Often disconnecting when traveling is fine, but other times it is just not possible. An increasing number of people are now more than ever taking their Macbooks and laptops along as they wander the globe. Sadly it’s a big challenge to keep them safe. This is why it’s’ critical to buy a high-quality laptop backpack to ensure your laptop stays secure and in great shape.
If you’re traveling a lot with a laptop you will need the best laptop backpack for travel. This way, as you walk about, you can keep your laptop protected from damage. This article will help you select the best travel backpacks for your laptop according to your needs and preferences. Whether you’re trying to bring your laptop on a backpacking adventure, a weekend getaway, or your daily commute, each one of these backpacks puts price, flexibility, organization, and comfort first! If you are someone who likes the benefits of customizing your bag, there are also tactical laptop bags and tactical laptop backpacks on the market.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase – Best Value
Why is it better?
- The bag can be carried 3 different ways: handheld, shoulder bag (messenger style), or as a backpack
- It carries everything in a well-distributed manner
- Multiple compartments to store different items and keep them separate
- It’s not too big and not too small
Timbuk2 the Authority Laptop Pack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Many functional pockets
- The straps and back panel are built well and are comfy
- The waterproof material is really sleek and funtional
- The clips on the bottom of the bag where you can attach a rolled up jacket or blanket
Best Laptop Backpacks for Travel – Overview
While flying, laptops are thrown around. From TSA, squeezing in additional pre-flight training, and rolling around in overhead storage, it’s a must to have the right bag. And what are you going to look for in a travel backpack with a laptop? Ideally, you are searching for something safe, with additional compartments to organize and store accessories. You also want something that suits your personal style and is easy to transport. Waterproof backpacks and laptop messenger bags don’t hurt as well. Check out our guide below for the best laptop backpacks for your next travel.
Laptop Backpacks for Travel Reviews
1. Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase – Best Value
Whether you’re going to school, heading to work, or just exploring the urban jungle, the Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase travels in style. This briefcase turns effortlessly into a backpack with adjustable hideaway straps and is suitable for any situation you can encounter. This laptop briefcase is made from high-quality, durable yet lightweight materials.
This is also designed for improved comfort, as it has two easy-access pockets and a fully padded compartment for the laptop. It can conveniently store your MacBook or Chromebook, which is 13.3 to 15.6 inches. The women’s and men’s Duane Hybrid laptop bag is designed for longevity and improved comfort. It includes padded carry handles with magnetic snaps, a flexible, adjustable shoulder harness, and padded backpack straps with hideaway. You will have plenty of room for your computer or other units, charging cables, books, and other important business or school things. Love briefcases? Check out our review of the best briefcases for men for our top picks.
Key Features:
- Perfect three in one backpack
- Fully padded laptop compartment
- Padded carry handles with magnetic snaps
- Removable and adjustable shoulder strap
Specifications:
- Brand: Solo New York
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 12″ W x 5″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- The bag can be carried 3 different ways: handheld, shoulder bag (messenger style), or as a backpack
- It carries everything in a well-distributed manner
- Multiple compartments to store different items and keep them seperate
- It’s not too big and not too small
- Not YKK zippers
2. Timbuk2 the Authority Laptop Pack – Premium Pick
The Timbuk2 the Authority Laptop Pack is a supremely organized monster of a work pack. If your work requires a lot of stuff and you like order but prefer not to look too stuffy, put the Authority on your back. It’s a bring-the-office-with-you bag; pockets big and small makes sense of everything your day job and side gig require.
Rear access padded compartment fits up to a 17″ computer including a 1″ suspension gap for extra protection for your device while giving more space in the main compartment for your other stuff. And it feels good thanks to the backpack straps and a super cush grab handle. Pair that with a beautiful base fabric, tuck-away sternum straps, and an air mesh back panel that keeps your dress shirt dry.
Key Features:
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Neoprene water bottle pocket
- Dual-purpose compression straps
- Key keeper FOB
Specifications:
- Brand: Timbuk2
- Capacity: 28L
- Dimensions: 18.1″ H x 11.4″ W x 5.9″ D
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Many functional pockets
- The straps and back panel are built well and are comfy
- The waterproof material is really sleek and funtional
- The clips on the bottom of the bag where you can attach a rolled up jacket or blanket
- Does not have a strap on the backside to place on luggage
3. Incase Icon Pack
The Incase Icon Pack is Constructed with heavy-duty, durable 840D ballistic nylon that holds up to everyday wear and tear. This laptop pack features three large dedicated compartments for your MacBook, iPad, and iPhone, along with purposeful pockets for organizing extra accessories and other essentials.
The internal laptop compartment stores up to a 15-inch MacBook. Incase engineered airflow channels into the compression molded back panel and padded shoulder straps with multiple adjustment points. Additionally, the integrated sternum strap helps to disperse the weight carried in the backpack for added comfort.
Key Features:
- Three large dedicated compartments
- Compression-molded back panel
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Constructed with heavy-duty, durable 840D ballistic nylon
Specifications:
- Brand: Incase
- Dimensions: 19″ H x 13″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 1.74 lbs
- Stands up right even empty
- Dedicated pockets for laptop and glasses/phone are fur lined
- Fits well under an airplane seat
- Even with the bag full, pockets are still very accessible and don’t encroach on each other
- With so many pockets, there isn’t much room for large objects if you need to carry them
4. Thule Subterra Daypack
The Thule Subterra Daypack is a commuter-inspired day pack with flexible capacity and quick-access compartments. The Safe edge construction lines laptop compartment for superior corner protection. There is also a quick access to a laptop and tablet through a secondary side zipper.
A duffel-style zipper opens the main compartment wide for easy packing and full visibility. Quick-access front pocket expands to hold large items such as a U-lock or power brick for a laptop. Hidden, vertical pocket stores frequently used mid-sized items such as headphones, a hat, or gloves. The Interior, zippered mesh pocket keeps small items visible yet secure. Find more great products like this by checking out our guide to the best travel daypacks.
Key Features:
- Integrated daisy chain attachment system
- Two-way access to laptop and tablet
- Removable SafeZone compartment
- Duffel-style zipper
Specifications:
- Brand: Thule
- Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 13″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 2.18 lbs
- Has a vacuous main compartment accessed by a side zipper
- Solid straps and a top handle
- Clips are super sturdy
- The fabric is very thick and sturdy looking
- The lid should really have a zipper pouch
5. eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack for Travel
Unlike any other backpack you’ve ever used, the eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack for Travel boasts an absolute organization. With a sleek look and elegant design, this pack will take you from nine to nine, no pit-stops needed, anywhere you need to go.
With several padded tech pockets for all of your gadgets and several internal and external pockets, this bag becomes a sight. Plus, the ventilated air mesh back panel and contoured straps make an excellent fit — absolutely suitable for a long commute.
Key Features:
- Front vertical exterior zip pocket
- Breathable, padded air-mesh back panel for comfort; removable, adjustable sternum strap
- Diagonal stash pocket inside middle compartment
- Pass-through sleeve secures bag to rolling luggage
Specifications:
- Brand: eBags
- Capacity: 21L
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12.75″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 3.81 lbs
- Great layout with enough pockets/sleeves
- Can stand up on its own
- Sleek appearance
- The material feels robust and resistant to tears or scuffs
- Beverage holder could be improved
6. SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack
A bestseller design, the iconic SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack continues to be chosen by road warriors time and time again! With a lay-flat TSA-approved tech compartment, protect your laptop and tablet inside designated mesh pockets.
Stash supplies, and your shades inside organized exterior pockets while securing your smartphone and large gear inside a roomy main compartment. This highly functional pack also features a heavy-duty grab handle and ergonomic straps for on-the-go comfort. Its contoured, padded shoulder straps feature a sunglasses loop and built-in suspension that provides stretch and shock absorbent. Make sure you also check our selection of the best Swissgear backpacks.
Key Features:
- Made with durable, weather-resistant 1200D ballistic polyester
- Easy access laptop and iPad compartment
- Front, large, U-zip pocket for quick access essentials
- Contoured shoulder straps
Specifications:
- Brand: SwissGear
- Capacity: 31L
- Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 13.5″ W x 9″ D
- Weight: 3.11 lbs
- The handle atop the bag is made with hard inner materials
- The outside zippered pouch pictured near the top of the bag is very convenient for small things
- This bag is very comfortable, even at max weigh
- A lot of storage compartments
- The elastic loops on the shoulder straps for holding sunglasses and the like have small rubber logos stitched onto the elastic
7. EVERKI Business 120 Travel Friendly Laptop Backpack
Yes, The EVERKI Business 120 Travel Friendly Laptop Backpack has lots of large compartments, but that’s not what makes it so innovative. They’ve designed intuitive spaces for smart organization, buckles and straps positioned for on-the-fly adjustments; and pockets, pouches, and slots for fingertip access. The extra-large laptop compartment is roomy enough for the most behemoth 18.4-inch laptop.
In the main storage area, you’ll find large, divided spaces that allow you to keep chargers and power supplies separate from fragile files and documents. The felt-lined tablet pocket safely secures your iPad or Kindle, while the front compartment allows you to store business cards, pens, calculators or peripherals. And the soft, scratch-free, lined portable media player pocket with cable outlet is positioned right at shoulder level to give you enough length in your cord for comfortable, slack free use. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best business backpacks.
Key Features:
- Accessories pouch
- High contrast lining
- Large zippers and metal pulls
- Media player outlet
Specifications:
- Brand: Everki
- Capacity: 40L
- Dimensions: 21.3″ H x 15″ W x 8.3″ D
- Weight: 4.3 lbs
- Includes rain-resistant cover and a solid-feeling toiletries bag
- Tons of pockets of all shapes and sizes
- Velour-like main compartments for laptops/tablets
- Enormous size
- No pockets on the straps
8. Incase EO Travel Backpack
A carry-on “luggage” and backpack all rolled into one. Incase designed the Incase EO Travel Backpack for the tech-savvy traveler who never leaves home without their devices. Just like traditional luggage, the EO Travel Backpack unzips to fold flat and reveals the expandable main compartment which increases capacity by more than 35%. There is also a dedicated laptop compartment that fits a 16-inch MacBook.
Features padded back panels and shoulder straps with breathable mesh and multiple adjustment points in the straps. Additionally, the integrated sternum strap helps to disperse the weight carried in the backpack for added comfort. Side compression straps secure and stabilize contents for easy opening and carrying. Quick access front zipper pocket and organizer pockets store additional accessories.
Key Features:
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Interior slip pocket
- Padded back panels and shoulder straps
- Side compression straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Incase
- Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 15″ W x 5″ D
- Weight: 2 lbs
- The quality of the build and look of the backpack are fantastic
- The zippers feel incredibly strong
- You can hide a lot of zippers
- This can also be a day bag
- It needs a lower waist strap
9. AmazonBasics Slim Carry On Travel Backpack
The AmazonBasics Slim Carry On Travel Backpack is built with modern travelers in mind, including a fleece-lined top-load tablet pocket and a dedicated laptop sleeve that helps to keep devices and computers secure and easy to reach. The front pocket of the backpack provides plenty of useful storage space for smaller objects, and its side-mounted zippered water-bottle pocket is there when you need it, and zipped away when you don’t.
The Airmesh back panel offers a fully vented and well-padded design to ensure comfort, whether carrying the backpack over one shoulder or evenly over two. The backpack can also be loaded onto a rolling luggage handle thanks to its vertical and horizontal pass-through panels. Even more, the slim backpack comes with low-profile top and side handles for easy grab-and-go portability. Our guide to the best travel backpacks for carry on offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Laptop sleeve and top-load, fleece-lined tablet pocket
- Front storage pocket
- Zippered side-mounted water-bottle pocket
- Airmesh back panel—fully vented and well padded
- Low-profile top and side grab handles
- Vertical and horizontal luggage-handle pass-thru panels
Specifications:
- Brand: AmazonBasics
- Dimensions: 19″ H x 13″ W x 4.5″ D
- Weight: 2.75 lbs
- There are lots of compartments
- There is a water bottle sleeve that unzips to open up
- The straps hide away in the back panel allowing for a sleek look
- There is a reinforced handle at the top
- The compartments only zip open on two sides. It does not have a suitcase like view
10. Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Travel-Friendly Backpack
Just because your commute occasionally takes you cross-country instead of across town doesn’t mean you need more than a laptop backpack. The Timbuk2 Uptown Laptop Travel-Friendly Backpack has designated spots for your laptop, iPad and peripherals as well as your non-gadgety items. Plus, it opens up to lay flat on its way through security.
It has a large main compartment for books, jacket, and other carry-on essentials. Stretchy external side pocket for u-lock or water bottle. Custom-fit strap design for a truer, more comfortable fit. Reinforced grab handles on all sides for an easy heave ho.
Key Features:
- Front zip pocket for small bits
- Laptop pocket fits 15″ MacBook and iPad
- Stretchy external side pocket for u-lock or water bottle
- Tricot-lined floating pocket protects sunglasses or smartphone
Specifications:
- Brand: Timbuk2
- Dimensions: 19.5″ H x 11.2″ W x 6.5″ D
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- The bag is solid, but lightweight synthetic material
- The front pocket has excellent organizers
- The straps are extremely well padded
- The laptop compartment is well padded and almost completely unzips so as to lie flat
- It doesn’t have straps for keys
Buying Guide
Size
Your laptop size will determine how big your backpack is. Laptop backpacks are fitted with a dedicated padded compartment to slip your laptop in, so make sure that the pocket is wide enough to accommodate your laptop. Standard dimensions include compartments of 15-, 16-, and 17-inch laptops. The laptop’s thickness will make a difference about whether it suits or not, so be sure to remember that.
Weight
Since computers can be hard to bring around with all their requisite paraphernalia, your laptop bag needs to be as lightweight as possible. You want to be able to operate on the move but not be so weighted down that when you get there you suffer back strain. Laptops are built to be lightweight and it should be simple and convenient to carry the bag you are carrying in.
Comfort
It’s important to have solid, sturdy straps in your backpack that can hold all the weight you put in it without making your shoulders sore. Handles and straps should sit comfortably on your shoulders. They should be able to comfortably bear the bag’s weight and not start falling loose or straining on the seams. Backpack straps and handles should also be flexible so that you can find a place that is more secure and does not inflict back pain.
Dedicated Laptop Compartment
Whether it’s for a 13″, 15″ or even a 17-inch laptop. The laptop compartment itself needs to be well padded to ensure your laptop is still secure from all the knocks and damage. It is necessary to carefully plan additional pockets to ensure that they can accommodate your chargers and cables without squashing or tangling them. A large range of internal pockets should also be available and can be zipped securely to keep USB sticks and other peripherals secure.
Durability
You want a quality backpack that will fly with you in the near future and will secure your laptop. Include factors like material, tear-resistance, and whether or not it will shield your laptop from bumps and rain to ensure that your backpack lasts as long as possible. It’s wise to guarantee your next backpack has a covered or lined sleeve devoted to cushioning your laptop and it’s protected from any items in your bag that could harm it.
Frequently Ask Questions
Is it safe to pack your laptop in your suitcase?
While you may be tempted to pack your laptop in your aluminum luggage or Samsonite luggage. We don’t recommend packing them in your suitcase regardless of how expensive your suitcase it. Chances are it will not be able to withstand the bumps from the baggage handling. A backpack with a dedicated laptop pocket is the best option if you are planning to bring your tech with you.
Can I carry two laptops in carry on baggage?
Two laptops can be taken into your carry-on. Before screening they have to be removed and placed in two separate bins. It is absolutely fine to bring one, two, or three laptops for personal use. But when you start to bring several new laptops to other countries, you may run into customs problems
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best laptop backpacks for travel as well as our guide on features to look for in a laptop backpack for travel. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.