The MacBook Pro is a laptop that’s built to be portable, so it’s no surprise you want to carry it with you wherever you go. A backpack is the best way to comfortably and easily move your Laptop, whether it’s in your carry-on luggage on a trip out of town or in your back when you’re commuting to work. It’s a regular need and we’ll show you in this buying guide how to decide which Macbook Pro backpack is better for you based on your needs and if you’re using a 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook at the moment. If you have a 17 inch, then might we suggest our best backpacks for 17-inch laptops.
While there are laptop messenger bags out there. A backpack still would be a favorite laptop bag. The weight of the Macbook Pro and everything else you’re wearing is evenly balanced with straps on both sides to prevent back pain. With your MacBook Pro, the right backpacks (13-inch and 15-inch) should have a reinforced space for your notebook, as well as other compartments for everything that you choose to bring. If you prefer a gender-specific bag, feel free to check out our selection of laptop backpacks for women.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
Timbuk2 Spire Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Very versatile pack – roll-top is super handy to have
- Water bottle pocket
- Solid comfort level
- Exclusively built for a MacBook Pro
Case Logic DLBP-114 MacBook Pro Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Small profile yet an impressive capacity for what it is
- Shoulder straps are comfortable
- The layout is excellent
- Top zipper pouch is perfect for wallet & keys
Best Backpacks for MacBook Pro – Overview
The best backpacks for Macbook Pro and a Macbook share several characteristics. You want it to be sturdy, but you have to have it from strong materials. You want it to be used for different tasks so it has loads of pockets and compartments. And because we all appreciate good design here, if the bag looks amazing we definitely don’t mind. All the bags below match certain requirements, but we made a careful selection of bags that suit different needs. Some of these bags will hold your MacBook secure on rainy treks, while another would stick out and let you catch your stuff with ease. In addition, there are also tactical laptop bags and tactical laptop backpacks that are also suitable for your Mac.
Backpacks for MacBook Pro Reviews
1. Bellroy Classic Backpack
You can count on the Bellroy Classic Backpack to be your dependable everyday companion. This smart everyday piece is a modern take on a familiar style, one that’s value-packed with design detail and a surprising level of function. Internal storage keeps devices, clothing, snacks and personal items ordered, while an external access pocket lets you get to your phone, wallet, and glasses easily.
A protective sleeve holds your laptop snug when you’re on the move – no bouncing against your back. And we have engineered the shape of the bag’s back panel and shoulder straps for comfort and support. Even when fully packed, the bag contours to your body and ‘hugs’ your back.
Key Features:
- A traditional format, with extra engineering and detail for comfort and functionality C
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- External quick access valuables pocket and internal zip pocket
- Padded laptop pocket, plus a padded iPad
Specifications:
- Brand: Bellroy
- Capacity: 17L
- Dimensions: 20″ H x 14.5″ W x 3″ D
- Weight: 1.54 lbs
- Looks sleeker and more minimalist than the traditional backpack fit and form
- Lots of pockets that are intuitively placed
- Half-zip design
- Smooth zippers, plus material that covers the zipper
- Strap placement feels a bit wonky
2. Osprey Nova Women’s Laptop Backpack
The Osprey Nova Women’s Laptop Backpack gets the same attention to detail as the most technical packs. The Nebula daypack offers durable fabrics and contemporary aesthetics in a comfortable package for everyday use. It also has travel-friendly features such as the TSA airport approved laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 15″ laptop along with a padded zippered tablet sleeve.
The front panel organization pocket keeps all your small items handy while the large main compartment has plenty of room for all your essentials. Additionally, dual stretch-mesh water bottle pockets make sure you stay hydrated for a busy day on the go while the internal organization helps keep things organized. While there are upper side compression straps to keep your pack streamlined you can tuck them away in the hidden garage pocket when not in use. It can also be used as a bike commuter pack with the blinker light attachment and a heat embossed scratch-free slash pocket for your sunglasses.
Key Features:
- Front panel stretch mesh pocket
- Upperside compression straps with tuckaway garage
- Lower compression straps
- Front panel organization pocket
- Smooth breathable reverse spacermesh
Specifications:
- Brand: Osprey
- Capacity: 32L
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12″ W x 12″ D
- Weight: 2.22 lbs
- The laptop pocket is super useful
- Little stash pocket for smaller things in the front
- Two mesh water bottle pockets on either side of the pack
- The waist strap helps ease pain
- Not all pockets have double pockets
3. JanSport Cool Student Backpack
The JanSport Cool Student Backpack is perfect for an active student in school. Your books are accommodated by two large main pockets, while many front storage pockets and a utility pocket enable you to keep your things sorted.
The S-curve shoulder straps offer a contoured design, and the side water bottle pocket lets you remain hydrated all day long. This popular student brings everything you need to make carrying a MacBook Pro worry-free. Our guide to the best JanSport backpacks offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps
- Fully padded back panel
- Side water bottle pocket
- Internal 15” laptop sleeve
Specifications:
- Brand: JanSport
- Capacity: 34L
- Dimensions: 17.5″ H x 13″ W x 10″ D
- Weight: 1.31 lbs
- There are two deep sleeves for books and a laptop
- Comfortable on the back
- The weight is evenly distributed
- Leather stitching at the bottom
- The zippers are not that smooth
4. Timbuk2 the Authority Pack
Perfect for a Macbook Pro. Timbuk2 the Authority Pack is a supremely designed job pack beast. Place the Authority on your back if your job needs a lot of stuff and you want to order but try not to appear too stuffy. It’s a bring-the-office-with-you bag; the large and tiny pockets make sense of everything that your day job and side gig need.
And thanks to the padding on the backpack and a super cush grab handle, this looks amazing. Pair it with lovely base cloth, tuck-away sternum straps, and an air mesh back panel to hold your dress shirt comfortable. The side stretch pocket for a water bottle, sunglasses, or umbrella.
Key Features:
- Internal organizer for pens, phones, and other small stuff
- Rear access to laptop pocket
- Grab handle for easy lifting
- Neoprene water bottle pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: TIMBUK2
- Capacity: 28L
- Dimensions: 18.1″ H x 11.4″ W x 5.9″ D
- Weight: 1.31 lbs
- This backpack keeps it’s shape and form
- The bag looks very clean and neat
- The main compartment will expand and collapse like accordion
- Waterproof texture is amazing
- The bottom external pocket is large but doesn’t look secure
5. Timbuk2 Spire Backpack – Premium Pick
Designed exclusively for Apple, Timbuk2 Spire Backpack gives your MacBook Pro and iPad plenty of protection in a serious drizzle thanks to its water-resistant TPU and canvas fabric construction. It has expandable volume via the flap or a roll-top main opening and easy access to your phone, MacBook, or iPad.
It has a front zip pocket fits earbuds, cards, cash, and your ID, ventilated back panel to give your back breathing room, exterior daisy chain webbing offers attachment points for carabiners, helmets, U-lock, etc, and a secure zip pocket for cables, earbuds, stylus, cards, cash, etc.
Key Features:
- Anodized aluminum hardware for sophisticated look and quiet entry and exit
- Flap closure for quick access or roll-top for expandable volume and weather protection
- Incognito reflective panel for high visibility in low light
- Elasticized external side pocket
Specifications:
- Brand: TIMBUK2
- Capacity: 30L
- Dimensions: 18.7″ H x 12.4″ W x 5.1″ D
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Very versatile pack – roll-top is super handy to have
- Water bottle pocket
- Solid comfort level
- Exclusively built for a MacBook Pro
- The outer velcro attracts everything, endless fuzzes caught in there
6. Case Logic DLBP-114 MacBook Pro Backpack – Best Value
Tailored with comfort and usability in mind, the Case Logic DLBP-114 MacBook Pro Backpack boasts a unique style suitable for the active professional or one heading back to school in the fall. An integrated laptop compartment holds laptops with screens up to 14.1 inches. The front pocket of the pack includes an organization panel that stores your cell phone, iPod, and other essentials while also allowing plenty of space for a power cord.
A zippered safety pocket secures your passport or airline ticket. A felt-like, scratch-resistant pocket at the top is ideal for sunglasses or touch screen mobile phone. Quilted padding on the front of the pack and the shoulder straps provide added cushioning. Air Mesh on the shoulder straps maintains comfort and breathability.
Key Features:
- A zippered safety pocket secures your passport or airline ticket
- A felt-like, scratch-resistant pocket at the top
- Strap management system keeps excess strap material rolled up
- Side zippered pockets
- Quilted padding on the front of the pack
Specifications:
- Brand: Case Logic
- Dimensions: 17.28″ H x 13.39″ W x 6.3″ D
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Small profile yet an impressive capacity for what it is
- Shoulder straps are comfortable
- The layout is excellent
- Top zipper pouch is perfect for wallet & keys
- If you have a lot of items in the bag, don’t drop your keys down the front zipper pouch, they will get lost
7. Kensington Triple Trek Slim Backpack
The Kensington Triple Trek Slim Backpack features fleece-lined compartments that keep your smartphone and your laptop, tablet, or Chromebook safe from scratches. In between the device compartments are plenty of room for files. You’ll also appreciate the big accessory pocket that holds your power cord and other necessities.
The Triple Trek Laptop Backpack includes adjustable straps and padded back support. The backpack also includes a handy grab handle that doubles as a trolley strap, as well as reflective zippers for visibility at night. There’s also a hidden pocket to secure your devices and a stow-away water bottle holder to help keep you hydrated. You may also be interested in some of the best backpacks for tablets from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Multiple compartments
- Accessible accessory pockets
- Sleek and comfortable
- Padded back support system
Specifications:
- Brand: Kensington
- Dimensions: 14″ H x 10″ W x 4″ D
- Weight: 1.23 lbs
- Small enough that you don’t mind carrying it
- It’s very well constructed
- It seems to resist water fairly well
- The reflective striping is nice
- The outside front flap space is quite small
8. Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase
Whether you’re going to school, headed to work, or just navigating the urban jungle, travel in style with the Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase. This briefcase easily transforms into a backpack with convertible hideaway straps and is perfect for any situation you encounter. This laptop briefcase is designed from high-quality materials that are durable yet lightweight.
It is also built for enhanced comfort, as it includes two quick-access pockets and a fully padded laptop compartment. It can easily store your 13.3 to 15.6-inch MacBook or Chromebook. The Duane Hybrid women’s and men’s laptop bag is built for longevity and enhanced comfort. It includes padded carry handles with magnetic snaps, a removable and adjustable shoulder strap, and hideaway padded backpack straps. Be sure to also check out our list of briefcases for men for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- Perfect three in one backpack solution
- Dedicated pocket for iPads or tablets
- Fully padded laptop compartment
- Two quick-access pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Solo New York
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 12″ W x 5″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- The space and appearance of the bag are great
- Multiple compartments to store different items and keep them seperate
- Good design that gives you the option of switching from hand bag to shoulder bag
- It’s a lightweight bag and even with items inside it
- The clips that hold the backpack straps to the bottom of the backpack are removable for briefcase mode, but in backpack mode they sometimes unclip from the bag while pulling the bag sideways
9. Cartinoe Canvas Backpack
The Cartinoe Canvas Backpack features a main compartment for laptop, a front pocket with a special pen holder to easily store and transport power adapter and USB adapter, Pencil, etc. You will always be able to find what you need when you need it. A lightweight yet stylish palm design case allows the convenient daily carrying of your device. Say goodbye to a large and heavy bag, Simple design, professional and minimal.
The ergonomic design of S-shape padded shoulder straps and padding back design, made from high elastic and breathable sponge and fabric, equipped with ring-type adjustable hasp, adjust the strap length freely, reduce the burden of weight, protect the back and shoulder effectively, more comfortable for your life. Our handy guide to the best canvas backpacks features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Water repellent and moisture proofing
- Front pocket storage
- Shockproof fluffy fleece fabric lining
- Smooth zippers
Specifications:
- Brand: Cartinoe
- Dimensions: 15.8″ H x 12.5″ W x 2.6″ D
- Weight: 1.2 lbs
- Extremely well made and should last a long time
- The front pocket has slots for pens, flash drives
- Well padded if you are careful
- It has a few extra nice touches too like a key clip in the pocket and tabs at both ends of the rear pocket’s zipper to make it easier to open and close
- No netted side pouch for a slender water bottle
10. Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Backpack
The Pacsafe Metrosafe LS450 Backpack will get you and your belongings from point A to point B, and everywhere in between safely! Made of durable 210D nylon FD hitra. Adjustable padded shoulder straps with padded carry handle. Zippered main and front compartments with an organization for cards, phone, and passport. Quilted back panel
Flexible, lightweight, stainless steel wire is integrated into the adjustable Carrysafe® straps making it invisible to the eye, yet very effective at preventing bag slashers from slicing through and running off with your gear. Easy and intuitive to use, the Lockabout™ security clip offers 3 levels of security to prevent pickpockets from sneaking their way into your bag and running off with your valuables.
Key Features:
- Lockable zippers
- Padded shoulder straps
- RFID blocking pocket
- Cut proof materials
Specifications:
- Brand: Pacsafe
- Capacity: 25L
- Dimensions: 18.9″ H x 11.8″ W x 6.7″ D
- Weight: 1.84 lbs
- Lots of pockets and pouches
- Deep exterior water bottle pouches
- Good security features
- Simple design
- It doesn’t have a sternum strap
Buying Guide
Laptop Padding
A well-padded laptop compartment will absorb and cushion the dropping, knocking, and bumping accidents. You should aim for a backpack that contains extra padding at the bottom of the laptop compartment that serves like a shock-absorbing bumper These days, bags use foam to add padding to the backpack because they can snap back to form under strain.
Materials
A backpack with a laptop is worthless if it cannot tolerate intense usage, hard drops, and resistants. Not only can a high-quality material keep your MacBook Pro secure but also make your bag sturdy. Thanks to their toughness, polyester, and nylon are the most common type of material used in backpacks. To assess the fiber thickness of the fabrics, each laptop backpack is branded with Denier (D). The higher the Denier (D) scores are typically stronger and thicker.
Size
If you are having other things with you, then you ought to test the bag’s volume (measured in liters). The slimmer version of the bag will not be able to hold as much stuff as the large one, as the backpack for the 15-inch laptop is often very close in measurements. Wherever you go to class, fly, or work, make sure to verify if there are multi-compartment and pockets in the backpack to keep everything coordinated.
Safety
It’s important to protect your valuable laptop from burglary while traveling with a MacBook Pro 15 or on a backpacking trip or in general. Hence, getting a laptop backpack with anti-theft features is important. A few of the backpack’s typical anti-theft features include lockable zippers, combination lock, slash-resistant harness, and antifreeze content.
Other Features
Extra features such as the USB charging tube, TSA checkpoint-friendly, secret security pocket, sternum strap, and so on are also deemed a must in the backpack. Such features improve the versatility that might simplify your journey, based on what your lifestyle is.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best backpacks for MacBook Pro as well as our guide on features to look for in a backpack for MacBook Pro. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.