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The 11 Best Laptop Bags of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Whether you're a business traveler or a student, these backpacks, duffel bags, and carry-ons will protect your laptop while on the go.

In This Article

• Our Top Picks

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

A laptop is often the priciest tech investment travelers will pack for their journeys. And, with the rise of digital nomadism and working vacations , more and more travelers face the same dilemma: how to protect their laptops while on the road. This is where a durable, padded laptop bag comes in handy.

Traveling with a laptop requires a well-made, durable, and padded bag to keep it safe and secure. After testing hundreds of messenger bags , weekenders, backpacks, duffel bags , and carry-ons , we selected the best laptop bags for commuting and traveling. But we didn't stop there. After our initial tests, we continued to use the bags for at least six months to ensure durability and consistently high performance under different circumstances and settings.

Our list features laptop bags for every type of traveler and trip — from your daily commute to the office or school to overnight business trips or long-haul flights.

Best Overall

Stubble & co. the everyday backpack.

This has plenty of pockets, including a laptop sleeve, to keep all of your things organized.

The back padding isn't waterproof and takes a while to dry if it gets wet.

There's a lot about this backpack from Stubble & Co. that sets it above the rest. First and foremost, it's a great everyday backpack for commuters thanks to the dedicated laptop sleeve. The slim design has a professional look, but we still found plenty of space during testing to stash headphones, a charger, a jacket, a water bottle, a notebook, and a mini toiletry case.

It's incredibly easy to keep organized — as our testing editor Jackie Cucco put it, "this backpack is going to pocket city." The main compartment has six pockets of different sizes, and around the rest of the bag you'll find two mini pockets and another large front pocket. There are also two water bottle pockets on the outside. If the sleek style and abundance of pockets weren't enough, the backpack is also waterproof to protect your things from rainfall on your way to work (we even held it under multiple showerheads in our T+L lab with tissue paper inside to see if anything leaked through, and it stayed perfect dry).

The Details: 18.1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches | 2.2 pounds | Recycled PET, 3D poly air mesh | Waterproof | Fits up to 16-inch laptop

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jessica Juliao

Best Weekender

Away everywhere bag.

This weekender bag is extra spacious thanks to its clamshell-style opening.

The shoulder straps are not padded and may dig into your shoulder if the bag is packed full.

This may be a weekender, but we found it was able to fit more than just a couple days worth of clothing and accessories during our tests. It’s also designed like a suitcase with a clamshell-style opening, so packing and accessing your belongings is super convenient. Keep your laptop and an additional tech device in the padded pocket with a magnetic opening, and stow your phone wallet or passport holder in the small outer pocket secured with a strap. There are also plenty more pockets and compartments inside, so your belongings will not end up in a messy pile. While this Away weekender does come with a shoulder strap, it’s not padded, and carrying the bag by the handles can get a little uncomfortable after a while. But this is why the trolley strap is handy — just slip the backpack right over your carry-on’s telescoping handle instead.

The Details: 20.9 x 11.8 x 9.4 inches | 3.8 pounds | Nylon, leather | Fits up to 15-inch laptop

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Carry-on

July carry on pro snapsleeve.

You can detach the laptop sleeve from the suitcase if you want to store the larger bag in an overhead bin (or if you are forced to check it at the gate).

This carry-on is larger than other options on this list.

Most carry-on suitcases do not have a dedicated laptop sleeve, and we love that this one has a removable one that directly attaches to the suitcase via magnets and clips. Once you do a couple of practice runs on how to correctly do that (there is an audible click when it's in place), it's smooth sailing from then on. The mechanism seemed to work really well in holding the sleeve in place. We only saw it fly off the shell after we threw the carry-on several times off a counter in our testing lab.

We were impressed with the suitcase’s internal compression panels because the carry-on itself is pretty sleek and compact (it would easily fit in the overhead bin), but that didn't result in any less storage space. Since the laptop sleeve is located on the front of the bag, it doesn’t intervene with any of your interior packing space. It also features a sleeve within the laptop case, so you are left with extra space for other items like magazines or documents.

The Details: 21.5 x 15 x 8.5 inches | 9.5 pounds | Polycarbonate | Fits up to 16-inch laptop

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Best Personal Item

Mz wallace nik.

The organizational features and multiple storage compartments are a highlight so you can make the most out of this personal item.

The shoulder strap has no padding.

This stylish bag's storage system blew us away: from the laptop pocket with a snap closure to the many smaller compartments and pockets, this bag really helps you stay organized while maximizing the available packing space. You can easily fit a two- or four-day worth of essentials in it and still be able to carry it around with ease. The reason? The quilted material is lightweight and provides cushioning for the items inside, ensuring their protection and your comfort on the go. You can also fit it underneath an airplane set, making this your personal item bag to supplement a carry-on or checked suitcase.

The extra long handles allow you to carry it on your shoulder, but there's also a removable shoulder strap and a back strap that helps you attach it to a suitcase. This bag is a multitasker that deserves a spot in your luggage collection, but most importantly, it is so well-made and durable that it's definitely worth the investment. 

The Details: 17 x 7 x 12 inches | 2.1 pounds | REC Oxford | Fits up to 16-inch laptop

Best Duffel

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

The duffel bag has several accessories that help organize your belongings.

The fabric may show stains and spills easily.

We found this to be the ultimate travel duffel that also happens to be the perfect bag to store your laptop as it has a roomy media compartment that closes with a Velcro strap so it stays flat when not in use. This style comes in five sizes, but only the medium, large, and extra large can fit a laptop. The top zipper opens wide so packing is a breeze, and inside are multiple pockets for smaller items. The great thing about this duffel is it has an additional shoe zip bag, a mesh pouch for cables and earbuds, and a detachable key leash to help you stay organized.

You can also attach the duffel to wheeled luggage thanks to a trolley sleeve on its backside. The neoprene material is durable and held up very well during our wear and tear tests. However, neoprene is known to show creases with time. 

The Details: 14.5 x 7.5 x 9 inches | 2.08 pounds | Neoprene | Fits a 13-inch laptop in a medium

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Nick Kova

Best Waterproof

Rains texel tech bag.

It's exceptionally lightweight and waterproof, which makes it the perfect commute bag.

The straps don't have padding, and the zippers don't always run smoothly.

If you're looking for a sturdy commute bag to go to work or school, this one will not disappoint. Though the waterproof zippers were a bit bulky and needed a tug from time to time to run smoothly, that’s a small price to pay to ensure that all of your belongings stay dry if you get caught in the rain. And, trust us, they will. "I use this bag anytime I'm carrying my laptop on a rainy day, whether that be commuting to the office or just relocating during my work day, because I know that I won't have to worry about my electronics getting wet," says testing editor Jackie Cucco . "The water just beads right off without soaking the fabric at all."

This bag was clearly designed to help travelers stay organized. Its large outer pockets and compartments have waterproof zippers for protection and ease of use, in addition to multiple interior pockets and a spacious capacity. There isn't any padding on the adjustable shoulder strap, so it does get a little uncomfortable if you’re carrying a full bag long distances, but the strap is adjustable, and there are shorter carrying handles with a wrap if you choose to carry it by hand.

The Details: 11.8 x 15 x 3.5 inches | 2.09 pounds | Polyester with polyurethane coating | Waterproof | Fits up to 15-inch laptop | Waterproof

• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Leticia Almeida
• PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Lands' end all purpose messenger bag.

It's a compact bag that is comfortable to carry while being the most affordable option on this list.

The material is thin and there's no padding.

This messenger may come with a low price tag, but that doesn't mean you'll be compromising on quality, storage potential, or features. Quite on the contrary. The polyester material and the easily adjustable padded shoulder strap make it super lightweight and easy to carry, even when full. The waterproof coating held up really well during our tests, however, two of the exterior pockets have snap closures and don't close all the way, so we would avoid carrying anything of value there (or anything you wouldn't want to get soaked in a downpour). 

We also noticed that the canvas material, though thin, performed exceptionally well during drop and spray tests (the laptop compartment is padded), and the messenger still looks like new months after we first tested it — and the same is true for the hardware. Lastly, while the bag is only available in blue, it is certainly worth considering if you're in need of a well-made, budget-friendly commute bag.

The Details: 14.75 x 11 x 5.5 inches | Polyester | Waterproof | Fits up to 14-inch laptop

Best Convertible

Calpak terra 26l laptop duffel backpack.

You can convert this bag between a duffel and a backpack to carry it in different ways.

It's pretty heavy for a backpack.

If you want a bag that really does it all, this durable backpack from Calpak is a solid pick. It's filled with plenty of pockets that will keep your gear in place, whether you're going to work or going on a trip. In addition to a padded laptop sleeve, you'll find sleeve pockets, a hidden passport pocket, a laptop pocket, and a water bottle pocket, among a few more organizational features inside and out.

You can wear it as a backpack or you can use the removable shoulder strap to convert it into a duffel bag when needed, though we found it more comfortable to wear as a backpack during testing. As a bonus, the outer material is rugged and water resistant, so you don't have to worry about electronics getting damaged on a rainy day. We threw it off a table several times, and it suffered no damage. We should note that while the size offers plenty of room for packing, it weighs almost 3 pounds when it's empty, making it fairly heavy.

The Details: 18 x 12 x 7.5 inches | 2.9 pounds | Recycled ripstop polyester | Fits up to 17-inch laptop

Bandolier Tote Bag

This tote is elegant, lightweight, and perfect for everyday use.

The bag has an open top rather than a zipper.

While this chic leather tote is the ideal laptop bag for travel, it is also a great commuter bag. Its pebbled leather holds up excellently to daily use, and its timeless silhouette makes it perfect for the office, subway, or restaurant. The size is also convenient for frequent use, as it can hold a water bottle or cup, notepads, cosmetics, sunglasses, and a jacket. The laptop sleeve accommodates devices up to 15 inches long and closes with a snap. We would love a secure top closure, especially if using this bag as a personal item, since the bag features an open top. However, if easy and quick access to your belongings is a priority day to day, then this is definitely the right tote for you. The handles are long enough to carry it as either a shoulder bag or a handbag for an added touch of versatility.

The Details: 18 x 12 x 6 inches | Leather | Fits up to 15-inch laptop

Best Organization

Quince revive nylon large tote.

It's an excellent all-season option to keep you organized on the road.

While it has a magnetic top closure, it doesn’t zip closed.

Thanks to a combination of smart storage organization and a spacious interior, we found this carry-all was a total dream when it comes to packing. With so many pockets, dividers, and compartments, it's easy to see and access keys, lip balm, shoes, travel documents, and your laptop, for which there’s a padded pocket with a Velcro closure. This Quince bag is also quite versatile — travelers can easily use it as an everyday bag, a weekender, or even a diaper bag (the nylon fabric is super easy to clean). The latest, updated version of the tote has a magnetic closure, providing a little extra security for your belongings.

The Details: 13 x 17 x 5 inches | 1.76 pounds | Nylon | Fits up to 15-inch laptop

Best Briefcase

Briggs & riley medium expandable briefcase.

It has a sturdy, durable construction and expandable design that would be useful for business trips.

The depth is larger than standard bags.

This briefcase will be a hit with business travelers and those looking for superior organization. While the bag itself is compact in height and width, the expandable zippers allow you to fit more if needed without making it uncomfortable to carry. We packed everything on our list except a jacket, which fit a little awkwardly. However, this bag has so many pockets (at times more than we knew what to do with) that during our drop test, all of the items were kept from being displaced or damaged because there was a slot for everything. The 15.6-inch padded laptop compartment also did its job exceptionally well.

The classic black design (there is some pop of color on the inside) also features a trolley pass-through sleeve to carry on top of a suitcase and a duo of sleek handles with leather accents. Last but not least, the sturdy fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles, so you can also feel good that your purchase is keeping trash out of landfills.

The Details: 15.75 x 11 x 6 inches | 2.55 pounds | Recycled poly/nylon ballistic | Fits up to 15.6-inch laptop

For this article, our T+L team sorted through testing results from multiple lab and real-world tests for messenger bags, weekenders, duffels, backpacks, carry-on suitcases, and more — specifically looking for bags with designated laptop pockets or pouches. Each bag was tested in our New York City lab (with the exception of the best tote option, which is personally owned and recommended by one of our team members).

During testing, we examined each bag for the quality of its construction, hardware, and features, packing the bag with a predetermined list of items to analyze its storage capacity and organizational features. We also tested water-resistant or waterproof bags by spraying them with water to ensure the contents would remain dry and the fabric would not absorb any water.

Travel + Leisure/Jhett Thompson

We carried or rolled the fully packed bags through obstacle courses and around our office to assess the maneuverability and comfort. To test for durability, we threw the bags off of counters with a dummy laptop inside to see if it was protected through falls. For suitcases, we also hit them with a baseball bat to check the strength of the outer shell. We continued using the products for at least six months after our initial tests to make sure they stand up to real travels over longer periods of time, and we will continue to update this article as we test even more bags we love.

Tips for Buying a Laptop Bag

Determine your ideal size.

Since laptops come in multiple sizes, so do laptop bags. The most common sizes accommodate devices that measure up to 14, 16, or 18 inches. If you own a 14-inch laptop, don't be tempted to buy a much larger bag (usually, anything more than half an inch is considered too big) because it won't protect your device against bumps and drops that well if the pocket doesn't hold it snugly. And if you prefer a larger bag to also accommodate things like clothes and gear, consider buying an additional laptop case for extra protection.

Look for built-in organization

Most travelers who carry a laptop also need room to store additional tech accessories such as chargers, cables, headphones, and memory cards. Some laptop users may even travel with an extra keyboard and mouse. That's why your laptop bag should have a well-designed interior with multiple pockets, slots, and compartments. This will keep your belongings organized and easily accessible whenever you need them. If you plan on packing clothes and toiletries in the same bag, then look for styles with at least two roomy compartments, ideally zippered, so your laptop and tech gadgets are protected from accidental spills. You can also buy a tech pouch separately if you need that extra level of organization to keep all of your chargers and accessories together.

Consider the best material for your needs

Laptop bags are made from a variety of materials ranging from leather to synthetic fabrics to PVC, and each has its pros and cons. Natural materials like canvas are lightweight, but they easily absorb moisture. However, some companies treat the exterior canvas with a waterproof coating that adds a water-resistant, easy-to-clean layer.

Synthetic fabrics such as nylon and polyester are a preferred material for backpacks. They are lightweight and flexible so you can easily place them under the seat, and they protect from the elements. On the flip side, nylon and polyester are very thin, so look for bags with additional padding in the laptop compartment.  Leather messengers , backpacks, and totes all look beautiful and provide good protection. While leather has a degree of natural water-resistance, it can still get soaked through, and the material tends to be heavier.

Finally, hardside bags and carry-ons are an excellent option for those who like to travel light — after all, traveling with a carry-on suitcase with a laptop compartment means you don’t need to carry a separate laptop bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Generally, laptops are measured by the distance between the diagonal edges of their screens. However, this size does not account for any additional material that encases the screen. So when choosing a bag, close your laptop and measure it diagonally from edge to edge — you will probably end up with a number that’s higher by a quarter-to-full inch than its screen size. Considering this number, choose a laptop bag that can accommodate it. 

If your laptop is thicker than the average computer, check the width of the bag's laptop compartment to ensure it can fit comfortably inside.

Most airlines' carry-on allowance includes a personal item that you can store under the seat in front of you. So, many travelers pack a laptop into that bag — it’s easily accessible and always with you. However, if you know you won't need your laptop and your hardside carry-on provides good protection for fragile items, you can also store it in there and place it in the overhead bin during a flight.

We would never recommend you store your laptop in checked luggage because it might get damaged, lost, or even stolen during your trip. Baggage handlers aren’t exactly known for being delicate, and with more than 50 percent of travelers admitting to having luggage lost by an airline, you’ll want to avoid storing expensive items in your checked luggage. Additionally, if you're headed on a multi-leg trip, it's a good idea to have your laptop with you in case you need to use it.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Contributor Dobrina Zhekova is a lifestyle journalist with over a decade of editorial experience in print and digital media in the U.S. and Europe. For this story, she worked with T+L's editors to curate a list of the best laptop bags with insights from T+L’s real-world and lab tests, along with additional product research as necessary.

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Home » Gear » best travel laptop bags

17 Best Travel Laptop Bags – Honest Reviews & Advice for 2024

Are you in search of a good all-around laptop bag for traveling around with?

In today’s world, travel and tech go hand in hand. You might be traveling for work or pleasure, commute or an international journey, but no matter where you’re going, chances are you’ll take your laptop or tablet with you.

If you’re reading this review, you’re probably looking for the best travel laptop bag to protect your precious computer and tech.

We agree that you should travel with a laptop and take care of it ! After all, working off a laptop gives loads of freedom to live and travel however you’d like. Plus, laptops make staying in contact with home a bit easier.

While looking through all of these laptop bags, you need to ask yourself: “which bag will work best for me and my needs?”

That’s where we come in with our detailed review of 15 of the best laptop bags for travel!

Quick Answer: What are the Best Laptop Bags for Travelers?

How to choose the best travel laptop bags, the best laptop bags for travelers, faq about the best travel laptop bags, final thoughts on the best laptop bags for travelers.

• Buy Us a Coffee!
• Best Overall Travel Laptop Bag – Nomatic Messenger Bag
• Best Overall Travel Laptop Bag Runner-up – Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack
• Best Carry-on Laptop Bag – Fjallraven Kanken #02 Laptop bag
• Best Messenger-style Laptop Bag – Kodiak Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag
• Best ‘Briefcase’ Laptop Bag for Business Travel – Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase
• Best Messenger Laptop Bag for Women – Sherpani Cabo Convertible Pack – Women’s
• Best for Small Laptops – Gulu Handmade Influencer Backpack
• Best for Traveling with a Laptop and Tablet – Inateck Travel Carry-on 40L Laptop Backpack
• Best Waterproof Laptop Bag – Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 20L Pack
• Best Hipster Laptop Bag – Stubble & Co The Roll Top

Nomatic Messenger Bag

• Price > $259.99
• > Great ergonomics

Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack

• Price > $250
• > Lockable zippers
• > Tablet compartment

Fjallraven Kanken No. 2 Laptop Pack

• Price > $155
• > Lockable main compartment
• > Padded shoulder straps

Kodiak Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag.

• Price > $269
• > Weatherproof
• > Thoughtful pockets

MYSTERY RANCH 3-Way Expandable Briefcase

• Price > $199
• > TSA-friendly
• > Removable cross-body strap

Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase

• > Carries 15″ laptop
• > 2 exterior pockets

Sherpani Cabo Convertible Pack

• Price > $74.95
• > Flashlight-pen included!
• > Multi-use

Gulu Handmade Influencer Backpack

• Price > $129
• > Simple designs
• > Good quality materials

Stubble & Co Roll Top

• Price > $170
• > Great laptop compartments
• > Cool and stylish

Inateck Travel Carry-on 40L Laptop Backpack

• Price > $42.54
• > Two laptop compartments
• > Lockable zips

Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 20L Pack

• > Rugged and durable
• > Completely waterproof

Pacsafe MetroSafe LS350 ECONYL Daypack

• > RFIDsafe blocking material
• > Cut-resistant material

MYSTERY RANCH Urban Assault Pack

• > YKK Zippers
• > Comfortable Straps

K&F Concept DSLR Camera and Laptop Bag

• Price > $59.49
• > Tough nylon material
• > Internal dividers can be personalised

Estarer 17.3” Laptop Messenger Bag

• Price > $29.99
• > Made from water repellent canvas
• > RFID protection pocket

REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 Recycled Daypack

• > Plenty of additional pockets
• > Breathable

The Roll Top Stubble & Co

• > Roll top makes it expandable
• > Durable and weather resistant material

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When you think about it, there are many factors to consider when buying a laptop bag for traveling – which is why articles like this are so great of course!

You need to travel with a laptop, but is this mainly for commuting within your city, or traveling more broadly, nationally or internationally? And is this travel for work, school, or just plain travel? Do you need your laptop bag to be rugged or is it just for urban use?

Each will have an impact on the laptop bag you want to buy.

What Size Bag Do You Need?

There are some other obvious factors to take into account. You’ll need a bag that fits your particular travel laptop – and if you need to travel with more than one electronic device, you’ll need to make sure any bag you choose can comfortably fit another device.

The best travel laptop bags will include dedicated sleeves, pockets, and dedicated laptop compartments that fit your lifestyle! Also, remember there’s some great travel purses out there that you can combine with a laptop bag to keep your passport and wallet safe and organised.

Once you figure out what size and shape you want, you need to know how much extra stuff you want to carry. Is this bag for a short commute to school or work If so, you may only need a bag under 20 liters.

Are you traveling for longer periods? If so, you’re going to need space for clothes, adapters, and other miscellaneous kits. In this case, laptop backpacks might be better than a messenger bag. We have a best laptop backpacks post elsewhere on the site.

Type of Laptop Bag

There are a few different types of laptop bags in this article. We have reviewed classic messenger bags, urban backpacks, classic-style bags, and fully waterproof backpacks.

Some even switch from a messenger to a backpack for their laptops ! Depending on your style and needs, you will need to decide what type of bag you want.

Organization

Consider how you like to pack and travel. Are you a simple soul who can survive on the minimum? If so, you’ll be happy with a minimalist bag with fewer compartments, a laptop sleeve, and not much else.

Someone who prefers to travel with more kit, or likes to be more organized, will undoubtedly want a laptop travel bag with several compartments, pockets, and organization features.

The question of cost is also an important one for many, and will also have an impact on how long you’re expecting this bag to last – just a couple of weeks to cover you during an unexpected trip, or do you want a bag durable enough to last you for years.

Below is our full list of the 15 top laptop bags for travel on the market! We have reviewed bags for all styles, uses, and budgets. Whether you need a bag to travel for business, pleasure, or simply to-and-from work, we’ve got you covered below!

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#1. Nomatic Messenger Bag – Best Overall Travel Laptop Bag

Nomatic has provided us with a simple travel laptop bag. This slim over-the-shoulder is perfect for toting your laptop and necessary accessories around in an urban environment, and we love traveling with it!

This sleek laptop travel bag holds everything you need in a slim 3.5 inches. The padded straps even unbuckles so your bag can disguise itself as a professional travel briefcase. Traveling is easy with the Nomatic Laptop Bag, as it can slip right over your suitcase with its trolley sleeve.

Also, you won’t be the one holding up the line at TSA, as the bag allows quick access to those items that need extra screening.

To learn more about this awesome shoulder bag, be sure to read our full review of the Nomatic Messenger Bag!

UPDATE for 2021:  Nomatic no longer sells or does business in the European Union, which is an unfortunate development. Those living in the EU should consider the next bag instead…

• Sleek & urban
• Retractable key leash
• Detachable shoulder strap
• No additional tablet sleeve or pocket
• No cross-strap for extra comfort

Is the Nomatic Laptop Bag for me?

If you want a functional laptop bag that organizes and totes your stuff with the highest degree of style, this is your bag! However, if you need a little more storage space or are looking for a backpack, check out our other recommendations.

#2. Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack – Best Overall Travel Laptop Bag Runner-up

Regardless if you’re a commuter flying about town on an electric bike or digital nomad, you’ll need a bit more storage space in your laptop bag for all those important cords, external keyboards, and laptop mounts you’re surely carrying around (just kidding, us digital nomads are often lovers of minimalism).

The Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack provides space for all your work necessities and a few comforts as well, so it’s a great bag for weekend trips. Beyond space, the Setout’s distinct advantage is a beautifully organized interior.

This is laptop backpack has pockets for days, so you’ll never have to dig through the bag looking for that important piece that you just know you packed.

• 25L Capacity
• Comfortable to carry
• Tablet compartment
• Lockable zippers
• Only for urban use
• Not an all-in-one travel bag

Is the Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack for me?

We’ve answered this question in-depth in our Tortuga Setout Laptop Backpack Review, but here’s the gist. If you want a bag to organize all your tech and a little more, this bag is perfect. If you’re looking for absolute maximum capacity to carry everything at once, we recommend the traditional Tortuga Setout.

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#3. Fjallraven Kanken No. 2 Laptop Pack – Best Carry-On Travel Laptop Bag

The combination of trendy styling, size, and resistance to dirt and water makes the Fjallraven Kanken a fine carry-on for traveling with a laptop.

Although one of the simpler laptop bags we’re covering, the double zip closure of the main compartment and its padded laptop sleeve, is lockable for peace of mind. This bag also includes several smaller pockets for keeping items organised, and useful black leather handles too.

Padded shoulder straps make this comfortable to carry while in the various queues you might well encounter at an airport.

• Beautifully styled
• Lockable main compartment
• Smaller pockets for organisation
• Padded shoulder straps
• Not fully waterproof
• 18-liter capacity

Is the Fjallraven Kanken 15” Laptop Bag for me?

If you’d rather go for a briefcase-style bag rather than a backpack, the Timbuk2 Flight Classic Messenger Bag is a great option! This bag will last you for years, through sun and rain, and for commute and business trips!

This bag also comes in multiple colors including black, army, and a neon teal.

#4. Kodiak Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag – Best Messenger-Style Laptop Bag

Enter the Kodiak Buffalo Leather Messenger Bag. A large sling bag for daily use, which not only looks totally classy AF, but also fits with a variety of work and travel situations. This bag has tons of internal pockets for your pens, small items, and even a padded, firm place to store files. It fits a 15″ laptop.

There is a removable cross-body strap for carrying. The shoulder strap includes a super comfortable air-mesh strap pad. The flap corners fold into place for weatherproofing and the waterproof thermoplastic liner keeps water out.

• Weatherproof material
• Thoughtfully distributed internal pockets
• Removable cross-body strap
• No backpack straps
• Leather is not the most weather resistant material

Is The Kodiak Messenger Bag for me?

This super snazzy, classy messenger satchel is a beauty. This bag will last you for years, through sun and rain, and for commute and business trips!

#5. MYSTERY RANCH 3-Way Expandable Briefcase – Best Briefcase-Style Bag for Business Travelers

This briefcase laptop bag is both rugged and practical! We think this is one of the best laptop bags for business travel!

It has a zippered main compartment, a laptop compartment and multiple accessory pockets. The bag can hold a 15″ laptop and an expandable zipper provides 5 extra liters of storage if you need it.

It also includes fully cushioned backpack straps when not in use. Like a briefcase, it provides adequate space for a laptop or iPad, binder, and any smaller things you may need to carry.

• TSA-friendly
• Only 18 liters
• Not much padding on the shoulder strap
• No bottle carrier

Is the MYSTERY RANCH 3-Way Expandable Briefcase for me?

This is a go-to bag for everyday and weekend use. Like a briefcase, it’s very convenient for a 15″ laptop and everyday necessities. Expanded, it can be used for a three-day business trip and will deploy the backpack straps for help with added weight.

#6. Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase – Most Stylish Briefcase-Style Laptop Bag

Looking for a stylish and modern briefcase to carry your laptop? If so, look no further than the Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase! Topo makes top quality and versatile bags. This bag is designed to carry a standard 15 in. laptop plus essentials, so it’s also a great laptop bag for business travelers.

Its double-layer bottom provides water resistance and durability.

• Carries 13″ laptop
• Exterior zipped pocket
• No water bottle pocket
• Not big enough to be a full day bag (more like a purse)

Is the Topo Designs Commuter Briefcase for me?

This is a high-quality, rugged briefcase bag that is stylish too! The internal space comfortably holds a 13″ laptop, book, and pad. The external pockets are useful. If you need a bag for your laptop and essentials, this bag is a great choice. If you want a laptop bag for commute, the gym, and travel, then it’s probably not big enough! Overall, Topo quality is hard to beat.

#7. Sherpani Cabo Convertible Pack – Women’s  – Best Messenger Laptop Bag for Women

This is stylish messenger is one of the best travel laptop bags for women (though men can use it too!). We love that it’s an all-in-one convertible backpack and cross body bag. It includes an anti-theft locking slider, anti-slashing fabric, and RFID-protected panel for added security and peace of mind.

There is a deep main zipper compartment with zipper locks. The padded internal laptop sleeve fits most 11 inch computers, and there’s an extra interior pocket for a phone and other bits.

It also has a front pocket as well as a back packet which doubles as storage for the straps when not in use. Bonus points for the included flashlight-pen!

• Super secure
• Flashlight-pen included!
• Only fits up to a 11-inch laptop
•  Tight squeeze for everything

Is the Sherpani Capo Convertible Pack Tote for me?

This is a go-to, multifunctional bag and backpack! There are a few things that can improve, but we like that it is a secure and stylish bag with a padded internal laptop sleeve and a nice array of exterior pockets. The biggest drawback, however, is that it only fits most 11 inch laptops. Get a bigger bag if you have a bigger laptop.

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#8. Gulu Handmade Influencer Backpack – Best for Small Laptops

Gulu Made isn’t just a brand, it’s a credos. Every one of this brand’s backpacks comes from a factory in Uganda, handmade by local women who survived the brutal civil war That’s impressive enough, but this brand doesn’t just do good deeds, the products are absolute class and this piece is about all comfort !

This no-frills backpack doesn’t reinvent the industry by any stretch. It just recrafts it with a handmade approach. That results in a form-fitting back cushion that helps work with your body to carry the load. At the top of the panel is chimney-style ventilation that keeps things breathable while you go about taking care of business. It has water bottle pockets (and while we are discussing H20 a good level of water resistance and is an all round excellent everyday backpack.

• Simple designs
• Ethically made
• Good quality materials
• Just one main compartment
• Water resistant but not waterproof
• 20 Liters is too small for some

Is the Gulu Handmade backpack for me?

The truth be told, if you require the use of a larger laptop then this is not the pack for you. When I tested it I was using my MacBook Pro 11″ but my girlfriend tested it using her older 14″ and it was not a comfortable fit.

Still, if you are happy with a smaller travel laptop pack then this one is hard to beat. Its the best laptop backpack for those with small laptops.

#9 Stubble & Co Roll Top – Best Laptop Bag For Daytrips

This awesome laptop backpack has fairly recently come to our attention but has impressed us very much. The Stubble & Co Roll Top backpack superbly combines functionality with performance all in a part recycled, eco-friendly package.

This  lightweight backpack  is durable and very comfortable and intended for all weather conditions making it perfect to wear on your bike. Custom built with cycling and the outdoors in mind, the Roll Top features sealed seams, water-resistant zips, reflective logos and considered compartments. It’s also very well priced.

• Great laptop compartments
• Organizational pockets
• Cool and stylish
• Eco friendly
• Pockets might not meet the needs of some
• Roll top is not for everyone
• Lacks protection from scanning technology

Is the Stubble & Co Roll Top Backpack for me?

Yes it is! Ok, so this pack is stylish, practical, is built to a high spec and as far as day-sized backpacks go, is very tough to beat.

#10.  Inateck Travel Carry-on 40 litre Laptop Backpack – Best Laptop Bag for Traveling with Laptop and Tablet

The Inateck Travel Carry-on 40 litre Laptop Backpack offers two laptop compartments, each of which has the standard protection and padded sections you have come to expect from a dedicated laptop bag.

Double zips mean these compartments are lockable if you’re looking for extra peace of mind, while an additional rain cover means all your tech will be protected even in the worst of downpours.

Additional features include a very handy change pocket and an anti-theft pocket on the back panel. What’s more, this travel laptop bag has a great range of carrying options, with shoulder straps, side handle, and band to slip over the extended handle of a wheeled backpack too!

• Two laptop compartments
• Lockable zips
• 40 liters too large for some
• Square shape

Is the Inateck Travel Carry-on 40 litre Laptop Backpack for me?

We can see that the Inateck Travel Carry-on 40 litre Laptop Backpack might not be for everyone with its square shape. But anyone looking for a larger travel bag for a laptop will like the fact this offering from Inateck has a capacity of 40 liters, in addition to its two padded laptop compartments meaning a latop and all your other digital nomad essentials will fit nicely.

#11. Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 20L Pack – Best Waterproof Laptop Bag

The best part about this backpack is that it is completely waterproof. If you live and work somewhere it rains a lot, then this is one of the best laptop bags for you! This laptop bag holds a standard 15 in. laptop and has an additional internal sleeve for documents as well as a stretch-mesh pocket for the accessories and doodads.

It has a padded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort. A 1-handed release buckles hold the top lid closed and offer easy access with a zippered top flkat for extra security. I do wish there was a water bottle holder, however.

• Dedicated 15-inch laptop and iPad area
• Rugged and durable
• Completely waterproof
• Color can wear out easily

Is the Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 20L Pack for me?

This multi-functional, waterproof laptop bag. This bag is for you if you have to deal with traveling and commuting in the rain. It’s also quite sleek and stylish, and useful for multiple situations.

#12. Pacsafe MetroSafe LS350 ECONYL Daypack  – Best Travel Laptop Bag for Safety

The Pacsafe Slingsafe LS350 is one of the best travel laptop bags with anti-theft functionality. Plus, it has plenty of space for your books and docs, and a padded sleeve for your 13 in. laptop, all in a go-anywhere, protective design. If you need to keep your laptop safe, then this may be the bag for you.

This laptop bag comes with lots of safety features, such as  RFIDsafe blocking material  to prevent your credit card and other chip data from being swiped. There are cut-resistant achor straps for securing valuables and an internal attachment point for your keys an wallet.

At only 15 liters, however, it’s much more suited to safe city excursions rather as a soiltary travel bag.

• Strong securing points for valuables
• RFIDsafe blocking material
• Cut-resistant material
• Fits laptops only up to 13″
• Quite a small capacity at only 15 liters

Is the Pacsafe MetroSafe LS350 for me?

Don’t worry about traveling with your laptop thanks to this Anti-Theft Pacsafe Daypack. This backpack is for you if you prioritize security above all else! It is a small backpack, however, and may not be for you if you need more than 15 liters of space.

#13. MYSTERY RANCH Urban Assault Pack – Best Laptop Bag for Computer and Tablet

This laptop bag does it all. Use it for rugged travel or your day-to-day commute! I can’t think of a more perfect bag. It’s minimalist yet offers lots of storage, even for an 18-liter bag. There are small, inside pockets, and it can easily fit a 13″ laptop plus a tablet/reader.  The quality is bombproof and will handle any drops.

• 2 Internal zippered pockets
• The sleeve fits up to a 15-inch laptop
• YKK Zippers
• Comfortable Straps
• Only 18 Liter Bag
• No Water Bottle Pocket

Is the Mystery Ranch Urban Assault Backpack for me?

Don’t worry again about traveling with your laptop thanks to this bomb proof backpack! It’s durable and stylish all in one. While on the smaller side, it still helps you organize your essentials. This is a great bag, but only 18 liters. If you need a laptop bag for travel, consider a bigger sized pack.

#14. K&F Concept DSLR Camera and Laptop Bag – Perfect Bag for Laptop and Camera

This laptop travel bag is surprisingly lightweight given the specific protection it gives to both camera gear and a laptop, weighing in at 1.2kg.

It can hold two cameras, five lenses, those photographic extras all semi-professional cameramen require, and a laptop up to 13.3”!

It’s made from a tough nylon material which provides additional protection from tears, bumps, and light rain too. The interior dividers can be modified to your taste, with the main compartment opening flat to 180° for easy camera and laptop access.

There’s a space to hang a lighter weight tripod on the exterior side of the bag, and a waist belt in addition to padded shoulder straps to ensure all your expensive kit stays exactly where it should on your back.

• Dedicated camera and laptop bag
• Capacity for a large amount of camera equipment
• Tough nylon material
• Internal dividers can be personalised
• Not a briefcase-style bag
• Only fits laptops up to 13.3”
• Just one colour available

Is the K&F Concept DSLR Camera and Laptop Bag for me?

If you’re an active amateur or semi-professional photographer, you’ve got more than just a laptop to carry around with you as you travel. With this equipment being so expensive to buy and replace, you don’t want to risk using a bag that isn’t dedicated to the job. Instead, hit order on the K&F Concept, you won’t regret it!

#15. Kroser 15.6” Laptop Briefcase Bag – Best Laptop Bag for Business Travelers

Made from water-repelling canvas this Kroser briefcase-style laptop bag can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches.

Although it lacks the shoulder straps you’ll find on a backpack, it has both carry handles and a single shoulder strap for a choice of carrying options.

The main compartment is TSA-friendly, meaning it meets the needs of US airport security, while there are two other small compartments for notepads, paper, and pens. This laptop bag is good for business travelers.

Perhaps the best feature of the Kroser 15.6” laptop briefcase bag is its RFID pockets, which protect your electronic data on credit cards and passports from being scanned and then stolen.

• Made from water repellent canvas
• Carry handles and single shoulder strap
• RFID protection pocket
• Won’t fit larger laptops
• Weight of just over 1 kg

Is the Kroser 15.6” laptop briefcase bag for me?

If you’d rather go for a briefcase-style bag rather than a dedicated business backpack, the Kroser 15.6” laptop bag is a good option. In addition to the main compartment that will take an average-sized laptop, there’s the additional space supplied by further compartments, as well as RFID protection for your electronic data too!

#16. REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 Recycled Daypack  – Best Budget Laptop Backpack

This heavy-duty travel laptop bag will hold not only a laptop up to 15” in size in a padded pocket, but also an interior pocket for organization and is even designed to be overstuffed! Though only 28 L in size there are also exterior pockets as well as one dedicated for your water botttle.

Designed to most airline check-in restrictions, you’ll be breezing through airports in no time. What’s more, the back panel is lined with mesh to keep wearers cool, while adjustable shoulder straps keep everything sitting right.

• Capable of carrying laptops up to 15”
• Plenty of additional pockets
• Too small to suit all kinds of travelers
• A tablet sleeve would be a nice bonus

Is the REI Co-op Ruckpack 28 Recycled Daypack for me?

While lacking in a tablet sleeve, the comfort of this pack combined with its budget price for such a sturdy beast is certainly nothing to ignore. The wealth of additional pockets and rather smart-casual stylish look only go further to accentuate this a budget pack suitable for most travelers.

#17. The Roll Top Stubble & Co – Best Hipster Laptop Backpack

The Roll Top is a great hipster-style 20L bag perfect for carrying around your laptop as well as having heaps of room for your other accessories. What really makes it stand out for a day pack is that the laptop compartment is in a separate pocket on the back of the bag. This both makes it mega secure (especially for a roll top) and also saves the massive main compartment for everything else.

Internally the main compartment is one massive space with a selection of pockets and organisers attached to the other side of the laptop compartment/ back panel. This works well giving you some level of organisation whilst also being super roomy.

• Capable of carrying laptops up to 16”
• Roll top makes it expandable
• Durable and weather resistant material
• Could do with more internal organisation
• Would like an internal zip as well as the roll top

Is Stubble & Co The Roll Top for me?

If you’re looking for something that is both stylish, functional and also super robust, the Roll Top is the perfect choice for a laptop bag. We love that it’s got that classic hipster feel whilst actually being super practical too. The black exterior also keeps water out well, is durable enough for everyday use and is smart enough for the office.

Now, you  could spend a fat chunk of $$$ on the WRONG present for someone. Wrong size hiking boots, wrong fit backpack, wrong shape sleeping bag… As any adventurer will tell you, gear is a personal choice.

So give the adventurer in your life the gift of convenience: buy them an REI Co-op gift card!  REI is The Broke Backpacker’s retailer of choice for ALL things outdoors, and an REI gift card is the perfect present you can buy from them. And then you won’t have to keep the receipt. 😉

Still have some questions? No problem! We’ve listed and answered the most commonly asked questions below. Here’s what people usually want to know:

What is the difference between a laptop bag and a laptop backpack?

A laptop backpack is carried on your back with two straps. A laptop bag only has one strap and is held on one shoulder and across your chest and back.

Which is the safest laptop bag?

The Pacsafe Slingsafe LS350 is one of the best travel laptop bags with anti-theft functionality. It is made form cut resistant material which makes it one of the safest laptop bags.

What do I need to consider when buying a laptop bag?

Keep these key-features in mind: 1. Size and Volume of the bag depending on what kind of laptop you have 2. Style and design 3. Organisation and cost

What is the best laptop bag for large laptops?

If you own a 17inch laptop, you’ll love the Estarer 17.3” Laptop Messenger Bag . It offers plenty of space and protection for your laptop.

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We’ve worked hard to sort the wheat from the chaff so that you can see the best laptop bags on the market! From large, small, stylish, messenger-style, and functional, we’re confident you’ll find a keeper among our picks!

To summarize: we think that the Nomatic Messenger Bag is currently the best that money can buy. It’s versatile, tough, and does what it’s supposed to do (protect your gear).

That being said, there are plenty of other specialized bags out there for you to consider. The waterproof Arc’teryx Granville Pack  is great for those more demanding adventures. The Tortuga Setout is probably more appropriate for those traveling long term. Finally, the Kroser 15.6” Laptop Briefcase Bag is great for those who travel frequently for business,

Whether you’re looking for a laptop bag for travel, work, or everything in between, this list has you covered!

Although you should be able to use almost all of the bags on this list as a carry-on, some airlines still like to make a fuss over an inch or two. In this case, it pays to know the airline’s own carry-on regulations. Use this convenient list of airlines and their cabin policies as a reference, if needed.

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Share or save this post

I got a Pogoplug. An awesome piece of kit which ensures my precious photos are backed up at home on my own personal cloud. There’s no operating fees and you can attach as many drives to it as you see fit. If anything happens to my gear at least my memories are safe…

Also I ditched the laptop as a traveling companion and went for an iPad. Sure it’s not as powerful but it’s lighter and fils all the roles I need it to when I’m on the hoof.

Thanks for sharing that. iPads are certainly light but personally, I will not give up my Mac!

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What are you looking for?

16 best laptop backpacks for travel in 2024 [all budgets].

Are you a frequent traveler with a remote job?

A daily commuter?

Or a student?

Either one, chances are you want to have a good laptop backpack for travel.

A good laptop backpack should have more than just a dedicated travel laptop compartment; there should be other features for organizational and tech purposes .

We’re talking about hidden pockets, comfy and breathable padding, and even a USB charging port.

There are tons of backpacks out there, and it’s okay to feel overwhelmed.

We’ve done the research and compiled an ultimate list of the best travel laptop backpack for you.

From sleek, minimalist designs to stylish colors for women, we’ve included a range of options.

Want a quick answer? Go for the Matein Mlassic .

Travellerspoint

Quick roundup of our top picks

How to choose the right travel laptop backpack

Here are some essential factors to look at when choosing a laptop backpack for travel…

Just like choosing any travel backpack, you’ll want to consider how heavy your laptop backpack is. Some laptops are quite heavy to begin with, so it helps to have a lightweight bag that makes everyday traveling more comfortable.

Size and capacity

Don’t forget to pay attention to the size as well! The laptop compartment has to fit your specific laptop size, and think about whether you want the bag to fit other items like clothes and accessories.

Some laptop backpacks designed specifically for travel may have a bigger capacity. This means you’ll be able to pack your clothes and daily necessities in the same bag!

Compartments

Having multiple compartments and organizational pockets can be useful to keep our stuff sorted and accessible. Some of the backpacks we’re featuring come with pen pockets, keyrings, and other special pouches inside.

Not only will these compartments help organize your belongings, but they are great for ensuring that you don't lose any small, loose items.

Water resistance

It's always worth investing a bit more for a water-resistant bag that can keep your laptop and other electronics safe if you ever spill something or get caught in the rain.

One thing to note is that most backpacks are not waterproof , which means leaving them soaked for too long is not advisable. 

Tech features

Some tech features you might find in a laptop backpack is a USB port (like the Matein Mlassic) or portable charger. This can be useful for providing power while on the go.

It's always a huge plus for your laptop backpack to have anti-theft features that can give you peace of mind when traveling. This may include a slash-proof material, lockable zippers, and hidden pockets. For more tips on this, check out some of our personal favorite anti-theft bags .

Style and comfort

Are you more of a minimalist or do you prefer eye-catching designs and bold colors? Don't overlook the style aspect when choosing the best laptop backpack for you.

Comfort is also crucial when it comes to backpacks, especially if you'll be carrying it for hours at a time. Look for things like thick padding and a good, breathable back.

16 Best Laptop Backpacks For Travel

1. matein mlassic travel laptop backpack - overall best laptop backpack for travel.

Weight: 1.68 and 2 lbs

Capacity: 28L and 35L

Size: 18 x 12 x 7.8” and 19 x 13.8 x 7.8” 

The Matein Mlassic Travel Laptop Backpack wins today’s “overall best” title.

We spent a while reviewing Matein and, in a nutshell, it’s a solid laptop backpack that’s comfortable for traveling. It has various compartments and hidden pockets, well-built, durable, and water resistant.

Our favorite thing is the sheer amount of organizational features . 

In addition to a protective laptop case, you’ll get two netting pockets in a secondary compartment, two side pockets, a fantastic front organizer, a keyring, and so many other thoughtful pouches!

There’s also a built-in USB port that lets you access your charged phone without having to carry the charger in your hand while on the go.

This can be useful when you’re using a maps app with your phone!

While this Matein backpack is not a specialized anti-theft bag, it does come with some excellent security features.

For instance, the hidden pocket in the back is perfect for keeping passports and other valuables, and the fact that its nondescript design won’t attract any unwanted attention.

The material itself is quality, water-resistant polyester fabric , whereas the stitching is impressive and the top handle feels sturdy.

But the best thing is that it’s such a comfortable backpack to wear ! Thanks to the soft padding and breathable design, we had no problem carrying it around for hours at a time.

This backpack is designed for all sorts of people : avid travelers, digital nomads, students, and office workers.

So, if you want an all-round great laptop backpack that won’t disappoint, Matein’s best-selling bag is the one to go for.

Special Features:

• A lot of pockets and compartments 
• Very comfy and breathable
• Sturdy and high-quality build
• Anti-theft back pocket
• USB port design

Read more: Our in-depth Matein backpack review

2. Stubble & Co- The Backpack - best work and travel backpack

Weight: 1.05 kg

Capacity: 21L capacity

‍ Size: unexpanded: 31cm(W) x 46cm(H) x 14cm(D)

The Backpack by Stubble & Co is a versatile, stylish, and functional option for daily use and travel.

Priced at £115, this backpack is designed with durable, water-resistant materials, ensuring it stands up to various conditions.

It features a 16-inch padded laptop compartment, multiple internal and external pockets, and a water bottle holder, making it ideal for organization and accessibility.

The ergonomic design, including padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel, enhances comfort during extended wear. The backpack features a minimalist design with high-quality YKK zippers and full-grain leather accents, giving it an elegant yet rugged look​

We truly love Stubble and Co products here, and they always withstand the test of time, however, the sleek design, while appealing, may limit expansion when carrying bulkier items. The only other tiny issue is the all black interior may make it difficult to find smaller loose items, but it's not really a big deal!

Overall, The Backpack combines functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal, making it a solid choice for those seeking a high-quality everyday carry solution.

If you love this backpack but think it's too big, then good news, they have a smaller version check out their mini 10L!

• 2 water bottle slots for 500ml or umbrellas
• G hook fastening
• Drawstring fastening undercover for flexible storage
• Great comfort and support

3. Peak Design Travel Backpack 30L - Best Reliable Travel Laptop Backpack

Weight: 1.44kg (3.17lbs)

Capacity: 27L expandable to 33L

Size: unexpanded: 20.9" x 13.4" x 7", expanded: 20.9" x 13.4" x 7.9"

Peak Design’s 30L Travel Backpack is probably one of the most reliable bags I’ve had.

It’s an all-in-one, expandable bag you can easily take from work to travel.

Despite its simple look and design, there’s a lot going on in terms of compartments and pockets—though this sometimes makes getting something specific slower if you’re in a rush.

It’s small enough (when not expanded) to fit in the seat in front of you with most airlines.

It’s a great travel backpack for hiking and adventures because of the incredible support, like the stowable sternum strap and hip straps, plus 360-degree grab handles.

Best of all, it works well as a camera bag and storing your valuables safely, including, obviously, your laptop and tablet.

Another thing I love about this bag is that it holds its shape and doesn’t flap about.

You can also attach things on the many loops outside , which is useful for travel purposes. Think travel pillows, shoes, hats, and even carabiners for climbing!

The material itself is weatherproof, 100% recycled 400D nylon canvas shell, 900D waterproof bottom liner, and lots of padded foam around the bag for extra protection.

Not to mention the high-visibility grey interior that makes it easy to find your items.

If you’re looking for a larger alternative, their 40L Travel Backpack is also an iconic model.

• All-in-one functionality
• Impressive capacity, expandable to 33L
• Sustainably built

Read our full review of the Peak Design Backpack !

4. DRiiBE CITYC Laptop Backpack - Best premium laptop backpack

Weight: 1.98 lbs

Capacity: 17L (expanded)

Size: 15.4-19.8"x 11.4" x 4.4 "

We love the DRiiBE CITYC Laptop Backpack not only for its elegant design and premium feel, but also its incredibly high standard of quality .

Despite the minimalist look, the interior hides a well-organized compartment.

From external pockets to internal mesh compartments and anti-theft pouches, you’ll have it all.

This is also a great expandable travel laptop bag . Simply unzip the bottom and you can enjoy 25% extra capacity, which comes in handy for when you're traveling.

Another unique feature is the ingenious front flap that can be a handy place for your jacket, documents, phone, or even yoga mat!

The bag is made of water resistant nylon and recycled polyester (RPET) , which is durable, lightweight, resistant to grease and stain, and eco-friendly.

Oh, there’s also multiple pockets on both shoulder straps , where you can easily slip your sunglasses, pens, and other things for quick access.

Not to mention a useful luggage strap, the ergonomic padding, and the fact that it’s machine washable.

• Easy expandable bottom
• Unique front flap can hold yoga mat
• Eco-friendly and water-resistant material

Check out our full review of the DRiiBE CITYC Laptop Backpack !

5. Tropicfeel Shell - Best expandable laptop backpack for backpacking

Weight: 2 lbs

Capacity: 40L (expanded)

Size: 18 x 12 x 7.8”

We’ve reviewed the Tropicfeel Shell and loved it, especially for its unique 3-in-1 adaptable design that gives you changeable capacity between 22L to 40L .

It means you can maximize the space for weekend trips and make it more compact during daytime rendezvous.

This is actually our top pick for backpackers, because in addition to 

Plus, its clamshell opening system means you can see all of your clothing at a glance. 

It’s a huge plus because we know that rummaging a backpack for that one tank top can be quite frustrating.

Not to mention the built-in wardrobe system that makes packing a breeze.

Tropicfeel itself is known for their range of travel products and organizers, so we love that you can combine this backpack with their other accessories. Like the tech pouch and camera cube!

The Shell backpack is also weatherproof, so your laptop is safe even if it suddenly rains.

It’s also one of our favourite eco-friendly backpacks as its made from sustainable materials. As well as an ergonomic back, hidden hip belt, adjustable straps, and side handle.

• Clamshell opening for full visibility
• Built-in wardrobe system
• Weatherproof

Read more: In-depth Shell Backpack review

6. Solgaard Lifepack - Best laptop backpack for digital nomads

Weight: 4 lbs

Capacity: 28L

Size: 11.6 x 18.5 x 7” 

For some of our previous backpacking trips, we’ve reviewed all Solgaard backpacks and found they each have something unique to offer. In this case, the Lifepack ended up as our best pick for laptops (and it's the one Cazzy uses personally each day).

It’s packed with anti-theft and organizational features and designed with digital nomads in mind. So for the travel bloggers and remote workers amongst you, this may be the laptop bag you need!

From a patented lock system, integrated USB port, drop-proof laptop compartment, secret pockets, to a water-resistant bottom and comfortable padding, it really has everything you’ll need from a backpack.

Its organization system includes separate Workzone and Lifezone for the best work-life balance and tidy packing.

We also love that it’s compatible with their Solarbank power bank and Solar Boombox Bluetooth speaker.

The Solarbank itself is enough to charge your phone five times and is powered by solar energy, so it’s the ultimate eco-friendly solution for your electronics needs!

Better yet, Solgaard makes their own unique fabric from recycled ocean plastic known as Shore-Tex™️.

• Workzone and Lifezone compartments
• Solarbank and Solar Boombox compatible
• Made from trademark upcycled ocean-bound plastic

Read more: In-depth Solgaard review

7. Db Hugger Backpack 30L - Best Urban Style Laptop Backpack For Travel

Weight: 1.07 kg

Capacity: 30L

Size: 56 X 32 X 24.5 CM

Db’s Hugger Backpack 30L is a cool urban backpack with a stealth design and an ergonomic fit.

The simplistic and clean style makes this an ideal backpack for those living in the city or going on business trips, as it can definitely fit a few days' worth of clothing as well as your work gear.

With a 30L capacity and a lot of great features for travel, most notably is the patented hook-up system. This lets you easily attach the bag to a luggage when travelling.

The bag itself has a clamshell opening for more convenient packing and a roomy top pocket, which is especially useful for keeping essentials and things you need quick access to.

The laptop compartment is a separate space at the back with its own access, so there’s no need to fuss around with everything else inside.

The best thing is that this doesn’t compromise the back comfort even when you have the backpack on.

The only feature this bag lacks that I can think of is a water bottle pocket on the side, which would’ve been nice to have.

In terms of material, Db uses 100% Polyester that are water-resistant and pretty lightweight . Plus, the integrated rib cage construction consists of the strong ABS ribs to provide extra protection for your items.

All in all, at just over 1kg, this a solid backpack that can fit a lot of things!

• Patent hook-up system
• Large 30L capacity but still lightweight
• Separate laptop pocket
• Comfy and ergonomic fit
• Spacious top pocket

8. Series 2 Expandable Knack Pack - Laptop Backpack with Best Organisation Pockets

Weight: 3 lbs

Capacity: 24L expandable to 35L

Size: unexpanded: 19" x 12" x 4.5”, expanded: 19" x 12" x 9"

If you like an all-in-one laptop bag with great organisation pockets and compartments, the Series 2 Expandable Knack Pack is for you,

It’s perfect if you want to travel light and minimal while still having the option to expand your backpack.

The main feature that sets the Series 2 apart is its Clam Shell opening, which opens up like a suitcase, making organising and packing your items so easy.

It’s expandable up to 35L for all your backpacking needs, but can be collapsed to be more compact for everyday use.

The expandable packing compartment that can hold 3 changes of clothes is actually patent-pending, which is pretty cool!

Some of the organisational features that I love include: a padded and suspended 15-inch laptop compartment that opens with a side zip, fleece-lined tablet pocket, removable key leash, hidden water bottle pocket, tons of pockets and straps , and more.

This Knack bag has a side handle for easy carrying and a hidden sleeve to slip around your luggage handle.

In terms of comfort, the sternum strap offers great support , while the back padding is pretty great too. However, I’d say that it feels a little flimsier compared to sturdier back padding of the Stubble & Co backpack . (Check out my review here )

• Excellent organisation compartments
• RFID protection lining
• Laptop compartment with suspended bottom
• Unique suitcase mode compartment

Don't miss our full review of the Series 2 Medium Expandable Backpack !

9. LEVEL8 Atlas Laptop Backpack - Best functional and comfortable laptop backpack

Weight: 3.33 lbs

Capacity: 31L

Size: 12.6”L x 6.5”W x 18.6”H 

The LEVEL8 Atlast Laptop Backpack has got to be the best laptop backpack when it comes to function and comfort.

Despite being relatively slim in size, it can fit an incredible capacity of up to 31L while still having the necessary protection of a laptop backpack.

The 16-inch laptop compartment has patented 3D EVA foam padding , which provides the most excellent shock absorption.

In addition to the main compartment for your clothing, books, or even camera, this backpack features 26 impressive organizer pockets for top-notch functionality!

This includes pockets for your phone, pens, keys, wallet, purse, water bottles, passport, and more.

For ultimate comfort, this LEVEL8 bag comes with the ultimate ergonomic carrying system, including cooling airflow in the back panel and well-padded shoulder straps.

Not to mention the weather-resistant 1680D ballistic polyester exterior that protects your items from light rain and tough conditions.

But the most unique thing about this bag is the thumb holes on the bottom of the adjustable main straps, which give you more control when pulling to adjust!

• Patented 3D EVA foam padding
• 26 organizer pockets
• Top loading pocket
• Very comfortable ergonomics

10. Metrosafe X Anti-Theft 16-Inch Commuter Backpack - Best anti-theft commuter backpack for city life

Weight: 2.25 lbs

Capacity: 18L

Size: 17.3 x 11.8 x 3.9 inch

For those looking for something more secure with dedicated anti-theft technology, this Metrosafe X Commuter Backpack by Pacsafe is a perfect option.

It's got a slim design that is sleek and modern, and packed with great features for a busy lifestyle in the city.

This is the backpack for work environments and daily commute.

With sustainable materials that are durable and water-resistant , it's ideal for those living in unpredictable weather, while the padding and airflow ensure that it's still cool to wear even on a hot day.

One thing to note is that the sheer number of anti-theft features can make it a hassle when you're in a rush and haven't yet gotten used to the bag! For example, I forgot at first that this backpack opens from the side instead of the top.

However, I can say this is actually great as it will slow down others from getting into your bag...

I'm also a huge fan of the style. It's simple and not flashy, and this would be a great backpack to take travelling if you are out and about and able to work in cafes or different places around the world.

The overall construction is great, plus it’s lightweight and flexible too.

• Tons of anti-theft technology, including RFID shielding pocket
• Unique sideways opening
• Recycled PET material
• Excellent organisation features

Read more details in the full Metrosafe X review .

11. Evergoods Civic Travel Bag 26L – Best Laptop Backpack for Daily or Weekend Bag? Both!

Weight: 3lbs 6oz/ 1.53kg

Capacity: 26L

Size: 19” H x 12” W x 8”D

For a travel bag that’s a bit less intense than a hiking backpack but still has all the features, the Evergood’s Civic is sure to meet your needs and surprise.

It’s kitted out for travel without being overwhelming but also easily accommodates your everyday lifestyle without feeling like you have to use it for travel.

I found this bag great for everyday trekking about and really enjoyed knowing that it had the comfort of a travel bag. It was easy to organise everyday things or travelling whilst also keeping my laptop kit organized and secure.

On top of that, finally – a decent sized water bottle holder that securely holds a big bottle, everyday felt super easy.

The back padding felt like it meant business but didn’t hinder or feel too much like you should be going on an expedition.

Another thing I loved was the internal 3D security pocket so I could keep valuables safe from everyday travel.

This bag definitely feels like quality and the water-resistance is solid.

• Utility loops by top handle for attaching small items
• Uniquely shaped shoulder straps for comfort
• Great  Materials
• Eco-friendly!

12. The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag - Best large laptop backpack for trips

Weight: 3.42 lbs

Capacity: 40L

Size: 9" H x 21" W x 14" D

The Nomatic 40L Travel Bag is the perfect laptop backpack that could also fit up to a week’s worth of clothing . If you’re planning a short business trip or are a digital nomad, you might want to try this one out!

The laptop compartment is protected by a soft fleece material, which feels secure enough to keep your tech safe. It’s still easy to access for when you’re going through security.

The bag comes with a custom laundry bag and lots of compartments for your shoes, tech gear, liquids, water bottle, and so much more!

Fans of organisation bags will love this one…

It has a total of 20 amazing features, including a unique patented strap system that can transform this into a duffel bag.

Plus, when you have this bag on its side, there are pockets you can use facing the right way, which I think is just thoughtful and nice.

One drawback is actually the back padding, which I think could be thicker, but you can still tighten the sternum strap and attach the optional hip straps for extra support if you need them.

Note that due the dimensions, you have to stow this backpack in the overhead compartment in a flight.

Overall, I also love the simplicity of its aesthetics, which works well whether you’re going for a smart or casual look.

• Sleek design and style
• Excellent organisational features
• Patented duffel-bag strap system
• Water-resistant exterior material

Read the full review of the Nomatic Travel Bag 40L here !

13. WANDRD All-New PRVKE - Best laptop backpack with camera cubes

Weight: 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs)

Capacity: 21L to 25L (with roll top expanded)

Size: 17"H X 11"W X 6.5"D

Are you a travel blogger, YouTuber, or photographer? Or do you simply travel around with your cameras?

The WANDRD All-New PRVKE is a feature-rich travel bag that transforms into a camera backpack when you need it, thanks to the removable Camera Cubes you get with the Photography Bundle.

Of course, the bag alone is already a great backpack and ideal for carrying your laptop and everyday tech!

It's water-resistant, extremely well-padded and breathable, and has a modern urban style.

There's a hidden pocket where you can safely store your passport, a luggage slit, and several accessory straps and organisation.

One unique feature is the magnetic tote handles, which let you carry the bag as a tote!

Not to mention the easy clamshell opening for quick packing and unpacking, as well as an expandable water bottle pocket—there when you need it, gone when you don't.

• Removable camera cubes
• Expandable roll top for more capacity
• Clamshell opening and quick side access

14. The Nomatic Navigator Lite Pack 15L - Best laptop backpack for everyday life

Weight: 2.4 lb. / 1.0 kg

Capacity: 15L

Size: 19" x 12" x 5.5"

The Navigator Lite Pack 15L by Nomatic is a functional, feature-rich laptop backpack that is designed for everyday life.

You have plenty of organisation in the main compartment , including mesh pockets, zippered pocket, pen pockets, the padded laptop and tablet compartments, hidden water bottle pocket, and much more.

There’s even a false bottom that provides extra protection for your devices.

The style itself is quite rigid, in that there’s not much flexibility.

BUT this means that the bag holds its shape well , which is definitel ideal.

It has a very modern and smart appearance , so people with minimalist fashion might be a fan of this.

There’s a luggage slit and side handles to switch into briefcase mode , making the Navigator Lite great for travel.

I also love that it expands to 21L for when you have more stuff to pack.

Not to mention the excellent EVA foam back padding that’s both comfortable and breathable. 

This is overall a smart backpack, and while there isn’t much excitement in terms of being aesthetically pleasing, it suits the niche of business and travel perfectly!

• Great organisation with laptop AND tablet pockets
• False bottom for extra protection
• Expandable to 21L
• Side handles for briefcase mode

Check out the Nomatic Navigator Lite Pack 15L full review .

15. Alpaka Elements Travel Backpack - Best versatile laptop backpack

Weight: 1.6kg

Capacity: 35L

Size: 31cm (12.20") x 52cm (20.47") x 20cm (7.87")

The Elements Travel Backpack from Alpaka is the ultimate laptop backpack that you can also take on adventures.

Its various compartments and pockets can help you stay organized while maintaining easy access to your items.

There’s a front tech compartment where you can keep all your cables, chargers, and small accessories, while the suspended laptop pocket can fit up to 16" laptop.

The backpack itself is surprisingly comfortable, what with all these rich features and tough material!

It comes with an ergonomic design that includes adjustable straps, a lightweight build, a magnetic sternum strap, and a contoured back panel.

This Alpaka backpack only comes in one colour, which is black. This makes it super versatile and neutral in terms of pairing with any outfit style.

Moreover, you can choose between two fabrics: 840D Ballistic Nylon Jet Black with a cool grey lining or X-Pac® VX42 Black with a blood orange lining.

It's overall a great bag that has a lot of nice features, especially the lined interior of the bag which makes it easier to see your stuff.

There's even additional straps that you can attach a yoga mat or your barbell pad, which then transforms it into an active style backpack.

• Impressive 35L capacity
• Very comfortable and ergonomic design
• Fantastic organizational pockets
• Suspended 16" laptop compartment

16. Nordace Siena - Best smart laptop backpack

Weight: 1.9 lbs

Capacity: 19L

Size: 16.54 x 11.4 x 6.3”

The Nordace Siena is a sleek and smart laptop backpack that comes in 9 beautiful colors . From classic khaki to lovely aqua and bold red, everyone can find the ideal style for them.

Its main appeal is that it has been built for everyday use and sports a classy square silhouette that looks very modern and chic.

We love its built-in USB charging port that makes it really easy for you to stay connected and fully charged wherever you are.

Furthermore, the padded sleeve can fit a 15.6” laptop, while the main compartment features an array of organizational pockets.

There is an anti-theft pocket in the back that is ideal for storing valuables and a luggage strap for convenient travel.

The Siena backpack is also comfortable, thanks to the adjustable shoulder straps.

But a big highlight would be the roomy side pocket that fits up to a 1L water bottle !

‍ Special Features:

• Sleek modern design in 9 colors
• USB charging port
• Side pocket fits 1L bottle

Here's a complete, in-depth review of the Nordace Siena .

FAQ about laptop backpacks for travel

Can i take my laptop in my carry-on bag.

Yes, it’s in fact better to take your laptop in your carry-on instead of a checked suitcase. You may be required to remove your laptop during TSA screening, so having easy access can ensure a smooth airport experience.

Is it OK to carry a laptop in a backpack?

In terms of airline regulations, it’s OK to carry a laptop in a backpack. But we strongly suggest against putting it inside a bag without a padded case, so you can prevent any damage.

Which is the best laptop backpack for travel?

Everyone has different priorities and so can benefit from different backpacks, but our overall top pick is the Matein Mlassic Travel Laptop Backpack . This is a fantastic laptop backpack for traveling that we can recommend to anyone without hesitation.

How do I keep my laptop safe when traveling?

The single easiest and most important thing you can do to ensure that your laptop is safe when traveling is to get a high-quality laptop bag. You may even want to get an additional cable lock for added security.

Other than that, you can back up all your data and store it on cloud, buy insurance, use two-factor authentication, and install location software.

What is a laptop sleeve in a backpack?

A laptop sleeve in a backpack refers to a special sleeve inside the bag designed for holding a laptop and protecting it from scratches, bumps, and dust. It’s usually made from neoprene or leather.

This feature is sometimes also known as a laptop pouch or laptop compartment. 

Which travel laptop backpack are you going for?

Yes, there are tons of laptop backpacks you can use for traveling. 

With different features, colors, and styles, the options are pretty much endless.

The Matein Backpack remains our favorite as it’s got everything you want in a good travel laptop backpack .

But we know that people may have different tastes and needs, so we hope this list can be helpful.

If you think we missed any great laptop backpack, feel free to comment down below!

Next up, here are some other gear guides you might be interested in ...

• Best camera backpacks
• Best luxury carry on luggage

Leave a comment

Let us know what you think.

5 million people can't be wrong

Best laptop bags in 2024: Our top picks for work, students, travelers and more

The best laptop bags, according to reviews

• The quick list
• Best overall
• Best budget
• Best for high school
• Best for college
• Best for work
• Best for travel
• How to choose

Why Trust Laptop Mag

1. The list in brief 2. Best laptop bag overall 3. Best budget laptop bag 4. Best laptop bag for high school 5. Best laptop bag for college 6. Best laptop bag for work 7. Best laptop bag for travel 8. How to choose a laptop bag 9. Why trust Laptop Mag

There's no shortage of great laptop bags to choose from in 2024, so finding the perfect one to protect your laptop can be a challenge. 

Luckily, we've done that hard work for you. We spent hours researching dozens of bags to uncover the top laptop bags for students, professionals, travelers, and everyone in between. No matter your budget or style, there's a great laptop bag out there for you. These top bags combine style, function, and price to deliver good value for your money and the protection your laptop needs. 

Hopefully, we already helped you find one of the best laptops , so now we'll guide you to the best laptop bag to tote that laptop around safely and in style.

Stevie Bonifield is a freelance tech journalist who loves mobile computing, gaming gear, and especially keyboards and accessories. After trying out dozens of different backpacks over the years, Stevie knows what makes a high-quality laptop bag that's worth your hard-earned money. 

The Quick List

Best laptop bag overall  

The Peak Design Everyday Messenger is a stylish, functional laptop bag perfect for protecting your laptop on your commute. It's also great for photographers. 

Read more below

Best budget laptop bag  

The JanSport Main Campus backpack is roomy, durable, and has a zippered, padded, dedicated laptop pocket. It is an excellent value for less than $60 and comes in plenty of colors. 

Best laptop bag for high school

The North Face Jester is a sporty, durable backpack with a padded laptop sleeve and tons of space. It has all the room and organization high school students need (plus tons of color options). 

Best laptop bag for college  

Stylish, versatile, and durable, the Herschel Little America is perfect for college students. It has a cushy, padded laptop sleeve and a design that can go from campus to internships. 

Best laptop bag for work

Thanks to its convertible design, the Solo Duane is the perfect companion for your commute. You can carry your laptop in backpack mode on the subway and switch to briefcase mode in the office. 

Best laptop bag for travel  

The Timbuk2 Spire is rugged, packed with organization features, and even water resistant, making it ideal for travel, no matter where you want to go with your laptop. It even has a separate tablet pocket. 

Best laptop bag overall

1. Peak Design Everyday Messenger

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Peak Design's Everyday Messenger Bag is one of the most well-thought-out products on the market today. Its magnetic MagLatch closure works like magic and ensures your bag is secure but still easy to open. Also, its customizable flex-fold dividers let you configure your storage to perfectly meet personal preferences. 

Adding to its greatness is a comfy adjustable shoulder strap, additional hip straps to help balance heavy loads, and a padded laptop sleeve that will fit all but the biggest 15-inch laptops. So, while the design targets photographers, it's also one of the best bags any regular Joe can buy.

Read our full Peak Design Everyday Messenger review .

Best budget laptop bag

2. JanSport Main Campus

If you want a sturdy, stylish, and affordable bag, you can 't go wrong with a JanSport backpack. The Main Campus has a dedicated, padded, zippered laptop pocket, two main compartments, two front pockets, and a water bottle pocket. Even better, it costs less than $60. 

The Main Campus's basic, no-frills design makes it highly versatile. You can take it to school, work, or the airport without looking out of place. It's also available in over a dozen colors, so you can find something that's just the right fit for your style. 

If you want a laptop bag that won't break the bank but won't break on you either, the JanSport Main Campus is a fantastic choice. It's durable, roomy, and offers good protection for your laptop. 

3. The North Face Jester

The North Face is known for its durable, lightweight backpacks, and the Jester is no exception. Thanks to its stylish, durable design, which comes in dozens of different colors and patterns, it is easily one of the best laptop bags for high school students. 

It's big enough to fit your laptop, books, homework, a water bottle, pens and pencils, and even a hoodie or lunch bag. The compression straps on the front allow you to carry a sweatshirt or a smaller bag with gym clothes or sports gear. 

The Jester is also a great laptop bag for people with small and large frames. I found the curved, padded straps highly comfortable for hours on end, even with the Jester fully loaded with my laptop and books. It's also flat enough when empty to easily fit into a locker (yes, even the extra narrow kind). 

Best laptop bag for college

4. Herschel Supply Co. Little America

The Herschel Supply Co Little America is a stylish, premium laptop backpack with a stellar laptop pocket and durable build quality. Thanks to its slightly more mature yet cool design aesthetic, it's perfect for college students. This backpack will look right at home on campus, but it's also classy enough that you can take it to an office for an internship. 

Herschel backpacks also have some of the nicest laptop sleeves I've ever seen. They're well-padded and have an ultra-soft inner lining, so you can be sure your shiny new laptop isn't going to get scratched or dinged in your bag. The updated version of the Little America also conveniently has a zipper on the side for quickly accessing the laptop pocket. 

It's worth noting that the Little America comes in two sizes: 30 liters and 21 liters ("mid-volume"). If you have a smaller frame or don't need to carry much, the mid-volume version is the way to go. 

The only downside to the Little America is the lack of internal organization. There are a couple of small pockets, but it's mainly the one main compartment with the laptop sleeve and the small front pocket. The quality and materials are nice, though, and the style is perfect for college students. 

5. Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase

The Duane Convertible may look like a standard briefcase bag, but its secrets are revealed once you turn it on its side. Solo’s hybrid carrier seamlessly converts into a backpack when your arms are tired and can flip back into a messenger bag for better maneuverability or in a more formal setting. 

If you own a  15.6-inch MacBook Pro  or  Dell XPS 15 , you can clip them into the bag’s padded compartment. A large front pocket organizes a handful of other tech products. There are even a pair of quick-access pockets for your phone, keys, and wallet. 

Best laptop bag for travel

6. Timbuk2 Spire

Laptops are major investments, which is why you have to be careful carrying them around in airports and the outdoors. The Timbuk2 Spire is the perfect bag for protecting your laptop when you're traveling. It's a modern canvas bag with an integrated waterproof rolltop to prevent rain and snow from leaking in. Plus, it can accompany you on airlines, and the buckled rolltop closure is a bit tougher for would-be thieves to open compared to a basic zipper.  

Available in two muted colors, the Spire is designed to fit a 15.6-inch laptop and has a separate tablet pocket and internal and external pockets for other carry-on electronics. The daisy-chain webbing is also useful for bikers and outdoor adventurists who need to carry a bit extra when bag space becomes limited.

How to choose the best laptop bag for you

There are so many types of laptop backpacks out there, so to make your shopping a little bit easier, it's a good idea to narrow down your options to backpacks that fit your needs. You must consider several super-important aspects of a laptop backpack before buying, including size, compartments, and innovative designs that somehow manage to maximize space while maintaining TSA-friendly dimensions.

Size:   If you're going to purchase a laptop backpack, you're going to have to make sure that your laptop fits into your chosen backpack, of course.  You should measure your laptop's width (from left to right) and depth (from the hinge to the lip). When sifting through the internet for a laptop backpack, you'll have to make sure that the backpack is at least an inch longer than your laptop's width, since laptops tend to sit vertically in laptop backpacks. You should also make sure the backpack is wide enough to fit your laptop's depth.

You should also double-check to see if the backpack complies with TSA guidelines if you plan on traveling.

Compartments:  Compartments are where laptop backpack makers get creative and design bags that fit certain consumers. If you tend to have a lot of small knickknacks when commuting and traveling, then you should opt for a laptop backpack with many fun hidden pockets and pouches.

If you're an on-the-go businessman or woman, you'll want to look for a backpack with a compartment that can safely store your files and folders.

Useful features:  The number one thing I look for in a laptop backpack is a USB charging port in case my phone decides to run out of juice. I don't want to have to deal with outlet hoggers at the airport. Premium laptop backpacks tend to offer useful features that will make your commute and travels a lot easier.

Durability:  You should also keep in mind the fabric and material of your backpack. If you're exploring rugged locations or regions with frequent inclement weather, you should consider purchasing a laptop backpack with durable fabric. For example, if you're going to a rainy climate, you may want to purchase a water-resistant backpack.  I also highly recommend getting a laptop backpack 

If you're a frequent flyer, you'll likely be pushing your laptop backpack beneath your seat quite often, so you'll want to choose a fabric that doesn't pick up stains and spills too easily, such as water-resistant polyester.

Laptop Mag reviews over a hundred laptops yearly, from paperweight ultralights to everyday workhorses to lumbering gaming notebooks that scorch the frame rates of even the hottest AAA games. We're not just experts in the laptop field, as we go one step further by meticulously testing smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and even the latest in gaming. 

We are 100% independent and have decades of experience to help you buy with confidence. In fact, Laptop Mag has been testing and reviewing products for three decades and continues to deliver trustworthy reviews you can rely on. 

Our experienced team of writers and editors scour the available information about the laptop and put it through its paces to determine which is best for you. But before they start, the testing team subjects each system to a rigorous regimen of synthetic and real-world tests to see how a system handles the type of work and games you’re most likely to throw at it. 

One of the world's largest technology publishers,  Future Publishing , enforces our editorial trustworthiness. As a company, we have unrivaled experience across every tech sector — and we're the group's specialist for all things mobile tech.

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Get our in-depth reviews, helpful tips, great deals, and the biggest news stories delivered to your inbox.

Stevie Bonifield is a freelance tech journalist specializing in keyboards, peripherals, gaming gear, and mobile tech. Outside of writing, Stevie loves indie games, photography, and building way too many custom keyboards

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The 18 Best Laptop Backpacks We Tested for Commutes, Travel, and More

With finds from Amazon, Monos, Béis, and Fjällräven

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Others We Tried
• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Conor Ralph

Whether for personal or business use, laptops are deeply ingrained into our daily routines and it’s difficult to leave them behind when traveling. With a laptop backpack, you can take your work or entertainment with you. Even celebrities like Bradley Cooper, Gigi Hadid, Taylor Swift, and Emma Stone have been seen toting stylish and functional backpacks around because they act as easy storage, transport, and fashion accessories.

“When looking for the ideal travel laptop bag, I seek out style and overall functionality,” celebrity fashion stylist and consultant Chelsea Volpe tells PEOPLE. She also looks for timeless designs rather than ones that will come and go with the season. Other factors to consider are durability, storage design (”Pockets are your friend,” Volpe says), and tech features such as a USB charging port.

We tested 53 of the best laptop backpacks for travel in the lab and at home for two months, and compared qualities like the capacity of the bags, the design, and the durability of materials — a quality we tested by dropping backpacks with laptops in them. After literally carrying this test on their backs, we found a group of bags that are worthy of being your and your laptop’s next travel companion.

These are the best laptop backpacks for travel that PEOPLE Tested.

Best Overall

Solo re:define backpack.

Sustainable materials held up to durability tests and actual traveling

Has cushioned straps and distributes weight evenly to reduce pressure on your shoulders

Extremely spacious despite small size

Shoulder straps are narrow at the top

Though the Solo Re:Define Backpack looks small and unassuming, its capacity seems nearly limitless. During our lab tests, we were able to fit a laptop, a pair of shoes, toiletries, a shirt, a pullover, and a pair of joggers, as well as a book, wallet, keys, and lotion. Even packed to the brink, the backpack weighed maybe 15 pounds — not a huge burden to tote around an airport. The storage options varied between a protected laptop sleeve, small organization pockets, and water bottle pockets; in addition to a battery pack pocket for USB storage and on-the-go charging capabilities. 

The materials lend themselves to a durable and low-maintenance design. Made with recycled polyester sourced from plastic water bottles, this backpack is water-resistant and can be cleaned with a gentle wipe-down. It also held up to wear and tear, with no marks or visible damage after our durability test.

The cushioned straps are comfortable on your shoulders, though they’re close together up top so it could be uncomfortable for some folks if it rubs your neck. That said, we think it’s one of the most comfortable and well-fitting backpacks of the day. When you consider the storage, durability, high-quality materials, comfort, and low price, this bag is a must for any regular traveler.

How it's held up:

When we tried this backpack in the real world, we were continually impressed with its capacity. It’s a bit of a Mary Poppins bag because it almost feels bottomless. The zippers had smooth closures, and the padded straps made the backpack comfortable to wear throughout the day when traveling. We agree with the lab’s assessment of the straps’ narrowness at the top. That said, this lightweight backpack distributes its weight and you feel the impact more on your hips than your shoulders. The sustainable materials are easy to wipe down after a trip — even after traveling across the country, there wasn’t a single scuff or scratch on this backpack.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: Black, gray | Material: Recycled PET polyester | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve for luggage, USB port, RFID data protection pocket

• PHOTO: People / Jessica Juliao

Best Overall, Cheaper

Himawari laptop backpack with usb charging port.

Lightweight and comfortable to carry

Lots of protective cushioning on laptop and tablet pockets

Available in more than 20 colors

Most inner compartments don’t have closures so belongings aren’t fully secure

Outer water bottle pockets are too small for large bottles

Himari’s laptop backpack is an excellent value for travelers, students, and commuters. It includes well-padded laptop and tablet sleeves, adjustable straps, two outer side pockets for water bottles, a USB charging port with a built-in cable, and more — all for under $40.

We put this backpack to the test over a four-day trip that included a flight to Florida, as well as during a work commute in New York. We were impressed with its 17-liter capacity — it was flexible and roomy, though still structured enough to stand up on its own. (Case in point: It fit a 15-inch laptop and charging cable, a Kindle, a book, a thick cardigan, a wallet, and keys and still felt spacious.)

It was also comfortable to carry, lightweight even when full, and it distributed weight evenly. The padded straps are also adjustable and can work for people with a wide range of heights and builds. We felt it was durable, too; its waterproof canvas material kept its contents completely dry, both in the Miami humidity and during a light rain storm in New York.

Though we loved the number of pockets in this backpack, we wished its smaller inner compartments — perfect for keys or earbuds — had closures. Our things occasionally slipped out in transit. Also, its two outer side pockets don’t have much give, which makes the bag look more streamlined but makes it difficult to fit larger water bottles inside.

Laptop Size: 15 inches | Colors: 24 | Material: Waterproof canvas | Extra Features: Dedicated laptop pocket and tablet sleeve , large zippered front pocket, 2 inner small pockets, 2 side pockets, padded back panel, adjustable shoulder straps, USB port with built-in charging cable (power bank not included)

• PHOTO: People / Jhett Thompson

Best Budget

Bagsmart bonchemin laptop backpack.

So many pockets and compartments to fit everything you need on a trip

Most inexpensive bag on our list, just under $50

Has a charger port so you don’t have to worry about your phone battery dying mid-journey

Laptop compartment has zippers that must be clipped or the weight of the laptop will cause the bag to open

This favorite from Bagsmart comes with all the qualities you want in a laptop backpack, but with a price tag that will make you raise your eyebrows — it’s that good. We love the large compartment space (which can fit multiple laptops), soft material, stylish design, and comfort. Our shoulders felt light after taking off the bag, despite having carried it around for a bit. 

It also survived — nay, thrived — during our durability tests. The test laptop survived the drop in this bag and came out with no scuffs and no marks. We initially judged the bag based on its basic appearance but were so wrong. We were delighted by the extra features like the charger port, capacity, and quilted cloth design. For the price, this bag is so worth it.

If you're looking for a bag that doubles as an everyday work backpack and a travel one, we took this backpack on a nine-day trip to Ireland, and continue to use it as an everyday work bag. One thing we learned is that you have to fasten the zippers with the clips on the laptop sleeve or the weight of the laptop can open the bag (unfortunately, we learned this while riding the subway). However, there are also so many compartments and pockets, that you can fit everything you need, and more.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: Black, beige, gray, pink, black 17.3, pink rose | Material: Water-resistant polyester | Extra Features: Some hidden pockets, adjustable straps, USB charging port

• PHOTO: People / Conor Ralph

Best Carry-On

Bagsmart blast quick access carry-on travel backpack.

Spacious storage capacity

Several useful pockets, including a dedicated shoe compartment

Laptop pocket cumbersome to open

Chest buckle feels awkward and uncomfortable

This is the ideal carry-on bag for a short trip or an all-day expedition. Inside, it’s incredibly spacious, though we also found it easy to organize our things thanks to six zippered outer pockets, including a dedicated compartment for shoes — a game changer for gym-goers or those on a weekend trip.

This backpack was comfortable to carry during a full-day excursion in New York City, and its nylon material felt lightweight but durable. Though we appreciated that its adjustable shoulder straps were versatile enough to fit a variety of heights and body types, we could have done without its chest buckle, which felt restrictive and in the way. 

While we love the laptop sleeve, the bulky size of the bag makes it a better carry-on travel option rather than a daily laptop bag (for, say, a quick jaunt to a café to work). When full, it can carry a laptop, extra clothes, chargers, notebooks, boots, a water bottle, and toiletries.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: 3 | Material: Nylon | Extra Features: 6 external pockets, shoe compartment, inner/outer compression straps, 4 carrying modes (top/side handles, back luggage strap), water-resistant, machine-washable

Best Investment

Lo & sons rowledge.

Stylish design comes in two sizes

Proved very protective of our laptops over two months of testing

Water-resistant and durable material

Doesn’t fit 15-inch laptops

If fashion is your priority, this stylish Lo & Sons bag is undoubtedly eye-catching. We were in awe of the design because it's very chic with the brand logo, zipper tassels, and leather design. But it’s not just a good-looking backpack, it’s functional too. It looks small on the outside, but once you open it, there is more than enough space for a sweater and any tech you have; there’s even a zippered section for a water bottle. While the bag is only available in black, there are several interior colors available as well as various hardware options.

While it comes in two sizes, neither fits a laptop larger than 13 inches. The premium nylon material is water-resistant and quite durable, and because it’s padded all the way through, the laptop survived the fall test. We noticed the material was a little stiff at first, but it became more flexible and adjustable as time went on. You can also use it as a backpack or a tote, thanks to the sleek top handles.

How it's held up: For two months, we’ve used this bag for our office commute and as a travel bag for airport trips. It’s proved to be sleek, protective, and comfortable throughout long days of wear. It also thoroughly protected our laptop and provided lots of storage and organization options.

Laptop Size: 13 inches | Colors: Black with 7 hardware/interior options | Material: Premium nylon | Extra Features: Convertible design, luggage trolley sleeve

Best Weatherproof

Peak design everyday backpack.

Many hidden compartments; room for pens, a camera, a laptop, and more

Adjustable and padded straps, which makes the bag super comfortable to wear

Made with a weatherproof poly-coated nylon material

One of the most expensive backpacks on our list

Fastener wasn’t as secure as we would have liked

For certain adventures, your travel backpack might face inclement weather, and if you have your laptop in tow, you’ll want a bag that keeps it protected. This backpack is thoughtfully designed with plenty of features for photographers or people traveling with technology gadgets. It scored well in terms of capacity because it has a spacious interior, two removable dividers for separating items that could be fragile, and an expandable magnetic clip.

Despite the size, it also proved quite comfortable. It’s so lightweight, and combined with cushioned and adjustable straps and durable and weatherproof poly-coated nylon material, this bag is highly durable and will keep your laptop safe — much like it did when we dropped the backpack and the laptop stayed intact. Though expensive, the price is completely fair for the high-quality design and materials.

How it's held up: We used this primarily as a work bag, and were impressed with the storage capacity and organizational compartments. The chest strap fits nicely, and the laptop sleeve has held up in protecting our computer. We do wish the backpack fastener was a little more secure.

Laptop Size: 16 inches | Colors: Black, midnight blue, charcoal, ash | Material: 400D double poly-coated nylon canvas shell | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve, adjustable straps

Best Faux Leather

Monos metro backpack.

Even when you fill it to capacity, it’s comfortable to carry around

Deep pockets have more than enough room for anything you need to carry

Nylon and faux leather options with this backpack model

Small bag attached on the front falls off occasionally

No small compartments which makes it harder to find things in the bottom

No water bottle holder on the exterior of the bag

This is a gorgeous bag that’s as eye-catching as it is effective. The design is perfect for everything from commuting to air travel. Even without the detachable bag on the front, there was a good amount of room for storage. The backpack comes in durable nylon or vegan leather options, and both materials are water- and scratch-resistant. The only initial hiccup with the design was the lack of a water bottle holder on the exterior of the bag. 

We loved the look of the vegan leather and though it feels slightly stiff, the bag is comfortable to wear. This bag kept the dummy laptop secure during the drop test — we were impressed with its durability. We think it’s a well-made backpack with thoughtful features like padded handles, plenty of pockets, and a detachable front pouch for staying extra organized.

While home testing for two months, we noticed that the front attached bag falls off occasionally which isn’t ideal, and the deep pockets can be a recipe for losing items at the bottom of your bag. While we love the capacity of this backpack, it might be better suited for travel with larger items than as a commuter bag carrying smaller pens, notebooks, etc.

Laptop Size: 15 inches | Colors: Saddle tan, mahogany, ivory (plus four colors for nylon material) | Material: Ultra-microfiber vegan leather | Extra Features: Water- and scratch-resistant materials, trolley sleeve, top handle

Best Durable

Troubadour orbis 1-pocket backpack.

Dropped seven times without any scuffs or damage marks

Strap padding is highly cushioned making for comfortable wear

Large number of pockets for extensive organization options

Main compartment opening tapers down slightly making it harder to get into

Back padding isn’t super breathable

When you travel with a backpack, it has to endure quite a bit of wear and tear. This one-pocket backpack from Troubadour was the most durable among those we tested. Its canvas-like material is actually a recycled polyester, and though lightweight it can sustain a good beating. After dropping it seven times during our tests, it didn’t have any scuff marks or damage and still looked brand new. The amount of padding on the straps creates a super cushioned feel, though it wasn’t super breathable and our tester got a little sweaty when carrying it around.

In addition, the capacity was impressive — we could fit a surprising amount of clothing and cosmetics. The large number of pockets allows for extensive organization, and the water bottle pockets can fit up to a 24-ounce bottle. The design is sleek, and the main compartment is spacious, but we did notice the top of the compartment tapers down slightly, so the opening is a little hard to get into. Though slightly inconvenient, the slides’ fabric expands to help you access the compartment better. Overall, this is a well-designed, durable, and comfortable backpack to invest in.

We found this bag to be spacious, durable, and comfortable for regular commutes. It has a series of pockets and compartments for organization, as well as a protected laptop pocket, which is easy to access and unzip. The main pocket issue also existed in our real-world testing; basically, it’s hard to get into this backpack on the go, because the zipper lives under a tapered flat. So we just had to stop and take the backpack off to get into it. However, the padding was extremely thick and comfortable to wear throughout the day. It has remained durable without any scuff marks during our real-world testing, and frankly, given the amount of padding, we would feel confident kicking the bag even with our laptop in it. 

Laptop Size: 16 inches | Colors: Black | Material: Recycled polyester | Extra Features: Smooth zippers, clever pockets, waterproof fabric, 5-year guarantee

Best Design

Béis the backpack.

Lots of storage compartments and organization options

Water-resistant lining to protect your laptop from rain or spills

Comfortable to wear (when not overpacked)

No padded bottom in laptop sleeve

Reusable water bottle doesn’t fit in the drink pouch

Feels heavy to carry when filled to the brim

As a standout piece in Shay Mitchell’s luggage brand , Beis, this backpack offers extensive storage, a chic design, durability, and comfort when wearing it. This bag was definitely designed by travel pros because there's a ton of capacity — the bag wasn't even close to half full with the items we packed in. The capacity includes water bottle holders, a laptop sleeve, zippered compartments, and more. When this backpack appears on a list of Cyber Monday luggage deals, definitely snap it up.

Though we were nervous about the laptop sleeve not having a padded bottom, the backpack kept the laptop protected during our drop test. We were, though, impressed with the comfort. The straps are nicely padded and adjustable, and a good width apart to feel comfortable around our frame. The overall features of this bag make it very convenient and portable: Its comfortable and durable design, expansive capacity, water-resistant lining, and protective laptop storage make it a fabulous laptop backpack for travel.

We used this bag on two international trips and it fits an astonishing amount. It fully opens, which makes it easy to see where everything is inside (no digging around!). We noticed that a reusable water bottle did not fit super easily in the water pouch, which was disappointing. It also felt super heavy when full, but we do love the organization options.

Laptop Size: 15 inches | Colors: Black, beige | Material: Cotton, PVC, polyester | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve, water bottle pockets

Best Capacity

Lovevook laptop bag.

Spacious and includes large, useful pockets

Comfortable to carry

Great value

Lacks padding in laptop sleeve and back panel

Strap adjustment mechanism felt flimsy

When we tested this backpack during work commutes, we were shocked by its spaciousness. In its main compartment, we stored a laptop, a notebook, two medium-sized makeup pouches, a pair of large over-ear headphones, and a packed lunch. Plus, the front pocket fit AirPods, tissues, and several other smaller items, and the side pockets were secure but stretchy enough to fit a large Stanley cup. (We also utilized the USB pocket with a built-in charging cable for on-the-go power.)

The bag had several smaller hidden pockets, which helped us organize smaller personal items; it felt like there was no wasted space. However, the laptop sleeve itself had what we’d consider a minimal amount of padding compared to other options, though there were enough protective layers to keep it safe during low-impact trips.

Though its adjustable shoulder straps were thick and plush, the adjustment sliders felt a bit flimsy — we noticed that they often moved on their own during transit, which made the bag looser and more uncomfortable to carry. As a result, we noted some strain on our shoulders and neck after commuting with a full bag; for this reason, we believe it’s a better fit for smaller loads or shorter distances.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: 18 | Material: Nylon | Extra Features: 2 front compartments, luggage strap on back, USB charging port, theft-proof back pocket, 2 side pockets

Best for Organization

Timbuk2 authority laptop backpack deluxe.

Tons of capacity for storage, including pockets for organization

Water-resistant material

Adjustable padded straps

No cons detected during testing

This deluxe backpack from Timbuk2 is an organizer’s dream. With pockets and hidden compartments inside, outside, and on the sides of this backpack, there are countless ways to organize this bag. The main compartment fits all of the packing items without issue, and it’s super sleek and thin — plus there are tons of pockets for staying super organized.

We loved the lightweight feel of this backpack, as well as the padding and cushioned feel of the adjustable straps when wearing it. We felt like we could wear this all day and not feel any pinching or immediate pain. It also passed our durability test with flying colors, as the laptop sleeve is super padded, and the bottom of the bag has a waterproof material, so nothing seeps through. While it might not be able to hold all of your essentials for a longer trip, we feel like this bag would last a really long time with daily use.

Laptop Size: 17 inches | Colors: Black deluxe, eco black deluxe, nightfall, static, olivine, titanium | Material: 100 percent recycled nylon | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve, air-mesh back panel, compression straps

Best Padded

Swissgear 1900 scansmart laptop backpack.

Extensive organization and capacity options for every kind of usage: commuting, travel, running errands, and more

Scansmart tech for faster airport travel

Gets a little heavy to carry around if you overfill it

Swissgear offers a highly durable, comfortable, and spacious backpack to keep your laptop protected during travel. The polyester material is washable and waterproof, the large zippers are all metal, and the material is thick and seemingly well-constructed, so we can see this bag lasting for years while being used daily. We also appreciated the extra padding on the straps and back panel, which we would describe as exceptionally soft.

The capacity proved spacious and allowed for organization with various pockets and sections to keep your things in place. With a plethora of pockets and compartments, this bag makes sure everything has its rightful spot. It also has Scansmart technology to speed up the TSA process. We loved the overall look and design, and while some might find it a bit utilitarian in appearance, considering the price and all the features, we’d say it’s a steal.

How it's held up: Upon receiving this backpack, we threw our old backpack away (literally at the office) and have never looked back. We carry it around two to three days per week, and it works beautifully for shopping (and loading up on gifts and goodies), commuting, going to the gym, and traveling. We’re huge fans of the compartment options and organization capabilities, though it does get a little heavy to carry around when overfilled.

Laptop Size: 17 inches | Colors: Blue, gray, heather gray, black, and more | Material: 1200 D polyester | Extra Features: Scansmart tech to speed up TSA process, adjustable straps, padded airflow back panel

Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack

Has a front pocket with wireless charging capabilities for your phone

Didn’t scuff or scratch when dropped for durability test

It sits a little low on your back even when the straps are on the tightest setting

Could be too expensive for some budgets

Despite being a smaller backpack, this bag fits everything we wedged into it during testing. In addition to the spacious main compartment, there’s also a front pocket designed as a wireless charger (though the actual charger is sold separately) and a protective laptop sleeve. It felt lightweight, and while there wasn’t padding, it didn’t really need any since it’s so small. 

While walking around, the bag was comfortable on our shoulders, even when fully packed. It sat a little low on our backs but that’s not a dealbreaker. It passed the durability test without any marks of scuffs, but since it’s a genuine leather bag, we would advise you to be mindful of its care. Given the material, we understand the higher price tag, but it could be too expensive for some budgets. Overall, we think this is a sleek, quality backpack that would be a fun accessory to take your work on the go. 

How it's held up: When we tried this backpack outside the lab, it fit everything we needed to carry around. We really liked the front pocket for storing quick-grab items like your keys, wallet, and phone. And the fact that it can charge your phone while you’re out doesn’t hurt. We like the look of the buckle straps but in terms of comfort, the backpack sits a little low on our backs. We weren’t particularly careful with the bag, and it still hasn’t scratched. The design and small size would make this an ideal work bag for commuters.

Laptop Size: 13 inches | Colors: Green, red, black, tan | Material: 100% genuine Italian leather | Extra Features: Charging pocket, outer pocket, water bottle pocket

Best with Charger

Vohler laptop backpack.

Built-in USB charger which makes traveling so much more convenient

Lots of organization compartments and pockets to store different sized items

Luggage strap makes for easy transport as you can throw it on top of your suitcase and wheel it around

Only comes in dark colors

The fabric inside the liner frayed and ripped in the two months of use

If you want a bag that provides plenty of storage when you travel and lets you charge your devices on the go, this Vohler pick is a good choice. We love the organization compartments, USB charger, durable material, and stylish design. We were able to sort everything within the multiple pockets, and there are extra hidden pockets for more valuable items. 

We appreciated the compact size, which can fit wonderfully under a seat and in the overhead compartment on a plane. This contemporary bag offers a built-in USB charger, high quality, and durable fabric that’s water-resistant. The bottom padding helped during our impact test, keeping the laptop intact when dropped via the backpack. We loved this well-designed bag, and thinks it will last for many trips to come.

How it’s held up: We’ve used this backpack for two months for work and travel. Though one of the pocket liners frayed and ripped, the majority of the bag has shown incredible durability — we’ve thrown it under plane seats, overpacked its capacity, and taken it on many road trips. We love the luggage strap and how easy it is to throw on top of our suitcase to wheel around the airport. It has a ton of pockets and compartments for storage, and we’ve utilized the USP charger many times which adds a layer of convenience to traveling.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches, 17 inches | Colors: Black, blue, grey, rose red | Material: Water-resistant polyester | Extra Features: Built-in USB charger

Best for Business Travel

Samsonite just right standard backpack.

Plenty of compartments and organizer pockets for storing various items

Sleek, sophisticated design that received lots of compliments when we used it on trips

Not a huge capacity

If you’re popping out for a quick business trip, this backpack is the perfect work bag for brief commutes. It easily fits a laptop and iPad and could definitely fit another computer. In fact, everything from the test fit in the bag, but it’s definitely more of a commuter bag or a second carry-on, rather than a main bag for a trip. It’s a highly cushioned bag, with plenty of support when wearing it, as well as padding around your laptop for extra protection. 

Other cool features include the USB cord, all of the various organization pockets and compartments, and a trolley strap to attach it to luggage when you don’t feel like carrying it. Our one lament was that there was only one water bottle pocket, and it was not very large. The overall design is super lightweight, and we think the outer and inner materials both seem high quality and durable — plus, nothing was damaged during the drop test. It’s a very sleek bag that doesn’t have a huge capacity, but it looks professional and is extremely organized. It would be a great bag for work commutes or as a personal item on a plane.

How it's held up: Over two months, we learned this bag has just enough pockets to stay organized without allowing you to overpack and cause bulkiness. It goes with everything, and we always get compliments on it when out and about. It doesn’t fit too much, which we liked because it prevents us from overpacking, but this could be inconvenient for those who need more spacious bags.

Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Colors: Black | Material: Nylon | Extra Features: Adjustable straps, included cable for charging devices, trolley sleeve

Best for Commuters

Aer city pack.

High-quality materials and design

Sturdy laptop compartment

Has ample pockets elevated details

Slightly heavy

May not be as comfortable for petit users

Aer’s City Pack is aptly named — in our testing, we noted it was the ideal bag for commuters. We tested this 14-liter-capacity bag on work commutes in New York; it comfortably fit a 14-inch Macbook Pro laptop, a sketchbook, a pencil case, a 32-ounce Swell water bottle, a pair of foldable over-ear headphones, a battery charger, a travel-sized sunblock, and keys.

What made this bag stand out was the attention to detail in its design and special features, including organized compartments (shoutout to the tiny pocket specifically for bag trackers like AirTags !), a strap and clip for keys , a deep water bottle pocket that expands, and a quick-grab side handle for convenient carrying. Its laptop compartment also felt extremely sturdy and safe; it’s padded generously and has a soft lining. Plus, the nylon exterior is thick, rigid, and durable, and we didn’t see any signs of wear and tear after weeks of testing it every day. 

The bag has adjustable shoulder straps and a chest buckle for stability, and it’s extremely comfortable to carry thanks to cushy, high-quality padding. It was a bit heavy compared to other laptop backpacks — a factor that could be a game changer, particularly for someone shorter or more petite. 

Laptop Size: 16 inches | Colors: 3 | Material: 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon | Extra Features: Contoured back panel, exterior water bottle pocket, smart tracker pocket (designed for Apple AirTags), padded side handle, strap and clip for keys

Best for Students

Fjällräven räven 28.

Huge storage capacity with numerous pockets and compartments

Protected laptop during drop test, and when we placed the bag in spilled water

Comfortable, supportive straps that don’t dig into your shoulders when wearing it

We wish the water bottle pockets on the side were bigger

If you’re in the market for a backpack for school, field trips, and the like, this bag provides vast storage capacity for supplies, notebooks, and laptops, and is easy to transport. We found that this bag easily fit everything in our packing test with tons of pockets to spare. The padded laptop compartments can fit two laptops and an iPad. In addition to two water bottle holders (which we wish were a bit larger), there are several hidden pockets for valuables, and many more for organizing. 

We also loved the design of this backpack. The straps and back are also mesh which is great for breathability. Plushy straps, a leather top handle, and classic canvas material are just a few features of this versatile backpack. We were somewhat worried about the canvas collecting dust and being susceptible to stains, but it fared well during testing. It held up during our impact test and protected the laptop from sustaining any damage. We would recommend this product, especially to a student or someone commuting. 

How it's held up: Over two months, we used this backpack about three times per week for work and various times for travel. It offers plenty of space and numerous compartments for storage, organization, and more. It sits flat against your back, which makes it great for commuting, especially on the subway. It’s supportive and super comfortable to wear and doesn’t dig into your shoulders. And when we accidentally set it down in spilled water, the laptop remained dry and protected.

Laptop Size: 15 inches | Colors: Basalt, foliage green, navy, terracotta brown, port, and more | Material: Polyester, cotton | Extra Features: Mesh organized pockets, adjustable padded straps

Best for Outdoors

Solgaard lifepack backpack.

USB ports for charging devices, which are discreetly hidden

Plush drop-proof laptop sleeve, which protected our computer during the drop test

Design is made with recycled materials, and includes anti-theft lock

Solarbank is sold separately

Pockets in the front compartment could be more versatile

If you’re adventuring into the wilderness, or perhaps just a casual backyard campout, this Solgaard backpack has space for everything you’ll need. It has a large capacity and spacious interior. Overall, we loved the design and were impressed with how much it can fit. Plus, the cushioned straps and chest strap made this backpack incredibly comfortable. Plus, its material is made from 100 percent recycled plastic, so you can feel good about your purchase.

This backpack has a plush drop-proof laptop sleeve which proved effective during testing — protecting the test laptop from sustaining damage. The backpack feels very durable and offers lots of cushion for the items inside. It’s also compatible with Solagaard’s sister product — the Solarbank Boombox — which acts as a portable charger, Bluetooth, and sound system. The only hiccup is you have to purchase the Solarbank separately. 

How it's held up: We used this for our work commute and travels for over two months and we love the innovation with this backpack. It contains incredible storage for technology like laptops, chargers, iPads, and more. The plugs and wires in the bag are very discreet. If we have to name a con, we’d say the pockets in the front section could be more versatile — they’re rather small and don’t fit larger items. 

Laptop Size: 17 inches | Colors: Baltic black, Atlantic blue, charcoal, Granada green camo, Granada green | Material: Shore-Tex, recycled plastic | Extra Features: Anti-theft lock, connects with Solarbank for portable charging and music on the go

• PHOTO: Tripsavvy / Conor Ralph

Other Laptop Backpacks We Tried

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L : Lululemon’s answer to an everyday backpack has a large, deep main pocket that easily accommodates a 16-inch laptop, books, and personal items. However, the water bottle holders are small, there’s minimal padding on the back, and a lack of internal organizational pockets, which can make it tougher to find smaller items.

Herschel Kaslo Tech Backpack 30L : Herschel’s 30-liter backpack is highly spacious and designed for optimal organization, featuring multiple zippered compartments that accommodate a significant amount of equipment. We found that its padding and cushioning effectively protect its contents, even during accidental falls, and that it showed no signs of wear and tear after use. However, the bag's large size can be overwhelming for smaller frames, and its material — EcoSystem 600D fabric made from 100 percent recycled post-consumer water bottles — is rough to the touch and can cause discomfort. It’s best for those carrying equipment, like DJs or tech wizards, rather than those who only need to transport a couple of laptops and chargers.

People / Jhett Thompson

What to Know About Laptop Backpacks

When you’re buying a backpack, especially one for transporting a laptop, you should consider the capacity and how much will fit. Some backpacks only fit certain size laptops, others might just fit a laptop and a few other things, and some can store several clothes as well as notebooks, laptops, and more. And bonus points if there are lots of pockets and compartments for organizing your items. “Compartmentalizing work items creates ease of navigation on the go,” Volpe says.  

Durability 

“Another factor in purchasing a travel laptop bag is durability,” says Volpe. She points out various travel hazards like spilled coffee on planes and rainstorms where a good backpack material can be the difference between a ruined day and momentary inconvenience. “Durable materials like leather are lux and long lasting,” says Volpe, adding that “they also take wear and tear nicely.” She points out that the look of leather improves over time, so even once it’s worn down over time, it will retain that vintage leather aesthetic. 

“Another great option for durability is high quality polyester,” she says (as well as nylon). She adds that this material generally costs less than leather, and can “outlast torrential downpours and being crammed into an overhead compartment.”

The design of a backpack can aid or hinder your travels, so you want to look for features that add to the overall comfort, durability, and use of the bag. Features like adjustable straps, the ability to connect to a charger, and the number of pockets and storage compartments are all important factors to look for. 

In terms of style, Volpe says, “Instead of being too trend forward I look for a travel laptop bag that has an aesthetic which can last for three to four years versus one season.” She suggests avoiding wild prints/patterns and looking for solid colors that will pair well with many outfits and occasions. “A travel laptop bag isn't something you just throw away like a budget friendly evening clutch,” exclaims Volpe. “It has to be appropriate to take to business meetings and while working from your local coffee shop.” 

But it doesn’t have to be boring, she adds. “Color is A-Okay for the creative and fun loving types. Combination neutrals like cream, brown and gray are chic, mature and versatile to coordinate with any outfit,” she says. And for the tech savvy shopper? “You may want a travel laptop bag that has a headphone port, RFID-blocking ID slots, and/or an external USB with a built-in charging cable.”

The price of a laptop backpack can range from $50 to nearing $500, so you just have to keep your budget in mind, as well as the features you’re not willing to compromise on and find a bag that meets both of those criteria. Certain materials like leather will cost more, whereas you can find less expensive bags via materials like polyester. Tech features, like charging capabilities, can also add to the cost.

Our team tested 53 of the top-rated laptop backpacks for travel in our lab, comparing qualities like design, capacity, durability, level of comfort, and overall value. After testing these features, 18 bags came out ahead as our winners.

• Setup: First our team assessed the design of the bags, looking at storage capacity, various pockets and compartments, ability to be organized, and so forth. Then they simulated packing a bag for a trip with real items like a prop laptop, prop iPad, chargers, notebooks, a layer of clothing, a water bottle, and a cosmetic bag. 
• Functionality: Once the bag was packed, our team tested its functionality, considering how much it weighed, how comfortable it was to carry around, and if any part of the design aided its overall use and portability (like adjustable straps for instance).
• Durability: To test the durability and level of protection, we dropped each bag with a prop laptop inside twice, to see if it provided adequate cushioning to keep the computer intact. The laptops were then checked for scratches and damage and turned on to see if the internal hardware had been affected by the impact. Our chosen laptop backpacks for travel were supportive and cushioned and kept the laptops from experiencing damage. We continued testing for two months in the real world to collect additional insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

During the TSA check process at the airport, it’s all about efficiency and helping security see what’s in your bag without other items getting in the way. Some backpacks have a dedicated laptop sleeve that can help this process because it separates your laptop from the other items in your bag. Additionally, backpacks that can be fully unzipped, so agents can easily see the contents inside, would also be considered TSA-friendly.

As a general rule, most airlines won’t let you carry on a backpack that’s bigger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and nine inches deep. This is to ensure the bag will fit comfortably underneath the airplane seat or in the overhead compartment. If you have a backpack that exceeds these measurements, you’ll have to check it, so keep the dimensions in mind when making a selection.

A durable nylon or polyester will be the most enduring material for a travel bag. Both materials are water-resistant, and less susceptible to rips and tears than other materials. In some high end bags you’ll see leather used, which is fairly durable, and also provides an element of style. So the best material depends on if you care more about fashion or function.

Madison Yauger is a shopping editor for PEOPLE who has a penchant for travel bags — owning a handful of suitcases, duffels, carry-on bags, and backpacks. For this article, Yauger also spoke to celebrity fashion stylist and consultant Chelsea Volpe . She also drew on insights from our lab tests in evaluating purchasing decision factors such as price, capacity, the durability of materials, design, and comfort of carrying to determine the best laptop backpacks for travel.

Avery Stone is a contributing freelance writer for PEOPLE who updated this story with our latest tested laptop backpacks. Avery has words in Nylon, The Cut, The Wall Street Journal, and more.

Our Expert Panel

Chelsea Volpe is a celebrity fashion stylist and consultant.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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• Best budget bag
• Best for professionals
• Best sleeve
• Best for students
• Best for travel
• Best for basics
• Best for capacity
• Best for commuters
• Best slimline
• How to choose
• How we test

1. Best overall 2. Best budget backpack 3. Best budget bag 4. Best for professionals 5. Best sleeve 6. Best for students 7. Best for travel 8. Best for basics 9. Best for capacity 10. Best for commuters 11. Best slimline 12. FAQs 13. How to choose 14. How we test

The best laptop backpacks and the best laptop bags let you without worrying about cracks, bangs, and knocks on the commute, on campus, and even at home. These are the bags and backpakcs for laptops that we recommend. 

Our team of reviewers have tested over hundreds of the best laptops and best business laptops - so, we know how it important it is to keep devices safe and secure with a durable bag. Whether you're looking for a high-capacity backpack for all your devices and accessories, or a budget bag to protect your laptop, we've compared the best you can get. 

As part of our review process, we've compared specs, size, and features of each of the best laptop backpacks and bags, explored online reviews, and assessed materials and construction to find the ones that'll keep your devices safe on the go. 

For more savings, check out our round-up of the best back to school sales . 

The best laptop backpack and bag of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Best laptop backpack overall

1. Timbuk2 Authority Backpack

Our expert review:

Specifications

Reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

The backpacks from Timbuk2 have always been some of my favorites. Their overall design is fantastic, the internal pockets and organization is great and the build quality is incredible. These guys think of everything when designing a backpack. 

The Authority laptop backpack deluxe has a ton of internal storage making this the perfect gear bag if you have quite a bit that you carry at times. It has dedicated pockets for your laptop and tablet and it also has great organization inside for other smaller gear as well.

Lastly, this bag is ridiculously comfortable, even when weighted down with gear, and it has a rain boot on top of rain repellant to help deter water from getting to your precious gear even if you happened to set your bag down in a puddle.

• ^ Back to top

Best laptop backpack on a budget

2. AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack

One of the best laptop backpacks on a budget comes from AmazonBasics - the no-frills range of products from the world's online department store. This backpack boasts plenty of pockets for accessories and additional devices, and capable of taking laptops up to 17in. There's even space for a tablet, too. Often on deal, even at full price you're getting a good amount of storage for your money. 

Best laptop bag on a budget

3. AmazonBasics Laptop Bag

If you're looking for an affordable laptop bag, AmazonBasics has you covered. This is a no-nonsense, professional-style case with handle and shoulder strap. The bag comes in a range of sizes, fitting laptops up to 17.3in, and the padding here is more than ample for the daily commute. The design is pretty simple, lacking the premium look and feel we've seen on some of the best laptop bags - but for the price, it's hard to complain. 

Best laptop backpack for professionals

4. Nomatic Navigator (15L)

The Nomatic Navigator - known as the Gomatic Navigator outside the US - is hands down the best laptop backpack for business professionals. Sleek, gorgeously designed, it won't take up too much space, but holds plenty. The internal organization matched with phenomenal build quality and sleek look make this backpack really hard to beat. It comes in black, can expand from 15L to 21L with a simple unzip and all of the zippers are tamper resistant.

Best laptop sleeve

5. Harber London Slim Leather Folio Laptop Case No. 7

There are so many laptop sleeves and folios out there that only give you enough space for your laptop and nothing else. This one from Harber London, however, does the opposite. We've been using this for a while now as our go-to laptop soft case, and we've pretty much thrown in all our accessories and chargers in there as well, allowing us to carry all our essentials without being forced to carry another bag.

Of course, that's just one of the many things the Harber London Slim Leather Folio Laptop Case No. 7 does right. It comes in several different sizes so you can choose the right one for your laptop, has a wool felt lining inside that does a fantastic job of providing protection without making the folio bulky, and that leather finish means that you can take it on business trips and look stylish.

It's a little expensive for a folio, and we wish there are more pockets for organization. But it's still pretty hard to beat if that's what you want as a laptop bag.

Best laptop backpack for students

6. Herschel Pop Quiz

The Herschel Pop Quiz backpack is clearly designed with students in mind. It has a simple style and reasonable price, but comes with no shortage of features to meet your daily needs. It has a padded laptop sleeve with fleece lining to keep your computer safe, and its front pocket includes built-in organizers so you can keep all your school supplies in order. It even features waterproof zippers to help protect all your belongings. And, with a wide variety of styles, you can find a design that fits your personality.

Best laptop backpack for travel

7. Eastpack Out Of Office

With a simple, yet stylish, design, the Out Of Office laptop backpack is ideal for business users that makes carrying around your laptop comfortable, while also protecting your device from the rigours of daily life. One of the best features about this backpack is its 30 year warranty, which means you shouldn't have to worry about getting another laptop backpack for a long, long time.

Best laptop backpack for basics

8. Matein Travel Laptop Bag

If you believe millions of Amazon users can't be wrong, you could do worse than check out their best-selling laptop bag. It's easy to see why, given the huge 30 liter capacity, not to mention the fact that manufacturers Matein offer it in virtually every color available.

On the practical side there's a dedicated compartment that can hold anything from a 13" to a 15.6" laptop.

The adjustable shoulder straps and foam padding, also make this bag comfortable to wear. You even get a USB charging port on the outside with an internal cable, although the bag itself doesn't contain a battery.

The manufacturers claim the bag is made from a "durable polyester" that's also waterproof but some reviewers on Amazon pointed out this waterproofing seemingly doesn't apply to the straps. A couple of reviews also said the plastic buckles broke shortly after buying but these are heavily outweighed by thousands of positive experiences. 

Best laptop backpack for capacity

9. Shrradoo Extra Large Travel Laptop Backpack

Another of the best-selling laptop bags on Amazon, the Shrradoo travel laptop back is an absolute beast with both 50L and 52L capacities, capable of holding up to a 17" laptop. As if this weren't enough there are also 20 independent pockets in addition to the 3 main multi-compartments.

The manufacturers describe the bag as being made of 'durable material' but don't say exactly what this is. They do, however, confirm that the lining is nylon which should make it water resistant, if not fully waterproof.

Like the Matein, the bag comes with an external USB port with built-in charging cable to power your devices. The shoulder straps are wide and made of a breathable mesh, which might make it more bearable if you decide to carry the bag with all the compartments and pockets loaded.

Amazon has thousands of reviews praising the bag for its capacity and portability but a small number said that the plastic handle also broke shortly after purchase. 

Best laptop backpack for commuters

10. Timbuk2 Spire 2.0

The Timbuk2 Spire may have been made with MacBook owners in mind. The bag can easily hold a 15.6" laptop with a separate front panel and zip pocket for other gadgets like an iPad.

There's also a side pocket to hold a water bottle/umbrella. While we're talking rain, the top flap is good security against your electronics becoming damp due to rain. 

It comes with a padded back panel and straps for 'extra comfort' though a few Amazon reviewers said that they did experience a little discomfort during use. 

The higher price tag can be justified through Timbuk2's "lifetime" warranty which allows them to repair defects in the product. Be warned though, this is at the manufacturer's discretion.

Best slimline laptop bag

11. Lenovo T210 Carrying Case

Despite the name, Lenovo 's T210 will actually fit most laptops up to 15.6". The case is extremely sleek and lightweight, making it perfect for business commuters who don't want to haul around large backpacks. It even comes with a convenient luggage strap. 

The internal pockets are also useful for holding accessories like tablets, however some users have expressed disappointment at the limited padding. If you're taking a long trip and/or need to make sure that you're well protected you may want to choose a bag that's better cushioned. Still, you can do worse for less than $20.

Find great deals on laptop cases with our Lenovo promo codes .

Best laptop backpacks and bags: FAQs

How can i be sure the best laptop backpack or bag will be comfortable.

If you're planning on taking a laptop bag on long journeys, use a backpack style one with well-padded straps. If the back of your bag contains extra padding/ventilation, so much the better. Bags with a single shoulder strap aren't suitable for sustained travel. 

How often should I replace my laptop bag?

Less expensive laptop bags can be a false economy if you need to replace them once every few months. Make sure to check with the manufacturer what guarantees they offer if the bag wears away too quickly. This is also a good time to check consumer rights in the country in which you're buying to see what protections are offered if the bag proves unfit for purpose.

What's the best material for a laptop backpack or bag?

If you plan to spend any time outside, try to choose a polyester, waterproof/water resistant material. If this isn't possible, see if you can find a canvas cover to fit over your chosen laptop bag to keep the contents dry.

Where should I buy the best laptop backpack or bag?

 Most stores that sell laptops also sell accessories including laptop bags, backpacks, sleeves, and carrying cases. You can find some excellent deals by visiting manufacturer websites directly or by using popular online retailers like Amazon. The advantage of using third-party sites is you can read user reviews before you buy. 

How to choose the best laptop backpack or bag for you

When choosing which laptop bag is best for you, there are several considerations. First, you'll need to select between a traditional laptop bag or carrying case, backpack, sleeve. If you're looking for protection around the home, a sleeve or case will suffice. If you're traveling, a bag or backpack for laptops is best - both for padding and protection, as well as straps to help you lug your portable around. 

Check the dimensions of the bag and the devices you intend to put in it, so you know your laptop and accessories will fit. Ideally, your laptop should be snug but not constricted within the bag. You don't want it shifting around in its case while on the move, as this may lead to accidental damage. Many of the best laptop bags (and especially laptop backpacks) contain plenty of pockets for carrying around peripherals and accessories, including chargers, tablets, mouse, keyboard and so on. 

If you're using your laptop outside the house, check out those laptop bags with added security features and an anti-theft design. These bags typically have hidden zips, preventing others from accessing the bag's contents without your knowledge. USB charging ports are also found on many of the best laptop backpacks and bags. These let you connect a portable power bank to charge devices while on the go. 

How we test the best laptop backpacks and bags

There are a number of specifications we research when selecting the best laptop backpacks and best laptop bags. First and foremost, we look at the very best-selling products, given if there's a major defect in a product it would likely have already been discovered.

Beyond our own experience with laptop bags, sleeves, cases, and backpacks, we make sure to check user reviews. Like any discerning buyer, we prefer honest, verified reviews from reviewers with photos. We want to know what their experience has been of using their chosen bag day to day. 

When it came to pricing, we tried to post a range for all budgets bearing in mind what we said earlier about the false economy of buying an inexpensive bag only to replace it a few months later. Where warranties are offered, we're sure to mention this too. 

Where possible, we also tried to list the material from which the bag is made. This is important as it can effect how well the bag repels water. Certain materials also can pick up dust or dirt more easily. 

We also check storage capacity of all bags and backpacks for laptops, though this can be misleading given the number of external/internal pockets. It's far better to check with the bag manufacturer if the dimensions of your particular laptop will fit. Where different color options are available, we mention this too.

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Michelle Rae Uy is the former Computing Reviews and Buying Guides Editor at TechRadar. She's a Los Angeles-based tech, travel and lifestyle writer covering a wide range of topics, from computing to the latest in green commutes to the best hiking trails. She's an ambivert who enjoys communing with nature and traveling for months at a time just as much as watching movies and playing sim games at home. That also means that she has a lot more avenues to explore in terms of understanding how tech can improve the different aspects of our lives. 

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19 Best Laptop Bags for Women Travelers On the Go

Best Suitcases , Handbags , LUGGAGE

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Hittin’ the road and need to bring your laptop? A laptop bag is a must to keep it secure and avoid damage. Keep reading for the most functional and cute laptop bags that women use again and again!

Best Laptop Bag for Women

Table of contents.

If you’re traveling for work or pleasure, there are times when you may need to bring your laptop. It’s important to pack your laptop securely in a bag to avoid any damage. There are so many great designs out there that will keep your laptop safe and secure while you’re on the go, and that will look stylish, too!

Whether you opt for a laptop tote bag, backpack, or any other style, it should be practical, durable, and easy to carry.

Need help with choosing the right purse? Read our ultimate guide to travel purses !

TFG readers have shared their favorite functional and fashionable best womens laptop bag for travel that they swear by. See below! 

Best Laptop Tote Bags for Women

Calpak Luka Expandable Laptop Tote

Calpak Luka Laptop Tote Bag

Decked out with killer organization, the Calpak Luka expandable laptop tote is amazing for travelers who want to keep all their devices and travel essentials neat and protected. The 15” laptop compartment is amply padded and features a roomy zippered pocket, and there are plenty of inner and outer pockets of all sizes.

One traveler loves that it’s simple yet elegant and versatile enough to use for all kinds of different travel scenarios! Function aside, this bag is sleek and modern, with a scratch-resistant exterior that comes in a range of fun matte shades. 

Monos Metro Tote Bag

Monos Tote Bag With Laptop Compartment

This is too cute for a vegan laptop bag ! The Monos tote is full of organizational compartments. There’s one to hold your passport or phone, areas for your tech equipment, a water bottle holder, and room for a 14” laptop. Plus, it has a convenient trolley sleeve.

Structured and sophisticated, their womens laptop totes look luxurious but are incredibly low-maintenance. One user says this bag is phenomenal, super durable, and water—and scratch-resistant, so it can handle the rigors of travel. Choose from a few pretty neutral tones. 

MZ Wallace Magnet Medium Metro Tote Deluxe: MZ Wallace | Nordstrom

MZ Wallace Tote Laptop Bag With Trolley Sleeve

One reader calls this MZ Wallace women laptop tote   a great bag that checks all the boxes. It has several compartments, the ability to fit a 13” laptop, a trolley sleeve, and other amazing unique details, such as a built-in jewelry/cosmetic organizer, a quick access phone pocket, and an optional crossbody strap.

The quilted nylon and stitching detail gives it a polished sheen and the handles are sturdy but lightweight to carry. This comes in a ton of cute colors to suit anyone’s style.

Everlane The Luxe Italian Leather Tote

Everlane Tote Laptop Bags

This chic womens leather laptop tote from Everlane is made of 100% Italian leather, it holds a 15” laptop, and has a slip pocket to hold daily essentials, like lip balm, a hotel room key, or a phone.

This beauty is best as a light personal choice for the plane and is not a heavy-duty item. One user says this is a perfect everyday bag, stylish, elegant, and simple. We couldn’t agree more! 

Kenneth Cole Reaction Tote Bag

Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Tote Bag With Laptop Compartment (And Trolley Sleeve)

So cute! This 17” Kenneth Cole tote with laptop pocket also has a shoulder strap and trolley sleeve to fit nicely over luggage. It accommodates a laptop and has a separate tablet compartment, too!

With tons of slip pockets and an exterior pocket that can hold a passport and boarding pass, this chic choice works well for business travel or a short jaunt!

For more travel totes, see this article that showcases the best functional, cute styles!

Best Backpack Laptop Bags for Women

Lo & Sons The Rowledge Backpack

Lo & Sons Rowledge Laptop Tote Backpack With Trolley Sleeve

While the price is a bit higher than other options, readers adore the Lo & Sons backpack and laptop tote for women and consider it a worthwhile investment for their travels! It can be carried as a tote with the top handles or worn as a backpack, and the shoulder straps tuck neatly into a back pocket when not in use. The interior features luxurious fabric, ample storage and organization, and a separate laptop compartment to make your travels easier.

It’s available in a small and large size. 13″ laptops can fit in the Large (21L), and some 13″ laptops are able to fit into the Small (17L) One TFG reader shares that this backpack is clean and professional while still feeling high-end and it fits well under an airplane seat without taking up leg room.

Find out why our readers love their Lo & Sons bags in this review !

Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack

Away Everywhere Laptop Travel Bag With Trolley Sleeve

Away is highly popular in the TFG Community, and the Everywhere Zip 15 inch laptop bag has been highly recommended for storing your things and staying super organized! This backpack is made of durable and water-resistant nylon, and the main compartment is super spacious. The shoulder straps are padded and comfy, and when you want to take the weight off, the trolley sleeve will have your back (literally)!

One traveler reports that this backpack is well-designed and thought out. And feels like the perfectly placed pockets maximize every space, and overall, it’s lightweight and easy to travel with. 

We recommend the best travel bags with trolley sleeve , because a trolley sleeve is one of the most helpful features a bag can have for travel!

Dagne Dover Dakota Medium Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack Laptop Bag

Known for creating sturdy, simple bags, the Dagne Dover Dakota backpack keeps in line with this brand’s quality. Made of durable neoprene, it has a carrying handle, padded shoulder straps, and tons of organizational pockets, and there’s space for a 13” laptop. 

One happy reviewer says this backpack looks great, is appropriate for anywhere, and it weighs nothing. An all-around great travel accessory,

LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack for Women

LOVEVOOK Laptop Bag Backpack

When it comes to inexpensive backpack laptop bags, Amazon is a good source, and readers adore the LOVEHOOK bag is a perfect example—it’s under $50 and is fully loaded with 19 pockets to organize, including a pocket for a water bottle, a laptop, and iPad compartment, and a trolley sleeve.

It also has a top handle and comfortable shoulder straps and opens up like a tote so you can see everything at a glance. Users have so many nice things to say about these fashionable laptop bags, such as how spacious the pockets are, the manageable size, and the quality. They also mention it’s very lightweight for travel, and is not bulky.

PacSafe Citysafe CX 17L Anti Theft Backpack

Pacsafe Anti-Theft Laptop Crossbody Bag With Trolley Sleeve

TFG readers have long adored Pacsafe for its stylish and practical anti-theft products. The Citysafe women’s laptop bag checks all the boxes with a clean look and functional features, including slash-proof material, interlocking zippers, a padded laptop sleeve, and RFID-blocking pockets! Plus, it can be worn as a tote, crossbody, or backpack, and the luggage sleeve makes it easy to navigate through an airport.

A user shares that they can fit so many things in this backpack, and it fits easily under an airplane seat while being impressed that it’s thoughtfully designed with lots of great security features. 

Best Convertible Laptop Bags for Women

Cole Haan Small Grand Ambition Leather Convertible Luxe Backpack 

Cole Haan Grand Ambition Laptop Shoulder Bag

Talk about stylish ladies laptop bags! While the Cole Haan Grand Ambition backpack is in the higher price range, I wanted to include it because I SOO wanted it during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and missed the boat on ordering it on time!  

It fits a 15” laptop, has great compartments for daily essentials, and can flip into a chic tote or crossbody bag. I’m delightfully surprised that readers agree with me that this is awesome, with one saying that it’s the perfect bag for travel and is large enough to hold a good amount while being very comfortable. The leather is sleek and polished, too! 

ECOSUSI Vegan Leather Convertible Backpack

Ecosusi Vegan Leather Laptop Bag

Ecosusi makes pretty bags that TFG readers love! This convertible vegan leather laptop tote is so cute and can be worn as a shoulder bag, tote bag, or backpack! Inside the roomy main compartment,  there are two pockets, two pen loops, and a padded sleeve for laptops up to 14”.

You simply can’t go wrong with the quality, functionality, and beautiful design! One user raves that it’s the best bag for someone on the go and receives many compliments on its style. You can also grab this similar design in a  chic tote too.

If you’re bringing your camera along on your travels, make sure to keep your equipment protected with our readers tip picks for the functional and cute camera bags !

Osprey Arcane Tote Backpack

Osprey Arcane Tote Bags With Laptop Compartment 

Long time readers know that TFG is a bit obsessed with Osprey , and it’s often a go-to for readers as well! The Arcane womens laptop tote bag is a major fave and can hold a TON, including a laptop up to 15” in its protective compartment! You can wear it over the shoulder with the top handles or tuck those away to wear it as a backpack. It’s durable and water-resistant as well! 

One TFG reader says it makes a great carry-on and laptop bag, and it has a lot of structure. 

Sherpani Camden Tote Bag

Sherpani Camden Convertible Crossbody Laptop Bag With Trolley Sleeve

The Sherpani laptop tote bags for women have become reader favorites! The Camden backpack has plenty of padding, secure zippers, and RFID-blocking pockets. You can carry it a few ways: as a crossbody, a tote, or a backpack, or slide it over your luggage handle. It has many compartments, including a 15” laptop sleeve, and overall has a very stylish, modern look!

One user shares she gets lots of compliments on its design and appearance and feels the backpack option is great, because you can hide the straps if you don’t want them hanging out. ”

Find out what our readers have to say about their Sherpani bags in this review !

 Best Laptop Bags for Business Travel

Nomad Lane Bento Bag

Nomad Lane Bento Laptop Travel Bag With Trolley Sleeve

TFG readers have been loving this Nomad Lane Bento 16 inch laptop bag ! It’s a fantastic choice for business travel, or it can even be used as a weekender bag!

It opens up like a suitcase and has amazing organizational features, including various pockets to store chargers, headphones, or other essentials, and, of course, a cushioned laptop sleeve. It also features a shoulder strap, so it can be worn over your shoulder or as a crossbody.

About to travel with my Nomad Lane Bento Bag

Travelers really appreciate the trolley sleeve that allows you to slide it over your luggage handle for easy carrying and it’s compact enough to fit under your airline seat!

One reader says they love all the compartments and the dedicated space for a computer.

If you’re keen to know more about the Nomad Lane Bag, read our review on this favorite traveler’s bag!

Lo & Sons O.G. 2

Lo & Sons O.G.2 Tote Bag With Laptop Sleeve and Trolley Sleeve

If you’re looking for strictly laptop totes for women, the Lo & Sons O.G. 2  is a fantastic personal item or overnight bag. You can get two sizes! The medium size which fits a 10 to 12” laptop, while the large size accommodates a 13” laptop.

Traveling with my latest personal item, the Lo & Son’s O.G.2 Tote !

Their chic laptop bags come equipped with a trolley sleeve, comfy shoulder straps, great organization, and a sleek look! And there are so many gorgeous colors to choose from! 

One happy user says they love this bag for business travel, as it fits easily over a luggage handle; it’s HUGE and fits so much. Plus, all the pockets and compartments are a dream come true, and the laptop pocket fits her 13” laptop perfectly.

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack

Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Backpack

Striking in appearance and adaptable to whatever your travel day entails, the Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Duffel Backpack has it all! This dual-purpose travel bag has a clamshell opening, tons of interior packing space, compression straps, a padded 17” laptop pocket, and multiple interior and exterior pockets. Sleek and shiny, this bag is rugged and water-resistant, spacious yet not bulky, and weighs under 3 lbs!

A happy traveler shares that it’s super lightweight and works as a personal item even on smaller planes, adding that she has gotten a ton of use out of it and receives so many compliments!

Calpak is so popular that we have to mention their other stylish laptop bags :

• Luka Water-Resistant Laptop Backpack in 15″ and 17”
• Kaya Faux Leather 15” Laptop Backpack

Coowoz Expandable Backpack

Coowoz Expandable Laptop Backpack

Coowoz large laptop bag backpack checks all the boxes, with its lightweight yet robust construction, a comfortable and breathable fit, and excellent organization. Its clamshell opening is what makes this bag ultra-popular, as it makes packing super easy. It features a 15.6” laptop pocket, multiple inner and outer pockets, and compression straps to keep everything efficient and ultra-organized.

From city breaks to outdoor adventures, this backpack will support you through any adventure! One wearer praises its high quality and thoughtful design, sharing that she’s used it as an underseat bag, a weekender bag, and for hiking the Scottish highlands!

Swissgear Scan Smart TSA Laptop 17.5″ Backpack

Swissgear Scan Smart Laptop Backpack

If you’re looking for a spacious  womens laptop bags that you can load up but still carry comfortably, look no further than this Swissgear Scan Smart backpack . This bag is full of handy pockets, including an exterior, fleece-lined glasses pocket, and an organizer compartment with sleeves for pens, cards, and chargers. It’s lightweight at 3 lbs, and it boasts ergonomic, padded shoulder straps with breathable fabric and an adjustable sternum strap for supreme comfort.

It also has a padded laptop sleeve! One traveler who used this backpack as a carry-on to Spain reports that it was steady, had a perfect amount of pockets, felt secure, and was an amazing travel bag overall.

Do you have a recommendation for the best ladies laptop bag for travel? Comment and share!

For more travel bags, please read:

• Choosing the Best Personal Item
• Best Backpacks with Trolley Sleeves
• Best Travel Tote Bag
• Weekender Bags for Short Getaways

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43 comments.

I LOVE my Tumi backpack. Incredibly stylish and durable.

I recently bought the Coowooz expandable bag and I love it! I’m short, so having straps able to adjust to my height is really helpful.

I recently purchased Lo & Sons O.G. 2. It’s a beautiful bag with great pockets organization and nice zippers.

My only negative with this bag is that the main zipper is too small / shallow of opening making it hard to see what’s in the bag.

I give a “10” for the Tumi backpack here = not only does it look sleek, it is bigger than it looks and fits my laptop perfectly. Mine has traveled for mulitple weeks to Italy, Portugal, Japan, and Argentina and has weathered rain, sweat from hiking, snow, and scorching hot weather. Best backpack ever!

This a great list of laptop bags – right when I needed one! Thanks!

Just the review post I was looking for! Thank you 🙂

A new travel laptop bag was my first TFG recommended purchase a few years ago! My bag, which looks closest to the Lily & Drew profiled in this article (but was a different brand), has been perfect! It’s affordable, roomy and sleek. My favorite features are the trolley sleeve and roomy interior. The bag has been to several countries and dozens of US states and still looks great. Fits really well under seat.

I have found it quite challenging to find a bag that meets all my needs. Thank you for this review.

Thank you! You’ve provided lots of options to review. I’m on the continual lookout for the perfect personal item carryon!

Love the TravelPro Tote, roomy with padded sleeve and a zipper.

I have been looking for a new laptop bag that will be good for both travel and work. These are great options. Thank you!

Love any back pack with the trolley sleeve! Thank you for putting all this together!

I am looking for my next laptop bag, and this was so helpful. I’ve been using my hydration backpack from REI for too many years now (minus the bladder, of course) as a laptop backpack. It’s time to upgrade! My daughter has a couple different Fjallraven bags, and they are top of my list. But the Sherpani looks interesting as well.

Decisions, decisions!

Thank you for all the research and information, I leave for Italy in 3 days and feel so prepared due to following you! I will be using only carry on and found the best back pack for me by comparing the ones you listed.

I love these reviews. It really helps a lot when I am doing my shopping online.

Love the Bento bag which I got after reading TFG review. Holds so much and yet zips up nicely. Even holds my purse in addition to laptop, files, a shawl if I get cold, cords, chargers, battery pack. Has so many compartments to stay organized. And still fits under the seat! Best personal item ever!

Love the look of the bento bag! Keeping my eye on that one for an upcoming trip!

Do the Away bags ever go on sale?? They look amazing!

I trust TFG for pretty much everything travel. A couple years back she led me straight to my Tumi everyday back pack which is my go to for all of my trips. It’s great for day trips and city trekking. Now I have the laptop back pack bag and I take that with me now too. Great storage, can hold a lot of other things besides computer. I especially love the cushioned computer pocket. Easy to open and to access computer. Thanks, TFG

Now that we are going back in the office some days I am on the hunt for the perfect laptop bag. These are some great options!

Left a look of the Kenneth Cole bag but alas it’s too big for Lufthansa. Still have my eyes on the bento bag!

When Alex first introduced the Lo & Sons OMG bag in the early years of the website, I fell in love and never looked back! The idea of a bag that is travel perfect in every feature, can be work and gym friendly, AND pairs with a dress, heels, and be taken to a resto for dinner was PERFECT! I drooled over the photos and videos for 3 years before splurging on it, and I still love it after all this time (~8+ years). I often worry that I overload it or it’s too heavy and will be damaged in some way….nope. I LOVE that your webpage recommends tried & true original items and opens new concepts for us readers! I never considered the need for a bag with a secret shoe compartment before (it’s genius!) and can’t imagine travelling without it. THANKS & LOVE YOU TFG (& Alex!)!!!

I have the original low and Sons OMG bag (large) based on a recommendation from the TFG FB page. It is roomy and more sophisticated for work that the normal backpack. I have used it for business and personal trips and love the different pockets for organization. I went with the red color to add a pop of color. – love it!

This is exactly what I have been looking for! Thank you for all the research you do so I don’t have to!

I have had my lo and co omg (original bag) for years and love how organized it is. I like that they have moved the laptop to a separate space and added a water bottle sleeve. It is quite bulkey but havent found anything better

I discovered your blog earlier this year while planning for our trip to Dubai and the Maldives. I feel so much more prepared now! Flying Gulfair for a leg of our trip had me searching for the perfect small personal bag. Your blog and Facebook group have so much information and have become my bible! Thank you so much!

I love the Tumi Voyageur Calais Backpack! It’s lightweight and good looking. Even professional enough to go to work with!

This is great – I’m looking for a new bag for work!

Perfect. I’ve been looking for a backpack that can accommodate a laptop.

Wish the Herschel bag came with a trolley sleeve! I bought something similar to the lily & drew backpack to also double as a laptop/overnight bag for work, so I’m hopeful it’ll simplify my work travels!

Great options! I’m obsessed with travel bags!

I love the Nomad Bento Bag! I use it for travel as a carry on all the time.

Also love the Sherpani Sojourn — similar to the Camden.

I love the Nomad Bento Bag

I found a great one on Amazon that was recommended by the TFG community. Can’t wait to use it on my trip to Greece in three days!! Happy Anniversary. Thank you for 10 years of great posts/ideas/travel love!

great content and advice!

I absolutely love my Bento bag. It’s my go to personal item for all travel. Great for a stand alone bag for a minimalist approach to travel.

As.i hunt for the perfect personal item, this is very helpful. I’m thinking the O.G.2 Tote will work for me! I have so much faith in your recommendations after my Julian bag arrived the night before leaving for Europe in 2019 and has been the perfect bag ever since. Love the way you do all the homework for us!

How am I going to pick only one!? Ok let’s be real, I won’t 😉 A woman has to have choices!

Lo & Sons is the best! Thx for sharing these fantastic products & brands to make my traveling more easier!

I travel weekly for my job. I always carry on my Club Glove rolling mini duffle and my computer bag is my personal item. I need a computer bag that is large enough to stuff my cross body bag into at the airport since I’m limited to one personal item. I’ve used a Tumi Alpha Bravo backpack for the past 7 years. I love it. Just wish it had a water bottle pocket.

BAGSMART Waterproof Laptop Bag With Trolley Sleeve is a GREAT bag. The top opens so wide, so easy to find things on the bottom. Plus its so reasonable! Thanks for the tip!

I’ve been looking at laptop bags. Not necessarily for travel, but more for work.And happy anniversary!!!!

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Travel Laptop Backpack for Women,15.6 inch Computer Backpack,Fashion Daypack Shoulder Bag for Work College (Pink-15.6)

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• MULTI-FUNCTION BACKPACK - Fashionable and large capacity backpack can be served as everyday backpack, spacious college bags, professional backpack for laptop or daily use anywhere for weekend, casual getaway.
• LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE&POCKETS - 2 front pocket, 1 functional main pocket with 6 compartments,1 15.6inch Laptop pocket with padded, 1 back pocket and 2 side pockets.You can organize all the essentials and quickly grab them when they are needed.
• WATERPROOF BACKPACK - Our laptop backpack is made of Nylon and Polyester primary fabrics which are durable and water-repellent.
• COMFORTABLE TRAVEL BACKPACK - Breathable sponge ergonomic design of the back and straps offering your back plenty of cushioned comfort by relieving the stress on your shoulder. With a luggage strap, the backpack attaches easily to trolleys or luggage handles making your trip easier wherever you go.
• PERFECT GIFTS - Our backpack can be a great companion for college, travel, business, everyday use, indoor and outdoor activities. Practical gifts for friends, family members, as well as parents who have newborns.

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Customers like the quality, size, and weight of the backpack. They mention it's well-designed, holds a lot, and has many compartments. Some say it'll be perfect for their work backpack.

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Customers are satisfied with the quality of the backpack. They mention it's well-designed, sturdy, and pretty.

" Well-designed , slim-fitting, and sturdy! The bag is nicely placed in the dust bag . Have many compartments so good to keep stuff separating...." Read more

"Love this backpack! Beautiful material and zippers. Highly functional, comfortable and lightweight to wear...." Read more

"Zipper broke and all my stuff fell out. It looks cute but not functional." Read more

" High quality !..." Read more

Customers like the backpack for its many compartments. They mention it holds a ton of stuff, including laptops, water bottles, and small umbrellas.

"...The bag is nicely placed in the dust bag . Have many compartments so good to keep stuff separating. Able to fit in my 14“ laptop." Read more

"...Highly functional, comfortable and lightweight to wear. Holds a ton of stuff including laptop, water bottles, small umbrella...." Read more

"...I love all the pockets it comes with !" Read more

"Very lightweight, holds everything and comfortable to wear" Read more

Customers like the size of the backpack. They mention it's perfect for their work backpacks, practical, and a nice little backpack.

"I love it! I use it to for my laptop and it’s such a nice little backpack ! It’s on the smaller side so anything around 13inch laptop, it would fit!..." Read more

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Customers like the fit of the backpack. They mention it's well-designed, slim-fitting, and sturdy. Customers also say it holds everything and is comfortable to wear.

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"Very lightweight, holds everything and comfortable to wear " Read more

"... Perfect size to carry to work , or even travel. It serves its purpose to carry my 14 inch laptop and other belongings." Read more

Customers appreciate the backpack's lightweight. They mention it's the perfect size to carry to work or even travel.

"...Highly functional, comfortable and lightweight to wear . Holds a ton of stuff including laptop, water bottles, small umbrella...." Read more

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Advertisement

The Best Carry-On Travel Backpacks

By Kit Dillon

Kit Dillon is a writer focused on bags and travel gear. He has worked for Wirecutter for a decade and lost count of the number of bags he has tested.

When you open up your favorite carry-on travel backpack, it should feel like you’re opening the door to a well-organized closet or sitting down at a clean desk, with everything in the right place and easy to reach.

This is your moment to center yourself, no matter how chaotic the journey.

What we considered

A 45-liter bag maximizes overhead space but can get heavy when fully packed; 35-liter bags tend to be more manageable.

A bag with a clamshell design opens like a book and is the easiest to pack, but a bag that opens traditionally tends to have more structure.

Ideally, a travel backpack has handles on all sides—especially the bottom—so you can pull it out of overhead bins or from under seats.

Some internal pockets are useful, but major organizing is better managed with packing cubes.

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack and the larger Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L offer the best combination of features, quality, and durability. Both bags are exemplary carry-on travel backpacks that are designed for comfort, durability, and organization. Though these backpacks are great as companion bags for any trip, they’re designed to ultimately replace all of your other luggage and become your exclusive bag as you travel.

This style of packing is not for everyone, but once some people try it, they’re forever hooked. Finding the right bag is a personal choice, though, and no single bag will appeal to everyone. That’s why we also have picks that are great for people who travel for work , others that are designed to be carried over long distances , and a bag that’s basically luggage on your back .

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, best small carry-on bag for most situations: cotopaxi allpa 35l travel pack, best large bag for most situations: peak design travel backpack 45l, best mobile office: patagonia black hole mlc 45l, best bag for long journeys on foot: osprey farpoint 40 and fairview 40, best bag if you need a large suitcase on your back: tortuga travel backpack pro 40l, other good carry-on travel backpacks, how we picked and tested, the competition.

I’ve been covering aspects of luggage and travel bag design for Wirecutter for nearly a decade, and I have personally researched, tested, and compared hundreds of bags in that time. I personally try to do most of my travel with a single backpack, whenever possible. I spent nine months roaming around Hawaii with not much more than that, and I spent another six months nomadically couch-surfing in New York City.

I reached out to writers who specialize in traveling the world carrying everything they need in a single bag: Eytan Levy, the owner and operator of the Snarky Nomad travel website; James Feess, founder of The Savvy Backpacker ; and Sharon Gourlay, of the Where’s Sharon? travel website. I also spoke with moderators of Reddit’s r/onebag and r/heronebag forums, as well as with Chase Reeves, bag fanatic, reviewer, and owner of Matterful .

We researched and tested bags designed for those who want to travel light and stay flexible while flying, without the burden of checking luggage. For some people, the challenge of cutting down a packing list is intimidating. But if you can get past that initial hurdle, traveling with a single bag is a revelation. With fewer items, you have more time to concentrate on and appreciate the journey.

• When you’re not loaded down by heavy luggage, it’s easy to remain more mobile. And it’s easier to adjust your plans mid-trip. If you’re willing to do laundry on the road, then one bag is all you need to travel indefinitely. At its heart, one-bag travel allows you to discover more—not just about the places you’re going but also about yourself and what you really need day to day.
• Size and weight still matter. If you desire more creature comforts or more gear, or if you plan to be away for a long time across multiple climates, you’ll want a bigger travel backpack . These larger bags tend not to be carry-on-friendly, however, especially in Europe, so be prepared to check them.
• No single backpack is perfect for everyone. Before you make any purchase, consider some basic points. How much can you carry? And where do you usually visit: the city or outback? Travel gear should feel like a welcome companion—there to support you when you need it but unobtrusive when you don’t.

45-liter bag vs. 35-liter bag

Cotopaxi Allpa 35L

A versatile small pack for a week or a weekend.

This durable bag’s clamshell design makes it easy to organize your stuff. And due to its strap design, this bag can be worn on your back or carried in your hand while you’re on the move.

Buying Options

The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L Travel Pack is an easy-to-organize, comfortable-to-carry bag for getaways lasting just a few days or a whole week.

It’s one bag that can do it all. This is a great all-around bag for any traveler who’s dedicated to packing light, or for a smaller person who wants less to carry. There are handles on all four sides of this bag, so it’s easy to grab no matter where you’ve stowed it. It’s also protected by a full lifetime warranty, and it has the build quality to back that up. After more than four years of testing, this single backpack (plus a personal item ) has replaced nearly every travel bag or piece of luggage I use.

It comes in various sizes, but we think the middle-of-the-road version is the best. Cotopaxi also makes the Allpa in 28-liter and 42-liter sizes. But for us, the 35-liter bag is the best option. At 42 liters, this bag becomes heavy for most people to carry when it is fully packed, and we’d prefer that it had a more-robust hip belt. At 28 liters, the bag becomes a touch small for most people, and its internal organization feels fussy for shorter trips, such as an overnight. Cotopaxi also makes a hip pack , which is designed to fit snugly into the Allpa bag’s front top compartment. It’s a neat little addition to the bag, and it is worth getting if you like wearing fanny packs while you travel.

It’s organized, easy to pack, and easy to carry. The Allpa bag has a clamshell design, so it opens like a hard-sided suitcase—a large YKK zipper runs around three sides of the bag, allowing it to fall open into two halves when unzipped. On the right side is a deep compartment, spacious enough for two large packing cubes or half a suitcase’s worth of clothing (which you access through a mesh zippered flap). On the left, there’s space for one more medium-size packing cube behind a zippered flap. Above that there are two smaller pockets with high-visibility backing—useful when you’re looking for hard-to-differentiate personal items.

It’s secure but still accessible. The Allpa pack has two side-access zippers—great for on-the-go access, especially when the bag is hanging from your shoulder. One of these reveals a flat computer pocket with a padded false bottom; so if you drop the bag, it won’t land on the corner of your computer. The other reveals a “secret” pocket with a hidden zipper and access to the main compartment. All of the main compartment zippers are protected by security loops, which you thread the zipper through at the end of its run. This prevents anyone from subtly or quickly grabbing a zipper and opening your bag when you aren’t paying attention.

It’s comfortable to carry. The Allpa bag’s hip belt—which can be removed while the bag is on your back—is substantial enough that it’s comfortable to wear when you need it. With or without the hip belt, the Allpa bag is comfortable to carry over long distances. However, folks who have longer torsos (over 19 inches) may find that the waist belt sits a little high off the hips, unless you fully extend the shoulder straps. Speaking of shoulder straps, unlike the ones on our other picks, the Allpa bag’s straps are contoured to fit people who have large or small chests. It’s not a specifically gendered design, but our female tester noticed the improvement right away.

The Allpa pack is made with 1680-denier ballistic nylon, similar to the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . (Denier is a measure of a fabric’s fiber thickness.) It feels similar to a strong canvas, but it has a more prominent weave. This is the type of bag that’s as easy to toss into an overhead compartment as it is into the back of a rusty pickup truck. And it also includes a rainfly, which is unique in this category.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

• Though this pack is well organized for packing, it’s less ideal as a mobile office. The Allpa pack has a minimal amount of administrative organization—places to keep pens and papers, spaces to hold tickets, and so forth. This is where a good personal item comes in handy. However, if you want to travel with just this one bag, there are a few nooks you can hide things in. The front organizer is deep enough that you can also fit several small organizing pouches, if you want, or the aforementioned fanny pack.
• We prefer the model without the TPU front. Cotopaxi does enjoy playing around with fabrics and colors. Sometimes the company has released the Allpa pack without the TPU-lined front panel. The TPU panel improves water resistance, but after many years of traveling with our bag, we’ve found that the TPU layering can begin to flake in spots.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight: 3 pounds 5 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: adventurous Colors: assorted

Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L

An easily customizable large bag for long trips and expensive gear.

This bag was built with photographers in mind. Yet most travelers will appreciate its easy accessibility, clever tuck-away straps, and the elegant way the bag expands and contracts. The accessory cubes cost extra, though.

The Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is a good choice for those carrying more expensive gear—especially camera gear. It’s also great for those who prefer a large, backpack-based packing system.

One bag provides many configurations. Some bags in this category are built to do one thing extremely well—be carried on your back. But the Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L is built to adapt. It’s the Swiss Army knife of backpacks: adjustable, customizable, and (if you spring for the extra cubes and organizers) an almost perfect system for a photographer or gearhead on the move. Most bags’ expanding mechanisms aren’t worth the extra zipper they’re built on, and they look about as attractive as a boiled ham splitting out of its plastic packaging. That’s not the case with the Peak Design: This bag looks just as good fully packed at 45 liters as it does compressed to a 30-liter daypack.

It’s expandable, with clever folds and zippers. You can access the bag through a back panel (which doubles as a computer and tablet pouch) as well as a front one (if you unzip the pass-through divider). You can also get into the main compartment via two wing-like trapezoidal flaps, which run along each side of the pack. In its natural shape, the Travel Backpack holds 35 liters, but an expansion zipper lets the bag swell to 45 liters. If you want to use the bag as a daypack, you fold in the top corners and snap them down, reducing the bag’s volume to a slim 30 liters. In this configuration, it will still feel larger than a normal daypack, but we think that’s a small compromise for being able to use one backpack as both your travel bag and your daily explorer. The bag itself consists of 400-denier nylon and polyester fabrics. It feels tough but not as tough as some other bags we’ve tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa.

It has fold-away straps, for easier storage. The Peak Design lets you tuck its shoulder and hip straps away when you’re not using them. But unlike any other bag we’ve ever tested, this pack has magnetic flaps on the back panel that open and close with an almost magical snap. Once you’ve played with them, you’ll wonder why every backpack doesn’t have something similar. A small, childish part of me still gets excited about tucking away the straps when I put the Peak Design into an overhead bin. Although the straps are thin, they’re still comfortable. The hip belt isn’t quite as plush as the one on the Tortuga pack; still, even when the Peak Design is fully loaded, the belt doesn’t pinch or dig into the body.

It’s great for carrying expensive gear. If you travel with a camera, you don’t have to use Peak Design’s camera cubes , but they do make carrying that gear a whole lot easier. The cubes come in five sizes. And if they’re situated properly in the bag with the provided clips, they line up with the Travel Backpack’s side-access flaps for quick access. Caleigh Waldman (a photographer for this piece and, full disclosure, my spouse) took this bag across the country for a wedding shoot. “I want this backpack,” she said after three weeks of travel. “I want to travel with it everywhere. With my cameras. Without my cameras. It doesn’t matter. I want to travel with it.”

• It’s expensive—especially if you commit to the entire system of packing and camera cubes.
• More complexity means more things that can break. The adjustable design and multiple zippers do add complexity, and complexity adds potential weaknesses. Peak Design covers all of its bags with a lifetime warranty , which should alleviate most people’s concerns. But if you’re particularly hard on your gear and still need to carry as much as possible, you might consider the Tortuga bag instead.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: back-panel loader Style: minimalist and unobtrusive Color: black, sage

Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L

Combines more organization with a simple interior.

This bag’s split interior makes organizing easy. Those who travel for work will appreciate this bag’s dedicated panels for organizing tech, books, papers, and assorted miscellaneous items.

If you travel often for business and prefer a bag that’s much easier to work out of than most of our other picks, you may like the Patagonia Black Hole MLC 45L . This bag has a front panel and assorted pockets that make it feel like a small traveling office.

It’s built like luggage but organized like your office. Of all the bags we recommend, the MLC (short for Maximum Legal Carry) comes closest to being a suitcase on your back, due to its large size, simple interior, and minimal external features. The MLC is also one of the simplest bags we tested, divided into two leaves (imagine a book with only one page), with a main compartment for packing and a second compartment for document organization and tech storage. The MLC has a built-in laptop compartment that fits 17-inch laptops and is situated close to your back; this protects the computer and keeps its weight closer to your body.

Despite its size, it’s comfortable enough to carry. Most carry-on backpacks of this size, without frames, become somewhat unwieldy when fully packed. Thankfully, the Black Hole MLC bag, like the Cotopaxi Allpa, is a welcome exception to this rule. The MLC has two shoulder straps, a hip belt, and an optional shoulder strap, for easy carrying. When they're not in use, or when you’re checking your bag, all of the straps can be stowed away easily. When fully loaded, the bag was pleasant to carry—not as comfortable as the Peak Design or the Osprey, but decent enough. I wouldn’t want to carry it all day across a city, but I wouldn’t mind carrying it through an airport to a car and to a hotel.

It’s built from high-quality materials, with durability in mind. This pack is made from recycled polyester, and the fabric is woven in a cross-weave that’s very similar to what Patagonia uses in its long-lasting Black Hole series of duffle bags . This is a material I’ve come across a bunch with Patagonia gear, and I’ve tested it thoroughly; it’s very tough. The front of the bag is coated in a weather-resistant TPU, for extra protection from the elements. The bag has large YKK zippers (the industry leader) and smaller YKK zippers throughout. Unlike the Cotopaxi Allpa pack, the Black Hole MLC bag has no security loops.

It comes with one of the best repair programs and a lifetime warranty. Similar to our other picks, the MLC is backed by an excellent lifetime warranty , and we’ve always found that Patagonia’s repair program goes above and beyond other comparable companies.

• We wish the Maximum Legal Carry (despite the name) came in a few more sizes. The 45-liter capacity may be intimidating for some people, and there is no alternative.

Capacity: 45 liters Weight: 3 pounds 10 ounces Main compartment access: clamshell Style: retro Colors: tan, black, olive, green

Osprey Farpoint 40

For long distances on foot.

A great starter option for one-bag travel, this bag is easy to pack, adaptable to most situations, and sturdy enough to take with you as you travel the world.

Osprey Fairview 40

For long distances and smaller torsos.

A scaled-down version of the Farpoint, this bag has shoulder straps that are slightly lower, to keep the bag’s bulk more aligned with smaller torsos.

Updated in 2023, the Osprey Farpoint 40 and Fairview 40 packs are both built around a hiking backpack frame that’s easy to carry over long distances.

It’s built for travel but designed for hiking. The Farpoint 40 bag is well made, easy to pack, and comfortable to carry over most mid-length distances—such as walking across a city for an afternoon. (For simplicity’s sake, everything we say here about the Farpoint bag also applies to the Fairview bag.) Osprey makes excellent backpacks for hauling around, and its lifetime warranty is renowned within the industry . The Farpoint pack also has an optional messenger bag–style strap, which offers some flexibility when you’re maneuvering tight spaces like subways or crowded city centers.

It’s simple to pack, but not as spacious as it seems. Opening the bag reveals a clamshell design; it’s deep enough to accommodate most large items, yet you won’t have to fumble awkwardly with zippers once it’s time to close up the bag. The feeling you get is not unlike when you’re packing a bit of sturdy luggage, and that’s something we love about bags like this one—especially when you use packing cubes . Osprey says this bag, when fully packed, can carry 40 liters. But after using the Farpoint bag for a few years, we’ve decided that its rounded shape seems to cut into that theoretical packable space more than other bags do. In practice, the Farpoint pack’s available space is closer to—but still less than—that of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L .

It’s the easiest bag to carry among our picks. Like all Osprey bags, the Farpoint 40 has very comfortable shoulder straps. The years of design and consideration Osprey has put into its hiking backpacks are quite evident in the Farpoint 40. After more than seven years of long-term testing this bag, we’re still surprised by how great it feels to wear when fully packed. Crucially, the straps of the Farpoint 40 stow away neatly behind a zippered panel. However, when you’re using the shoulder straps, the design forces you to also use the hip straps. Though this isn’t a huge issue, if you prefer a sleeker look or would rather have the option of using shoulder straps without hip straps, the Cotopaxi Allpa pack is more flexible, and it lets you hide the waist straps while the bag is on your back.

The Fairview 40 has the same features, in a scaled-down size. The Farpoint 40 and the Fairview 40 packs basically have the same design, but the Fairview pack is made for someone with a more-diminutive torso. It’s also slightly lighter. However, it has the features and durability of the Farpoint bag. It also has the same hip belt and adjustability. On both, the chest-strap clip is also equipped with a small security whistle that’s surprisingly loud. It’s a handy feature for anyone traveling in unfamiliar environments.

• For a smaller carry-on travel backpack, this one has little to not like. However, we do wish Osprey would trade some of the sleeker contours for a little more interior space.

Capacity: 35 liters Weight (Farpoint): 3 pounds 3 ounces Weight (Fairview): 3 pounds 2 ounces Main compartment access: front-panel loader Style: active Colors (Farpoint): green (Gopher), gray (Tunnel Vision), blue (Muted Space), black Colors (Fairview): blue (Winter Night), red (Zircon), blue (Night Jungle), black

Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L

A suitcase to carry on your back.

For dedicated single-bag travelers, this water-resistant, durable bag is easy to pack and to travel with. And it’s comfortable to wear over endless miles—as long as you don’t mind the heavier weight.

The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L maximizes packing space in a bag that’s durable, water-resistant, and customizable to fit most torso lengths (there’s also a 30L version ), with plenty of organizational features to suit any digital nomad.

It’s like a suitcase, with backpack straps. The Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro 40L is built to occupy the maximum carry-on space available. It’s a nearly perfect blend of backpack and luggage. On the outside, its tear-resistant sailcloth and sealed zippers provide ample protection from sharp objects and the elements. Opening the main clamshell zipper reveals a cavernous interior and a few organizational features that make the bag a cinch to pack. The front panel is a particular standout, great for keeping track of electronics and chargers. Of all the bags we tested, the Tortuga strikes the closest balance between the carrying comfort of a hiking backpack and the space and organization of a piece of luggage.

It’s as easy to pack as luggage. When it comes to packing, the Tortuga pack has a soothingly minimal interior, as any good suitcase should. In addition to the bag’s cavernous main pocket, its interior lid has a large vented panel. The panel is too narrow to hold additional packing cubes, but it’s great for holding light jackets or doubling as a dirty-laundry bag (if you’re really committed to one-bag travel). The Tortuga is available as a 40-liter pack (the maximum space for a carry-on bag), which we tested; there is also a 30-liter version, which is compliant with some intra-European flights. The more-diminutive version is a decent choice for weekend travel or for minimalist travelers—but for those uses, we prefer the space-saving profile and extra internal organization of the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L bag.

It’s very customizable. The Tortuga pack is the most adjustable model we tested, thanks to its adjustable torso length, shoulder straps, and waist-belt system. The adjustable strap system lets you manipulate the location of the shoulder straps (video) to fit a wider variety of body sizes, in both the 30- and 40-liter versions. Of the packs we’ve tested, this one (with its included load-adjuster straps at the top, to prevent the bag’s weight from sagging toward your lumbar region) is the best at distributing its weight (4½ pounds when empty—roughly 1½ pounds more than most of our other picks, except the Peak Design ). The hip straps are removable if you need, but the shoulder straps are not stowable.

• Its straps don’t stow away. Some people, especially those who are hard on their gear, may consider not being able to remove or stow the shoulder straps (as they can with our other picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa ) a disqualifying factor. But after years of testing, traveling with, and occasionally checking our bag, we haven’t had an issue. However, if these mysteries beneath the airport also make you nervous, you might prefer our picks with easy-to-stow straps, such as the Peak Design.
• It's heavy. We’ve fielded complaints from some testers who said that older models of this bag were too heavy for them to carry, even with the padded hip belt and adjustable straps. The additional padding does add weight. At 4½ pounds, this latest Tortuga bag is more than half a pound lighter than it used to be (the difference is noticeable), and it weighs the same as the equally large Peak Design pack. We are currently testing a new, lighter, and less-expensive version of this pack—aptly named the Travel Backpack Lite 40L —and will report back soon.  In the meantime, if you think you would struggle carrying the Tortuga, we strenuously encourage you to consider one of our more-manageable picks, like the Cotopaxi Allpa 35L.

Capacity: 40 liters Weight: 4½ pounds Main compartment access: clamshell opening Style: minimal, with a rigid construction Color: black

If you want to travel like a backpacker but also fit in at a board meeting (and you have the budget for it): Consider the Tom Bihn Aeronaut 45 . This bag’s reputation for durability, adaptability, and a low-key aesthetic make it a favorite among many dedicated one-bag travelers. And after testing it, we think it’s a great bag too. That said, for the bag to really stand out against other backpacks—and to take full advantage of its carrying adaptability—you need to buy the internal frame , the hip belt , and (if you’re traveling with a suit or jacket) the shoulder strap . On a bag that already costs $330, all of this adds up. Everything about the Tom Bihn bag (the fabric, the zippers, the quality of construction) feels like an upgrade from other bags, but it’s simply too pricey, and its design is too rarified and specific for most people. The biggest flaw, from our perspective—apart from the price—is that the Tom Bihn bag lacks a dedicated laptop pocket. In its place, the company sells laptop sleeves (a fine version if you don’t have one) that clip into the bag’s central compartment. Not everyone needs a dedicated laptop pocket, but we prefer the more secure feeling of bags that do.

We’ve narrowed our specifications for a great bag to the following list of features, ordered from most relevant to least:

• Front- or back-panel loader or clamshell opening, for the main compartment: As with any good piece of luggage, with this type of bag, you should be able to open it and see everything you’ve packed. When you have a bag with a panel-loading or clamshell design—rather than a traditional, top-opening design—you can pack and unpack it just as you would a suitcase.

• Backpack strap comfort and design: You never know when you’ll be walking farther with your bag than you’d intended. The more comfortable and well designed the straps are, the easier traveling will be. “Ideally, you want a bag’s shoulder straps to adjust to the angle of your shoulders,” said Eytan Levy of Snarky Nomad. “Good shoulder straps are the difference between an easy trip and a hard trip.”
• Hip-belt comfort and design: A hip belt transfers heavy loads from your back and shoulders onto your hips, letting your legs—not your back—bear the brunt of the weight. Just having a waist belt is a plus, but having a padded and sculpted one—especially on bags with over 40 liters of volume—makes a world of difference.
• Material quality: Durability is critical for any type of luggage, but especially for a backpack that will be your only bag. Most bags worth considering are made of nylon, which resists abrasion more than polyester fabrics of similar density. Spending more, however, can get you exotic, light, and strong materials, such as Dyneema or sailcloth.
• Weight: Once the bags arrived, we weighed each one ourselves. Most of the bags weighed within a few pounds of one another. But unless you’re very strict with yourself, by the time you’re packed for a two-week journey, all bags are going to feel equally massive, even if one is just 2 pounds heavier than another when empty.
• Stowable straps: These are nice to have, but they aren’t absolutely necessary. “The more often you need to check a bag, the more often you need to hide away the straps,” Levy said. “But if the straps are tough enough, it doesn’t matter.”
• Accessory pocket layout and design: Some people will love an accessory pocket that has a specific space for everything; others may find that feature constricting and unadaptable. We prioritized bags with simple designs that guided our packing without constraining us.
• Style: This is purely subjective. We preferred bags that had a minimalist exterior style, but not all of our picks will please everyone. Most of the people we spoke with, however, preferred not to stick out like a tourist wearing a large, colorful backpack, if they could avoid it.

During testing, we flew across the country with these bags, took weekend trips to nearby cities, lived out of them on extended trips, and tried them locally in our daily routines. We also packed and unpacked each bag, using a standardized set of weeklong travel necessities and accessories, to see how well the internal organizational features (or lack thereof) aided or got in the way of efficient packing.

This is not a comprehensive list of all of the carry-on travel backpacks we have tested. We have removed any models that have been discontinued or that no longer meet our criteria.

The Away Outdoor Convertible Backpack 45L is a rare miss from the Away team. This bag is resoundingly average for the price. Although it’s made from excellent materials, the bag is let down by its overall design, which lacks any kind of structure or attention to comfort. There are better options.

The cheap, no-frills Cabin Max Metz bag is intriguing for the price. Any bag at this price should almost be considered disposable. That said, if you need a simple bag that costs less than a seat upgrade, this might be the way to go.

The GeniusPack Travel Backpack is the only model we came across that tried to fit a suit into a travel backpack. Though some people might need that, we think those who have to travel with a suit (or clothes that require pressing) would be better off with a piece of carry-on luggage . GeniusPack now offers a second version of this bag, but our conclusion hasn’t changed.

For certain people, the GoRuck GR3 is almost worth the cost. It’s strong and simple and covered by an iron-clad repair guarantee. The removable hip belt is comfortable to wear, and it’s good at displacing the weight of a 45-liter backpack. This is a decent bag. After testing it, however, we weren’t thrilled with the internal Velcro lining for compatible Velcro packing cubes. Velcro isn’t great: It wears out, it’s difficult to keep clean, and it clings to dirt. That might seem like a small thing, but for the price, this bag should feel perfect.

The Minaal Carry-On 2.0 was designed to be a backpack for business people. But if you’re carrying it for business, you’re probably wearing at least a blazer, so you wouldn’t use a backpack in any case. If you’re a business traveler who falls more on the casual end of the business-casual spectrum, and you’re not on a budget, this is a well-thought-out pack. But we think our picks are more versatile for world travel, and they come at a better price. Minaal has since introduced a 3.0 version of this bag ; our thoughts about it remain the same.

The Osprey Sojourn Porter 46L is a slightly larger sibling of the Farpoint pack. The Sojourn Porter bag is about 2 inches longer, and it pushes right up to most airline limits. If you don’t mind possibly having to check your bag at the last minute, this would be an excellent alternative to the Farpoint pack.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Chase Reeves, Matterful.co , phone interview , October 10, 2018

Addison Ryan, moderator, r/onebag , email interview , September 8, 2018

Lindsay Lorraine Calderón, moderator, r/heronebag , phone interview , September 28, 2018

Meet your guide

Kit Dillon is a senior staff writer at Wirecutter. He was previously an app developer, oil derrick inspector, public-radio archivist, and sandwich shop owner. He has written for Popular Science, The Awl, and the New York Observer, among others. When called on, he can still make a mean sandwich.

Further reading

The Best Travel Backpack

For trips ranging from a week to multiple months, the Osprey Farpoint 55 and Fairview 55 carried everything we needed comfortably.

The Best Buy It for Life Backpack (Please Don’t Call It Tactical)

A buy-it-for-a-lifetime backpack should last you for years of heavy use. But as with all investments, you need to decide if it makes sense for you.

Wirecutter’s Favorite Bags, Totes, Backpacks and Carryalls

Whether you’re going to school, work, the gym, the store, or on vacay, you need a bag. Here’s the Wirecutter-recommended carrying gear we love most.

I Took 5 Trips in 6 Months. My Go-To Weekender Bag Was This Surprisingly Spacious Backpack.

Struggling to pack for your weekend away? The Cotopaxi Allpa 35L fits so much more than you’d expect.

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Parent item expand the sub menu, burberry’s spring collection was quiet, cool and refreshing, mike jeffries faces more sexual abuse claims, michael kors brings jet-set glamour to ftc vs. tapestry case, the 15 best laptop bags that are equally fashionable and functional.

Our haul includes stylist-recommended shoulder bags, totes, and messenger bags.

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Updated March 27, 2024: This article on best laptop bags for women was updated with new editor product picks . We are currently testing additional laptop bags for consideration in this guide.

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To streamline your search for a fashionable laptop bag and limit your scrolling, fashion stylist Jeni Paolella suggests tailoring your bag choice to your lifestyle. “If someone’s day consists of running around New York City, I would choose a messenger style bag or stylish tote,” she says. For frequent business travelers, a leather briefcase or stylish backpack is more appropriate.

Along with López and Paolella, we also spoke with stylists Elizabeth Kassab and Bethany Everett-Ratcliffe for their input on selecting bags that do the job. To help you find your perfect work bag bestie, our guide offers stylish laptop bags in a variety of fabric options — from durable nylon to timeless leather styles — in all types of bag shapes, from luxury tote bags , dual diaper bags, and sizable backpack for two laptops.

Editor’s Choice: Top 3 Laptop Bags of 2024

WWD Shop editors are no strangers to commuting to the New York City office in style, and we certainly understand that comfortable carriers and laptop protection are non-negotiable when planning ahead for the work week. There are several ways to haul your tech, and there are boundless brands to shop stellar options, ranging from super affordable to contemporary and investment-worthy luxury bags. Since the best laptop bags exist in a variety of shapes, sizes, and durable materials, we highlighted our top three recommendations that are standouts for different functions, price points, and style preferences. Our selections reflect a list of key criteria, such as the bag’s overall organization features, like pockets and bonus accessories, essential tech protection, overall style appeal, and enduring durability.

• Béis The Work Tote : WWD Shop editors attest that Béis will never steer you wrong on secret pockets and functional details, and this is the best laptop bag for organization. We especially love this croc-embossed iteration that resembles luxury goods on our wishlists. The bag boasts plenty of pockets, secure closures, a padded laptop slot, and even a trolley strap for whenever you need to jet-set with your tech — earning its spot as the best laptop bag for travel.
• Coach Broome Carryall 36 Bag : If you told us this Coach gem was a functional work bag, you’d have to unclasp the gold pushlock to prove it, because this sleek stunner can pass as a super chic designer handbag any day. We love its elevated style that goes far beyond business-formal, as you can sling this carry-all to dinner or happy hour after your laptop slams shut for the day.
• Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Work Tote : Luxurious in every detail but the price, this Quince workbag is our choice for the best affordable laptop bag, winning five gold stars for its minimalist silhouette and exceptional quality. Sizable, soft-lined pockets keep essentials highly organized, while notable touches like a padded laptop compartment, metal feet, and sustainable design launch the bag into must-have status.

Top Laptop Bags of 2024

• Editor’s Choice: Béis The Work Tote
• Editor’s Choice : Coach Broome Carryall 36 Bag
• Editor’s Choice : Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Work Tote

Troubadour Apex Backpack

Tory burch perry triple compartment tote, lovevook laptop tote bag, lululemon daily multi-pocket tote bag, bagsmart briefcase lockable computer bag.

• Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Away Everywhere Bag

• Best Backpack: Monos Metro Backpack
• Best Messenger : Cuyana Messenger Bag
• Best for Moms : Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote
• Best Sleeve : Oleada Captain Sleeve Suite
• Best Designer : Mansur Gavriel The Soft Tote

Sign up for  WWD Shop’s newsletter  to get the scoop on the best in beauty and style with in-depth reviews of exciting new releases and buyer’s guides to find the products you need to try ASAP.

Béis The Work Tote

Shay Mitchell’s bestselling luggage brand, Béis, has made waves on social media for her stylish and solution-oriented baggage options. It’s one of the best brands for laptop bags that don’t sacrifice high-function for high-fashion. The Work Tote is beloved among shoppers and stylist a like —Kassab particularly favors this style for its structure. “It has an adjustable and detachable shoulder strap for comfort and it’s also vegan leather, which elevates this bag a ton,” she adds.   López echoes her sentiment. “Béis creates smart and user-friendly products. I love this large work tote because it’s great for work, travel, a carry-on or weekend trip,” she says. The zip closure keeps your items secure, the trolley strap attaches easily for travel, and the padded sleeve protects your laptop. Team it with a dress for an easy work ‘fit, or wear it with straight-leg jeans and a cashmere sweater for a casual Friday. What testers say: “OBSESSED. Love this bag! It’s sturdy and has so many more compartments than I even realized. So chic, too — I’ve received so many compliments.” Organization : 5/5 rating |  Tech Protection : 5/5 rating |  Style : 5/5 rating |  Durability : 5/5 rating Price upon publish date of this article: $128

Coach Broome Carryall 36 Bag

Coach’s leather legacy precedes them, so their designer tote bags are always a contender when adding one to your collection. An elevated carry-all, this Coach tote equally favors both form and function. This women’s designer laptop bag features one main roomy compartment that can fit a laptop, a planner, a wallet , and even a stylish pair of work shoes to slip into. It comes with a removable crossbody strap that helps distribute weight, and the sturdy handles convert it to an elegant top handle bag for grabbing drinks after the office. What testers say: “It’s a really good and luxurious bag. It inspires me to run the world when I take it to work or formal events. This gem absolutely fits for any casual or formal situations and outfits. It has high quality leather and a lot of space. This bag can hold everything, including your laptop, documents, sunglasses, hopes, dreams and motivation to try something new and interesting. The Broom Carryall 36 from Coach may transform your style, and life for the better.” Organization : 4.5/5 rating |  Tech Protection : 4.2/5 rating |  Style : 5/5 rating |  Durability : 5/5 rating Price upon publish date of this article: $895

Quince Italian Leather Triple Compartment Work Tote

Quince is a destination for elevated apparel and accessories with time-tested quality that won’t break your bank. Its bestselling work tote offers everything the style should be: functional, polished, and durable. Its extra long top strap allows the bag to fall perfectly above the hip for comfortable carrying, while sturdy Italian leather feels smooth and luxe to the touch. Inside, there’s a padded sleeve designed for your 13-inch laptop, which is surrounded by two sizable compartments for slipping in notebooks, tablets, headphones , or a to-go makeup bag . What testers say : “This tote is made of supple, gorgeous leather and has plenty of compartments. The color is beautiful and goes with everything. It’s already a favorite piece of mine. So far I’ve loved everything from Quince!” Organization : 5/5 rating |  Tech Protection : 5/5 rating |  Style : 5/5 rating |  Durability : 5/5 rating Price upon publish date of this article: $169.90

What started as a mutual love of travel blossomed into an elevated bag brand founded by two friends. The Apex backpack is built with your travel needs in mind. The cushioned laptop sleeve keeps your devices safe, and is big enough to fit 17-inch laptops. With recycled polyester fabric that’s waterproof, this bag is sustainable and rain-proof. Plus, the strategically placed pockets keep your odds and ends organized, but our favorite part is the five year guarantee the brand offers with each purchase.    What testers say : “Amazing bag! Unexpected compartments just where you need them. Service was above and beyond.” Price upon publish date of this article: $220

For both office-friendly dresses and accessories, Tory Burch has been a working woman’s mainstay. The brand’s Perry tote is just as sturdy as it is stylish, so it can handle a bustling commute. Protective feet line the bottom to shield it from grimy floors and subway seats, and the longer straps deliver a more comfortable fit over your shoulder. Choose from five colorways of this top Tory Burch bag , each of which comes with a bag charm in a contrasting color. What testers say: “Elegant but spacious bag, prime quality leather, very professional. I travel for work and I needed a bag to carry the laptop with me. I love it!” Price upon publish date of this article: $398

For a low-profile work bag that feels more elevated than a stuffy old briefcase, we love this sleek top-selling women’s Laptop Tote Bag from Lovevook . Suitable for 13-inch laptops or your essential stack of magazines, it’s dressed in smooth vegan leather that comes in dozens of colorways to suit your style. The supple frame can extent to hold everything you need for work and then some, with durably designed reinforced stitching, double zip and snap closures, and bonus exterior pockets to store your phone or office pass. What testers say : I just realized it has been three years since I got this bag and I thought it deserves a nice review! Nice, light weight, soft bag with lots of space and pockets. I like the separate laptop pocket. I chose light grey, it is a very nice color, and looks like the photo. This bag lasted very well, no damage or scratches on it. I use it daily and also for travels. It holds a lot of stuff!” Price upon publish date of this article: $29

This affordable Lululemon tote goes far beyond the brand’s activewear expertise. Made of thick, water-repellent nylon, this reliable tote comes equipped with exterior drop-in pockets to store snacks or lip balms, while its roomy interior boasts smaller compartments that can live aside your essential tech. The best part? If you’re caught in the rain, you can rest assured your laptop will be safe and sound. What testers say: “It has the perfect amount of structure and is the ideal size. I can fit two laptops, my bag of essentials, umbrella and Stanley in here without it looking ridiculous and bulky. Also, the straps are extremely durable and has helped ease my shoulder pain when I commute in. Love it love it love it!” Price upon publish date of this article: $68

Many laptop bags on this list require an investment upfront, but this one hovers right around $50 and one of the best affordable laptop bags. Still, it comes with a remarkably durable exterior. Many testers refer to it as their go-to work bag and claim that it can withstand everyday wear and tear. The interior is designed with a laptop specific pouch that fits up to a 15.5-inch device, but they make a larger one if you need it. Plus, it comes in five different colors, so you can find one that suits your personal style.   What testers say: “This briefcase is great it’s got a lot of room and its super durable wonderful quality material can hold heavy stuff without bending out of or losing its ‘briefcase-y’ shape 10 out of 10 would recommend to a friend.” Price upon publish date of this article: $55

Everlane The Renew Transit Backpack

Everlane has built its brand on quality and transparency clothing, and its accessories are no different. Its backpack laptop bag uses extra padding across the bottom and along the sides to protect your computer from everyday bumps and bangs. It also comes with an abundance of internal pockets, so you can keep up to two water bottles, tech cords, reading glasses, and notebook stack ready for whatever action your day may bring. On top of that, the bag rings in at under $100, so you can protect your most expensive piece of tech without breaking the bank.  What testers say : “This laptop backpack is practical and solid. The strap in the back is great to attach to a rolling suitcase. There are plenty of pockets to stash stuff into. Good construction.” Price upon publish date of this article: $95

Away suitcases are the go-to luggage for professionals on the move, and their bags are no different. This bag is equipped with every perk you can think of: water-resistant material for extra protection, trolley sleeve for easy carry-on attachment, internal and external pockets for better organization. Check, check, and check! As icing on the cake, Away lets you monogram your bag with your choice of initials. If this size doesn’t work for you, then you are in luck. It comes in two larger sizes to accommodate your travel needs. What testers say: “I am very pleased with my Anywhere Bag! It’s very handy for all my carry-on needs. It was very roomy held all my extra purchases I made at the airport. It’s also extremely well-made and very stylish. It also held my son’s gaming system and all his games for our flight on vacation. I love the fact that it also fit nicely in the overhead bin or under the seat on the aircraft.” Price upon publish date of this article: $195

Monos Metro Backpack

Monos ’ brand philosophy is that we should all have fewer, better things — they aim to create chic, durable travel products that you will use again and again. Their Metro backpack is hardly reminiscent of your elementary school days — it’s gorgeous, and one of the best laptop bags for business travel. This backpack boasts sleek lines and is made from polished leather, which are just two reasons why Paolella lists it among her favorites. “It comes in a beautiful vegan leather that is water and scratch resistant, and offered in multiple colors,” she says, “Lastly it is not big and bulky, but rather tight and cozy to your back.” What testers say: “This backpack is beautiful, first and foremost. Second, it’s incredibly functional. I like how it opens like a clamshell (no more digging for things at the bottom of your bag) and all of the compartments make organizing really efficient. I use the front removable case for my cords and other electronics and it has a great keychain in there as well. I also like the separate laptop compartment. I like not having to open my entire bag to grab it, especially in cafes.” Price upon publish date of this article: $204

Cuyana Messenger Bag

Women owned and led, Cuyana accessories anticipate every single one of your needs with this best leather laptop bag. This women’s laptop messenger bag is crafted with soft pebbled leather that’s both sturdy and stylish, so you can wear to the office and keep on hand for after work cocktails. The shoulder strap is adjustable, so it can hang near your waist across your side. Plus, it can be subtly monogrammed for a small additional cost. Thanks to its versatile design, one of our WWD editors can’t leave the house without her Cuyana bag, and stylists agree. “This bag is designed for your laptop so it has a spacious zip pocket to hold it in,” says Kassab, “It’s so chic and goes with anything.” Price upon publish date of this article: $398

Dagne Dover Wade Diaper Tote

Owning a different bag for every circumstance is not realistic. Like other bags in their collection, Dagne Dover bags are built for almost every occasion. Their organized interiors can straighten out even the most chaotic pack rat. For a new mom, the stain-resistant fabric is easy to clean, and the bag comes with a portable changing pad for emergencies on the go. The convenient trolley straps on the back steady the bag against your carry-on — it’s one of the best work bags for travel — and the interior laptop sleeve is wide enough to fit up to 13-inch laptops.  What testers say: “My daughter recently had a baby and wanted the Dagne Dover diaper bag backpack. I loved the softness of the material and the durability. I was super impressed with the ease of being able to wipe it down when something was spilled on it. After 8 months of daily use, I decided I needed one of my own. I purchased the diaper bag and used it as a carry-on when I went on vacation. It is perfect, everything fit and it looks very sophisticated! Thank you, Dagne Dover for making such a versatile all purpose bag.” Price upon publish date of this article: $215

Oleada Captain Sleeve Suite

Large totes and backpacks are a must for pack rats and commuters, but if you prefer to keep things simple and streamlined, this small clutch is made for you. Oleada brand founders set out to create bags that married both style and function. This two-toned canvas bag adds texture to any outfit, and you can hold it like a clutch, which makes it a little more formal than other work bags. What testers say: “I love it — it is a great case for my laptop. I just need to grab and go when I have to take my son to his tennis practice. The pouch is perfect for the charger, my wireless mouse and my pencil case. It is perfect and a smart design!” Price upon publish date of this article: $265

Mansur Gavriel The Soft Tote

If you want your handbag and laptop bag to function as one, look no further than Mansur Gavriel . Celebrities like Taylor Swift, Reese Witherspoon, Sienna Miller, Solange Knowles and more have been carrying the brand’s bags since they debuted their iconic bucket bags in 2018. The Soft Tote offers the brand’s signature simple yet elevated design. These slouchy bags come in six sophisticated shades, including black, sand, and more earthy colors like forest green. The roomy interior doesn’t offer sleeves or compartments, but it does offer plenty of space, meaning your 16-inch laptop and then some can fit.  What testers say: “ This tote is beautiful, exactly what I was looking for. It is the perfect everyday bag that is versatile enough to be used as a work bag and takes me into the evening. There is enough space for everything I need and it is very well made. The bag itself is super light so is a pleasure to carry and I receive compliments often! My previous Mansur Gavriel bag lasted 8 years (I still use it) and plan to have this one indefinitely as well.” Price upon publish date of this article: $795

What To Look For In a Laptop Bag

• Features: Before deciding on the right laptop bag, you need to pay special attention to their features. First, consider your laptop size. “ Proper space is crucial! You want to make sure your laptop fits on its side and doesn’t stick out the top,” Kassab advises. She also stresses the importance of a comfortable and a durable strap especially if you are frequently on the go. In addition, Everett recommends looking for protective qualities like interior sleeves and pockets. 
• Materials: Laptop bags come in all sorts of materials, with leather being one of the most common, and ranking among Kassab’s favorites. “Leather is always great for a laptop bag because of how sturdy and wearable it is,” she says. Nowadays, vegan leather, which is typically made out of agricultural waste or recycled materials, is also available. The jury is out on whether or not it’s as sturdy as the real thing, but it’s typically cheaper. Outside of leather, nylon and polyester are also fairly common, which are more water resistant and lightweight. However, if you do choose to go this route, Paolella suggests finding something with a thick leather laptop sleeve. “That way you know your devices are protected no matter what,” she explains.  
• Size: When it comes to bags, size matters, and when it comes to laptop bags, size matters even more. In order for a laptop bag to be right for you, it needs to be roomy enough to stow your most important device. The website usually lists dimensions in the description. Make sure to check these measurements before purchasing your new tote.  

The Different Types of Laptop Bags

• Laptop tote bags : Tote bags are a go-to option for slinging tech from point A to point B, however it’s important to keep in mind the pros and cons before you drop a pretty penny on a pricey accessory. Not all tote bags include a protective laptop sleeve, so you risk your computer getting scratched by keys or suffering spills from your water bottle, unless you invest in a separate laptop sleeve. However, tote bags are ideal for commuting with a large haul, whether you enjoy packing a change of clothes for the gym, extra shoes, or if you have a lot materials required for your work day.
• Laptop messenger bags : Messenger bags are among the most comfortable laptop bags to carry, aside from backpacks, as they tend to evenly distribute weight on a long strap and relieve the shoulder of strain. This style is often more compact in silhouette to hold flat tech or notebooks, so keep in mind you may not have additional room for bulky items, like a sweater or spare umbrella.
• Laptop backpacks : Backpacks are highly functional and comfortable way to carry heavy tech, while also allowing plenty of room for other essentials and leaving your hands free to open doors or tap a subway pass. If you tend to wear blazers or delicate blouses to work, consider that backpack straps may dent or disrupt the style on your way to the office, though they’re ideal for commuters with a heavier haul and often come with very organized interiors. Backpacks are often the best laptop bags for business travel, too.
• Laptop sleeves : Laptop sleeves are for the minimalist who doesn’t have much to carry besides their tech and a few small essentials like pens or an office badge. It’s vital to ensure that the laptop sleeve is padded and, ideally, waterproof, as there is little fabric protecting the computer from the elements. Laptop sleeves can double as a cushioned stand, but they don’t always feature a strap or handle, so expect to tuck it under your arm for a secure hold on the way to the office.

How We Choose The Best Laptop Bags

To curate the best laptop bags, our team combed the retailer for top-rated, bestselling, and most-wished-for stylish accessories. We read through ratings, examined features, and personally tested different options to feel their function and experience their toting capabilities. We considered top factors for the best laptop bags when selecting these products, including bag material, organizational features, bag shapes and sizes, and overall quality and functionality. Learn more about us here.

Meet the Experts

Audree Lopez is a professional stylist and content creator based in New York City. She has spent years lugging garment bags and totes filled with accessories all over Manhattan. Her intimate knowledge with accessories makes her the perfect person to ask for recommendations. 

Jeni Paolella is a fashion and lifestyle expert and a personal wardrobe stylist based in Connecticut. She regularly works with celebrities and real women to optimize their closets for their lifestyle.

Meet The Author 

Anneke Knot is a freelance writer in the fashion and beauty space based in San Francisco, California. With over seven years of experience in beauty product testing and writing, she has extensive knowledge of hair tools and beyond. Aside from WWD, her editorial work can be found in publications like Instyle, The Strategist, Byrdie, Forbes, and more. Knot interviewed four experts and assessed top-rated tote, messenger, and shoulder bags to narrow down this list of the best laptop bags for any job.

Olivia Cigliano  is a Commerce Writer & Producer at Footwear News and WWD where she writes shopping content across fashion, beauty, footwear, TikTok style trends, and more. Cigliano received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Emerson College, and her byline can be found in publications including Elite Daily and CR Fashion Book. She is currently based in New York City. As a self-proclaimed handbag addict, Cigliano rides the pulse of emerging handbag trends and regularly reports on and recommends popular new releases at WWD. She updated this story in March, 2024, with new editor-recommended picks for spring 2024.

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Pace Pro Max Travel Bag

FEATURES & BENEFITS

45L capacity fits maximum airline carry-on standards 

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