The best laptop backpacks of 2023

If you’ve been on the hunt for the best laptop backpack available by searching both the online retail outlets–both big and small–and the brick-and-mortar stores near you, you’ve probably realized that there are a lot of laptop backpacks available for you to choose from. 

For some photographers, it makes sense to buy a laptop bag that doubles as a camera bag. But for others, a high-end laptop backpack on its own can come in handy. You don’t always want to mix your gear with your everyday carry. And you may not need enough room for a laptop in your the best camera bags. So, this is a mix of bags that include some camera-capable models and some excellent all-around options.

Here’s a half-dozen of the best laptops currently in the marketplace. 

• Best overall: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack 
• Best for photographers: Peak Design everyday backpack V2 30L
• Best for men: Swissgear 5358 USB ScanSmart laptop backpack
• Best for women: North Face Women’s Recon backpack
• Best for travel: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15” Backpack for Everyday
• Best on a budget: AmazonBasics laptop backpack 

How we picked the best laptop backpacks

For our ratings of best laptop backpack, we researched various retail websites and selected only current models (ones that can be commonly bought from major online retail outlets) from some of the major brands that produce laptop backpacks. We then researched and selected models that included the broadest spectrum of features at a reasonable price, which would meet the needs of most users.

The best laptop backpacks: Reviews & Recommendations

Best overall: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack

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Why It Made The Cut: This is the best laptop backpack for commuting or traveling at a decent price.

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 18.1 x 11.4 x 5.91 inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 28 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 2.4 lbs
• Maximum laptop size: 17-inch laptop

Pros:

• Very comfortable
• Extra padding on back panel and the straps
• Luggage pass-through strap 
• Can hold a 17-inch laptop or smaller

Cons:

• Not quite as roomy as other 28 liter models

Timbuk2 makes a wide range of bags to fit all kinds of laptop-carry needs, including laptop backpacks, messenger bags, travel briefcases and more. The Authority laptop backpack is one of the company’s best sellers, and for good reason, since it has a sturdy build but is also comfortable to wear, due to the extra padding on the back panel and the straps. It also has some convenient features, like a luggage pass-through strap on the back, which is helpful when you travel and need to slide your backpack onto the handle of your carry-on luggage.  

There are a variety of compartments inside the body of the backpack. The compartment for the laptop is in the back, which is nicely padded for protecting a laptop and is big enough to fit a 17-inch laptop. The Authority comes in several colors, including olivine, titanium, eco static and black deluxe.

Best for photographers: Peak Design everyday laptop backpack V2 30L

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Why It Made The Cut: This is the best laptop backpack for photographers that is great for accommodating your photography gear. 

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): xx x Xx x Xx inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 22 to 30 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 4.6 lbs (with dividers)
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch laptop 

Pros:

• Very versatile
• Sturdy build
• Comfortable
• Allows you to expand its capacity

Cons:

• Expensive

If you’re a photographer, you know that you need a special type of backpack that protects both your digital camera gear and your laptop. And that can be a tall order for some laptop backpacks. 

But not for Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack, which is available in either black, gray or midnight blue. This model is designed with dual side zippers, which allow you sling-style access to all your gear. It also comes with a protective laptop sleeve with pockets, for a 15-inch laptop, a tablet or files and documents. The sleeve is also adjustable, so it can accommodate smaller laptops, too.

Inside, the backpack has customizable internal dividers, which is great if you need to change what kind of camera gear you’re using. 

This laptop backpack also has the ability to expand its capacity–with 8 liters of internal expansion, plus 4 hidden straps for carrying items on the exterior of the backpack. And the Peak Design Everyday also has weatherproof exterior zippers and weatherproof fabric made of strong nylon canvas to keep your gear dry.  

Best for men: Swissgear 5358 USB ScanSmart laptop backpack

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Why It Made The Cut: This is the best laptop backpack for men because it’s versatile and also designed to allow you to quickly access all your gear.

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 18 x 11.5 x 7 inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 31.4 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 3 lbs
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch laptop

Pros:

• Allows quick access to your gear
• Very roomy
• Includes a side-access shoe bag
• Versatile design
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Doesn’t stand upright, unless it’s filled with gear

There’s a lot to like about this Swissgear laptop backpack, which has an exterior encased in a durable, abrasion-resistant polyester fabric, which is strong and also hides any scratches. But it’s also very comfortable to carry. It’s designed to be able to carry both a tablet and a laptop in its back compartment, but it also comes with a front pocket, which provides you with quick access to your personal item or gear. 

The Swissgear 5358 has a fleece-lined crush-resistant sunglasses pocket and an organizational pocket, with multiple divider pockets for pens, mobile phone, ID card and memory stick. In the center, there’s a that comes with an internal zippered panel, which, when it’s unzipped, turns into a side-access shoe bag. The shoulder straps and back panel are both padded, as well.  It also has a built-in USB outlet power-ready port for charging on the go and mesh side pocket for storing additional items.

Best for women: North Face Recon laptop backpack

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Why It Made The Cut: This is our pick for the best laptop backpack for women because it’s an excellent, well-designed laptop backpack with lots of support for a comfortable fit

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.3 x 7 x 13 inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 30 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 2.5 lb
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch laptop

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Roomy 
• Very good organization system
• Very comfortable

Cons:

• Nothing significant 

Northface designed this laptop backpack with its FlexVent suspension system, which the company says features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, which provides a comfortable, padded back panel, which is also very breathable and flexible. It also has a lumbar panel, which Northface says is certified by the American Chiropractic Association. There’s also a sternum strap with whistle buckle. Plus, it has very flexible shoulder straps and a removable waist belt.

In addition, it has a dedicated, protected laptop compartment and a large main compartment, for books and files, plus an extendable front stash pocket with daisy chains for added lash points. It also comes with two external mesh water bottle pockets that can double as multi-use pockets with quick-draw smartphone access on one side. 

Best for travel: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15” Backpack for Everyday

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Why It Made The Cut: A fun, colorful, nicely designed backpack that’s also relatively inexpensive but sturdy.

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 16.5 x 7 x 11 inches  
• Total Volume (in liters): 18 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 1.2 lbs
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch laptop

Pros:

• Relatively inexpensive
• Lightweight
• Made of sturdy material (Vinylon)
• Comes in lots of different colors

Cons:

• Holds less than other backpacks (just 18 liters)
• A bit less versatile than pricier models

One of the first things you’ll notice about this model (if you go to the product page on the manufacturer’s website) is that this nicely designed laptop backpack is available in more than 15 different colors. But it’s not just about being colorful–it can accommodate both 13- and 15-inch laptops in a separate padded compartment. This model is the best laptop backpack for travel because it also has a large main compartment to hold all your daily essentials, and front zip pockets for additional storage. And there’s a side slip pocket for water bottles. You can also use it as a tote, since it has dual top handles with a snap closure. It’s also comfortable, with adjustable, padded shoulder straps

However, it doesn’t hold nearly as much as what’s available in other laptop backpacks. So, if you’re the type of person who travels with a lot of gear, this might not be the best model for you. 

Best budget: Amazon Basics laptop backpack 

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Why It Made The Cut: A well-made laptop backpack for those on a budget making it our choice for the best budget laptop backpack.

Key Features

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.3 x 7 x 13.4 inches 
• Total Volume (in liters): N/A
• Weight (in lbs.): 1.9 lbs
• Maximum laptop size: 17-inch laptop

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Nicely designed
• Accommodates a large 17-inch laptop

Cons:

• Might not be as sturdy as other models
• No warranty (but will offer refund in some cases)

If you’re on a budget or just don’t want to spend a lot of money on a laptop backpack, this backpack might fit the bill. It has several large compartments, and comes with a padded sleeve to hold up to a 17-inch notebook. There are also two nicely designed mesh water bottle pockets on either side of the backpack and the backpack includes several organizational compartments, for pens, keys and other items. However, it doesn’t come with some of the special features that you’ll find on other models (which you’ll also pay more for). 

This Amazon Basic laptop backpack lacks a warranty, but Amazon does have a refund policy, provided the bag is returned within 30 days of purchase. Be sure to read the refund policy on Amazon.

Best for business: Rains Backpack Mini

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Why it made the cut: A super-sleek design conceals plenty of space and surprisingly durable construction. 

Key features: 

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 5.7 x W11.4 x D3.9
• Total Volume (in liters): 9
• Weight (in lbs.): Not offered
• Maximum laptop size: 15-inch

Pros:

• Stylish and understated
• Comfortable
• Water-resistant
• Comfortably holds common laptops

Cons: 

• Not great for carrying lots of stuff

Business attire can look odd with a huge technical backpack strapped across your body. This understated professional backpack has a padded compartment inside that’s big enough to hold most business-oriented laptops up to 15 inches. The buckle fastens magnetically, so you won’t have to struggle with it or worry about loud zippers or Velcro.

Despite this modern backpack’s simplified design and appearance, it offers adjustable shoulder straps and a vinyl lining for water-resistance. A dedicated laptop pocket keeps a computer safely stowed away from other objects that may scratch or scuff it. The simple back panel includes a zippered pocket for storing smaller items, including a wallet or phone. 

This slim backpack is a simple, elegant work backpack that will fit right in a corporate setting. 

Best large: Incase ARC Commuter Pack

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Why it made the cut: It offers tons of room inside, but won’t make you look like a Ninja Turtle by sticking way off of your back.

Key features: 

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 16 x 5 x 19 inches
• Total Volume (in liters): Not offered
• Weight (in lbs.): 5 pounds
• Maximum laptop size: 16 inches

Pros:

• Lots of pockets
• Ample space inside
• Tough construction
• Comfortable
• Fits a 12.9-inch iPad in addition to a laptop

Cons: 

• Heavy

Incase makes some of the best backpacks I have ever personally used and the ARC Commuter backpack has room for everything most people need. It can hold up to a 16-inch laptop and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro at the same time. It has two spacious pockets on the front as well as a roomy main compartment. Inside the main space, stretchy straps can hold a folded shirt in-place so it won’t get wrinkled. 

In the front compartments, you’ll find zippered pouches for holding important objects like passports, devices, or power banks. The outer layer consists of mostly recycled nylon, but extra PU coatings on heavy-use areas add considerably to its durability. 

It’s not a light pack by any stretch, but soft material in the adjustable straps makes them very comfortable to wear. A chest strap also shifts some of the weight from your shoulders in order to keep it from weighing you down. If you have to carry a lot of stuff around every day, this commuter backpack truly great option. Its tough outside will also help protect your devices from theft.

Best for college: Hex Technical Backpack

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Why it made the cut: It offers lots of room with a slick aesthetic.

Key features: 

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 19.5″H x 11.5″W x 4.75″D
• Total Volume (in liters): 17.5 liters
• Weight (in lbs.): 2 pounds
• Maximum laptop size: 16-inch

Pros:

• Fits a full-sized laptop and a large tablet
• Lots of pockets
• Holds a water bottle
• Attractive

Cons: 

• Bulky

Hex primarily deals in camera bags, but this everyday backpack offers solid features for any student. It has a water-resistant outer shell and a Cordura ballistic bottom so you can basically put it down in a puddle and not worry about the stuff stored inside. If that’s not enough protection, a fold-away rain cover makes the whole thing impervious to precipitation. 

The main compartment offers dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, as well as several smaller pockets for chargers, keys, or other items. The front compartment is easily accessible via a zipper at the top. A pass-through makes it simple to attach to a rolling suitcase handle in case students need to fly home or off to spring break. 

A handle on the side of the bag makes it easy to grab at basically any angle, which is handy when you’re running out the door two minutes before class starts.

Best leather: Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Commuter Slim Backpack

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Why it made the cut: This handsome pack comes in a variety of colors to match your style.

Key features: 

• Dimensions (h x w x d): 12.5 x 4.5 x 16.25 inches
• Total Volume (in liters): Not listed
• Weight (in lbs.): 3 pounds
• Maximum laptop size: 15.6 inches

Pros:

• Leather is soft, but durable
• Several color options
• Pass-through for attaching to a rolling case
• Laptop and tablet pocket
• Meets TSA guidelines

Cons: 

• Tight squeeze for modern 16-inch laptops

If leather matches your look, this pack offers several color options to go with your wardrobe. This professional backpack offers three main compartments. The main space is like a typical laptop bag with an additional pocket for a tablet. The secondary compartment is like a mini garment bag with enough room for folded clothes that can stay nice and flat. The front compartment can hold smaller belongings to which you want quicker access. There’s a flat zippered pocket on the front to hold very small belongings as well. 

Despite its sophisticated looks, it’s still surprisingly comfortable. The padded straps offer ample cushioning and easy adjustability. Some leather backpacks prioritize looks over comfort, but that’s not the case here. Plus, this pack should only get better looking over time. All of that makes this one of the best work backpacks you’ll find on the market.

What to look for when buying a backpack for your laptop and gear?

Before you go out and buy a laptop backpack for yourself or as a gift for a family member or friend, you’ll first want to find out how you or the person you’re giving this gift to will use the backpack.

Here are some important factors to consider: 

Price

As with most products, you’ll want to make sure that the laptop backpack you’re buying is in your budget. Take note: Late summer (from mid-August to mid-September) and Black Friday are both good times to buy a laptop backpack, since other items, like laptops and other consumer electronics, are also discounted during these times. 

Size & Weight

Since your laptop is the reason you’re buying a laptop bag, you’ll want to make sure it fits into your backpack, which means the size of your laptop (15-inch, 16-inch, 17-inch, etc.) will most often be the most important factor in choosing a laptop backpack. Next, check to see what the weight of the laptop backpack itself is, particularly if you’ll be using it each day for going to class or to work. You don’t want to add any more weight than you need to. 

Then, make sure that you can fit your laptop as well as all the various accessories you plan on using into your backpack. This can be a challenge for some, for example, if you’re a photographer since you’ll be carrying two rather expensive and sometimes heavy pieces of hardware around with you—a laptop and a camera. And if you travel often, you’ll want to be sure the backpack is compact enough to fit in an overhead bin on an airplane. If you’re traveling with more photo stuff, you should check out our list of the best travel cases for camera gear.

Comfort & Design

Another essential factor in finding the best laptop backpack for your needs is to find one that’s comfortable. For instance, examine the material. Does it feel durable? Is it waterproof? Or  just water-resistant? Also, feel it to see if you like its texture. Also, take a good look at the backpack’s design and be sure it meets your needs. For instance, does it have the right number or type of interior compartments? Can you adjust or customize those compartments? Some backpacks let you. Make sure the interior design lives up to your expectations. Check out any user reviews on the product online, as well, which can also give you a sense of how the product actually functions in the real world, and may expose any weaknesses in its design. 

Other important factors: 

Once you’ve made sure your laptop backpack is the right size and weight, as well as being comfortable and made from the right materials, you’ll also want to check the following: 

• Does it have any unique features? Laptop backpack makers have been very creative over the years in offering lots of special features on their products. Some include features like a charging port, which lets charge your device (using a portable power charger located inside the backpack) without needing to open up your backpack. Other unique features include a built-in battery, a combination lock and scratch- and tear-resistant material. There are a few that even have solar panels that can recharge a built-in battery, which can recharge any USB device.
• Examine the warranty: Like most products, you’ll find that the warranties offered by laptop backpack manufacturers vary greatly. Some offer a lifetime warranty, while others are simply a 30-day return policy, which may or may not be honored, depending on the defect. Be sure to read the warranty carefully. 

FAQs

A final word on the best laptop backpacks

• Best overall: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack 
• Best for photographers: Peak Design everyday backpack V2 30L
• Best for men: Swissgear 5358 USB ScanSmart laptop backpack
• Best for women: North Face Women’s Recon backpack
• Best for travel: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15” Backpack for Everyday
• Best on a budget: AmazonBasics laptop backpack 

Although it seems like common sense, many people overpack a backpack, even a laptop backpack, which can be a problem, since overpacking can create pressure and damage your notebook. A laptop backpack that’s too heavy can also be bad for your health. 

Don’t overpack when you use a laptop backpack 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics:

• Children should not carry more than 10 to 20 percent of their body weight in the backpack.
• Young adults should not carry more than 13 to 15 percent of their body weight.
• College-aged adults should not carry more than 15 to 20 percent of their body weight.

If you want to avoid carrying too much in your laptop backpack, do the following: 

• Pack only what’s necessary.
• Use and tighten both backpack straps (it distributes weight evenly). 
• Use a waist or chest strap, if your backpack comes with one.
• Place the heaviest items in the center of the backpack.

Why trust us

PopPhoto has a long history of delivering the opinions of some of the sharpest and most prolific camera dorks the world has to offer. Since 1937, we’ve been reviewing cameras, providing wisdom from well-known photographers, and generally just nerding out about all that goes into making great pictures. Our current crop of writers and editors have decades of professional photography and camera writing experience among them. Collectively, we’ve probably shot with just about every camera and lens combo you can imagine—as well as some obscure stuff you may not even know about. Remember the Casio Tryx folding camera? PopPhoto does.

We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.