Best Laptop Backpack

If you’re one to take your laptop with you everywhere you go—whether that’s for work or school—we cannot recommend investing in a laptop backpack enough. Not only do they protect your laptop as you travel, but they also feature a large number of compartments and pockets suitable for your other gadgets and belongings.

The thing is, as there are so many laptop backpacks available to purchase, finding the right one for you and your laptop can be an extremely daunting task. This is why we have decided to hunt down and list some of the best laptop backpacks for 2019—bags that you can use to protect some of the best gaming laptops on the market.

Top 5 Best Laptop Backpacks

Below, we have listed some of the best laptop backpacks that you can purchase listed from the best choice, premium pick, and best value. We have also included some backpacks with an insane amount of storage space available at a budget-friendly price. This way, you’ll have some spare cash left over to put towards a high-grade gaming laptop for under $2,000.

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Pros & Cons

• Comfortable padding on the back
• Large compartments
• External USB charging port

• Laptop compartment could be bigger

Specifications:

• Max Laptop Size: 15.6 inches
• Dimensions: 18.1 x 7.8 x 14.2 inches
• Weight: 1.56 pounds

The first laptop backpack on our list is one that we instantly crowned as the best choice option without a second thought. One of the main reasons it sits so high on our list is the fact that it features a large range of compartments, including a spacious laptop section. This separate laptop compartment can fit any laptop under 15.6-inches wide—anything over that isn’t recommended.

If your laptop is a little larger than 15.6-inches, hold tight as we have you covered with the next laptop backpack on our list. Alongside the laptop compartment, you will find the main section suitable for your school books, wireless gaming headset or anything else for that matter.

One of our favourite features is the front organizer section that includes two phone pockets, a pen pocket and a key fob hook for all of your keys. This compartment allows you to quickly access all of your essential items on-the-move. Worried about your important documents getting stolen? Worry not as this laptop backpack also includes an anti-theft back pocket suitable for your passport and ID.

Furthermore, you can relax knowing that your belongings will be safe in the backpack owing to the water-resistant fabric and durable metal zippers. The best part about it? It’s available for a budget-friendly $31.99.

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Pros & Cons

• Multiple pockets and compartments
• High-quality materials and design
• Comfortable shoulder straps

• Pricey buy

Specifications:

• Max Laptop Size: 17 inches
• Dimensions: 18.5 x 13 x 9 inches
• Weight: 3.11 pounds

Looking for a backpack that will protect your enormous laptop as you travel? We have you covered with this SwissGear 1900 Scansmart travel backpack. This bag, in particular, will keep your high-grade 17-inch laptop protected no matter where in the world you go. Sure, it’s not the best looking backpack on our list, but it’s very practical—especially for frequent travelers.

We say this considering it boasts a TSA-approved mesh tech compartment that fits a 17-inch laptop, plus other devices such as tablets and phones. This means you won’t have to unpack and repack your backpack every time you go through security—arguably the worst part about going to the airport.

Much like our best choice laptop backpack, this premium pick option also features a separate phone pocket and floating tablet pocket. These are very handy if you tend to take every device you own with you for work or even just on vacation. Aside from having a large selection of compartments and pockets, the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart backpack is extremely comfortable.

This is all thanks to the padded shoulder straps and side compression straps that help cushion your back. That being said, as this is our premium pick laptop backpack, it does come with a price tag of $63. Nonetheless, we think that it’s worth every penny.

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Pros & Cons

• Stylish design
• Roomy compartments
• Waterproof materials for peace of mind

• Fewer compartments compared to the other bags on our list

Specifications:

• Max Laptop Size: 15.6 inches
• Dimensions: 12 x 5.5 x 17 inches
• Weight: 1.45 pounds

If $63 is a little out of your budget, the next laptop backpack may just be for you. It’s a stylish, unisex college backpack designed to hold a 15.6-inch laptop. While it has fewer compartments compared to the other bags on our list, they are fairly roomy. Besides, this laptop backpack was made with college students in mind who don’t require a thousand different compartments and pockets.

Aside from the padded laptop compartment, this backpack features a main compartment, front middle/bottom zipper pockets, and two side pockets suitable for your water bottle and umbrella.

Much like the MATEIN laptop backpack, this one also features a USB charging port for topping up your phone’s battery on-the-move. All you’ll need is a portable power bank, a USB cord and away you go. For easy access to the power bank or any other items you require, the magnetic snap buttons are extremely handy, especially for extra security.

You can also relax knowing that your laptop will be secure as this backpack is made from high-quality waterproof materials that’ll actually last. Overall, it’s a brilliant value-for-money laptop backpack that we can’t recommend enough.

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Pros & Cons

• Insane amount of storage space
• Comfortable mesh back
• External headphone and USB ports

• May be too small for some laptops

Specifications:

• Max Laptop Size: 15.6 inches
• Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 8 inches
• Weight: 2.2 pounds

After some extra storage space for your quality wireless keyboard and mouse? Then you’re going to adore the Volher laptop backpack available for a budget-friendly $32. Contrasting the previous backpack on our list, this one brags an insane amount of storage space suitable for all of your belongings.

In addition to the spacious 15.6-inch laptop compartment, this Volher laptop backpack features a secure compartment for your iPad or smartphone. What’s more, there’s even an external USB port with a built-in cable so that you can charge your devices as you travel.

Of course, if you’re one to take a backpack with you wherever you go, you’re going to need a bag that feels comfortable all day. Luckily for you, you can sit back and relax knowing that this one won’t destroy your back on your daily commute. This is thanks to the breathable, multi-panel padding and adjustable straps used to help the backpack sit on your back properly.

Good posture is just as important when using a backpack as it is sitting in a comfortable gaming chair. After all, nobody wants to come home after a long day with back pain, which is why additional padding and straps are important.

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Pros & Cons

• Very affordable
• Minimalistic design
• Comes with secure zippers and a front buckle

• Few compartments and pockets

Specifications:

• Max Laptop Size: 16 inches

Last, though certainly not least, is a simple laptop backpack available for a mere $26. But before you say anything, don’t be put off by its minimalistic design as this backpack sits on our list for a very good reason. Despite the fact that it’s very affordable, it’s a high-quality backpack made from durable materials that will actually last.

What’s more, it features a handy front buckle and secure zippers for extra security. This way, you won’t risk getting your laptop stolen in a busy city and so you can relax on your daily commute.

Of course, since this is a budget-friendly backpack, there are some drawbacks. That being that there are fewer compartments and pockets compared to some of the other laptop backpacks on our list. While this may not seem like a huge issue to some, others will find this an inconvenience—especially if they travel with a large selection of items for school or work.

So if you’re after a backpack with a range of compartments, consider some of the previous bags on our list. If you don’t require as many, this may just be the perfect backpack for your 16-inch laptop.

Gaming Laptop Backpack: Buying Guide

Before purchasing a backpack for your pricey gaming laptop, you should first ask yourself: “How do I choose a laptop backpack?” For this exact reason, we have conveniently listed some things you should look out for when buying a laptop backpack. First, let’s start off with arguably one of the most important factors: the size.

Size: Will My Laptop Fit?

When looking to buy a backpack for your laptop, you must first check if your computer will actually fit in the bag. If you can’t go into a store to check out the dimensions in person, you can look at the maximum laptop size under the product specifications—something we’ve included on this very list. Most laptop backpacks come as 15.6 and 17-inch variants which is convenient for those who prefer a large display.

If you own a smaller laptop, worry not as there are some backpacks that will hold a 13-inch laptop. Though, truthfully, you’re probably best purchasing a 13-inch laptop sleeve instead.

Comfort: Ergonomic Design

Comfort is another important factor that definitely shouldn’t be overlooked, especially if you intend to regularly travel with your backpack. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve come home with back pain after a long day of carting my laptop around in an uncomfortable bag. This is why we highly recommend finding a backpack that can handle the weight of your laptop and whatever else you intend to carry.

If you plan on carrying a heavy load on a daily basis, you should look for a backpack with back padding, as well as a chest and waist belt. These can help secure the backpack to your body while distributing the weight evenly. On the topic of distributing weight, you should also evenly distribute your belongings in the backpack itself. This way, you won’t end up looking like the Hunchback of Notre Dame at the end of the day.

Materials: Will It Last?

If you wish to keep your laptop protected throughout the day, you should take a look at the materials used to create the backpack. Back when I was in school, everyone had canvas backpacks that would get absolutely soaked after a rainy day. And let me tell you, rainy days are a regular occurrence here in England, so cotton backpacks are a no-go. That being said, these days, backpacks are made from better materials including leather, polyester, and nylon—materials that can also be water-resistant.

Another important thing to look out for is the materials used to create the zippers and clasps. We find that metal zippers last much longer than plastic ones when using a backpack on a daily basis. If you don’t manage to find the laptop backpack you have your eye on in-store, you can often find all of the materials used in the product description.

Design: Storage and Security

Aside from the materials, the overall design is another important factor to keep in mind when buying a laptop backpack. First of all, you should make sure that your laptop will be safe and secure in the bag. Aside from checking the materials used, you should also check if you can lock the backpack if necessary for extra protection.

If you’re one to cart around everything but the kitchen sink, you should opt for a backpack with multiple compartments and pockets. This way, you’ll be able to fit everything you need in the backpack for work or school.

Laptop Backpack: Frequently Asked Questions

What Size Laptop Bag Should I Get?

While this may seem like a ridiculous question to some, it’s a very important one that everyone should be asking themselves. With that being said, you should purchase a laptop bag that will securely fit the laptop you own. While some 15.6-inch laptop backpacks may well for a 15-inch laptop, it’ll be a looser fit that may end up damaging your computer.

Therefore, you should attempt to find a backpack that has a laptop compartment with the exact same dimensions as your current computer.

Will a 15 Inch Laptop Sleeve Fit a 15.6 Laptop?

Most 15-inch laptops are actually 15.6-inches and so a 15.6-inch laptop will certainly fit into a 15-inch laptop sleeve. Even the 15.6-inch laptop backpacks on our list can accommodate 15-inch laptops.

Is It Safe to Carry a Laptop in a Backpack?

Yes, carrying a laptop in a backpack is very safe so long as it has a separate padded laptop compartment. If the backpack you own doesn’t have a secure compartment, you will risk damaging or even breaking your gaming laptop. Which is why we highly recommend buying a backpack specifically made to hold laptops.

How Do I Protect My Laptop in a Backpack?

Although laptop backpacks often feature padded laptop compartments, there are other steps you can take to protect your laptop as it sits in your bag. First of all, we highly suggest purchasing a waterproof cover for your backpack if it isn’t already waterproof. If you can’t find one or you simply wish to protect your laptop further, take an umbrella with you wherever you go. While it may sound obvious, simply taking an umbrella with me on a trip has saved me and my laptop many times.

Bonus Tip: If your laptop is exposed to the rest of the items in your bag—even when it’s in the laptop compartment—you should also ensure that nothing rubs against it. Something as simple as a key or a phone charger can create scratches on your laptop, especially when loose in your bag.

Conclusion

Nowadays, there are so many laptop backpacks on the market, that it can often be difficult to find the perfect one for you. This is why we have conveniently created a list of some of the best laptop backpacks for 2019 and beyond. We say beyond since these backpacks should last you through the years so long as you look after them. Additionally (and most importantly), they will keep your laptop protected throughout the day.

Need a fancy new laptop before you go out and purchase a new backpack? We have you covered with our handy guide to the best GTX 1080 gaming laptops available right now.