Selecting a brand new backpack is a really private resolution you could and may take time over.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of backpacks on the market, however the alternative turns into even trickier should you additionally need a bag that may handle your laptop computer and never weigh you down.
Fortunately in recent times laptops have gotten slimmer and lighter usually, saving our poor our bodies from having to lug round 3kg monsters together with huge heavy energy bricks. However regardless of this, you’ll nonetheless wish to go for a supportive new bag in case you are carrying round your laptop computer all day, in addition to the rest that provides additional weight.
Whether or not it’s the charger or your mouse, or different stuff like your lunch or a coat, backpacks are available each conceivable form and measurement. We’ve made positive to incorporate plenty of selection right here, however every bag included on this article has a devoted slot or sleeve inside to carry a laptop computer.
It’s sensible to choose a bag that doesn’t promote you’ve bought an costly laptop computer in your individual, so bear that in thoughts. We reckon most of those baggage are fairly delicate.
We now have personally examined every backpack included for a number of months to make sure they need to be beneficial as the perfect round. Whether or not you prioritise design, consolation or laptop computer safety, there’s one thing right here for everybody at a variety of various costs.
Want a laptop computer to place in your new bag? Check out the perfect laptops to purchase in addition to the perfect finances laptops.
Greatest laptop computer backpacks 2023
WaterField Important Laptop computer Backpack – Greatest Backpack
The ‘Important’ laptop computer bag from WaterField is, properly, focussed on the necessities – but it surely actually nails them.
The aesthetic is straightforward, however smooth, with a alternative of vibrant accents beneath the black physique. Constructed from waterproof nylon, with waterproof seals across the zips, that is sturdy sufficient to outlive the weather, with a structured physique that holds its form even when the bag is empty.
Outer pockets on all sides will maintain water bottles or small umbrellas, and there are zipped compartments on each the within and out of doors for holding observe of your unfastened bits and items.
The one padded and fleece-lined laptop computer pouch is large enough for 14in and even some 16in units, with a easy velcro strap to carry issues in place.
There’s additionally a well-made messenger bag model should you favor that matches as much as 14in laptops.
Aer Metropolis Pack – Excellent construct high quality
One of many best possible laptop computer backpacks is the Metropolis Pack made by San Francisco firm Aer. The bag is well-designed and of wonderful high quality with prime supplies, zippers, and compartments.
The outer materials is a really hardy 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon full with YKK zipper and Duraflex plastic on the tag pulls that makes for a premium feeling product. Importantly, the padded laptop computer pocket (as much as 16in) is suspended so your laptop computer gained’t hit the bottom whenever you put the bag down. The straps are additionally very snug for all-day put on.
There are tons of storage pockets to organise your stuff within the entrance compartment, in addition to two outdoors pockets, certainly one of which has a gentle lining in your telephone or glasses. With a tiny pocket contained in the bag to fit an AirTag, this can be a trendy backpack with very good consideration to design element.
The one draw back is the bag solely has a 14L capability regardless of being comparatively giant and boxy. That’s as a result of the principle compartment has good size and width however not a lot depth at solely 5in (12.5cm). It means you have to stack gadgets akin to coats, sneakers, lunch field or headphones on prime of one another, tower model, and also you run out of room surprisingly shortly.
In any other case this can be a stellar alternative.
Bellroy Tokyo Totepack – Tote and backpack in a single
This backpack has giant tote handles on the highest so it may be carried as a tote if you wish to, and the again straps fold neatly away.
However this bag continues to be greatest when used as a backpack and is pleasingly protecting and cozy regardless of the marginally uncommon design. We examined the bigger 20L model (there’s a smaller 14L too) and managed to slot in excess of anticipated with a 15in laptop computer, books, headphones, keys, lunch, and spare sneakers all becoming in there with room to spare. It’s a little bit of a Mary Poppins bag.
There are intelligent touches like the 2 inside pockets for water bottle, umbrella, or sneakers in addition to two outdoors zip pockets for simple entry to smaller gadgets. The highest zipper has a climate flap beneath to make up for the very fact the zippers and supplies used right here aren’t waterproof. However this is a wonderful and excellently well-made laptop computer backpack from Bellroy that manages to be light-weight however sturdy.
STM Banks – A lot of area
STM Banks is the most recent laptop computer bag from Australia-based STM, providing an honest 18L capability with out compromising on the slimline design. There’s additionally breathable mesh material on the again, serving to to keep away from the awkward again sweat when carrying a rucksack.
It’s designed to be an on a regular basis bag in addition to a laptop computer bag, with loads of area in your laptop computer (as much as 15in), charger, telephone, lunch and even a jacket – consider me, I’ve tried. There are many pockets of all sizes and shapes that’ll maintain all the pieces from sun shades to telephones to battery packs and extra.
That’s to not say that it has some spectacular laptop-specific options together with the corporate’s personal Slingtech safety that suspends the laptop computer sleeve from the bottom to guard it from drops, whereas additionally offering additional cushioning on the corners.
It additionally options the all-new CableReady routing system that lets you retailer run cables via totally different sections of the bag, good for holding your smartphone or laptop computer topped up whereas on the go.
Our solely criticism? Whereas there’s loads of storage, we discovered that the openings had been just a little tight for our liking, making peering into the contents of the bag a barely awkward course of. It’s an analogous story with the entrance pockets, which means you’ll be relying extra in your sense of contact than sight when fishing in your iPhone cable or headphones.
Chrome Industries City Ex 2.0 Rolltop – Greatest for rain
When you cycle and wish to hold your laptop computer then look no additional than this superior light-weight, absolutely waterproof rolltop backpack from Chrome Industries.
The knurled welded materials means this looks like a dry bag, and it just about is one – but it surely’s bought extra form and organisation. A padded laptop computer sleeve on the within matches as much as 15in computer systems, and two different pockets allow you to slip a e book, telephone and pens into place in order that they don’t clang round the principle a part of the bag together with your bigger gadgets.
As this can be a rolltop with clip-down closure there are not any outdoors zippers (no zips in any respect in reality) and no water bottle pockets. That is value taking into consideration in case you are one to be taking issues out and in of your bag loads, however bear in mind you’re gaining full waterproofing by making that sacrifice – giving nice peace of thoughts when lugging your laptop computer via the rain.
The U-loops on the again for a U-lock are cleverly reflective, and the straps with a chest strap are very snug. For a smooth minimalist look with sufficient laptop computer and climate safety to not fear, this can be a nice alternative. You may even put bigger, taller gadgets within the bag when unrolled as the fabric stays upright and stiff, and there are carry handles for whenever you do.
We examined the 20L model however there’s a bigger 30L one should you carry round a whole lot of gear.
Ogio Alpha Convoy 525r Backpack – Robust but light-weight
The Ogio Alpha Convoy 525r Backpack has a contemporary roll-top design (for adjustable storage), and a zipped again slip pocket to retailer a 15in or smaller laptop computer and pill. It appears nice, feels robust and powerful but light-weight, and is suitably padded for consolation and system safety.
It’s comprised of recycled and discarded supplies, which earns it additional factors.
With the again pocket, it’s straightforward to take away your units at airport safety, and fast to slide them again into the backpack whenever you’re via. We managed to pack for a two-night enterprise journey with modifications of garments, wash bag, books and different requirements. That was a push, nonetheless, so we’d advocate this extra for the each day commute or an in a single day keep.
The principle adjustable rolltop compartment has a powerful 28-litre capability, which is sufficient for many each day packs, and can even accommodate a procuring journey. It’s narrower than a normal rucksack, so could baulk at cumbersome gadgets, however total we fell in love with this bag on appears and utility.
It options adjustable shoulder straps with sternum strap, plus aspect and backside compression straps. There’s a zippered pocket on the entrance, and a helpful key clip, plus an open stash pocket that feels protected sufficient to retailer gadgets you want fast entry to.
On the edges are two helpful water bottle pockets. The bag additionally has a reflective trim for night-time security. It’s obtainable in both Black or Camo.
It’s attainable so as to add and fasten an non-compulsory suitable Mod Arduous Case or Smooth Pouch, for storing extra valuables.
Stubble & Co – Oh so fashionable
We’ve little doubt that Stubble & Co is making a number of the most fashionable and well-made baggage round. And we’ve included two right here as a result of they’re each so good.
First up is ‘The Backpack‘, which isn’t a very difficult rucksack with extra pockets than you possibly can bear in mind. As an alternative, it’s easy and efficient with only a pocket on the entrance and a small one inside. You additionally get aspect pockets for gadgets like a water bottle.
This up to date mannequin has a 21L foremost compartment and you’ll match as much as a 16in laptop computer within the protected part on the again. Moreover, the fabric is now waterproof premium Tekwax canvas (additionally discovered on the brand new The Weekender – a holdall with a laptop computer compartment). When you want a completely waterproof bag then look to The Roll Prime.
Not solely does The Backpack look nice – obtainable in All Black, Pirate and Olive – the craftsmanship is phenomenal. Magnets on the lid have been changed with a safer G clip.
The Commuter (pictured on the left, $163/£115) is offered in 5 colors. It’s a extra conventional form and has a barely bigger 22L capability together with extra sections – particularly a devoted laptop computer compartment with its personal zip – and pockets if that’s extra the form of factor you want.
Moshi Muto – Compact, safe & fashionable
The Moshi Muto is a splendidly fashionable and practical bag for 11in to 13in laptops. As a three-way convertible bag, you should utilize it as a backpack, a crossbody sling, or briefcase.
It’s properly made and designed with each anti-theft and RFID safety. It’s additionally snug to put on with padded straps.
Clipping within the staps to make use of the Muto as a backpack was fairly apparent, barely much less apparent was understanding find out how to re-orienting the straps to make use of the bag as a sling. Trace: you’ll want to attach one of many straps diagonally and tuck the opposite one away below the flap on the again.
When you’re utilizing the bag as a briefcase, you’ll must tuck each straps away below the again flap. A short instruction word would have been helpful – however that’s about the one criticism I’ve in direction of the Muto.
I actually favored the clear minimalist design. It’s an amazing alternative for the workplace or a wander across the metropolis. You may preserve all of your necessities in a single place with peace of thoughts. There’s additionally a pocket in your water bottle.
Targus Work + Play Biking 15.6″ Laptop computer BackPack – Greatest for cyclists
When you cycle to work and like a rucksack to the over-the-shoulder commuter-style baggage, then Targus has the reply.
It developed the Biking BackPack with an expert bike owner, which appears an odd alternative since execs don’t are inclined to cycle round with gear on their again.
In any case, this can be a well-designed rucksack that can accommodate all the pieces most cyclists will want. Meaning a helpful inside compartment which can preserve a pair of sneakers separate from all the pieces else in the principle compartment, lash factors on the surface to which you’ll connect a helmet (when not biking, clearly), tail lamps and your bike lock.
There’s area within the padded rear compartment for a laptop computer as much as 15.6in and plenty of different helpful pockets in your telephone, keys and different bits and items.
There’s even a devoted area on the backside to maintain a spare innertube, tyre levers and different instruments.
Proving it considered all climate circumstances, the bag additionally has a vivid orange rain cowl saved within the base which you’ll shortly whip out in a downpour and it has a zipper so you possibly can nonetheless connect a lightweight to the rucksack.
The straps aren’t as thick and padded as we’ve seen on different Targus baggage, but it surely’s good to see an elastic strap that clips between the shoulder straps to assist preserve it from shifting round whereas biking.
Harber Commuter Backpack – Trend-focussed
Harber’s Commuter is a backpack for the model over substance crowd. Handmade in Spain from a mix of recycled material and full grain leather-based, that is undoubtedly a looker, and oozes high quality from prime to backside.
Constructed for laptops from 13in as much as 16in, you get a padded compartment in your PC – with a false backside in order that it gained’t thud into the ground whenever you drop your bag down. A further pill part is right for these of us wielding twin units, however be warned: that’s all you get.
There aren’t some other pouches or pockets, inside or out, which suggests this solely fits minimalist tastes – should you have a tendency to hold a load spherical with you, it’ll all need to go unfastened into the principle compartment.
Troubadour Apex
This backpack is just a little on the expensive aspect, however we included it right here due to the sheer high quality of supplies and the very fact it’s one of many few backpacks on the market we predict genuinely appears good with a go well with, if you might want to costume up your laptop-carrying look.
The Apex’s 25L capability is well-spaced out sufficient to slot in a 17in laptop computer in addition to lunch and health club gear (belief us we’ve achieved it), which is protected against the weather with waterproof outer material, lining and zippers.
A really snug again panel holds the pack barely off your again to make it extra breathable, whereas the leather-based accents on the black, inexperienced or blue colourways assist so as to add a bit of sophistication to the bag.
For travelling there’s a trolley sleeve on the again to connect to a wheelie bag’s deal with, and there are tons of inside and exterior pockets to please even the fussiest of organisers.
Laptop computer bag shopping for recommendation
Each laptop computer bag has a devoted compartment in your laptop, and baggage normally promote the most important laptop computer you possibly can carry by giving a display screen measurement in inches. You would possibly discover {that a} laptop computer with a 16in display screen will match resulting from its dimensions, even when the bag says ‘as much as 15in’ – though it might be a decent match.
Pockets and flaps for simple entry
Frequent travellers ought to search for a bag with an easy-access laptop computer pocket, so you possibly can shortly whip out your system at airport safety. A baggage pass-through flap will even assist you to connect the bag to your suitcase’s telescopic drag deal with.
The quantity of safety varies from bag to bag, with some producers offering all-around padding (with double on the backside) and others simply an inside pouch with no prime cowl. Learn our evaluations to seek out out what degree of safety every bag gives.
In addition to your laptop computer, you’ll want room for the ability provide, different equipment and your personal gear, whether or not that’s a health club equipment, water bottle, paperwork, keys, telephone and different devices. Most baggage have a nominal capability, however that is normally the entire quantity, quite than a single area for stuff in addition to a laptop computer.
A number of pockets are helpful as they assist preserve all the pieces separate and organise, whereas a bag with a big additional compartment is nice for cumbersome gadgets akin to sneakers. Search for a capability in litres, however keep in mind that the bigger the capability, the larger (and normally heavier) the bag you’ll have to hold in all places.
Some baggage have a devoted pocket for tablets and one other for smartphones or media gamers. The latter generally have a gap via which you’ll route your headphones.
It’s helpful to have a number of zipped pockets which will be accessed independently, quite than having to open the principle zip to get at inside pockets. That provides would-be thieves a view of what you’re carrying and isn’t almost as handy.
Strap high quality: consolation, consolation, consolation!
When you’re sporting your backpack for a number of hours at a time, you’ll wish to keep snug. Search for one with well-padded straps and – should you’ll be strolling lengthy distances – a chest strap to assist stabilise the load. Some baggage also have a hiking-style waist strap, however that’s overkill on a laptop computer provider.
Many will even be designed to assist with airflow so that you’re not a sweaty mess after just a little exertion.
Safety: Water, RFID and antibacterial
Many laptop computer baggage use waterproof materials both on the surface or within the lining. If this can be a precedence, keep in mind that solely baggage marked as waterproof will guarantee your equipment stays dry. Some baggage include a separate rain cowl which you’ll pop over the rucksack in a downpour to maintain your equipment bone dry.
Water resistance doesn’t imply the identical factor as waterproof. When you’re biking within the rain, it’s sensible to make use of further safety akin to a correct rain cowl or preserve some giant freezer baggage to seal in your devices.
Now that lockdowns are starting to ease, you might also wish to take into consideration added antibacterial safety – particularly should you’re one to maintain your backpack on soiled tube flooring or on the bottom. Some manufacturers like The Pure Bag even use silver-ion materials that stop micro organism development. Although a neater answer could also be to go for a backpack made with easy-to-wipe materials or plastics.
Moreover, should you preserve your pockets, bank cards, and even Oyster card in your backpack, you may additionally wish to contemplate a bag with RFID safety to maintain the baddies from getting their fingers in your funds. Or get your self a wise pockets.
Costs
Costs range broadly, and also you don’t all the time get what you pay for. Shopping for a laptop computer bag from a style model, for instance, is perhaps extra pricey, however doesn’t assure higher high quality zips or fasteners than a less expensive bag. That’s the place our evaluations are available, in fact.