Whether you’re a journalist, a photographer, or a software developer with a commute to work every day, backpacks are the most efficient way to carry your tech gear without having to fuss your shoulder with annoying rolling bags or messenger bags. With thousands of tech backpacks to choose from, ranging from plain simple bags to more specialized options with dividers and specialized pockets. Even though each person has their own requirements for what makes a good backpack, each bag that we suggest carries a laptop very-well and its power supply and stays easy to carry for a whole commute, and looks stylish.
Your laptop, kindle, camera, and other electronics you bring with you on a regular basis are just as good as they are functional. And, jamming them all in the same bag without some sort of organizing or padding will place you in a world of remorse as damage eventually add up the damage to your gadgets. Being a little too relaxed with a backpack could lead to dents in your laptop, dislodged camera lens components, or broken gears. A good tech backpack won’t guarantee you won’t run into issues like that, but it can make those issues a lot less likely.
In a Hurry? The test winners after 10 hrs of research
TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack – Best Value
Why is it better?
- Quality of materials is great
- It’s very light
- It stays compact even when pretty stuffed
- The external straps are perfect for a wet raincoat, and the pockets make sense
ISM: The Backpack – Premium Pick
Why is it better?
- Minimalist and clean look
- The organization is amazing
- Great combination between luxury and functionality
- The high-quality material that it has is well lasting
Best Tech Backpacks – Overview
If you find yourself hauling your laptop from one location to another, investing in the best tech backpack is a smart idea. Believe us, you’ll always be grateful for your back and legs. But there are so many choices to choose from that even choosing the best tech backpack to fit your needs can be hard. Whether you require a water-resistant laptop backpack, flexible shoulder straps, a portable laptop backpack we got you. The best tech backpacks are constructed of high-quality materials, and you don’t have to think about gear breaking through the bottom of your gear, and they should provide good padding to protect your laptop or camera gear.
Tech Backpacks Reviews
1. TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack – Best Value
If your work requires a lot of stuff and you like order but prefer not to look too organized, put the TIMBUK2 Authority Laptop Backpack 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. And it feels good thanks to covertly suspended 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, and you can dork out on the inside and be cool and collected on the outside.
Rear access to laptop pocket keeps your device protected while giving more space in the main compartment for other stuff. It has a large main compartment for books, jacket, and other carry-on essentials and a side stretch pocket for water bottle. Our handy guide to the best laptop backpacks for travel features more great products like this.
Key Features:
- Rear access to laptop
- Reflective zipper pulls
- Airmesh ventilated back panel
- Side stretch pocket for water bottle
Specifications:
- Brand: Timbuk2
- Capacity: 28L
- Dimensions: 18.1″ H x 11.4″ W x 5.9″ D
- Weight: 2.4 lbs
- Quality of materials is great
- It’s very light
- It stays compact even when pretty stuffed
- The external straps are perfect for a wet raincoat, and the pockets make sense
- Lack of smaller pockets and side access to at least one of the large sections
2. ISM: The Backpack – Premium Pick
Keep your laptop safe and easily accessible with ISM: The Backpack. Ideal for quickly claiming your spot at the coffee shop or whizzing through TSA. Easily charge your phone with a thoughtfully designed side flap. No more living dangerously on a 1% battery. Made with premium full-grain leather and nylon, both coated with a water-resistant finishing for a durable carry.
Features a separate laptop compartment with YKK waterproof zippers and two padded sleeves for your everyday technology. The main compartment has a zippered pocket, two pocket sleeves, and ample room for all of your essentials.
Key Features:
- Full-grain leather & nylon
- Dedicated laptop compartment with 2 padded sleeves
- Front pocket for easy access
- Memory foam padded straps and back
Specifications:
- Brand: ISM
- Weight: 5.99 lbs
- Minimalist and clean look
- The organization is amazing
- Great combination between luxury and functionality
- The high-quality material that it has is well lasting
- You’ve to manually adjust the length a few times to find the exact fit
3. Fjallraven Raven 28 Backpack
The Fjallraven Raven 28 Backpack is a simple and durable everyday backpack made from hard-wearing G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco in recycled polyester and organic cotton. Its simple design and practical details make it perfect for commuting or everyday outings. It has a separate, padded pocket for a laptop computer (up to 15 in). A small fleece-lined pocket with a zipper has room for sunglasses, a phone, etc.
Two spacious zippered compartments with internal pockets give flexibility when you want to keep your gear organized. Includes a zippered front pocket and two side pockets for water bottles and other items you want to keep close at hand. The Raven 28 features comfortable padded shoulder straps, a foam frame sheet, and a handle with leather grips. Volume: 28 liters. Be sure to also check out our list of Herschel backpacks for more great items like this.
Key Features:
- HeavyDuty Eco: 65% polyester, 35% cotton
- Padded shoulder straps
- Sunglasses fleece-lined pocket
- Side water bottle pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Fjallraven
- Capacity: 28L
- Dimensions: 18.1″ H x 12.2″ W x 11″ D
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- Comfortable straps with decent adjustments
- The outer compartment has two mesh zippered pockets
- Top one has a cord and snap enclosure your keys
- Carrying handle reinforced with leather
- Its top heavy
4. Tocode Laptop Backpack
Tocode Laptop Backpack is made of heavy-duty water-resistant oxford fabric, with lockable durable metal zippers and large & multipurpose pockets that can store essential accessories very well. Effortlessly carry your laptop and accessories, wherever you are thanks to our honeycomb mesh sponge, breathable pack pad which forms a suspension system to protect your back from discomfort and to encourage maximum support.
The innovative weight balance design makes you feel 20%-25% less weight. Several internal unit pockets allow you to keep all of your gear secure and organized in its place. This backpack is made of water-resistant oxford material and reinforced stitching for lasting durability. Perfects for business traveling, college students, and outdoor activities in daily life.
Key Features:
- Zipper closure
- USB charging port
- 2 sides mesh pockets
- Water-resistant oxford fabric
Specifications:
- Brand: Tocode
- Capacity: 35L
- Dimensions: 22″ H x 12″ W x 7″ D
- Weight: 2.1 lbs
- It has lots of pockets
- There’s two holders on the sides for bottles
- Zippers are very durable
- The straps re easy to adjust and do not slip
- The charging cord attached is not very good and does not have a battery so you need to supply one
5. Alienware 17″ Vindicator 2.0 Gaming Laptop Backpack
The Alienware 17″ Vindicator 2.0 Gaming Laptop Backpack boasts an extremely durable exterior with room in its 3 main compartments to protect your goods. Durable high-density nylon constructed exterior and weather-resistant non-slip base for added protection. 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.
The sleek industrial design features adjustable, non-slip padded shoulder and chest straps for your comfort and support. The reinforced, padded, molded, and vented back panel provides support while the custom padded and adjustable air-mesh shoulder and chest straps ensure your comfort while distributing the weight of your gear. You may also be interested in some of the best gaming backpacks from our list, so check them out.
Key Features:
- Reinforced, weather-resistant, non-slip base
- Padded pockets protect your laptop
- High-density nylon
- Molded back panel
Specifications:
- Brand: Mobile Edge
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 13.2″ W x 2.5″ D
- Weight: 2.86 lbs
- The hard shell design is protective and has that alienware look to it
- There are outside zippers that allow you to put things in if your on the go
- There is a mesh holder in the side as well
- The part that touches your back is firm but comfortable and sports the written out alienware logo
- The zippers are plastic some people may not like that
6. Incase ICON Laptop Backpack
Incase ICON Laptop Backpack includes the most storage compartments starting with a small zip-up pocket on top. It’s lined with a soft material so you can drop your iPhone safely. 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 16-inch MacBook.
Constructed with heavy-duty, durable 840D ballistic nylon that holds up to everyday wear and tear. 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. Our guide to the best minimalist backpacks for men offers more great products like this.
Key Features:
- 3 large dedicated compartments
- Padded shoulder straps
- Integrated sternum strap
- 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
- Even with the bag full, pockets are still very accessible and don’t encroach on each other
- Back breathes well
- Aesthetics are clean and professional
- With so many pockets, there isn’t much room for large objects if you need to carry them
7. 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. You’ll have plenty of room for your computer or other devices, charging cables, books, and other business or school essentials. Don’t forget to also check our guide to the best briefcases for men.
Key Features:
- Easily converts to either backpack or shoulder bag
- Padded carry handles with magnetic snaps
- Removable and adjustable shoulder strap
- Hideaway padded backpack straps
Specifications:
- Brand: Solo New York
- Dimensions: 17″ H x 12″ W x 5″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- Can be carried 3 different ways
- It’s a lightweight bag and even with items inside it
- Multiple compartments to store different items and keep them seperate
- The handles have a cuff which clasps both of them together for more comfort when using them
- Non-YKK zippers
8. eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
The eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack offers a no-nonsense business face when you’re commuting, it’s offered in Solid Black, Indigo (dark blue), and Heathered Graphite (gray), and all three models are bright orange protection panels. The bag is made of woven polyester fabric and feels sturdy, and Teflon fabric coating effectively repels water. Rain beads up and rolls down the surface of the bag, as if off a waxed car body.
You’ll find a pocket on the front of the bag with pens slots, business cards, little hand sanitizer tubes, the handheld Wi-Fi hotspot, and all of the other knick-knacks you ‘re wearing every day. The zipper pulls are lockable on this compartment. Another small zippered front-flap compartment is handy for boarding passes, some snacks, or the like. On the side, there is a water bottle pocket, which has its own zipper to keep it out of the way when not in use.
Key Features:
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Side zip water bottle pocket
- Front bottom structured zip pocket
- Pass-through sleeve
Specifications:
- Brand: eBags
- Capacity: 21L
- Dimensions: 18″ H x 12.75″ W x 8.5″ D
- Weight: 0.65 lbs
- Good looking bag, grey color is especially great
- Near perfect design for organizing anything to do with work
- Bag stands up on its own
- Front organizing pocket
- Main compartment size is constricted
9. Incase EO Travel Backpack
The Incase EO Travel Backpack is a versatile pack that’s ideal for overnight travel alone or as a companion piece with other eon travel bags. The triple-coated front panel provides weather resistance while the padded back panel, sternum strap, and shoulder straps allow for comfortable and stable carrying.
A dedicated technology compartment features a padded sleeve that fits up to a 17 inch MacBook pro, an iPad slip pocket, and smart organization for cables, chargers, and other accessories. Even better, the tech compartment’s butterfly design opens flat for quick and easy airport security screening. This allows you to keep electronics fully protected as your bag passes through the scanner, and eliminates the hassle of moving your devices to security bins. Make sure you also check our selection of the best travel backpacks.
Key Features:
- Padded back panels and shoulder straps with breathable mesh
- Main compartment expands 35% for overnight travel
- Triple coated weather-resistant front panel
- Padded sleeve fits up to 17″ MacBook Pro
Specifications:
- Brand: Incase
- Dimensions: 18.5″ H x 12″ W x 6.3″ D
- Weight: 1 lbs
- The backpack straps, top handle, side handle, are all well balanced
- It is lightweight
- Aesthetically great for daily urban use
- Handles are very comfortable
- Lack of a waist strap
10. Targus Drifter II Backpack
The Targus Drifter II Backpack features several large compartments for storage including a padded laptop compartment that keeps the device secure and separate from other items carried in the case. The thick padding on the back panel includes a large hidden zippered compartment and is strategically placed to provide lumbar support for your back. The heavily padded shoulder straps provide comfort for travel.
The main front compartment includes pockets for business cards, a mesh accessory pocket and key clip. A convenient soft, lined pocket located on top of the bag is scratch-resistant to store fragile accessories such as glasses, and more. To keep files in order, the interior divider provides a safe place to store documents.
Key Features:
- Padded, contoured shoulder straps
- Soft-lined pocket on top for sunglasses
- Rugged carry handle
- 2 water bottle pockets
Specifications:
- Brand: Targus
- Dimensions: 21.5″ H x 16″ W x 5″ D
- Weight: 2.83 lbs
- Lots of pockets
- Lots of padding for the laptop and back
- Well made and sturdy
- A lot of space
- Front to back depth could be better
Buying Guide
Dedicated Laptop Pocket
Bags equipped with a designated pocket for holding laptops provide additional security by rising slightly above the bottom of the pack. Usually, this padded pocket comes with separate zipper access as well, so you don’t have to dig into the main compartment and screw up with all the other things you ‘re toting around.
Weight
Since laptops with all the paraphernalia can be hard to bring around, this is why your tech bag needs to be as lightweight as possible. You want to be willing to operate on the move, but not be so weighted down that when you get there you experience back strain. Laptops are built to be compact, so it will be simple and convenient to hold the bag you are traveling in.
Comfort
Handles and straps should easily rest on your shoulders. They should be able to comfortably bear the bag ‘s weight and not start falling loose or pressure on the seams. The shoulder strap has to be adjustable as well so that you can find the most comfortable place which does not trigger back pain.
Materials
One of the most important features of a backpack is the quality of material that your laptop backpack provides. Your laptop requires protection not only against knocks and falls but also against the rainy weather. Make sure the material from which your laptop bag is produced is robust, abrasion-resistant, and does not break or tear. Meshed backrests, curved back designs, and reinforced stitching are also helpful aspects in backpack design that save you from having a sore back while wearing your backpack for long periods of time or in hot weather.
Pockets
It is important to have additional pockets to ensure that they can hold your chargers and cables without tangling them. A good variety of internal pockets should also be available which can be zipped tightly to keep USB sticks and other small gadgets safe. There should be plenty of space for your wallet, keys, and phone, all securely held away from the laptop compartment to prevent scraping or harm when you reach in to get what’s needed.
Conclusion
We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best tech backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a tech backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.