9 Best Laptop Bags of 2021

Key Specs

• Weight: 3 lb., 5 oz
• Capacity: 35 L
• Laptop Size: Up to 16 in.
• Measurements: 20 x 12 x 8 in.

These days it’s not uncommon to find backpack brands that claim to use sustainable materials in their products. But Cotopaxi was one of the first to make genuinely sustainable bags. Every item in its Del Dia line is made from scrap materials that would otherwise end up in a landfill. The company is also a B-Corporation; it donates a percentage of products to fight poverty in developing nations and works only with factories dedicated to fair labor practices.

The Allpa Del Dia is made from 100 percent repurposed, water-resistant nylon and features a padded laptop sleeve and tuck-away shoulder straps that let you wear it like a backpack. But it also has a handle and full-length zipper that let you carry and open it like a suitcase.

Key Specs

• Weight: 1.8 lb.
• Capacity: 17 L
• Laptop Size: Up to 15 in.
• Measurements: 16.25 x 11 x 5.25 in.

The slim and compact Herschel backpack isn’t just highly rated, it’s also highly practical, especially for urban commuters trying to squeeze into crowded public transportation or cycle through heavy traffic. It has a padded, fleece-lined pouch for laptops up to 15 inches and mesh back padding to encourage airflow, helping to avoid those dreaded sweat spots if you’re commuting to work on a warm day.

Key Specs

• Weight: 3 lb., 8 oz.
• Capacity: 40 L
• Laptop Size: Up to 15 in.
• Measurements: 21.7 x 13.8 x 8.3 in.

If you need to haul your work supplies and clothing for a short trip but don’t want to deal with fancy features or open a dozen pockets to find what you need, consider the very straightforward Thule Subterra Travel Pack. Its simple design has a large central pocket with a mesh zipper, a removable padded laptop/tablet sleeve, and a smaller pocket for keys or your phone. It also has a long side strap if you’d rather sling it over your shoulder than wear it on your back.

Key Specs

• Weight: 2.8 lb.
• Capacity: 40 L
• Laptop Size: Up to 15.6 in.
• Measurements: 8 x 13.5 x 18 in.

Need a bag that can go from commuting to traveling to sitting on a desk in your next in-office meeting? Equal parts vintage aviator and modern Wall Street, the Briggs and Riley Cargo backpack is loaded with features. In addition to aesthetically pleasing elements like leather detailing, this backpack has heavily padded and lock-compatible tech pockets, USB and headphone pockets, and is made with nearly wear-proof materials. If you do happen to damage it, though, Briggs and Riley has a no-questions-asked lifetime guarantee.

Key Specs

• Weight: Varies
• Capacity: 22, 30, 40 L
• Laptop Size: Not listed
• Measurements: 20 x 12 x 7.5 in. (22, 30L); 24 x 12 x 9 in. (40L)

TropicFeel is probably best known for its versatile (and colorful) travel shoes, but the Shell Backpack is also worth a look if you like going carry-on-only—and you also want that carry-on to be a backpack. The Shell can be customized according to your needs. Its best feature is the pull-out hanging clothing organizer, but additional accessories include a detachable toiletry bag, a tech pouch, and a camera cube. The clamshell-style zipper lets you easily access your laptop without having to unpack all your gear.

Key Specs

• Weight: 3.3 lb.
• Capacity: 46 L
• Laptop Size: Not listed
• Measurements: 21.5 x 14 x 9 in.

The Porter Travel Backpack may not be the most aesthetically pleasing laptop backpack, but at 46 liters, it’s the perfect size for just barely squeaking by as a carry-on bag. Thanks to the double compression straps that help you squeeze every inch out of the storage space, you can pack it extremely full. The padded tech panel with a side-access zipper is an especially smart feature, allowing you to access your laptop without opening the rest of the bag.

Key Specs

• Weight: 1.8 lb.
• Capacity: 28 L
• Laptop Size: Up to 17 in.
• Measurements: 18.5 x 13.3 x 7.8 in.

If you don’t leave the house without at least a laptop, a phone, and a tablet, check out the surprisingly affordable Kroser Computer backpack. Despite its rather average size, it fits a laptop up to 17 inches long and has several extra tech pockets for a tablet, headphones, a phone, and smaller items. But the best feature may be the external USB port so you can charge your tech on the go.

Key Specs

• Weight: 3.7 lb.
• Capacity: 23.5 L
• Laptop Size: Up to 14 in.
• Measurements: 18.5 × 12 × 6.5 in.

The sleek and classically styled leather backpack from Samsonite is a bag that’ll last you for decades—for both its style and its durable leather material. Like a good trench coat, it’ll be appropriate to carry even when other style trends come and go. We especially like that the backpack has a separate padded laptop pocket, plus two additional slim zippered pockets for tablets, notebooks, and paperwork.

Key Specs

• Weight: 13 oz.
• Capacity: 11.5 L
• Laptop Size: Up to 15 in.
• Measurements: 11 x 16 x 4 in.

Too many low-cost backpacks look like the bulky school bags of yesteryear, but the Dejaroo Canvas Travel Laptop Backpack is surprisingly hip—and available for under $20. It looks like a tote bag but has adjustable backpack straps, a zipper top, and internal compartments for your laptop and phone. Because it isn’t very deep, it works well for commuting—though it isn’t waterproof and could slouch a little if it’s mostly empty.