A backpack can be a simple hold-all for your daily carry tech, but it can also be so much more than that. Trust me, laptop backpacks can be just as exciting as the tech they hold.
Because of this strange fascination with the way I can carry my tech, I've a) got a cupboard full of different bags and b) been banned from buying any more. No problem, after years of temptation I've built a considerable collection of far too many options, but I've been mainlining one for the last two years.
The Timbuk2 Division is everything I've wanted from a bag. Its generously padded laptop compartment keeps all the best gaming laptops I test safe during my travels, while the main pouch has space for all the tech I definitely don't need to take with me. Reinforced shoulder straps, easy weight distribution, deeply padded back support, and side-cinching straps all combine with a customized aesthetic (I went for a red and white Pokeball look) to form the laptop backpack I recommend to anyone who asks.
But that's not the end of the story. There are a number of brands that can turn my head away from the Division. From The North Face's excellent build quality to Razer's heavy-duty size and stature, from cheaper (but still ergonomically designed) Matein models that have held up far longer than I'd expected to my guilty-pleasure Carhartt, there's a whole roster of worthy bags out there.
Below, I've rounded up the laptop backpacks I'd corner you at a party and tell you all about, be sure to hit the 'view details' button for more information on each.
What I look for in a laptop backpack
My top three priorities when trying out a laptop backpack can be neatly summed up in the three S's; shoulders, spine, space. While it may be tempting to focus on the latter, how much you can fit, how well it's organized, how easy it is to each, I'd urge you to consider the first two before anything else. A backpack can hold as much tech as it likes, it's going to be no good if it ruins your body.
All the bags above are of a sturdy, durable build (even if the Samsonite isn't water resistant), but if you're going it alone double check you're picking up a thick side and base material and that reviews mention high quality zippers. Those zips are the first thing to go on a less-than-durable backpack.
Shoulders
Those straps are perhaps the most important part of your backpack. Look not just for nicely padded materials, but for the shape and fall as well. The difference between a cushioned but ill-fitting set of straps and some nicely contoured holders is night and day - there's no point in having one without the other.
Look for a nice curve towards the bottom of the strap and, if you're using a middle strap, an ergonomic scoop around the middle of the chest. Clipping that middle strap can sometimes put undue pressure on the middle of the shoulders towards your neck if the sizing and width of your straps isn't correctly fitted.
Spine
Backpack shape has a huge impact on how you pack it, and therefore how you carry it. Any bag that carries its weight from your shoulders isn't going to be worth your time, and you can easily spot this in the shape of your bag. It's why you'll only find one teardrop-shaped bag on this list (and itself comes with a caveat).
If the base is considerably wider than the top, most of your tech is going to sit at the bottom of your bag, putting more strain on those shoulders. A more uniform rectangular or pill shape encourages consistently weighted packing all the way up the bag, with dedicated pockets for heavier goods ideally positioned between the middle and top of the bag.
This shifts the weight from your shoulders to your hips and a wider area around your back, a far more comfortable and healthy carrying style.
Space
Now onto the fun bit. You're obviously going to want to make sure you've got space for all your tech, but dedicated pouches are far better than a loose compartment. If you know you'll be travelling with a headset, for example, look for a backpack with a loop in the main compartment. If you've got a tablet and a laptop be sure to find one with separate sleeves to accommodate both.
I'd always prioritize having a couple of external pockets with side-facing zip options (never top-zip only, without the ability to pull both zippers to the side) for security, but many more premium options also include a pouch located on the rear for extra protection as well. I've tried heavy-duty backpacks without these easy-reach compartments and it's just not worth the extra foraging.
Most importantly, though, make sure your laptop backpack comfortably fits the size of your machine. Most will accommodate a 16-inch, but some are still floating around with 15.6-inch options. They're by no means bad (there are a few on this list), but it's worth double checking if you've got a larger form factor.
For more inspiration on what to put in your backpack, check out the best gaming headsets, best mobile controllers and the best gaming tablets on the market.
