TripSavvy Trip Planning The 13 Best Laptop Backpacks of 2023, According to Our Tests By Nathan Borchelt Nathan Borchelt LinkedIn American University Nathan Borchelt has been working in the travel industry for more than 15 years as a writer, photographer, editor, and product manager. He covers everything from trail cameras to ski equipment. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 10/26/22 Share Pin Email We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Conor Ralph / TripSavvy With the rise of digital nomads and the general need to always be able to log on, traveling with your laptop is a given, which is why the right laptop backpack matters. The pack needs to safely house your computer from the endless bumps of the open road but should also carry all the other must-have essentials, from the laptop charger to tablets, extra layers, notebooks, water bottles, and all the other little things that make travel easier, and it has to be comfortable for hours of continuous use. Frequent travelers also want a backpack that provides efficient TSA security screenings, while photographers benefit from smartly organized packs that provide extra protection from the elements. As expected, the potential options are massive—we looked at 27 different backpacks and rated them on their capacity, design, comfort, durability, and value. We also conducted field tests to ensure that your laptop won’t break during a fall and tested the comfort of wearing each pack when fully loaded. Herschel Tech Backpack won out in this crowded field thanks to its ample storage capacity, smartly organized interior, svelte appearance, and perfect value-to-price ratio for the general traveler. But we’ve also honed in on packs that boast features that would resonate with commuters, photographers, business travelers, and more. Here are the top laptop backpacks we tested, rated, and reviewed. The Rundown Best Overall: Herschel Tech Backpack at Walmart Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-Up: Vohler Laptop Backpack With Charger at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: Bagsmart Laptop Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Value: SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Travel: Solgaard Lifepack at Amazon Jump to Review Best Vegan: Monos Metro Backpack at Monos.com Jump to Review Best Organization: TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe at Amazon Jump to Review Best for School: Fjällräven Räven 28 Backpack at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Commuting: Chrome Naito Pack at Chromeindustries.com Jump to Review Best Sustainable: GOT BAG Rolltop at Got-bag.com Jump to Review Table of contents Expand Our Picks Other Laptop Backpacks We Tested How We Tested What to Look For FAQ Why Trust TripSavvy Best Overall Herschel Tech Backpack 5 Herschel Supply Co. View On Walmart View On Mrporter.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue What We Like Ample storage Serious protection A decidedly modern look makes the Tech Backpack hard to beat. What We Don't Like One tester found that the sternum strap felt a bit tight. Sleek, modern, and very well organized, the Hershel Tech Backpack wins out as the best overall laptop pack. Our testers loved that the bag has four large internal compartments, which provide ample space for your laptop, layers, a camera, and other electronics. One of those compartments is lined with fleece to help protect your fragile essentials, along with a water bottle pocket on the side and a well-placed zippered pocket on one shoulder strap that’s ideal for carrying your phone. Designed to accommodate laptops up to 16 inches, it also includes an airmesh luggage trolley sleeve, so you don’t always have to haul the bag on your back. Our testers were also very impressed with the bag’s durability. Ample padding keeps the interior sheltered, and the weatherproof fabric never scuffed or showed any signs of wear. The main compartment folds down nicely (and the bag can stand upright on its own), making accessing the interior a breeze. Testers did note that the bag is big, with 30 liters of storage, and it weighs in at a fairly heavy 2.5 pounds; while carrying the bag was comfortable thanks to the ample padding in the shoulder straps, a more minimalist traveler may want a more streamlined version. Thankfully Herschel also offers the Tech Backpack in 18- and 20-liter models. Price at time of publish: $160 Dimensions: 18.5 x 1.5 x 7 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Material: Cordura TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Overall, Runner-Up Vohler Laptop Backpack With Charger 4.5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Walmart What We Like For the price, it’s hard to find fault with the Volher Laptop Backpack, especially considering it includes a USB charger What We Don't Like It’s fairly sleek but a touch dated in terms of style The Volher Laptop Backpack with Charge really packs in the features for such a low-cost bag. An external USB port sits on one side of the pack, along with a built-in charging cable to let you power your devices without being tethered to an outlet; integrated reflective elements keep you visible in low-light situations, and a Bruno Cavalli headphone port enables you to keep your phone inside the bag, protected from the elements when you’re listening to music or a podcast. Our testers loved that the multiple pockets inside and out allowed them to store everything they’d need while traveling, and the compact size makes it easy to keep in the overhead or under the seat. In addition to the padded laptop sleeve (choose from either 15.6- or 17-inch models), additional padding at the bottom amps the overall durability of the water-resistant pack, which stood up to our testing without issue. And mesh panels on the back work with an elastic pad to keep things comfortable. Bonus: A zippered pocket on the back provides a secure way to store valuable documents like your passport, and it comes with a suitcase strap to attach the bag to your rolling luggage. Price at time of publish: $50 Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 8 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Material: Polyester TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Budget Bagsmart Laptop Backpack 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Bagsmart.com What We Like It provides ample storage space for all your day-tripping essentials, as well as an integrated USB port What We Don't Like You have to use your own power bank and charging cable to take advantage of the USB While testing the Bagsmart Laptop Backpack, our reviewer raved that the pack had ample space to fit everything, from their laptop and tablet to all the other items like additional layers and a water bottle. All that storage space is architected smartly, with a fold-back rear compartment, a laptop sleeve with a secure strap, a main compartment with additional organization features, a front-access compartment, and an easy-access pocket in the front. Yet when everything is packed and secure, the backpack boasts a streamlined, modern profile, with flashy gold zippers, a slight texture exterior, and easy-to-adjust shoulder straps. Bagsmart also integrated an external USB charging port, though the power bank and cable aren’t included. Price at time of publish: $43 Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches | Weight: 1.7 pounds | Material: Polyester TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Value SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack 4.2 Amazon View On Amazon What We Like Rugged and weather-resistant, the 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack provides OCD-level gear organization and durable construction to handle any travel condition What We Don't Like Some may prefer a more streamlined, less burly backpack Constructed of 1200D ballistic polyester and outfitted with rugged, oversized zippers, the 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack from Swissgear Travel Gear is ready to take on the most punishing conditions of the open road. In addition to a dedicated laptop sleeve (with an adjustable divider) that can fit computers up to 17 inches, it also comes with a “Floating TabletSafe” tablet pocket to protect those fragile devices and a vast array of other storage features, including an accordion file holder, multiple internal accessory pockets, a side accessory pocket, a padded media pocket, a quick-access front pocket, and twin water bottle pockets, all features that resonated with our tester. Want even more? You can attach more gear by clipping a carabiner to the webbed daisy chain. Our tester also appreciated that the design lets you keep the laptop in the bag when clearing TSA. Price at time of publish: $90 Dimensions: 18.5 x 13.25 x 9 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Material: Ballistic polyester TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Travel Solgaard Lifepack: Solar Powered and Anti-Theft Backpack 4.8 Solgaard View On Amazon View On Solgaard.co What We Like With a sleek, streamlined design, the Lifepack Backpack is very travel-friendly, while the integrated solar panels make it easy to keep your essentials fully juiced What We Don't Like It’s pricey, especially if you need the Juicepack, which adds $100 to the final cost The flagship product from Solgaard, the Lifepack Backpack, is designed to keep you plugged in and moving wherever your travels take you. Get the pack with the brand’s Juicepack, a 15,000-mAh power bank, and you can plug the device into the solar panels integrated into the pack’s top panel and then plug your device into the USB charging port to power your devices—or go one step further by getting the pack and the Solarbank Boombox, which adds a Bluetooth speaker that works with the Juicepack. Our tester loved the ability to stay off the grid but still wired, and they also appreciated the bag’s design and capacity, which includes zones for work gear (your laptop, cables, and other must-haves) and the “life zone” for clothes and other travel gear. Four “secret” pockets are layered throughout, blending into the curves of the pack, and easily accessible for things like your passport or plane tickets. It also comes with an anti-theft zipper lock, a water-resistant bottom, and plush shoulder straps with back support—and our tester liked that it also includes a sternum strap to help distribute the weight. Price at time of publish: $269 Dimensions: 18.7 x 11.6 x 7 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Material: Shore-Tex (made from upcycled ocean plastic) TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Vegan Monos Metro Backpack 4.8 Monos View On Monos.com What We Like Besides its good looks, the Metro Backpack lets you access the laptop without opening the entire bag, and the detachable front bag is very versatile. What We Don't Like No external water bottle pocket Focused on delivering a blend of form and function, the stylish vegan-leather Monos Metro Backpack works as a commuter or travel bag. Compatible with 15-inch laptops, the main compartment includes a network of pockets to keep things organized, while the felt-lined computer sleeve should protect your device. And our tester loved that the smaller front pack, called the Metro Classic Kit, can be used solo thanks to the brand’s QuickSnap tech, which makes it easy to remove and re-attach. It provides solid storage solutions for smaller items like chargers and a zippered pocket with a translucent window for your toiletries. It also nails travel-specific needs with a trolley sleeve and a small, hidden back pocket with a magnetic snap for your passport and wallet. Our tester did think that the vegan leather felt a bit stiff, but it would likely break in after sustained use. Price at time of publish: $200 Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.5 x 6 inches for the bag without the Metro Kit, which is 8.75 x 6.75 x 2 inches | Weight: 3 pounds | Material: Vegan leather TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Organization TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Timbuk2.com What We Like Solid, functional organization makes it easy to find everything you need inside the Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe, and easy access to the laptop helps at security What We Don't Like Those looking for more storage capacity should look elsewhere Open the main compartment of the Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe from Timbuk2, and you’ll see a near-perfect vertical display of all your gear, with slots for a tablet, notebooks, pens, sunglasses, and any other essential items. The laptop section sits outside that main section, accessible via a wide-opening zippered area that can accommodate computers up to 17 inches. That said, as our tester notes, the pack doesn’t have much space for clothing or bulky items like a DSLR camera, which lends it a super-sleek appearance but may not provide enough storage capacity for some. Our testers loved the slip pocket for tablets and the expandable buckle at the bottom, which helps control the amount of internal storage space in the main compartment. The ballistic fabric is high-quality and durable, with a water-resistant exterior and a waterproof “boot” at the lower section that’ll protect the insides if you have to set the pack down on a wet surface. The shoulder straps boast loads of padding for all-day carrying comfort, and an airmesh-ventilated back panel helps keep things cool. Price at time of publish: $159 Dimensions: 18.9 x 11.4 x 5.31 inches | Weight: 2.4 pounds | Materials: Recycled nylon TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best for School Fjällräven Räven 28 Backpack 4.9 Amazon View On Amazon View On Fjallraven.com What We Like The Raven 28 Backpack hits the organizational sweet spot, with ample space for up to two laptops and just the right degree of internal pockets paired with plenty of storage space throughout What We Don't Like The fabric may be prone to stains, and the exposed seams may not weather much damage, but the tester noted that it includes a lifetime repair policy Built to be simple and functional, the Fjallraven Raven 28 Backpack has a separate laptop section to accommodate computers up to 15 inches, along with a large main compartment with a zippered inside pocket and a zippered front section with a mesh organizing pocket. You also get a fleece-lined top pocket (ideal for your sunglasses or smartphone), a detail that resonated with our tester. They also liked that the adjustable shoulder straps are mesh, which helps keep things cool, and the nice leather top handle made it easy to maneuver the bag. Two open side pockets are great for water bottles, and a webbing loop lets you attach more gear to the side of the backpack. In addition to its svelte profile, the pack also comes in a host of trendy colors. Price at time of publish: $110 Dimensions: 18.5 x 12.2 x 6.1 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds | Material: G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco (polyester and cotton) TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best for Commuting Chrome Naito Pack 4.8 Amazon View On Chromeindustries.com What We Like The low-cost, traditionally styled Naito Pack provides ample storage, the right mix of organization, and a handful of cycle-friendly features What We Don't Like Some cyclists may prefer an easy-to-access external water bottle pocket At first glance, the Naito Pack from Chrome looks almost too simple compared to other bags on this list. But simplicity is Naito’s secret weapon. It comes with an internal padded laptop sleeve for computers up to 15 inches—no need for quick access if you’re commuting to work, and that extra layer of protection will keep your devices secure. The ample front pocket has an overlapping zippered lid to block out the elements, a great place to stash bike tools or your smartphone. Additional sleeves and pockets line the interior, with 22 liters of storage total, including a dedicated spot inside for your water bottle. Our tester appreciated the sternum strap, ergonomic shoulder straps, and padded back panel that breathes well—all features that’ll resonate with cyclists. And the water-resistant nylon and TPE tarp exterior will withstand years of rigorous abuse. Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 6 inches | Weight: 1.67 pounds | Materials: 1050D Nylon and 500D TPE tarp with a 70D polyester liner TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Sustainable GOT BAG Rolltop GOT Bag View On Got-bag.com View On Huckberry GOT BAG claims to have created the world's first backpack made entirely of ocean plastics. Its best-seller is the minimalistic Rolltop Backpack. Featuring a removable 15-inch laptop sleeve and side straps, this rugged bag comprises of not much more than one compartment and loads of sustainable practice and good vibes. GOT BAG gathers its plastic from coastal waters, mangrove forests, and the delta region of Java, Indonesia's north coast. The plastic is cleaned, sorted, and pressed into pellets that make up GOT BAG's raw materials. Those pellets are shipped to China, where they're converted into yarn and then the brand's backpacks and bags. Then the brand distributes the products to the U.S. and Europe via ship. Besides its sustainability practice, this bag is a solid commuter-style pack. Its material is rugged and water-resistant with a PFC and PFC-free coating. This pack is ideal for anyone looking for a sustainable option or a rugged, minimalistic pack that should last years. Price at time of publish: $159 Dimensions: 17 x 13 x 6 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds | Material: 59 percent Ocean Impact Plastic fabric, 17 percent other recycled material, 24 percent non-recylced materials Best Multi-Use Aer Flight Pack 3 Backpack 4.8 Aer View On Aersf.com What We Like Versatile enough to handle any carrying situation, the Flight Pack 3 provides ample storage space, plenty of organization, and a host of travel-friendly features What We Don't Like Our tester describes the overall aesthetic as a bit “tech-bro-y,” which may not resonate with more sartorially-focused travelers, and the collapsible side water bottle is a bit small If you want a bag that carries like a backpack, briefcase, or shoulder strap, go with the Flight Pack 3 from Aer. As our tester noted, it has a “crazy amount of straps,” making it easy to handle—and the backpack straps can be folded into the back panel when not in use. The burly Cordura fabric was initially developed for military body armor and is exceptionally damage resistant. The main compartment can accommodate laptops up to 16 inches and boasts loads of pockets and sleeves to keep everything organized. A quick-access top pocket lets you stash essentials like your passport or wallet, and a luggage handle pass-through sleeve works with your rolling suitcase for hands-free travel. They’ve even integrated a secret pocket to stash a smart tracker (like an AirTag or Tile device), so you can always locate your bag. Price at time of publish: $179 Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds | Material: 1680D Cordura ballistic nylon TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Business Travel Samsonite Just Right Standard Backpack 4.9 Samsonite View On Belk.com View On Dillards.com View On Ebags.com What We Like Sleek in design, the Just Right Standard Backpack comes with an array of features and storage organization ideal for the weary business traveler What We Don't Like The water bottle pocket should be larger and built to carry work and personal items; you’d need a separate bag for clothes Our tester was impressed that they could fit two laptops and a tablet into the padded sleeve of the Samsonite Just Right Standard Backpack, a detail that will resonate with travelers who have to carry both personal and professional computers. Ideally suited for travel, the slim profile makes it easy to store under a seat, and a trolly strap works with most standard-sized rolling luggage. It also goes big on organization, including a padded tablet sleeve, four accessory slip pockets, two pen sleeves, a document sleeve, and a removable, reusable wristlet with even more internal storage. You can also configure the bag to recharge your smartphone wirelessly or via a USB port (charger not included), with a dedicated strap/sleeve for your phone that holds the device in place. The stealth/hidden security pocket features an RFID-protected lining so no one can swipe your personal information from your passport or wallet. Our tester also appreciated that the durable fabric looked very professional, with a mauve interior, but wished it had another water bottle pocket. Price at time of publish: $360 Dimensions: 16.5x 12.25 x 5.5 inches | Weight: 2.43 pounds | Material: Nylon TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Best Splurge Peak Design Everyday Backpack V2 30L 5 Amazon View On Amazon View On Abt.com View On B&H Photo Video What We Like As our tester called out, photographers will love the Everyday Backpack V2, but all travelers will appreciate the extensively customized organization. What We Don't Like Pricey Peak Design got its start by trying to reimagine a camera-focused bag, but even if you don’t plan on hauling an extensive camera or video kit, you’ll still love the Everyday Backpack V2. Three configurable “FlexFold” dividers line the spacious interior, semi-stiff, padded divider sleeves that let you separate your gear into like-minded sections or remove them entirely to use the full capacity of the main compartment. Need a bit more space than the 30 liters? The hardware also lets you expand the storage by another eight liters. In addition to quick access to the top via magnetic latching hardware, two weatherproof zippers line the sides of the bag, which our tester loved because it provided quick access to the bag’s interior without having to remove the backpack. They also appreciated the tuck-away strap system, which gets the shoulder straps out of the way when not used. Stretch side pockets on the outside work with tripods and various water bottle sizes, and the separate padded laptop sleeve can handle computers up to 16 inches, while the interior has a handful of stretchy side pockets as well as a handful of slip pockets. The lightweight bag sits comfortably, the straps can be adjusted with one hand, and the stowable sternum strap helps distribute the weight. Three padded grab handles make it easy to haul the pack around, and a luggage pass-through secures the bag to your rolling suitcase. Price at time of publish: $300 Dimensions: 19.1 x 12.5 x 5.9 inches | Weight: 4.3 pounds (with dividers) | Material: Recycled 400D nylon canvas shell that’s DWR-impregnated and double PU-coated TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Other Laptop Backpacks We Tested We tested two bags from Lo & Sons, the Hanover 2 and the Rowledge, and found that the former was too small and lacked the features typical to a more expensive bag, while the latter was very chic but far more expensive than other packs. TripSavvy / Conor Ralph The Away Everywhere Zip Backpack proved too expensive, given the lower-quality materials, while the Backpack from Beis didn’t have padding at the bottom of the laptop sleeve, which could lead to computer damage. TripSavvy / Conor Ralph State Bags’ Kane Double Pocket Large had plenty of capacity but no padding whatsoever, and we could hear the laptop make impact with the ground in our testing. While the Tom Bihn Synapse 25 did stand up to our impact testing, it lacked internal organization and a dedicated water bottle pocket. This problem also plagued the Able Carry Daily Backpack, which had mesh straps that breathed well but didn’t improve the carrying comfort for longer hauls. TripSavvy / Conor Ralph The “egg” shape of the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus didn’t win any accolades, and the pack also lacked a dedicated water bottle pocket, and the straps sat awkwardly on the upper chest. The zippers on the Troubadour Slipstream Backpack weren’t super-smooth, and the overall design didn’t stand out against the other products. TripSavvy / Conor Ralph When it came to the Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack, it won praise for storage capacity and overall design, but the leather caused our tester to knock down the durability rating. And while The North Face’s Borealis Laptop Backpack won us over both in its capacity and overall design, it’s better suited to be used as a weekend pack, given all that extra storage space. TripSavvy / Conor Ralph Incase’s Icon Pack provided some of the best padding to protect your laptop, but it lacked travel-friendly features like a water bottle pocket and a trolly strap. Our testers found the loads of extra compartments in the eBags Pro Slim Backpack to be “random” and weren’t fans of the side zip, while the Packsafe Metrosafe LS450 Anti-Theft 25L Backpack felt suited only for taller travelers, though the array of security features were praised. TripSavvy / Conor Ralph And finally, the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack did have water bottle pockets on either side, but they weren’t tall enough to secure most standard water bottles, which instantly fell out during our impact test. TripSavvy / Conor Ralph How We Tested Our testing team employed a five-star rating system across the key characteristics of a laptop backpack, including capacity, design features, comfort, and durability, along with an evaluation of the value-per-price and an overview of the demographics that would most appreciate the product. The available storage was tested by using a cache of the most common items a traveler would put in a backpack, including a laptop, tablet, clothes, notebooks, and smaller items like chargers. We also took note of whether or not the bag had a dedicated, padded laptop sleeve and examined the usefulness of internal organization/inner pockets and other features that improved the bag’s utility. We scored comfort based on how well the bag fit when loaded over a set period while walking. The same test also called attention to other potential design drawbacks like difficulty accessing the bag while it’s slung on one shoulder or how the shoulder or sternum straps can be adjusted. And the durability of the bag was examined in several ways, first by closely analyzing its overall construction, the strength of its seams, and the quality of any buckles or zippers. Then testers placed a test laptop in the bag and dropped the loaded bag on the floor three times to simulate a real-world possibility, and then validated that the laptop wasn’t damaged and that the bag itself stood up to the test without scuffing, tearing, or showing any other signs of wear or weakening. What to Look for in Laptop Backpacks Size Start by assuring the bag can accommodate your laptop—the inch-measurement refers to the diagonal length of the computer itself (not just the screen); most bags can accommodate laptops in the 15- to 17-inch range, but if you have a smaller-than-average laptop, look for bags that have a dedicated laptop sleeve that can be tightened so that your computer isn’t swimming in all the extra space. Beyond that, consider what you typically carry and go for a bag that’s a bit larger than your kit. It’s wise to plan on at least bringing a computer charger, a notebook, a layer like a fleece or rain jacket, and a water bottle, along with pockets for smaller items like sunglasses, pens, a smartphone, a charger, and an extra battery pack. Those who travel with tablets will appreciate bags that have a padded sleeve to protect their device, while photographers or videographers should consider bags that offer lots of storage, preferably organized in a way that lets you parse out your kit, so you don’t have to fumble to find what you need. Durability All bags marketed as “laptop backpacks” should stand up to the main task: safely and securely storing your computer. That typically means it has a dedicated padded laptop pocket and a way to secure the computer in place in the unlikely event that the bag is tipped upside down. But you want a backpack built to last, made of durable fabrics, high-quality zippers and buckles, and protection from the weather. Also, pay close attention to the seams, the typical achilles heel of most backpacks; if the threading or stitching looks weak, they’re prone to give out. Smaller details, like a leather-lined top handle or exterior flaps that lie over the zippers when closed to help block moisture, also ensure that the bag is built to last. The only potential caveat is that a bag made with loads of bomber material might mean that the bag itself is on the heavy side. Comfort Examine two key areas to assess how well the bag will fit and feel. Look first at the back panel—the most comfortable bags will have integrated padding to cushion the pack's weight and contents against your back, a key feature, especially in larger-capacity bags. In those cases, look for ones with ample padding and use mesh or perforated materials or air channels, which help you keep cool by letting a bit of air circulate between the bag and the back. But less padding may not be a drawback for smaller, more minimalist packs since it cuts down on weight. Then look at the straps. They should provide some padding (again, the bigger the bag, the more padding you probably want) and adjust easily to help you dial the optimal fit (the back's lower section should hit at the waist, distributing the weight across your back and shoulders). Bags with one-handed adjustable straps win out because they make it easy to adjust things on the fly. And bags with sternum straps are an excellent way to distribute the weight across your back, a solid feature if you're hauling a heavier pack. Features At a minimum, look for a bag with a dedicated padded laptop sleeve, a separate main compartment to store larger items, and at least one or two outer sections that can house quick-grab gear like your phone, passport, or snacks. Our testers love a dedicated water bottle pocket (or pockets), typically on one or both sides of the outside of the pack. Frequent travelers may also want a pack that’s either TSA-friendly (so you don’t have to remove your laptop) or ones that let you get your laptop out quickly without having to open the main compartment, along with other travel-friendly features like hidden zippered pockets for your passport, RFID-protected pockets, multiple grab handles, and a trolly sleeve, which lets the pack ride, secured, on the top of your wheeled luggage. Some packs go all-in on the internal organization, including places for everything from a tablet to pens to chargers; others come with external USB ports that plug into a battery inside the pack so you can charge your devices, while still others come with removable internal bags for things like toiletries—basically, there’s a pack for every personality, whether your prize minimalism or want everything you own to have its own place to live. And photographers benefit from a pack with padded sections to help protect their gear and organize it in a way that’s most useful for things like on-the-fly swapping of lenses. Frequently Asked Questions How do I safely pack and carry my laptop in a backpack? Packing the laptop in a bag dedicated to carrying computers should be simple and straightforward. There are two basic approaches: brands that integrate the padded laptop sleeve into the main compartment and those with a dedicated zippered compartment for your computer. The latter makes it easier to access your computer without opening the main storage section, a feature that resonates with frequent travelers. In both instances, the laptop is typically positioned against the back panel so that it rides against your back, providing extra protection from potential side impacts to the pack itself. How big should a backpack be to fit laptops? To ensure that your laptop will fit, measure the computer (when closed) diagonally and confirm that the laptop will fit in the laptop sleeve in the pack, which is typically a statistic preceded by fit laptops up to X inches. If your computer is considerably smaller than that max measurement, look for a bag that can tighten the laptop sleeve section, so your bag isn’t loose in all that extra space. How do you care for and clean your laptop backpack? For most bags, you can remove grime, dried mud, or dirt with a wet cloth or use a small amount of soap to help break down the stains. For leather bags, use a dedicated cleaning product to protect the materials. Why Trust TripSavvy Nathan Borchelt has been rating, testing, and reviewing outdoor and travel products for decades and has an arguably unhealthy obsession with all sorts of day packs. He worked with a team of TripSavvy experts who put 27 products through a series of tests to evaluate each bag’s utility, durability, weight, comfort level, and protective qualities before narrowing down the list to the 12 best bags. The 13 Best Backpack Brands of 2023 Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Continue to 5 of 13 below. Continue to 9 of 13 below. Continue to 13 of 13 below.