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We put laptop backpacks from Incase, Peak Design, The North Face, JanSport, Patagonia, Timbuk2, and more through head-to-head testing to find the best options for anyone who travels with a laptop
We bought 14 of today's most promising laptop backpacks and used them side-by-side while commuting to work and school. We carried them on our bike commutes, on the bus, in the car, and on airplanes.
After 1000 hours of testing, we feel the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is the best overall. It has incredible laptop protection and solid comfort. If you want a larger option at an incredible price, see the Yorepek Travel Extra Large.
If you've got a trip planned, we've tested some great travel bags. If you need some extra protection for your laptop, consider a laptop sleeve. See our school backpacks review if you're looking for a general school pack.
Editor's Note: We updated our award section on November 18, 2024.
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe comes equipped with a well-padded dedicated laptop pocket at the back of the pack and a second sleeve embedded in the main compartment to accommodate a second laptop, portable monitor, or tablet. It has a nice array of pockets for efficient organization. The well-cushioned back and ergonomic shoulder straps are comfortable and breathable. Our tests showed that the main body fabric can bead water well, and the bottom is waterproof. Other small features we appreciated include a roller suitcase passthrough and an attached key hook.
We identified a few drawbacks that are worth mentioning. Compared to many packs we tested, this one has a narrower profile. While we had plenty of room for flat items like computers, notebooks, and folders, there was not much space for those things, plus a bulky fleece or change of clothes inside the main compartment. It's not impossible; it's just sometimes a tight fit. Similarly, there is only one water bottle pocket, which only fits skinnier bottles (we tried a standard 1L Nalgene, which did not fit in this pocket). By contrast, The North Face Reccon features durable bottle pockets on either side of the pack to accommodate wide bottles.
If you want the ultimate in tech organization and don't mind paying a premium for the best, we highly recommend the Incase Icon discussed below. For a budget-friendly pack with similar features, the Matein Travel is also a nice option. Overall, we love the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe for its laptop protection and organizational acumen and think it's hard to beat at the price point.
Small item compartment can get in the way when packed
SPECIFICATIONS
Volume
30 L
Compatible Laptop Size
16"
Number of Compartments
3
Number of Large Pockets
2
Number of Small Pockets
7
The North Face Recon has plenty of room for everything you need and enough clever pockets to keep it organized. It has a separate laptop compartment with excellent back padding that fits both our tall and short torsoed testers, and the flexible shoulder straps are comfortable enough for all-day carry. The pack easily stands up while you rifle through it and fits a 16-inch laptop without issue. Durable water bottle pockets and a few handy features — like reflective loops all over, a sternum strap with whistle, a webbing waist belt, and a velcro strap and hole for a hydration bladder — make this bag a solid choice for more than just laptop carting.
During testing, we found the protective, semi-rigid back panel is far less comfortable when bent forward on a bicycle, though it does just fine walking or even running through a train station. The water bottle pockets' thicker, less flexible material is durable and impressively secure, but we found it challenging to easily retrieve and replace hydration on the go. It's also possible to overfill the third compartment designed for small items, which juts into the main compartment and can make it more awkward to get to things you've crammed at the bottom of the bag. And in our water tests, it repelled light precipitation fine all day, but a heavier shower quickly soaked through the zippers and into the bag.
If you like these features and have a smaller 15-inch laptop (or less), the slightly less expensive The North Face Borealis is another one of our favorite high-value bags. Looking to ditch all the laptop features from time to time? The Patagonia Refugio 30L has a fully removable tech caddy to better convert to life on the trail when you reach your destination. But for a smartly organized, high-capacity laptop backpack with a large laptop compartment that's still comfortable to carry all day, we love the features and value of The North Face Recon.
The budget-priced Matein Travel is a great backpack that had no trouble meeting the needs of our test team. We love the wide variety of pockets that, if necessary, can accommodate multiple devices. The interior padding protected our tech devices from plops, drops, and accidental kicks. We were also pleased with the smooth functionality of the zippers, something not always present on budget packs. Its features differentiate it from many other packs, including a USB plug and port combo, a detachable keychain clip, and special pockets for items like pens and water bottles. It also has some catchall pockets that keep loose odds and ends organized.
There are only a couple of features that we question with this pack. Although we love the action of the zippers, many of them are very jingly when walking. There is sufficient padding, but the back panel can still feel lumpy when this pack is fully loaded with equipment. It stood up fine during testing, but we do wonder about the long-term durability of the stitching. However, our opinion is that you'd be hard-pressed to find a better laptop pack at this price point, and we think it's the right choice for a lot of folks seeking a decent bag for toting technology on a budget. For comparison, the Tzowla Travel is in the same price range, but it scores lower in all of our test metrics.
For those who like the functionality of this bag but want higher quality, the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is your best bet. If high value and low cost are primary considerations, the versatile, outdoor-styled The North Face Recon and The North Face Borealis are worth a look as well.
The Incase Icon is a delight for anyone who carries around a lot of tech. With a 17-liter capacity, it has excellent organization and laptop protection. In our evaluations, we could fit multiple laptops, a tablet, chargers, lunch, books, folders, and other work supplies. With three main compartments and an array of smaller embedded pockets, it is super easy to stay organized and have access to all your items. Its office professional style is good for work, school, or even travel.
Though we love this pack, we know some folks are “toss it in the bag” types who won't use all the organizational features. If you prefer to throw your stuff into one compartment, this high-organization pack is not for you. It is also so tech-forward that it does not have any water bottle pockets (if water bottle pockets are an important feature to you, The North Face Borealis has some of our favorites of the test group). Though pricey, the Icon is our top recommendation for those who use their laptop bag a lot and love to compartmentalize their things in a beautiful, stylish package.
If everything about this bag sounds right to you except for the price tag, our top pack for most people is the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe. For photographers who carry around a lot of equipment, the Peak Design Everyday is super adaptable for all your photo equipment (but even pricier).
The Yorepek Travel Extra Large pack is our favorite for extra capacity during air travel and extended work trips. It can fit almost any laptop and charger in the laptop pocket, and its secondary compartment is large enough to accommodate at least three days worth of clothing. It has webbing on the back to secure it to a wheeled suitcase, so you don't have to wear it while navigating an airport. For most work trips, it could replace a traditional carry-on suitcase. It comes with enough small pockets to hold pens, highlighters, earbuds, and any other accessories we need daily for work on the go.
We have just a few issues with this pack. First, its capacity is so large that even though the shoulder straps are extra wide, when we fully loaded it up, the weight was not comfortable on our shoulders. This pack is so oversized that it can overwhelm people with smaller frames. We also don't love the aesthetic — it's not really what we would call sleek. However, it's available in several different color options. All told, the Yorepek is extremely functional, and we particularly love this high-capacity, affordable laptop backpack for air travel.
For a travel-friendly, office-ready aesthetic that isn't nearly as bulky, the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is one of our favorites. While it doesn't have a roller handle passthrough loop, we also love the 30-liter, feature-filled The North Face Recon as a personal item during air travel.
The laptop pocket of the Yorepek Travel Extra Large opens up all the way making access to equipment and efficient.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
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The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is a great professional laptop pack with a nice assortment of pockets.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
How We Test Laptop Backpacks
We wore these bags everywhere to test each backpack in real-life scenarios. We assessed which bags provided the best storage capacity and protection, stuffing each with electronics, gym clothes, travel necessities, lunches, and office supplies to see which were the most comfortable when fully weighed down. We wore them on bike rides to see which ones performed best for bike commuters, and we sprayed them systematically to simulate how they might fare in a downpour. We took them on month-long traveling journeys, daily commutes to the office, and working train journeys to assess their ease of use and livability. Read more about our complete laptop backpack testing breakdown in our How We Test article.
Scores for each laptop backpack are weighted across five rating metrics:
Laptop Protection (30% of overall score weight)
Comfort and Fit (20% weighting)
Storage (20% weighting)
Ease of Use (20% weighting)
Versatility (10% weighting)
Just one of our many backpack tests - spraying each with a hose for 30 seconds and seeing how much soaks through.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Why Trust GearLab
Our review team comprises numerous veteran GearLab reviewers, with endless additional contributions from laptop-lugging friends and family. Katherine Elliot laid the foundation for this review. She bike commutes daily with a laptop in tow. Ben Applebaum-Bauch is also a regular commuter and student, using a backpack every day for work, school, and travel. Amber King taught elementary science for several years before starting an educational non-profit. She works remotely, dropping into different co-working spaces while traveling and exploring the globe. Senior Review Editor Maggie Nichols also adds her decades of traveling and teaching on college campuses, in the remote cloud forests of Ecuador, and across the globe. She spends weeks to months each year working on her laptop from places other than an office, bringing everything she needs to get the job done. In addition to our broad team of experts, we asked teachers, software engineers, globe trotters, and other commuting professionals to help us gather data on what makes a great laptop backpack.
Meandering through the streets of Prague on a rainy spring day.
The Cotopaxi Tapa 22L Cada Dia is great for a day hike or travel.
From working on the train to traveling across the world, the Recon has a lot to offer.
We assess the features of each pack in lab tests, side-by-side assessments, and real-world use.
Analysis and Test Results
We're always on the lookout for great bags and researched dozens of models while selecting the most promising to purchase and test side-by-side. Each one is scored across the metrics outlined above.
What's the Best Value?
Of our test group, a handful of packs stand out for their relative value. The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is pricier but has exceptional performance for its well-padded laptop compartment, an array of handy pockets, and a passthrough sleeve for easy attachment to a roller bag handle. The North Face Recon offers top-tier quality for the price. You can depend on it to last for many years, and it offers high-capacity storage, solid laptop protection, and great organizational features. The Matein Travel pack is an inexpensive option that functions well enough for most folks, and the Yorepek Travel Extra Large offers incredible storage capacity at a very fair price. We wholeheartedly recommend any of these bags if you're looking for outstanding value.
The TNF Recon (right) is a high-quality laptop backpack for a price that we think is more than worth its excellent performance.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Laptop Protection
The most important job of any laptop backpack is computer protection. For this metric, we look at the padding and other features of the laptop pocket itself, including compartment size, the system that keeps electronics in place, and any security features that mitigate theft. Looking at the bag as a whole, we are also interested in water resistance and durability.
The Incase Icon is the top scorer here. It provides ample protection in the main laptop pocket, placing a heavily padded and super soft, micro plush-lined foam compartment against the wearer's back. Though it does not include a suspension system, its auxiliary laptop sleeve and tablet pocket are also well-protected.
The Incase uses a separate pocket that offers impeccable padding for both a tablet and laptop.
Credit: Amber King
Another pack with exceptional protection is the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe. It has a dedicated laptop pocket with a suspension system — that is, the bottom of this pocket sits suspended above the bottom of the pack to avoid drop damage. Similar to the Icon, it has a secondary, moderately padded sleeve in the middle compartment for a tablet. The exterior beads water well, and the bottom is a very water-resistant rubber.
The Peak Design Everyday has rubber zipper pulls that loop around the body of the pack, preventing the side pockets from opening accidentally and acting as a (light) theft deterrent.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Peak Design Everyday offers great protection with its tight sleeve that keeps a laptop securely in place so it doesn't jostle around or slide down to the bottom. It also includes some very basic rubber zipper pulls that wrap around a loop and “lock” the pack. This certainly doesn't make it theft-proof, but it would deter someone who was trying to be opportunistic. It also has a stiff, protective shell that keeps water out of the main compartment.
Water Resistant, Not Waterproof
It's important to note that none of the laptop backpacks tested are fully waterproof. Some offer more water resistance than others, but none completely protect against moisture and rain. If you want a little more security, consider buying a small rain pack cover if your backpack doesn't already come with one.
The Patagonia Refugio 30L takes a slightly different approach, including a removable tech caddy that houses up to a 15-inch laptop. This velcro-topped sleeve provides an extra layer of padding and water resistance compared to similar models. It can then simply slide into the separate laptop compartment of the Refugio and hook to the top with a velcro tab that slips through a loop on one end of the caddy.
The Refugio's removable tech caddy has some extra pockets for your laptop necessities and can be left behind for conversion to a passable hiking daypack.
A simple velcro tab and fabric loop help to suspend the removable laptop caddy within the dedicated laptop compartment of the Refugio.
The Refugio's removable tech sleeve adds protection and suspension for your laptop - and can be left at home when you don't need it.
Certain outdoorsy models like the The North Face Borealis and Recon packs, and the Osprey Nebula 32, feature hardback sheaths sewn into the pack between the laptop pocket and the wearer's back. These provide a little rigidity and prevent the laptop itself from becoming the thing that provides structure and integrity to the pack. All three also provide above-average water resistance under normal conditions.
The North Face Borealis got thoroughly soaked in our shower test but still kept items reasonably well protected.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22 and Patagonia Black Hole 25 are somewhat unique in that they include a suspension system but less padding around their laptop sleeves. The advantage of models like these with laptop sleeves that are embedded in the main compartment is that the computer would be almost impossible to remove without you noticing while the pack was on your back.
The Patagonia Black Hole suspends your laptop within the main compartment, adding protection against drops and possible theft.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Mystery Ranch has thick fabric and waterproof zippers, while Patagonia Black Hole has a rubberized main body for excellent water protection. All of the packs in our test can hold at least a 15-inch laptop, and a handful (the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe, Osprey Nebula 32, Yorepek Travel Extra Large, and JanSport Right Pack) boast the ability to carry 17-inch laptops. The chart below shows the laptop size that each pack we tested can accommodate.
Though not especially high scorers in the metric overall, we appreciate the velcro tabs on the Matein Travel, Tzowla Travel, Patagonia Black Hole 25, and Yorepek Travel Extra Large (which also comes with travel lock-friendly zippers), which provide some peace of mind and prevent laptops from jostling around in transit.
A velcro tab over the top of the laptop sleeve - like this one in the Tzowla - does help to somewhat reduce jostling.
Credit: Amber King
Comfort and Fit
Another critical aspect of any backpack is how comfortable it is to carry. To test comfort, we filled these bags in various ways with both standard and heavy loads. We also assessed the thickness, width, and shape of the shoulder straps, as well as the design of the backplate, and enlisted friends to provide input on how the packs fit and feel for everyday wear.
A top comfort contender, the Incase Icon has well-padded straps and a unique strap shape that conforms around the neck to support heavier loads. We love that it includes a sternum strap and load stabilizers, which enable the wearer to pull the weight of the pack closer to the body. Another high scorer in this metric is the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe, which stands out for the comfortable bubble padding on its ergonomic straps and back. Not only is it cushier than most other models, but the raised design of the padding facilitates airflow around the back to reduce sweating. It also comes with a sternum strap and smaller straps that seem to fit smaller torsos well.
The square bubble padding of the Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe not only provides cushion but also space for airflow.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Both The North Face Recon and Borealis feature the proprietary FlexVent suspension system that combines a stiffer back panel with thick, ergonomically placed padding. This design helps to maintain airflow across your back and also offers comfortable cushioning between your shoulder blades and laptop. However, the downside of the vertical section without padding is that when bending over — say, to ride a bicycle — the hard plate and your laptop sit directly against your spine. Still, these panels and both packs' flexible padded shoulder straps make them comfortable to wear all day.
The top of the TNF Recon straps are a wide webbing, that allows them to more easily conform to the wearer's shape and provide unique, individual comfort.
The padded FlexVent back provides much breathability and cushion.
The North Face Recon (left) and Borealis (right) have very similarly designed backs and shoulder straps that offer good comfort and reasonable breathability - except if you're riding a bike.
The straps on the Yorepek Travel Extra Large are super wide to help disburse the weight more evenly and prevent the pack from digging into your shoulders. This was pretty successful to a point, but once the pack is fully loaded, the straps can only do so much. Because of the wider dimensions of this model, we found that it works best for folks with broader shoulders. On the other side of the spectrum, the Tzowla Travel rests higher and doesn't press into the small of your back.
The Tzowla has wide straps to help distribute its load more effectively.
Credit: Marshall Palmer
Though not especially high scorers in the metric, other packs with notable features include the Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22, Patagonia Black Hole 25, Patagonia Refugio 30L, and Cotopaxi Tapa 22L Cada Día, which all come with sternum straps. The Black Hole and Tapa Cada Día are also among the lightest packs in this category. Still, others like the Osprey Nebula 32 and both The North Face Borealis and Recon boast waist clips to distribute loads evenly across your hips. These three models also have well-articulated, ergonomic shoulder straps that help prevent pinching.
Sternum straps like the one on the Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22L help keep loads closer to the body.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Storage
We consider storage in a couple of ways, including the total capacity of each pack, its internal organization, and overall stability. Though some packs are too small to fit everything we could imagine needing throughout the day, others allow you to bring the kitchen sink. The top scorers in this metric offered a perfect combination of high volume, organizational capabilities, and good balance.
The Yorepek Travel Extra Large is a 50-liter mammoth. With the largest capacity in our lineup by far, it can easily carry everything you need for work and then some. It also has a wide base and dimensions that are more square than most, giving it a solid foundation that won't easily tip over.
The Yorepek Travel Extra Large is mostly an air travel all-star. However, it's so large that it does stick out a little from underneath the seat in front of you on an airplane.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The North Face Recon isn't the largest laptop backpack we tested, but its 30-liter capacity is above average. Impressively, it actually stands up on its own more often than not. By giving the main compartment the majority of the surface area of the bottom of the bag and adding a semi-rigid panel to the back of the bag, the Recon is remarkably adept at remaining vertical, no matter what it's carrying. Adjustment straps on the bottom of the bag let you cinch it down when not totally full, helping to maintain its overall stability.
Even fully loaded with a month's worth of work and travel-related gear, the TNF Recon easily stands upright. This level of stability makes it easier to get things in and out while working from an airport lounge, like this one in Iceland's Keflavík airport.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Incase Icon and Peak Design Everyday are prime examples of packs that can store a lot and still keep things organized. Even though the former is actually the smallest volume in the lineup, it uses space very efficiently and has a set of pockets that are unmatched for carrying a lot of tech. The latter has fully adaptable velcro inserts that act as shelves for all of your gear.
The Patagonia Refugio 30L, as its name would suggest, also boasts 30 liters of internal volume. Though it lacks any internal organizational pockets, the number and diversity of externally-accessed pockets keep it versatile. The removable tech caddy has a few small pockets on one side, while the external bungees provide an easy stash point for your jacket or an airplane blanket, thereby freeing up more space inside for other items. The North Face Borealis also has a similar bungee on the back for quick, hands-free storage on the go.
The Patagonia Refugio boasts 30 liters of carrying capacity, plus a bungee for your extra layer or other bulky item.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is similar to the Icon. It has a smaller 20-liter capacity but again makes up for it with a wide array of useful pockets. On the downside, it has a relatively narrow base that can tip over if the bag is too front or top-heavy. The JanSport Right Pack has 31 liters of storage capacity and can fit more gear, books, and gadgets than most of the competition –- it thrives at school thanks to its voluminous design. And if you are looking specifically for a school bag, the JanSport Big Student and JanSport Cool Student in our school backpack review are also worth checking out.
Third-Party Variations
It's worth noting that several models we tested are sold with slightly differing features but under the same names on third-party seller platforms. Occasionally, this means that a backpack may or may not have water bottle pockets, depending on what color of the pack you select. When choosing your bag, be sure to carefully examine the features to make sure you're getting the version you want with the features you need.
The Matein Travel and The North Face Borealis both have 28-liter storage. The former has greater structure to its internal organization and a wider, more stable base, while the latter has a large open compartment for flexibility to store things however you'd like as well as a couple of smaller pockets. The Volher Travel in our lineup of the best school backpacks is very similar to the Matein, and the Osprey Nebula 32 is very similar to the Borealis. We think they all have a nice balance between built-in organization and flexibility.
The embedded laptop sleeve in the Cotopaxi Tapa 22L Cada Dia (at bottom) would be really difficult to access for a thief to access even if your attention was elsewhere.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The single-compartment concept is also a feature of multiple top-loading models, including the Patagonia Black Hole 25, Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22, and Cotopaxi Tapa 22L Cada Día. These are great options for those who like the flexibility of an open compartment. The drawback, however, is that they include relatively few internal pockets.
The Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22L has a unique zipper configuration that makes it possible to access the entire contents of the bag.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Ease of Use
Backpacks aren't especially complicated, but small features make some easier to use than others. For this metric, we look at the utility of the pockets, overall gear accessibility, and other features like water bottle pockets, zippers, clips, and luggage pass-throughs that improve the user experience.
Our test team found the Incase Icon, Yorepek Travel Extra Large, and Matein Travel are some of the most user-friendly packs in our review. The Icon's multiple and separate electronics pockets make items super accessible and easy to find. We also like the high, built-in organizational structure of the pockets and the small features like the keychain hook. Our only gripe with the Icon in this metric is that it doesn't have any water bottle pockets. The Yorepek and Matein both have zippers that glide super easily and never got caught during our testing. The laptop pockets on these two packs open almost all the way down to the bottom, so it's easy to access and pack up items at the end of a meeting. Both bags also have multiple water bottle pockets with a little bit of stretch.
The Incase Icon has several compartments and smaller pockets, including a fleece-lined slot at the top that is perfect for a charger or small device like a phone.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe is in the top-tier mix as well. With a large dedicated laptop pocket and a main compartment that unzips wide but also has elastic stays that prevent you from accidentally dumping your contents, this pack has great accessibility for its size. Though the single water bottle pocket is small, the luggage passthrough at the back makes this model a nice travel companion (and if you love the brand and are open to other options, you can't go wrong with the Timbuk2 Classic in our review of messenger bags).
The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxe has easy-to-use pockets that are so handy for all kinds of commuters, and long zippers that make it a cinch to access.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The JanSport Right Pack is a classic bag with simplified storage and single-zipper access, while the Tzowla Travel pack is smaller but just as easy to use. The The North Face Borealis and Patagonia Refugio are two outdoor-oriented travel bags with useful auxiliary features that include an elastic cord on the exterior for quickly securing a jacket or fleece and two good water bottle holders.
The Patagonia Refugio is one of a few bags we tested with external bungees for when you're ready to remove that flannel shirt on a warm flight.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
The North Face Recon employs strategic pocket placement and clever internal compartments to help just about anyone meet their organizational needs. We found endless options for storing items no matter where we were heading — from a compartment full of sleeves and slots for everything from pens to lip balm to tablets and a hidden microfleece-lined eyewear pocket to a stretchy mesh overflow pocket and two expandable water bottle pockets. It also has dual zippers on all three main compartments that zip open far enough to allow easy access even while still wearing the bag.
Staying organized during our standardized packing test, using the many pockets in the Recon's third compartment.
A hidden microfleece-lined pocket offers an unexpected additional storage spot for items on the go, like your sunglasses in their rigid case, as pictured here.
The mesh overflow pocket on the Recon came in handy for holding a travel pillow and scarf-turned-blanket for a transcontinental flight.
The North Face Recon has a large capacity and a ton of useful compartments, pockets, and organizational features.
Other outdoor and travel models like the Patagonia Black Hole 25, Cotopaxi Tapa 22L Cada Día, and Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22 have a spacious main compartment. The Catalyst has an interesting triple-zipper design with a large vertical opening. However, we found that the zippers were so difficult to open and close that we rarely used this feature. The Black Hole includes a lid that unzips on a diagonal plane, which was sometimes useful for accessibility but sometimes meant our stuff was falling out of the top. The Tapa Cada Día has a drawstring cinch (that sometimes got tangled) and a hook and loop closure (which was actually very easy to open, close, and tighten down). All three have two water bottle holders.
The Cotopaxi Cada Dia is easy to secure closed, even if it takes a few extra, unique steps.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Versatility
Versatility can be an important factor in finding the right bag if you want to go from the office or school to the trail, gym, or out-of-town. Here, we look at the bags' style, color options, and any additional features that make a pack useful for multiple activities.
The Patagonia Black Hole 25 is one of the most versatile packs in the lineup. Its laptop sleeve provides enough protection to make it a practical option for a day at a coffee shop or a casual workspace. It comes in seven colorways with both bold and more muted options for a more office-professional aesthetic. The open compartment design and its water resistance mean it retains the flexibility to operate as the right choice for a day hike or a weekend travel bag. If you need even more capacity for longer travel, we tested the Patagonia Black Hole Duffel in our review of travel bags, and it has a huge capacity with shoulder straps for a backpack-like experience.
Packs with a luggage pass-through like the Patagonia Black Hole 25 are well-suited for moving quickly through an airport.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The The North Face Borealis, Recon, Patagonia Refugio, and Osprey Nebula 32 are all similar in their outdoor styling. They each have solid laptop protection and bonus storage space on the front — an elastic cord on the Borealis and Refugio and exterior mesh pockets on the Nebula and Recon — for high outdoor functionality. All but the Refugio include webbing waist belts. They each come in several colorways, featuring both bright and neutral tones. These bags definitely have a more athletic-first aesthetic but are similarly versatile options for travel, outdoor adventures, and casual office use. The Refugio even offers a removable tech caddy that can be left behind for an even more daypack-like experience.
The Osprey Nebula 32 has a look that says it's ready for the outdoors as much as a day in the office.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
The Peak Design Everyday just looks professional. It has a sleek aesthetic that fits well in the office. The adjustable inserts are well-suited for photographers, but its large capacity makes it a nice school bag, too. The Matein Travel is the Peak Design's budget-friendly counterpart -– less sophisticated but still pretty solid as a work or school pack. And though the Mystery Ranch Catalyst 22 has zippers that are difficult to open, the versatility that the unique three-way configuration affords is useful for travel, outdoor adventures, and work.
No matter where you need to take your laptop, we can help you find the right backpack for your needs.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
How to Choose a Laptop Backpack
While you already know you need a backpack to transport your laptop from here to there, figuring out which bag is the right one for your needs, travel style, and aesthetic can be challenging. We can help — and if you want more advice, check out our full article of laptop backpack buying advice.
How Large is Your Laptop?
Though it sounds obvious, make sure whatever backpack you choose has plenty of space to fit your laptop. Measure your screen diagonally from corner to corner to know what dimensions you're looking for in a bag. Particularly if you have a large laptop, finding a bag that fits your device without leaving its corners exposed to being hit against passing objects is paramount. And if you're the type of person who likes to toss your bag down when you walk in the door, be sure you look for a pack that has adequate padding along the underside or better yet, a suspension system to stop your laptop from riding on the bottom of the bag.
Additionally, if you have a heavy laptop, also take a look at back panel and shoulder strap padding, as that will make a big difference in how comfortably you can carry that big brick around without wanting to drop it at the first opportunity.
Making sure that your laptop will fit into your new bag is just the first step. Consider also, if your laptop has padding all the way around and if it's heavy, make sure the bag is comfortable to carry against your back.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
What Else Will You Bring With?
If you're a daily commuter and tend to pack light, a smaller volume bag in the 15-25 liter range will likely fit everything you need. Larger bags in the 30-45 liter range are best for traveling, overnight trips, and folks who bring a lot of things when they head to campus or the office.
More than just considering volume, though, think through the actual items you tend to bring along. If you travel with both a laptop and a tablet, look for a bag that offers secure storage for both. If you frequently add and remove a jacket or another layer of clothing, having a handy external pocket or bungee strap to secure it can be extremely useful. And if you like to bike to work with a hydration bladder or bring a water bottle with you, there are laptop backpacks that can accommodate those as well.
External storage like bungee straps and stretchy mesh pockets can accommodate extra items or things you need quick access to.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
How Do You Like to Organize?
While most laptop backpacks have a variety of pockets for your belongings, understanding how you like to organize things will help you choose the right bag for you. If you like to have a mobile desk drawer, neatly staying put within your backpack, look for a model with lots of small internal pockets to hold little things like pens, sticky notes, tissues, and more.
If you're someone who travels with a lot of electronic gear, like photography or audio equipment, search for a pack that can keep those items not only organized but protected en route. On the other hand, if you have your own organizational system already — like a purse or fanny pack you take with you everywhere — it might be easier to search for a bag that has fewer pockets, and you can toss your pre-packed personal item inside more easily.
A laptop backpack with the necessary features can make work or school life a little bit easier.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Where Will You Take Your Bag?
The aesthetics and versatility of your bag matter whether you're heading onto campus for a long day of classes, walking into the board room to give a presentation, or hopping on a plane to a far corner of the globe. If you work in a highly professional environment, be sure to consider the look of your backpack and that it fits in your workspace. Color choices, zipper pulls, and overall structure can all make a big difference to the aesthetic of a bag.
Or perhaps you're looking for a travel companion that can bring your laptop on the journey while also carrying your needs for a full day of outdoor adventuring. In that case, look for a bag that has a laptop compartment doubling as a standard carrying space (or is completely removable). Other functional features may also come in handy, like an exit hole for a hydration bladder hose, a waist belt and sternum strap for stability, and reflective material for safety.
For a backpack that can adventure as well as carry a laptop, one with a removable laptop sleeve and a water hose exit point could be the perfect answer.
Credit: Maggie Nichols
Conclusion
Laptop-specific bags can bring you peace of mind when toting around an expensive piece of equipment. We hope this review of the best laptop backpacks for carrying the necessary electronics in this day and age will help you find what is most important to you, whether that's style, comfort, fit, or protection. And if you want to combine your work and travel bags, check out our favorite travel backpacks.
—Ben Applebaum-Bauch, Maggie Nichols, Katherine Elliott, and Amber King
