Laptop Backpacks

How do you choose a laptop backpack that suits your needs?

Whether you carry a laptop to work, to college or on business trips, the laptop backpack has become an essential everyday accessory. To choose by audience, also see our women’s backpacks for laptops and work backpacks for men. Comfort, security and practicality are among the criteria that come into play in making the right choice. Here are the points to consider before you buy.

1. Size and compatibility with your laptop

Make sure the main compartment is compatible with the size of your device, whether 13, 14, 15.6 or 17 inches. A padded or reinforced compartment protects effectively against impacts and scratches. Some bags are even designed to take a MacBook, an ultrabook or a gaming laptop.

2. Capacity and storage compartments

Capacity, expressed in liters, generally ranges between 15 and 30 L. A well-organized laptop bag has several compartments and inside or zippered pockets, for your charger, your pens, a water bottle, your documents or even a tablet case. This avoids clutter and makes it more practical every day.

3. Carrying comfort

A good laptop backpack must go unnoticed once it is on your back. Look for a padded, breathable back, adjustable ergonomic straps and possibly a chest strap for optimal support. Some styles have a luggage pass-through to attach them to a suitcase on business trips.

4. Durable materials

For a long life, favor sturdy materials such as ballistic nylon, waterproof polyester or coated canvas. Quality zippers, such as YKK models, hold up well over time. Some bags are also fully waterproof or have a water-repellent treatment.

5. Security for your belongings

Many laptop backpacks include security features, such as hidden anti-theft pockets, anti-RFID protection against credit card skimming and sturdy zippers. A good bag keeps your equipment safe, especially on public transportation. For these features, also compare our anti-theft backpacks.

6. Style and look

The laptop backpack is also a fashion accessory. An understated style in black or gray for business use, an urban or techwear style for a bolder look, or a slim design for minimalist use, the choice depends on your taste and your work environment.

7. Adaptability when traveling

A laptop backpack that meets carry-on standards is a real asset for travelers. Some styles make security checkpoints easier with quick access to the laptop compartment. A TSA-compatible style can be a real plus if you travel regularly.

8. Leather, canvas or nylon: which material for the office?

Nylon and polyester stay light and easy to care for, while canvas and leather give a dressier look at the office. For a laptop backpack in leather or faux leather, browse our leather backpacks, then check the stated material and screen size on the product page.

What our 41 laptop backpacks offer

Laptop compartments are stated from 11 to 17.3 inches, and 15.6 inches is the size stated most often. Our small anti-theft backpack holds up to a 17.3 inch laptop and a 12.9 inch tablet, our men’s slim laptop backpack comes in a 15.6 or 17 inch size, and our professional laptop backpack for business takes a 13, 14 or 15 inch laptop. Several also state a tablet size, such as 9.7 inches on our 15.6 inch faux leather laptop backpack.

If you are looking for a laptop backpack for men, thirty-six of the 41 also appear in our men’s backpacks, and the other five include two motorcycle backpacks, a trekking backpack and a style designed for women. Most describe their fabric as waterproof, such as our waterproof faux leather laptop backpack, and two come with a rain cover, built in or as a color option. Ten describe an anti-theft pocket or design, sixteen have a USB charging port (three of them on one version only), eleven are in faux leather, and our men’s vintage leather backpack is in genuine leather.

If you need a laptop backpack for travel, eight have a strap or band to attach them to a suitcase, six can be expanded, five have a separate shoe compartment, and our rolling laptop backpack has a retractable handle.