If you want to take your computer with you when you leave. You need a bag for your laptop. You already know this. But which one should you get? There are a lot of choices. This guide will help you in the end. We’ll show you everything you need to know. You will find out how to pick the best laptop bag for you. We’ll talk about bags like backpacks, totes, and messengers. Let’s pick out the right bag for your things.
Why do you need a special bag for your laptop?
Let’s answer a question that comes up a lot first. The main reason to get a laptop bag is to keep your expensive device safe. Laptops are not very strong. A good bag has a compartment with padding. This protects your computer from bumps, drops, and scratches.
Organisation: A well-made bag has pockets for your things. You can keep your cables, mouse, charger, and notebooks in here. Everything has a home. This helps you stay organised and work faster. They have padded straps and back panels to help spread out the weight. This helps keep your back and shoulders from hurting.
The Different Types of Laptop Bags
You need to know what your choices are before you choose.
1. The Backpack for Laptops
There is a reason why a laptop backpack is the most popular choice. It has a lot of space and is very comfortable. This is the best rucksack for travel and laptops.
- Pros: Usually has a lot of space and is well-organised. Convenience without hands.
- Cons: In a business setting, it might not look as professional. Can be big.
2. The Bag for Messengers
Disadvantages: Puts all the weight on one shoulder, which can make it hurt over time.
3. The Laptop Bag
- Pros: It can often be used as a big purse or shopping bag. Simple to carry on one shoulder.
- Cons: It can be less organised inside. Has less padding than a regular rucksack.
4. The Laptop Case
A laptop sleeve isn’t a whole bag. It is a thin, padded bag.
- Pros: It protects against scratches very well.
- Cons: There isn’t enough room for extras. There are no straps or handles to carry it.
How to Choose: Important Things to Think About
Now you know what they are. Let’s find the best one for you. When you shop, think about these six important things.
1. How Big and How Well It Fits
Don’t just look at the screen size when you buy a laptop (for example, “15.6-inch laptop”). Find out how wide, deep, and tall your laptop is.
2. Safety and Longevity
Check for these safety features:
- Lots of Padding: The laptop compartment should have thick foam padding on all sides.
- False Bottom: This is a great feature. Ballistic nylon, Cordura, and high-denier polyester are all great.
3. Comfort and ergonomics
You will be carrying this bag a lot. A sternum strap keeps the load steady. A back panel that is padded and has vents keeps your back from getting sweaty. This helps spread the weight out and takes some of the pressure off your shoulder.
For Totes: Look at how long the handle drop is. Check to see if you can easily carry it on your shoulder, even with a coat on.
4. Organisation and Space
Look for Pockets: The best bags have pockets just for these things. This keeps your gear from getting all tangled up.
5. Style and Use Case
What will you use your bag for? The best bag for a corporate law firm is not the same as the best bag, the Insane Studio bag.
A sleek briefcase, a leather messenger bag, or a simple black backpack are all good choices for the office. A strong backpack is the best choice for students. A blog about laptop bags for students would suggest a bag that has room for books, a laptop, and a water bottle. The best laptop bag for air travel should be the right size to fit in a carry-on. It should be easy to get to the laptop at security checkpoints.
6. Material
Polyester is very common and cheap. It’s tough, but it’s also heavy and needs care.
Our Picks: A Sample of the Best Laptop Bags
We try out a lot of bags. Here are some of our favourites that are really good at different things. These are some of the best backpacks for work, travel, and everyday use.
EVERGOODS Civic Panel Loader 24L (CPL24 V3)
This bag can do a lot of things. The organisation of EVERGOODS packs is amazing. There is a place for everything. The bag is great for hiking or spending a long day in a new city. The clamshell opening makes it easy to get to the main area. A separate compartment can safely hold a laptop up to 17 inches wide. Most people find the harness system to be very comfortable. If you want one pack that can do everything, this is a great choice.
- Why We Like It: The materials are tough and long-lasting. The group is smart and helpful.
- What You Should Know: This pack isn’t the lightest.
TOM BIHN Synapse 25
The Synapse 25 is the best backpack laptop that users recommend. People in online communities talk a lot about this pack.
TOM BIHN is all about keeping things organised. The laptop compartment has a special “Cache” system. It fits your computer’s size perfectly. The materials are also of the highest quality. There are a lot of different colours and fabrics to choose from. This lets you make the bag fit your needs perfectly.
- Why We Like It: The laptop cache system is new and interesting. The materials are strong and can be changed to fit your needs.
- Important to Know: The style is very practical, which not everyone will like. If you change the size of your laptop, you need a new cache.
Aer Fit Pack 3
You might not think of a gym bag as a laptop bag at first. You will change your mind about the Aer Fit Pack 3. It does a great job of organising tech and has a big space for your gym gear. The laptop compartment can hold a computer with a screen size of up to 16 inches. It is well-protected because it has a false bottom and thick padding. There are a lot of pockets for your tech and other things you use every day. The big compartment is even ventilated, so you can store gym clothes in it.
- Why We Like It: The materials are of the highest quality. The way the tech and personal gear are separated is great.
- What You Should Know: It is heavy for its size (18.7L). Not everyone will like the structured, modern look.
GORUCK GR1
This is the bag for you if you are hard on your stuff. It is made to meet military standards.
The laptop compartment is “bombproof,” and it can hold models up to 15 inches. It has a fake bottom and a lot of padding. No matter where you are, this bag will keep your stuff safe. Almost any GORUCK bag with a laptop slot is a good choice for a tough, long-lasting backpack notebook carrier.
- Why We Like It: It’s very strong and will last a long time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do laptop bags keep water out?
What is the best material for bags for laptops?
Does the size of a laptop bag matter?
Do laptop bags look professional?
What else can I use instead of a laptop bag?
What are some good brands of backpacks?
Picking the Right Bag for Your Lifestyle
Picking the best laptop bag is no simple task, and that’s especially true when you’re managing so much every day. Don’t just think about style; focus on these key considerations to get the right fit:
Your Lifestyle Dictates the Type: If you love the look of a backpack on its own, if your style is more minimalist and simple fabric, a backpack is good for you as an on-the-go student/commuter who values comfort and space. For those who are on the run, a messenger bag provides easy on-the-go access to your power supply. A tote can be stylish and functional, serving double duty, whereas a simple sleeve is for the minimalist who shoves that baby into another bag.
Priority One—Protect the Goods: Your new laptop bag should have a protected, padded compartment that is able to accommodate the size of your laptop exactly. Corner pads and the water-resistant material provide added protection from bumps and the elements.
It’s All About the Organisation: Think Outside the Laptop. Don’t forget handy pockets for your charger, mouse, phone, and all the rest, so you can avoid a ‘tangled mess’.
At the end of the day, the best bag is one you forget you’re carrying—it cradles your tech, has a spot for everything, and moulds to the nicks and knacks of your life.
Taking care of your laptop bag will make it last.
You bought a great bag. How do you keep it going? Taking care of it is important.
Read More: How to Connect AirPods to Any Laptop (Windows 10/11/7)
Can you wash laptop bags?
It all depends on the material.
- Most bags made of nylon and polyester can be cleaned with a damp cloth and mild soap. You can wash some by hand, but always read the instructions from the maker. The fabric and padding can be ruined by heat.
- Canvas: You can clean it with a spot.
How to get a laptop bag dry?
Never dry your bag in the dryer. Unzip all the zippers and pockets. Then let it dry naturally.
A Closer Look at Comfort and Style
Let’s talk about a few last important things about how you wear and see your bag.
What kind of bag is best for back pain?
A backpack is always the best bag for back pain. The best way to carry a load is with a backpack, which spreads the weight evenly across your two shoulders and your back. Check for these things:
- Shoulder straps with a lot of padding.
- A sternum strap to hold the shoulder straps in place.
- A hip belt that supports your hips (on bigger bags) moves the weight to your hips.
- A bag that fits your torso length just right.
How do you carry a laptop bag the right way?
Use both shoulder straps on your backpack. Make sure the bag sits high on your back and close to your body. This makes the weight more even. Change which shoulder you use every day to keep your muscles from getting out of balance.
The Aer Fit Pack 3 is a great example of this trend.
Last Things to Check Before You Buy
You are now an expert. Before you hit “buy,” tick off this last list.
- Measure your laptop: Have you checked to see if it fits in the bag’s compartment?
- Think about your commute: Is the bag comfortable and useful for your daily trip?
- Check the Materials: Is the fabric strong and suitable for your needs (for example, does it protect against the weather)?
- Check the Style: Will you feel good about bringing this bag to work, school, or on a trip?
Last Thoughts
Finding the right laptop bag is a personal journey. There is no one right answer. The best bag for you is one that fits your daily life, protects your gear, and is easy to carry. Think about how you get to work. Think about how you look. This guide will help you figure out what you need. Check out the important things like size, safety, comfort, and organisation. This will help you get past the huge number of choices and confidently choose the right bag. Your back and your laptop will be grateful.
