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Last updated: 30 Sep 2020

12 Best Laptop Backpacks (Review) In 2021

Jacob Messer
Your guide to this article today is by fashion expert Jacob Messer
Published September 3, 2019

Whether you regularly commute to work, are a frequent business traveler, or a student heading into college, you will likely need to carry your laptop with you. Ensuring that it’s transported safely should be your number one priority, and for that, you need one of our best laptop backpack recommendations. Of course, you might also want to look stylish too and require other essential features that keep your tech safe from the elements. Let’s also not discount the fact that your bag should also be comfortable to carry, ideally with adjustable shoulder straps and a breathable and contoured back panel. Choosing the right backpack is ultimately a personal task but to make life easier, we’ve reviewed the marketplace and pulled together our top recommendations.

The Best Laptop Backpack

1
SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart Laptop Backpack

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swissgear travel gear 1900 scansmart laptop backpack
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Our Best Choice laptop bag today comes from SwissGear, a brand dedicated to producing innovative and stylish backpacks, combining tech-savvy features with user functionality. This extra roomy 1900 Scansmart laptop bag is fabricated from extra durable and weather-resistant 1200 ballistic polyester, designed to withstand repeated use. It’s ideal for frequent flyers, with a TSA approved lay-flat design for convenient scanning.

Modern in its design, it’s packed with organizational features including a separate laptop compartment, floating tablet pocket as well as an accordion style zip folder and large zippered pockets. It doesn’t disappoint with its ergonomics either. The SwissGear 1900 features contoured and padded shoulder straps, side compression straps so that you can customize the fit plus a breathable and cushioned signature Airflow back panel. If you prefer to grab-and-go, there’s also a heavy-duty, rugged molded handle. There’s not much else you could ask for in a 17-inch laptop smart backpack.

Key Features:

Durable, Weather-Resistant 1200 ballistic polyester construction

TSA friendly ScanSmart lay-flat design

Spacious internal and external storage for optimal organization

Comfortable contoured shoulder straps and ventilated airflow back panel

Specification:
  • BrandSwiss Gear
  • Model19002315
  • Weight3.11 pounds

2
Burton Tinder Laptop Backpack

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burton tinder backpack
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If your style is laidback and minimalist and you prefer the convenience of a drawstring closure on your laptop backpack, then you will appreciate the vintage meets modern styling of this Burton Tinder bag. It features an externally accessible padded laptop compartment for easy retrieval of your electronic devices and is spacious and roomy internally with an overall capacity of 25 liters. It’s durably constructed from hard-wearing triple ripstop polyester.

It’s comfortable to carry and had been designed with adjustable webbing so that you can attach a jacket or perhaps a yoga mat if that’s more your vibe. There are adjustable, ergonomic shoulder straps as well as a sternum strap so that you can be sure of comfortable carrying conditions, no matter how heavy your load. There’s also an additional external zippered pocket along with an internal mesh pocket to store valuables. Supplied with a full lifetime warranty, it’s an excellent choice whether you’re heading on the daily commute, into college or enjoying a weekend hike. You may also be interested in some of these stylish and practical leather portfolios for men from our list. Check them out.

Key Features:

Durably constructed with polyester and a PU coated backing

Vintage rucksack styling with minimalist design

25 liter capacity with interior and exterior pockets plus a 15″ padded laptop compartment

Comfortable to carry with ergonomic shoulder harness and adjustable sternum strap

Specification:
  • BrandBurton
  • Model110161
  • Weight1.44 pounds

3
Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210

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lenovo laptop backpack b210
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lenovo laptop backpack b210
lenovo laptop backpack b210
lenovo laptop backpack b210
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We’ve handpicked this simple and stylish adjustable backpack from Lenovo as our Best Value option today. The casual and elegant design make it an everyday winner. Combine that with the fact that it’s made from a durable and water repellent fabric and you have the ideal go-to laptop backpack for men. The streamlined design is absolutely perfect for modern life, whether you’re commuting to work or jetting off on your travels.

With an integrated laptop compartment, Lenovo Laptop Backpack B210 can accommodate most laptops up to 15″ and there’s also a series of other convenient storage pockets for all those must-have accessories. It’s also comfortable to carry, designed with padded shoulder straps and nicely quilted back panel. It gets a big thumbs up from our team, and it comes in a couple of fresh and contemporary color options. For more handy bags like this, check out our guide to the best day packs.

Key Features:

Constructed from high quality, durable and water repellent fabric

Casual and stylish slimline backpack design

Integrated tech pocket suitable for a 15″ laptop

Plenty of conveniently positioned pockets and compartments

Specification:
  • BrandLenovo
  • ModelGX40Q17225
  • Weight13.6 ounces

4
Incase Icon Pack

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incase icon pack
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incase icon pack
incase icon pack
incase icon pack
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If you love your tech, then you will certainly appreciate our next computer backpack which has been purposefully designed to cater to the needs of MacBook owners. With a large internal fully padded and faux fur lined compartment, your 15″ MacBook is fully protected with Incase Icon Pack. Not only that but there’s a separate iPad and iPhone pocket too so you really can travel with all your gear. The dedicated iPad pocket is positioned conveniently in quick arms reach while there’s also a hip-side power pocket with an integrated cable port for powering up devices.

This stylish Incase Icon bag comes in six attractive colors and is made from a heavy-duty and hard wiring 840D ballistic nylon, which can easily withstand the rigors of everyday use. The manufacturer has also paid attention to the ergonomics of this cool laptop bag, fitting it with a compression-molded back panel complete with engineered airflow channels as well as adjustable padded shoulder straps and an integrated sternum strap which helps distribute a more even load. If you are searching for something that can organize and protect your tech while providing on-the-go access to portable power or audio, then this Incase Icon Pack is a seriously smart choice.

Key Features:

Constructed from durable, heavy-duty 840D ballistic nylon

Tech optimized design with dedicated iPad pocket and padded laptop compartment

Power pocket featuring integrated cable port

Compression-molded back support with sternum strap and engineered airflow channels

Specification:
  • BrandIncase
  • ModelCL55532
  • Weight2.8 pounds

5
Bellroy Shift Woven Laptop Backpack

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bellroy shift woven backpack
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bellroy shift woven backpack
bellroy shift woven backpack
bellroy shift woven backpack
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Our Premium Choice laptop backpack for men comes courtesy of stylish Australian brand Bellroy and is a generously proportioned 22-liter capacity bag, ideal for carrying a 15″ laptop. Bellroy Shift Woven Backpack is made from high quality, water-resistant Venture weave polyester combined with leather for a highly attractive and sophisticated finish. It’s ideal for all discerning and style-savvy travelers, commuter and life’s general adventurers!

Featuring side entry zips, you can quickly and conveniently access the main compartment whenever you need to. There’s also a unique adjustable side hook closure which provides flexibility to expand the bag only when you need to, remaining compactly in shape when not packed to capacity. As you’d expect from this prestigious brand, it’s comfortable to carry too, featuring a contoured back panel with lumbar support as well as being designed with a supportive harness and a removable sternum strap.

Key Features:

Water-resistant venture weave polyester and leather construction

Impeccably stylish design with adjustable slide hook closure

22 liter capacity with padded storage for 15″ laptop

Contoured lumbar support back panel with comfortable harness and sternum strap

Specification:
  • BrandBellroy
  • ModelBSHA-BLK-202
  • Weight2.43 pounds

6
Nomatic Anti-Theft Backpack

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nomatic anti-theft backpack
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Not only is this a stylish and secure backpack, but it’s also innovative too featuring a simple expansion process that provides a flexible solution to all your packing requirements. The Nomatic water-resistant backpack gets a big thumbs up from our team, not least because it can expand from a 20l to a 34l capacity bag. We also love the fact that you can unsnap the back panel, tuck in the shoulder straps, snap it back down and use your Nomatic like a briefcase. So much innovation in one bag is pretty cool.

The standout features don’t just stop there, though. It’s also an excellent choice for the security-conscious or anyone who travels regularly. There’s an exterior perimeter sipper that’s lockable plus hidden RFID blocking technology to protect your cards and ID documents. Not only is the Kodra tarpaulin fabric water-resistant and hard-wearing, but it also features a reflective printed ink pattern, ensuring that you and your backpack are visible at night. With plenty of storage pockets as well as a removable and interchangeable storage panel, this laptop bag offers versatile customization.

Key Features:

Versatile expansion style backpack with innovative strap system

Durably constructed from water-resistant 500D tarpaulin fabric

Lockable exterior perimeter zippers for increased security

Removable and interchangeable panels allow you to customize your storage

Specification:
  • BrandNomatic
  • Weight4 pounds

7
Amazon Basics Slim Carry On Backpack

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amazon basics slim carry on backpack
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The ideally sized overnight bag and also the perfect piece of carryon luggage, this stylish yet straightforward backpack from the Amazon Basics range has got all your travel needs covered. This small laptop backpack may well be slimline, but there’s ample room for all your essentials including a laptop or tablet which are protected in a separate fleece-lined sleeve. Amazon Basics Slim Carry On Backpack also has a zippered side-mounted water bottle pocket and internally, plenty of convenient storage to pack away your valuables.

The low profile design cleverly combines multiple carrying options. As well as featuring the usual adjustable backpack style shoulder straps, there’s also a top handle as well as a side grab handle. That allows you to conveniently load and carry your bag rolling-luggage style thanks to vertical and horizontal pass-through panels. The fully vented and padded air mesh back panel also adds to the overall comfort when wearing and using this backpack.

Key Features:

Slimline and modern looking backpack ideal for overnight trips

Designed incorporating a fully fleece-lined tablet pocket

Air mesh back panel provides plenty of breathability and ventilation

Multiple ways to carry with low profile top as well as side grab handles

Specification:
  • BrandAmazonBasics
  • ModelNC1712002R1H
  • Weight3.35 pounds

8
Timbuk 2 The Authority Pack

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timbuk 2 the authority pack
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timbuk 2 the authority pack
timbuk 2 the authority pack
timbuk 2 the authority pack
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If you’re on the hunt for a large capacity yet still lightweight laptop backpack, then you should check out The Authority Pack from Timbuk2. It’s a monster of a bag but in the best possible way. It’s exceptionally spacious internally with 28-liter volume of storage and has a dedicated laptop compartment which is large enough to fit most 17″ laptops. Additional compression straps allow you to secure a yoga mat, sweater or jumper externally to the bag, freeing up more space internally for those valuable travel accessories. There’s also a stretchy neoprene side pocket, ideal for carrying a water bottle or perhaps an umbrella.

The Authority Pack is comfortable to carry with covertly suspended backpack straps, a tuck-away sternum strap and a ventilated air mesh back panel that helps keep you cool under pressure. There’s also a convenient super cush grab handle should you just want to dash out the door without going through the hassle of securing your bag over your shoulder. Talking of which, you need never worry about losing your house keys again either, or waster time fumbling around in search of them. With an integrated key keeper fob, you can always quickly grab your keys whenever you need them.

Key Features:

Large capacity 28-liter backpack

Generously proportioned pockets and internal organization space

Dedicated rear access 17″ laptop compartment

Features tuck-away sternum straps and an air mesh back panel

Specification:
  • BrandTimbuk2
  • Model1815
  • Weight 2 pounds

9
Incase EO Travel Backpack

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incase eo travel backpack
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incase eo travel backpack
incase eo travel backpack
incase eo travel backpack
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For the frequent business travelers among you or just anyone in need of a 17-inch laptop backpack, this smart and stylish, streamlined Incase EO Travel Backpack is an excellent recommendation. Featuring a fully padded laptop sleeve that’s large enough to safely house a 17″ MacBook Pro, this Incase design is sleek yet generously proportioned. The main compartment even expands by 35% should you need to pack more belongings for an overnight trip. If you are passing through airport security, the bag’s butterfly compartment design opens out fully flat for efficient airport security screening.

The EO travel backpack is hard-wearing and durable too, constructed with a front panel made from a triple coated weather-resistant material. The back of the bag is just as thoughtfully designed and is all about providing comfort and stability. It’s nicely padded yet breathable, and with the addition of adjustable shoulder straps as well as a chest strap, you can feel secure even when you’re carrying a full or heavy load.

Key Features:

Hard-wearing and durable triple-coated weather-resistant front panel

Integrated padded laptop sleeve holds a 17″ MacBook Pro

Folds open flat to pass through airport security

Breathable mesh back panel plus comfortable padded shoulder straps

Specification:
  • BrandIncase Designs
  • ModelCL90004
  • Weight2.08 ounces

10
Thule Subterra Backpack

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thule subterra backpack
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Our next best laptop backpack recommendation comes to you from Thule and is their Subterra model. It’s a 25-liter capacity commuter inspired backpack in a modern duffel style with plenty of easily accessible storage. There are interior mesh pockets, an expandable front pocket as well as a hidden vertical pocket so you can really make full use of all the space this flexible laptop bag provides.

If you’re specifically looking for a new computer backpack, then this is an excellent choice and has a separate compartment with corner protected edges, ideal for keeping your laptop safe from damage. It can also be conveniently accessed via a side zipper for quick and easy access. This backpack has also been intuitively designed to feature a molded safe zone which is perfect for protecting smaller and more delicate items such as sunglasses or mobile phone.

Key Features:

Stylish and practical duffle style backpack

Quick access laptop compartment with side zipper

Molded safe zone ideal for protecting delicate valuables 

Expandable front pocket plus lots of flexible internal storage

Specification:
  • BrandThule
  • Model3203037
  • Weight 2.18 pounds

11
Thule Pack n Pedal Commuter Backpack

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thule pack n pedal commuter backpack
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thule pack n pedal commuter backpack
thule pack n pedal commuter backpack
thule pack n pedal commuter backpack
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Another excellent backpack solution from Thule, the Pack-n-Pedal is just ideal for busy commuters, particularly those who prefer to travel to work on two wheels. The main compartment is fully waterproof and features a roll-top closure which ensures the contents of your bag remain dry. It’s also supplied with a hideaway high visibility ran cover for even more protection against the elements and to ensure you remain highly visible even when you are cycling at night. Featuring a 360-degree reflective screen print, you can be seen from all angles.

Inside this commuter style backpack, you’ll find a removable padded 15″ laptop compartment while externally there’s a helmet attachment system to securely hold your bike helmet in place when it’s not being used. This Pack-n-Pedal is designed featuring airflow channels both to the back and shoulder straps so that you remain comfortable on your commute. If you love cycling and still want to look stylish on your ride into the office, then this is an excellent choice. For more amazing products for bike fans, check out our guide to the best cycling backpacks.

Key Features:

Stylish and waterproof all-weather backpack

360-degree reflective elements increase visibility at night

Breathable back panel and shoulder straps for maximum ventilation

Ideal bag for commuters and cyclists

Specification:
  • BrandThule
  • Model100070
  • Weight2.56 pounds

12
The North Face Recon Backpack

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the north face recon backpack
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You are spoilt for choice with this Recon computer backpack from The North Face which comes in a wide variety of different color options. Made from a highly durable and hard-wearing synthetic fabric, this iconic backpack from their range has a generous 30-liter capacity. The design has been recently updated to feature stretch front stash pocket, providing even more flexible organization of your everyday carry. The main compartment itself features a padded and fleeced lined laptop sleeve which can safely store a 15″ laptop and other larger items.

As you’d expect from The North Face, this bag doesn’t just look the part. It’s also comfortable to carry too. Featuring their FlexVent suspension system, it’s been engineered with a breathable lumbar panel as well as a padded mesh back panel to provide plenty of ventilation. This North Face backpack is also based on a flexible yoke which benefits from a custom injection-molded shoulder straps. They’ve pretty much thought of everything, so all you need to decide is which of the extensive choice of colors you prefer to be seen out and about carrying. 

Key Features:

Large capacity 30-liter backpack with stretch front stash pocket

Padded, fleeced laptop compartment

FlexVent suspension system and breathable lumbar support

Padded mesh back panel and custom injection-molded shoulder straps

Specification:
  • BrandThe North Face
  • ModelA3KV1
  • Weight14.9 ounces

Laptop Backpack Buying Guide

How We Chose Our Selection Of Laptop Backpacks

Trying to narrow down our selection of the best laptop backpacks was never going to be easy, but as always, we're up for the challenge and make it our mission to bring you only the very best tried and tested recommendations in any category we're reviewing. That's why we rely on a couple of essential factors to assist you with making that ultimate purchasing decision.

Reviews - it's not always possible for the team to physically road test every single item, so we heavily rely on consumer reviews to help us understand how each of the backpacks will perform in the real world.

Price - you get what you pay for, and when it comes to carrying around your laptop and other valuable tech, you shouldn't be looking to comprise on quality. That said, we appreciate that everyone has different budgets, so our list of laptop backpacks has a wide range of price points ideally to suit everyone.

the best laptop backpack to buy

Features To Look For In Laptop Backpacks

There are plenty of features you should consider before investing in your next laptop backpack. We've quickly outlined what we believe to be the key ones below.

Laptop Size - Size matters. You need your backpack to be large enough to comfortably accommodate all your everyday essentials, including of course your laptop, yet ideally small enough so that it can fit in an overhead bin if you are a regular traveler or commuter. You also don't want anything so large and heavy when it's fully packed that it's uncomfortable to carry.

The other consideration when it comes to size is how large your actual laptop is too. Standard sized laptop compartments range from 15" to 17" so make sure you select one that's appropriate.

Protection - Be sure to go for a solution which features a padded laptop compartment to keep your tech protected against any potential damage while in transit. Also consider going for a waterproof fabric or at the very least one that offers a good level of water resistance, especially if you do intend commuting in all weather conditions. We also recommend that you select durable and hard-wearing fabrics that are resistant to abrasion and which won't rip to tear easily.

Weight - Your backpack itself should be as lightweight as possible so that you're not weighed down once it's been filled with all your tech gear and other paraphernalia. Portability and comfort are both essential in the best laptop backpacks.

Storage - The best computer backpacks should feature plenty of versatile storage internally and externally and combine multiple pockets and spaces so that you can organize all your gear efficiently.

man wearing a laptop backpack

Comfort - Comfort really is key, so make sure that you go for a backpack that has adjustable and padded shoulder straps that fit securely. An additional sternum strap is also recommendable if you regularly intend carrying heavy loads as this will help create a more secure and stable base with better weight distribution. You might also want to consider selecting a backpack that also features a grab and go style handle just in case you want the flexibility to be able to carry your bag this way.

Breathability - Look out for ventilated and breathable mesh style back panels that will help you remain cool and prevent a sweaty back if you're carrying your backpack in the summer heat or for long commutes.

Jacob Messer
Jacob Messer
Our resident fashion and grooming expert, Jacob Jacob has made waves in the menswear scene with the emergence of Bound, an online store which he started in June 2018. Knowing the fashion industry from the bottom up, he is well versed in garment designing and produces some of the highest quality gear that bridges streetwear and contemporary menswear.
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