Table of Contents Return to The Top Amazon Basics Backpack Athleta Kinetic Backpack Away Travel The Daypack Bondka Jumpstreet Backpack Fjallraven Kanken Messenger A/F Fjallraven Kanken Totepack Fjallraven Kanken Travel Pack JanSport Driver 8 JanSport Main Campus LeSportsac Commuter Backpack Matt & Nat Brave Loom Backpack The North Face Borealis Backpack The North Face Women's Surge Commuter Ogio Alpha Convoy 320 Backpack Open Story Commuter Backpack Patagonia Arbor Roll Top Pack Swissgear 5977 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack Tuimbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe Tumi Uma Backpack XD Design Bobby Hero Regular Anti-Theft Backpack
A laptop backpack is designed to take the task of carrying your laptop and other items and literally put it behind you. But there's a lot to think about first.
Sometimes you just need to take your laptop and little more, other times you're commuting to work or stacking in a semester's worth of schoolbooks. And then there are the times when you're traveling. You want to find a backpack [or maybe even two] that can accommodate your lifestyle. The options below can handle whatever you throw into them.
Away's Daypack keeps things slim so you can carry all your basics, including a 13-inch laptop, in one lightweight bag that easily attaches to your luggage for when you travel.
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Acne Studios took the classic Kanken backpack from 1978 and turned it on its head, er, side. The Messenger A/F still functions like a backpack but gets a removable messenger strap to carry it sideways. The bag also has been updated with space to carry up to a 15-inch laptop.
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Who knows backpacks better than JanSport? Don't get weighted down by all you need to carry with you. The JanSport Driver 8 has inline skate wheels that take the burden off you. It's capacious enough to hold plenty of books, along with a 15-inch laptop. There's also a place for a water bottle, a stash pocket, and a utility pocket with organizer.
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The Main Campus has padded ergonomic straps, a padded compartment for a laptop up to 15 inches, a water bottle holder, an organizer panel, an attached key fob so you can't lose your keys, and a stash pocket in the front for all those items you need to grab quickly during the day.
Open Story's Commuter Backpack looks sharp at work and keeps your ID at hand with a swivel key holder. There's a side pocket that can carry a water bottle or umbrella, too. And, of course, it carries your laptop in a padded pocket.
Tumi's Uma backpack is perfect for those who live by the axiom "a place for everything and everything in its place." Aside from its laptop compartment, it has a tablet pocket, three media pockets, a pen pocket, a water bottle pocket, card pocket, and a key leash with detachable keyring.
The number of backpacks out there is endless, but finding a life-changing bag isn't easy. Whether you're back to commuting to an office or school, working from coffee shops, or going on a weekend trip, a good backpack will carry and organize your stuff. It's also easier on your neck and shoulders than an overstuffed purse, duffle, or briefcase.
Whatever your needs, we have a fit and functional backpack for you. We inspect backpacks for a suspended, padded laptop sleeve; durable fabrics and water-resistant zippers; and versatile storage options. Don't see anything you like here? We also have a guide to the Best Messenger Bags, Best Camera Bags, and the Best Travel Bags.
Updated December 2021: We've added bags from Jansport, Herschel, Fjallraven, Able Carry, Incase, and STM Goods.
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When I [Adrienne] travel for work, I usually carry a Tom Bihn bag. There are a lot of pockets on the clamshell Synik 22, and they're all thoughtfully designed. For example, the zippered water bottle pocket is located in the middle of the backpack instead of on the side, so it won't tip you off balance. The pen pockets are located in flaps on the side rather than in the middle top, for convenient access. The exterior is made from Bluesign-certified 400-denier ballistic nylon with top-of-the-line YKK water-repellent zippers. Each bag has a lifetime guarantee.
Because the bag is so small, the pass-through on the back is only 7 inches wide—too narrow to slip over the handle of my carry-on. And the dense fabric and plentiful hardware—the zippers, O-rings, and buckles—make it a little heavy. But in the 22-liter size, I didn't notice the extra weight. It's the perfect, organized conference companion.
I [Medea] am a working, grown adult, not a high-schooler headed to algebra or a hiker traversing the Alps. When I leave my work-from-home bubble to venture outside, my bag should look like a perfectly curated accessory to my outfit, not a ragged relic or a rugged pack. The 8.5-liter Rains Backpack Mini helps me maintain my sense of style without stripping away function. It holds my 13-inch MacBook and the accessories I need for work. I've even packed this little bag with an extra outfit and toiletries [in addition to my laptop] for a night away. Plus, it looks so pretty.
You can get the larger, 13-liter backpack for $15 more, but both sizes have the same size laptop sleeve. They're waterproof and come in fun colors, and the Mini has held up well over the past few years. There's a small phone zip pocket on the back panel, but when I'm commuting I like to keep my wallet there so I know no one can grab it. Look at Rains' other backpacks if you like its understated, Scandinavian style.
JanSport Right Pack Premium
Everyone knows JanSport. Nearly every kid in school had the ultracheap Superbreak. You can carry around a laptop in that one, but it isn't designed to keep it well protected. That's why I like JanSport's Right Pack Premium. It fits a 15-inch laptop in its dedicated, padded back pocket, and it comes in lovely honey or purple orchid colors with a suede bottom.
Basic backpacks tend to have one front pocket for pencils or other small knick-knacks. This one adds an additional front pocket that's big enough to fit my 4th-gen iPad [about 9.5 inches tall], with enough room to fill its three organizational pockets with chapstick, a makeup compact, and my keys attached to a clip. Then there's the large main pocket that can fit the rest of your work or school needs—notebooks, binders, planners, and a small lunch bag—and a side water bottle pocket. The padded straps will need some wearing in, though.
★ A JanSport Alternative: I also tried and love the Agave Backpack [$70]. There are three main pockets, with an additional small pocket on the top near the handle [it fits my iPhone 11]. One of the front pockets is the entire length of the bag, with more organizational pouches within it, including a pen holder and a little carabiner. It has mesh water bottle pockets on each side and straps you can tighten to compress the entire bag. The shoulder straps are more comfortable than the JanSport and it includes waist and chest buckles.
Herschel Heritage Backpack
Despite being more affordable than every other bag on this list, this Herschel looks just as nice and is just as capable as its peers. The Heritage has been my school bag filled with a day's worth of textbooks and a laptop in its dedicated 15-inch sleeve, an overnight bag stuffed with clothes and a pair of shoes, and a carry-on with essentials should my luggage get lost. It has since followed me into my work life too. After years of heavy use, it has only recently started to show signs of wear, especially on the top handle coated in faux leather. The bag itself hasn't ripped, and the straps are holding strong. The downside? There's no water bottle pocket.
If the Heritage isn't what you're looking for, take a look at the rest of Herschel's backpacks.
Fjällräven Kånken 13-inch Laptop Backpack
You've probably seen a Fjallraven bag in nearly any crowded area. The 13-inch Kanken pack is especially small and good for everyday use, and it manages to fit my Macbook Pro in its laptop pocket. Plus the large main compartment and smaller front pocket can fit my Kindle, a thick planner, and a notebook, with room for lunch or a change of clothes. A reviewer on Fjallraven's site called it a Mary Poppins bag, which I daresay is incredibly accurate. The fabric is rigid and repels water, and the company offers lifetime repairs [with a focus on sustainability]. I love the colors the bag comes in, but arguably the best part is you can customize the Kanken.
The side pockets are quite tight, so they won't fit every type of bottle. [It held my 20-ounce Starbucks bottle, but anything thicker won't do.] The Kanken comes with a foam pad that adds an extra layer of cushion while you wear it, and you can take it out to use as a cushion when you need to sit on a rigid surface. It's not super cushy, but it's better than the cold, hard ground. The Kanken also comes in 15-inch and 17-inch versions if you need the extra space.
Chrome Industries Naito Pack
Chrome's take on a classic daypack is sleek and slim. It doesn't have as many pockets as some of our other picks, but it still fits enough gear for a full day's worth of work. The front pocket can hold a book or tablet up to 9 inches [my old, 4th-gen iPad fits perfectly], and it has a zippered pocket inside. The padded sleeve in the main compartment fits a 15-inch laptop and the internal organizational slots fit my notebook, phone, and two pens.
An interior water bottle pocket is also a nice touch if you constantly knock yours out of side pockets, but you might have to ditch the bottle if you're planning on using every cubic inch of its 22-liter capacity. The ergonomically-shaped straps are comfy, and like other Chrome Industries bags we like, this one is made to last with a tough 1050-denier nylon exterior.
Solo New York Re:claim Backpack
At $77, this Solo New York bag is one of the cheapest picks on this list. Even better, it's made with six recycled plastic bottles; the tags and paper filling are biodegradable; and the company plants a tree for every bag sold. Its large main compartment includes a padded slot for a 15-inch laptop. It also has two front pockets, one with a key clip and pen holder, and mesh pockets on both sides for bottles or anything else that requires quick access. Two loops on the front can hold an umbrella [or a jacket, if you can roll it up small enough]. I also like the subtle black camo lining, which is a nice touch to a simple design.
Able Carry Daily Backpack
The Able Carry is first and foremost a functional backpack. It's thin, so you can stuff it to the brim before it starts to get bulky. And stuff it full you can, because it has a pocket for everything. The front pocket with side zipper access is nearly as tall as the entire bag, and it includes a key clip. Inside the main compartment are two zipper pouches, two pen holders, a 15-inch floating laptop pocket, and another open compartment for say, a small umbrella, glasses, or even a mini hand lotion.
There's also a velcro pocket against the back that holds a piece of foam meant to add structure and comfort, but you can remove it. For protecting your phone, wallet, or passport, there's a zipper pocket right on top of the back panel, and there are loops up and down the sides for attaching a grocery bag. The shoulder straps are already comfortable, but I think they'll break in even more over time, and the back is padded well so it won't dig in. There's no side water bottle pocket, but there's more than enough room for a bottle inside.
This bag is a bit too rectangular for my taste, but it's extremely versatile. It's made of recycled polyester with a water-repellent coating, so your belongings won't be ruined in a sudden downpour. The front pocket holds all your little tchotchkes, with a few pouches and elastic loops to keep things tidy. The main compartment uses a clamshell opening, which I like for traveling, and the bottom of the bag is rigid, so a lunch box won't squish or spill. Against the back of this compartment is a faux-fur-lined slot for a 16-inch laptop, plus an additional spot for a 12.9-inch tablet. On the front is a mesh compartment that can hold a small notebook, but I stuck some shoes in there. There are two side water bottle pockets that zip closed when you aren't using them, and a pass-through on the back to stow it over your carry-on.
In the front section is a separate zipper pocket imbued with materials to block radio frequency identification. This is not necessary at all—thefts involving RFID are extremely rare, and you can read more about this here. Still, if it's something you're looking for, it's here.
No one likes hauling around a diaper bag or switching bags between “personal” and “professional” modes—it's the best way to lose lip balms or favorite pens. The Hanover 2 has a clever, padded, and detachable insert with four pockets in it. When I [Adrienne] am working, I button the insert inside to store my day planner, notebooks, coffee mug, and water bottle. [Finally, a bag maker realized I carry two reusable beverage containers every day!]
If you're a parent, you can unbutton the insert, take it out, and replace it with a diaper changing station, tiny rain jackets, and seemingly thousands of stuffed animals for the little ones. If you're not a parent, you can take out the insert for weekend trips. It's also made from lightweight 600-denier recycled polyester and weighs 1.75 pounds without the insert. The pass-through is 9 inches wide, which fits the handle of my roller bag.
North St. Morrison Backpack Pannier
While I [Adrienne] was toting around the Morrison backpack, a friend immediately said, "That's the coolest bag you've ever tested." North Street bags are made by hand in Portland, Oregon. The exterior fabric is durable 1,000-denier Cordura, and the interior is a waterproof X-Pac VX21 liner with a drawstring closure underneath a buckled flap. The interior laptop compartment is suspended over the bottom of the bag, and I like that the keyring and zipper pulls are made from bright, easily findable red webbing.
It converts from a backpack to a pannier in about a minute. Just pull the backpack straps out of the pouch on the back and clip them on, or tuck them back into the pouch to switch to the pannier clip. I didn't find the rack clips to be uncomfortable at all. North Street switched to padded straps since I tested, which may be more comfortable if bulkier.
The Dux's design takes some getting used to, but the amount of options for organizing your gear might make you forget about its looks. This bag is very structured and surrounded by foam padding, so it can take a few bumps without breaking everything inside. Unzip the front pocket to unfurl two mesh zipper pouches and an additional fuzzy zipper pocket that fits fragile gear like sunglasses. Plus there's a clip for keys, and if you need more room, you can unzip the bottom of this top pocket to directly access the main compartment of the bag.
This main section has three separate compartments you can access via either side of the bag, and it comes with a small pouch. You can fit cameras and lenses, or shoes and an outfit—whatever the day requires [you can also remove the dividers]. The side entry flaps have their own pockets too, so every little thing you need to keep track of is accounted for. The two water bottle pockets can unzip to allow for more width—handy if you're storing a tripod. The back is plushly lined with suspended pockets for a 16-inch Macbook Pro and tablet. There's yet another deep pocket on the very back of the bag near the handle, and slots on the shoulder straps to hold your phone, though it was tough to fit my iPhone 11 with a Popsocket on the back.
Balancing weight on both of your shoulders is obviously more comfortable than carrying a tote or messenger bag. However, there are situations where spinning around with a backpack could accidentally send someone flying, or a shoulder bag would look more aesthetically pleasing. Bellroy's Duo Totepack is a great convertible that's made from 30 recycled water bottles woven into a water-resistant fabric with Aquaguard water-resistant zippers. At less than 2.5 inches thick, it's slim enough to tuck under an arm with two padded grab handles but still expands to fit a laptop, water bottle, and assorted sundries. You can easily slide the backpack straps out of the back panel, clip them on, and bike away.
Be Outfitter Tahquitz 2.0 35-L
I [Medea] don't love the style of this bag, but I do prefer the Tahquitz to other roll-top bags because it can roll toward the back and clip tightly into place. It doesn't really look like a roll-top until you unclip it. In bags as in life, looks aren't everything.
Its 15-inch laptop sleeve can double as a hydration pack sleeve when you aren’t schlepping to the office [you can run the tube out of hidden ports on either shoulder]. One side pocket unzips to reveal a water bottle holder, and a cinch pull accommodates a bunch of bottle sizes. Two other pockets give you direct access to the main compartment. There's a hidden pocket in the back, which can help you protect wallets or passports from pickpockets. There's also a hip strap that can tuck away behind the cushy back panel when you aren't using it.
Timbuk2 Lane Commuter Backpack
Timbuk2's water-resistant Lane Commuter is part of its No Wet Laptops campaign. It's the smaller, stormproof version of its popular Parker backpack. The bag has its own removable rain cover stored in the bottom, the front is made from protective coated nylon, and the interior is also water-resistant. To test it, we filled the front pockets full of packets of tissues while biking through a particularly long, grim, and rainy Northwestern spring, and they all stayed miraculously dry. The bag's easy-access magnetic front pocket is useful for storing keys, all 6,000 of your favorite pens, and lip balm. It also has a big reflective panel on the bottom.
At 2.4 pounds, this bag is a little heavier and bulkier than some of our other picks, but it's worth it if you live in a part of the country where you're soaked for nine months out of the year and keep a boot dryer by your front door.
North Face Isabella Daypack
You might not need a woman-specific backpack. But it's worth considering if many backpacks are too long for your torso or don't accommodate your hips. The Isabella's straps fit my [Adrienne] smaller 5' 2" shoulders perfectly. It's miraculously light [21 ounces]; the laptop pocket is fleece-lined and suspended; and the interior fabric is also a much lighter, contrasting gray than the sleek black exterior. It's never fun to root through the bottom of a bag that is the color of a black hole.
Like the company's popular Pivoter backpack, the Isabella is separated into two compartments, which come in handy when you stop by the grocery store and want to keep two pounds of paper-wrapped raw chicken separate from your laptop. However, at 17 liters, it's very small. The easy-access front mesh pocket also isn't waterproof.
Wandrd Prvke Camera Bag V2
Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves Wandrd's Prvke series bags to hold all his gear, from his mirrorless camera and extra lenses to a 16-inch MacBook Pro and various other accessories. Despite months of regular use, it's in fantastic condition thanks to the 1,680-denier ballistic nylon exterior and the weather-resistant zippers. Lots of little pockets adorn the bag to store cables, card readers, microfiber cloths, and the like—even one underneath that houses a rain fly to keep the bag dry when it's raining.
Julian opted for the Photography Bundle, which adds a camera cube filled with foldable Velcro dividers you can use to organize camera gear and keep them secure. It's also easy to access a camera from the side pocket without needing to take off the entire backpack. Read our Best Camera Bags guide for more options.
The GoRuck GR1 was designed by an ex-member of the Special Forces, so it's tough enough to take whatever you or nature can think to dish out. Its slim profile in no way betrays its awesome carrying capacity, which is bolstered by a hefty amount of MOLLE webbing to accommodate all sorts of straps, carabiners, or other items you might choose to clip to the interior or exterior.
The thick, padded straps take a while to break in, and at 3.5 pounds it's heavy for an everyday pack. But if you’ve spent years customizing your own idiosyncratic carry system, complete with hand-sewn straps and just the right pouches for all your gear—or if you exit and enter your workplace by busting through a plate-glass window—then the GR1 will thrill you.
We've tried tons of backpacks. The ones listed here are all good choices that we think you'll be happy with depending on your need and budget.
Aer Designs Slim Pack for $115: We like this bag for quick trips where you don't need to carry everything you normally keep at your desk. It's just 8.5 liters—that's less than half of some of our picks—but it still fits a laptop and charger, wallet, water bottle, phone, plus a snack, a mask, and hand sanitizer. Its durable polyurethane coating can be easily wiped clean.
STM Goods Myth 18L Backpack for $120: Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu found that, despite the Myth's compact 18-liter size, he could easily fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro and accessories inside. The laptop is suspended to not get damaged in an accidental drop, and the thick padding helps it sit comfortably on your back. There's a handy loop you can use to hang earbuds or cables and a microfiber-lined top pocket for fragile stuff, but no side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella.
Targus 2 Office Antimicrobial Backpack for $120: Julian was a fan of this bag too, which is intended for folks who frequently switch between working from home and working at the office. Two pouches on the front attach via a looped Velcro strap, so you can easily remove them if you want to pack light. The primary touchpoints on the backpack near the zippers have an antimicrobial protective finish, which Targus says will prevent the growth of microorganisms. Don’t expect this to do much, but it might give you some peace of mind.
Incase Icon Backpack with Woolenex for $200: Incase has lots of backpack options, but Adrienne likes the low profile and durable weave of the Icon series with Woolenex [Incase's proprietary wool-polyester fabric blend]. It's abrasion-resistant and repels moisture but looks much more polished and feels more fabric-like than nylon.
Mission Workshop Rhake for $380: This roll-top bag has a ton of pockets and its two-layer weatherproof construction and Velcro closures keep the contents of the main compartment dry. It's not particularly fast or easy to access many of these pockets, it's really heavy, and while it looks cool, the price is quite steep.
Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack for $145: Dagne Dover bags are attractive and fit everything, with a loop to attach to luggage. Neoprene may be water-resistant and vegan, but it's not environmentally friendly. The company says it is working toward being more eco-conscious. We didn't try the Vida Tote [$145], but it holds a 13-inch laptop and is made of organic cotton if you want to try a different material.