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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.

• 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

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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!

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#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.

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#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.

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#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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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The Best Laptop Bags Will Get You Compliments on Your Commute

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The tenets of a good laptop bag is the same as any daily hauler: Durable yet comfortable to carry, with a kind of style and multi-functionality that meets your lifestyle. The best laptop bags can deliver on all those things, just with added padding to protect your precious cargo.

To help you find your next carry-all, we're constantly on the look-out for the next best laptop bag, because, we, too, schlep our internet machines around town to the office, coffee shop, or wherever else we find ourselves working. If the bag can also serve on a weekend trip, even better.

Below, we rounded up our favorite laptop bags, ranging from backpacks to tote bags. If the picks below don't tickle your fancy, check out our guides on the best backpacks and best briefcases .

The Best Laptop Bags, According to GQ

• Best Work Laptop Backpack: Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack , $245
• Best Commuter Laptop Backpack: Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech , $129
• Best Budget Laptop Backpack: The North Face Jester Backpack , $75
• Best Travel Laptop Backpack: Evergoods Civic Travel Bag 35L , $349
• Best Travel Laptop Duffle Bag: Away The Everywhere Bag , $195
• Best Laptop Tote Bag: Bellroy Tokyo Tote , $129 $89
• Best Laptop Briefcase: Filson Tin Cloth Compact Briefcase , $295
• Best Leather Laptop Backpack: Coach Gotham Backpack , $450
• Best Slim Laptop Bag: AER Slim Pack , $115

Take Me To: What To Look For in a Laptop Bag | More Bags We Love

Best Work Laptop Bag: Troubadour Apex 3.0

Apex 3.0 Backpack

Material: Polyester, vegan leather | Size: 12.5” x 19” x 6” | Capacity: 25L | Laptop Size: 17”

Available in three stylish colors—classic black, navy blue, and a handsome forest green—the newest iteration of Troubadour’s Apex bag impressed us with its clean silhouette, neat internal organization, and comfort. (It’s got padding in all the right places.) In our testing, the padded straps and weight balance kept us comfortable even on long commutes. This backpack has a 25L capacity suitable for everyday use and overnights, but it excels as a work bag. It keeps a relatively slim profile even when stuffed with a MacBook, umbrella, water bottle, and change of clothes.

We did encounter a couple of bugs during our testing. The teeth of the zipper came apart early in our evaluation, exposing the interior of the bag. We were able to easily fix this, but it caught us by surprise, especially for a bag at this price point. In addition, the placement of the water bottle holder can make it tricky to reach the zippers. These are minor quibbles, and by and large we're quite impressed with the bag's overall design and pocket layouts (even the padded laptop compartment has internal organization). Finally, for folks who aren’t about that MacBook life, this is the rare laptop bag that can accommodate a 17-inch Windows laptop.

Best Commuter Laptop Backpack: Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech

Topo Designs

Rover Pack Tech

Material: 100% recycled nylon | Size: 11” x 17” x 5” | Capacity: 24.3L | Laptop Size: 15” Topo Designs bags are popular picks among college students thanks to their signature color blocking. While you have to live without the fun colorways with the brand’s special-edition tech pack, we can’t resist an all-black bag like this ( also available: navy, tan, charcoal, and forest green). As the tech edition of the popular Rover Pack, this bag adds a heavily padded external laptop compartment. Otherwise, it carries over the best features from the Rover, including daisy-chain webbing, durable materials and hardware, and water bottle pockets. The large internal pocket even has space for a second laptop or tablet if your work demands multiple pieces of tech.

Best Budget Laptop Backpack: The North Face Jester Backpack

The North Face

Jester Backpack

Material: Polyester | Size: 11'' x 18.13” x 8.25'' | Capacity: 28L | Laptop Size: 16”

College students and budget shoppers will appreciate this under-$100 backpack from the North Face. It's even got an endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association, according the brand. This pack has a padded back, a lumbar support panel, and a sternum strap to support your spine. On the front, bungee cords make it easy to clip on carabiners or other attachments, while dual water bottle pockets let you hydrate to the max.

Of course, since it’s not the most attractive bag, what’s on the inside really counts. This bag has quick-access pockets, a tablet or phone holder (in addition to the laptop compartment), and a place to secure your keys. Finally, the bag stands up on its own, so it’s no pushover despite the humble price tag.

Best Travel Laptop Backpack: Evergoods Civic Travel Bag 35L

Civic Travel Bag 35L

Material: Nylon | Size: 14” x 20.5” x 8.75” | Capacity: 35L | Laptop Size: 17”

In the exact center of the Venn diagram between attractive laptop bags and functional carry-ons, you’ll find this Evergoods pack. This carry-on bag fits under airline seats, and it has a tightly woven, water-resistant nylon shell for more adventurous trips. It comes in two different sizes, but the 35-liter version should cater to most long-haul travel scenarios. Evergoods outfitted this travel bag with curved straps that naturally fit your shoulders, while an optional ergonomic waist strap distributes weight for long-haul journeys. We also love the combination of a luggage passthrough and a side handle, which lets you breeze through the terminal and then squeeze through the aisle for boarding.

GQ Associate Commerce Director Michael Nolledo took the 26-liter version on a trip to Asia in addition to a rolling suitcase and calls the backpack “an organized traveler’s dream bag.” He notes that the pocket layouts are intuitive for travel, and the clamshell opening makes it easy to load things in and out (he also recommends Evergoods’ smartly designed packing cubes ). Everything about the backpack, from the fabric all the way down to the zipper pulls, is carefully considered, according to Nolledo.

Best Travel Laptop Duffle Bag: Away The Everywhere Bag

The Everywhere Bag

Material: Nylon, leather | Size: 16.3" x 10.2" x 7.3" | Capacity: 20L | Laptop Size: 15”

What this weekender bag lacks in size, it makes up in style (20L is on the small side for a travel bag). We love the clean silhouette, minimalist aesthetic, and tote bag-like handles. If you already have Away luggage, you can match the color of the bag to your suitcase. Even if you prefer Rimowa to Away, it will still stay securely on top of your suitcase thanks to the luggage passthrough. The popular Away duffel has just enough room to fit a change of clothes, water bottle, and 15-inch laptop. And if you’re a laptop warrior with carpal tunnel battle scars, you can switch to the padded shoulder strap and give your hands a break. You might not think of a duffel as an everyday bag, but thanks to the compact size, it’s also a handsome alternative to a boring office backpack.

Best Laptop Tote Bag: Bellroy Tokyo Tote

Material: Nylon, leather | Size: 14” x 18.5” x 5” | Capacity: 15L | Laptop Size: 13”

If 2023 was The Year of the Tote Bag, what makes 2024? Whatever you call it, we aren’t ready to give up our totes yet. Bellroy’s affordable carryall is a functional and compact laptop bag that’s just the right size for a MacBook Air. Best known for its slim men’s wallets , the Australian brand has a reputation for clean, space-saving designs with thoughtful details—and that’s exactly how we’d describe the Tokyo Tote. The padded handle straps are long enough (and comfortable enough) to wear over your shoulder on long walks. The entire bag also zips up for rainy days, while interior and exterior pockets keep your phone, water bottle, MacBook, journal, charging cables, and extra clothes organized.

Think of this as an unpretentious bag for secretly pretentious people. And for shoppers who believe a laptop bag shouldn’t cost as much as the laptop itself, it’s a smart alternative to overpriced fashion totes.

Best Laptop Briefcase: Filson Tin Cloth Compact Briefcase

Tin Cloth Compact Briefcase

Material: Waxed cotton | Size: 11.5” x 15” x 2.75” | Capacity: 9L | Laptop Size: 15”

While Filson's briefcase needs no introduction, it also has zero padding. This Tin Cloth briefcase, however, is expressly designed with a laptop compartment. This handsome bag will keep you light on your feet, and you can carry it over the shoulder or by hand. It also works well as a companion to your luggage while traveling. Check or stow your suitcase and keep this waxed cotton briefcase on hand for your work laptop.

With a water-resistant finish, this bag will keep your gear organized and dry. And if you do have a country estate for your leisure time, Filson bags like this are still tough enough to handle wet and muddy conditions.

Best Leather Laptop Backpack: Coach Gotham Backpack

Gotham Backpack

Material: Leather | Size: 11.5” x 19.25” x 6.75” | Capacity: 24.5L | Laptop Size: 15”

A handsome black leather backpack will always be a smart option as your work bag. Don’t overthink it. And Coach’s Gotham bag has a streamlined design and high-quality pebbled leather. While it won’t accommodate oversized 17 inchers, it can handle your MacBook with no problem. The bag has two zippered compartments on the outside and one inside, plus a few more internal pockets for easy organization. Best of all, the back of the bag is made from a breathable mesh, so you won’t show up to the office with back sweat darkening your favorite work shirts.

Best Slim Laptop Backpack: Aer Slim Pack

Material: Nylon | Size: 16” x 11.5” x 3.5” | Capacity: 8.5L | Laptop Size: 15”

We love AER’s minimalist EDC bags, and not just because of the all-black aesthetic. If you're looking for a compact laptop carry that won't weigh you down, take a look at the brand's Slim Pack. As the name suggests, this 8.5-liter backpack is slim and slender, designed to protect a laptop up to 15 inches with enough space for your charger, books, headphones, and whatever else you carry. The water-resistant coated 840D nylon fabric (the same found on Aer's larger-sized Tech Pack 3 —also recommended) is easy to clean and gives the bag a slick texture.

More Laptop Bags We Love

Carry All Backpack

Master-Piece

Progress Backpack

Book Daypack

The Backpack

Carl Friedrik

Bowen Backpack

ReNew Transit Backpack

What to look for in a laptop bag.

Laptops are non-optional for college students and most office workers, so unless you want to carry that laptop commando-style, you’ll need a bag to keep it safe on your daily travels. For a lot of folks, that means a tech-friendly backpack, but that’s not your only choice.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen more guys moving away from laptop backpacks, so don’t limit yourself when choosing a laptop bag. We’ve personally tested a few of these bags, and we’re in the process of testing more. When picking our favorites—backpacks, tote bags, duffels, and briefcases—here’s how we narrowed the field:

• Padded laptop compartments: We ruled out many great bags because they lacked a suspended padded laptop sleeve. We also chose bags that could fit a variety of laptop sizes.
• Materials: You’ll find a lot of durable performance fabrics like nylon and polyester here, but also leather and cotton. Bags with DWR finishes or weather- and water-resistant materials earned extra points in our evaluation.
• Style: Good style is its own reward. Before it earned a spot on our list, our editors reviewed each bag to ensure it met our aesthetic standards and performance requirements.
• Organization: We looked for bags with pockets inside and out so that you don’t have to dig around your bag every time you need something. (Purses—we’re looking at you.) We also favored bags with additional features such as durable hardware, luggage pass-throughs, and water bottle holders.

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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.

The Carl Friedrik Ashby Leather Tote has had stock issues recently. We reached out to a representative, who confirmed that the company will receive new stock in mid-August; we will continue to monitor the situation.

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

After stuffing more than 40 gym bags with clothes, gear, water bottles, and more, we want to carry the KNKG Plus Duffel  to our next workout.

Best laptop backpack and bag of 2024

Find the best laptop backpack, laptop bag, sleeves and cases

• Best overall
• Best budget backpack
• Best budget bag
• Best for professionals
• Best sleeve
• Best for students
• Best for travel
• Best for basics
• Best for capacity
• Best for commuters
• Best slimline
• How to choose
• How we test

1. Best overall 2. Best budget backpack 3. Best budget bag 4. Best for professionals 5. Best sleeve 6. Best for students 7. Best for travel 8. Best for basics 9. Best for capacity 10. Best for commuters 11. Best slimline 12. FAQs 13. How to choose 14. How we test

The best laptop backpacks and the best laptop bags let you without worrying about cracks, bangs, and knocks on the commute, on campus, and even at home. These are the bags and backpakcs for laptops that we recommend. 

Our team of reviewers have tested over hundreds of the best laptops and best business laptops - so, we know how it important it is to keep devices safe and secure with a durable bag. Whether you're looking for a high-capacity backpack for all your devices and accessories, or a budget bag to protect your laptop, we've compared the best you can get. 

As part of our review process, we've compared specs, size, and features of each of the best laptop backpacks and bags, explored online reviews, and assessed materials and construction to find the ones that'll keep your devices safe on the go. 

For more savings, check out our round-up of the best back to school sales . 

The best laptop backpack and bag of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Best laptop backpack overall

1. Timbuk2 Authority Backpack

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The backpacks from Timbuk2 have always been some of my favorites. Their overall design is fantastic, the internal pockets and organization is great and the build quality is incredible. These guys think of everything when designing a backpack. 

The Authority laptop backpack deluxe has a ton of internal storage making this the perfect gear bag if you have quite a bit that you carry at times. It has dedicated pockets for your laptop and tablet and it also has great organization inside for other smaller gear as well.

Lastly, this bag is ridiculously comfortable, even when weighted down with gear, and it has a rain boot on top of rain repellant to help deter water from getting to your precious gear even if you happened to set your bag down in a puddle.

• ^ Back to top

Best laptop backpack on a budget

2. AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack

One of the best laptop backpacks on a budget comes from AmazonBasics - the no-frills range of products from the world's online department store. This backpack boasts plenty of pockets for accessories and additional devices, and capable of taking laptops up to 17in. There's even space for a tablet, too. Often on deal, even at full price you're getting a good amount of storage for your money. 

Best laptop bag on a budget

3. AmazonBasics Laptop Bag

If you're looking for an affordable laptop bag, AmazonBasics has you covered. This is a no-nonsense, professional-style case with handle and shoulder strap. The bag comes in a range of sizes, fitting laptops up to 17.3in, and the padding here is more than ample for the daily commute. The design is pretty simple, lacking the premium look and feel we've seen on some of the best laptop bags - but for the price, it's hard to complain. 

Best laptop backpack for professionals

4. Nomatic Navigator (15L)

The Nomatic Navigator - known as the Gomatic Navigator outside the US - is hands down the best laptop backpack for business professionals. Sleek, gorgeously designed, it won't take up too much space, but holds plenty. The internal organization matched with phenomenal build quality and sleek look make this backpack really hard to beat. It comes in black, can expand from 15L to 21L with a simple unzip and all of the zippers are tamper resistant.

Best laptop sleeve

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

There are so many laptop sleeves and folios out there that only give you enough space for your laptop and nothing else. This one from Harber London, however, does the opposite. We've been using this for a while now as our go-to laptop soft case, and we've pretty much thrown in all our accessories and chargers in there as well, allowing us to carry all our essentials without being forced to carry another bag.

Of course, that's just one of the many things the Harber London Slim Leather Folio Laptop Case No. 7 does right. It comes in several different sizes so you can choose the right one for your laptop, has a wool felt lining inside that does a fantastic job of providing protection without making the folio bulky, and that leather finish means that you can take it on business trips and look stylish.

It's a little expensive for a folio, and we wish there are more pockets for organization. But it's still pretty hard to beat if that's what you want as a laptop bag.

Best laptop backpack for students

6. Herschel Pop Quiz

The Herschel Pop Quiz backpack is clearly designed with students in mind. It has a simple style and reasonable price, but comes with no shortage of features to meet your daily needs. It has a padded laptop sleeve with fleece lining to keep your computer safe, and its front pocket includes built-in organizers so you can keep all your school supplies in order. It even features waterproof zippers to help protect all your belongings. And, with a wide variety of styles, you can find a design that fits your personality.

Best laptop backpack for travel

7. Eastpack Out Of Office

With a simple, yet stylish, design, the Out Of Office laptop backpack is ideal for business users that makes carrying around your laptop comfortable, while also protecting your device from the rigours of daily life. One of the best features about this backpack is its 30 year warranty, which means you shouldn't have to worry about getting another laptop backpack for a long, long time.

Best laptop backpack for basics

8. Matein Travel Laptop Bag

If you believe millions of Amazon users can't be wrong, you could do worse than check out their best-selling laptop bag. It's easy to see why, given the huge 30 liter capacity, not to mention the fact that manufacturers Matein offer it in virtually every color available.

On the practical side there's a dedicated compartment that can hold anything from a 13" to a 15.6" laptop.

The adjustable shoulder straps and foam padding, also make this bag comfortable to wear. You even get a USB charging port on the outside with an internal cable, although the bag itself doesn't contain a battery.

The manufacturers claim the bag is made from a "durable polyester" that's also waterproof but some reviewers on Amazon pointed out this waterproofing seemingly doesn't apply to the straps. A couple of reviews also said the plastic buckles broke shortly after buying but these are heavily outweighed by thousands of positive experiences. 

Best laptop backpack for capacity

9. Shrradoo Extra Large Travel Laptop Backpack

Another of the best-selling laptop bags on Amazon, the Shrradoo travel laptop back is an absolute beast with both 50L and 52L capacities, capable of holding up to a 17" laptop. As if this weren't enough there are also 20 independent pockets in addition to the 3 main multi-compartments.

The manufacturers describe the bag as being made of 'durable material' but don't say exactly what this is. They do, however, confirm that the lining is nylon which should make it water resistant, if not fully waterproof.

Like the Matein, the bag comes with an external USB port with built-in charging cable to power your devices. The shoulder straps are wide and made of a breathable mesh, which might make it more bearable if you decide to carry the bag with all the compartments and pockets loaded.

Amazon has thousands of reviews praising the bag for its capacity and portability but a small number said that the plastic handle also broke shortly after purchase. 

Best laptop backpack for commuters

10. Timbuk2 Spire 2.0

The Timbuk2 Spire may have been made with MacBook owners in mind. The bag can easily hold a 15.6" laptop with a separate front panel and zip pocket for other gadgets like an iPad.

There's also a side pocket to hold a water bottle/umbrella. While we're talking rain, the top flap is good security against your electronics becoming damp due to rain. 

It comes with a padded back panel and straps for 'extra comfort' though a few Amazon reviewers said that they did experience a little discomfort during use. 

The higher price tag can be justified through Timbuk2's "lifetime" warranty which allows them to repair defects in the product. Be warned though, this is at the manufacturer's discretion.

Best slimline laptop bag

11. Lenovo T210 Carrying Case

Despite the name, Lenovo 's T210 will actually fit most laptops up to 15.6". The case is extremely sleek and lightweight, making it perfect for business commuters who don't want to haul around large backpacks. It even comes with a convenient luggage strap. 

The internal pockets are also useful for holding accessories like tablets, however some users have expressed disappointment at the limited padding. If you're taking a long trip and/or need to make sure that you're well protected you may want to choose a bag that's better cushioned. Still, you can do worse for less than $20.

Find great deals on laptop cases with our Lenovo promo codes .

Best laptop backpacks and bags: FAQs

How can i be sure the best laptop backpack or bag will be comfortable.

If you're planning on taking a laptop bag on long journeys, use a backpack style one with well-padded straps. If the back of your bag contains extra padding/ventilation, so much the better. Bags with a single shoulder strap aren't suitable for sustained travel. 

How often should I replace my laptop bag?

Less expensive laptop bags can be a false economy if you need to replace them once every few months. Make sure to check with the manufacturer what guarantees they offer if the bag wears away too quickly. This is also a good time to check consumer rights in the country in which you're buying to see what protections are offered if the bag proves unfit for purpose.

What's the best material for a laptop backpack or bag?

If you plan to spend any time outside, try to choose a polyester, waterproof/water resistant material. If this isn't possible, see if you can find a canvas cover to fit over your chosen laptop bag to keep the contents dry.

Where should I buy the best laptop backpack or bag?

 Most stores that sell laptops also sell accessories including laptop bags, backpacks, sleeves, and carrying cases. You can find some excellent deals by visiting manufacturer websites directly or by using popular online retailers like Amazon. The advantage of using third-party sites is you can read user reviews before you buy. 

How to choose the best laptop backpack or bag for you

When choosing which laptop bag is best for you, there are several considerations. First, you'll need to select between a traditional laptop bag or carrying case, backpack, sleeve. If you're looking for protection around the home, a sleeve or case will suffice. If you're traveling, a bag or backpack for laptops is best - both for padding and protection, as well as straps to help you lug your portable around. 

Check the dimensions of the bag and the devices you intend to put in it, so you know your laptop and accessories will fit. Ideally, your laptop should be snug but not constricted within the bag. You don't want it shifting around in its case while on the move, as this may lead to accidental damage. Many of the best laptop bags (and especially laptop backpacks) contain plenty of pockets for carrying around peripherals and accessories, including chargers, tablets, mouse, keyboard and so on. 

If you're using your laptop outside the house, check out those laptop bags with added security features and an anti-theft design. These bags typically have hidden zips, preventing others from accessing the bag's contents without your knowledge. USB charging ports are also found on many of the best laptop backpacks and bags. These let you connect a portable power bank to charge devices while on the go. 

How we test the best laptop backpacks and bags

There are a number of specifications we research when selecting the best laptop backpacks and best laptop bags. First and foremost, we look at the very best-selling products, given if there's a major defect in a product it would likely have already been discovered.

Beyond our own experience with laptop bags, sleeves, cases, and backpacks, we make sure to check user reviews. Like any discerning buyer, we prefer honest, verified reviews from reviewers with photos. We want to know what their experience has been of using their chosen bag day to day. 

When it came to pricing, we tried to post a range for all budgets bearing in mind what we said earlier about the false economy of buying an inexpensive bag only to replace it a few months later. Where warranties are offered, we're sure to mention this too. 

Where possible, we also tried to list the material from which the bag is made. This is important as it can effect how well the bag repels water. Certain materials also can pick up dust or dirt more easily. 

We also check storage capacity of all bags and backpacks for laptops, though this can be misleading given the number of external/internal pockets. It's far better to check with the bag manufacturer if the dimensions of your particular laptop will fit. Where different color options are available, we mention this too.

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Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She's a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She's an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives. 

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The 15 Best Travel Briefcases for Men & Women [2023]

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

822 Published Articles

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

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

41 Published Articles 3359 Edited Articles

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

Table of Contents

Things to consider with briefcases, the 8 best briefcases for men, the 7 best briefcases for women, 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.

A briefcase offers a practical and stylish way to carry your laptop, files, notebooks, and other essentials with you on your daily commute. Some are spacious enough to carry extra items you might need for a night or 2 away, while others are lightweight and versatile enough to be used on a daily basis.

Available in a wide range of styles, colors, and designs, finding the right briefcase to suit your needs doesn’t have to feel like a chore.

Before you buy your next briefcase, consider the following:

Size and Capacity

If you are planning on using your briefcase for school, college, or work, you will need to be able to fit your laptop , work files, textbooks, and other must-have work essentials in with ease.

Depending on the size of your laptop, the padded compartment will need to be able to accommodate it , so be sure to carefully read the description before you buy. You should also be sure that it can fit full-size folders or documents if you intend to use it while working.

Hot Tip: Some briefcases offer the ability to expand a few extra inches, giving you extra interior space to store your files or fit a change of clothing in.

If your briefcase is simply for carrying your laptop to work and back, it just needs to offer excellent protection and space for a few extra essentials.

However, if you are headed away on a business trip or need to carry your gym gear, lunch bag, and other day-to-day items, look for a briefcase that offers expandable compartments or extra space to ensure that you don’t need to carry extra bags with you.

Briefcases often feature a structured design, which can make them heavier than a comparable tote or duffel bag. While this won’t be so noticeable while the bag is empty, briefcases can feel quite heavy when fully loaded.

Material and Durability

Briefcases are usually made from heavy-duty material as they are designed to offer increased protection. Polyester, canvas, leather, and vegan leather (PU) are all popular choices, and all have their own distinct advantages.

Suppose you are doing a lot of traveling with your briefcase. In that case, you may want to look for materials that offer some resistance to water and always check that the hardware and zippers are high-quality to ensure that they stay stronger for longer.

While your working life may be stressful, there is no reason that your briefcase should put any additional stress on your body. On the contrary, ergonomic shoulder straps can help distribute your belongings’ weight , and wheeled briefcases can make light work of longer journeys.

Also, consider how you access your belongings. For example, front flap pockets make it easy to grab your passport, cell phone, and other essentials in a hurry, and wide-mouth zippers ensure that you can easily slip your laptop and files in without a fight.

Wheels vs. No Wheels

Some briefcases come with wheels and a telescoping handle, making it easy to pull your belongings along beside you.

These types of suitcases are great if you need to carry lots of files and documents with you and can also be used as a carry-on when flying.

Bottom Line: Wheeled briefcases can be super useful and will make it much more comfortable to carry lots of gear, but they are generally larger and heavier than a regular briefcase, so only buy one if you need the extra capacity.

1. Water-resistant Briefcase for Your Daily Commute

Ytonet 17 inch laptop bag.

This smart-looking laptop briefcase is made from high-quality, water-resistant polyester and is perfect for business trips.

Offering plenty of multi-functional compartments, it comes with 2 front zipper pockets, a main compartment that can comfortably house most 15.6-inch laptops, a file compartment, and a back zipper pocket to keep your valuables safe.

Offering a super-useful expansion zipper, this roomy laptop briefcase can also be used to store clothes and other essentials for overnight stays. With a padded shoulder strap, grab handles, and a back panel that can be looped over the handle of your suitcase, this is the perfect choice for frequent flyers.

What We Like

• This briefcase looks much more expensive than it is

What We Don’t Like

• 17-inch devices can be a squeeze if they are thick

2. Nylon Briefcase From a Reputable Luggage Brand

Samsonite classic multi gusset toploader briefcase.

This smart-looking briefcase from Samsonite is packed full of useful compartments, and the sleek good looks make it a practical choice for stylish commuters.

Made from durable ballistic nylon, it comes with a padded laptop compartment that is suitable for devices measuring up to 15.6 inches , and the gusset feature opens wide to hold your files and folders.

With additional compartments for your laptop peripherals and zippered mesh pockets to hold your pens and other accessories, it offers all the space you need to work on the move.

With a padded shoulder strap, wrapped grab handle, and a trolley sleeve, it is easy to carry, and the front zipper pocket offers easy access to your passport and other essentials in transit.

• Designed to fit everything you need
• The shoulder strap is surprisingly narrow

3. Big Size Briefcase With Carrying Options

Coolbell convertible backpack messenger bag.

This versatile travel bag is plenty big enough to hold your 17.3-inch laptop, and the spacious design still offers room for extra clothing.

Offering 3 different ways to carry your gear, the straps can be used as a backpack, a messenger bag, or a shoulder bag , and with 4 outside pockets, you can easily organize your essentials.

Made from high-quality materials, it comes with a padded laptop compartment and extra pockets for your files and peripherals, and the ergonomic design ensures that it remains lightweight and easy to carry, even when full.

• This is a versatile briefcase with lots of pockets
• It doesn’t feel particularly durable

4. Expandable Briefcase for Large Laptops

Kroser premium laptop bag.

Made from environmentally-friendly canvas poly fabric, this is a durable and water-repellent laptop bag that looks smart and performs brilliantly.

With a roomy laptop compartment that can house up to a 17.3 laptop , you can take your work with you, and the expandable capacity offers extra space for files, folders, or even a change of clothes.

The easy-to-reach zippered front pocket lets you access your most important documents easily, and the adjustable carry handle, sturdy PU handles, and luggage strap on the back ensure a comfortable carry, even when full.

• This bag fits everything you need and even more.
• It could do with more padding

5. Briefcase on Wheels for Frequent Flyers

Alpine swiss rolling 17″ laptop briefcase.

This awesome rolling briefcase measures 19 x 14 x 9 inches, making it just right to use as a TSA-approved carry-on , and will the ability to hold a 17-inch laptop, it is a great choice for regular business users.

Organized and secured, the main section comes with various compartments for all of your essentials , and the zipper closure has secure dual combination locks that can be set individually to keep your belongings well-protected.

With side pockets that are spacious enough for legal files and the ability to expand up to 2 inches, you will have all the space you need for your important work documents. This briefcase also features a telescopic handle, 4 in-line skate wheels, and a detachable carry handle to make light work of longer commutes.

• This is a really durable briefcase
• The wheels seem a little small for the size of the case

6. The Best-designed Briefcase for Stylish Commuters

Kenneth cole reaction keystone 17″ laptop business portfolio.

Offering designer good looks and a practical interior, this awesome briefcase from Kenneth Cole is made from durable 1680D ballistic polyester and has a fully-lined interior.

The front compartments offer easy access to your passport, cell phone, and other essentials, and on the inside, the main compartment is designed with a checkpoint-friendly/EZ-scan feature that lets you keep it safely tucked away while going through airport security .

The dual top handles and padded shoulder strap ensure that it is always easy to carry, and the rear exterior trolley strap allows you to slip the briefcase over the handle of your spinner suitcase to create the perfect travel system for business trips and longer stays away.

• Genuinely has enough room for your 17.3-inch laptop plus files and accessories
• The shoulder strap feels surprisingly flimsy

7. Upscale Leather Briefcase for the Discerning Traveler

Samsonite leather expandable briefcase.

This finely-crafted briefcase is made from smooth and supple genuine leather, and the spacious design is an awesome choice for everyday use.

With a padded laptop compartment that can comfortably house up to a 15.6-inch laptop computer, it also offers a variety of compartments and pockets for keeping your files and accessories well-organized.

The comfortable carry handles are sturdy enough to support the weight of the bag , even when full, and with an expandable compartment, you can even squeeze in a few extras for overnight stays.

This bag also features a SmartPocket design that can be slipped over the handle of your spinner suitcase for more convenient transportation.

• It really has been built to last
• The shiny surface makes it look more like faux leather

8. Carry-on Briefcase Bag With a Built-in USB

Matein rolling laptop bag.

This awesome rolling briefcase comes with a USB interface and built-in cable that allows you to charge your devices (using your own choice of power bank ).

With a spacious front zippered pocket, you can enjoy easy access to your most used documents and essentials while you travel, and the spacious main compartment is large enough to carry your clothes, shoes, and other much-needed items.

With a padded compartment that will keep your 15.6-inch laptop well-protected and a zippered accordion-style file holder, this case offers all the space you need for business trips and overnight stays.

With 4 in-line skate wheels and a retractable handle , this bag is easy to pull along behind you, and the compact 17.7 x 9.5 x 13.7-inch dimensions make it carry-on-compatible for most airlines.

• Practical and super spacious
• The laptop compartment is towards the front of the bag, meaning it can tip over

1. The Best Eco-leather Ladies Briefcase

Easegave laptop bag for women.

Available in a choice of 10 stunning colors, this beautiful Suffiano eco-leather briefcase offers plenty of space for all of your daily business essentials.

With a dedicated and well-padded compartment to hold your 15.6-inch laptop, it also features further structured interior compartments, as well as 2 slip pockets and a zip-fastening pocket for smaller items.

Understated and incredibly chic, this laptop briefcase also comes with a turn-lock flap closure to keep your belongings secure , and with a lined interior and adjustable strap, it offers a stylish way to carry your work around with you.

• This briefcase bag looks and feels gorgeous
• The strap isn’t particularly strong

2. Great-looking Briefcase for Fashion-conscious Travelers

Ecosusi women’s briefcase.

Made from smooth and luxurious vegan leather, this gorgeous women’s briefcase looks pretty as a picture. With elegant, vintage styling, it comes in a selection of colorways, and the spacious interior offers all the space you need for your day-to-day essentials.

On the inside, it has room to carry a laptop measuring up to 15.6 inches, and the additional zipper pockets are perfect for keeping your wallet, cell phone, and other items safe on the move.

The adjustable strap makes it easy to sling the briefcase over your shoulder , and the unusual cut-out design with an oversize bow and magnetic closure makes this an excellent choice for fashionable commuters and students.

• Extremely high quality for the price
• It’s not big enough for large folders

3. Functional Women’s Briefcase on Wheels

Solo new york bryant rolling bag with wheels.

Versatile enough to be used for work, school, or even nights away, this rolling briefcase bag is spacious enough to carry plenty of your business essentials.

Made from high-quality materials, it comes with a fully-padded 17.3-inch laptop compartment and features a zip-down organizer section and file dividers to ensure that you stay well-organized.

With a push-button telescoping handle and 4 smooth-rolling wheels, you can pull your belongings along behind you, making light work of long journeys and business trips away.

• Plenty of storage space and padded protection
• A 17-inch laptop is a bit of a squeeze

4. Super Water-resistant Ladies Briefcase

Bagsmart 17.3 inch laptop bag.

Offering excellent value for money, this versatile and practical women’s briefcase bag comes in a selection of fashionable colors.

Made from durable and water-resistant polyester fabric, it comes complete with metal hooks and zippers, and the well-thought-out design offers plenty of space for your laptop, files, pens, and other essentials.

The padded laptop compartment can comfortably house devices measuring up to 17 inches, and the expansion zipper offers extra inches for clothing, files, textbooks, and so much more.

With an ergonomic shoulder strap, this bag is comfortable to carry, even when full , and the back slip pocket slides over the handle of your spinner suitcase for increased convenience on longer journeys.

• It will let your larger laptop slip in and out easy
• It can feel quite heavy when fully loaded

5. Practical PU Leather Ladies Briefcase

Lovevook laptop bag for women.

Fashionable and full of character, this gorgeous satchel-style bag comes with a padded computer compartment that fits devices measuring up to 15.6 inches.

With lots of lovely interior pockets, this is a practical bag for everyday use , and the 2 large pockets on the front make for easy access to your most essential items.

Made from high-quality PU leather, it has a distinctive design and gorgeous hardware, and the zippered back pocket offers a safe place to quickly access your valuables.

With a sturdy carry handle and an adjustable shoulder strap, this briefcase provides a stylish and practical way to haul your work, school, or college essentials with you, everywhere you go.

• It will easily fit your laptop and peripherals
• More for fashion than it is for durability

6. The Best Vintage Ladies Briefcase

Cluci women oil wax leather briefcase.

Available in a selection of stylish colorways, this upscale briefcase is made from soft, 2-toned cowhide leather . It has a super-stylish look with a durable fabric lining and high-quality hardware.

The large capacity interior has a padded laptop compartment for 15.6-inch devices, and the further inner pockets, card and pen slots, front magnetic pocket, and hidden back pocket offer plenty of space for all of your school or workplace essentials.

With an external U-shaped zipper, you can easily access your items, and the adjustable handle and attach-a-bag strap make it easy to carry or attach to your suitcase for increased convenience.

• It feels soft and supple
• The design makes it feel quite heavy

7. Roller Briefcase for Ladies on the Move

Kensington contour balance notebook.

This incredible carry-on bag comes with super smooth, inline skate wheels that make it easy to maneuver.

With the look and feel of a regular tote bag, it hides a multitude of clever design features , and the laptop compartment with built-in drop protection ensures that your 15.4-inch laptop will remain well-protected in transit.

The ergonomic design hugs the body and shifts the center of gravity for a more comfortable carry, and being 25% lighter than traditional rollers, you won’t need to worry about lifting it into the overhead compartment. With an organizer front pocket and additional zipper pockets, it offers all the storage space you need for business trips and busy days.

• The super-smooth wheels
• The grab handles can get in the way of accessing the compartments

From colorful cases to luxury wheeled options, there are a ton of great briefcases to suit every kind of traveler. With padded laptop compartments, organizer pockets, expandable zippers, and lots of useful extra storage, a modern-day briefcase offers so much more than just a portable file holder.

With options to suit school kids, college students, and business users alike, and available in a wealth of styles for every budget, a laptop briefcase is an investment in your day-to-day success.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a suitcase and a briefcase.

Business professionals typically use a briefcase to hold documents, whereas a suitcase is larger and used to hold clothes and toiletries.

Are briefcases bad for your back?

Briefcases could be bad for your back, but only if they are too heavy. Briefcases are usually carried in one hand or over your shoulder using a strap, which means that the weight is not evenly distributed. If your briefcase is lightweight and not full, you should be able to carry it without any back issues.

Do people still use hard briefcases?

The use of hard briefcases has been on a hard decline over the last couple of decades as they have fallen out of fashion. However, soft briefcases are still widely used and both a practical and stylish option for business professionals.

Can you put a laptop in a briefcase?

A lot of modern-day briefcases will have a dedicated laptop compartment. Most will comfortably fit a 15-inch laptop, but some have been designed to accommodate a 17-inch laptop.

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About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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Best laptop bags 2024

The best laptop bags, according to reviews

There are no shortage of options when it comes to finding the best laptop bags in 2024. These bags will keep your tech safely ensconced as you tote them everywhere you go and hopefully stay comfortable for you as well. Whether you're commuting or traveling, keeping your laptop and personal items secure is important to remain a functional adult, so don't skimp on style or protection. The best laptop bags are travel-friendly and comfortable, but spacious enough to store all of your portable essentials and devices.

Don't worry, we've done the digging, both literally and figuratively, and have rounded up the best laptop bags available on the market. These laptop bags will satisfy your daily needs and stylish desires. In the meantime, let’s get you caught up on the market’s most popular options. From courier bags to massive backpacks meant for gamers, here is a list of the best laptop bags. 

Need a new laptop? Check out our best laptops page.

 What is the best laptop bag? 

Why you can trust Laptop Mag Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Peak Design Everyday Messenger

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Peak Design's Everyday Messenger Bag is one of the most well thought out products on the market today. Its magnetic MagLatch closure works like magic and ensures your bag is secure, but still easy to open. Also, its customizable flexfold dividers let you configure your storage to perfectly meet personal preference. 

Adding to its greatness is a comfy adjustable shoulder strap, additional hip straps to help balance heavy loads, and a padded laptop sleeve that will fit all but the biggest 15-inch laptops. So, even though it was designed with photographers in mind, it's also one of the best bags any regular Joe can buy.

Read our full Peak Design Everyday Messenger review .

2. Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz Backpack

For under $50, the Pop Quiz is the epitome of cheap chic. The bag's attractive main compartment features a fleece-lined laptop sleeve that can accommodate systems of up to 15 inches. 

Its versatile design is highlighted by durable build quality, as well as several storage pockets and organizers that make accessing devices on the go seamless. And because this backpack is available in more than 44 different colors, you won't have to struggle to find your favorite. 

3. Swissgear 1900 ScanSmart Mini/Slim Version Laptop Backpack

The Swissgear 1900 landed on our best laptops bags page because it is a TSA-friendly bag that you can slide under your airplane seat with ease. It can also fit your 13-inch tablet without any trouble. 

The Swissgear 1900 is also one of our best laptop bags due to its high quality, rugged polyester design. This best laptop bag is also excellent for organizing your personal items, whether it's pens, folders, books and more.

The laptop bag is also quite comfortable with ergonomic, padded shoulder straps equipped with an airflow back panel to provide all-day breathability. The grab handle is also solid and durable, so you don't have to worry about it falling apart during your commute or travels. There's also a side water bottle pocket for quick grab-and-go convenience. 

4. Timbuk2 Spire

Laptops are major investments, which is why you never want to carry them around in harsh environmental conditions like rain or snow. With the TimBuk2 Spire, you get a modern canvas bag that has an integrated waterproof rolltop to prevent aqua from leaking into your bag and damaging personal items. 

Available in two muted colors, it’s designed to fit a 15.6-inch MacBook laptop and has a separate iPad pocket, along with internal and external pockets for other carry-on electronics. The daisy-chain webbing is also useful for bikers and outdoor adventurists who need to carry a bit extra when bag space becomes limited.

5. Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase

The Duane Convertible may look like a standard briefcase bag, but its secrets are revealed once you turn it on its side. Solo’s hybrid carrier seamlessly converts into a backpack when your arms are getting tired and can flip back into a messenger bag for better maneuverability or when you're in a more formal setting. 

If you own a  15.6-inch MacBook Pro  or  Dell XPS 15 , you'll be able to clip them into the bag’s padded compartment, while a handful of other tech products can be organized in a large front pocket. There is even a pair of quick-access pockets for your phone, keys and wallet. 

6. Mancro Anti-Theft Backpack

Any backpack designed with security features like a combination zipper lock is well worth the look, especially for commuters who travel with expensive gear. The Mancro Anti-Theft Backpack does the best job of securing your goods, bundled with a tiny lock that’s simple to operate and easily slides through the zipper holes. 

The main compartment can store any 15” laptop and large tablets simultaneously, while the bag’s numerous small compartments keep EDC items neatly organized and safe. However, its most compelling feature is the built-in USB charging port on the side that can be used to juice up portable devices when your Anker charger isn’t an option.

7. eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack

eBags doesn't just sell backpacks, it also makes its own. For students and business users who want tons of secure compartments in a small bag, go with the Slim Processional. 

This business-friendly bag has a 17-inch laptop sleeve, crushproof AC-adapter garage, and a convenient front vertical zippered pocket. The Teflon-coated design also repels water effectively to preserve the exterior and protect what’s inside. At $120, it might seem pricey, but you still get a ton of backpack for the money.

8. AmazonBasics Shoulder Bag Carrying Case

If you’re all about maintaining a low-key presence, then this is the sling for you. Amazon’s slim and compact shoulder bag lets you discretely carry any laptop over the shoulder or by the handle. 

You won’t be turning heads with the subdued black design, but the carrier serves its purpose of safely getting your portable computer and EDC items from point A to point B. There is no standout functionality, but it’s unbelievably cheap and you really can’t ask for much more than what it already affords: flexibility and organization.

9. Volher Laptop Backpack for Business and Travel

The Volher laptop backpack for business and travel is one of the best laptop bags in the market. One of this bag's greatest selling points is its built-in USB charger that can be found on the outside. There is also a built-in USB charger on the inside. This is excellent for travelers and commuters because now they can conveniently charge their devices while walking.

This Volher laptop backpack is water resistant and its material is made of durable polyester fabric, ensuring long-lasting usage. Another reason why this laptop landed on our best laptop backpacks page is its stylish design. It's very modern and clean-looking, but still has a trendy, sexy aesthetic.

This Volher laptop backback can hold any 15.6-inch laptop in its spacious, roomy laptop compartment. There are mesh pockets on the side for a water bottle and umbrella to keep your items organized and easy to access.

10. HP Envy Urban Backpack

Who knew HP had an eye for stylish travel gear? The PC giant has definitely caught our attention with its fashionable backpack that comes fully waterproof and features genuine-leather handles, which convert the Envy Urban into a utility tote. However, it’s more than just a fashion statement. 

You’ll find a plethora of pockets, including a zippered tech pocket and a soft, fully lined compartment, to carry all of your valuables. Another convenient feature is a cable-routing system that makes it easy to charge your portable devices. Best of all, it comes with RFID protection to secure your personal information from hackers.

How to choose the best laptop bag for you?

There are so many types of laptop backpacks out there, so to make your shopping a little bit easier, it's a good idea to narrow down your options to backpacks that fit your needs. There are several super-important aspects of a laptop backpack you must take into consideration before buying, including size, compartments and innovative designs that somehow manage to maximize space while maintaining TSA-friendly dimensions.

Size:   If you're going to purchase a laptop backpack, you're going to have to make sure that your laptop can fit into your chosen backpack of course.  You should measure your laptop's width (from left to right) and depth (from the hinge to the lip). When sifting through the internet for a laptop backpack, you'll have to make sure that the backpack is at least an inch longer than your laptop's width, since laptops tend to sit vertically in laptop backpacks. You should also make sure the backpack is wide enough to fit your laptop's depth.

You should also double check to see if the backpack complies with TSA guidelines if you plan on travelling.

Compartments:  Compartments are where laptop backpack makers get creative and design bags that fit certain consumers. If you tend to have a lot of small knickknacks  when commuting and travelling, then it's best that you opt for a laptop backpack with a lot of fun hidden pockets and pouches.

If you're an on-the-go business man or woman, you'll want to keep an eye out for a backpack that has a compartment that can keep your files and folders safely tucked away.

Useful features:  The number one thing I look for in a laptop backpack is a USB charging port in case my phone decides to run out of juice, and I don't want to have to deal with outlet hoggers at the airport. Premium laptops backpacks tend to offer useful features that will make your commute and travels a lot easier.

Durability:  You should also keep in mind the fabric and material of your backpack. If you're going to be exploring rugged locations or regions with frequent inclement weather, you should definitely consider purchasing a laptop backpack with durable fabric. If you're going to a rainy climate, for example, you may want to purchase a water-resistant backpack.  I also highly recommend getting a laptop backpack 

If you're a frequent flyer, you'll likely be pushing your laptop backpack beneath your seat quite often, so you'll want to choose a fabric that doesn't pick up stains and spills too easily, such as water-resistant polyester.

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Sean Riley has been covering tech professionally for over a decade now. Most of that time was as a freelancer covering varied topics including phones, wearables, tablets, smart home devices, laptops, AR, VR, mobile payments, fintech, and more.  Sean is the resident mobile expert at Laptop Mag, specializing in phones and wearables, you'll find plenty of news, reviews, how-to, and opinion pieces on these subjects from him here. But Laptop Mag has also proven a perfect fit for that broad range of interests with reviews and news on the latest laptops, VR games, and computer accessories along with coverage on everything from NFTs to cybersecurity and more. 

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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".

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.

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The Best Rolling Laptop Bags of 2024

Traveling through the airport has never been easier

David Beren is a former tech and commerce writer for Lifewire with 10+ years' experience. He has written and managed content for companies like T-Mobile, Sprint, and TracFone Wireless and contributor for sites like WebGeekStuff and MakeTechEasier.

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• New York University
• London Metropolitan University

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

In This Article

What to Look For in a Rolling Laptop Bag

• Frequently Asked Questions

The best rolling laptop bags should have a durable build, plenty of internal storage space, and be comfortable to carry.

Rolling bags are convenient for commuters and frequent travelers because their wheels allow you to pull them easily through an airport or train station.

Spinners are rolling bags where all four wheels can spin in any direction, rather than a two-wheeler, which can only go in one.

Best Overall

Solo new york bryant.

Fits most laptops

Long warranty period

Zippers aren't lockable

Handle is too tall for short people

No secure compartment for small devices

The Solo Bryant 17.3-inch rolling laptop case is ideal for travelers who appreciate both room and value. The hidden push-button telescoping handle system is complemented by padded handles when the wheels aren't suitable for moving up and down the galley way of an aircraft. The wheels are compact and durable and are seamlessly integrated into the case of the bag, so you can bank on a smooth glide without adding additional bulk.

The polyester body feels durable and long-lasting, measuring 14.75H x 17L x 8.75W inches (read: it's appropriately sized for sitting underneath an airplane seat). The padded laptop compartment can hold up to a 17.3-inch laptop , while the front zippered pocket and organizer section allow for a bevy of papers, books, pens, and other travel knickknacks.

Dimensions:  14.75x17x8.75 inches |  Weight:  1 pound |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best Budget

Amazonbasics rolling laptop case.

Uncomplicated design

Built-in compartments for multifunctionality

Lightweight

No lockable zippers or other security features

Amazon’s well-regarded product line continues to shine across the spectrum, and its rolling laptop case is no exception. Budget-priced, the bag weighs 5.1 pounds and is designed to protect laptops up to 15.6 inches. The easy-access front pocket can hold pens, notepads, and business cards, while the telescoping handle offers a push-button lock for secure movement while rolling in and out of airports. The interior of the bag offers added storage inside the main zippered compartment for bulkier files or books (and there is even enough storage for a change of clothing for overnight trips).

 Lifewire / Hayley Prokos

The dedicated laptop compartment can store up to 17-inch devices, although it’s a tight fit (laptops 15.6 inches and smaller are recommended for complete protection). Once inside the laptop compartment, a velcro strap adds an extra layer of security to prevent the laptop from moving during transit.

Dimensions:  16.5x14.5x7.5 inches |  Weight:  5.1 pound |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best Backpack

High sierra freewheel wheeled laptop backpack.

Padded zone to keep laptop safe

Extremely durable material

Sturdy telescoping handle

Can't fit a 17-inch laptop

Key fob location impractical

If you don't like the look and feel of a rolling briefcase, the High Sierra rolling laptop backpack might be a better choice. The well-regarded brand offers a durable and rugged fabric that can comfortably fit 15-inch laptops (High Sierra says it will also fit 17-inch models, but it's probably a tight squeeze). The 20.5 x 13.5 x 8-inch bag has high-durability wheels for smooth rolling and can remain upright no matter how you package the interior. The large main compartment holds everything from books and papers and has enough storage for overnight clothing.

The built-in media pocket adds a headphone port, so you can have an audio device or smartphone stowed inside the bag and still listen to music via a corded headphone. The hideaway telescoping handle securely locks when pulled out and is just as easily tucked away. If you want to go full-on backpack mode, the padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry just in case you're running to catch your flight.

Dimensions:  20.5x13.5x8.0 inches |  Weight:  5.5 pounds |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best Design

Solo new york walker.

Padded laptop compartment

Compact size

Has internal dividers

Can't fit 17-inch laptops

The Solo Walker rolling laptop case is a beautifully designed espresso-colored Colombian leather bag. Offering both front and rear pockets, the 15.2 x 10.4 x 1.7-inch padded laptop compartment protects models up to 15.6 inches. The full-grain leather body offers a telescoping padded handle system that locks back into the bag. Weighing just 6.3 pounds, the 17 x 13 x 7-inch bag is compact enough to easily fit in overhead compartments or stow underneath an airplane or train seat. The main pocket offers a zip-down organizer for dividing files and other materials such as notebooks, pens, and business cards. A bonus: It's backed by a five-year warranty.

Dimensions:  17x13.4x7 inches |  Weight:  6.3 pounds |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best High-End

Samsonite spinner mobile office.

Four wheels for full range of motion

Durable build

Padded laptop pockets

The Samsonite Spinner Mobile Office is a wheeled laptop briefcase designed for the commuting office worker. It has four wheels, giving it a full range of movement and stylish touches, so it blends into a professional setting. The bag is made of durable 1680D ballistic fabric with EVA foam backing. The main compartment where the laptop is stored is padded.

There are additional accessory compartments to handle cables, phones, pens, notebooks, and anything else you may need to carry. A nice touch is the retractable, push-button locking handle that makes it easy to wheel the Samsonite Spinner through the airport.

Dimensions:  17x14x7 inches |  Weight:  10 pounds |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

Best Spinner

Perry ellis 8-wheel spinner mobile office.

Zippers lock

8-wheel, 360-degree spinning system

Lots of storage

Airplane-friendly

Only fits up to 13.5-inch laptop

Rigid shape

Made from 50 percent nylon and 50 percent polypropylene, the Perry Ellis eight-wheel spinner mobile office tote is an exceptional bag for travelers. Its spinner/rolling system allows quick and easy turning, and its retractable handle means easy maneuverability. The hardshell polypropylene frame ensures that the main compartment is well protected and can hold up to a 15-inch laptop (plus some room for a change of clothes if you have an overnight stay).

The front organizer pocket holds many accessories, including pens, business cards, power cords, headphones, etc. The 16 x 15.5 x 9.5-inch body is carry-on size, so it's ready to fit underneath a seat for easy access when you're in the air. Finally, it weighs just four pounds, so it's light enough to carry by hand up and down the aisle of an airplane .

Dimensions:  16x15.5x9.5 inches |  Weight:  4.62 pounds |  TSA Certified:  No |  Durability : Padded laptop compartment

How big is your laptop? And how much stuff do you need to carry with you? These are significant concerns when buying a rolling laptop bag. If you have a 17-inch laptop, check that the bag can accommodate it. Or if you need room to carry a large assortment of cords and devices, but the bag itself is too slim, that will not work. Determine what you're taking and pick a bag that fits the bill. Many rolling bags also come with numerous external and internal mesh pockets, letting you bring a range of accessories in addition to your laptop.

Laptop bags come in all kinds of materials. The question is, what will you be using the bag for? If this is primarily a business travel bag you'll be taking to meetings, leather might be a good option. However, if durability matters more than style, the nylon or polyester varieties might be the way to go. Most rolling laptop bags won't have a rating like MIL-STD 810G, but it's still possible to determine if one is drop-resistant by looking at corner protection. A rugged exterior and padded interior can absorb shocks. Waterproofing is harder to find, and you're unlikely to get an IP rating, but water-resistant material isn't uncommon.

An extra strap can help take the strain off your arms or make it easier to navigate a crowded airport. You should also consider if you need a top handle or straps to attach it to the handle of a larger rolling bag. Do you want to be able to carry it messenger or backpack-style if necessary? These are essential things to think about before purchasing a rolling laptop bag. A TSA-certified bag can make getting through checkpoints and airport security easier with minimal hassle.

If you're concerned about your laptop's safety, you want to get a heavily padded or hard-shelled bag. Those will offer better protection to your laptop and other devices. Also, make sure your laptop is secure in the padded pocket. Some rolling laptop bags are also resistant to water and shock for additional peace of mind.

Several of the best brands are featured on the rest. We like Solo New York for travelers, Perry Ellis for its high quality, Travelpro for executive design, and AmazonBasics for great value. No matter what you're looking for, you'll find great options from reputable brands across a wide range of prices.

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Troubadour Apex Everyday Tote Review: a Sleek Travel Laptop Bag

Written by Becca

Updated on August 13th, 2024

The Troubadour Apex Everyday Tote is a chic and minimal laptop tote I can’t wait to take on a trip. It’s a stylish travel bag with excellent travel features that I review here.

This article may contain affiliate links. We earn a small commissions when you purchase via those links — and it's free for you. It's only us (Becca & Dan) working on this website, so we value your support! Read our privacy policy and learn more about us .

Table of contents

• Main pros & cons to know about
• Spec feature summary
• Summary of exterior features
• Summary of interior features
• Critique and shortfalls
• Worth the investment?
• Where to get your Apex Tote

I will say this: I don’t own any other totes quite like the Troubadour Apex Everyday Tote . It looks like Troubadour dreamed up my ideal work tote that works great as a personal item for vacation, too.

This tote bag blew me away with prominent tech storage features, and hidden travel features.

In this review, I’ll tell you all about the “real feel” of the Apex travel tote and laptop tote (it’s also environmentally-friendly). I’ve explored all the features from top to bottom, to showcase the usability of how it’s built and the thoughtfulness in all of its design.

Main pros & cons to know about

Here’s a simple list of takeaways for reading my Apex Everyday Tote review:

• Design : A great look that I am very happy with. It’s minimal, with clean lines and a two-tone mixed-media composition from the woven fabric and vegan leather upper trim, signature to the Troubadour Apex Collection .
• Travel features : There are too many to name here, so you’ll have to keep reading in my exterior and interior feature highlights outlined below, regarding things like the luggage trolley sleeve, AirTag pocket, water bottle sleeve, zippered pockets, comfy shoulder strap and more.
• Versatility : It’s a perfect professional-level tote for business trips, leisure travel, everyday commutes or even just going out for the night and daily use.
• Weatherproofing : From the waterproof lining to the weatherproofed zippers, my tech stays dry with this laptop tote even if I get caught in some rain.

• Straps : I go into detail below in “Criticisms” about how the vegan leather straps take time to straighten out and loosen up.
• Care : It is not machine-washable.

Spec feature summary

When I look at travel bags or really any type of bag that I’ll be wearing or toting, two things matter: the volume it fits and how much it weighs.

I’d say both of these factors matter to me because I’m 5’2” and every inch of height and ounce of weight makes a difference when I “wear” a bag, in how I look and feel with it.

A few things I want to find out first about the Apex Tote are:

• Volume : 16.5 liters
• Weight when empty : 2.2 pounds
• Measurements : W 18.5” x H 19.7” x 2”
• Laptop max. size : 16”

Summary of exterior features

There are a few things that stand out in my mind that I think make the Apex Everyday Tote different from all others on the market.

Luggage trolley sleeve (but it’s a pocket, too!)

This was where I said, “Oh, wow!” as Dan and I were exploring the features of the bag before I used it. Basically, the trolley sleeve lets my carry-on suitcase handle pass through, and when it’s not in use, it zips from the bottom to become a handy exterior slide-in pocket.

Overall, I give it 5/5 stars as a bag for what to pack for working remotely and traveling if that is your jam (and it’s mine!).

Non-slip crossbody strap (and it’s detachable)

Troubadour’s products always had me stop and appreciate the crossbody shoulder straps they make. From my Orbis Duffel to my Ki Crossbody purse, the Troubadour a la carte strap (included in the Apex Everyday Tote) is different.

It has a slight non-slip grip, and has both vegan leather and neoprene to keep it sturdy, flexible and looking great. It’s detachable via some very classy metal clips at either end of the tote, and I liked clicking the ends in. It was satisfying, just like so many Troubadour features.

Exterior zipper pocket (with key ring)

The nearly-hidden exterior zipper pocket on the “front” of the tote (but really, either side can be the front) has a little awning off of which rain can glide if you get stuck in some weather.

Opening the zipper, I found a key ring attachment inside. I’ve really started using these in recent years to attach my keys and keep them in check (whereas in the past, I’d glaze over key rings and refuse to use them in my travel gear).

Summary of interior features

Let’s get inside the Apex Tote ! Here, I’ll show you what I think are the stand-out highlights from inside the bag.

Laptop sleeve (with “hood”)

I slid in my MacBook Air to test out the size of the laptop sleeve in the inside of the tote. My MacBook Air (13”) fit in it with lots of breathing room, which meant Dan’s MacBook Pro (15”) would fit with a little more snugness.

Not to be missed is the “hood” I noticed, which is built into the bag’s interior above the laptop sleeve pocket. It’s the type of useful thing that would keep a laptop larger than mine from sliding out while the bag is perhaps on its side, under the airplane seat in front of me. It helps create a little tucked-in laptop.

Water bottle (or umbrella) holder (2 of them)

Something I saw for the first time in my Troubadour Generation Leather backpack (detailed at my Generation Leather Backpack review ) was an interior slip-sleeve for a water bottle.

In the Apex Everyday Tote , Troubadour’s product page says it can also be used for an umbrella (a dry one, I imagine). The fact that there are two of them is great, because it means no matter which way I “wear” the Apex Tote, I can choose to have my water bottle secured in the front, or the back.

Mesh pocket

The mesh pocket in the interior is where I keep my little tech accessories, like my AirPod case, charging cables, an external backup battery for being on the go and some things like pens or small notebooks.

Waterproof lining

I mentioned above that the entire bag is far from machine washable; however, the good news is that the interior lining is claimed to be waterproof. That helps out if I happen to have a water bottle spill, or if my umbrella inside is slightly wet.

Here is when I use the Apex Everyday Tote :

• Business trips: This is the perfect laptop tote for having as a personal item when I fly for business. Even still, it’s the perfect size and capacity for taking on a one-day business trip , like I did once!
• Commuting (work bag): When I’m not traveling, the Apex Tote is a chic way to carry my laptop into the city for a meeting, business event, a day at a coworking space or some “laptop time” at a coffee shop.
• Personal item for vacation: If you’re a “tote bag person” and you want a great carry-all crossbody tote for traveling, the Apex Tote is the stylish answer to a daily bag with a few ways to wear it. Plus, it has all those travel features like the trolley sleeve for “suitcase stacking” at the airport.

Critique and shortfalls

I mainly have one critique of the Apex Everyday Tote , and that’s in regard to the handles. They get squashed during shipping, and it takes them some time to straighten out and loosen up due to the vegan leather.

If you are ready to use this travel tote right out of the box and you want it to look pristine and ready for a trip, I’d consider this.

My suggestion: make sure you order early, in time for your trip or your business uses, and try these tricks:

• Let the tote bag “breathe” and take it out of the box immediately.
• Fill it with some light stuff, and hang it from a hanger or on a doorknob so that the handles can stretch out and un-curl.
• Let me know if you found anything else that worked!

Worth the investment?

As I explored this bag, I was “wow-ed” continually, and I think that speaks volumes for the “worthiness” of this laptop tote for travel. The fact that Troubadour thought of everything , as they usually do, in any of their business travel products, really made me consider that the Apex Tote is worth every penny.

I’ve seen some other reviews that the bag isn’t quite worth the price, and I’ll riddle you this: try to find a travel-ready tote bag from another brand as well-trusted as Troubadour with sustainable materials and supreme durability at a lower price. I don’t think it’s possible.

Where to get your Apex Tote

I always recommend getting your Troubadour products at the Troubadour website , as you’ll get the Troubadour Warranty, and I’ve detailed at length in my Troubadour brand review . Your Apex Tote will also be protected with 100-day returns (so you can change your mind) and free shipping for orders over $100!

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Your ideal one bag travel companion. Our carry-on compliant Global Travel Bag 30L (made with recycled materials) offers 3-way carry options, plenty of internal organization, expandable side water bottle pockets, and an external laptop sleeve for easy access. The size is perfect for a long weekend getaway.

Built for breezing through the concourse, our Global Travel Bag 30L performs perfectly as an agile, durable pack for shorter trips. Compact enough to pass as a carry-on, it's equipped with a sleeve to allow for easy attachment to a roller suitcase handle. For maximum flexibility, the Global Travel Bag works with many of our other packs and bags as a modular carry system, streamlining cumbersome travel.

Also available in 40L.

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Best Laptop Backpacks: Here’s Where to Get Backpacks From Mous, Able Carry, Herschel and More Online

These premium backpacks make it easy, stylish and comfortable to bring your laptop to school or to the office.

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With students heading back to school soon and more people returning to the office instead of working from home, you may need a new laptop backpack to keep all of your school or office supplies together in one easy-to-carry bag.

We rounded up the best laptop backpacks in 2024 from top brands, including Able Carry, Mous, Herschel Supply Company, Timbuk2 and others.

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Scroll down and shop the best laptop backpacks for back-to-school or return-to-office use, below:

Able Carry Daily Plus

The Able Carry Daily Plus is ideal for everyday use that’s comfortable, spacious and stylish. It has a number of clever (and even hidden) pockets that’s smartly engineered for protection and easy access to the things you bring to school or the office.

Mous Extreme Commuter Backpack

If you’re a photographer, then the Mous Extreme Commuter Backpack is a must — thanks to its clever design, comfortable fit and secure lid with heavy-duty locks. The backpack will also keep what’s inside safe and dry from roaming pickpockets or nasty weather.

Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

For students and professionals who commute to school or work, the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is best for daily use. It has a two compartment system for folders and books, as well as a dedicated space for your laptop.

Mission Workshop Rhake

If organization is your thing, then the Mission Workshop Rhake is the backpack for you. It’s a 22-liter waterproof backpack with a large number of secure compartments for everyday carry from a laptop to charging cables and pens to a water bottle. Just about everything has its place with this backpack.

Mous Day Backpack

The Mous Day Backpack features a wide main compartment that’s best for those who don’t like to rummage through a backpack to find what they want. The whole compartment zips open to reveal everything inside.

Monos Metro Backpack

For something with a more professional look, the Monos Metro Backpack is sleek, stylish and designed to just get the job done. It’s spacious enough for a laptop, tablet and files, while it’s made to go with a power suit at the office.

Fjällräven Kånken

The Fjällräven Kånken backpack is big enough to carry a laptop up to 17 inches in size, while it’s stylish enough to turn heads during your daily commute to school or the office. It comes in 12 fun colors, including sky blue (pictured), blackberry, ox red and more.

Herschel Retreat

The Herschel Retreat is a no-frills backpack that’s stylish on the outside and surprisingly spacious on the inside. It has a main compartment with a dedicated laptop sleeve and small dump pocket on its front for easy to access things, like keys or hand sanitizer. Overall, it’s comfortable to wear, while it keeps your belongings safe and secure in a minimal design.

Away Quilted Everywhere Zip Backpack

For something different, the Away Quilted Everywhere Zip Backpack is padded all around with a fun design that resembles a puffy jacket. It has two compartments: One for your things, like books and folders, and another for your laptop. The backpack also has a passthrough sleeve for a rolling suitcase, just in case you want to take it on your next business trip or spring break.

If you’re still not finding what you’re looking for, we found more laptop backpacks that might be a better fit for you and your unique use-case.

Best of all? The laptop backpacks found below are all on sale for up to 35% off list prices at Amazon and Target , so you can pick up a laptop backpack and save some money at the same time. Scroll down and shop more of the best laptop backpacks, below:

• The North Face Recon, $89 (reg. $99) , Amazon
• JanSport Laptop Backpack, $41 (reg. $55) , Amazon
• Alpine Swiss 16-inch Laptop Backpack, $45 (reg. $60) , Target
• Kipling Seoul Large 15-inch Laptop Backpack, $80 (reg. $124) , Target
• Wrangler Industry Backpack Classic, $29 (reg. $43) , Target
• The North Face Vault, $52 (reg. $65) , Amazon
• Thule Crossover 2 Laptop Backpack, $226 (reg. $280) , Amazon

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The Best Carry-on Luggage, Weekender Bags, Backpacks and Totes for End-Of-Summer Vacations

The right luggage or carry-on bag can help make summer travel as smooth as possible.

If you're gearing up for your summer travel plans, you may be searching for the perfect luggage to accompany you on your upcoming getaway.  Carry-on luggage  — including weekender bags and spinners — is probably the best way to travel if you want to beat the lines at busy airports, especially if you're traveling on a Friday.

No matter where your travel destinations are, one thing's for sure: The right luggage will make all the difference. We've found the best luggage to shop for all of your travels, from spacious duffle bags and practical backpacks to large and luxurious carry-ons  for your next flight.

Need a new tote bag to toss everything in for an upcoming Labor Day weekend getaway or a bigger carry-on for a tropical vacation? The Beis Weekender Bag will fit all your essentials and help you travel in style. Need a new go-to suitcase for every travel situation? Away’s  standard carry-on traveler bag has plenty of packing space while still fitting in the overhead bin. Trying to avoid the checked baggage fees and long bag drop line? The Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Luggage helps you save money and time by going straight to TSA.

Below, we've rounded up the best carry-on luggage and weekender bags this year to take along on your summer trip .

The Best Carry-On Suitcases for 2024

Samsonite freeform carry-on spinner.

Not only is the Samsonite Hardside Spinner perfectly sized and extremely durable, it's also incredible lightweight so you won't have to strain putting it in the overhead airplane compartment. With all kinds of pockets, you can easily organize all your belongings confidently. 

$200   $126

with coupon

Away The Carry-On

This Away bag boasts flashy features such as a durable polycarbonate hard shell, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved, ejectable USB charger. The classic rolling hardside luggage with a retractable handle is designed to fit in most major airlines' overhead compartments, making it a great go-to Carry-On bag for travel, regardless of your destination.

Rockland Melbourne Hardside Expandable Spinner Wheel Luggage

This Rockland Melbourne Spinner Luggage makes traveling easier by being extremely lightweight. While protecting your items, the wheels rotate 360 degrees for a smooth and seamless stride in the airport. Although it is compact, this carry-on luggage has the ability to hold everything you need for a short vacation.

Travelpro Platinum Elite Hardside Expandable Spinner

Travelpro is a pilot-founded brand that you've likely seen used by flight crews. Travel stress-free with the Travelpro hardside carry-on luggage that effortlessly fits in the overhead bins of major domestic airlines, thanks to rigorous sizer bin testing and enhanced packing capacity. The PrecisionGlide System delivers impeccable control and a seamless rolling experience, so you can get through the airport with ease.

$370   $276

WITH COUPON

Travelpro Maxlite 5 Softside Expandable Luggage

This Travelpro Maxlite softside luggage has spinner wheels and is lightweight, making it easy to maneuver airport terminals and your flight's overhead storage bins. 

$170   $127

Take OFF Luggage Personal Item Suitcase 2.0

This suitcase doubles as a personal item — just pop off the wheels and slide it under your seat. 

Samsonite Underseat Carry-On Spinner with USB Port

Compact and convenient, this soft-sided luggage can slide smoothly under the seat in front of you or be tucked away in an overhead bin. The bag's main compartment can fit several outfits and a spare pair of shoes. Interior pockets lining the compartment will keep your toiletries organized. The telescoping handle and rolling wheels make this bag easy to navigate around a crowded airport, making it a great choice for the frequent flyer looking to pack light.

Monos Carry-On

Traveling is a breeze with the minimalist Monos carry-on, designed to fit in the overheard bin of almost any flight.

The Best Travel Backpacks and Totes for 2024

Béis travel tote.

The Beis Travel Tote, from Shay Mitchell's baggage line, can conveniently slot into place atop a suitcase with its trolley sleeve, but can also be carried on its own with a detachable shoulder strap, and top handles designed to rest comfortably on your shoulder. This bag boasts a bottom zip shoe compartment, padded tech sleeve and multiple exterior and interior pockets. 

Samsonite Detour Travel Backpack

Built to protect your belongings from the elements, the Detour Travel Backpack has enough capacity for your business, overnight or weekend trips.

$150   $105

Cuyana Classic Easy Tote

This sleek tote is made of Italian leather and comes in a bunch of color options. You can choose from three sizes and whether to include a top zipper.

Calpak Luka Backpack

With multiple storage compartments including a separate laptop sleeve and a space to store your shoes that has its own exterior access, this lightweight Luka backpack will help you stay organized on the go.

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack

This travel backpack comes with a weight-distributing, low-profile harness system and a 35L capacity, making it suitable for carry-on use. It is designed with a full-wrap zipper opening on the main compartment, along with large and subdivided zippered mesh compartments on the sides, providing convenient packing options. Additionally, its attractive design ensures you can easily identify your bag wherever you go.

Troubadour Featherweight Tote

This Featherweight Tote features a light and waterproof fabric with vegan leather handles.

The Best Weekender Bags for 2024 

Lululemon go getter bag 2.0.

This sleek, modern bag looks like a tote and duffel rolled into one. There's also a little strap in the back that you can attach to your luggage. 

Dagne Dover Landon Carryall Bag

For weekends away, this extra-large duffle includes a laptop sleeve, shoe bag and plenty of space for all your essentials.

Away The Everywhere Bag

Away Travel's The Everywhere Bag lives up to its name: you can take it everywhere from work to the gym to a weekend away. It also pairs nicely with The Carry-On and The Bigger Carry-On.

Calpak Stevyn Duffel

Enjoy the benefits of a large bottom compartment, ideal for stowing shoes or enhancing the organization of your items.The roomy main compartment comes with interior pockets, ensuring you have plenty of space to store your belongings in a well-arranged manner.

SwissGear Apex Travel Duffle Bag

This duffle bag will come in handy during your next vacation. You can wear it multiple ways and it has reinforced sides to keep your belonging secure.

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Carry-on luggage: The rules you need to know before you fly

A guide to carry-on luggage size.

Ever felt the panic surge as you approach the airport check-in , wondering if your bulging carry-on will survive the size test? This guide cuts to the chase! Learn carry-on size rules, weight limits, and what to pack in your carry-on luggage.

What is carry-on luggage?

Carry-on luggage, often referred to as hand luggage, cabin baggage, or a carry-on bag, is designed to fit in the overhead compartments or under the seat in front of you on an airplane. The exact size allowed can vary depending on the airline, but generally, there are standard dimensions that most airlines adhere to.

What are the dimensions for carry-on luggage?

The typical dimensions for carry-on luggage are:

• Domestic flights (U.S. airlines): 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
• International flights: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)

These measurements include the handles and wheels. It’s important to check your specific airline’s regulations, as there can be slight variations.

What is the allowed weight for carry-on luggage?

The weight limit for carry-on luggage can differ between airlines and countries. Generally, the weight limit ranges from 15 to 22 pounds (7 to 10 kg). However, airlines like Delta, Southwest, and JetBlue don’t have weight limits for carry-on bags on domestic flights (as long as you can lift it!). Some airlines are stricter about weight than others, so it’s essential to verify this information before packing.

What are the carry-on luggage rules?

Understanding the rules for carry-on luggage can save you from unexpected surprises at the airport. Here are some general guidelines:

• Size and weight restrictions: Adhere to the size and weight limits specified by your airline.
• Personal items: Most airlines allow an additional personal item, such as a handbag, laptop bag, or small backpack, alongside your carry-on luggage.
• Liquids: Follow the 3-1-1 rule for liquids, gels, and aerosols. Containers must be 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, placed in a 1-quart-sized, clear, resealable bag, with one bag per passenger.
• Prohibited items: Sharp objects, firearms, and other dangerous items are not allowed in carry-on luggage.
• Electronic devices: Ensure your electronic devices are charged, as you may be asked to turn them on during security checks.

What is allowed in carry-on luggage?

Being aware of what you can pack in your carry-on can make your trip smoother. Here’s a list of commonly allowed items:

• Clothing and personal items: Shirts, pants, underwear, toiletries (following the 3-1-1 rule).
• Electronic devices: Laptops, tablets, cameras, and e-readers.
• Medication: Prescribed and over-the-counter medications. 
• Food: Solid food items are generally allowed, but check for specific regulations on international flights.
• Travel documents: Passport , boarding pass, and other necessary documents.

What are the carry-on luggage sizes for major airlines?

While the dimensions for carry-on luggage are fairly standard, they can vary depending on the airline. Here are the allowed carry-on luggage sizes for some of the major airlines:

• American Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
• Delta Air Lines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
• United Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
• Southwest Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
• JetBlue Airways: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
• Alaska Airlines: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
• Spirit Airlines: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
• Frontier Airlines: 24 x 16 x 10 inches (61 x 41 x 25 cm)
• British Airways: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 45 x 25 cm)
• Air France: 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9 inches (55 x 35 x 25 cm)
• Lufthansa: 21.7 x 15.7 x 9 inches (55 x 40 x 23 cm)
• Emirates: 22 x 15 x 8 inches (55 x 38 x 20 cm)
• Qatar Airways: 20 x 15 x 10 inches (50 x 37 x 25 cm)

Always check with your specific airline before you travel, as regulations can change and sometimes vary even within the same airline based on the route or class of service.

What happens if my carry-on is too big?

If your carry-on exceeds the size or weight limits, you may be required to check it in, which could incur additional fees.

How strict are airlines with carry-on sizes?

This varies by airline and even by airport. Some airlines are very strict and will measure and weigh your carry-on, while others are more lenient.

What is a personal item?

A personal item is a small bag that airlines allow you to bring on the plane in addition to your carry-on luggage. It typically fits under the seat in front of you and can be a purse, backpack, laptop bag, briefcase, or even a small duffel bag. The size restrictions for personal items vary by airline, but they are generally smaller than carry-on luggage.

Can I bring duty-free items in my carry-on? 

Yes, duty-free items purchased at the airport after security checks are usually allowed in your carry-on.

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Sometimes, it’s easy to forget life’s essentials. When you wake up and head out the door, it’s a given you’ll have your wallet, keys, phone, and backpack. While simple necessities, these items ensure a productive day and getting from point A to point B. Misplacing even one can lead to frustration and lost time.

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That doesn't go under the seat! Space shortage is squeezing passengers.

• Airlines have been reducing the space in the main cabin, so there's less room for your personal belongings.
• As a result, the space wars have moved from the overhead bin to under the seats.
• Passengers are jamming everything under their seats, including coolers, oversized medical devices and wheeled luggage.

A fragile medical device. An overstuffed rollaboard. A large cooler filled with snacks.

You'd be shocked by what passengers are trying to fit under their economy class seats these days. 

Even more surprising: the reasons. 

Check out   Elliott Confidential , the newsletter the travel industry doesn't want you to read. Each issue is filled with breaking news, deep insights, and exclusive strategies for becoming a better traveler. But don't tell anyone!

Earlier this year, airlines raised their luggage fees, which led passengers to carry more on the plane. At the same time, airlines have been quietly reducing the space in the main cabin, so there's less room for your personal belongings. 

As a result, the space wars have moved from the overhead bin to under the seats. And passengers are jamming everything under their seats.

Airlines are almost being too nice. Why the change and will it last?

These tourists don't want anyone to know they're American. Here's why.

Is space shrinking on planes?

There doesn't seem to be a lot of space on planes anymore. But it's difficult to quantify the shrinkage. While airlines disclose their seat pitch – a rough measure of airline legroom – and seat width, there's no objective way to know when an airline eliminates personal space. Airlines don't really disclose these deeply unpopular decisions.

The average seat pitch in economy class is 30 to 32 inches, and the average seat width is 17 inches. These numbers are meaningless to passengers because they don't consider the seat material and design.

Here's something to watch: When an airline announces a new cabin interior, it often moves to thinner seats, which allow it to add more capacity. Installing extra rows of seats usually means subtracting legroom.

The amount of room under the seat varies, too. One clue as to the amount of legroom is the airline's size limit for underseat carry-ons. For example, on American Airlines, it's 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches. On JetBlue, it's 17 inches by 13 inches by 8 inches.

The bottom line is, you never know how much room you'll have on a plane, but chances are it will not be much. I was stunned when I boarded a recent flight from Grenada to Barbados and found there was so little space between the seats that I could not sit facing forward I had to lean sideways for the brief trip.

Passengers are doing really odd things because of the space shortage

I can hardly believe what's happening on planes because of the space shortage. Here are some of the things people are trying to fit under their seat:

• Coolers. On a recent flight from Buenos Aires to Madrid, Maya Frost watched the passenger next to her jam an entire plastic cooler under his seat. The box was so big that it had to be wedged in the space and almost caused the seat to bulge upward. Finally, the passenger realized there was no room for his feet on the 13-hour flight, so he found room for it in the overhead bin. He accessed the cooler several times during the marathon flight. He snacked on spicy potato chips and egg salad sandwiches. "By the time we landed, I was covered with crumbs," said Frost, an author from Seattle.
• Oversize medical devices. When Uneaka Daniels flew from St. Kitts to Miami recently, she wasn't sure what to do with her new CPAP machine. "The machine cost $1,600, and my insurance was not going to replace it if it got damaged on the plane," said Daniels, a reading specialist from Hamilton, Bermuda. So it went under her seat. But again, there was almost no room for her legs. Daniels said she flew with her legs on top of the machine. But she is concerned about this trend, because if enough people try to jam their carry-on bags under the seat, what would happen during an emergency? "How could they evacuate a plane?" she wondered.
• Wheeled luggage. On a recent flight from Los Angeles to Spokane, I also saw a passenger try to take advantage of all the space under her seat when she tried to stuff an entire rollaboard under it. Why? The plane had run out of overhead bin space. Her plan might have worked, except that – you guessed it – there was no place for her legs. A flight attendant intervened and forced her to gate-check the bag.

What is making people do this?

Why are passengers trying to wedge everything under their seat? Earlier this year, U.S. airlines raised their checked luggage fees. And that pushed many travelers to carry more on the plane. Overhead bins quickly filled to capacity. That left the space under the seats.

Airlines are trying to stop that by limiting passengers to a personal carry-on, and some airlines even force you to pay to carry-on an item. But air travelers still show up to the gate with a large wheeled bag and a personal item, hoping the flight attendants will look the other way.

The trend is here to stay, at least for now. Joe Cronin, CEO of International Citizens Insurance , said it will take 5 to 10 years before passengers stop trying to take too much with them on the plane and then attempt to wedge it under their seats.

"People will start packing lighter – eventually," he said.

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What should never go under your seat?

In the meantime, there are some items you should never store under your airline seat. Here's my list:

• Electronics : On a flight from Antigua to Anguilla, I saw someone trying to store a laptop computer under his seat. That's a recipe for disaster. Sensitive electronics can easily get damaged or crushed. Note to Daniels, who was trying to stuff her CPAP machine under the seat: I'm talking to you! (Incidentally, medical devices are exempt from the carry-on restrictions, so you can ask a flight attendant to help you store the device in a safe place.)
• Fragile items : Medications, glassware, art – please, don't put it under your seat. Why? Because that's also where you put your feet. You could easily damage your valuables.
• Sharp objects : If you have anything that could jam up against your foot and hurt you, please put it into the overhead bin. That also applies to cardboard boxes with sharpish edges. You could injure yourself. (I have).

So what do I regret putting under my seat?

I once tried to store a large Starbucks Americano under my seat – temporarily – while I was boarding. Then I forgot about it. Let's just say it was a memorable takeoff. My shoes still smell like espresso.

Christopher Elliott  is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded  Elliott Advocacy , a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems. He publishes  Elliott Confidential , a travel newsletter, and the  Elliott Report , a news site about customer service. If you need help with a consumer problem, you can  reach him here  or email him at  [email protected] .

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

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

New Stuff Alert: Wicked Legos and Pleasing Bags

For this week’s Don’t Dillydally, we’ve rounded up a range of newly released products we’re particularly excited about, including a Lego set that’ll thrill theater kids, a long-awaited Pleasing restock, and some hyped-up fancy Jell-O.

The new Yoyo stroller

Despite its popularity, there are a few common complaints about the Yoyo stroller: The storage basket is too small, the seat back is always somewhat reclined, and the sunshade doesn’t block enough sun. This new model aims to resolve these issues and then some. I haven’t tested it yet, but as a Yoyo owner who wants to love it more, I am hopeful.

Pleasing’s restocked mesh tote bag

After a two-year wait, the original mesh tote bag from Harry Styles’s brand Pleasing is back in stock. It looks a little bit like a string farmers’-market bag, and it’s available, for now, with either black or blue brand logos across the straps. Of every item on this list, it’s the one I predict will sell out fastest.

Dyson’s audio-only headphones

Dyson’s first pair of headphones were part of a larger air-purifier mask that was mostly mocked online. This audio-only pair is a lot more intriguing, despite the high price tag.

D.S. & Durga x Soft Services

D.S. & Durga has teamed up with Soft Services to make a special-edition Debaser-scented exfoliating body bar. Fans of either brand, or the Pixies , will delight in a fine scrubbing that smells like figs, iris, coconut milk, tonka, and wood.

Over the last five years or so, fancy and decorative Jell-O/jelly/gelée has been a big trend among food-industry folks and on social media. Now you can make it yourself at home: Strategist writer Ambar Pardilla tried several flavors from the newly launched brand Gelée and liked guava best because it reminds her of the refreshing guava juice she drank as a kid.

Baublebar’s Halloween shop

Yes, it’s still only August, but as spooky-season superfans know, it’s prime Halloween shopping season. Baublebar just launched Halloween and Disney Halloween collections full of very wearable jewelry and accessories, like these sparkly skeleton earrings, a pair of studs that says “Dead Inside,” and glow-in-the-dark ghost Mickey key chains .

Flik Flak’s Time to Discover collection

Flik Flak is Swatch’s line of kids’ watches. It’s also really fun to say — FLIK FLAK. This latest collection focuses on the exhibits and artifacts you can find in museums, from dinosaurs and gemstones to cat mummies and robots .

Osea’s new body wash

Anyone I know who has tried Osea’s Undaria body oil has quickly become a convert. Now the brand is making body wash with the same scent, and it has seaweed to gently wash away dirt and sweat.

Cozy Earth sheep slippers

It’s still summer, but it’s totally okay to start thinking about your fall and winter slippers . I’m not the only one on Team Strategist who’s excited about these new outdoor-friendly sheep slippers from Cozy Earth because of the way they combine luxury loungewear with chunky nonslip soles.

Lego x Wicked

You don’t have to be a Broadway nerd to get into the new Lego x Wicked collection , now available for preorder. It has witches, brooms, castles, flowers, and a sailboat, after all. But if you are a fan of the musical or a fan of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, even better.

Aura Bora x P.F. Candle Co.

Strategist senior editor Jen Trolio wasn’t sure what to expect from this watermelon-chili sparkling water made in collaboration with P.F. Candle Co. — but she says it’s legitimately good. “It’s actually got a spicy kick to it that is quite compelling and interesting,” she says. There’s a candle as part of the collaboration, too.

The Strategist  is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about  here . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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

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Target’s 'Suitcase In Backpack Form' Travel Bag Is Pure Magic

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The dance between airline carriers and their passengers’ luggage has long been a delicate one. There’s nothing like waltzing up to the check-in counter with a bag that you’ve painstakingly packed to be sub-weight-limit only to find out that it’s not — and getting it to your destination will be an extra $75, please and thank you. Or to arrive at the boarding of a budget airline with your “carry-on” to be confronted with that stingy little box with clearly marked measurements that are sure to fall short of what you planned to bring on the plane.

Frequent fliers have therefore become well accustomed to stuffing as much as possible into as few square inches or liters as physics will allow — and when a bag comes along that appears to offer that Mary Poppins-like ability to stash a shocking amount of stuff, it’s worth noting.

Target’s Open Story brand is known for its stylish and genuinely functional travel accessories — we’ve previously written up fan favorites like this suspiciously Away-like hardshell suitcase and the brand’s no-brainer, just-buy-it luggage scale that will save anyone from the aforementioned overweight baggage fees. This generously-sized backpack appears to be the next installment in this march of well-designed essentials, and it has a stunning number of long-winded five-star reviews testifying to its supreme functionality. Overall, it’s earned a 4.7-star reviews across 90 reviews (with 73 of them clocking in at five stars).

The 35-liter capacity bag has a clamshell closure, which opens completely flat, and one exterior zip pocket that opens to reveal a series of slip pockets for small essentials like passports, reading material and the like. The interior reveals two zipper-protected sides that are equipped with every conceivable shape of compartment for keeping clothing, toiletries and more organized with scientific precision, and the rear laptop sleeve holds a machine measuring up to 17 inches. One reviewer below described using packing cubes, but given the bag’s internal structure, we’re not even really sure that’s necessary. The whole shebang can be compressed shut with the help of adjustable exterior closures, and in addition to the padded backpack straps, there’s a side carrying handles and a luggage slip for use with handled rolling luggage.

Not every review is stellar, and some of the poorer reviews offer perspective on the bag’s size, which, at 19.25 inches tall, 13 inches wide and 8 inches deep, is perhaps a hair larger than, say, a traditional banker’s box . For some reviewers, the heft was too much — but this population pales in comparison to the number of customers who happily embraced the bag’s girth and stuffed it full of everything they’d need for trips up to three weeks long (in the instance of the reviewer below who brought it on a solo trip to Italy).

Enough from me, though — take a look at what some of the most informative reviews had to say (it was hard to narrow down) or just scroll all the way to get this magical bag in time for your next trip.

“ Took this as my sole bag for two weeks in Europe and it held out amazing. Fits neatly under the seat in front of me in my flight and holds a ridiculous amount of stuff. Very sturdy zippers and seams. A little uncomfortably on the shoulders when loaded heavy but manageable.” — Lg “ I used this item as a personal item on a Spirit flight. I was a little nervous it would be too big, but I didn’t have any problems! I tried not to overstuff, but of course still did. The straps to condense it smaller definitely helped. I have used it a few times since for weekend trips. All of the different pockets and compartments make it perfect for any small trip.” — Jayme “This worked great for my long flight! I was able to bring some clothes and all my things that I needed for my long flight. The computer pocket and small pocket were great for easy and quick access. I wanted the make of a suitcase in a backpack form and this is it. ” — RebF “ Single Greatest Luggage Purchase. Size is perfect for avoiding carry-on fees for air travel . So many well designed, convenient and supported compartments. Wears like a backpack, stores like a suitcase! Chef’s kiss!” — LFTravels “ I used this for a trip to Europe and it was great! I used compression packing cubes and it held a ton! I love that it still has a protected spot for my laptop and easy-access pockets. It held up really well!” — skb324 “ If you fly Spirit or Frontier then this is definitely a must-buy . I used it for the first time on a Frontier flight last week and just as I expected, I was stopped during the boarding process (along with like 5 other people) because I didn’t pay the extra fee to bring a carry-on bag. Luckily, I was able to squish it down, tighten the straps on the side, and unclip the shoulder straps to make it fit in the little metal bin. At that moment I said to myself “I have to give this thing a 5-star review,” so here I am. Now I’m buying one for my dad and my brother.” — Mia “ I needed a backpack for a 3-week solo trip to Italy and this was amazing. It was so sturdy and held up with all of the travel. It carried so much and the different compartments are super convenient. I love how it opens fully. It was very comfotable to wear and walk around with. I’ve used this bag several times since my trip and it has not disappointed. The ONLY negative thing I can think of is the zipper handles didn’t have a hole thick enough to use miniature locks (for safety while traveling). So we had to use a little creativity to make sure I could “lock” the zippers. That’s literally my only complaint though. I recommend this bag all the time.” — kbskate “Purchased for my bf last minute as he was flying to Vegas for a bachelor party. He didn’t purchase a carry on nor a checked bag and just planned on using a backpack. After packing all of his things I realized it would not fit so I quickly purchased this for pickup! It was awesome! The bag fit everything he needed for 4 days worth of things. He’s also a BIG guy so his things take up a lot of room. All and all it was prefect and spirit airlines had no issues ” — Kat

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I Hauled Dagne Dover’s New Suitcase All Over Japan — Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite Travel Bag

The softside case and matching travel backpack held up great, with sturdy construction and tons of useful features.

Alesandra Dubin is an LA-based lifestyle writer and editor. As a veteran digital journalist, she's covered travel, food, parenting, and more for over 15 years. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy, and countless other online and print outlets. An avid traveler, she often trots the globe with her husband and their twins. Follow her on Instagram and Twitter at @alicedubin. Alesandra holds a master's degree in journalism with an emphasis on cultural reporting and criticism from NYU, and a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

One thing about me: I nerd out when it comes to luggage features. When you travel as much as I do (and your job includes testing dozens of travel-related products each year, as mine does) you develop passionate opinions about brands, styles, and features. So, when I learned that Dagne Dover — one of my all-time favorites for its durable materials and brilliantly-curated organizational features — was launching a luggage collection including roller bags (which is a first for the brand) a few weeks before my biggest international trip of the summer, I was downright giddy to put the new wares to the test. 

I went with the new Sydney Checked Luggage , as well as the Brooklyn Backpack (plus a suite of accessories like packing cubes, a tech organizer, and a toiletry bag), and headed off for two weeks in Japan with my family, including my school-aged twins. With plans to travel to multiple cities by train — with my luggage and the kids in tow — I knew I'd be putting these new Dagne Dover bags to a serious test. 

Dagne Dover Sydney Checked Luggage

Dagne Dover

I've always had hardside luggage , so I was curious how the Dagne Dover soft-sided roller would suit me. It turns out that I liked it so much, I might never go back. The roller is poly made from recycled bottles, with expanding zippers for more space. It also has easy-to-maneuver 360-degree wheels, plus elastic straps and an interior roll-up divider with toggles for organized packing.

Unlike hardside luggage, this softside bag has an exterior zipper that opens so you can access the inside compartment even when the bag is closed and ready to go. This came in handy when my family was all packed with our luggage ready to leave our Tokyo hotel and hop on our scheduled bullet train. Of course, that's exactly when my daughter discovered something of critical importance to her (ahem, hotel bath amenities) that she wanted to add to the mix. To avoid a meltdown with a train to catch, I dropped her additional stuff into my suitcase using the exterior side zipper, and the luggage accommodated everything when expanded. No fuss, no mess.

Brooklyn Flaptop Backpack

In addition to the suitcase, I also picked up this new Dagne Dover backpack, which is made of the same recycled poly as the suitcase — and it's a powerhouse. I packed it with my laptop (it actually fits two laptops or tablets up to 16 inches), plus a change of clothes, tons of tech accessories and toiletries, a pair of water bottles, and a ginormous Japan travel book. 

Though I packed it densely, it was up to the task; it felt comfortable on my back, with the straps distributing the weight well. Most of the time, though, I just slid the pack right over the roller bag, given that it has a convenient trolly sleeve.

There are tons of smart pockets and pouches inside this pack. But for me, the coolest features are actually on the outside: the main opening and the side pockets all have elastic cords and toggle closures, so you can cinch them up for security. Two buckles close to further secure the main opening — and these buckles are the real deal. Because they're so solidly made, they could handle the stuffed, heavy bag with my most essential gear and valuables. 

On this trip, my new luggage and I tallied three international flights, four different airports, various labyrinthine train stations (including the behemoth Tokyo Station, a city unto itself), two hotels, and a few cab rides. And so far, my gear is holding up great. I'll have to log more miles before I can really tell how the lightish shade of the Ash color I have holds up to dirt and stains (though this concern would be a non-issue if you choose the black or green). But overall, I'm thrilled with my new Dagne Dover luggage and highly recommend you add it to your demanding travel agenda too: it's up for adventure and looks great on the go.

Keep scrolling for more of what I road-tested on my trip.

More Dagne Dover Products I Tested in Japan:

Seoul dopp kit.

I packed this case tightly (two weeks of daily disposable contacts alone take up a ton of room) and the zippers and pouches showed no signs of straining against the load; it's built tough.

Roma Packing Cubes

These cubes are sturdy and built to last, with tags to label the contents. I chose packing colors in the citrine color because I love how it contrasts the light gray luggage.

Arlo Tech Organizer

This charging case is a huge upgrade in quality from my previous one I bought at Amazon. The zipper is heavy-duty and smooth, and it could hold a ton of items.

Dakota Neoprene Backpack

My 9-year-old son used this Dagne Dover backpack for his carry-on, but I love that it's sleek and simple with all-gender appeal. So, my kids, husband, and I all took turns carrying it as a daypack at Tokyo DisneySea and around town.

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