's also a beautiful mini backpack/purse .

More Bags We Like

We've tried tons of bags. Below are some other good backpacks, but we also have roundups of recycled bags , totes and purses , messenger bags , camera bags , and travel bags .

• Targus Zero Waste EcoSmart Backpack for $60 : Targus’ Zero Waste Backpack is a solid backpack for under $100, and it's made from 20 recycled water bottles. It ships rolled up in a recycled plastic package that unfolds and slips into the laptop pocket to give the bag structure.
• Troubadour Explorer Ridge Backpack for $325 : Troubadour bags are functional, sleek, and extremely expensive. This backpack's interior is nicely organized with pen holders, a mesh pocket, and a few other slots for your knickknacks, plus a padded section for a 16-inch laptop.
• Aer Designs Slim Pack for $115 : For quick trips, this 8.5-liter bag still fits a laptop, charger, wallet, water bottle, and phone, plus a snack. Its durable polyurethane coating can be easily wiped clean.
• STM Goods Myth 18-Liter Backpack for $120 : Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu liked carrying this bag. A suspended laptop pocket keeps it safe from accidental drops, and the thick padding helps it sit comfortably on your back.
• Lo & Sons Hanover 2 for $158 : The Hanover 2 has a clever, padded, and detachable insert with four pockets in it. Use it for work to store a day planner, notebooks, coffee mug, and water bottle, or take it out and replace it with a diaper changing station , tiny rain jackets, and seemingly thousands of stuffed animals for the little ones.
• Able Carry Daily Backpack for $139 : This pack is thin, so you can stuff it to the brim before it starts to get bulky. And stuff it full you can, because it has a pocket for everything . The Thirteen Daybag for $149 is similar but slightly smaller.
• Mission Workshop Rhake for $545 : This roll-top bag has a ton of pockets, and its two-layer weatherproof construction and Velcro closures keep the contents dry. But those pockets aren't easy or fast to access, it's heavy, and it's even pricier than when we first tried it (and rising).
• Solo's Re:fresh Machine Washable Backpack for $50 : Solo's affordable lightweight bag is made from 15 recycled plastic bottles, and it's meant to be machine-washed up to 12 times. We've occasionally washed bags not meant for this, and without issue, but if you (or your kid) is prone to messes, it's nice that this one is made to endure the rigors of the washer.

Our Favorite Accessories

Oh, you have a backpack and you just … put things in it? And carry them around? That's great if it works for you, but don't worry if it doesn't. Most of us use an additional organization system. (This also lets us switch bags quickly and easily while we're testing.)

• VentaPak for $46 : The VentaPak clips onto the back of your bag, pushing your pack 2 or so inches off you, increasing airflow and hopefully curbing sweating. Surprisingly, it didn’t look super obvious, and at only 12 ounces, it doesn’t add much weight. There are standard and small sizes, so check the website measurements if you’re not sure if it'll fit your bag.
• STM Dapper Wrapper for $30: This is my favorite tech organizer for cables. It rolls up everything I need—my laptop charging block, a couple of USB-C cables, a portable battery or two—and unfolds it neatly so that everything is visible. No cable rat nests here!
• Eagle Creek Pack-It XS for $15 : My husband packs a tiny toothbrush and toothpaste in here so he can brush his teeth after lunch or after getting off a plane. It's a good habit, and no one has ever offered him gum in a hinting manner. You should also do this.
• Delfonics Pouch for $25 : Almost every bag manufacturer makes organizational pouches too. I like Delfonics and Baggu because they're affordable and come in a wide variety of sizes and bright colors. Bright colors are easy to see in the bottom of a bag!
• Herschel Pencil Case for $22 : Yes, every backpack usually has a pen pocket or two. Even in this digital age, that's not nearly enough writing utensils, especially if you use a paper planner . Get a pencil case and corral them from dropping to the bottom of your bag and exploding.

WIRED COUPONS

Dyson Airwrap deal: Free $60 Case + $40 Gift

Get Up To An Extra 45% Off September Sale

Vista Print Coupon Code: 20% Off Select Signage

Newegg Coupon 10% Off

Peacock Student Discount For $1.99/Mo For 12 Months

Explore DJI's Student Discounts & Educational Offers For 2024

Best laptop backpacks for travel 2024

Travel in style with these tested laptop backpacks

• Best Overall
• Best Budget
• Best Compact
• Best Premium
• Best Aesthetic
• Best Utility

How To Choose a Laptop Backpack for Travel

Why trust laptop mag.

1. The list in brief

2. Best Overall

3. Best Budget

4. Best Compact

5. Best Premium

6. Best Aesthetic

7. Best Utility

9. How To Choose a Backpack for Travel

11. Why Trust Laptop Mag

The best laptop backpacks for travel offer well-organized space for your belongings and convenient features like a water-resistant design, hidden pockets, or a USB charging port. Travel backpacks should also be comfortable to wear for long periods of time, especially if you’re waiting through a security line at the airport or planning to walk around a theme park all day. 

In addition to being durable and practical, the best travel backpacks should make a visual statement. You can go bold with a vibrant color or whimsical design, or stick with a classic, timeless color scheme rooted in black or grey — either way, you shouldn’t have to sacrifice style for utility when choosing a backpack for travel. 

All of the backpacks listed here are equipped with a dedicated laptop sleeve or compartment, and they’ve all been personally tested by Laptop Mag. Whether you need a simple backpack to fit one or two changes of clothes and a few other essential items, or you want a bag that you can take on a plane in lieu of a suitcase, we’ve got you covered.

If you're shopping for a new laptop, be sure to check out our best laptops page before you travel next. 

The Quick List

The best overall laptop backpack for travel

The Volher Laptop Backpack strikes the perfect balance of style, function, and comfort — it's the perfect pick for most people. 

Read more below

The best budget laptop backpack for travel

You can save a few bucks with the Mancro Travel Backpack, and still get a water-resistant design and a handy USB port.  

The best compact laptop backpack for travel

The SwissGear Getaway bag is simplistic in its design and available storage, but there's space for basic essentials.  

The best premium laptop backpack for travel

Travel in luxury with the eBags Luxon Laptop Backpack. There's plenty of space inside, and a few premium bonus features. 

The best aesthetic laptop backpack for travel

The Herschel Pop Quiz bag offers a decent amount of space inside, but its top selling point is the fun design — inside and out. 

The best utility laptop backpack for travel

You won't want for pockets with the Targus Legend IQ Laptop Backpack — there's a spot for everything. 

Best Laptop Backpack for Travel Overall

1. Volher Laptop Backpack

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

This laptop backpack from Volher is the best option for most travellers, combining practical storage with an eye-catching, vibrant design. Inside the bag’s main compartment, there’s a padded sleeve for any 15.6-inch laptop and open storage for clothes, snacks, or other travel essentials. You can store drinks in the padded mesh side pockets, and hide your valuables in the anti-theft back pocket. 

Volher’s backpack sports a water-resistant polyester fabric, so if you’re caught in the rain, water droplets just roll right off and all your belongings stay dry. Its durable fabric makes this backpack an excellent choice for hiking trips or other outdoor excursions, especially if you choose one of the bright, high-visibility color options. With padded mesh on the back and the shoulder straps, it’s comfortable to wear for long hours. 

This travel bag also has a special feature: a built-in USB charging port. The port itself is on the bag’s left side, and there’s a cable inside you can connect to a power bank. Then, while you’re hiking or walking around Disney World, you can easily charge your phone without needing to take the backpack off or hold onto a power bank. 

See our full Volher Laptop Backpack review . 

Best Budget Laptop Backpack for Travel

2. Mancro Travel Backpack

If you want many of the same features as the Volher laptop backpack but for a bit less money, check out the Mancro Travel Backpack. Starting at just $19.99, it packs a lot of value into its low price. 

The Mancro Travel Backpack features a padded sleeve for 15.6-inch laptops, a spacious main compartment with room for a few changes of clothes, a side pocket for water bottles and an integrated USB port for portable power banks. The outside is made of water-resistant polyester, which is always nice to have on a travel backpack. It also includes a little combination lock you can use on the zippers, but it's not the sturdiest and makes quick access to the main compartment inconvenient. 

See our full Mancro Travel Backpack review . 

Best Compact Laptop Backpack for Travel

3. SwissGear Getaway Laptop Backpack

Bigger isn't always better when it comes to laptop backpacks for travel. If you're looking for a day pack or simply have a smaller frame, check out the SwissGear Getaway bag. It's minimalistic, sturdy and compact, perfect for anyone traveling light. 

Inside is a padded 13-inch laptop sleeve and a main compartment with room for a day or two of clothes and some snacks. It has a few zipper pockets on the outside, but unfortunately doesn't have any side pockets. We reviewed the SwissGear Getaway in gray, but it is also available in black and camo. 

See our full SwissGear Getaway Laptop Backpack review .

Best Premium Laptop Backpack for Travel

4. eBags Luxon Laptop Backpack

If you want one of the best laptop backpacks for travel money can buy, take a look at the eBags Luxon. If you're carrying around a premium laptop, you should have an equally premium backpack to keep it safe. The eBags Luxon is a great option, complete with a dedicated zippered compartment for your laptop. 

Inside you'll find a roomy main compartment with space for two or three days' worth of clothes and a detachable sling bag that doubles as a waist pack. The sling bag has a hidden RFID pocket that's great for keeping small, valuable items safe from theft or just tucking your phone away. 

The exterior fabric of the Luxon has a smooth water-resistant coating, so your laptop and valuables will be safe from rain. The coating also adds to the sleek, premium look of the whole backpack. The thick, padded mesh back panel ensures it's comfortable all day, too. At time of writing, the Luxon is available in either black or gray. 

See our full eBags Luxon Laptop Backpack review .

Best Aesthetic Laptop Backpack for Travel

5. Herschel Pop Quiz Laptop Backpack

If you want a laptop backpack for travel that balances looks and features, check out the Herschel Pop Quiz. Herschel is known for their stylish backpacks and the Pop Quiz is not exception. It's available in a ton of different colors and patterns, including the unique paint pour pattern we reviewed. 

The real highlight of Herschel backpacks is the laptop sleeves. They're some of the softest and cushiest out there, lined with a smooth, padded black velvet that's sure to keep your laptop safe. The Pop Quiz has a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a spacious main compartment with room for two or three days of clothing, snacks and a book or two. The zipper pocket on the front was a bit hard to open in our testing, but that does make it a good anti-theft pocket since pick pocketers will have a tough time opening it, too. 

See our full Herschel Pop Quiz Laptop Backpack review .

Best Utility Laptop Backpack for Travel

6. Targus Legend IQ Laptop Backpack

If you're the type of traveler who packs with the motto "better to have and not need", you'll appreciate the wealth of pockets, space and organization on the Targus Legend IQ backpack. This is a great laptop backpack for anyone who likes to bring a lot of electronics with them or needs to pack for a longer trip. 

The Targus Legend IQ has multiple zippered compartments and a built-in media pocket with aux cable passthrough into the shoulder strap. There's plenty of room to organize charging cables, headphones, power banks, your Nintendo Switch or ASUS ROG Ally, a tablet and up to a 16-inch laptop. 

The basic, plain black design of this backpack puts practicality over fashion, but that's part of what makes it a great utility backpack. You won't have to worry about running out of packing space for all your favorite devices and travel essentials with this one. 

See our full Targus Legend IQ Laptop Backpack review .

In many ways, the search for the perfect travel laptop backpack is just like searching for a work- or school-dedicated backpack. Most importantly, consider what you’ll need in terms of total space and organizational compartments. Make sure the backpack you choose can accommodate your laptop, travel snacks and drinks, handheld gaming console or books to read for fun, however many changes of clothes you need for your trip, or anything else you’d typically bring along while traveling. 

Many backpacks will list whether they can accommodate 15.6-inch or 17-inch laptops, and some brands will list the specific dimensions of the laptop sleeve or compartment within the backpack. In addition to comparing the measurements of your laptop to those advertised by a potential backpack, consider whether you want a dedicated zipper compartment for your laptop or if a padded sleeve inside the main compartment will do. 

With laptop backpacks for travel specifically, there are two useful features to look out for: hidden pockets and a USB charging port. Some backpacks come equipped with a zipper compartment positioned on the side or the back of the bag, making it incredibly difficult or impossible for someone to pickpocket what’s inside. These pockets are perfect for your valuables, like your wallet, smartphone, or keys. 

Then, some bags include a USB charging port accessible on one side of the backpack and a cable inside that you can attach to a power bank you own. This allows you to comfortably charge your phone without needing to carry the power bank while you walk around a theme park or sit in the backseat during a road trip. With some travel backpacks, you can slip your phone into a side pocket so you don’t need to carry it, but it’s easily accessible when you need it. 

If you plan on traveling via plane, you should see if the backpack complies with TSA guidelines. Then, check with your airline to get minimum dimensions for overhead and under-seat luggage to ensure you won’t need to check your backpack at the last minute and pay a premium. 

For backpacks going under the seat in front of you on a plane, it’s a smart choice to go with a water-resistant polyester fabric that’s easy to clean and can withstand accidental spills. Durable, water-resistant fabric is also a smart choice if the place you’re traveling to gets a lot of rain or if you’re exploring outdoors at the beach or on a mountain. 

Laptop Mag reviews over a hundred different laptops every year, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest in gaming. 

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades, and we continue to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on. 

Our editorial trustworthiness is enforced by one of the world's largest technology publishers,  Future Publishing . As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

Stay in the know with Laptop Mag

Get our in-depth reviews, helpful tips, great deals, and the biggest news stories delivered to your inbox.

REI Labor Day sale preview: Up to 55% off student backpacks

Don't spend over $100 on your laptop bag: 3 excellent backpacks for back-to-school

The Acer Nitro Blaze 7 is all about that smooth AI-powered performance

Most Popular

• 2 How to get almost all of Lenovo’s new Aura Edition features for free with Windows 11
• 3 MSI Claw 8 AI Plus: Rumored release date, price, specs, performance, and more
• 4 I love my smartwatch, it's the only tech brave enough to call me fat and lazy
• 5 Asus Zephyrus G16 vs. Zephyrus G14: Does size really matter?

15 best laptop travel bags & backpacks for 2024

As someone who is lucky to be able to work from anywhere in the world, I understand the importance of having a good laptop travel bag.

Finding the right laptop travel bag for your needs and individual style can be tricky – but my guide is here to make light work of carrying everything you need.

Whether you want a travel laptop backpack for a one-off business trip or would like to find a bag to use on a daily basis, I’m sure that the one for you will be listed here somewhere. 

From Scandi-style, sporty backpacks to businesslike briefcases or comfortable, geek-chic messenger bags, I’ve picked out 15 of the best laptop travel bags.

There’s something here for everyone, no matter how big or small your budget is. Nor what sort of style or colour appeals to you most. 

Continue reading to discover the best laptop bags and backpacks for travel, based on my own personal favourites and recommendations from fellow travellers.

Author Bio: Jessie Moore

Jessie Moore is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

1. Nordace Siena backpack

Best for: A glamorous look

Buy here: Amazon

If subtle colours are your thing, then you’ll love the Nordace Siena. This backpack comes in pastel shades of blue or pink, or you can choose a gorgeous gold for a more glamorous look. 

I love the rectangular look and the beauty of this pack is more than skin deep. It’s got a 19 litre capacity to hold all you need. There’s also adjustable ergonomic shoulder straps and an anti-theft rear pocket. 

2. Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase

Best for: A convertible briefcase

Buy here: John Lewis , Amazon

When you’d prefer a travel laptop bag that isn’t a backpack at all, this convertible briefcase style bag is perfect. I like that it can look nothing like a backpack, yet can be converted to one whenever you like for easy carrying. 

This briefcase bag has compartments for a tablet and a laptop that’s up to 15.6 inches in size, and has a spacious storage compartment for stationery, cables, books and so on. There’s also a couple of handy exterior pockets for smaller items. 

3. Timbuk2 Division Laptop Backpack 

Best for: Reflective detailing

If you want to ensure you’re seen when heading home from work, the airport or the gym after dark, then you’ll appreciate the reflective trim on this Timbuk2 Division backpack. It’s another contender as the best travel laptop backpack with a water bottle pocket too. 

Compression straps to the outer give this backpack a streamlined look even when it’s full to the brim. While the design means it looks equally at home in the boardroom or when you’re taking a break away from work and everyday life. 

4. Antler Chelsea backpack

Best for: Suitcase compatibility

Buy here: Antler , John Lewis , Amazon

This travel bag with a laptop compartment comes from one of the best brands in the business. I’m a big fan of Antler, as they manage to make practical bags look impossibly stylish.

It comes in a range of neutral and stylish colours, and has a sleeve for placing it over a rolling case with a telescopic handle.

Other great features include a water bottle pocket, a front section with a key clip and card slots, a 16.5 inch laptop sleeve and compression straps to help you pack neatly. 

5. Rains Backpack Mini 

Best for: Wet weather

There’s a good reason why this Rains backpack is so-called. These waterproof travel bags for laptops are ideal for protecting your precious tech during wet weather.

If, like me, you can’t bear to be parted from your smartphone, you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a quick access pocket to store this safely in. 

A selection of colours are available, including some subtle, slightly shimmery metallic shades. This one can accommodate a 13 or 15 inch laptop. 

6. Herschel Supply Unisex Tech Daypack Backpack

Best for: Slick minimalism

If you want a laptop travel bag for all occasions, I’d really recommend this top quality one from Herschel as a great place to start. It’s sleek, with a minimalist look that is equally suited to leisure or business travel.

A smart pinstripe lining ensures it’s never dull, and it has a soft grab handle to the top as well as backpack straps. 

This travel laptop backpack comes in several colours and has some great practical features. These include a front section with key clips and organisational pockets, plus cases for a 16 inch tablet and a laptop. 

7. Fjallraven Unisex Kånken Laptop 17″ backpack

Best for: Sporty types

For a more sporty look, I’d recommend this Scandi-style laptop backpack from Fjallraven. It’s ideally suited to everyday activities, and has a more casual look than other laptop travel bags. You can go monochrome with this one, or add a pop of bold colour. 

You can carry this Fjallraven backpack via twin grab handles at the top or the backpack straps. Weighing only half a kilo, this is a lightweight, casual and classic choice that’s ideal for active types. 

8. Harber London Slim Leather Folio Laptop Case No. 7

Best for: City slickers

You don’t have to carry your laptop around in a backpack or briefcase. Instead, a smart real leather folio case could be just the (travel) ticket – I adore the sleek, sophisticated look of this option.

Available in tan, black, navy or a delicious shade of chocolate brown, this is the ideal solution for city slickers. 

This is one classy case, being made in Spain by skilled craftspersons. It has anti-snag teeth on the zipper to protect items like a silk scarf, and has a felt lining for added laptop protection and padding. 

Want up to 25% off hotels?

Subscribe to my newsletter and get immediate access to my guide on how to save money on flights and hotels. Our weekly emails are filled with adventure inspiration, insider travel tips and exclusive discounts.

9. AmazonBasics Shoulder Bag Carrying Case 

Best for: Budget buy

When you want a men’s or women’s travel laptop bag on a budget, this one from AmazonBasics does everything you need it to and more. It comes in classic black, and a range of sizes so you can fit your tech inside snugly. 

You can carry this as a shoulder bag or briefcase, and the 600 denier polyester gives adequate protection for your computer. Plenty of pockets for storage might just seal the deal.

10. Estarer Laptop Messenger Bag 17 -17.3 Inch

Best for: An industrial look

If you prefer more of an industrial look, this messenger bag from Estarer aims to please. It’s available in cool or deeper grey with tan leather-look trim. The large laptop section can accommodate a computer up to 17.3 inches in size. 

You can wear this bag cross-body style, which is the more ergonomic choice, or grab it on the move for carrying via the shoulder strap. I love that there are plenty of pockets here for organising everything from your passport or business cards to a water bottle. 

11. BanGe Business Smart Backpack

Best for: Withstanding scuffs

Laptop bags that can withstand a few knocks and scrapes don’t come any better than this BanGe backpack. The tough outer shell is both waterproof and abrasion resistant, and it offers lots of space for larger and smaller items. 

This bag is also set up for charging via USB, and has a sleeve for securing it onto your main suitcase while waiting at the airport. It’s available in contemporary grey or classic black. 

12. AmazonBasics Laptop and Tablet Case, Black

Best for: Affordable versatility

Another top option from AmazonBasics is this tablet and laptop case. This one is also very affordable, and is styled like a messenger bag and briefcase in one. Two sizes are available. 

There is a strap here for attaching the bag to your main luggage, and you can also remove the shoulder strap when required.

It’s lightweight yet practical and tough, and looks the part whether you’re a student or on your way to the boardroom. 

13. LANDICI Laptop Bag Carry case 

Best for: All the colours

If you want to get hold of a bag for your laptop in your favourite hue, then I’d suggest looking at this one first. It comes in pink, blue, red and purple as well as monochrome shades, and also has a very attractive price tag. 

The bag has a scratch resistant finish, and comes with a padded laptop sleeve to protect costly equipment. There’s also a range of inner and outer pockets and compartments, providing great storage for all your things – making this one of the best travel laptop bags available.

14. New Crew Backpack 22

Best for: Multi-tasking

Buy here: Lulu Lemon

The 22 litre backpack from New Crew makes the perfect laptop travel case. It comes in smart shades of silver, caramel or black.

I think its design is really clever as it’s been made to take along all you need for the day – from your laptop to your gym kit and a water bottle. 

The handy compartments and pockets include a padded laptop sleeve, a large interior section, a water bottle pocket and an outer pocket for items you need to grab on the go.

Why buy a bag for occasional use when you could get one to see you through everyday life? 

15. Targus Classic Clamshell Business Travel Laptop Bag

Best for: Affordable luxury

This slick travel laptop bag is among the best laptop bags for business travel or leisure trips. Yet again, the affordable price tag comes as a pleasant surprise.

It looks and works like something more expensive, and has an inside strap to secure your laptop in place while on the move. 

The Targus clamshell bag is great when you need to find items quickly, as there are different sized storage pockets within for storing all your kit.

It comes with an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap and a trolley strap for securing to a suitcase. The padding also provides plenty of protection for your laptop. 

If you have any travel laptop bag favourites of your own, do let me know in the comments. In the market for a new laptop? Read my guide to the best travel laptops .

Jessie is a luxury travel expert with years of experience travelling the world to find the best destinations, hotels and adventures.

Find me on: Web | Instagram

Pocket Wanderings is a luxury travel and lifestyle brand run by London-based content creator, Jessie Moore. Here you’ll find a community of fellow wanderlusters and adventurers.

Quick Links

About Contact Privacy Policy

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

The 18 Best Laptop Backpacks We Tested for Commutes, Travel, and More

With finds from Amazon, Monos, Béis, and Fjällräven

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Tried
• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Conor Ralph

Whether for personal or business use, laptops are deeply ingrained into our daily routines and it’s difficult to leave them behind when traveling. With a laptop backpack, you can take your work or entertainment with you. Even celebrities like Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, and Emma Stone have been seen toting stylish and functional backpacks around because they act as easy storage, transport, and fashion accessories.

“When looking for the ideal travel laptop bag, I seek out style and overall functionality,” celebrity fashion stylist and consultant Chelsea Volpe tells PEOPLE. She also looks for timeless designs rather than ones that will come and go with the season. Other factors to consider are durability, storage design (”Pockets are your friend,” Volpe says), and tech features such as a USB charging port.

We tested 53 of the best laptop backpacks for travel in the lab and at home for two months, and compared qualities like the capacity of the bags, the design, and the durability of materials — a quality we tested by dropping backpacks with laptops in them. After literally carrying this test on their backs, we found a group of bags that are worthy of being your and your laptop’s next travel companion.

These are the best laptop backpacks for travel that PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall

Solo re:define backpack.

Sustainable materials held up to durability tests and actual traveling

Has cushioned straps and distributes weight evenly to reduce pressure on your shoulders

Extremely spacious despite small size

Shoulder straps are narrow at the top

Though the Solo Re:Define Backpack looks small and unassuming, its capacity seems nearly limitless. During our lab tests, we were able to fit a laptop, a pair of shoes, toiletries, a shirt, a pullover, and a pair of joggers, as well as a book, wallet, keys, and lotion. Even packed to the brink, the backpack weighed maybe 15 pounds — not a huge burden to tote around an airport. The storage options varied between a protected laptop sleeve, small organization pockets, and water bottle pockets; in addition to a battery pack pocket for USB storage and on-the-go charging capabilities. 

The materials lend themselves to a durable and low-maintenance design. Made with recycled polyester sourced from plastic water bottles, this backpack is water-resistant and can be cleaned with a gentle wipe-down. It also held up to wear and tear, with no marks or visible damage after our durability test.

The cushioned straps are comfortable on your shoulders, though they’re close together up top so it could be uncomfortable for some folks if it rubs your neck. That said, we think it’s one of the most comfortable and well-fitting backpacks of the day. When you consider the storage, durability, high-quality materials, comfort, and low price, this bag is a must for any regular traveler.

How it's held up:

When we tried this backpack in the real world, we were continually impressed with its capacity. It’s a bit of a Mary Poppins bag because it almost feels bottomless. The zippers had smooth closures, and the padded straps made the backpack comfortable to wear throughout the day when traveling. We agree with the lab’s assessment of the straps’ narrowness at the top. That said, this lightweight backpack distributes its weight and you feel the impact more on your hips than your shoulders. The sustainable materials are easy to wipe down after a trip — even after traveling across the country, there wasn’t a single scuff or scratch on this backpack.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: Black, gray | Material: Recycled PET polyester | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve for luggage, USB port, RFID data protection pocket

• PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best Overall, Cheaper

Himawari laptop backpack with usb charging port.

Lightweight and comfortable to carry

Lots of protective cushioning on laptop and tablet pockets

Available in more than 20 colors

Most inner compartments don’t have closures so belongings aren’t fully secure

Outer water bottle pockets are too small for large bottles

Himari’s laptop backpack is an excellent value for travelers, students, and commuters. It includes well-padded laptop and tablet sleeves, adjustable straps, two outer side pockets for water bottles, a USB charging port with a built-in cable, and more — all for under $40.

We put this backpack to the test over a four-day trip that included a flight to Florida, as well as during a work commute in New York. We were impressed with its 17-liter capacity — it was flexible and roomy, though still structured enough to stand up on its own. (Case in point: It fit a 15-inch laptop and charging cable, a Kindle, a book, a thick cardigan, a wallet, and keys and still felt spacious.)

It was also comfortable to carry, lightweight even when full, and it distributed weight evenly. The padded straps are also adjustable and can work for people with a wide range of heights and builds. We felt it was durable, too; its waterproof canvas material kept its contents completely dry, both in the Miami humidity and during a light rain storm in New York.

Though we loved the number of pockets in this backpack, we wished its smaller inner compartments — perfect for keys or earbuds — had closures. Our things occasionally slipped out in transit. Also, its two outer side pockets don’t have much give, which makes the bag look more streamlined but makes it difficult to fit larger water bottles inside.

Laptop Size: 15 inches | Colors: 24 | Material: Waterproof canvas | Extra Features: Dedicated laptop pocket and tablet sleeve , large zippered front pocket, 2 inner small pockets, 2 side pockets, padded back panel, adjustable shoulder straps, USB port with built-in charging cable (power bank not included)

• PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Bagsmart bonchemin laptop backpack.

So many pockets and compartments to fit everything you need on a trip

Most inexpensive bag on our list, just under $50

Has a charger port so you don’t have to worry about your phone battery dying mid-journey

Laptop compartment has zippers that must be clipped or the weight of the laptop will cause the bag to open

This favorite from Bagsmart comes with all the qualities you want in a laptop backpack, but with a price tag that will make you raise your eyebrows — it’s that good. We love the large compartment space (which can fit multiple laptops), soft material, stylish design, and comfort. Our shoulders felt light after taking off the bag, despite having carried it around for a bit. 

It also survived — nay, thrived — during our durability tests. The test laptop survived the drop in this bag and came out with no scuffs and no marks. We initially judged the bag based on its basic appearance but were so wrong. We were delighted by the extra features like the charger port, capacity, and quilted cloth design. For the price, this bag is so worth it.

If you're looking for a bag that doubles as an everyday work backpack and a travel one, we took this backpack on a nine-day trip to Ireland, and continue to use it as an everyday work bag. One thing we learned is that you have to fasten the zippers with the clips on the laptop sleeve or the weight of the laptop can open the bag (unfortunately, we learned this while riding the subway). However, there are also so many compartments and pockets, that you can fit everything you need, and more.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: Black, beige, gray, pink, black 17.3, pink rose | Material: Water-resistant polyester | Extra Features: Some hidden pockets, adjustable straps, USB charging port

• PHOTO: People / Conor Ralph

Best Carry-On

Bagsmart blast quick access carry-on travel backpack.

Spacious storage capacity

Several useful pockets, including a dedicated shoe compartment

Laptop pocket cumbersome to open

Chest buckle feels awkward and uncomfortable

This is the ideal carry-on bag for a short trip or an all-day expedition. Inside, it’s incredibly spacious, though we also found it easy to organize our things thanks to six zippered outer pockets, including a dedicated compartment for shoes — a game changer for gym-goers or those on a weekend trip.

This backpack was comfortable to carry during a full-day excursion in New York City, and its nylon material felt lightweight but durable. Though we appreciated that its adjustable shoulder straps were versatile enough to fit a variety of heights and body types, we could have done without its chest buckle, which felt restrictive and in the way. 

While we love the laptop sleeve, the bulky size of the bag makes it a better carry-on travel option rather than a daily laptop bag (for, say, a quick jaunt to a café to work). When full, it can carry a laptop, extra clothes, chargers, notebooks, boots, a water bottle, and toiletries.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: 3 | Material: Nylon | Extra Features: 6 external pockets, shoe compartment, inner/outer compression straps, 4 carrying modes (top/side handles, back luggage strap), water-resistant, machine-washable

Best Investment

Lo & sons rowledge.

Stylish design comes in two sizes

Proved very protective of our laptops over two months of testing

Water-resistant and durable material

Doesn’t fit 15-inch laptops

If fashion is your priority, this stylish Lo & Sons bag is undoubtedly eye-catching. We were in awe of the design because it's very chic with the brand logo, zipper tassels, and leather design. But it’s not just a good-looking backpack, it’s functional too. It looks small on the outside, but once you open it, there is more than enough space for a sweater and any tech you have; there’s even a zippered section for a water bottle. While the bag is only available in black, there are several interior colors available as well as various hardware options.

While it comes in two sizes, neither fits a laptop larger than 13 inches. The premium nylon material is water-resistant and quite durable, and because it’s padded all the way through, the laptop survived the fall test. We noticed the material was a little stiff at first, but it became more flexible and adjustable as time went on. You can also use it as a backpack or a tote, thanks to the sleek top handles.

How it's held up: For two months, we’ve used this bag for our office commute and as a travel bag for airport trips. It’s proved to be sleek, protective, and comfortable throughout long days of wear. It also thoroughly protected our laptop and provided lots of storage and organization options.

Laptop Size: 13 inches | Colors: Black with 7 hardware/interior options | Material: Premium nylon | Extra Features: Convertible design, luggage trolley sleeve

Best Weatherproof

Peak design everyday backpack.

Many hidden compartments; room for pens, a camera, a laptop, and more

Adjustable and padded straps, which makes the bag super comfortable to wear

Made with a weatherproof poly-coated nylon material

One of the most expensive backpacks on our list

Fastener wasn’t as secure as we would have liked

For certain adventures, your travel backpack might face inclement weather, and if you have your laptop in tow, you’ll want a bag that keeps it protected. This backpack is thoughtfully designed with plenty of features for photographers or people traveling with technology gadgets. It scored well in terms of capacity because it has a spacious interior, two removable dividers for separating items that could be fragile, and an expandable magnetic clip.

Despite the size, it also proved quite comfortable. It’s so lightweight, and combined with cushioned and adjustable straps and durable and weatherproof poly-coated nylon material, this bag is highly durable and will keep your laptop safe — much like it did when we dropped the backpack and the laptop stayed intact. Though expensive, the price is completely fair for the high-quality design and materials.

How it's held up: We used this primarily as a work bag, and were impressed with the storage capacity and organizational compartments. The chest strap fits nicely, and the laptop sleeve has held up in protecting our computer. We do wish the backpack fastener was a little more secure.

Laptop Size: 16 inches | Colors: Black, midnight blue, charcoal, ash | Material: 400D double poly-coated nylon canvas shell | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve, adjustable straps

Best Faux Leather

Monos metro backpack.

Even when you fill it to capacity, it’s comfortable to carry around

Deep pockets have more than enough room for anything you need to carry

Nylon and faux leather options with this backpack model

Small bag attached on the front falls off occasionally

No small compartments which makes it harder to find things in the bottom

No water bottle holder on the exterior of the bag

This is a gorgeous bag that’s as eye-catching as it is effective. The design is perfect for everything from commuting to air travel. Even without the detachable bag on the front, there was a good amount of room for storage. The backpack comes in durable nylon or vegan leather options, and both materials are water- and scratch-resistant. The only initial hiccup with the design was the lack of a water bottle holder on the exterior of the bag. 

We loved the look of the vegan leather and though it feels slightly stiff, the bag is comfortable to wear. This bag kept the dummy laptop secure during the drop test — we were impressed with its durability. We think it’s a well-made backpack with thoughtful features like padded handles, plenty of pockets, and a detachable front pouch for staying extra organized.

While home testing for two months, we noticed that the front attached bag falls off occasionally which isn’t ideal, and the deep pockets can be a recipe for losing items at the bottom of your bag. While we love the capacity of this backpack, it might be better suited for travel with larger items than as a commuter bag carrying smaller pens, notebooks, etc.

Laptop Size: 15 inches | Colors: Saddle tan, mahogany, ivory (plus four colors for nylon material) | Material: Ultra-microfiber vegan leather | Extra Features: Water- and scratch-resistant materials, trolley sleeve, top handle

Best Durable

Troubadour orbis 1-pocket backpack.

Dropped seven times without any scuffs or damage marks

Strap padding is highly cushioned making for comfortable wear

Large number of pockets for extensive organization options

Main compartment opening tapers down slightly making it harder to get into

Back padding isn’t super breathable

When you travel with a backpack, it has to endure quite a bit of wear and tear. This one-pocket backpack from Troubadour was the most durable among those we tested. Its canvas-like material is actually a recycled polyester, and though lightweight it can sustain a good beating. After dropping it seven times during our tests, it didn’t have any scuff marks or damage and still looked brand new. The amount of padding on the straps creates a super cushioned feel, though it wasn’t super breathable and our tester got a little sweaty when carrying it around.

In addition, the capacity was impressive — we could fit a surprising amount of clothing and cosmetics. The large number of pockets allows for extensive organization, and the water bottle pockets can fit up to a 24-ounce bottle. The design is sleek, and the main compartment is spacious, but we did notice the top of the compartment tapers down slightly, so the opening is a little hard to get into. Though slightly inconvenient, the slides’ fabric expands to help you access the compartment better. Overall, this is a well-designed, durable, and comfortable backpack to invest in.

We found this bag to be spacious, durable, and comfortable for regular commutes. It has a series of pockets and compartments for organization, as well as a protected laptop pocket, which is easy to access and unzip. The main pocket issue also existed in our real-world testing; basically, it’s hard to get into this backpack on the go, because the zipper lives under a tapered flat. So we just had to stop and take the backpack off to get into it. However, the padding was extremely thick and comfortable to wear throughout the day. It has remained durable without any scuff marks during our real-world testing, and frankly, given the amount of padding, we would feel confident kicking the bag even with our laptop in it. 

Laptop Size: 16 inches | Colors: Black | Material: Recycled polyester | Extra Features: Smooth zippers, clever pockets, waterproof fabric, 5-year guarantee

Best Design

Béis the backpack.

Lots of storage compartments and organization options

Water-resistant lining to protect your laptop from rain or spills

Comfortable to wear (when not overpacked)

No padded bottom in laptop sleeve

Reusable water bottle doesn’t fit in the drink pouch

Feels heavy to carry when filled to the brim

As a standout piece in Shay Mitchell’s luggage brand , Beis, this backpack offers extensive storage, a chic design, durability, and comfort when wearing it. This bag was definitely designed by travel pros because there's a ton of capacity — the bag wasn't even close to half full with the items we packed in. The capacity includes water bottle holders, a laptop sleeve, zippered compartments, and more. When this backpack appears on a list of Cyber Monday luggage deals, definitely snap it up.

Though we were nervous about the laptop sleeve not having a padded bottom, the backpack kept the laptop protected during our drop test. We were, though, impressed with the comfort. The straps are nicely padded and adjustable, and a good width apart to feel comfortable around our frame. The overall features of this bag make it very convenient and portable: Its comfortable and durable design, expansive capacity, water-resistant lining, and protective laptop storage make it a fabulous laptop backpack for travel.

We used this bag on two international trips and it fits an astonishing amount. It fully opens, which makes it easy to see where everything is inside (no digging around!). We noticed that a reusable water bottle did not fit super easily in the water pouch, which was disappointing. It also felt super heavy when full, but we do love the organization options.

Laptop Size: 15 inches | Colors: Black, beige | Material: Cotton, PVC, polyester | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve, water bottle pockets

Best Capacity

Lovevook laptop bag.

Spacious and includes large, useful pockets

Comfortable to carry

Great value

Lacks padding in laptop sleeve and back panel

Strap adjustment mechanism felt flimsy

When we tested this backpack during work commutes, we were shocked by its spaciousness. In its main compartment, we stored a laptop, a notebook, two medium-sized makeup pouches, a pair of large over-ear headphones, and a packed lunch. Plus, the front pocket fit AirPods, tissues, and several other smaller items, and the side pockets were secure but stretchy enough to fit a large Stanley cup. (We also utilized the USB pocket with a built-in charging cable for on-the-go power.)

The bag had several smaller hidden pockets, which helped us organize smaller personal items; it felt like there was no wasted space. However, the laptop sleeve itself had what we’d consider a minimal amount of padding compared to other options, though there were enough protective layers to keep it safe during low-impact trips.

Though its adjustable shoulder straps were thick and plush, the adjustment sliders felt a bit flimsy — we noticed that they often moved on their own during transit, which made the bag looser and more uncomfortable to carry. As a result, we noted some strain on our shoulders and neck after commuting with a full bag; for this reason, we believe it’s a better fit for smaller loads or shorter distances.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: 18 | Material: Nylon | Extra Features: 2 front compartments, luggage strap on back, USB charging port, theft-proof back pocket, 2 side pockets

Best for Organization

Timbuk2 authority laptop backpack deluxe.

Tons of capacity for storage, including pockets for organization

Water-resistant material

Adjustable padded straps

No cons detected during testing

This deluxe backpack from Timbuk2 is an organizer’s dream. With pockets and hidden compartments inside, outside, and on the sides of this backpack, there are countless ways to organize this bag. The main compartment fits all of the packing items without issue, and it’s super sleek and thin — plus there are tons of pockets for staying super organized.

We loved the lightweight feel of this backpack, as well as the padding and cushioned feel of the adjustable straps when wearing it. We felt like we could wear this all day and not feel any pinching or immediate pain. It also passed our durability test with flying colors, as the laptop sleeve is super padded, and the bottom of the bag has a waterproof material, so nothing seeps through. While it might not be able to hold all of your essentials for a longer trip, we feel like this bag would last a really long time with daily use.

Laptop Size: 17 inches | Colors: Black deluxe, eco black deluxe, nightfall, static, olivine, titanium | Material: 100 percent recycled nylon | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve, air-mesh back panel, compression straps

Best Padded

Swissgear 1900 scansmart laptop backpack.

Extensive organization and capacity options for every kind of usage: commuting, travel, running errands, and more

Scansmart tech for faster airport travel

Gets a little heavy to carry around if you overfill it

Swissgear offers a highly durable, comfortable, and spacious backpack to keep your laptop protected during travel. The polyester material is washable and waterproof, the large zippers are all metal, and the material is thick and seemingly well-constructed, so we can see this bag lasting for years while being used daily. We also appreciated the extra padding on the straps and back panel, which we would describe as exceptionally soft.

The capacity proved spacious and allowed for organization with various pockets and sections to keep your things in place. With a plethora of pockets and compartments, this bag makes sure everything has its rightful spot. It also has Scansmart technology to speed up the TSA process. We loved the overall look and design, and while some might find it a bit utilitarian in appearance, considering the price and all the features, we’d say it’s a steal.

How it's held up: Upon receiving this backpack, we threw our old backpack away (literally at the office) and have never looked back. We carry it around two to three days per week, and it works beautifully for shopping (and loading up on gifts and goodies), commuting, going to the gym, and traveling. We’re huge fans of the compartment options and organization capabilities, though it does get a little heavy to carry around when overfilled.

Laptop Size: 17 inches | Colors: Blue, gray, heather gray, black, and more | Material: 1200 D polyester | Extra Features: Scansmart tech to speed up TSA process, adjustable straps, padded airflow back panel

Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Has a front pocket with wireless charging capabilities for your phone

Didn’t scuff or scratch when dropped for durability test

It sits a little low on your back even when the straps are on the tightest setting

Could be too expensive for some budgets

Despite being a smaller backpack, this bag fits everything we wedged into it during testing. In addition to the spacious main compartment, there’s also a front pocket designed as a wireless charger (though the actual charger is sold separately) and a protective laptop sleeve. It felt lightweight, and while there wasn’t padding, it didn’t really need any since it’s so small. 

While walking around, the bag was comfortable on our shoulders, even when fully packed. It sat a little low on our backs but that’s not a dealbreaker. It passed the durability test without any marks of scuffs, but since it’s a genuine leather bag, we would advise you to be mindful of its care. Given the material, we understand the higher price tag, but it could be too expensive for some budgets. Overall, we think this is a sleek, quality backpack that would be a fun accessory to take your work on the go. 

How it's held up: When we tried this backpack outside the lab, it fit everything we needed to carry around. We really liked the front pocket for storing quick-grab items like your keys, wallet, and phone. And the fact that it can charge your phone while you’re out doesn’t hurt. We like the look of the buckle straps but in terms of comfort, the backpack sits a little low on our backs. We weren’t particularly careful with the bag, and it still hasn’t scratched. The design and small size would make this an ideal work bag for commuters.

Laptop Size: 13 inches | Colors: Green, red, black, tan | Material: 100% genuine Italian leather | Extra Features: Charging pocket, outer pocket, water bottle pocket

Best with Charger

Vohler laptop backpack.

Built-in USB charger which makes traveling so much more convenient

Lots of organization compartments and pockets to store different sized items

Luggage strap makes for easy transport as you can throw it on top of your suitcase and wheel it around

Only comes in dark colors

The fabric inside the liner frayed and ripped in the two months of use

If you want a bag that provides plenty of storage when you travel and lets you charge your devices on the go, this Vohler pick is a good choice. We love the organization compartments, USB charger, durable material, and stylish design. We were able to sort everything within the multiple pockets, and there are extra hidden pockets for more valuable items. 

We appreciated the compact size, which can fit wonderfully under a seat and in the overhead compartment on a plane. This contemporary bag offers a built-in USB charger, high quality, and durable fabric that’s water-resistant. The bottom padding helped during our impact test, keeping the laptop intact when dropped via the backpack. We loved this well-designed bag, and thinks it will last for many trips to come.

How it’s held up: We’ve used this backpack for two months for work and travel. Though one of the pocket liners frayed and ripped, the majority of the bag has shown incredible durability — we’ve thrown it under plane seats, overpacked its capacity, and taken it on many road trips. We love the luggage strap and how easy it is to throw on top of our suitcase to wheel around the airport. It has a ton of pockets and compartments for storage, and we’ve utilized the USP charger many times which adds a layer of convenience to traveling.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches, 17 inches | Colors: Black, blue, grey, rose red | Material: Water-resistant polyester | Extra Features: Built-in USB charger

Best for Business Travel

Samsonite just right standard backpack.

Plenty of compartments and organizer pockets for storing various items

Sleek, sophisticated design that received lots of compliments when we used it on trips

Not a huge capacity

If you’re popping out for a quick business trip, this backpack is the perfect work bag for brief commutes. It easily fits a laptop and iPad and could definitely fit another computer. In fact, everything from the test fit in the bag, but it’s definitely more of a commuter bag or a second carry-on, rather than a main bag for a trip. It’s a highly cushioned bag, with plenty of support when wearing it, as well as padding around your laptop for extra protection. 

Other cool features include the USB cord, all of the various organization pockets and compartments, and a trolley strap to attach it to luggage when you don’t feel like carrying it. Our one lament was that there was only one water bottle pocket, and it was not very large. The overall design is super lightweight, and we think the outer and inner materials both seem high quality and durable — plus, nothing was damaged during the drop test. It’s a very sleek bag that doesn’t have a huge capacity, but it looks professional and is extremely organized. It would be a great bag for work commutes or as a personal item on a plane.

How it's held up: Over two months, we learned this bag has just enough pockets to stay organized without allowing you to overpack and cause bulkiness. It goes with everything, and we always get compliments on it when out and about. It doesn’t fit too much, which we liked because it prevents us from overpacking, but this could be inconvenient for those who need more spacious bags.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: Black | Material: Nylon | Extra Features: Adjustable straps, included cable for charging devices, trolley sleeve

Best for Commuters

Aer city pack.

High-quality materials and design

Sturdy laptop compartment

Has ample pockets elevated details

Slightly heavy

May not be as comfortable for petit users

Aer’s City Pack is aptly named — in our testing, we noted it was the ideal bag for commuters. We tested this 14-liter-capacity bag on work commutes in New York; it comfortably fit a 14-inch Macbook Pro laptop, a sketchbook, a pencil case, a 32-ounce Swell water bottle, a pair of foldable over-ear headphones, a battery charger, a travel-sized sunblock, and keys.

What made this bag stand out was the attention to detail in its design and special features, including organized compartments (shoutout to the tiny pocket specifically for bag trackers like AirTags !), a strap and clip for keys , a deep water bottle pocket that expands, and a quick-grab side handle for convenient carrying. Its laptop compartment also felt extremely sturdy and safe; it’s padded generously and has a soft lining. Plus, the nylon exterior is thick, rigid, and durable, and we didn’t see any signs of wear and tear after weeks of testing it every day. 

The bag has adjustable shoulder straps and a chest buckle for stability, and it’s extremely comfortable to carry thanks to cushy, high-quality padding. It was a bit heavy compared to other laptop backpacks — a factor that could be a game changer, particularly for someone shorter or more petite. 

Laptop Size: 16 inches | Colors: 3 | Material: 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon | Extra Features: Contoured back panel, exterior water bottle pocket, smart tracker pocket (designed for Apple AirTags), padded side handle, strap and clip for keys

Best for Students

Fjällräven räven 28.

Huge storage capacity with numerous pockets and compartments

Protected laptop during drop test, and when we placed the bag in spilled water

Comfortable, supportive straps that don’t dig into your shoulders when wearing it

We wish the water bottle pockets on the side were bigger

If you’re in the market for a backpack for school, field trips, and the like, this bag provides vast storage capacity for supplies, notebooks, and laptops, and is easy to transport. We found that this bag easily fit everything in our packing test with tons of pockets to spare. The padded laptop compartments can fit two laptops and an iPad. In addition to two water bottle holders (which we wish were a bit larger), there are several hidden pockets for valuables, and many more for organizing. 

We also loved the design of this backpack. The straps and back are also mesh which is great for breathability. Plushy straps, a leather top handle, and classic canvas material are just a few features of this versatile backpack. We were somewhat worried about the canvas collecting dust and being susceptible to stains, but it fared well during testing. It held up during our impact test and protected the laptop from sustaining any damage. We would recommend this product, especially to a student or someone commuting. 

How it's held up: Over two months, we used this backpack about three times per week for work and various times for travel. It offers plenty of space and numerous compartments for storage, organization, and more. It sits flat against your back, which makes it great for commuting, especially on the subway. It’s supportive and super comfortable to wear and doesn’t dig into your shoulders. And when we accidentally set it down in spilled water, the laptop remained dry and protected.

Laptop Size: 15 inches | Colors: Basalt, foliage green, navy, terracotta brown, port, and more | Material: Polyester, cotton | Extra Features: Mesh organized pockets, adjustable padded straps

Best for Outdoors

Solgaard lifepack backpack.

USB ports for charging devices, which are discreetly hidden

Plush drop-proof laptop sleeve, which protected our computer during the drop test

Design is made with recycled materials, and includes anti-theft lock

Solarbank is sold separately

Pockets in the front compartment could be more versatile

If you’re adventuring into the wilderness, or perhaps just a casual backyard campout, this Solgaard backpack has space for everything you’ll need. It has a large capacity and spacious interior. Overall, we loved the design and were impressed with how much it can fit. Plus, the cushioned straps and chest strap made this backpack incredibly comfortable. Plus, its material is made from 100 percent recycled plastic, so you can feel good about your purchase.

This backpack has a plush drop-proof laptop sleeve which proved effective during testing — protecting the test laptop from sustaining damage. The backpack feels very durable and offers lots of cushion for the items inside. It’s also compatible with Solagaard’s sister product — the Solarbank Boombox — which acts as a portable charger, Bluetooth, and sound system. The only hiccup is you have to purchase the Solarbank separately. 

How it's held up: We used this for our work commute and travels for over two months and we love the innovation with this backpack. It contains incredible storage for technology like laptops, chargers, iPads, and more. The plugs and wires in the bag are very discreet. If we have to name a con, we’d say the pockets in the front section could be more versatile — they’re rather small and don’t fit larger items. 

Laptop Size: 17 inches | Colors: Baltic black, Atlantic blue, charcoal, Granada green camo, Granada green | Material: Shore-Tex, recycled plastic | Extra Features: Anti-theft lock, connects with Solarbank for portable charging and music on the go

• PHOTO: Tripsavvy / Conor Ralph

Other Laptop Backpacks We Tried

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L : Lululemon’s answer to an everyday backpack has a large, deep main pocket that easily accommodates a 16-inch laptop, books, and personal items. However, the water bottle holders are small, there’s minimal padding on the back, and a lack of internal organizational pockets, which can make it tougher to find smaller items.

Herschel Kaslo Tech Backpack 30L : Herschel’s 30-liter backpack is highly spacious and designed for optimal organization, featuring multiple zippered compartments that accommodate a significant amount of equipment. We found that its padding and cushioning effectively protect its contents, even during accidental falls, and that it showed no signs of wear and tear after use. However, the bag's large size can be overwhelming for smaller frames, and its material — EcoSystem 600D fabric made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer water bottles — is rough to the touch and can cause discomfort. It’s best for those carrying equipment, like DJs or tech wizards, rather than those who only need to transport a couple of laptops and chargers.

People / Jhett Thompson

What to Know About Laptop Backpacks

When you’re buying a backpack, especially one for transporting a laptop, you should consider the capacity and how much will fit. Some backpacks only fit certain size laptops, others might just fit a laptop and a few other things, and some can store several clothes as well as notebooks, laptops, and more. And bonus points if there are lots of pockets and compartments for organizing your items. “Compartmentalizing work items creates ease of navigation on the go,” Volpe says.  

Durability 

“Another factor in purchasing a travel laptop bag is durability,” says Volpe. She points out various travel hazards like spilled coffee on planes and rainstorms where a good backpack material can be the difference between a ruined day and momentary inconvenience. “Durable materials like leather are lux and long lasting,” says Volpe, adding that “they also take wear and tear nicely.” She points out that the look of leather improves over time, so even once it’s worn down over time, it will retain that vintage leather aesthetic. 

“Another great option for durability is high quality polyester,” she says (as well as nylon). She adds that this material generally costs less than leather, and can “outlast torrential downpours and being crammed into an overhead compartment.”

The design of a backpack can aid or hinder your travels, so you want to look for features that add to the overall comfort, durability, and use of the bag. Features like adjustable straps, the ability to connect to a charger, and the number of pockets and storage compartments are all important factors to look for. 

In terms of style, Volpe says, “Instead of being too trend forward I look for a travel laptop bag that has an aesthetic which can last for three to four years versus one season.” She suggests avoiding wild prints/patterns and looking for solid colors that will pair well with many outfits and occasions. “A travel laptop bag isn't something you just throw away like a budget friendly evening clutch,” exclaims Volpe. “It has to be appropriate to take to business meetings and while working from your local coffee shop.” 

But it doesn’t have to be boring, she adds. “Color is A-Okay for the creative and fun loving types. Combination neutrals like cream, brown and gray are chic, mature and versatile to coordinate with any outfit,” she says. And for the tech savvy shopper? “You may want a travel laptop bag that has a headphone port, RFID-blocking ID slots, and/or an external USB with a built-in charging cable.”

The price of a laptop backpack can range from $50 to nearing $500, so you just have to keep your budget in mind, as well as the features you’re not willing to compromise on and find a bag that meets both of those criteria. Certain materials like leather will cost more, whereas you can find less expensive bags via materials like polyester. Tech features, like charging capabilities, can also add to the cost.

Our team tested 53 of the top-rated laptop backpacks for travel in our lab, comparing qualities like design, capacity, durability, level of comfort, and overall value. After testing these features, 18 bags came out ahead as our winners.

• Setup: First our team assessed the design of the bags, looking at storage capacity, various pockets and compartments, ability to be organized, and so forth. Then they simulated packing a bag for a trip with real items like a prop laptop, prop iPad, chargers, notebooks, a layer of clothing, a water bottle, and a cosmetic bag. 
• Functionality: Once the bag was packed, our team tested its functionality, considering how much it weighed, how comfortable it was to carry around, and if any part of the design aided its overall use and portability (like adjustable straps for instance).
• Durability: To test the durability and level of protection, we dropped each bag with a prop laptop inside twice, to see if it provided adequate cushioning to keep the computer intact. The laptops were then checked for scratches and damage and turned on to see if the internal hardware had been affected by the impact. Our chosen laptop backpacks for travel were supportive and cushioned and kept the laptops from experiencing damage. We continued testing for two months in the real world to collect additional insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

During the TSA check process at the airport, it’s all about efficiency and helping security see what’s in your bag without other items getting in the way. Some backpacks have a dedicated laptop sleeve that can help this process because it separates your laptop from the other items in your bag. Additionally, backpacks that can be fully unzipped, so agents can easily see the contents inside, would also be considered TSA-friendly.

As a general rule, most airlines won’t let you carry on a backpack that’s bigger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and nine inches deep. This is to ensure the bag will fit comfortably underneath the airplane seat or in the overhead compartment. If you have a backpack that exceeds these measurements, you’ll have to check it, so keep the dimensions in mind when making a selection.

A durable nylon or polyester will be the most enduring material for a travel bag. Both materials are water-resistant, and less susceptible to rips and tears than other materials. In some high end bags you’ll see leather used, which is fairly durable, and also provides an element of style. So the best material depends on if you care more about fashion or function.

Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who has a penchant for travel bags — owning a handful of suitcases, duffels, carry-on bags, and backpacks. For this article, Yauger also spoke to celebrity fashion stylist and consultant Chelsea Volpe . She also drew on insights from our lab tests in evaluating purchasing decision factors such as price, capacity, the durability of materials, design, and comfort of carrying to determine the best laptop backpacks for travel.

Avery Stone is a contributing freelance writer for PEOPLE who updated this story with our latest tested laptop backpacks. Avery has words in Nylon, The Cut, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

Our Expert Panel

Chelsea Volpe is a celebrity fashion stylist and consultant.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

Related Articles

Best laptop bags in September 2024

The best laptop bags for all of your everyday use

Best laptop bags under $50

Best laptop bags under $100, best laptop bags over $100.

The best laptop bags are perfect for college, work and everything in between. And with back to school season in full swing, all the biggest brands from Adidas to the North Face are kicking off sales on the best options.

We've put together a list of the best laptop bags for every budget and for all occasions below. From courier bags to backpacks, these laptop bags are suitable for college, work, or everyday use. Plus, make sure to check out our back to school sales guide for all the essentials you'll need.

Mancro Laptop Backpack: was $29 now $16 @ Amazon The Mancro Laptop Backpack has more than 10 compartments, one of which can house a 15-inch laptop. It also has a combination zipper lock, which ensures no one will open your laptop bag and steal its contents when you're not looking. 

Volher Laptop Backpack: was $49 now $23 @ Amazon The Volher Laptop Backpack is one of the best laptop bags you can get. The budget-friendly bag has a 30-liter capacity and is spacious enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop. We especially like the bag's built-in USB-charging port and cable, which provides a more convenient way to charge your devices as you travel. (Battery not included). 

Matein Laptop Backpack: was $49 now $21 @ Amazon Don't let its cheap price fool you. The Matein Laptop Backpack is one of the best laptop bags on the market. This 27-liter bag features a padded laptop sleeve that fits laptops up to 17 inches in size. It also has a USB-charging port, which connects to a battery backup in the bag that lets you charge your devices without having to open your backpack. (Battery not included). 

Under Armour Hustle Backpack: was $55 now $43 @ Amazon If you want a laptop bag with a sporty look, the Hustle Backpack is for you. Available in a wide assortment of colors, the this bag features a 15-inch laptop sleeve, water-resistant finish, and a zippered bottom compartment. It's one of the best laptop bags around. 

Adidas Excel 6 Backpack: was $55 now $39 @ Amazon This Adidas Excel 6 is a simple but very stylish backpack. It offers four outside zippered pockets, and dual water holders on either side. Plus, there are internal organization slots and a 16" padded computer sleeve for storing your tech devices. 

SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack: $89 @ Amazon The SwissGear 1900 is made with 1200D ballistic polyester to withstand heavy use and harsh environments. It's also a TSA-friendly laptop bag, which means it's designed to produce a clear and unobstructed image of your laptop when undergoing X-ray screening. The 31-liter bag can hold up to a 17-inch laptop. 

Travelon Signature Slim Backpack: was $75 now $59 @ Kohl's If you're after a backpack that is a heavy on the style, then this Travelon Signature Slim Backpack could be the perfect pick. It doesn't favour looks over function either with two interior zippered wall pockets, a main compartment that can easily fit a tablet or slim laptop and a slash pocket that offers quick access. 

The North Face Pivoter Backpack: $84 @ Amazon The 27-liter North Face Pivoter Backpack features a roomy main compartment with a padded laptop sleep. The front compartment has a padded tablet sleeve along with additional organizational pockets. It's available in various colors at Amazon.

Mous Day Backpack: was $159 now $139 @ Mous Crafted using sustainable materials that are durable and water-resistant, this 20-liter backpack is deceptively large in capacity — giving you space for up to a 16-inch laptop, a bunch of pockets, and a central zip that gives you access to the entire main compartment.

Kaban Backpack: $149 @ The North Face Made of ultra-durable, water resistant 900D polyester, the North Face Kaban backpack is virtually indestructible. It features a 26-liter capacity and has a dedicated sleeve to protect laptops up to 15 inches. 

How to choose the best laptop bag

Everyone has their own style, but there are a few things you should look for when shopping for the best laptop bags.

Size: First, you'll want to know what size laptop your bag can accommodate. Some can accommodate laptops as big as 17 inches, whereas others are limited to ultraportables no bigger than 13 inches, ideal for one of the best laptops for battery life . 

Compartments: You should also check if the bag has a dedicated laptop compartment and if there's space for other devices like a tablet or college books. The last thing you want is for all your devices to share one large compartment. 

Travel friendly: There are also various laptop bags that are TSA-compliant. These bags are designed so that they offer a clear and unobstructed image of your laptop/tablet when they're undergoing X-ray screening at an airport. The TSA doesn't endorse any bags or brands, but bag manufacturers will usually highlight if they're bags are TSA-friendly. 

Durability: If you live in a region with changing seasons, we also recommend you investigate what type of material your laptop bag is made of. Investing in a waterproof laptop bag can be extremely useful as it can protect your laptop — and other devices — from water damage. 

Versatility: Finally, with many gyms now reopened, you may want to invest in a laptop bag that can double as a gym bag. Some bags even feature special compartments for dirty clothes or sneakers, so that they can be stored away from your laptop or tablet.  

• Best laptops right now
• Best college laptops for students
• Best keyboards in 2021
• Best mouse in 2021
• Best office chairs you can buy now
• Best gaming laptops for all budgets

Sign up to get the BEST of Tom's Guide direct to your inbox.

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.

As deals editor-in-chief at Tom’s Guide, Louis is constantly looking for ways to avoid paying full price for the latest gadgets, appliances, and apparel. With over 10 years of deals-hunting experience, Louis price checks against multiple retailers and searches high and low for the best deals to bring readers. He's also always on the look out for the best coupon codes to use when shopping. A born-and-bred New Yorker, Louis is also an avid swimmer and marathoner. His work has appeared on Gizmodo, CNET, and Time Out New York.

Apple could have another event planned for October — focussing on Macs and iPads

I review Chromebooks for a living, and I install these 5 apps every time

Max top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now

Most Popular

• 2 9 gaming laptop deals I'd buy from $599 — save on Asus, MSI, Alienware and more
• 3 Columbia fall apparel sale — 7 deals on jackets, fleeces and more starting at $18
• 4 Apple AirPods 4 hands-on: It's hard to beat good active noise cancellation for under $180
• 5 Weekend lie-ins could lower your risk of heart disease by a fifth, says new study

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market.  See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our  credit card rating methodology .

The 13 Best Laptop Backpacks To Buy for Travel in 2024

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

823 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 63 U.S. States Visited: 9

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

43 Published Articles 3381 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 50 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

Things to consider when buying a laptop backpack, the 13 best laptop backpacks for travel, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

In order to safely transport your laptop from place to place, you need a protective vessel that not only works hard to keep your tech safe but is also comfortable to carry around with you.

Backpacks are the preferred bag type of students, commuters, and frequent flyers. Finding one that will fit your laptop as well as your day-to-day belongings will make travel just a little bit easier.

The size of your backpack should be large enough to comfortably accommodate your laptop and accessories, yet small enough to fit in an overhead bin.

Internal compartments should be roomy enough to fit not just your laptop and charger, but also all your vital necessities, including your wallet , cell phone, glasses, keys, and all the other things you rely on, to prevent you from needing to carry yet another purse or shoulder bag with you.

The size of your laptop will dictate the size of your backpack. Laptop backpacks have a dedicated, padded compartment to slip your laptop into, so it’s important to make sure that the pocket is large enough to fit your laptop.

Standard size dimensions include 15-, 16-, and 17-inch laptop compartments. The thickness of your laptop can make a difference in whether or not it fits, so be sure to take that into account.

Because laptops and all of their necessary paraphernalia can be heavy to carry around, your laptop backpack needs to be as lightweight as possible.

You want to be able to work on the move, but not be so weighed down that you suffer back strain while getting there. Laptops are designed to be portable, so the backpack that you carry it in should be easy and comfortable to carry as well.

Material and Durability

The level of protection your laptop backpack offers is one of the most vital aspects of its purpose. Your laptop needs protection not just from knocks and drops, but also from wet weather.

Some of the very best laptop backpacks on the market are made using waterproof (or at least water-resistant) material that will protect your laptop from the elements and is easy to clean.

Make sure that the material your laptop backpack is made out of is durable, resistant to abrasions, and won’t rip or tear, leaving your laptop vulnerable to the outside.

Meshed backs, curved back systems, and padded through-flows are also useful backpack design features that stop you from getting a sweaty back when carrying your backpack for long periods of time or in hot weather.

Handles and Straps

The beauty of a backpack is that it leaves your hands free for carrying coffee, checking social media on your phone, or holding on to your plane ticket. It’s essential that your backpack have strong, durable straps that will carry all the weight you put in it without tiring out your shoulders.

Comfort is also key.  Handles and straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders. They should be able to carry the weight of the bag with ease and not start to come loose or strain at the seams.

Backpack straps and handles should also be adjustable so you can find the most comfortable position that doesn’t cause back strain.

Laptop Compartment and Pockets

A superb laptop backpack should have multiple pockets and spaces to store all of your items.

The laptop compartment itself must be well-padded to ensure that your device is kept safe from knocks and damage at all times.

Additional pockets should be carefully devised to ensure that they can hold your chargers and cables without squashing or tangling them. There should also be a good variety of internal pockets that can be zipped up tight to keep USB sticks and other peripherals safe.

There should be plenty of room for your wallet, keys, and phone, all kept safely away from the laptop compartment to avoid scratching or damage as you reach in to grab what you need.

Smart Luggage

When it was first invented, smart luggage was considered to be the most exciting thing to happen in the world of carry-on bags . Cabin bags and laptop cases fitted with this type of technology were a real game-changer.

That was until airlines banned them due to the risk of carrying lithium batteries on packed commuter flights.

You can still take your smart luggage into the cabin, but there are very strict rules that apply. You must be able to remove the battery from the smart luggage in case it needs to be checked. This news may change your mind about paying the extra dollar for these handy features.

But fear not, dear flyer, for there are plenty of excellent laptop backpacks on the market without lithium batteries that will keep your beloved laptop safe and sound while you travel.

While there are many, many laptop backpacks on the market to choose from, only a few of them really make the grade. Here are some of our favorites.

1. Best for Frequent Flyers

Swissgear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

Weight: 3.3 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 9 x 18.5 x 13.5 inches

Made from superior quality, durable, and weather-resistant 1200D ballistic polyester, the Scansmart from Swissgear offers lie-flat technology to protect up to 17-inch laptops when traveling.

For your convenience, the easy-open compartments are designed to ensure hassle-free, laptop-in-bag TSA scans.

The main laptop compartment is easy to access and is separated from the additional iPad or tablet pocket. Both are fully padded and lined with scratch-free, soft material to help avoid damage during transit.

An additional large U-zip pocket on the front is perfect for keeping all of your pens, notebooks, wallet , and keys safe and within easy reach. The contoured shoulder straps are easily adjustable and the mesh panel with Airflow ventilation prevents sweating.

Packed full of useful features, this backpack not only performs well but also looks professional.

If you’re looking for a quality backpack to carry your laptop from one place to another, this a great option for frequent flyers who want to keep their tech safe and secure wherever they may be.

What We Like

• Can leave your laptop inside your bag going through airport security

What We Don’t Like

• No chest strap for extra support

2. Best for Those Who Want To Travel in Style

Incase Icon Pack

Weight:  2.8 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 19 inches

This design-conscious laptop backpack is made from patented Woolenex, abrasion-resistant fabric that’s woven from 2 different thicknesses of polyester fiber.

Durable and weather-resistant, this backpack looks chic and understated, while offering practical and versatile storage options.

The main compartment is large enough to carry a 16-inch MacBook, while the front pocket offers just the right size storage for your iPad or tablet.

Both compartments are padded and offer plenty of protection for your most valued devices, as well as being lined with soft, velour-like material that will keep your screens scratch-free wherever you take them.

In terms of extras, there’s a multitude of storage pockets and zippered compartments that are designed to keep all of your day-to-day necessities safe by your side.

There are even 2 side-access pockets that make it easy to get what you need without taking the backpack completely off. A pocket also features a headphone cable hole for easy listening on the go.

The stylish, minimalist design is low-key and label-free, meaning that you can safely carry around your expensive equipment without drawing too much attention to yourself.

• Headphone cable pocket
• Zippers are not water-resistant

3. Best for the Born Organizer

Timbuk2 – The Authority Pack

Weight:  2.4 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 11.4 x 18.1 x 5.9 inches

If you’re the kind of traveler who needs to take a lot of stuff with you, then this is the perfect laptop backpack for you.

Designed to comfortably carry all of your office necessities, this strong, durable, and well-thought-out backpack has plenty of room to accommodate your laptop and lots of extra items with ease.

The Authority Pack from Timbuk2 has strong adjustable straps that can be adjusted to suit your height and width, and a grab handle for easy lifting and carrying.

The fabric is designed to not only keep your gear safe and well-protected from the elements, but also to prevent sweating.

With the main compartment that can hold up to a 17-inch laptop and a wealth of additional pockets, you’ll be able to take everything you need on the road.

It also offers a neoprene water bottle pocket, compression straps (that also add a useful hanging function), a dedicated key keeper fob so you’ll never lose your keys in the bottom again, and internal pockets perfectly sized for cell phones, pens, chargers, and cables.

Whatever you’re taking with you, The Authority Pack backpack has the perfect space to keep it safe.

• Rear-positioned laptop for weight balancing
• Backpack straps are a little short

4. Best for the Everyday Commuter

Thule Subterra Daypack 25L

Weight:  2.18 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 13 x 11 x 18.5 inches

The Subterra Daypack from sports luggage giant Thule is perfect for those who want to combine the sporting life with the everyday commute.

Made from the highest quality materials, the quick access compartment is large enough to hold a 15-inch MacBook as well as your iPad or tablet. This backpack also offers superior bumper protection with a soft, snuggly lining and 2-way access through the top-loading compartment or side zipper.

A useful addition to the Subterra backpack is the patented SafeZone compartment that can hold your sunglasses, smartphone, or other fragile items and can be removed for carrying separately.

There’s also a quick-access front pocket that expands to hold your charging cables or power bank , as well as a hidden vertical pocket that’s perfect for your headphones or wallet and includes a clip for keeping your keys safe.

Made from strong, durable nylon with the subtle Thule branding, this backpack is a good choice for those looking for practical and protective storage for everyday journeys.

Whether you’re traveling to work, the airport, or somewhere else entirely, this is a good-size backpack that will protect your laptop and stow everything else you need for the hard day’s work ahead.

• Molded side pocket to protect valuable items such as a cell phone or sunglasses
• Straps don’t tighten that much for smaller people

5. Best for the Money-conscious Laptop Owner

Solo Duane 15.6 Inch Laptop Hybrid Briefcase, Converts to Backpack

Weight: 2.05 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 12.5 x 5.5 x 17.3 inches

This laptop backpack may look like a simple backpack, but the hidden, convertible straps can instantly transform it into a briefcase. This unique function makes the Solo Duane perfect for business travelers who like the convenience of a backpack but the professional look of a briefcase.

The interior is roomy and well-padded. The dedicated laptop compartment will hold any of the most popular devices measuring up to 15.6-inches — including MacBooks, laptops, and Chromebooks. There’s also a dedicated pocket for keeping your iPad, tablet, or e-reader safe during transit.

There are plenty of additional storage compartments, including a large exterior pocket that can comfortably hold your charging cables, and 2 quick-access front pockets for phones, keys, wallets, and credit cards .

For the price you pay, this backpack is an absolute bargain! With plenty of space to hold everything you need to work or study, the price is right on point.

Complete with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty , this backpack is great for a professional looking to impress, students who are serious about school work, or those who want an affordable laptop bag they can rely on.

• 3 different options to carry this bag
• No water bottle pocket

6. Best for the Security Conscious Traveler

Mancro Slim Backpack with USB Charging Port

Weight: 1.5 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  20 x 14 x 8 inches

This functional backpack offers really useful security protection for your laptop and your cards, including an anti-theft metal shackle and RFID-blocking compartments to keep your belongings safe from fraudulent use.

The dedicated laptop compartment fits up to a 17-inch laptop, while there’s a separate spacious compartment suitable for iPads and other tablets.

Made from durable, water-resistant polyester with metal zippers, the Manco Slim backpack is perfect for business users, commuters, or students. Another bonus is the built-in USB charger and charging cable which means you can charge your phone when you’re on the go.

The padded shoulder straps make this bag incredibly comfortable to carry on your back, and the grab handle is perfect for quick movements while on the go. The slim design makes it a good-looking piece that will also keep your laptop safe and secure wherever you are.

There’s plenty of space to carry everything you need on a daily basis, and the affordable price makes this a great addition to your travel gear.

• RFID-blocking compartments to prevent identity theft
• Not much space for other items with a laptop in the main compartment

7. A Clever Use of Space in a Sleek Design

eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack

Overall Dimensions: 8.5 x 18 x 12.8 inches

eBags is known for its clever use of space and the Professional Slim Laptop Backpack is no exception.

With a wealth of handy compartments and clever features, you’ll never be short of usable space with this strong, durable, and practical laptop backpack.

Made from twisted-poly fabric, the streamlined shape, and sophisticated design make this perfect for day-to-day use. The vented Airmesh back panel and contoured straps make this backpack super comfortable to carry around. The crush-proof pocket will keep your charger and other peripherals safe.

The dedicated laptop compartment will fit up to a 17-inch laptop, and the separate tablet pocket will also keep your entertainment gear safe on the move.

There are plenty of additional pockets for key chains, business cards, pens, and even a patented removable, crush-proof case that allows you to keep your cables safe no matter what . Genius!

If you’re not carrying something fragile, simply remove the crush-proof case and you have more space in the main pocket for large items — and you still have your laptop compartment free for a large laptop.

The slim design makes this backpack super easy to keep by your side at all times, and will help relieve the dreaded separation anxiety of worrying where your laptop is when you’re on the move.

At work or even while you travel, this slim backpack from eBags has got your back.

• Colorful internal lining helps to locate items quickly
• Quite a heavy backpack

8. The Laptop Backpack Designed Specifically for Women

The North Face Recon Backpack

Weight: 2.6 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 18.9 x 10.8 x 7.5 inches

Not only does The North Face make fantastic gear for intrepid explorers, but it also make pretty decent laptop luggage, too. This particular model would be as at home on a commuter train as it would be on a mountain top.

Designed specifically to suit the female frame, the shoulder straps, sternum strap, and hip belt are all adjustable.

When it comes to internal storage, the Recon offers a large main compartment that’s perfect for stashing books, folders, and other important documents, while the front compartment has a padded sleeve that can hold a small laptop.

There’s also a fleece-lined pocket for your sunglasses or phone, an extendable mesh water bottle holder, and added lash points. This backpack can be used as a laptop bag or just a regular backpack depending on your needs.

Made from high-grade nylon, the Recon boasts a range of features that are standard across The North Face line, including the patented FlexVent suspension system, a padded mesh back panel, and a highly breathable lumbar panel for increased airflow around your body as you travel.

• Comfortable and breathable back panel
• Backpack doesn’t stand up by itself

9. A Comfortable and Lightweight Backpack

Incase ICON Durable Travel Backpack + Laptop Bag

Weight: 1.72 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  13 x 9 x 19 inches

With strong 840D nylon, the ICON Durable Travel Backpack from Incase is designed to be incredibly practical. You can fit up to a 16-inch laptop in the laptop compartment at the rear to ensure comfortable weight distribution on your back.

The double zippers allow you to open the main compartment only as far as you need , without risking any of your belongings falling out. Inside are a variety of internal compartments to keep all your day-to-day paraphernalia safe and sound, as well as a couple of quick-access pockets on the outside.

The backpack is made from premium lightweight flight nylon, meaning the bag is durable but won’t take up much of your weight allowance . The padded back panel and straps allow for comfortable and stable carrying wherever you’re headed.

The many different internal compartments provide the perfect hideaways for your keys, cards, cell phone, and books or documents. Whether you’re traveling for business, study, or just for fun, the Incase ICON Durable Travel Backpack  is good to go, whatever you need it for.

• Double zippers for easy access
• Sternum strap to alleviate the weight on your shoulders
• A little large for those with more compact laptops

10. A Savvy Budget Option

Travel Laptop Backpack by Matein

Weight: 1.56 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  18 x 12 x 7.8 inches

Made from water-resistant, durable polyester fabric, this travel laptop backpack is great for laptop users on a budget.

With lots of lovely storage pockets and a separate laptop compartment, you can carry around your daily necessities with ease. What’s more, the comfortable airflow design with multi-panel ventilated padding makes this laptop back super comfortable to carry at all times.

The laptop sleeve comes with enough space to hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop. This backpack also comes with a cleverly designed, anti-theft pocket on the back of the bag so you can keep your valuables close and protected from theft.

Perhaps the most useful function of this particular backpack is the built-in USB charger and charging cable.

Attach your backpack to your rolling luggage using the back strap so moving through airports is a cinch. You can even tuck this bag under the seat in front of you, so there’s no need to worry about putting it in the overhead compartment.

Compact and well-designed, this is a great backpack for the price you pay.

• Lots of internal pockets to stay organized
• No bottom padding beneath the laptop compartment

11. For Those Who Have a Lot To Take With Them

Everki Atlas Business Laptop Backpack

Weight: 4 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  13.4 x 9.1 x 18.9 inches

This supercool laptop backpack benefits from a ton of extra features, making it perfect for anyone who needs to take a lot of stuff with them. Made using high-quality materials, your equipment will be well-protected wherever you may go.

Large enough for any adventure, this backpack will comfortably hold laptops from 13- to 17.3-inches in size , in the adjustable padded and felt-lined compartment that opens a full 180 degrees for easy access at airport security checkpoints .

Even when it’s fully loaded, the 5-point strap system means that this backpack is always comfortable to carry.

Aside from the main spacious storage area, there are also large, zippered pockets that are perfect for holding your iPad, tablet, or e-reader, as well as plenty of extra space for stashing your business cards, writing utensils, and other daily accessories you may need. There’s even a separate small stowaway pocket that’s perfect for storing your phone.

An investment piece for sure, but this is a great backpack that offers excellent protection for your laptop, as well as plenty of extra storage space for anything else you could want to take with you .

• Checkpoint-friendly compartment that opens 180-degrees
• Side pockets don’t fit a tall water bottle

12. For the Value Happy Traveler

AmazonBasics Backpack for Laptops

Weight: 1.98 pounds

Overall Dimensions:  13.39 x 7 x 19.29 inches

This laptop backpack from the AmazonBasics line of products has been cleverly designed to protect and hold your laptop while you’re on the move. With multiple storage compartments, you can carry your laptop and work accessories with you everywhere you go.

Made from heavy-duty material that offers some weather resistance, this backpack looks way more expensive than it actually is.

There are plenty of internal pockets to store your pens, keys, wallet, and smartphone, and the bag holds up to a 17-inch laptop in a padded, dedicated laptop compartment. There’s even a separate handy compartment in which to store your iPad or tablet.

The adjustable and heavily padded shoulder straps make the backpack comfortable to wear, even when loaded with all your gear. There’s also a mesh water bottle compartment on the side.

While there are other, more expensive laptop backpacks available on the market, this one is both affordable and practical, making it perfectly suited for use as a budget laptop backpack.

• Lots of internal and external pockets
• Zippers can sometimes get stuck

13. Doubles up as an Activity Backpack

Osprey Nebula 32 Commuter Backpack

Weight: 2.12 pounds

Overall Dimensions: 11.42 x 12.2 x 19.29 inches

This bag is loaded with features that make it a great option for traveling with a laptop. Featuring a specially designed harness and suspension system, this backpack moves with you and provides incredible ventilation and comfort, even when you’re packing a heavy load. You’ll certainly stay cool with this ventilation system, making it perfect for warmer climates.

Made from strong and durable material, this clever, TSA-compatible backpack even has a blinky-light attachment point

The dedicated laptop sleeve will keep a 16-inch laptop protected. There are plenty of additional zippered pockets and mesh organizers to keep your cell phone, credit cards, notebooks, and other daily necessities organized, and dual stretch mesh water bottle pockets. It has a capacity of 32 liters.

Made by luggage giant Osprey , this is a backpack that’s perfectly designed for those who like to stay active while keeping their laptop safe and well-protected. However, as such a comfortable and well-designed backpack, it’s well-suited to double up as a professional backpack for travelers who work and play.

• Protects larger laptops than many laptop bags
• No lockable zippers

If you’re looking for a backpack that will sit comfortably on your shoulders, provide ample protection, and look good, any of the above will fit the bill. While some of the big-name brands do offer superior quality at a higher price point, there are some great budget options, too.

One thing is for certain, a laptop backpack is a must for anyone on the go with a laptop. Keep your gear safe, look professional, and keep your back comfortable by choosing the right laptop backpack for your travel style.

Related Posts

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation  calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

The Best Laptop Bags in 2023, According to Style and Gear Experts

Keep your tech safe and sound.

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

NO MATTER if you're using your laptop for work or for leisure, a proper laptop bag is a worthy investment to help protect your tech. These days most bags are suitable for carrying your laptop, however you should proceed with caution if you're looking for a laptop bag that's going to actually give you true protection. After all, a brand can simply sew in an internal pocket and say the bag features a "laptop sleeve".

We're from the camp of thought that a laptop bag needs careful vetting, which is why we tested all the different ones out there to find the best of the best. Below, you'll find the top backpacks , messenger bags , and sling bags for carrying your precious tech. Each pick was curated with a wide arrange of tastes and styles in mind, so there's something in here for every individual.

All you have to now is spot the laptop bag that appeals to your needs and budget. You might even find some of these bags on sale.

Best Macbook Accessories | Best Briefcases | Best Duffle Bags | Best Carry-on Luggage | Best Luggage Brands | Best Travel Bags

Best Backpack

Incase a.r.c. commuter pack.

Amazon's Choice

Lenovo laptop carrying case t210.

Best Messenger Bag

Filson rugged twill original briefcase, what is the best way to carry a laptop.

The best way to carry your laptop is the way that keeps your laptop the safest from both getting damaged and getting stolen. Secure closures and ample padding are paramount. Having said that, you also want a bag that will look cool getting the job done. You really have two decisions to make: Do you want leather or modern fabrics? and Do you want a backpack or should bag?

Leather bags are more stylish and provide that classic look but you sacrifice a level of protection for your gear. Modern fabrics are more secure, weather resistant and allow for more padding. As for a backpack or shoulder bag, that is a matter of how your travel or commute looks. If you need to carry your bag for long periods of time, then a backpack is better. If you need to pick it up and put it down frequently, say getting in and out of your car, then a shoulder bag is better.

Which Brands Make the Best Laptop Bags?

We found that InCase is making the best bags with modern innovations right now. Topo Design and Alpaka are right behind them as well. If you want a rugged and stylish look, then Filson's waxed canvas bags are the best on the market. For an old-fashioned leather messenger bag that will always be in style, Tecovas and Shinola make great options.

What Is the Best Laptop Messenger Bag?

Filson makes some of the best overall messenger bags in the world. They've established themselves as the industry standard not just for waxed cotton bags but for rugged, vintage style bags in general. Filson bags are incredibly durable, so they protect your stuff and last a lifetime if you take care of them. They have a timeless aesthetic that will always look cool. Plus, even though they look old fashioned, they have as much cargo space as modern fabric messenger bags.

Sleek and wonderfully accessible, the Commuter Pack is a tried-and-true water resistant backpack that caters to (you guess it) daily work commuters. Padded shoulder straps and a soft, protective laptop sleeve are just a few of the many subtle design notes we love.

Read more: Best Walking Shoes

Over 18,000 five-star Amazon reviews are attributed to this stylish sling bag. For under $30 you get padded protection, a cushioned arm strap, and a water repellant fabric. Oh, and Amazon Prime shipping eligible!

Filson's line of Rugged Twill bags are some of the best investments you can make when it comes to your gear load out. The Original Briefcase is made from scratch resistant twill and coated with a light wax to repel moisture. And premium bridle leather was outfitted to the handles, straps, and reinforcements for a durability play (and style play). Yeah, this bag is going to last you a long time.

Incase Transfer Two-Way Tote

Designed to work as a tote and a backpack, the Transfer Two-Way is best suited for who enjoy versatility. Woven from recycled 300D ripstop nylon, and designed with a zippered top and a plush lined laptop compartment, this convertible tote will prove to protect your precious tech no matter where your day takes you.

Peak Design Travel Backpack

It's true this backpack gets high praise for it's travel abilities, but the design of the bag makes it efficient for storing your laptop while also having easy access for when you need to take it out. We see this as a solid weekend getaway bag for those who like to travel light.

Read more: Best Travel Bags

Topo Designs Global Briefcase 14L

The Global Briefcase packs everything you need for your work desk into one smooth looking bag. A mind boggling amount of compartments are packed away in this carry on size bag. Plus, it works as a backpack or shoulder bag.

Tecovas The Briefcase

Tecovas became one of the top boot brands in the business practically overnight. So when they applied their leather working expertise to a briefcase it turned out pretty darn good. They used solid brass hardware that wont tarnish with age and included a 15" padded sleeve for your laptop or tablet.

Bellroy Tech Briefcase New

Minimal and functional, this airport-friendly briefcase features multiple pockets for your laptop and files and a pass-through strap that lets it attach to rolling luggage.

Shinola Post Bag

If you want a classic look, then look no further than this brown leather number from Shinola. Made from fine American leather and featuring an adjustable strap, this laptop bag will continue to get more and more comfortable over time.

Alpaka Gear Elements Tech Brief

This is the bag for anyone who needs an extra level of protection for their commute or travel. The Elements Tech Brief is made from a rip-stop fabric that is water resistant and ultra durable. All your stuff gets tucked away into several padded envelopes.

F.A.R. Messenger 16L

This minimalist nylon sling is made with 100% recycled materials and is weather resistant, making it the perfect bag to take with on those weekend coffee shop runs.

Read more: Best Crossbody Bags

Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0

Designed with an active lifestyle in mind, this water-resistant bag is loaded with extra pockets to carry everything from your portable electronics to protein bars and a water bottle.

AWAY The Large Everywhere Bag

For a quick trip, this nylon bag is a carry-all option for your laptop, as well as your personal goods. Fully-lined with multiple pockets, this piece is a perfect option for a weekend getaway.

Read more: Best Carry-On Luggage

How We Selected

For the past 18 months, we consulted with Men's Health 's editors and writers on the top laptop bags for men. Experts, including our Gear and Commerce Editor John Thompson, tested several laptop bags and evaluated their durability, ease-of-use, and price point.

We also considered top-reviewed laptop bags with high customer ratings on e-commerce websites we trust.

9 Crewneck Sweaters Every Stylish Man Should Own

Abercrombie's NFL Merch Is Already Selling Quickly

Shop Vuori's Labor Day Sales

Top Watches Are 50% Off in Amazon Labor Day Sale

Get 60% Off Patagonia Fall Gear in Labor Day Sale

We Found the Most Stylish Clothing Labor Day Deals

J.Crew’s Labor Day Sales Are Already Here

Save 60% Off The North Face's Top Jackets at REI

Behold: 9 Must-Have Slides for Summer Style

REI Has Hoka and Nike Sneakers Up to 30% Off

Shacket Season Is Almost Here. Shop Our Favs.

The Best Deals from Todd Snyder's Summer Sale 2024

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

The Best Backpacks for Work (That Actually Look Good), According to Stylish Professionals

In this article

Best under $100, best under $200, best under $300, best over $300.

At The Strategist, we’ve spent a lot of time searching for adult backpacks (though some of us feel strongly that they are never, ever okay). That has led us to the best travel backpacks , laptop backpacks , and even backpacks with wheels — but the world of practical yet stylish work backpacks is a different beast.

The work backpack should be sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of everyday use but elevated enough to say, “I am a professional, and this is how I want colleagues to see me.”

Finding a backpack that holds everything you need to make it through a day at the office (or running from meeting to meeting) that won’t make your boss do a double take is more art than science. So to find the best options out there, at a range of price points, I asked stylish professionals which backpacks they rely on to be office appropriate but that look good enough to carry in their off time too.

Consider this the ideal work backpack for the person who doesn’t really want to be carrying a work backpack. That was the appeal for senior director at the David Zwirner gallery Thor Shannon, who loves that this bag is “anonymous and unprecious” with no visible logos. When we talked to Shannon for our guide to the best work bags for men , he told us that he settled on an older version of the backpack, which can hold his laptop and “every charger known to man.”

Writer Molly Dektar went down a rabbit hole for us in order to figure out why every stylish person she knew in the art world was carrying this specific Patagonia backpack to work. The answer? It’s “a really good bag,” she wrote. “It can be carried as either a tote or a backpack, depending on the situation, and it folds into its own internal pocket, for easy storage. Though it is crafted of black ripstop, it does not scream, ‘I hike!’ Though it has a large number of pockets and adjustable straps, it does not scream, ‘I code!’”

Jules Bakshi, the founder of Brooklyn dance and mindful-fitness studio Good Move , says she is almost always carrying this mini-pack from Colorado-based Topo Designs. The compact size makes it practical for everyday journeys, but it also fits all of her work gear, including “a water bottle, snacks, first aid, and a light extra layer,” she says. “And it’s cute, too.”

Editor’s Note: Bakshi’s backpack color is out of stock, but Topo Designs has plenty of other good-looking options to choose from. 

When musician Sharon Van Etten told The Strategist about her favorite things, she included this Béis backpack that replaced her old Jansport. “It’s smaller than my Jansport, so I don’t feel like a freshman college student hitting everyone in the head,” she says, adding that it’s still very roomy. Its main compartment can accommodate notebooks and headphones, there’s a back pocket for a laptop, and its two exterior pockets can hold water bottles or, after work, “a couple of beers or a wine bottle,” she says.

Although he did not purchase this Cotopaxi bag for work, science teacher and running enthusiast Joey Anderson finds its lightweight and cheerful colors perfect for carrying in and out of the classroom. He got the bag for a summer trip to London to fit his belongings while he ran eight miles from Clapham to Hampstead Heath’s mixed swimming ponds. But he found that afterward, it “doesn’t look lame walking around the city.” It looks just as good in his classroom this school year, despite the fact that his students rag him about the bold blue and yellow. “It’s always good to have a talking point,” Anderson says.

Dustin Sposato, the deputy managing director at data-focused nonprofit Project Evident , says he was very happy with his Everlane backpack for a few years, but it eventually started to break down. When it did, he wanted to get something a little different — and ideally more durable. Sposato ultimately landed on this Cordura Backpack from L.L.Bean. “I grew up in Maine and always had L.L.Bean backpacks as a kid, so it felt like a natural pick,” he says. “They’re super-functional and last forever. My mom still uses one I had in elementary school. This one felt ‘adult’ without being overly sleek.”

The chef Eric Ripert told us in his “What I Can’t Live Without” about the Rains backpack he has on his person at all times. “I walk every day from my house to Le Bernardin, and I go back from Le Bernardin to my house, through Central Park or on the streets, rain or shine — and I have this knapsack on me always,” he said. “In the small front pocket, I put my keys, my headset, my glasses, some tissues, whatever. And the bigger one I put files in or have room if I buy something. I like that there’s no label whatsoever.”

Meta-content specialist Pia Velasco calls this her Mary Poppins bag. “It holds so much,” she says. “This is what I love the most about it. It fits my laptop, two bottles of wine, all my chargers, makeup bag, a change of clothes, my wallet, and any other shenanigans I may have with me.” It’s technically a diaper bag, but you’d never know. “The black vegan leather makes it a little edgier and cooler than your typical backpack,” Velasco says. “It feels more New York than middle-school hallway,” she adds, which was important when she was working in beauty and “constantly jumping around the city and meeting with a ton of beautiful, well-dressed people … I feel totally comfortable taking it with me everywhere.”

Content strategist Libby Bartley recommends her backpack, another vegan-leather option, from Matt & Nat. She likes that it’s “ethically made and manufactured with sustainable resources” and also “features adjustable straps, expandable gussets, and pockets for laptops and smartphones.” “Not only is the bag multifunctional for work and play,” she says, “it’s a long-lasting investment.”

As a working mom, Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo needed a bag she could use in the office, while running errands, and for baby outings. She tested three other options before landing on the LeSportsSac Double Trouble backpack , which quickly became her favorite thanks to its simple and ergonomic design: “The wide, woven nylon straps hug my shoulders gently as they evenly distribute the weight of whatever I am carrying,” Corsillo says. She calls the bag “Prada-adjacent” and notes that when she’s tired of wearing it as a backpack, she can transform it into a tote because of its double-handled design.

Editor’s Note: Corsillo’s all-black style is currently out of stock, but you can sign up to be notified when it’s available or check out the available exciting color options in the meantime.  

Comedian and writer Hasan Minhaj named this backpack one of the items he can’t live without, and he wasn’t exaggerating. Minhaj has been wearing this nondescript number since 2008 (“when I still had a day job,” he says). Though he has considered upgrading, he always returns to his Incase because it has the perfect amount of compartments to prevent his belongings from running loose in his bag. “I’m going to keep using this until the bottom rips apart and I literally can’t use it anymore,” he says.

There’s also this nondescript option from Rains that’ll fit a MacBook Pro along with a couple of notebooks. Gonzalo Donoso, a designer at Mother Design , likes that the construction is very sleek: “It looks expensive even though it’s fairly affordable,” he says. The bag has a hidden pocket close to the straps, so you won’t have to fully open the bag to grab smaller items.

If you’d prefer a more robust backpack from Rains, upgrade to this style, which includes a water-bottle holder, loads of pockets, and exterior elastic strapping that’s ideal for holding a bike helmet. Jaye Thompson, a creative at Mother New York , has been using it for two years and says, “Its design features have function and utility without being distracting. And I have the all-black one, which blends in quite nicely.” Best of all, the bag keeps anything inside of it bone-dry during downpours. (We would expect nothing less from the maker of our favorite men’s raincoat .)

“This bag is like the cotton tote of backpacks,” says Lee Glandorf, a brand strategist. The minimal exterior is made from a durable waxed canvas, and the interior is smartly divided up with a padded laptop sleeve, a spacious main compartment, and a floating top-accessed pocket that’s the perfect size for keys, a wallet, sunglasses, or other smaller items. It also works as a stealth carry-on. “It doesn’t scream ‘traveler’ when I am heading to and from the office on a trip,” says Glandorf.

Style influencer Bethany Everett-Ratcliffe recommends this vegan-leather backpack. She likes that it’s “sleek, stylish, and structured” but also super-functional. It has a separate zippered back compartment to keep your laptop secure, a luggage sleeve, as well as several zippered pouches inside the main compartments that help keep the rest of your belongings organized. It comes in work-appropriate black, white, and brown, but if your company is a little more relaxed, it’s available in yellow and purple too.

Sube Zia, the manager of Ambassador Luggage in Manhattan, says this Briggs & Riley backpack is “subtly good looking” and appealing to those who prefer a style that’s more business casual than utilitarian. The “ultralightweight” bag comes with useful pockets for holding a laptop, headphones, notebooks, and other daily necessities. Plus its outer is made with a micro-weave nylon fabric that’s durable and water resistant.

A good work backpack can accompany its wearer all day — not only to the office but also to the gym and happy hour. Life sciences consultant Jonah Robison swears by this Aer Duffel Pack, which features an antimicrobial lining and separate shoe pocket to keep sweaty gym clothes isolated from his packed lunch, clean clothes, and other work gear. The laptop compartment in particular is “extremely well padded, with a separate tablet sleeve and water-resistant zippers to keep tech gear protected.” It’s worth pointing out that with a 21-liter volume, “it is not a small bag,” Robison says, but it more than pulls its own weight. “Other bags seem to be too small to use for work and the gym or so big you feel as though you’re calling attention to yourself. I’ve also used other bags that have too many organizational tools, which just lead to increased weight and to you storing way more than you need.”

Former Strategist writer Chloe Anello has the large version of the Dagne Dover backpack and says it was great for her long, two-hour commute from Beacon to downtown New York. “That backpack was my favorite for lugging stuff back and forth,” she says. She also owns the medium size but says the large is the way to go if you are transporting a lot. In addition to her laptop, “it fits a water bottle, a lunch, my over-the-ear headphones, snacks, my wallet, and my keys,” she says. “Literally everything imaginable.”

“This bag can hold everything,” says Kevin Murray, an operations manager at REI. Peak Design originated in the photography world, so the interior of this cavernous yet portable 30-liter bag is outfitted with padding, pockets, and interior structure to keep all your gear secure. “For days when I need to bring my office with me, a full change of clothes, extra snacks, so forth, this is the bag,” Murray says. He likes how it has both top- and side-entry options, keeping even the fullest loads easily accessible, as well as built-in external straps that can be stowed away when not in use. “It keeps the same clean look whether it is stuffed full or almost empty,” he says.

“I live in Los Angeles and am starting a hotel company based in the Great Smoky Mountains,” says Ryan Abraham, a hospitality entrepreneur who needs his backpack to work in both settings. The Scandinavian vibe of this Sandqvist number —with its roll-top main compartment and easily accessible side-zippered laptop sleeve — feels right for the city and the wilderness. It’s also water resistant, made from 100 percent recycled polyester, and comes in plenty of color variations.

Photographer Alice Gao likes her Lo & Sons backpack for work and travel. It’s not super-fashionable, but your boss won’t call you in to talk about the “office dress code” either, she says, and it’s large enough to fit all her photo gear and a laptop. On a business trip, it will also easily attach to your carry-on thanks to the back sleeve that slides onto the handle.

We first heard about this rather handsome leather backpack from Vanderpump Rules ’s James Kennedy . He told us that he uses it while traveling but that it’s also good for the office thanks to its stylish look and spacious interior. “I can throw all of my DJ equipment in here for a one-night gig: my laptop, headphones, wires, USB chips. And I can also fit in a spare T-shirt and even a wash bag,” Kennedy says.

If you’re looking for a rugged-yet-work-appropriate backpack, this option is ideal (although a bit of a splurge). The bag is beloved by choreographer Justin Peck and Substack video and podcast lead Austin Tedesco alike. “Shopping for men’s work bags can be tough because most of them lean too far into tech-dork efficiency, wilderness cosplay, or impracticality,” Tedesco says. With its slightly weathered look, a Filson backpack offers “the rare good middle ground” and has plenty of pockets for storing your computer and the rest of your necessities.

Architect turned tech entrepreneur Lori Cheek says people compliment her on this backpack “on an almost daily basis.” She loves the look of the gold detailing and relies on the expansive storage space because, as she puts it, “my office is literally in my backpack and I’m always working ‘on the go.’” One of Cheek’s favorite features is the separate zipped compartment that fits her 15-inch MacBook Pro “perfectly,” but she adds that it also “fits everything else I need to successfully run my business and live out my bag from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., five days a week!”

Caleb Thill , a New York City–based content creator, swears by his black leather backpack from Montreal-based brand Want Les Essentials because it’s “definitely work and business appropriate while having a bit of edge.” At almost $700, the elegant and minimalist bag is expensive, but its sleek aesthetic makes it worth considering if you’re willing to splurge. Or, for a very similar look at a price that’s closer to $500, this same backpack comes in a canvas style with black leather trim.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.

• the strategist
• accessories
• ask a cool person
• women's fashion

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• What Remi Wolf Can’t Live Without
• What Eva Chen Can’t Live Without
• The 15 Very Best Protein Powders
• It’s Your Last Chance to Shop Nordstrom’s Summer Sale
• A Japanese Kettle, a Breast Pillow, and Other Recent Strategist Finds

Hand-Picked Top-Read Stories

The DPx HEST/F 4.0 Is MagnaCut Magnificence

WE Knife Co.’s Exquisite New Attor Fuses Precision and Artistry

GORUCK and Huckberry’s New GR1s Are Their Slickest Yet

• Buying Guides

The 15 Best Laptop Bags [Find the Right Bag For You]

For many in the EDC community, laptops are the most important (and most expensive) part of their daily carry, and figuring out how to bring one along safely and conveniently can be a big problem. Good laptop bags tend to be bigger and designed with protection in mind, with dedicated spaces for your tech hardware and enough padding to help make sure your computer survives life’s bumps and scrapes. You’re also likely to carry a lot of other office-, school-, or work-related gear like documents, stationery, and gadgets that help you get work done away from home. Hence, the added capacity and organizational space come in handy. Water resistance is important, too, because electronic tech doesn’t work well if it gets wet, after all. With that in mind, your choice of a bag to hold your laptop is very important, and to help you on your quest to find one that suits your everyday carry, we’ve rounded up a list of 15 of our favorite EDC laptop bags that you can buy today.

Our Top Picks

• 1 – The Best Overall Laptop Bag: Tom Bihn Brain Bag
• 2 – The Best Laptop Bag on a Budget: Dell EcoLoop Pro
• 3 – The Most Premium Laptop Bag: GORUCK Bullet Ruck
• 4 – The Best Gaming Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack
• 5 – The Best Laptop Bag for Students: Fjällräven Kånken
• 6 – The Ridge Commuter Laptop Bag
• 7 – EVERGOODS Panel Loader Classic 20L Laptop Bag
• 8 – Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac Laptop Bag
• 9 – Mystery Ranch District 24 Laptop Bag
• 10 – Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Laptop Bag
• 11 – Waterfield Designs Vitesse Musette Plus Laptop Bag
• 12 – Mission Workshop Khyte VX Laptop Bag
• 13 – Peak Design Everyday Laptop Backpack Zip
• 14 – Incase A.R.C. Daypack Laptop Bag
• 15 – Osprey Arcane Large Day Laptop Bag

The Best Overall Laptop Bag: Tom Bihn Brain Bag

The Best Laptop Bag on a Budget: Dell EcoLoop Pro

The Most Premium Laptop Bag: GORUCK Bullet Ruck

The Best Gaming Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack

The Best Laptop Bag for Students: Fjällräven Kånken

The Ridge Commuter Laptop Bag

EVERGOODS Panel Loader Classic 20L Laptop Bag

Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac Laptop Bag

Mystery Ranch District 24 Laptop Bag

Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Laptop Bag

Waterfield Designs Vitesse Musette Plus Laptop Bag

Mission Workshop Khyte VX Laptop Bag

Peak Design Everyday Laptop Backpack Zip

Incase A.R.C. Daypack Laptop Bag

Osprey Arcane Large Day Laptop Bag

Factors to consider when buying a laptop bag.

A good laptop bag isn’t only for commutes to the office or to campus. You should be able to seamlessly transition into weekend mode without needing to change out your bag entirely. Whether you’re a student who likes hiking on the weekends or you commute to an office during the week but like to do photography after work, the bag you choose should be able to handle both. Laptop bags are typically more of an investment than a daypack with all the sensitive electronics onboard, so it’s worth knowing your use case to pick a bag that checks all the boxes.

The type of laptop bag you go with will depend on your daily commute and how much you tend to carry. If you take the bus to work, then a bag then maybe you prefer a bag that can have a few different ways to carry it depending on if you can get a seat or not. For those that commute on a bike, it’s a better idea to prioritize weatherproof materials that protect your gear if you ever get caught in the rain. Others might require bags that don’t look out of place in a more corporate setting.

Once you’ve figured out what you’re prioritizing, the next thing you should remember is how big of a bag you are comfortable carrying every day. This will depend entirely on what you carry in addition to your laptop. If you typically only carry your computer and maybe a pen or two, a smaller capacity bag won’t be an issue for you. If you pack lunch daily and then head to the gym after work a few times a week, then a bag with a larger capacity might be better.

It’s also worth noting how big your laptop is and whether you will be replacing it soon. A smaller 13” laptop will fit in most bags fairly easily, but if you currently have or are planning to get a 15” or 17” laptop, then make sure the bag you like can handle it. Some options on this list come in multiple capacities, so in this case, it might be worth upgrading to the larger capacity so that you have some wiggle room.

A bag you hate will not be a bag you use very often. Regardless of whatever cool features, hidden pockets, or material a bag might have, it’s a good idea to get a bag that you like the look of. As with most EDC items, the gear you use is more than just a tool that gets the job done. A backpack is no exception. Make sure that It’s something you enjoy using, whether because of the aesthetic or the craftsmanship that went into making it.

The material that a bag is made from can have a huge impact on its overall aesthetic. Plus, your laptop is most likely the most expensive piece of gear that you’ll have on you, so making sure the bag you choose adequately protects your investment is a good idea. A material like X-Pac is super water-resistant but has a somewhat tactical aesthetic that might not work for everyone. Similarly, a classic waxed canvas messenger bag might look out of place if you’re rocking GORE-TEX from head to toe. Of course, that’s entirely up to you to decide, but being familiar with what materials look and feel like is a good idea.

Any ballistic nylon, CORDURA, X-Pac, or waxed canvas material will likely be enough to cover your bases. Still, if the bag you like doesn’t have any of those materials, it might be worth getting a rain cover to protect your gear. Then there are also the zippers and shoulder straps to look into. If you carry a heavy 17” laptop plus accessories daily, it’s worth getting a backpack with a comfortable harness, contoured shoulder straps, or sternum straps that will help distribute the weight evenly to take the pressure off your lower back. For anyone looking into messenger bags, a cycling strap might be a good idea, even if you’re not a cyclist, just to ease the weight distribution.

As is the case with all EDC gear, laptop backpacks can range wildly in price. If you want more premium features or materials, be prepared to splurge. While there are plenty of affordable options, there are also plenty of not-so-affordable ones. It’s probably better to check with your budget first and then find the best bag that fits within it, versus picking the bag first and then scrambling to find the budget.

Which Bag is Best For Laptops?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but depending on your use case, there are some features that make a bag more likely to protect your expensive laptop.

A bag that has good padding is key. Not only in the laptop compartment but also on the shoulder straps and back padding. You want to protect your laptop from any bumps, but you also want to protect your back from the pressures of carrying a heavy bag daily.

False Bottom

If you tend to place your bag down on the floor often, whether riding on the subway or just in between classes, a false bottom is important. This bag suspends your laptop off the ground so that it never actually hits the ground when you put the bag down. This can save you from those heart-stopping moments when you put your bag down a little harder than intended and hear an expensive thump.

Weather Protection

Unless you live in a desert, getting a bag that will protect your gear from rain is essential. It doesn’t matter how nice your bag is if it isn’t at least a little water-resistant because one downpour can destroy everything inside. Bags that are made with weatherproof materials tend to be a little on the pricier side, but this is one aspect of the bag that’s worth splurging for unless you want to also add a rain cover to your EDC.

Soft Lining

It’s safe to assume that the laptop you carry every day is not something you’d be okay with constantly replacing. Laptops are expensive, so a bag that has a soft interior or added padding for a little extra protection is always nice. You can always throw your laptop in a dedicated sleeve first for even more protection, but a little soft lining in the laptop compartment never hurt anyone.

Laptop Bag FAQ

Are laptop bags worth it.

A good laptop bag is, without a doubt a worthy investment. Not only will it protect your laptop from accidents but a great laptop bag can double as an excellent weekender or hiking backpack as well.

What is the best way to carry your laptop?

The best way to carry your laptop is in a bag with a dedicated padded laptop compartment. Most people don’t walk around with their cash and credit cards loose in their pockets, and most people shouldn’t walk around without some kind of bag for their laptop.

What are some tips for buying a laptop bag?

When buying a laptop bag, first make sure that it’s big enough to carry your particular model. Then you want to see if the materials that the bag is made from is weatherproof. If it is, great! If not, then you should either keep looking or also look into picking up a rain cover just in case. Lastly, make sure you’re sticking to your budget. There are a lot of great, expensive bags, but there are also plenty of great inexpensive ones as well. Find one that checks all your boxes before making a final decision because your perfect bag is out there somewhere.

What are the benefits of laptop bags?

A good laptop bag can protect your most expensive gear and give you peace of mind. Plus, laptop bags are typically big enough and tough enough to withstand a weekend adventure or some heavy travel. A good laptop bag will also distribute the weight of your load evenly to minimize negative effects on your lower back as well.

How we picked

Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for EDCers of every trade, industry, and budget.

What is Everyday Carry?

Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.

Why you should trust us

Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.

• bags-pouches

Previous Post

Deejo Knife Review: Are The Innovative Customizations Worth It?

Kershaw's New DuraLock Knife Lineup for 2023

Related posts.

The Best Prime Day Deals on Everyday Carry Gear 2024

The Best Budget Pocket Knives Under $80 in 2024 (Not Cheap!)

Best Money Clip Wallet: Top 8 Picks for 2024’s Must-Have Accessory

Advertisement

The Best Laptop Tote Bags

By Kaitlyn Wells

No professional wardrobe is complete without a great-looking bag to carry all of your gear. For people who have to lug around a computer, laptop bags are a more polished, grown-up option than a backpack, and they offer more storage space than a briefcase.

After years of testing, we’ve landed on six favorites: a water-repellant polyester tote with clever pockets ; a well-padded tote that can also be used as a cross-body messenger bag ; a refined leather tote with a zippered laptop compartment ; a splurge-worthy leather bag, with internal organization, that you’ll have forever ; a minimalist vegan tote that’s extra-roomy ; and a budget faux leather bag with a dedicated laptop compartment .

The research

For laptops up to 13 inches, for 15-inch laptops (and larger), how we picked and tested, the competition, a durable, water-repellent polyester tote: bellroy tokyo tote second edition.

Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition

A sturdy and smart commuter.

This tough yet polished laptop tote bag is thoughtfully designed, with features like internal popout bottle pockets and leakproof zippers. But its durable fabric shell is abrasive and may make some sweaters and blouses pill.

Buying Options

Who should get this: Anyone who prefers something more casual than a briefcase but still wants to look pulled together.

Maximum laptop size: 13 inches

Why it’s great: The Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition is a good-looking, well-made piece that transitions perfectly from the coffee shop to the conference room. It strikes a happy medium for professionals who appreciate a polished look and want some protection for their devices but don’t want to flout a semi-casual dress code.

The Bellroy tote we tested is made of a fine-weave polyester (created from recycled water bottles) that’s durable and water-resistant. This bag is ideal for people who need something that will survive scuffs, drops, stains, and routine overpacking. Commuters caught in the rain will also be comforted to know that the laptop tote’s shell repelled water well when we held it under a running faucet. And the exterior zip pocket offers an airtight seal to keep water from destroying valuables.

When we tested a previous generation of the Tokyo Tote, our panelists’ favorite features were, of all things, the interior pop-out, magnetic pockets (for holding a water bottle upright inside the bag). The Second Edition has the same pockets they loved. When the pockets aren’t in use, you can just push them inward, and they spring back into the tote’s frame. These internal pockets are located on both sides of the bag, and they’re also big enough to fit a pair of flip-flops or dirty gym clothes you want to keep separate from the rest of your stuff.

The Bellroy Tokyo Tote Second Edition also has a large exterior zip pocket, plus two interior pockets (one with a key clip) that are large enough to hold a Field Notes book , a smartphone, sunglasses , or a wrapped USB cord. And the padded laptop section provides ample protection and snugly holds laptops with screens up to 13 inches. The carry handles have a 12-inch drop, so they’re longer and more comfortable to use than the handles on any other bag we recommend. Those handles are padded for added comfort, and they’re coated with no-skid rubber, to prevent the bag from sliding off your shoulder while you’re commuting.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Bellroy Tokyo Tote ’s durable shell is similar to that of the now-discontinued sibling tote we previously tested. This shell can be abrasive against delicate work clothing, and in previous testing, the tote’s exterior pilled knitted sweaters and snagged blouses made of polyester blends. The new handles have softer edges that didn’t snag our shirts as much during testing. The straps also feature no-slip patches, which further reduce pilling at the shoulders (but not near the bust, where most pilling occurs during carry).

This laptop tote’s weave also attracts pet hair like a magnet. If you’ve got a furry friend at home, we don’t recommend the black version, which spotlights pet hair of every shade.

Dimensions: 14 by 18.5 by 5 inches Handle drop: 12 inches Weight: 1.4 pounds Warranty: three-year warranty Colors: Melbourne black, raven black, navy, cream, deep plum, light green

A tote and messenger bag in one: Lo & Sons The O.G. 2

Lo & Sons The O.G. 2 (medium)

Utility player.

This nylon tote doubles as a messenger bag, works well for frequent flyers, and offers lots of organization and padded laptop protection. But its added functionality makes it the heaviest of our picks.

Who should get this: Commuters who like the look of a tote bag but prefer the functionality of a cross-body messenger.

Why it’s great: We love the nylon Lo & Sons The O.G. 2 (medium) for its versatility. It has a conveniently long crossbody strap and a variety of storage compartments, and it offers ample laptop protection. It’s the just-right blend of a tote and a messenger bag.

This bag grabbed our attention with touches like gleamy accent hardware, contrasting interior lining, plentiful pockets, and studded feet. The O.G. 2 features a three-color design consisting of a neutral exterior, which you can spice up with several fun interior colors. It also comes in medium and large sizes.

This laptop tote boasts a ton of organization: four large zip compartments, four slip pockets, two pen pockets, a laptop or document holder, a hidden shoe compartment, and a long key leash. Thanks to the bag’s concealed zipper design, half of its storage features are in an external compartment that’s hidden out of sight. We like to think that means subway thieves will overlook you when they’re hunting for an easy mark.

The O.G. 2 provides more laptop protection than any other tote we recommend. The laptop compartment, the exterior, and even the individual pockets are padded to shield electronics from cracks and dings.

This bag does a good job of keeping liquids at bay. It has tight seams, so spilled drinks won’t penetrate the base, unlike with its sibling, the Lo & Sons Seville Tote, in the Competition section .

The O.G. 2 model is the only laptop tote bag designed for travel that we recommend. Both the medium and large sizes should fit under most airplane seats. And the backside features a zippered trolley sleeve, so travelers can secure the bag over luggage handles.

And this tote is also one of two bags we recommend with a crossbody strap—our EaseGave Laptop Bag pick is the other. Each has a wide, thick strap, like a seatbelt, but we prefer The O.G. 2’s design, which consists of thicker hardware and a longer strap. The thicker slide adjuster ensures that the strap won’t suddenly become slack on your trek to work. Also, the longer strap—up to 7 inches longer than that of the competition—lets you adjust it to accommodate a wider variety of body sizes and heights. And we like that this bag allows you to carry it with the shorter handles, which are easier to grab and go.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The slimish profile of the The O.G. 2 isn’t ideal for commuters who carry a ton of gear. The bag is cushiony, and the sides taper at the top, so the space is narrow. That also makes it harder to rummage in the bag and find what you need while you’re on the move.

At 2.6 pounds, this bag in medium is one of the heaviest we tested. Only the Dagne Dover Signature Tote (Classic), the Lo & Sons Seville Tote, and the Mosiso Laptop Tote Bag (all in the Competition section) were heavier, weighing from 2.7 to 3 pounds each. (Note: The large-size Lo & Sons O.G. 2 bag weighs slightly more, at 3 pounds.)

Some 14- and 15-inch laptops can fit inside the bag’s main compartment but don’t fit inside the padded laptop compartment.

Dimensions: 13.75 by 16.6 by 6.75 inches (medium); 14.25 by 16.5 by 6.75 inches (large) Handle drop: 9.5 inches (medium); 10 inches (large) Weight: 2.6 pounds (medium); 3 pounds (large) Warranty: one-year warranty Colors: black/gold/gray, black/gold/lavender, black/gold/camel, black/silver/lavender, black/silver/gray, black/gunmetal/gray, deep navy/gold/camel, gray/silver/azure

A sophisticated leather tote: Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote

Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag

A refined open-top tote.

If you’re ready to invest in a high-quality bag, this pebbled leather tote offers style and sophistication. Though there is a dedicated laptop compartment that zippers closed, the rest of the bag stays open at the top.

Who should get this: People with a higher budget who want an upscale leather tote with a refined silhouette.

Why it’s great: The Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag is spendy, but for the price it delivers sophisticated styling, supple pebbled leather, and structured design. The stitching on ours was perfect and didn’t fray, the leather felt luxuriously smooth, and the upright design never slouched or tipped.

Since we first made the Perry a pick, it has been slightly redesigned; we have not tested the new model, but the minor changes appear to have made the updated bag even more functional than its predecessor. It is now an inch bigger and includes three small internal slip pockets.

The Perry has a dedicated laptop slot in its center, dividing the bag into two parts. We like that the division offers some organizational structure, which is hard to find in a high-end leather tote.

The laptop compartment zips shut and is large enough to hold a 13-inch model and maybe a thin document or two. The Perry’s compartment is also raised off the bottom of the bag, so if you mistakenly plop your bag on the ground, you won’t dent your laptop in the process.

The Perry is a dream to carry. The original version weighed 1.8 pounds, half as much as many other contenders we dismissed ; the new version is nearly the same weight, according to the manufacturer specs. But what really surprised us was that the Perry, despite its somewhat thin straps, was still comfortable enough to carry, packed with gear, for a full day of commuting.

Some of the priciest laptop tote bags we tried—including the over-$500 Lo & Sons Seville Tote , in the Competition section—aren’t leakproof. So we were pleasantly surprised to discover that the Tory Burch Perry tote is. In our tests, the burnished seams were reliably strong, neither buckling under a heavy load nor allowing spilled beverages in.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Like most open-top bags we tested, the Perry doesn’t offer much protection from the elements. Only the laptop compartment has a zipper, so the bag doesn’t shield the rest of your stuff very well.

Also, the laptop compartment isn’t padded. But because it’s elevated off the bottom of the bag and isn’t exposed on either side, we’re not overly worried about a computer or tablet getting banged up while inside.

Dimensions: 14 by 5 by 11.6 inches Handle drop: 10 inches Weight: 1.8 pounds (previous version; current version is the same, according to manufacturer’s specs) Warranty: 30-day return policy Colors: black, clam shell, new ivory, light umber, new cream, brick, feather gray, devon sand, natural

A classic leather tote to last a lifetime: Carl Friedrik Ashby Leather Tote

Carl Friedrik Ashby Leather Tote

An elegant forever bag.

Handmade in Italy, this leather tote looks and feels extra special, has plenty of room for your belongings, and zips securely across the top. It’s the priciest of our picks, but it is covered by a lifetime warranty.

Who should get this: Those in search of a timeless leather bag that’s only going to get better with age—and those willing to pay a premium for it.

Why it’s great: The Carl Friedrik Ashby Leather Tote is a bag that commands attention. This gorgeous leather tote is handmade in Italy, and though it’s the most expensive option we tested, it’s well worth the price. For about $650, you get a bag with unquestionable quality, beautiful lines, and a lifetime warranty.

Carl Friedrik is a brand known for elegance, and it delivers with the Ashby tote. With its clean lines and pristine details, this tote radiates classic good taste. The longer you own the Ashby, the better it will look: It’s made of vegetable-tanned, full-grain Vachetta leather, which will develop a patina over time and get even richer with use. The surface is finished, which gives it a slight sheen and protects against water stains and scuffs.

Heavy-duty zippers with polished teeth glide smoothly, and the stitching is near-perfect and incredibly sturdy. The Ashby reliably stays upright with no slouch—we pushed the bag from side to side, and it rocked but never fell over.

The Ashby is large but manageable, and it will work for many occasions. The straps fit comfortably over the shoulder. There’s a spacious main compartment that will easily hold commuting essentials, including a 13-inch laptop in a dedicated pocket. Note that this bag will easily accommodate a 15-inch laptop in the main compartment. There is also a large zip pocket and three slip pockets for storing smaller gear, like a wallet, pens, and charging cords.

Lastly, over the course of our testing, this is one of only four companies we’ve found offering a true lifetime warranty (the others are Duluth Trading Co. , Peak Design, and Timbuk2; Herschel, Targus , and others offer limited lifetime warranties that protect only against manufacturer defects not caused by long-term wear and tear). For a bag that costs as much as a car payment, we’ll take all the protection we can get.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: This is an expensive bag, though its cost is tempered by its excellent quality and lifetime warranty, which covers both wear and tear and manufacturer defects.

The Ashby’s straps are among the thinnest we’ve seen—on a par with those on our Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote pick. We found the Ashby’s straps comfortable to use, even when the bag was full. But this is something to be aware of if you haul extra-heavy loads.

This bag’s base lacks studded feet (found on both our EaseGave Laptop Bag and Lo & Sons The O.G. 2 picks), which protect the base from wear and tear.

Dimensions: 18 by 11.5 by 5 inches Handle drop: 9 inches Weight: 2.5 pounds Warranty: lifetime warranty Colors: cognac, black

A sleek, minimalist vegan tote: Matt & Nat Abbi Tote Bag

Matt & Nat Abbi Vegan Tote Bag

An understated vegan leather bag.

Longer-than-average straps make this simple tote—roomy enough for larger laptops—easy to carry. But it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop compartment, so electronics could float around unprotected.

Who should get this: Those who care less about bells and whistles and just want a sleek bag that’s big enough to fit a laptop plus their daily gear.

Maximum laptop size: 15 inches

Why it’s great: The Matt & Nat Abbi Tote Bag is a spacious, no-frills work tote with a practical zippered top closure and long carry handles. It’s made of soft, vegan leather (produced from recycled windshield-glass resin) that’s thick enough to keep your bag’s contents from bulging uncomfortably.

The body of the bag is softly structured, and the base is wide and thick, ensuring that the bag remains upright when full and doesn’t spill. The zipper’s metallic accent color and long, tapered pull tab add to the tote’s sleek, understated look. The lining is made of 100% recycled plastic nylon, so it’s especially easy to spot-clean.

The Abbi tote’s interior has one open pocket that’s big enough to hold a smartphone or a slim wallet, plus one wallet-sized pocket with a zipper that echoes the exterior’s metallic finishes. But there is no dedicated laptop compartment.

We especially appreciate the Abbi’s long handles, which make tucking the bag under the arm easier (especially for those who have a larger chest). The handles have a 10-inch strap drop, 2 inches longer than those of many totes we researched, including some bags listed in our Competition section, from Cuyana, Dagne Dover, and Lo & Sons . Two inches may not seem like much, but when you’re hauling your laptop, commuting gear, and a few dinner ingredients, you’ll likely be thankful for the extra length.

Finally, we’d trust the Abbi to keep our belongings safe and dry if we were forced to rest it on the floor of a subway car. There’s a feeling of dread many commuters experience whenever they lift their bag off the ground, fearing they’ll discover that it’s dripping wet and their stuff is ruined. During our tests, the Abbi’s clean, tight seams didn’t let spills seep through this bag. And the vegan leather is easy to spot-clean.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Abbi’s minimalist design lacks a padded compartment for a laptop. For shock absorption, we recommend using a padded sleeve for your laptop in this bag.

The Abbi’s zipper doesn’t create an airtight seal—not unusual among zippered totes—so water may trickle in from above during a heavy rainstorm. When you’re traveling sans umbrella, carrying the bag under your arm should keep out most rainwater.

Vegan leathers can flake and peel after extended use (though Wirecutter’s Sasha VanHoven has had a Matt & Nat backpack made of a similar material for more than a year and hasn’t seen any peeling).

Matt & Nat’s one-year limited warranty policy doesn’t cover normal wear and tear. To extend the life of the bag, we recommend cleaning stains with warm water and dish soap, and coating it in faux-leather polish as needed.

Dimensions: 13.5 by 5.75 by 12 inches Handle drop: 10 inches Weight: 1 pound Warranty: one-year limited warranty Colors: truffle black, daffodil yellow, pear green, doll peach, rosebud, canal blue, sorbet red, resort blue, citrine yellow

A sturdy budget tote: EaseGave Laptop Bag

EaseGave Laptop Bag

An inexpensive faux leather bag.

This bag is well priced and extremely durable, and it has plenty of useful features—including a detachable messenger strap and metal feet. But it’s heavy and stiff, and few will mistake the exterior for real leather.

Who should get this: Commuters seeking a durable, functional tote on a budget.

Maximum laptop size: 15 inches (for the 15.6-inch bag), 17 inches (for the 17.3-inch bag)

Why it’s great: The EaseGave Laptop Bag is the cheapest bag we recommend, but it doesn’t skimp on features. Made of top-grain polyurethane leather (PU leather for short), this laptop tote bag was thicker and more durable than other faux leather bags we tested, such as the flimsy Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote (featured in the Competition section). It mirrors the structured, rolled carry handles and the mixed compartments of the Dagne Dover Signature Tote (also in the Competition section), which costs nearly four times as much. The EaseGave’s carry handles and messenger strap are both adjustable, to give you the best fit, which is especially impressive for a bag at this price.

Our panelists were impressed by the EaseGave bag’s functionality. “I really think this is a great affordable bag,” said Wirecutter product manager Samina Begum. “It had an outside pocket for all the things that I needed to keep close at hand, and the fake leather did not scratch no matter how roughly I treated the material.”

Testers also appreciated this bag’s metal feet, which lift the bag slightly off the ground, keeping  spills and grimy subway platforms at a distance. Studded feet aside, the EaseGave bag didn’t soak up liquids during our spill tests.

The EaseGave bag comes in two sizes (15.6 inches and 17.3 inches), with a dedicated, padded compartment that can fit a tablet or laptop (up to 15 and 17 inches, respectively). The compartment fastens shut with a Velcro strap, and although it isn’t the most secure option, it’s enough to prevent a laptop from sliding out.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although testers liked the EaseGave bag’s structured, rectangular shape, they occasionally found it cumbersome to carry on a crowded bus or subway; it’s so stiff and rigid that it doesn’t compress down when tucked under an arm.

The EaseGave bag’s interior is rough and feels like cheap polyester, which isn’t surprising at this price. The padding of the laptop compartment is on only one side. The other side is a wall-to-wall zippered pocket, but the material is flimsy, and our commuters worried about its long-term durability. “I was super anxious that my keys in my zip pocket would rip through the thin fabric and scratch my computer,” said one tester.

The EaseGave bag is pretty heavy, even when empty: The 15.6-inch model is 2.3 pounds, and the 17.3-inch model is 2.6 pounds, which is almost double the weight of most laptop totes we recommend.

Dimensions: 15.35 by 4.53 by 12.2 inches; 17.1 by 4.53 by 13.1 inches Handle drop: 6 inches Crossbody strap: 27 to 47 inches Weight: 2.3 pounds (15-inch laptop model); 2.6 pounds (17-inch laptop model) Warranty: 30-day return policy Colors: purple, lemon, mint green, blackish green

To determine what makes a great laptop tote, we researched style blogs, bag forums, and online reviews, and we consulted our coworkers. We then compiled a list of dozens of well-reviewed laptop tote bags in a variety of styles, recording key information like price, size, materials, availability, and third-party reviews.

We also listed each bag’s notable features, such as zippered compartments, a dedicated laptop pocket, a crossbody strap, color options, and warranty coverage.

Once we had narrowed the pool and selected bags for in-person testing, we assessed each tote for its overall quality, the durability of the laptop compartments (when applicable), carrying comfort, weight, and water resistance.

We also had Wirecutter staffers commute with the semifinalists and then share their feedback.

This is not a comprehensive list of everything we tested in previous iterations of this guide, just what’s still available.

Open-top tote bags

Our panelists liked the bucket shape of the Cuyana Classic Structured Leather Tote . It has leather ties that can be used to help keep its open top closed, but our panelists balked at having to partially tie a bag closed using thick pieces of leather, which easily came undone.

The Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote Bag is lightweight and packs nicely into itself for storage, but our panelists preferred bags with a dedicated laptop compartment or some exterior padding.

Budget laptop bags

The Dreubea Women’s Soft Faux Leather Tote was really thin and showed wear and tear easily, so our panelists weren’t comfortable carrying a delicate laptop in it.

Our testers liked the gunmetal hardware accents on the Mosiso Laptop Tote Bag , but they found the zippers to be sticky and a pain to use.

Traditional laptop tote bags

The vegan leather on the Dagne Dover Daily Tote looked unattractive, the zipper was clunky, and the straps were too thin to be comfortable. The Dagne Dover Signature Tote , also in vegan leather, was—at 3 pounds—the heaviest bag we tested. The carry handles were rope shaped, rather than flat like on most bags, and frequently fell off the shoulders of our testers. On top of that, our panelists thought the bag’s weight, rigid design, and thick, sharp edges made for a poor combination during commutes on a crowded subway train.

The Duluth Trading Co. Lifetime Leather Tote was heavy, thick, and uncomfortable to carry. The leather is treated with oil; it darkens when wet and takes forever to dry. And the zipper doesn’t offer a tight seal to protect delicate electronics from water damage.

The Lo & Sons Seville Tote is expensive and heavy, and the latch on the laptop compartment is hard to secure. Also, it didn’t keep out liquids during testing.

Travel laptop bags

The roomy Knomo Grosvenor Place Laptop Tote Bag had clean stitching, but it failed our liquid-blocking tests.

Although the Solo New York Jay Leather Tote has a full-grain leather body, we found the quality wasn’t as nice as that of most other leather bags we tested. The zippers were sticky, too, and the bag soaked up water during our liquid tests.

The Targus 15″ Newport East-West Tote is well made and offers ample laptop protection. But the carry straps were uncomfortable for us, and our panelists hated the bag’s traffic-cone orange interior color.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Meet your guide

Kaitlyn Wells

Kaitlyn Wells is a senior staff writer who advocates for greater work flexibility by showing you how to work smarter remotely without losing yourself. Previously, she covered pets and style for Wirecutter. She's never met a pet she didn’t like, although she can’t say the same thing about productivity apps. Her first picture book, A Family Looks Like Love , follows a pup who learns that love, rather than how you look, is what makes a family.

Further reading

The Best Tote Bags

by Zoe Vanderweide

Wherever you may be headed, we’ve found five great totes to take along on your schlep.

The Best Laptop Sleeves and MacBook Cases

by Ivy Liscomb

If you need an extra layer of protection for your pricey laptop, a sleeve is a great option that doesn’t take up a lot of extra space.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

by Truth Headlam

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

The Best Gym Bag

by Kit Dillon

The KNKG Plus Duffel is a versatile, durable bag for most gym goers. We also have options for those who prefer other types of bags, such as totes and backpacks.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

• Travel Products
• Luggage + Bags

13 Genius Laptop Bags That Will Make You the Most Efficient Person in the TSA Line — From $13

Featuring backpacks, tote bags, and luggage options from Samsonite, Calpak, and more.

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

When you’re getting ready for a well-earned vacation or a fun weekend away, the last thing you want to deal with is a big hassle on the airport security line. But if you have all of your items organized and ready to take out if needed, then TSA should (hopefully) be a breeze — which is why having a great laptop bag when you travel is so important. 

Whether you prefer keeping your laptop secure in a tight carrier , tucked away in a backpack’s padded sleeve , or placed carefully in a suitcase’s specialized compartment , there are a multitude of ways to keep your computer safe and sound when you travel. And luckily, you don’t have to spend a fortune for a high-quality item, as we’ve rounded up the 13 best laptop bags that cost under $100 below. Explore top-performing picks from Samsonite, Calpak, and more that will make the perfect travel companions.

Mancio Vintage Laptop Business Backpack

Available in six colors, this beautiful backpack can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches in size in its main compartment. It's stocked with four additional pockets that are big enough to store tablets and other smaller electronics, and it even features a USB port and a built-in cable inside, so you can charge your devices on the go. Plus, the bag has a comfy shoulder strap, stylish leather belts, and two water bottle compartments.

"This was so perfect for me," a reviewer exclaimed . “My large laptop fits great and [the bag] still has extra space for me to bring anything else I need." 

Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag

Want to carry your laptop in a gorgeous tote? Then check out this great faux-leather bag, which comes with a thick, foam padded sleeve and secure velcro strap to protect your laptop, as well as a magnetic buckle, zip closure, and multiple other pockets in the front and back. Choose from a whopping 27 colors, from bold cyan blue to classic dark brown. Its 16.5-inch by 6.1-inch by 10.4-inch frame and spacious design makes it a great personal bag on flights, as well as a quality commuter bag and everyday purse. 

“This is an amazing laptop bag,” one shopper said , adding that it has “a beautiful design [and is] soft and easy to carry around.”

The North Face Jester Luxe Backpack

Buying a backpack with a padded laptop compartment can be a major convenience, and we love this pick from The North Face. The sizable backpack (which comes in two colors) not only has a thick sleeve that can fit up to 16-inch laptops, but it features tons of pockets and helpful bungee cords within its supportive design. If you're not traveling with your laptop, you can easily use the backpack as a daypack on a hike or outdoor excursion. 

This backpack is “worth every penny,” according to one Nordstrom customer, who also noted that it “fits my laptop and everything I need for work perfectly" and feels "great on my back.”

Empsign Rolling Laptop Bag

You can wheel your laptop around the airport with this pretty quilted roller bag, which features a padded compartment inside for 15.6-inch devices. Other perks include its carry-on size, waterproof design, telescoping handle, and trolley strap to attach to your other luggage pieces — and, of course, its various pockets. There's even an RFID-blocking pocket to keep your valuables safe from theft. You can pick from two colors: black or light pink.

“I can literally put three laptops in this bag, plus any other things that I could carry,” an Amazon shopper quipped . "It's the best bang for the buck."

Lenovo Laptop Shoulder Bag

Don’t let this laptop bag’s simple design and low price fool you; it’ll still keep your computer safe and secure during travels. Made for laptops up to 15.6 inches in size, it’s a compact, lightweight bag that’s easy to take on the go. And thanks to its adjustable shoulder strap and handles, you can carry it in three different ways. Best of all, it has a handy trolley sleeve so you can securely attach it to your carry-on suitcase's handles for hands-free convenience.  

“I really love this carrying bag,” one reviewer shared . They also added that they especially appreciate the “extra pockets to store stuff like a DVD drive and cables," among other items.

Fjällräven Vardag Totepack

This fantastic everyday tote-pack (tote backpack) allows you to choose your own adventure with its two-in-one design; carry it like a backpack with its padded shoulder straps or keep it sleek on your arm with its top carrying handles. It's spacious and stylish, with a padded interior sleeve that can fit a 15-inch laptop. Other standout features include the mesh organizer in the front pocket, roomy main compartment, and heavy-duty fabric that makes it incredibly durable. It’s available in six attractive colors, from deep forest green to striking royal purple.

According to one shopper, this totepack is “perfect" and "exactly what I needed for work.” They also raved, “I love [that] it can also be carried as a tote.”

Coolife Carry-On Luggage With Laptop Compartment

While this suitcase may seem like any other piece of luggage at first glance, it stands out for its unique front pocket that can fit smaller laptops up to 13.3 inches. Thanks to its user-friendly construction, it's easy  to unzip the compartment and remove your laptop for the TSA security line without messing up your packing. We also love the 20-inch carry-on bag’s durable hardshell exterior, interior net pockets, adjustable telescoping handle, and double TSA-approved lock, too. Make sure to clip the on-site coupon to save an extra $20. 

“I love the front pocket that holds a laptop, notebook and charger,” one reviewer wrote , adding that the bag “rolls very smoothly” and “fits perfectly in the overhead [bin].”

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Chevron Laptop and Tablet Backpack

This stylish quilted backpack will be your new favorite travel companion thanks to its padded laptop pocket that fits 15-inch devices, separate padded tablet pocket, adjustable shoulder straps, built-in trolley strap, and, of course, its elegant design. You can pick from three colors and patterns, all of which feature attractive gold-plated zippers for that extra-luxe look.

"The pockets are great and easy [to] access," one reviewer was happy to report . “It was so simple to pull out my laptop and tablet in security and I can tell the bag will hold up well over time."

Calpak Luka Expandable Laptop Tote

This isn’t your ordinary tote. With a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, luggage trolley sleeve, expandable (by 4 inches!) bottom, and subtle zippered side pockets, this bag can handily fit all of your essentials for a weekend trip, day at the office, and more. The soft and puffy accessory comes in 18 colors ranging from rose gold to chocolate brown. And, it's still on sale from Black Friday.

“I love how versatile it is,” one Calpak shopper wrote, adding that “the color is beautiful and [the] number of pockets are awesome. I even love the ‘secret’ zipper pocket for stuff I don't want my nosey kids getting their hands on." 

Vera Bradley Laptop Crossbody Workstation

This stunning quilted laptop carrier can be used in multiple ways: as a tote, shoulder bag, or even as a workstation that props your computer up as you type. Available in five colors and on sale for up to 50 percent off, the unique bag has a 15-inch laptop sleeve, multiple zippered and slip compartments to hold your chargers, cords, and other essentials, a retractable handle, a crossbody strap, and more.

"I travel a lot for work and needed to make sure that I had a way to keep my laptop protected," an Amazon shopper began their review. "This Vera Bradley laptop case is made of a thick quilted material so you don't have to worry about it getting scratched while transporting." 

Matein Carry-On Laptop Backpack

If you’re looking for a more heavy-duty laptop carrier, this travel backpack may be just the pick. The seriously-roomy bag can fit 17-inch laptops, as well as clothing, shoes (in a separate compartment!), tablets, and so much else. There’s even a built-in USB charging port, a comfortable luggage strap, and lockable metal zippers to keep all of your items safe. You can choose from eight lovely color options.

One reviewer called it an “amazing travel pack for the price,” explaining that they were “blown away by [the] amount of storage and quality of the stitching, padding, and construction.”

Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe Carryall Tote

Behold, the ultimate personal bag. A spacious and elegant carry-on tote, this nylon Samsonite Mobile Solution Deluxe bag comes with a padded laptop sleeve that can fit computers of up to 15.6 inches. It’s a roomy-yet-lightweight bag that has an assortment of zippered and slip pockets, a retractable luggage sleeve, and a water-resistant design. Get it in either black or navy blue while it's still 30 percent off during Cyber Week. 

The size of this carryall is “perfect,” said one customer, noting that “it feels sturdy even if I put my laptop, iPad, and their chargers plus some clothes for the weekend.”

Bagsmart Laptop Bag

Last but not least, check out this simple and sophisticated laptop carrier, which is fully padded with protective foam to keep a 15.6-inch laptop safe from harm. The briefcase-like bag also features a separate (and easily accessible) large pocket for other tech items, an adjustable padded shoulder strap, and an attachable luggage strap, and it comes in black or pink colors.

“This bag is smart-looking and works perfectly carrying my laptop and extra papers [and] folders," according to one Amazon reviewer , who couldn't resist calling it "very stylish.” 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week.

Shop More T+L-Approved Picks

Related Articles

Top 10 Laptop Bags For Women

Meet the bags women use to carry their laptop to and from work.

When you head out the door in the morning, you’re likely carrying more than a handful of items (phone, keys, water bottle, lip gloss , etc.). Add a laptop to that lineup, and suddenly you’re everyday handbag just isn’t cutting it. So, whether you’re commuting to the office or traveling for pleasure, you need a durable laptop bag that will protect your device without sacrificing style or space for other things.

What To Look For In A Laptop Bag

The most important thing to look for in a laptop bag is a dedicated space for your device. Most laptop bags have a sleeve-style compartment that’s designed to protect your computer—others will have a large, zippered pocket that serves the same purpose. Either way, you should know what size your laptop’s screen is before you buy in order to avoid disappointment (and annoying return processes).

Aside from that, a great laptop bag will have convenient features like adjustable straps, key rings, water bottle sleeves, and exterior slip pockets. Bonus points for bags that have a trolley sleeve, as that makes it easy to throw your tote on top of your suitcase and roll your way through the airport with confidence. 

How We Found The Best Laptop Bags For Women

Your search for a new laptop tote ends here because we put our data-powered ranking algorithm on the search for the best laptop bags on the internet. This tool (which is completely unique to Rank & Style) uses information from user reviews, best-seller lists, social media, and other sources to find and score the top options in a given category. It’s an unbiased approach to shopping that makes your life a lot easier. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll on to shop the internet’s best laptop bags, with options from Cuyana, Tory Burch, and Coach.

September 6, 2024

Product Expert: Georgia Jones

The Rankings

Freja New York Paloma Tote

Overall Score

2 User Reviews

Best Seller

Industry Recognition

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

Best Laptop Work Bag For Women

THE FEATURES The Paloma Tote is one of Freja New York's best-sellers. Its middle zip compartment can store a 16" laptop, and it also has two side pockets that can be used to stow a tablet, notebook, or even a second, smaller laptop.

MORE DETAILS This fashionable laptop bag is made from a vegan pebbled leather material and lined with microsuede. It has a flat, firm base that helps the tote stand up when put down.

More Colors

macy's

Coach Willow Large Leather Tote

35 User Reviews

Best Designer Laptop Bag For Women

THE FEATURES Coach's Willow Work Tote is one of the most stylish laptop bags around. You'd never know from its sleek appearance that it has room to fit a 15” laptop and various pockets for all of your essentials (such as your wallet, keys, phone, and more).

MORE DETAILS The shoulder straps on this tote are extra long to accommodate for cumbersome coat sleeves.

Dagne Dover Daily Tote

300 User Reviews

Best Laptop Messenger Bag For Women

THE FEATURES This boxy bag from Dagne Dover has more than six pockets to store your things in. There's a padded laptop sleeve that can fit a 16" computer, as well as an insulated neoprene water bottle holder. Did we mention it's made from seven recycled water bottles?

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING "I am obsessed with my new work bag! It feels like it was made for me. I love how many pockets it has; it has a key holder, laptop sleeve, exterior pocket for my badge, water bottle holder, and a boxy shape so I can even put my lunch in there and still close it. Best bag ever!"

Cuyana System 16-Inch Tote

65 User Reviews

Best 16" Laptop Bag For Women

THE FEATURES Cuyana is a company known for its high-quality bags, which are all made out of imported leather. The System 16-Inch Tote is a roomy laptop bag that's ready for further customization; it comes with two sets of snaps you can use to attach Cuyana's matching clutch and laptop sleeves. 

MORE DETAILS Cuyana's snap-in leather laptop sleeve (which was made to fit inside this tote) is available for purchase separately. P.S. One of Cuyana's totes was featured in our roundup of the best tote bags. 

Monos Metro Tote

123 User Reviews

Best Vegan Leather Laptop Bag For Women

THE FEATURES The Metro Tote is made for commuters. Sturdy and spacious, this vegan leather laptop bag has a trolley sleeve that makes it ideal for traveling. It can hold a 14" laptop and its interior water bottle pocket will ensure your tumbler never tips over at an ill-timed moment.

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING "I recently took this tote on a work trip and it was perfect! It was large enough to hold my laptop and some general travel essentials with room to spare. I love how it holds its shape. I feel comfortable using it as a travel tote as well as an everyday office tote!"

Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag

1174 User Reviews

Best Leather Laptop Bag For Women

THE FEATURES Tory Burch's Perry Tote is a triple-compartment laptop bag made from imported pebbled leather. It has metal feet on the bottom to protect it from touching the floor, and it comes with a detachable charm that features the brand's iconic logo.

MORE DETAILS This laptop bag is available in a few different colors including Meadow Mist (a minty green shade) and Brick Lane (a crimson hue). 

Lovevook Laptop Tote Bag

4345 User Reviews

Best Laptop Bag On Amazon For Women

THE FEATURES One of the most affordable bags on our list, Lovevook's Laptop Tote costs less than $40 and has enough room to safely store a 15.6" laptop. The exterior is crafted from waterproof leather, meaning your valuables will be safe even during rainy day commutes. 

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING "This bag has garnered an impressive number of compliments! There is ample space and my large laptop fits without any struggle. There is a pocket in the front which makes it accessible for items I need to reach quickly (keys, pens, etc.). This bag is easy to carry over the shoulder and the material feels expensive without the hefty price tag."

Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Work Tote

143 User Reviews

Best Side-Zip Laptop Bag For Women

THE FEATURES How about a stylish laptop bag made 100% out of Italian leather? That's what Quince's Triple Compartment Work Tote has to offer. That, along with two side compartments, four pockets, and extra long shoulder straps for comfortable carrying.  

MORE DETAILS This bag works best for smaller laptops—13" and under.

BÉIS The Work Tote

3581 User Reviews

Best Travel Laptop Bag For Women

THE FEATURES The Work Tote is a top-rated BÉIS bag with a lot of convenient design features. It has a trolley sleeve, water bottle pocket, key ring, and multiple interior compartments. Reviewers particularly love how well it complements BÉIS' Carry-On Roller.  

WHAT REVIEWERS ARE SAYING "I really enjoy this bag and the space it provides. I'm in my last semester of college and I wanted to invest in a piece I could take into the workplace with me after graduation. I feel like this is perfect. I love that it fits my Macbook, pens, pencils, and all of my personal items."

Calpak Haven Laptop Tote Bag

506 User Reviews

Best Laptop Bag For Women Overall

THE FEATURES Both a laptop bag and a travel tote, Calpak's Haven bag is spacious and versatile. It comes with a removable laptop sleeve that fits up to 16" devices, plus it has five other pockets of varying sizes inside its main compartment. Despite all of that space, it's a relatively lightweight laptop bag.

MORE DETAILS You can purchase this tote in three neutral tones and five limited-edition colors. Also, the removable shoulder strap is adjustable.

Top 10 Shirt Dresses

The Best Shirt Dresses For Practical And Versatile Style

Pants & Trousers

Top 10 Barrel-Leg Pants And Jeans

10 Trending Barrel-Leg Pants That Showcase The Style's Flattering Silhouette

Top 10 Cotton Sweaters

The Best 100% Cotton Sweaters With Thousands Of 5-Star Reviews

Banana Republic Factory New Fall Arrivals

20 High-Quality Basics To Add To Your Fall Wardrobe—At Prices You'll Love

From Our Partners

Use code HELLONEEDED to get 20% off your Immune Support supplement today.

Pair Eyewear

The affordable eyewear solution to changing up your frames..

The new way to recycle your clothing (and earn rewards).

Top Sale Finds

Amazon Sale

Limited time deals: up to 50% off..

21 Days Of Beauty: Over 200 daily beauty steals at 50% off.

Shopbop Sale

1000s of markdowns up to 60% off..

Straight-to-the-point emails to make finding what you love even easier.

📦FREE U.S/U.K SHIPPING

Item added to your cart

Carry your world, big discount, fresh from the press, matein elite travel backpack.

“This 40-liter backpack has one large main compartment that can fit several tops, bottoms, and a toiletry case without any issues.”

— TRAVEL+LEISURE

MATEIN Mlassic Laptop Backpack

"A big selling point of the Matein backpack is the embedded USB port that allows for internal or external charging on the go."

MATEIN NTE Laptop Backpack

“More than anything, the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is an ideal bag for the digital nomad.”

— Divein Travel

Shop by Categories

Laptop backpacks, travel backpacks, lunch backpacks, wheeled backpacks, gym&sports, best seller, matein mlassic travel laptop backpack, matein mlassic laptop backpack for university, matein wheeled rolling backpack, matein elite travel backpack, what's new, matein mystery box travel backpack pay less, matein laptop carrying case buy 1 get 1 free, matein laptop carrying case, matein blue youth baseball bag, wholesale & distributor.

Are you looking for wholesale backpacks to buy in bulk?

We got you covered!

Design it Your Own

The MATEIN is all about self-expression.

Make a unique bag is no longer a difficult thing.

Great Team for R&D

Experienced in ODM and OEM for 15 years.

Welcome for importer, Distributor, Dealer, Wholesaler, Retailer.

Choosing MATEIN, Carry Your World.

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.