Best Gaming Backpacks

10 Best Gaming Backpacks in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

If you are a laptop gamer, then you know how important it is to have a great gaming backpack. Gaming laptops of Razer, ASUS, Dell, HP, and other brands come with a punch in terms of size and weight, so a good gaming backpack should be able to contain your gaming gears compactly and securely.

They should also be sturdy and comfortable enough for you to carry on your back. But with hundreds of gaming backpack options out there, finding the perfect backpack can be overwhelming. Lucky for you, this is the place to start your shopping for the best gaming backpack, giving you more time to get out there and conquer battlefields.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 15 hrs of research

Lenovo Legion Armored 17 inch Gaming Backpack

Lenovo Legion Armored 17 inch Gaming Backpack – Best Value

Why is it better?

  • A lot of compartments! 19 total!
  • Hard shell for protection
  • Breathable back
  • Rugged and stylish

Acer Predator Gaming Rolltop Backpack 15.6 inch for all Gaming Laptops

Acer Predator Gaming Rolltop Backpack 15.6” for all Gaming Laptops – Premium Pick

Why is it better?

  • Cushioned back mesh
  • Water-resistant coating
  • Own headset pocket
  • Own power bank pocket

Best Gaming Backpacks – Overview

You might think that any old backpacks you have at home may work as a gaming backpack. But the truth is, most regular backpacks will do nothing when to protect your electronics if you get caught in the rain or spilled some soft drinks all over your bag. They simply do not have the required padding and protection. Yes, it might cost more, but it would be nothing compared to what it would take to replace any of your electronics.

Gaming Backpacks Reviews

1. Acer Predator Gaming Rolltop Backpack 15.6” for all Gaming Laptops – Premium Pick

Acer Predator Gaming Rolltop Backpack 15.6 inch for all Gaming Laptops

The Acer Predator Gaming Rolltop Backpack is designed for adventurous gaming experiences. It’s built with versatile access and lifespan durability to switch between your active lifestyle and gaming worlds. The wide opening top and roll-up design offer flexibility from compact to ample (35.5L) for storing your precious gear.

The lightweight yet reinforced exterior is fully water-repellent down to the zippers. Military-grade coating on the front of the bag helps you defend against the rain and mud on road trips. Ventilated back panels and soft padded shoulder straps with an adjustable chest buckle give you the most comfort and functionality possible without sacrificing the Predator style.

Key Features:

  • Water-repellent & padded interior pockets
  • Dedicated headset pocket
  • Roll-up flexibility 

Specifications:

  • Brand: Acer
  • Capacity: 35.5L
  • Dimensions: 26″ H x 17″ W x 6″ D
  • Weight: 2.9 lbs
Pros
  • Cushioned back mesh
  • Water resistant coating
  • Own headset pocket
  • Own power bank pocket
Cons
  • No external USB connectors
  • Predator word at the front of the bag

2. Everki Beacon Laptop Backpack

Everki Beacon Laptop Backpack

The Everki Beacon Laptop Backpack is designed for comfort even with heavy loads and harsh conditions. An ultra-soft, padded laptop compartment deftly protects and carries up to 18″ laptops while still leaving enough room in the main compartment for a gaming console and accessories. Comfort and balance are maintained, even under heavy loads, thanks to the Beacon’s 5-point balance strap system and aero-flow padded back and shoulder harness. 

Gamers will appreciate the inclusion of a dedicated sleeve for taking a gaming console (XBox 360, PS3, or Wii) on the road. Dual hip pockets provide extra storage and quick access to important items like keys, mobile phone, or a media player without taking the bag off.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-soft padded laptop compartment
  • Gaming console sleeve included (suitable for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, etc)
  • Dual hand-carry handles for easy lifting
  • Water-resistant weather cover protects against dust, rain, or snow

Specifications:

  • Brand: Everki
  • Capacity: 32.5L
  • Dimensions: 21.1″ H x 14.6″ W x 6.3″ D
  • Weight: 3.5 lbs
Pros
  • Laptop and huge gaming system compartment
  • Easy-lift dual handles
  • Shoulder strap holds headphones or cables
  • Water resistant cover
Cons
  • Poor cross chest support strap for women

3. Lenovo Legion Armored 17 inch Gaming Backpack – Best Value

Lenovo Legion Armored 17 inch Gaming Backpack

The Lenovo Y Gaming Armored Backpack is designed for those with lots of stuff on their shoulders. It comes with 3 compartments and 16 pockets, perfect to carry up to a 17. 3″ laptop, a wide selection of peripherals, and all your other gaming essentials – there’s even an inside latch designed specifically for your headset!

To ensure your arsenal is protected from the rain, this backpack features a modified weatherproof vinyl exoskeleton and hard front shell. It is also able to provide comfort through its compression-molded back panel which allows for airflow and breathability, making this bag easy on the back. Plus, cushioned adjustable shoulder straps are paired with a supporting chest buckle to make this gaming backpack easy to carry everywhere.

Key Features:

  • 3 compartments & 16 well-placed pockets
  • Weatherproof exoskeleton hard shell
  • Compression-molded back panel for breathability

Specifications:

  • Brand: Lenovo
  • Capacity: 40L
  • Dimensions: 19.88″ H x 14.7″ W x 7.09″ D
  • Weight: 3.02 lbs
Pros
  • A lot of compartments! 19 total!
  • Hard shell for protection
  • Breathable back
  • Rugged and stylish
Cons
  • Padding is super-thin on the base which is a problem should you drop it
  • Minimal padding on the straps, not good when you load the backpack up

4. Nintendo Switch Elite Edition Backpack

Nintendo Switch Elite Edition Backpack

The officially licensed Nintendo Switch Elite Edition Backpack not only holds and protects the entire Nintendo Switch console system, but has spacious labeled pockets for a 15″ laptop, for the dock, additional controllers, cables, Switch game cards, and additional personal items for the gamer on-the-go. The pockets themselves are designed to signify what should go where, so you do not need to worry about placing which item where.

The only kicker with this backpack is you miss out on the protective padding in which other more expensive backpacks has. Though this should not be a problem if you are careful with your items.

Key Features:

  • Perfect for storing your 15″ laptop, Nintendo Switch along with other extra joy cons, dock, cables, games, and headphones
  • Pockets are screen-printed with what stuff should be in it
  • Padded straps for extra comfort

Specifications:

  • Brand: PDP
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 13.5″ W x 6.5″ D
  • Weight: 0.99 lbs
Pros
  • A lot of compartments!
  • Hard shell for protection
  • Breathable back
  • Rugged and stylish
Cons
  • Padding is super-thin on the base which is a problem should you drop it
  • Minimal padding on the straps, not good when you load the backpack up

5. ASUS Republic of Gamers Nomad Backpack for 17-inches G-Series Notebooks

ASUS Republic of Gamers Nomad Backpack for 17-inches G-Series Notebooks

The ASUS Republic of Gamer Nomad Backpack is designed with an internal suspension system that keeps your 17” notebook safe and padded compartments carry all your stuff. It also has ventilated back padding which keeps you cool and comfortable when you’re on the move.

The material is composed of a water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon which helps keep your precious cargo safe and dry. It also has a chest buckle for even weight distribution. The backpack can carry up to 30kgs of load. Our handy guide to the best 17-inch laptop backpacks features more great products like this.

Key Features:

  • Sufficient internal and external padding for safety
  • Internal suspension system
  • Multiple individual pockets for keyboard, mouse, adapter and cables

Specifications:

  • Brand: ASUS
  • Dimensions: 20.08″ H x 13.78″ W x 7.28″ D
  • Weight: 3.52 lbs
Pros
  • Internal suspension system for your laptop
  • Ventilated back padding
  • Durable and water-resistant material
Cons
  • Pockets seem to be small
  • Its bulkiness seems to overpower the available space too much

6. Mobile Edge Alienware 17.3-Inch Backpack

Mobile Edge Alienware 17.3-Inch Backpack

The Mobile Edge Alienware 17.3-Inch Backpack keeps your gear secure and protected on the go. The uber-cool design and heavily-padded back panels are ideal, while the subdivided main compartment easily holds up to a large 17.3-Inch laptop. A secondary compartment contains 10 interior pockets to hold anything from pens to memory sticks to plane tickets to MP3 players.

This backpack is designed to speed you through airport security checkpoints quickly. You no longer need to remove your laptop from your case. Its internal accessory workstation keeps your accessories organized and easily accessible whenever you need them. Love backpacks? Check out our review of the best tactical laptop backpacks for our top picks.

Key Features:

  • Fits up to a 17.3″ laptop
  • TSA friendly design allows for faster screening
  • Ergonomic backing and shoulder straps for maximum comfort

Specifications:

  • Brand: Mobile Edge
  • Dimensions: 20″ H x 15.5″ W x 7″ D
  • Weight: 3 lbs
Pros
  • Quality stitching and heavy duty zippers
  • Plenty of internal padding for your sensitive electronics
  • Checkpoint friendly pocket expedites going through TSA security
Cons
  • The water bottle holder that pops out is really small

7. FreeBiz 18.4 Inches Laptop Backpack Fits up to 18 Inch Gaming Laptops

FreeBiz 18.4 Inches Laptop Backpack Fits up to 18 Inch Gaming Laptops

The FreeBiz Laptop Backpack is known to support some of the large 18-inch laptops. It contains a lot of room which makes it suitable for gaming backpacks for a gamer. It also comes with an external USB charging port to easily charge your mobile phones and other devices.

This backpack also has an airflow back system multi-panel airflow design that provides extra padding for comfort and Maximum Back Support. The backpack is made from highly rip and water-resistant nylon fabric. Its lightweight, sturdy, durable and water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon construction anti-scratch helps keep precious cargo safe and dry.

Key Features:

  • Supports large laptops
  • External USB charging port
  • Organizer pockets with dividers for small items

Specifications:

  • Brand: FreeBiz
  • Dimensions: 21.6″ H x 15″ W x 11″ D
  • Weight: 2.98 lbs
Pros
  • LOTS of pockets with organizers
  • Comes with external USB charging port
  • Durable and water-resistant 1680D ballistic nylon construction
Cons
  • The bag is really huge, it might not work for children or small adults

8. Alienware Vindicator Backpack 18-Inch

Alienware Vindicator Backpack 18-Inch

The Alienware Vindicator Backpack boasts an extremely durable exterior with room in its 3 main compartments to protect your goods. With dedicated compartments for your laptop, tablet device, gaming accessories, magazines, USB or flash drives and more, you will always have easy access to everything you need.

This backpack has a reinforced, weather-resistant, non-slip base that provides added protection against the weather while easily bearing the weight of all your gear. It also comes in your own dedicated headphone strap.

Key Features:

  • Sleek industrial design
  • Weather-resistant protection
  • Dedicated pockets for your peripherals

Specifications:

  • Brand: Mobile Edge
  • Dimensions: 28.35″ H x 23.62″ W x 15.75″ D
  • Weight: 4.7 lbs
Pros
  • Dedicated compartments for your small peripherals
  • Very powerful weather resistance
  • Has a slick bottle holder
Cons
  • Only good when you have a few gaming devices and peripherals

9. ASUS Republic of Gamers Shuttle Backpack for 17″ G-Series Notebooks

ASUS Republic of Gamers Shuttle Backpack for 17 inch G-Series Notebooks

The ASUS Republic of Gamers Shuttle Backpack comes with a large zipper to help you reach items in the bottom of the bag without needing to take out any item. The size is also perfectly suited for carrying more than you may need for the day without being too bulky.

This backpack features advanced materials and ergonomics for improved comfort, plus smart internal space and compartment design to max carrying capacity.  The inside padding gives you peace of mind about the safety of your things.

Key Features:

  • Long zipper reach for quick and easy access
  • Weather-resistant with strong polyester design
  • Dedicated pockets for your peripherals

Specifications:

  • Brand: ASUS
  • Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 8.5″ D
  • Weight: 2.08 lbs
Pros
  • Padded interior
  • Smartphone rear compartment
  • Comfortably fits any laptop 17″ and above
Cons
  • Not very comfortable on your back if your laptop is heavy

10. ENHANCE Universal Gaming Laptop Backpack and Console Storage Case for PS4 Pro, Xbox One & VR Sytems

ENHANCE Universal Gaming Laptop Backpack and Console Storage Case for PS4 Pro, Xbox One & VR Sytems

The Enhance Universal Gaming Backpack works for a variety of gaming consoles and tech gear. It features a dedicated storage compartment for consoles, laptops, keyboards, and virtual reality systems of all sizes with a padded divider for organization.

The entire bag is outfitted with padded liners that offer resistance from impacts, bumps, scratches and crushing damage. The padding is dual-layered which gives you comfort and ease while carrying the gaming backpack for long commutes.

Key Features:

  • Front opening storage with compartments of various sizes and styles
  • Moisture-wicking and weather-resistant construction
  • Padded armor protective design
  • Three-Point Locking Enclosure

Specifications:

  • Brand: ENHANCE
  • Dimensions: 23″ H x 13″ W x 7″ D
  • Weight: 2.5 lbs
Pros
  • High and dedicated storage capacity
  • Front opening storage
  • Weather resistant
Cons
  • Disc compartment is not padded

Buying Guide

Comfort

If a gaming backpack isn’t comfortable you won’t want to use it. Luckily, most backpack designers understand that your comfort is as important as the safety of your tech. Some comfort features to look for include padding or cushioning on both the straps and the back, dedicated pockets for sensitive gear, and overall lightweight design.

Size

The backpack must be large enough to be able to fit your laptop and still have room for other peripherals, cables, and anything else that you take with you.

Capacity

Depending on your specific needs, you can select a gaming backpack that is on the smaller side if you have fewer items to stow or choose a version with lots of pockets dedicated to fit all your items. As every gamer is different, it is important that you know what items you will be packing in order to determine how much capacity you actually need for a backpack.

Material

Gaming equipment can be sensitive to heat, cold, drops, and liquids. Therefore it is important to choose a gaming backpack with enough padding inside to ensure your gear is safe. In addition to padding, many backpacks are crafted from water-resistant fabric which adds another crucial layer of protection to safeguard your items.

Frequently Ask Questions

What is a gaming backpack?

A gaming backpack safeguards your game equipment and gadgets, which can save you time, money, and disappointment on the case that you drop your bag! What else? It provides the much-needed warmth and style, setting your mind at ease in the knowledge that your gaming equipment is secure when you go for a tournament or a game with friends.

Do I need a gaming laptop backpack?

Yeah, owning a gaming backpack is essential, for no other reason than the full economic value that it can bring. Almost any gaming console and a laptop cost more a few hundred dollars, so whether you fly or go to a friend’s house, carrying them in a backpack can save you the chance of harm to your consoles or laptop. You can also conveniently move your available gadgets and controllers from one location to the next with a gaming laptop backpack.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best gaming backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a gaming backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.