Find the perfect balance of style, comfort, and function with our top laptop backpacks designed for every need and situation.
In today’s world, carrying a laptop everywhere you go has become an essential part of modern life. With the rise of remote work and constant digital connectivity, having immediate access to your laptop for a quick meeting, urgent email, or project update is more important than ever. This constant need makes choosing the right laptop backpack crucial for both functionality and convenience.
Fortunately, the market is brimming with options to cater to every style and requirement. Whether you prefer a robust, spacious backpack designed for maximum utility or a sleek, compact bag that complements a more active lifestyle, there’s a perfect fit for you. Our guide will help you navigate through the myriad choices to find the ideal laptop backpack that seamlessly integrates with your busy schedule and personal style.
The North Face Jester
With its 16-inch laptop sleeve and dedicated tech pocket, this is a bag that allows you to organize your school equipment without much fuss. Designed as a hiking day-pack, it also offers quite a bit of utility in that area, with two water bottle side sleeves and a bungee storage system on the outside for hauling wet jackets or shoes. That said, its large capacity may not suit every person's frame.
It strikes a great balance between function and form at a very reasonable price; students would do well to consider it.
Fjällräven Kanken 15
With its throwback design that combines the best of schoolbag aesthetics with a clean minimalist twist, this is a bag that will please a wide variety of people, making it a good gift option.
Its limited 18L capacity isn't suitable for long trips, but its Vinylon F material is surprisingly durable — a friend told me that it's survived rainstorms, drops, and plenty more punishment without issue.
Since this is a basic bag, it lacks many of the bells and whistles you get from more premium bags, such as a fancy water bottle sleeve or expansive internal organization, so keep that in mind before buying. We should also note that the laptop sleeve maximum varies from model to model, so make sure to buy the 17-inch version if you have a big device.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack
Style is ultimately up to the beholder, and we like how this Peak Design Everyday Backpack suits many outfits without drawing too much attention to itself. (It's a functional accessory, after all.) It's also just a really good bag, offering two different sizes and four different (admittedly basic) color options.
I would particularly recommend this Peak Designs bag for photographers, as both models can easily accommodate both camera equipment and a laptop. It's also quite comfortable fully-loaded, though I would say that it's not quite as nice in that department as some of our other picks. I can verify it stands up to rain just fine, however, making it a good option for gearheads and tech enthusiasts.
The sheer number of interior dividers is really what makes this bag great for tech-heads, as it allows easy segmentation of your various hobby equipment. However, some might find them unwieldy--the good news is that most of them are removable. Additionally, these dividers do make the bag significantly heavier than its competition if it's not filled to capacity.
Though the Peak Design Everyday Backpack is significantly more expensive than much of its competition, it is fair to say you get what you pay for here, making it the best laptop backpack for those who want a backpack that looks nice but doesn't stand out in a crowd.
OGIO Gambit 17 Day Pack
For my money, the OGIO Gambit is the perfect function-over-form bag for daily use. I have owned this bag for several years, lugging it to three different continents on countless trips for work, pleasure, and family time. It's endured rainstorms, snowstorms, and more unexpected layovers than I can name, all without showing much wear at all. (You can judge yourself from the above photo.)
The Gambit has two major advantages over similar bags: its high capacity and its sheer number of pockets. When traveling, I find it helpful to use its stash pocket and two tech pockets to stow must-have accessories like my battery pack and sunglasses so I know where they are at all times.
It's also quite comfortable: I've carried it fully loaded day after day on long trips without any complaint. Its chest strap is particularly helpful for weight distribution, so I definitely recommend using it.
However, its large size may not work for your commute or shorter trips--personally, I often stick a smaller day-bag into its recesses to use as our casual go-everywhere storage when we're walking around on a long trip. You really just can't beat its size and performance, and that's why I've used it for years.
Its limited laptop compartment size is also worth noting for those who prefer a larger device. The OGIO Gambit is not as cool or visually appealing as other bags on our list, but it gets the job done, and that's why we're recommending it.
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
Best of all, it's solidly in the middle of the price range for premium backpacks, making it an amazing bang for your buck. Its 20L capacity isn't suitable for long trips, and the limited color options available might not please everyone, but these are relatively minor complaints in the long run. This really is the best laptop backpack for most people.
Targus CitySmart Advanced Backpack
The Targus CitySmart Advanced Backpack combines sleek aesthetics with impressive functionality. It features a padded laptop compartment, multiple organizational pockets, and ergonomic shoulder straps. Its minimalist design makes it suitable for both the office and casual outings.
Osprey Daylite Plus
A versatile daypack ideal for both urban and outdoor use. It highlights the pack's key features, including its smart organizational compartments, comfortable harness system, and durable build. The review emphasizes how the Osprey Daylite Plus is designed to accommodate a variety of needs, from daily commutes to casual hikes, making it a top choice for anyone seeking a functional and stylish daypack.
Bellroy Transit Backpack
Emphasizing its blend of style and practicality. It highlights the backpack's efficient organizational features, including dedicated compartments for tech gadgets, a spacious main area, and a quick-access front pocket. The review also notes its durable materials and comfortable fit, making it ideal for both professional and casual settings. Overall, the Bellroy Transit Backpack is presented as a versatile and stylish choice for those seeking an effective and elegant solution for daily commutes and travel.
Kattee Vintage Leather Backpack
A blend of classic style and practical functionality. It highlights the backpack's durable leather construction, spacious compartments, and comfortable features like adjustable straps and a padded back. The review also notes the backpack's timeless vintage appeal, making it suitable for both professional and casual use. Overall, the Kattee Vintage Leather Backpack is presented as an elegant and functional choice for those who value both style and practicality.
Razer Rogue Backpack
A combination of stylish design and robust functionality for gamers and tech users. It features a rugged construction with dedicated compartments for gaming laptops and accessories, ensuring secure and organized storage. The review also praises its padded shoulder straps and back panel for comfort. The backpack's modern aesthetics, including Razer’s signature branding, make it a sleek choice for both gaming events and everyday use. Overall, the Razer Rogue Backpack is presented as a high-performance and stylish option for carrying gaming gear and essentials.
