Best Laptop Backpacks

People with computer-oriented professions have to be ready to take their work with them wherever they go. They’ll need something to carry around their laptop securely. A laptop backpack will have a padded pocket tailored to secure the laptop in place so that it won't get jostled about when traveling. Another important aspect is comfort. You'll want the backpack to distribute the bag's weight with comfort, without putting any strain on your shoulders.

Besides the main features of protecting your laptop and providing you comfort, you’ll also see laptop backpacks with many other attractive benefits. Some will have USB charging cables, an aperture for earphones, and extra space for books, a phone, your keys, and more. You’ll also want a backpack with a durable construction so that it will last you for a reasonable amount of time. And many have a waterproof lining as well. That’s essential if you ever get caught in the rain, and your backpack is the only thing protecting your laptop from the elements.

We’ve composed this buyer’s guide to help you make the right decision when selecting a laptop backpack. It'll help you:

• Choose the right type of laptop backpack,

• See useful tips about that particular type of laptop backpack,

• Read reviews of different laptop backpacks, and what customers are saying,

• Select the right brand of laptop backpack, and

• Compare prices and find the best deals.

• Backpack only: These are laptop backpacks solely meant to be worn on your back, by means of shoulder straps. They’re ideal for hiking or travel. An example is the Ambor Laptop Backpack.

Ambor Laptop Backpack

• Business backpack: There are backpacks with a handle, that allows you to carry it like a briefcase if you find that more convenient. An example is the Kroser Briefcase Laptop Backpack.

Kroser Briefcase Laptop Backpack

• TSA approved: If you expect to fly with your backpack, there are backpacks that are approved by the Transportation Security Administration. One example is the Yorepek backpack, which can be unfolded to a full 180 degrees. That makes it easy for airport security to check your bag’s contents.

• The number of pockets: A good indicator of the utility of your backpack is the number of pockets and compartments that it holds. Some have over 20 pockets, including 3 main pockets, and many hidden pockets for clothes, a cell phone, your wallet, keys, and more. There are some with mesh pockets on the sides for holding water bottles. The SoSoon backpack has some nice deep inner pockets,  that can house your keys and passport. Since they’re hidden so well, it won’t be easy for potential thieves to find them.

• Reinforced frame: There are backpacks with a reinforced, steel frame, such as the Kroser Backpack. That ensures that it keeps its shape, even when subjected to a beating.

• Water-repellent: These backpacks are not strictly “waterproof” since you can’t expect to immerse it in water. But they are generally made from a water repellent material, such as nylon, polyurethane leather, or polyester. That ensures that the contents of the backpack will be able to survive if you’re caught in a light drizzle outside.

• Dimensions: Select a backpack that will accommodate your laptop. You’ll notice backpacks made for 17” or 15” laptops. It’s always best to get a model that is a little wider, such as the Yorepek or Ambor backpacks, which can fit a laptop that is 17.3” on the diagonal.

• USB charging: So many devices that we have nowadays need to be charged up all the time: phones, tablets, and even some headphones. There are backpacks which have a neat little interface that allows you to insert a power bank inside the knapsack, with only a USB port visible from the outside of the pack. You can then hook up your mobile device from the outside, and charge it up.

• Comfort features: The fit of the backpack is a very important feature since you don’t want it to strain your back or shoulders. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Balance: The SoSoon laptop backpack has an innovative design which distributes the pack’s weight in such a way that it feels 20-25% lighter.

  • Wide and padded shoulder straps: The Yorepek backpack has wide, breathable mesh shoulder straps with spongy padding, to reduce strain. The SoSoon backpack has massage mats on the shoulder straps, to ensure comfort.

  • Luggage strap: Another great idea is a luggage strap, that allows you to fit your backpack onto a suitcase or piece of luggage. That way,  you can roll around the backpack in tandem with your luggage.

  • Breathable: You don’t want the backpack to make you sweat. Some backpacks have a special design so that only part of the pack comes in contact with your back. That allows for good ventilation so that any perspiration will evaporate.

• Lightweight: Carrying a laptop with its charger, a few books, and other accessories, can get heavy. You don’t want the bag to weigh a lot. The Yorepek backpack weighs 2.75 pounds (1.25 kg). That’s a reasonable amount of weight--even though you can find some very light backpacks, such as the Ambor backpack, at 1.6 pounds (0.73 kg).

• Anti-theft features: Your laptop is probably expensive, and the information on it might be irreplaceable. It’s important that the laptop backpack is secure. There are backpacks with an anti-theft design, such as the model by Ambor. The zipper on the laptop compartment has two zipper pull tabs. After zipping your backpack closed, you insert the zipper pull tabs inside a combination lock. The lock is originally set to “000”--but you can program it to whatever you like. The Sosoon laptop backpack has a hidden zipper and invisible pockets to make it harder for people to figure out how to open your backpack.

Reebok is a company of running shoes that was founded in 1958 by Joe and Jeff Foster, with the name derived from the rhebok, a species of antelope. Reebok also makes sports-related apparel and backpacks.

Fila is a maker of sports apparel, including sneakers, hoodies, sweaters, pants, shorts, tracksuits, and more. Fila also cinch sacks, backpacks, and duffel bags.

Logo Brands are makers of outdoors goods, including folding chairs, tents and shelters, blankets, coolers, backpacks, and duffel bags. Their laptop backpacks can hold a 13” laptop, as well as notebooks, tablets, and more.

Vangoddy is a manufacturer of electronics accessories. They make protective cases for cell phones, cameras, tablets, laptops, and more. They also make riveted polyurethane backpacks for carrying laptops.