During a commute, our preferred method for protecting a laptop and other essentials is to use a backpack. It holds more than a briefcase, is more aesthetically pleasing than a rolling bag, and is more ergonomic than a tote or messenger bag.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio
Considering how expensive laptops are generally, it makes perfect financial sense to get a backpack that is made to protect your devices when you're on the go. A well-made, cozy backpack with a padded laptop pocket is essential, regardless of whether you're flying or walking across campus. It is difficult to determine which ones are the best for daily use.
Remember that comfort and durability are likely the two most important factors when buying a laptop backpack online. To find out more about our top choices for comfort, value, style, and other factors, keep reading the article.
The 7 Top-Notch Laptop Backpacks Picks For 2024
- Solo Re:Define Backpack
- Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack
- Solgaard Lifepack Backpack
- Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
- Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
- Aer Flight Pack 3
- BEST BUSINESS: Samsonite Just Right Standard Backpack
BEST OVERALL: Solo Re:Define Laptop Backpack
Price at time of publish:
$43.99 at Amazon
Pros
- RFID Data Protection Pocket
- Checkpoint friendly design
- Perfect for travelling
Cons
- The zipper may be damaged after 6 month of use
Specs
18 x 13 x 7 inches | 1.43 pounds | Recycled PET polyester | 15.6-inch laptop pocket | USB port
Overview
Are you looking for a commuter backpack that you can use to go to work and other places? The Re: Define Backpack from Solo has all the essentials a commuter or traveler could need for extended days away from home. Although the bag appears to be a typical-sized backpack at first glance, its interior is surprisingly roomy and has plenty of pockets to hold large and small items. For seamless travel with electronic devices, the bag features an external USB port, a headphone port, and a fully padded 15.6-inch laptop pocket in the back. Because the shoulder straps are padded and adjustable, the bag felt almost weightless even when filled to the brim with clothes and accessories.
The durability of this recycled polyester backpack is held up flawlessly, with no scuffs or scratches, even if you can repeatedly throw it to the ground. We trust this backpack's ability to protect since everything inside looked to be in original condition. The zippers' exceptional smoothness is also very impressive, even when you fully loaded the bag. Although it's not the most fashionable backpack, its simple and useful design makes it well worth the money, making it a fantastic choice for anyone searching for a durable backpack.
Best Upscale: Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack
Price at time of publish:
$245 at Amazon.
Pros
- Unmatched sleekness and versatility.
- Eye-catching style.
- Tons of space.
- Built-in padded laptop sleeve.
- 2 side-pocket bottle holders.
Cons
- Pricey
Specs
Dimensions: 19 by 12.5 by 6 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Capacity: 25 liters | Maximum laptop size: 17 inches | Warranty: Troubadour guarantees its products for five years against manufacturing faults.
Overview
For those who desire a backpack with a more refined appearance, similar to a modern briefcase, the Troubadour Apex 3.0 Backpack is an excellent option. It has all the practicality and comfort of a backpack while still being sophisticated enough for the boardroom.
This is a more recent, marginally altered model of the Troubadour Apex Backpack, which is no longer in stock and was our previous choice. The Apex 3.0 boasts a more comfortable bonded neoprene top handle and is now composed of 90% recycled materials. There's a secret pocket on the left shoulder strap as well.
Although the Apex is the most expensive option, its quality and style make up for its high cost. The substantial recycled polyester body of the backpack is refined and long-lasting, and the vegan leather trims give it an extra touch of elegance. Its softly geometric, tailored shape doesn't collapse when empty and stays streamlined when filled.
In bad weather, your cargo is kept safe by the robust Apex. Its body is treated with a fluorocarbon-free waterproofing coating, and for added security, the easily functioning zippers are sealed with waterproof tape.
The Apex is a joy to carry thanks to its plush, ventilated back panels and contoured memory foam shoulder straps, which are unusual in a backpack with such a sophisticated, non-technical appearance. Even when carrying larger loads, the cushioning feels plush and velvety.
Neoprene is lining the underside of the flexible top handle, making the bag comfortable to carry by hand. This is a handy feature for commuters on packed buses or trains. A luggage pass-through sleeve works wonders for stabilizing the bag on a rolling suitcase's handle.
BEST SOLAR-POWERED: Solgaard Lifepack Backpack
Price at time of publish:
Check price at Amazon.
Pros
- A customer named Rein Moreno rated this backpack five stars, and she said in her review that the solar charger is pretty helpful, especially when traveling and your phones are out of battery. There are so many hidden pockets, and you can easily hide your personal things. Moreover, she said the bag cover is perfect for the rainy weather.
- Built in solar-powered USB charger.
- Comfortable and durable.
Cons
- Capacity is smaller than others.
Specs
Size and Dimensions: 12.4 x 6.9 x 19 inches | Weight: 4.85 Pounds | Anti-theft lock | USB port
Overview
This backpack is made from recycled plastic water bottles that are found on riverbanks and beaches, thanks to the brand's patented Shore-tex material. Furthermore, the backpack has a USB charging port powered by solar energy, allowing you to charge while on the go without worrying about your power bank running out of power. You can manage a full packing list, including a notebook, an iPad, a laptop, a sweatshirt, and a water bottle, even though there is a slip pocket, the laptop sleeve, located in the bag's back.
Regarding the padding, the backpack has plenty of cushioning, making it comfortable to wear. The chest strap is adjustable and provides support.
Best Portable: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
Price at time of publish:
$159 at Amazon.
Pros
- Internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small stuff.
- Large main compartment for books and other carry-on essentials.
- Side stretch pocket for water bottle.
- Bottom compression straps for cinching.
- Handle for easy lifting.
Cons
- Color may be seems off after a year.
Specs
Dimensions: 11.42" x 18.9" x 5.31" and a volume of 20L, Weight: 2.4 pounds, Total Capacity: 28 Liters.
Overview
Keeping your tech secure and organized is probably top of mind when you carry a lot of it around. The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe will faithfully hold and protect your most valuable belongings for a long time. It also offers a ton of ergonomic and comfort features to lessen your workload.
Its slim profile accommodates an amazing amount of gears. This 20-liter Timbuk2 bag feels small but has a lot of compartments inside. You can carry a 13-inch laptop with its charger, a keyboard, a tablet, two power banks, a Nintendo Switch Lite with its charger, a variety of cables, a travel mug, a planner, a notepad, and keys hanger inside. Is it not enough....?
Compression straps at the lower front of the bag let you cinch the pack down when you have less to haul, which is very useful on crowded buses and trains.
It has a ton of pockets and sections. With two plush-lined tech compartments, pen holders, and a stretchy mesh zippered pouch, the Authority Deluxe's front section is a pocket haven. There is a spacious main compartment with a nicely padded sleeve directly behind that section.
The largest of all the laptop compartments is the well-padded one closest to the back, and it can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches. Lastly, two external front zip pockets hold small items for easy access, and a flexible side pocket fits a 24-ounce bottle snugly.
It's difficult. When carrying valuable technology, the durable recycled nylon outer of this Timbuk2 backpack protects against knocks and bruises, and the ample padding and waterproof boot (the lower part of the bag) give you additional peace of mind. The Authority Deluxe is also covered by a lifetime warranty from Timbuk2 company.
BEST BUDGET: Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
Price at time of publish:
$28.99 at Amazon.
Pros
- Water-resistant.
- Anti-theft bag.
- For both (Men and Women).
- USB and Headphone Port.
- Material does not pill up.
Cons
- Zipper may stop working after some months.
Specs
Dimensions: 18.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches, Weight: 1.83 pounds, Material: Polyester blend, 15.6-inch laptop pocket, USB and headphone port, Security: Password lock
Overview
The Mighty Pc team particularly appreciate the padded laptop sleeve, which protects laptops up to 15.6 inches long. Other smart features of the backpack include a headphone port, a USB port, and a passcode lock to make carrying electronics on trips easy. The front compartment has a ton of tiny pockets for organizing smaller items, and the main compartment is roomy and easy to pack with bulkier items like a jacket or lunchbox.
The backpack, which is made of polyester fabric, seems to be reasonably sturdy and did not break during rough use. On the other hand, its quality is notably lower than that of the other bags we included in this article. Still, carrying the bag is incredibly comfortable, thanks to the adjustable buckles and plush padding on the straps.
BEST CONVERTIBLE: Aer Flight Pack 3
Price at time of publish:
$326.17 at Amazon.
Pros
- Comes with a shoulder strap.
- 11 small and large pockets.
- Lockable zippers for additional security.
- High quality material and useful for business meetings.
Cons
- Pricey.
Specs
Capacity: 20 liters, Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 5.5 inches, Weight: 3.4 pounds, Material: Cordura ballistic nylon, 16-inch laptop pocket
Overview
The Mighty PC Team adores that the Aer Flight Pack 3 can be transformed from a backpack for everyday commuting to a briefcase or duffel bag for an overnight trip or business trip. With a dedicated laptop sleeve in the main compartment, an additional compartment holding over seven smaller pockets, and a small zippered pouch in the front, there are plenty of pockets for organization. It could be more secure if it had a zipper. Instead, it is just a slip pocket.
Additionally, we discovered enough space for electronics and clothing for a brief weekend family trip or business trip. The pack feels strong and resilient because it is composed of ballistic nylon, which is resistant to abrasion and tears. It even survived being dropped off a tabletop without any damage. Additionally, carrying the bag in any of the three ways, with the duffel straps, backpack, and top handle, was equally comfortable.
BEST for BUSINESS: Samsonite Just Right Standard Backpack
Price at time of publish:
$127.49 at Samsonite.
Pros
- Removable, Reusable Wristlet with Interior organization.
- Stealth Security Pocket with RFID Protected Lining.
- Padded Tablet Sleeve: sized to fit most tablets up to 11”.
Cons
- Battery not included
Specs
Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.25 x 5.5 inches, Weight: 2.43 pounds, Material: Nylon, Capacity: 15.6-inch laptop pocket, USB port
Overview
With business travelers in mind, Samsonite created the Just Right Standard Backpack with a thoughtful design. The backpack has a smooth nylon material, silver zippers, and a smooth, purple-patterned fabric lining, making it both elegant and practical. You will be impressed with the backpack's capacity when you fill it with a laptop, a travel tablet, a sweatshirt, and a few other small items.
However, the main compartment won't hold much more. But it is appreciated that the backpack has pockets all over it, making it simple to pack smaller things and keep things organized between the two main sections. Even with full packing, you will find the backpack is remarkably comfortable to wear, thanks to the padding on the back and the straps.
Tips for Buying a Laptop Backpack
It's important to confirm that the laptop sleeve fits in the designated pocket by double-checking its dimensions, as the majority of laptops range in length from 10 to 17 inches. The laptop length capacity of a backpack is typically listed in the bag's "specification" description.
The laptop will be better protected if additional padding is around it in case the bag is handled roughly. There should be cushioning in the back of the backpack to increase comfort while wearing it because the laptop pocket or sleeve is often located there. To make the bag even more comfy, keep looking for extra padding on the straps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I put my laptop in a backpack without a case?
Feel free to put it in the backpack and slip it into a laptop case if that's how you feel more comfortable doing it.