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Being able to stash your laptop in one of the best laptop backpacks and sling it over your shoulder is surely the whole point of having a laptop in the first place. Seamlessly transitioning from doing important work in the British Library to important social media in the nearest coffee shop. And whether you’re packing one of the best gaming laptops, a svelte and professional Ultrabook or a cheap and cheerful Chromebook that does all you need at a quarter of the price of the others, a decent bag is an essential buy once you’ve figured out how to switch the thing on.
Things to look out for include size - can you squeeze in a 15-inch or a 17-inch monster, or are you limited to a 13" or smaller model? Does it have pockets for additional items, including some security? Can you keep your phone in it? Is there a flap to pass your headphone cord through, or do you need to invest in some of the best Bluetooth headphones?
Elsewhere: what’s it made of? Being caught in the rain can be a fun experience during a warm summer shower, but can have a calamitous effect on any electronics you’re carrying. Waterproof materials or fold-out rain covers will go a long way toward mitigating this. On a similar note, does it have good padding to keep your laptop safe? And is it hard-wearing? Your bag's probably going to endure some punishment, so tearing or wearing down easily isn't ideal. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, how is the storage space and security? While it's always handy to have separate pockets for accessories like the best gaming mouse, it's also much appreciated if there's a way of keeping your device locked away from prying eyes and idle hands. These are all aspects we kept in mind when hunting down recommendations.
Razer Rogue
The best all-round laptop backpack
Razer is as close as you can get to a household name when it comes to gaming tech, and they have a range of bags to go with that hard-earned reputation. One of their most recent efforts is the Rogue, a backpack that comes in a variety of sizes to suit your needs (there are models for carrying 13", 15", and 17" laptops).
It has everything you could want from a laptop bag; scratch-resistant padding, water resistance to keep your gear safe from the elements, a relatively affordable price, and plenty of space for all your kit. Basically, it strikes a good middle-ground between features and cost. Because of a "minimalist design… for an urban warrior", it's meant to have a tear-resistant exterior as well. Win-win, right?
Lenovo Y Armored
The toughest gaming laptop bag
The main thing you need a gaming laptop bag to do is to protect your tech. And while all of the entries on this list feature padding or EVA shells in one form or another, none can match the hardy Lenovo Y Armored Backpack for sheer, stubborn survivability.
It's built to last; this bag boasts a weatherproof exoskeleton, and the grey matte finish makes for a hard-wearing exterior. What's more, the rear inside pocket features padding that's basically soft red bubble-wrap. A "compression-moulded back panel providing airflow ventilation" only makes this package more appealing, as do three distinct sections filled with pouches.
ASUS ROG Ranger Messenger Bag
Sometimes a backpack is overkill
If you'd prefer to avoid the bulk of a full gaming backpack, ASUS ROG's Ranger Messenger Bag might be up your street. Lightweight and relatively inconspicuous, this satchel won't weigh you down or attract as much attention as some of the alternatives in this guide.
It's also packing the usual hardened front to help minimise damage from any knocks, and much of its material is constructed from 1260D Gucci polyester that's water and scratch-resistant. When you throw in detachable side pockets, the Ranger Messenger Bag is ideal for those who want to get up and go.
Targus SteelSeries Sniper
The best backpack for storage space
If you're in it for the long haul and/or prefer being prepared for every possible eventuality (up to and including zombie apocalypse), the Targus SteelSeries Sniper bag will be your jam. A hefty 26L monster with pockets for days, it's got enough room to store everything you need other than the proverbial kitchen sink.
Seriously, you can fit all sorts in here; whether it's keyboards, controllers, hard drives, and mice to go with your laptop, this backpack has you covered. And while the usual ventilated back padding and strap padding are greatly appreciated in making travel more comfortable, the real bonus would be a hidden "ultra valuables" pocket squirrelled away inside and out of sight.
