Take your office on the go with the Herschel Tech Backpack
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Whether for personal or business use, laptops are deeply ingrained into our daily routines and it’s difficult to leave them behind when traveling. With a laptop backpack you can take your work or entertainment with you. Even celebrities like Taylor Swift, Gigi Hadid, and Emma Stone have been seen toting stylish and functional backpacks around because they act as easy storage, transport, and fashion accessories.
“When looking for the ideal travel laptop bag, I seek out style and overall functionality,” celebrity fashion stylist and consultant Chelsea Volpe tells PEOPLE. She also looks for timeless designs rather than ones that will come and go with the season. Other factors to consider are durability, storage design (”Pockets are your friend,” Volpe says), and tech features such as a USB charging port.
Our team tested 43 of the best laptop backpacks for travel in the lab and at home for two months, and compared qualities like the capacity of the bags, the design, and the durability of materials — a quality we tested by dropping backpacks with laptops in them (a moment of silence for the ones that didn’t make it). After literally carrying this test on their backs, our team found a group of bags that are worthy of being your and your laptop’s next travel companion.
These laptop backpacks were considered the best PEOPLE Tested for travel of 2023.
Sustainable materials held up to durability tests in our lab and traveling across the country
It’s lightweight and distributes that weight evenly to reduce pressure on your shoulders
Extremely spacious despite its small size, and fits way more than you think it can (a laptop, book, shoes, toiletries, and clothes, during our tests)
Cushioned straps and back panel are comfortable when carrying around this backpack
The shoulder straps are narrow at the top which could be uncomfortable for taller or larger folks if it rubs your neck
Though the Solo Re:Define Backpack looks small and unassuming, its capacity seems nearly limitless. During our lab tests, we were able to fit a laptop, a pair of shoes, toiletries, a shirt, pullover, and pair of joggers, as well as a book, wallet, keys, and lotion. Even packed to the brink, the backpack weighed maybe 15 lbs. — not a huge burden to tout around an airport. The storage options varied between a protected laptop sleeve, small organization pockets, and water bottle pockets; in addition to a battery pack pocket for USB storage and on-the-go charging capabilities.
The materials lend themselves to a durable and low-maintenance design. Made with a recycled polyester sourced from plastic water bottles, this backpack is water-resistant and can be cleaned with a gentle wipe down. It also held up to wear and tear, with no marks or visible damage after our durability test.
The cushioned straps are comfortable on your shoulders, though they’re close together up top so it could be uncomfortable for some folks if it rubs your neck. That said, we think it’s one of the most comfortable and well-fitting backpacks of the day. When you consider the storage, durability, high-quality materials, comfort, and the low price, this bag is a must for any regular traveler.
How it's held up: When we tried this backpack in the real world, we were continually impressed with the capacity. It’s a bit of a Mary Poppins bag, because it almost feels bottomless. We could fit our laptop, several books, cosmetics, snacks, and essentials like a wallet and keys — with plenty of space leftover. The whole back panel even opens up as a protective sleeve for your laptop or tablet. The zippers had smooth closures, and the padded straps make it comfortable to wear throughout the day when traveling. We agree with the lab’s assessment of the straps’ narrowness at the top. That said, the backpack distributes its weight and you feel the impact more on your hips than your shoulders. The sustainable materials are easy to wipe down after a trip — even after traveling across the country, there wasn’t a single scuff or scratch on this backpack.
Price at time of publish: $49.98 (orig. $82.99)
Laptop Size: 15.6 inches | Material: Recycled PET Polyester | Colors: 2 | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve for luggage, USB port, RFID data protection pocket
Large size can fit multiple laptops of varying sizes
So many pockets and compartments to fit everything you need on a trip
Includes a charging port so you don’t have to worry about your phone battery dying mid-journey
During home-testing, we learned that the laptop compartment has zippers that must be clipped or the weight of the laptop will cause the bag to open
This favorite from Bagsmart comes with all the qualities you want in a laptop backpack, but with a price tag that will make you raise your eyebrows — it’s that good. We love the compartment space, soft material, stylish design, and comfort. Our shoulders felt light after taking off the bag, despite having carried it around for a bit.
It also survived — nay, thrived — during our durability tests. The test laptop survived the drop in this bag, and came out with no scuffs and no marks. We initially judged the bag based on the basic appearance, but were so wrong. We were delighted by the extra features like the charger port, capacity, and quilted cloth design. For the price, this bag is so worth it.
How it's held up: We took this backpack on a nine-day trip to Ireland, and continue to use it as an everyday work bag. One thing we learned is that you have to fasten the zippers with the clips on the laptop sleeve or the weight of the laptop can open the bag (unfortunately, we learned this while riding the subway). However, there are also so many compartments and pockets, you can fit everything you need, and more.
Price at time of publish: $33.99 (orig. $42.99)
Laptop size: 15.6 inches | Colors: Black, Pink, Black 17.3, Pink Rose, Red Rose | Material: Water-resistant polyester | Extra features: Some hidden pockets, adjustable straps, USB charging port
Stylish design comes in two sizes depending on your needs with many compartments in each for storage
Has proved very protective of our laptops over two months of testing
Made from a water-resistant and durable material
Neither size available fits laptops larger than 13 inches
If fashion is your first priority, this stylish Lo & Sons bag is undoubtedly eye-catching. We were in awe of the design because it's very chic with the brand logo, zipper tassels, and leather design. But it’s not just a good-looking backpack, it’s functional too. It looks small on the outside, but once you open it, there is more than enough space for a sweater and any tech you have; there’s even a zippered section for a water bottle. While the bag is only available in black, there are several interior colors available as well as various hardware options.
While it comes in two sizes, neither fits a laptop larger than 13 inches. The premium nylon material is water-resistant and quite durable, and because it’s padded all the way through, the laptop survived the fall test. We noticed the material was a little stiff at first, but it became more flexible and adjustable as time went on. You can also use it as a backpack or a tote, thanks to the sleek top handles.
How it's held up: For two months, we’ve used this bag for our office commute and as a travel bag for airport trips. It’s proved to be sleek, protective, and comfortable throughout long days of wear. It's also thoroughly protected our laptop and provides lots of storage and organization options.
Price at time of publish: $325.50 (orig. $465)
Laptop size: 13 inches | Colors: Black with 7 hardware/interior options | Material: Premium nylon | Extra features: Convertible design, luggage trolley sleeve
So many hidden compartments: room for pens, a camera, a laptop, and more
Straps are adjustable and padded which makes it super comfortable to wear
Made with a weatherproof poly-coated nylon material which is great if you ride your bike to work (and get stuck in some rain)
One of the most expensive backpacks on our list
Fastener seemed flimsy when on-the-go — we wish it was more secure
For certain adventures, your travel backpack might face inclement weather, and if you have your laptop in tow, you’ll want a bag that keeps it protected. This backpack is thoughtfully designed with plenty of features for photographers or people traveling with technology gadgets. It scored well in terms of capacity because it has a spacious interior, two removable dividers for separating items that could be fragile, and an expandable magnetic clip.
Despite the size, it also proved quite comfortable. It’s so lightweight, and combined with cushioned and adjustable straps, and a durable and weatherproof poly-coated nylon material, this bag is highly durable and will keep your laptop safe — much like it did when we dropped the backpack and the laptop stayed intact. Though expensive, the price is completely fair for the high-quality design and materials.
How it's held up: We used this primarily as a work bag, and were impressed with the storage capacity and organizational compartments. The chest strap fits nicely, and the laptop sleeve has help up in protecting our computer. We do wish the backpack fastener was a little more secure.
Price at time of publish: $299.95
Laptop Size: 16 inches | Colors: Black, Midnight Blue, Charcoal, Ash | Material: 400D double poly-coated nylon canvas shell | Extra Features: Trolley sleeve, adjustable straps
Still comfortable to carry around even when at full capacity
Deep pockets have more than enough room for anything you need to carry as well as several laptops
Both nylon and faux leather options are water- and scratch-resistant
Small bag attached on the front falls off occasionally
Deep pockets rather than smaller compartments makes it harder to find things at the bottom
No water bottle holder on the exterior of the bag
This is a gorgeous bag that’s as eye-catching as it is effective. The design is perfect for everything from commuting to air travel. Even without the detachable bag on the front, there was a good amount of room for storage. The backpack comes in durable nylon or vegan leather options, and both materials are water- and scratch-resistant. The only initial hiccup with design was the lack of a water bottle holder on the exterior of the bag.
We loved the look of the vegan leather and though it feels slightly stiff, the bag is comfortable to wear. This bag kept the dummy laptop secure during the drop test — we were impressed with its durability. We think it’s a well-made backpack with thoughtful features like padded handles, plenty of pockets, and the detachable front pouch for staying extra organized.
How it's held up: While home testing for two months, we noticed that the front attached bag falls off occasionally which isn’t ideal, and the deep pockets can be a recipe for losing items at the bottom of your bag. While we love the capacity of this backpack, it might be better suited for travel with larger items than as a commuter bag carrying smaller pens, notebooks, etc.
Price at time of publish: $200
Laptop size: 15 inches | Colors: Saddle Tan, Mahogany, Ivory (plus four colors for nylon material) | Material: Ultra-microfiber vegan leather | Extra features: Water- and scratch-resistant materials, trolley sleeve, top handle
Dropped seven times without any scuffs or damage marks
Strap padding is highly cushioned making for comfortable wear
Large number of pockets for extensive organization options
The main compartment opening tapers down slightly making it harder to get into
The back padding isn’t super breathable so it can make your back a little sweaty when carrying this bag around
When you travel with a backpack, it has to endure quite a bit of wear and tear. This one-pocket backpack from Troubadour was the most durable among those we tested. Its canvas-like material is actually a recycled polyester, and though lightweight it can sustain a good beating. After dropping it seven times during our tests, it didn’t have any scuff marks or damage, and still looked brand new. The amount of padding on the straps creates a super cushioned feel, though it wasn’t super breathable and our tester got a little sweaty when carrying it around.
In addition, the capacity was impressive — we could fit a surprising amount of clothing and cosmetics. The large number of pockets allows for extensive organization, and the water bottle pockets can fit up to a 24-ounce bottle. The design is sleek, and the main compartment is spacious, but we did notice the top of the compartment tapers down slightly, so the opening is a little hard to get into. Though slightly inconvenient, the slides’ fabric expands to help you access the compartment better. Overall, this is a well-designed, durable, and comfortable backpack to invest in.
How it's held up: We found this bag to be spacious, durable, and comfortable for regular commutes. It has a series of pockets and compartments for organization, as well as a protected laptop pocket, which is easy to access and unzip. The main pocket issue also existed in our real world testing; basically it’s hard to get into this backpack on the go, because the zipper lives under a tapered flat. So we just had to stop and take the backpack off to get into it. However, the padding was extremely thick and comfortable to wear throughout the day. It has remained durable without any scuff marks during our real world testing, and frankly, given the amount of padding, we would feel confident kicking the bag even with our laptop in it.
Price at time of publish: $295
Lots of storage compartments and organization options
Water-resistant lining protects your laptop from rain or spills
Comfortable to wear when not overpacked
Bottom of laptop sleeve is not padded
Reusable water bottle doesn’t fit in the drink pouch
Feels heavy to carry when filled to the brim
As a standout piece in Shay Mitchell’s travel bag brand, Beis, this backpack offers extensive storage, a chic design, durability, and comfort when wearing it. This bag was definitely designed by travel pros because there's a ton of capacity — the bag wasn't even close to half full with the items we packed in. The capacity includes water bottle holders, a laptop sleeve, zippered compartments, and more. When this backpack appears on a list of Cyber Monday luggage deals, definitely snap it up.
Though we were nervous about the laptop sleeve not having a padded bottom, the backpack kept the laptop protected during our drop test. We were, though, impressed with the comfort. The straps are nicely padded and adjustable, and a good width apart to feel comfortable around our frame. The overall features of this bag makes it very convenient and portable: Its comfortable and durable design, expansive capacity, and protective laptop storage makes it a fabulous laptop backpack for travel.
How it's held up: We used this bag on two international trips and it fits an astonishing amount. It fully opens, which makes it easy to see where everything is inside (no digging around!). We noticed that a reusable water bottle did not fit super easily in the water pouch, which was disappointing. It also felt super heavy when full, but we do love the organization options.
Price at time of publish: $88
Laptop size: 15 inches | Colors: Black, Beige | Material: Cotton, PVC, polyester | Extra features: Trolley sleeve, water bottle pockets
Tons of capacity for storage, including pockets for organization
Not a lot of leftover room after work essentials, so may not be ideal if you need to pack more for a longer trip
This deluxe backpack from Timbuk2 is an organizer’s dream. With pockets and hidden compartments inside, outside, and on the sides of this backpack, there are countless ways to organize this bag. The main compartment fits all of the packing items without issue, and it’s super sleek and thin — plus there are tons of pockets for staying super organized.
Our team loved the lightweight feel of this backpack, as well as the padding and cushioned feel when wearing it. We felt like we could wear this all day and not feel any pinching or immediate pain. It also passed our durability test with flying colors, as the laptop sleeve is super padded, the bottom of the bag has a waterproof material, so nothing seeps through. Overall, we feel like this bag would last a really long time with daily use.
Price at time of publish: $159
Laptop size: 17 inches | Colors: Black Deluxe, Eco Black Deluxe, Nightfall, Static, Olivine, Titanium | Material: 100 percent recycled nylon | Extra features: Trolley sleeve, airmesh back panel, compression straps
Extensive organization and capacity options for every kind of usage: commuting, travel, running errands, and more
Scansmart technology allows for easier airport travel
Utilitarian design may not appeal to those wanting something more sleek or stylish
Gets a little heavy to carry around if overfilled
Swissgear offers a highly durable, comfortable, and spacious backpack to keep your laptop protected during travel. The polyester material is washable and waterproof, the large zippers are all metal, and the material is thick and seemingly well-constructed, so we can see this bag lasting for years while being used daily. We also appreciated the extra padding on the straps and back panel, which we would describe as exceptionally soft.
The capacity proved spacious and allowed for organization with various pockets and sections to keep your things in place. With a plethora of pockets and compartments, this bag makes sure everything has its rightful spot. We loved the overall look and design, and considering the price and all the features, we’d say it’s a steal.
How it's held up: Upon receiving this backpack, we threw our old backpack away (literally at the office) and have never looked back. We carry it around two to three days per week, and it works beautifully for shopping (and loading up on gifts and goodies), commuting, going to the gym, and traveling. We’re huge fans of the compartment options and organization capabilities, though it does a little heavy to carry around when overfilled.
Price at time of publish: $85.76 (orig. $89.99)
Laptop size: 17 inches | Colors: Blue, Gray, Heather Gray, Black, and more | Material: 1200 D Polyester | Extra features: Scansmart tech to speed up TSA process, adjustable straps, padded airflow back panel
Has a front pocket with wireless charging capabilities for your phone
Didn’t scuff or scratch when dropped for durability test
It sits a little low on your back even when the straps are on the tightest setting
Could be too expensive for some budgets
Despite being a smaller backpack, this bag fit everything we wedged into it during testing. In addition to the spacious main compartment, there’s also a front pocket designed as a wireless charger (though the actual charger is sold separately) and a protective laptop sleeve. It felt lightweight, and while there wasn’t padding, it didn’t really need any since it’s so small.
While walking around, the bag was comfortable resting on our shoulders, even when fully packed. It sat a little low on our backs but that’s not a dealbreaker. It passed the durability test without any marks of scuffs, but since it’s a genuine leather bag, we would advise you to be mindful of its care. Given the material, we understand the higher price tag, but it could be too expensive for some budgets. Overall, we think this is a sleek, quality backpack that would be a fun accessory to take your work on the go.
How it's held up: When we tried this backpack outside the lab, it fit everything we needed to carry around. We really liked the front pocket for storing quick-grab items like your keys, wallet, and phone. And the fact that it can charge your phone while you’re out doesn’t hurt. We like the look of the buckle straps but in terms of comfort, the backpack sits a little low on our backs. We weren’t particularly careful with the bag, and it still hasn’t scratched. The design and small size would make this an ideal work bag for commutes.
Price at time of publish: $275
Laptop Size: 13 inches | Material: 100% genuine Italian leather | Colors: 4 | Extra Features: Charging pocket, outer pocket, water bottle pocket
Built-in USB charger which makes traveling so much more convenient
Lots of organization compartments and pockets to store different sized items
Overall durable material despite a lot of use and wear
Luggage strap makes for easy transport as you can throw it on top of your suitcase and wheel it around
Fabric inside the liner frayed and ripped within two months of use
If you want a bag that provides plenty of storage when you travel and lets you charge your devices on the go, this Vohler pick is a good choice. We love the organization compartments, USB charger, durable material, and stylish design. We were able to sort everything within the multiple pockets, and there are extra hidden pockets for more valuable items.
We appreciated the compact size, which can fit wonderfully under a seat and in the overhead compartment on a plane. This contemporary bag offers a built-in USB charger, high quality, and durable fabric that’s water-resistant. The bottom padding helped during our impact test, keeping the laptop intact when dropped via the backpack. Our team loved this well-designed bag, and thinks it will last for many trips to come.
How it’s held up: We’ve used this backpack for two months for work and travel. Though one of the pocket liners frayed and ripped, the majority of the bag has shown incredible durability — we’ve thrown it under plane seats, overpacked its capacity, and taken it on many road trips. We love the luggage strap and how easy it is to throw on top of our suitcase to wheel around the airport. It has a ton of pockets and compartments for storage, and we’ve utilized the USP charger many times which adds a layer of convenience to traveling.
Price at time of publish: $31.99 (orig. $49.99)
Laptop Size: 15.6 inches, 17 inches | Colors: Black, Blue, Grey, Rose Red | Material: Water-resistant polyester | Extra Features: Built-in USB charger
Plenty of compartments and organizer pockets for storing various items
Sleek, sophisticated design that received lots of compliments when we used it on trips
Only one water bottle pocket that's rather small
Smaller capacity compared to others we tested helps prevent overpacking, but could be inconvenient for those who do need to pack a lot with them
If you’re popping out for a quick business trip, this backpack is the perfect work bag for brief commutes. It easily fit a laptop and iPad and could definitely fit another computer. In fact, everything from the test fit in the bag, but it’s definitely more of a commuter bag or a second carry-on, rather than a main bag for a trip. It’s a highly cushioned bag, with plenty of support when wearing it, as well as padding around your laptop for extra protection.
Other cool features include the USB cord, all of the various organization pockets and compartments, and a trolley strap to attach it to luggage when you don’t feel like carrying it. Our one lament was that there’s only one water bottle pocket, and it’s not very large. The overall design is super lightweight, and we think the outer and inner material both seem high quality and durable — plus, nothing was damaged during the drop test. It’s a very sleek bag that doesn’t have a huge capacity, but it looks professional and is extremely organized. It would be a great bag for work commutes or as a personal item on a plane.
How it's held up: Over two months, we learned this bag has just enough pockets to stay organized without allowing you to overpack and cause bulkiness. It goes with everything, and we always get compliments on it when out and about. It doesn’t fit too much, which we personally liked because it prevents us from overpacking, but this could be inconvenient for those who need more spacious bags.
Price at time of publish: $118.99 (orig. $169.99)
Laptop size: 15.6 inches | Colors: Black | Material: Nylon | Extra features: Adjustable straps, included cable for charging devices, trolley sleeve
It’s spacious enough to fit an entire tent as well as camping gear and other essentials
Comfortable to hike with for two hours
So durable that it had no wear, dirt, or marks after an entire weekend of camping with it
Waterproof and kept everything inside dry on a rainy day
No specific laptop sleeve (but plenty of space and padding for a laptop to fit and be protected)
We only tested this one in the real world rather than the lab, but it stacked up against the competition so well we think it deserves a spot on this list. To start, it’s huge — we took it camping and we were able to fit an entire tent inside the main compartment as well as clothing and other small gear. There isn’t an actual laptop sleeve for this one, but it can fit a 16-inch laptop and then some.
Our teammate hiked with it full for two hours and it was more than comfortable. There are a decent number of pockets, water bottle sleeves, and an extra compartment on the back, perfect for a book or other flat item. It is somewhat heavy, but that’s because of the extra durable material which showed no dirt or wear after a weekend-long camping trip. It’s also waterproof and kept everything inside dry on a particularly rainy day.
This one is a little expensive, but if you want a versatile backpack you can use as a carry-on for travel, pack for camping, or durable bag for any journey, this is worth the investment. Given the size and versatility of this bag, it would make a great carry-on to fit an entire weekend’s worth of clothes, shoes, and cosmetics in lieu of a rolling suitcase.
Price at time of publish: $350
Laptop Size: 16 inches | Material: Durable, waterproof sailcloth | Colors: 1 | Extra Features: Water bottle pockets, fleece-lined tablet and laptop sleeves
Huge storage capacity with numerous pockets and compartments
Protected laptop during drop test, and when we placed the bag in spilled water
Comfortable, supportive straps that don’t dig into your shoulders when wearing it
Canvas material can collect dust
We wish the water bottle pockets on the side were bigger
If you’re in the market for a backpack for school, field trips, and the like, this bag provides vast storage for supplies, notebooks, and laptops, and is easy to transport. “This bag easily fit everything in our packing test with tons of pockets to spare,” said our tester. “And the padded laptop compartments can fit two laptops and an iPad.” In addition to two water bottle holders, there are several hidden pockets for valuables, and many more for organizing.
Our team also loved the design of this backpack. The straps and back are also mesh which are great for breathability. Plushy straps, a leather top handle, and classic canvas material are just a few features of this versatile backpack. We were somewhat worried about the canvas collecting dust and being susceptible to stains, but it fared well during testing. It held up during our impact test and protected the laptop from sustaining any damage. We would recommend this product, especially to a student or someone commuting.
How it's held up: Over two months, we used this backpack about three times per week for work, and various times for travel. It offers plenty of space and numerous compartments for storage, organization, and more. It sits flat against your back, which makes it great for commuting, especially on the subway. It’s super comfortable to wear and doesn’t dig into your shoulders. And when we accidentally set it down in spilled water, the laptop remained dry and protected.
Price at time of publish: $120
Laptop size: 15 inches | Colors: Basalt, Foliage Green, Navy, Terracotta Brown, Port, and more | Material: Polyester, cotton | Extra features: Mesh organized pockets, adjustable padded straps
Spacious capacity, including numerous pockets for organization
USB ports for charging devices are discreetly hidden
Plush drop-proof laptop sleeve, which protected our computer during the drop test
Design is made with recycled materials and includes anti-theft lock
You have to buy the Solarbank separately, and the backpack by itself is quite expensive to begin with
Pockets in the front compartment could be more versatile in what they fit
If you’re adventuring into the wilderness, or perhaps just a casual backyard campout, this Solgaard backpack has space for everything you’ll need. It has a large capacity and spacious interior. Overall, we loved the design and were impressed with how much it can fit. Plus, the cushioned straps and chest strap made this backpack incredibly comfortable.
This backpack has a plush drop-proof laptop sleeve which proved effective during testing — protecting the test laptop from sustaining damage. The backpack feels very durable and offers lots of cushion for the items inside. It’s also compatible with Solagaard’s sister product — the Solarbank Boombox — which acts as a portable charger, Bluetooth, and sound system. The only hiccup is you have to purchase the Solarbank separately.
How it's held up: We used this for our work commute and travels for over two months and we love the innovation with this backpack. It contains incredible storage for technology like laptops, chargers, iPads, and more. The plugs and wires in the bag are very discreet. If we have to name a con, we’d say the pockets in the front section could be more versatile — they’re rather small and don’t fit larger items.
Price at time of publish: $245
Laptop size: 17 inches | Colors: Baltic Black, Atlantic Blue, Charcoal, Granada Green Camo, Granada Green | Material: Shore-Tex, upcycled ocean plastic | Extra features: Anti-theft lock, connects with Solarbank for portable charging and music on the go
When you’re buying a backpack, especially one for transporting a laptop, you should consider the capacity and how much will fit. Some backpacks only fit certain size laptops, others might just fit a laptop and a few other things, and some can store several clothes as well as notebooks, laptops, and more. And bonus points if there are lots of pockets and compartments for organizing your items. “Compartmentalizing work items creates ease of navigation on the go,” Volpe says.
“Another factor in purchasing a travel laptop bag is durability,” says Volpe. She points out various travel hazards like spilled coffee on planes and rainstorms where a good backpack material can be the difference between a ruined day and momentary inconvenience. “Durable materials like leather are luxe and long lasting,” says Volpe. "They also take wear and tear nicely.” She points out that the look of leather improves over time, so even once it has worn down over time, it will retain that vintage leather feel.
“Another great option for durability is high-quality polyester,” she says (as well as nylon). She adds that this material generally costs less than leather, and can “outlast torrential downpours and being crammed into an overhead compartment.” Our best overall laptop backpack for travel is the Herschel Supply Co. Tech Backpack, partly due to the Cordura Ballistic fabric, a woven nylon material that was originally developed for military body armor.
The design of a backpack can aid or hinder your travels, so you want to look for features that add to the overall comfort, durability, and use of the bag. Features like adjustable straps, the ability to connect to a charger, and the number of pockets and storage compartments are all important factors to look for. Also, an ergonomic top handle is great for those who prefer carrying tote bags.
“Instead of being too trend forward I look for a travel laptop bag that has an aesthetic which can last for three to four years versus one season," Volpe says. She suggests avoiding wild prints/patterns and looking for solid colors that will pair well with many outfits and occasions. “A travel laptop bag isn't something you just throw away like a budget-friendly evening clutch,” exclaims Volpe. “It has to be appropriate to take to business meetings and while working from your local coffee shop.”
But it doesn’t have to be boring. “Color is A-okay for the creative and fun-loving types," she says. "Combination neutrals like cream, brown, and gray are chic, mature, and versatile to coordinate with any outfit." And for the tech-savvy shopper? “You may want a travel laptop bag that has a headphone port, RFID-blocking ID slots, and/or an external USB with a built-in charging cable.” Most of the options on our list include a USB charging port, including the Vohler Laptop Backpack with Charger.
The price of a laptop backpack can range from $50 to nearing $500, so you just have to keep your budget in mind, as well as the features you’re not willing to compromise on and find a bag that meets both of those criteria. For a great last-minute Valentine's Day gift for him, look for a backpack under $100 or less. Certain materials like leather (and quality vegan leathers) will cost more, like the Monos Metro Backpack coming in at around $220. Tech features, like charging capabilities, can also add to the cost. The Solgaard Lifepack Backpack costs $245 — but its USB capabilities, anti-theft features, and Solarbank compatibility make it well worth it.
Our team tested 43 of the top-rated laptop backpacks for travel in our lab, comparing qualities like the design, capacity, durability, level of comfort, and overall value. After testing these features, 16 bags came out ahead as our winners. First our team assessed the design of the bags, looking at storage capacity, various pockets and compartments, ability to be organized, and so forth. Then they simulated packing a bag for a trip with real items like a prop laptop, prop ipad, chargers, notebooks, a layer of clothing, water bottle, and a cosmetic bag.
Once the bag was packed, our team tested its functionality, considering how much it weighed, how comfortable it was to carry around, and if any part of the design aided the its overall use and portability (like adjustable straps for instance). To test the durability and level of protection, we dropped each bag with a prop laptop inside twice, to see if it provided adequate cushioning to keep the computer intact. The laptops were then checked for scratches and damage, and turned on to see if the internal hardware had been affected by the impact. Our chosen laptop backpacks for travel were supportive, cushioned, and kept the laptops from experiencing damage. We continued testing for two months in the real world to collect additional insights.
Our top-rated laptop bag for travel is the Herschel Supply Co. Tech Backpack. For $160, it features super comfortable straps, a fleece-lined laptop sleeve, a trolley strap for luggage, and plenty of room for work essentials, and then some.
As a general rule, most airlines won’t let you carry on a backpack that’s bigger than 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep. This is to ensure the bag will fit comfortably underneath the airplane seat or in the overhead compartment. If you have a backpack that exceeds these measurements, you’ll have to add a luggage tag and check it in, so keep the dimensions in mind when making a selection. We love the Lo & Sons Rowledge bag as both sizes are designed to fit comfortably under an airline seat.
A durable nylon or polyester will be the most enduring material for a travel bag. Both materials are water-resistant, and less susceptible to rips and tears than other materials. In some high end bags you’ll see leather used, which is fairly durable, and also provides an element of style. So the best material depends on if you care more about fashion or function.
Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who’s tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this article, Yauger also spoke to celebrity fashion stylist and consultant Chelsea Volpe. She also drew on insights from our lab tests in evaluating purchasing decision factors such as price, capacity, the durability of materials, design, and comfort of carrying to determine the best laptop backpacks for travel.
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