Although it may not seem like such a daunting task at first, finding the right laptop backpack can be really overwhelming. There are tons of different factors to consider, like what you’ll be using it for (work? school? travel?), the size of the laptop sleeve, how functional or comfortable it is, and how much stuff you’ll be able to cram inside. And let’s not forget about price. Because let’s be honest, some of us aren’t willing to drop more than $100 on a backpack.
Choosing a backpack is a really personal task — it depends entirely on your specific needs. To make your life easier, we scoured through dozens of reviews from real customers in order to put together a list of top-runners, then outlined the things you need to know in order to make the best decision. Read more…
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IMAGE: Amazon
OUR TOP PICK
SwissGear Ibex Laptop Backpack
Super spacious, stylish, and comfortable with plenty of compartments for organization.
- Laptop size capacity: 17 inches
- Features: Quik pocket with headset port for iPod/MP3 player, shock absorbing shoulder straps, trolley strap, air-flow back padding, quik-access phone pocket on shoulder strap, computer pocket and 3 main compartments, limited lifetime warranty
IMAGE: Osprey
BEST FOR WEEKEND TRIPS
Osprey Packs Nebula Daypack
Compact and comfortable yet expandable, making it the perfect pack for a short trips or weekend getaways.
- Laptop size capacity:: 17 inches (though some reviews say that is a tight fit)
- Features: Heat embossed slash pocket, side stretch mesh pockets, front panel organization pocket, blinder light attachment, padded, TSA security-approved laptop and tablet sleeve, front panel stretch mesh pocket, padded harness with waist strap
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR GAMERS
Everki Titan Backpack
The Everki Titan backpack is top-notch for organization and easy access, and especially useful for gamers with large laptops.
- Laptop size capacity: 18.4 inches
- Features: Extra large laptop sleeve, 180-degree foldout design, water resistant weather cover, media player compartment, 5-point balance strap system, security strap to keep your device in place, soft felt lining inside tablet sleeve
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR DURABILITY
The North Face Borealis Backpack
Great for heavy-duty use, whether you’re planning a rugged excursion or just lugging around textbooks and a laptop.
- Laptop size capacity: 15 inches
- Features: FlexVent suspension system, injection-molded straps, padded mesh back panel, protective laptop compartment, extra padded tablet sleeve, pendolier, secure-zip pockets, two extended mesh water bottle pockets, external fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses/keys etc., removable waist belt, front elastic bungee system for external storage, reflective bike-light loop
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR STUDENTS
Jansport Cool Student Backpack
The Cool Student Backpack by Jansport is a classic, safe bet for anyone headed back to school.
- Laptop size capacity: 15 inches
- Features: Made of polyester with synthetic leather trim, web haul handle, side water bottle pocket, laptop sleeve, pleated front stash pocket, ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR BASIC USE
Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
Herschel is all about quality, so If you don’t mind a simplistic design, the Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack is definitely a great choice.
- Laptop size capacity: 15 inches
- Features: One main large compartment, 15 inch laptop sleeve, front zip compartment with key clip, internal media pocket with headphone port
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR COMBINING FASHION WITH FUNCTIONALITY
Lil & Drew Daypack Backpack
The Lil & Drew Daypack provides you with all the necessary functions of a good laptop backpack without sacrificing style.
- Laptop size capacity: 14 inches
- Features: Water-resistant polyester exterior, gold zipper detailing, adjustable padded shoulder straps, convenient trolley sleeve, padded foam back and bottom, two slip pockets for laptop/tablet, several smaller zippered pockets, two external side pockets
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR COMMUTERS AND THOSE WITH A BUDGET
MATEIN Slim Travel Backpack
This thin, lightweight backpack comes complete with a theft-proof lock and USB charging cord, making it the perfect laptop backpack for commuters.
- Laptop size capacity: up to 15.6 inches
- Features: Water Resistant Fabric, USB Charging Port, Theft-proof Combination Lock,Multiple compartments (including laptop compartment, side pockets for water bottles)
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST POCKETS FOR FRAGILE ITEMS
Case Logic DLBP
The Case Logic DLBP backpack has a ton of compartment options —including a handy scratch-resistant pocket for fragile items — and can fit a 16-inch laptop.
- Laptop size capacity: up to 16 inches
- Features: Smartphone pocket, strap management system, scratch-resistant pocket, quilted padding, PVC-free materials
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS AND REMOTE WORKERS
Targus Vertical Laptop Backpack
A lightweight backpack with a breathable construction, this bag is perfect for professionals who are constantly moving from one place to another.
- Laptop size capacity: 15.6 inches
- Features: Dedicated laptop and tablet pockets, air mesh construction, side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas, high protection
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR ORGANIZATION
High Sierra Riprap Padded Backpack
A padded laptop sleeve, compression straps, headphone port, and more make the High Sierra a worthy option.
- Laptop size capacity: 15 inches
- Features: Padded interior laptop sleeve, headphone access port, deluxe organizer, key fob, compression straps, beverage pocket
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST FOR BIKERS
Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack
This Timbuk2 bag has plenty of room for your laptop *and* biking gear thanks to the included u-lock pocket and reflective light vista loop.
- Laptop size capacity: 15 inches
- Features: Internal and external slips, water bottle and u-lock holder, vista loop, on-strap bottle opener, ventilated back panel
IMAGE: Amazon
BEST HIGH END BACKPACK
Briggs & Riley Kinzie Street Flapover Expandable Backpack
Come for the style, stay for the streamlined design, RFID pocket, and expandable interior.
- Laptop size capacity: 15.6-inches
- Features: Moisture-resistant fabric, RFID privacy pocket, expandable interior, leather accents, flapover design
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