Sometimes it’s great to disconnect while traveling, but other times it’s just not possible. Now more than ever, an increasing number of people are bringing along their Macbooks and PC laptops as they explore the globe. Unfortunately, keeping them safe is a major concern. To make sure your laptop stays safe and in great condition, it’s important you purchase a high quality laptop backpack. So you don’t have to spend hours of research, we’ve created this guide to help you figure out what to look for in a good travel laptop backpack as well as list some of the best laptop backpacks for travel currently on the market.
Quick Answer: Best Laptop Backpacks for Travel
Below is a list of the best backpacks for travel with laptop:
- Incase Icon Laptop Pack
- Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
- eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack for Travel
- Timbuk2 Q Laptop Backpack
- SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart TSA Friendly Laptop Backpack
- Volher Business Laptop Backpack
- The North Face Borealis Backpack
- Rains Mini Backpack Mini
- Bopai Super Slim Waterproof Laptop Backpack
- Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
What to Look for in a Good Travel Laptop Backpack
Here are some things you need to consider before investing in a new laptop backpack.
1. Size
You want a backpack that you’re comfortable with and one that is able to safely hold your laptop and accessories. The size will mostly depend on your laptop and what you need to carry. It also may be dependent on your body size and what type of backpack you’re comfortable wearing. Be sure you’re mindful of the overall measurements so you can ensure it fits in the overhead bin or under the seat of an airplane, train, or bus.
2. Weight
Especially if you anticipate wearing the backpack for long periods of time, weight should be a top priority. You want to be able to travel in comfort and ease, but the larger the backpack the heavier. If you need the best backpack for large laptops, be prepared for it to be a little heavier so it can safely transport your laptop.
3. Durability
You want a quality backpack that will travel with you and protect your laptop for the foreseeable future. To make sure your backpack lasts as long as possible, consider things like material, tear resistance, and whether or not it can protect your laptop from bumps and moisture. It’s best to make sure your next laptop backpack has a padded or lined sleeve dedicated to cushioning your laptop so it’s safe from other things in your backpack that might damage it.
4. Pockets
The more pockets a backpack has, the easier it will be for you to stay organized while traveling. Also consider the practicality of the pockets. Side mesh pockets are popular because they give you quick access to things like your water bottle and sunscreen. Interior zipper pockets are important to secure things like your keys or passport. Especially if you’ll be traveling in places where theft is common or you won’t be traveling with a travel money belt, consider looking for a backpack with an anti-theft pocket.
Some backpacks even have a pocket or sleeve that allows it to attach to your rolling suitcase. If you often travel with a backpack and a piece of rolling luggage, this feature may be worth it for you so you can secure it as you travel through train stations and airports instead of wearing it.
5. Comfort / Ease of Carrying
Padded straps and waist belts are helpful features to increase comfort while you’re wearing your backpack. These features will add weight and cost to the backpack. If you’ll only be wearing your backpack for short amounts of time and don’t anticipate having to carry much weight, then these features may not be important to you or worth the investment.
Also consider purchasing a backpack with a top handle so it’s easy to carry when you’re not wearing it.
Best Travel Laptop Backpack Review
Now that you know what to look for, here are some of the best laptop backpacks for women and men.
Incase Icon Laptop Pack
One of the best backpacks for laptops is the Incase Icon. Measuring 13” x 9” x 19”, it has three large compartments to hold everything from your laptop to an iPad. It also includes several pockets for accessories, including a hip-side pocket designed with an integrated cable port. The fully-padded laptop compartment can hold up to a 15-inch laptop and is lined with faux fur. The Incase Icon comes in six color options and is made from an 840D ballistic nylon to increase its durability and longevity. This stylish backpack weighs less than three pounds and will be a great addition to your next trip.
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
One of the things that makes this the best laptop and travel backpack is the exterior USB with an interior charging cable. Not only does it hold your laptop safely, but it makes it easy to charge your phone on the go. The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is made of water-resistant polyester, measures 18” x 12” x 7.8”, and weighs around 1.5 pounds. It has a specific laptop compartment designed to hold a 15.6-inch laptop as well as a main compartment to hold things like your favorite books and additional clothing. It also has a front compartment for smaller items, side pockets, and a theft-proof back pocket. The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is a high-quality backpack you’ll quickly learn to love.
eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack for Travel
The eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack for Travel is a great option for those with larger laptops because it fits laptops up to 17 inches. Along with the separate laptop sleeve, it has other convenient features like a tablet sleeve and a crush-proof AC adapter garage. The interior zipper pockets are helpful in organizing smaller items, and there’s also a side pocket for your stainless steel water bottle. Because the bag was made for travel lovers, it also has a pass-through sleeve so you can secure it to your carry-on luggage as you’re heading through the airport. The eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack has so many great features it comes as no surprise that it’s among the best backpacks for laptop and travel.
Timbuk2 Q Laptop Backpack
The Timbuk2 Q Laptop Backpack is another fan favorite because of its comfort and durability. The 26-liter backpack is made from a Mission6 nylon fabric and has ergonomic shoulder straps. The laptop compartment is fully padded, lined with quilted tricot, and can fit laptops up to 17 inches. It has interior pockets to help keep things organized as well as a side pocket for a small pocket umbrella or water bottle. The backpack weighs 2.3 pounds and measures 11.8” x 18.9” x 5.1”. No matter where you’re heading in the world, be sure to bring the Timbuk2 Q Laptop Backpack with you.
SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart TSA Friendly Laptop Backpack
This impressive pack wins the award for the best travel backpack with laptop compartment and you’ll love how it lets you breeze through TSA. It has a ScanSmart lay-flat technology that opens quickly as you go through airport security. It can hold up to a 17-inch laptop and has a separate iPad compartment along with necessary pockets for everything from a notebook to a travel jacket. It even has an integrated media pocket with a port for your headphones. To increase the comfort, it has a padded back panel, adjustable side compression straps, and contoured shoulder straps. The SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart TSA Friendly Laptop Backpack is a 31-liter backpack which has everything you need whether you’re heading to Thailand, exploring New Caledonia, or anything in between.
Volher Business Laptop Backpack
Unfortunately some destinations are known for theft, if you’re heading to one of them, then this is the best travel laptop backpack for you. The Volher Business Laptop Backpack is made with an anti-theft pocket so you can make sure your most valuable things don’t get stolen. Conveniently, it also has a strap which secures to your luggage set. In addition to the laptop compartment, which can hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop, there’s another large compartment and several pockets for things like your tablet and charger. Other thoughtful features include an exterior USB port and a port for your noise-canceling headphones. The Volher Business Laptop Backpack is made of a durable and water-resistant polyester fabric so you can be confident it’ll follow you for years to come.
The North Face Borealis Backpack
This 29-liter backpack includes a laptop sleeve, a stashable hip belt, and thoughtful features to make sure you stay organized whether you’re exploring Bangkok or touring Cape Town. The two main compartments can fit everything you need for cooler adventures and the backpack also includes a hydration port and mesh side pockets for easy access to things like your water bottle. The shoulder straps and air-mesh back panel are padded, and the back panel also has a supportive spine channel. Exterior bungee straps also allow you to cinch down interior contents or secure additional gear.
Rains Mini Backpack Mini
If you’re on the hunt for a lightweight backpack for laptop carrying, the Rains Backpack Mini is the one for you. This 10-liter backpack measures 12” x 9” x 5” and weighs around 1.6 pounds. People love this backpack because it’s lightweight, but keep in mind the shoulder straps are not padded. It’s water-resistant and can hold laptops up to 13 inches. The additional pockets are sizable and have more than enough space for things like your phone, digital camera, and tablet. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, the Rains Mini Backpack is a great lightweight option to take along with you.
Bopai Super Slim Waterproof Laptop Backpack
Highlighting the best laptop backpacks for professionals, the Bopai Super Slim Waterproof Laptop Backpack will give you a stylish look while keeping your laptop protected whether you’re commuting to the office or heading to a business meeting on the other side of the world. This unisex backpack measures 16.5” x 11” x 2.7” and only weighs 1.5 pounds. Your laptop can be up to 15.6 inches in this backpack and it will be protected by a soft flannel. There are six interior pockets of varying sizes to safely hold everything from your tablet to your travel wallet. This Bopai backpack is among the best waterproof laptop backpacks because it’s made from a waterproof microfiber leather and ballistic nylon. Rain or shine, business or pleasure, wearing the Bopai Super Slim Waterproof Laptop Backpack is a great way to keep your laptop safe and protected while you travel.
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
With the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack you can carry everything you need, and even things you don’t, while you globe-trot. This 18-liter backpack can hold up to a 15-inch laptop in a separate padded compartment while you can also store a variety of things in the four additional pockets / compartments ranging from larger items like your microfiber travel towel to smaller things like your passport. This backpack is made from a Vinylon F material that’s resistant to dirt and water and easily cleanable. Only weighing one pound and coming in eight colors, the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack is a unique-looking backpack that can protect your laptop for countless future adventures.
With the help of this guide, we know you’ll find a new laptop backpack which will keep your laptop protected, your accessories organized, and you looking stylish as you travel the world.
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