Whether you’re flying throughout the nation on trip, assembly with an vital shopper downtown or simply heading to your native espresso store for work, there’s a good probability you’re bringing a backpack alongside, with a laptop computer squirreled away inside.
Whilst you can toss a laptop computer into nearly any bag, one of the best laptop computer backpacks are specifically tailor-made to pamper what might be considered one of your most costly (and delicate) possessions. Which means a padded pocket lined with gentle non-scratch materials, easy accessibility to your pc with out unpacking the whole lot and many further pockets for moveable mice, chargers and different equipment. Add in the entire customary backpack concerns akin to capability, consolation and sturdiness, and you’ve got a variety of elements to contemplate.
To seek out the easiest laptop computer backpack, I rounded up 11 of the highest fashions and examined them over a number of months and plenty of miles.
The perfect laptop computer backpacks at a look
Why you must belief me
I’ve been a tech journalist for 13 years, and a frequent traveler – in 2025 I flew greater than 70,000 miles, throughout 41 flights and a complete of seven days and 6 hours within the air. I visited 12 airports and 6 international locations, to say nothing of numerous steps, experience shares and lodges.
As somebody who tends to pack greater than I really want and has a nasty again, I’m uniquely motivated to search out the right backpack, and it’s been an obsessive quest of mine for years. Backpacks additionally converse to my love for planning and group, which the testing course of let me absolutely indulge.
How I examined
The very first thing I did to check these 11 backpacks was to pack for a visit. I put the whole lot I sometimes carry for a piece journey on to a desk: a laptop computer that’s wherever from 13 to 16in, a pill, a number of telephones – as a result of I’ve a bizarre job – a number of plugs, chargers, batteries and, in fact, loads of bungee cords. My loadout additionally contains three tech baggage: one with video gear like a selfie stick and lav mics, one with flight necessities like snacks and battery packs and one with chargers, cables and adapters.
Then, I packed up every backpack utilizing the assorted compartments and pockets as designed, threw every backpack on to my again and I walked a half mile every. Since water is the mortal enemy of laptops, I additionally examined every backpack (empty – and thank goodness!) in my bathe for one minute to simulate getting caught within the rain. I absolutely set free all of the straps and donned the backpack to see how simply the straps adjusted. I zipped and unzipped every zipper 25 instances to see how straightforward it was to make use of. Lastly, I put a deck of enjoying playing cards in an easy-access pocket (if there was one) and timed how lengthy it took for me to get it off my again and the playing cards in hand.
Many producers offered samples to check for this text, which I donated to my native library upon completion. It’d be a deal with to see a faculty child and even an grownup strutting round city with considered one of these.
The perfect laptop computer backpacks within the US
Greatest general:
Mission Workshop Meridian backpack
Mission Workshop
Workshop Meridian backpack
$395
Mission Workshop’s Meridian backpack has pockets for days, a semi-modular design that allows you to customise it with add-ons and tons of house.
Why we adore it
This bag simply held the whole lot I wished to pack with room to spare, and a house for the whole lot. All three of my tech baggage slot in the primary compartment, and the whole lot else had its personal pocket, making it very clear the place the whole lot lives. The pattern I acquired included two add-ons: a slim facet pouch that’s good for telephones, battery packs or perhaps a slim flashlight, and a bottle pouch. Laptop computer entry on this bag is especially good as a result of it has its personal compartment, separate from the primary compartment. It scored the very best on our waterproof testing, as properly – the whole lot inside was bone dry. The straps didn’t relaxation alongside my rib cage in addition to I’d like, but it surely was undoubtedly wearable.
This bag might be overkill for a pupil simply seeking to tote a laptop computer and a few books round campus, but it surely’s nice for an expert who must schlep a bunch of substances comfortably and with easy accessibility to the whole lot.
It’s a disgrace that … It’s so huge it’d pressure the non-public merchandise guidelines on most airways. And there aren’t any locks or hidden pockets should you’re apprehensive about safety. Whereas it has a sleeve to slip over the deal with on a curler bag, it’s located sideways, which interferes with the facet pouches and struck me as a foolish design selection.
Max laptop computer dimension: 17in
Capability: 28 litres
Empty weight: 2.74lbs
Mission Workshop
Workshop Meridian backpack
$395
Greatest for journey:
Peak Design 30L Journey Backpack
Peak Design
30L Journey Backpack
from $239.95
This bag has an uncommon design: to pack it it’s essential relaxation it on its face and open the again, which hinges 180 levels and provides you quick access to the entire foremost compartment.
Why we adore it
In case you’re headed out for a weekend, this can be a beautiful bag to comfortably convey a couple of adjustments of garments, your laptop computer and all of the goodies that go together with it. Other than the massive foremost compartment, you’ll discover a good quantity of group across the periphery of the primary pouch, smaller zipped pockets alongside the facet and two bigger zipped pockets on the within of the entrance of the bag.
Loops alongside the periphery of the bag inside and outside permit you strap much more gear to the bag, and Peak even contains tie-downs. With 30 litres of capability, you in all probability received’t have to, although.
It’s a disgrace that … The distinctive design takes some getting used to. Adjusting the straps and match may be very troublesome, and waterproofing was simply OK. There was some water ingress, making the paper towels contained in the bag damp, however not moist. The liner can also be not absorbant, so it dries rapidly.
Max laptop computer dimension: 16in
Capability: 33 liters
Empty weight: 3.17lbs
Peak Design
30L Journey Backpack
from $239.95
Greatest finances:
The North Face Vault
The North Face
Vault
from $45.50
Whereas it’s probably the most primary bag I examined, the North Face Vault is a superbly competent laptop computer hauler at a fraction of the price of most different baggage on this record.
Why we adore it
Being primary isn’t essentially a nasty factor – not each backpack wants 700 pockets for each little merchandise. The Vault has a beneficiant foremost compartment and a smaller high compartment with a couple of pouches and pockets for very small objects, akin to pencils and thumb drives. The highest pouch takes away a little bit of room into the primary pouch, however the latter opens huge sufficient to simply work round it should you’re digging round for one thing.
This bag is deceptively deep, and it holds lots, if pressed into service. I discovered it very serviceable for many duties – the Toyota Corolla of backpacks. It can get you from A to B with no complaints. Simply please don’t get caught out within the rain.
It’s a disgrace that … It’s not waterproof in any respect – water rapidly works its means inside. It’s additionally not terribly comfy for prolonged intervals as a result of skinny straps and little padding on the shoulder straps and again.
Max laptop computer dimension: 15in
Capability: 27 liters
Empty weight: 1.68lbs
The North Face
Vault
from $45.50
Greatest sling bag:
Tomtoc Navigator – T24 Sling Bag (Small)
Tomtoc
T24 Sling Bag (Small)
$61.99
This isn’t technically a backpack – it’s a sling bag, but it surely’s delightfully small, it holds a ton of substances, and but has sufficient house for a 14in laptop computer.
Why we adore it
It is a nice day pack, should you’re heading out for a day in town. It solely holds 7 liters, however these 7 liters are impeccably organized: there are pockets to your laptop computer, pill and e-reader, plus smaller pockets for added group. An outer pocket is ideal for issues it’s essential seize on the go, and a safety pocket going through your again permits you to safely stow your pockets, keys or passport in a tough-to-swipe location.
It’s a disgrace that … Adjusting the strap may be very onerous with the overengineered buckle. That is additionally the smallest bag on the record by lots, and doubtless received’t maintain the whole lot you’ll need for airplane rides.
Max laptop computer dimension: 14in
Capability: 7 liters
Empty weight: 1.23lbs
Tomtoc
T24 Sling Bag (Small)
$61.99
Greatest rugged:
Pelican PX25 Aegis Journey Pack
Pelican
PX25 Aegis Journey Pack
from $229.95
Pelican is maybe finest identified for its hardened instances used to hold delicate gear, and the Aegis stays true to its roots with a brilliant powerful hard-shell design.
Why we adore it
In contrast to all of the gentle choices on our record, this mannequin has a inflexible exterior constructed to shrug off affect and normal roughhousing. I didn’t drop the bag from my roof or something, but when you end up in a harsh surroundings with gear that doesn’t take kindly to affect, this must be your first selection.
The backpack is actually one giant compartment, aside from one small compartment on the high for odds and ends, and a laptop computer sleeve. If you wish to extra, Pelican sells stick-on Velcro “ModPaks” that add numerous pockets. Personally, I would wish three or extra, however in order for you a variety of open house to work with, this can be a good bag to contemplate. Just like the Peak Design bag, it has tie-down loops inside to ratchet down your gear with wire or bungees.
It’s a disgrace that … There’s just about no group within the bag – plan to make use of packing cubes. It additionally has nearly no water resistance. Additionally, in case you have a canine with not-black fur, carry a lint curler with you!
Max laptop computer dimension: 16in
Capability: 25 liters
Empty weight: 2.9lbs
Pelican
PX25 Aegis Journey Pack
from $229.95
The perfect of the remainder
Greatest convertible backpack:
Helinox TERG Daypack 3-Method Bag
Helinox
TERG Daypack 3-Method Bag
from $149.95
I want a messenger bag (AKA sling bag) once I have to dig into it continuously, like at a commerce present, however a backpack is extra comfy for prolonged put on. Since I swap between them continuously, this convertible bag piqued my curiosity. It gives one of the best of each worlds: while you wish to convert it, the backpack straps zip up into their very own pocket, and also you connect the shoulder strap to 2 loops and identical to that, you have got a messenger bag.
The primary pocket is surprisingly giant, and the 2 auxiliary pockets additionally maintain lots. After I was carried out packing within the objects I used to check these baggage, this one had a variety of house left over. Nevertheless it didn’t reign in anyone class, which knocked it down a couple of pegs from its opponents.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … There isn’t a group nor safety within the bag.
Max laptop computer dimension: 16in
Capability: 25 liters
Empty weight: 2.09lbs
Helinox
TERG Daypack 3-Method Bag
from $149.95
Greatest weekend bag:
Knack Medium Backpack
Knack
Medium Backpack
from $235
The Knack Medium Backpack has a extremely uncommon design that expands out to leap from 24 to 35 litres. You truly entry the laptop computer sleeve from the facet, quite than the highest, which is a novel method. Whereas there are some smaller pockets across the periphery of the bag, the primary pocket is only one huge open house with a divider, which is designed to separate garments from different gear.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … It felt just like the designers had a couple of intelligent concepts, however couldn’t fairly convey them collectively coherently. It’s additionally not water resistant in any respect.
Max laptop computer dimension: 16in
Capability: 35 liters
Empty weight: 3lbs
Knack
Medium Backpack
from $235
Greatest safe bag:
Tomtoc Navigator-T71 Laptop computer Backpack 24L
Tomtoc
Navigator-T71 Laptop computer Backpack 24L
from $87.99
In case you’ve ever discovered your self with the sudden have to examine a bag for a flight as I’ve, a lockable backpack offers welcome piece of thoughts. This Tomtoc has lock latches – holes the place you possibly can insert a lock to connect the zippers to one another – on each of its units of zippers. You’ll be able to’t lock up the entrance pockets, which is unlucky, however you possibly can safe the primary pouch, which might be the place your most costly goodies reside.
Two zippers entry the primary pocket: one within the again that facilitates slipping a laptop computer into the sleeve, and a second one on the entrance that offers you a large mouth to place different objects in. They each open to the identical house, which appeared a bit redundant.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … It has horrible water resistance, and it’s not terribly comfy to hold.
Max laptop computer dimension: 17.3in
Capability: 24 liters
Empty weight: 2.2lbs
Tomtoc
Navigator-T71 Laptop computer Backpack 24L
from $87.99
Greatest child bag:
Huhu On a regular basis Diaper Backpack
Huhu
On a regular basis Diaper Backpack
from $195
In case you’re a brand new guardian, this bag is a no brainer, but it surely’s additionally nice for vacationers. I’ve taken it on a number of journeys with no screaming infants in tow and I actually dig it. It gives tons of locations to stay objects like telephones, a high pocket for quick-access objects and a big stretchy pocket on the entrance of random odds and ends. In case you’re utilizing it as meant, there’s an area on the backside designed to carry soiled diapers and one pocket designed for child wipes.
It didn’t make the ultimate reduce as a result of … There’s no safety within the bag in any respect, and the child options waste a little bit of house for non-parents.
Max laptop computer dimension: 17in
Capability: 20 liters
Empty weight: 2.1lbs
Huhu
On a regular basis Diaper Backpack
from $195
Different baggage we examined
What else to find out about laptop computer backpacks
What are some basic items to search for in a laptop computer backpack?
Take into consideration capability, group, safety, waterproofing and luxury. To prioritize, think about what you’ll be carrying and in what circumstances. A bag for day tripping to the espresso store requires much less capability than a weekend journey bag, for example.
What’s the easiest way to check backpack consolation earlier than shopping for?
Clearly, nothing beats making an attempt it on. Totally prolong out the straps, put it in your again after which alter the straps to suit. In case you can, toss in some dummy weight.
In case you’re buying on-line, study how the straps are sewn to the backpack. In the event that they connect vertically, they’ll run alongside your torso extra comfortably than these hooked up horizontally. Additionally, think about the zipper pulls. As you become old, zippers with material or wire loops might be a lot simpler to drag than naked metallic tabs. Additionally search for retailers with an excellent return coverage in case actuality doesn’t match expectations.
What ought to I search for in a backpack’s laptop computer sleeve?
Backside padding issues greater than something. Backpacks might be slung down off your again and on to the ground a whole lot, if not hundreds, of instances, and backside padding is the one factor between your $2,000 laptop computer and a concrete ground. Additionally think about waterproofing – if the bag isn’t very waterproof and also you get caught out within the rain, the padding of the sleeve may soak up water and take a very long time to dry out.
How can I set up if the backpack doesn’t have pockets?
Whereas I want a backpack with a pocket for the whole lot, others want the flexibility of an open compartment. To stop all of your gear from mixing collectively, use packing cubes and specialised tech baggage, just like the Peak Design Tech Pouch I exploit, to carry cables and chargers. Many firms providing backpacks with open compartments additionally promote organizational packs to go inside.
What ought to I do if I’ve to stroll with a backpack within the rain?
Some high-end backpacks shed water like geese; others could as properly be fabricated from gauze. In case you’re caught within the rain with the latter, discover a rubbish bag to place over the backpack, making a slit for the straps if needed (or simply carry it by the deal with if it has one, and most the entire baggage on this record do). A pleasant enterprise could even let you have got one should you ask properly.
Whenever you get house, empty the backpack utterly, place it in a room with a variety of air circulation and place one thing contained in the laptop computer sleeve to prop it open so it might probably dry out. In case you don’t, water can get trapped in there for days.
Adam Doud is a contract product journalist and frequent traveler who carries a ton of tech with him wherever he goes. He’s been on a low-key quest to search out the right bag/backpack since 2020, and he has strapped extra gear to his again than Hannibal’s elephants – although not all at one time. He’s additionally a compulsive organizer, so the extra pockets the higher
