For office workers and students alike, choosing the best backpack or best laptop bag can help you manage your commute more easily. Offering compact storage for your laptop and other devices, they’re handy for keeping everything stored securely in one place.
However, no two backpacks are exactly the same, so it’s worth diving deeper into the available options to figure out what type of bag fits your needs best.
Doubtless, you’re going to want something that can comfortably hold a decent size laptop, with space for any accompanying cables, cords and peripherals. You might want pockets for a power bank, phone, or notebooks too. Or side storage for a water bottle, so that you can stay hydrated on the move.
Choosing something comfortable is paramount, and it’s a good idea to look at the durability and adjustability of the bag and its straps. And with all that tech stowed away inside, you might want to consider a backpack that offers waterproof or water-resistant protection against the elements.
Additionally, it’s worth bearing in mind that selecting one of the cheaper options could be a false economy, and might result in you having to fork out for a replacement sooner than you’d like. Plus, you want to ensure all that precious cargo doesn’t become compromised inside a low quality backpack.
We’ve road-tested some of the best backpacks for ferrying your tech from A to B, offering secure storage solutions for your laptop, macbook, or ultrabook. Our selection caters to all budgets, so that you and your gear can travel in comfort and style, no matter how deep your pockets are.
The best backpack in 2024
Topo Designs is not really a name in the campus-trekking communities. It is, however, well-known among the outdoorsy types that navigate the wilds with the help of this company’s products. That said, the Topo Designs Daypack Classic is equally at home among matriculating students. Maybe they won’t take advantage of the ice axe loop, but there’s plenty else that makes this a great option.
First, this one’s a looker with quite a few different colorways for a little bit of personal expression. And, the eco-conscious will appreciate the fact this model is made completely from recycled materials.
More importantly, it has plenty of space with its 21.6 litres of capacity spread across a main compartment and a front, surprisingly deep pocket. There are two included padded sleeves for those toting two devices around though we suggest keeping your larger device in the internal one while keeping using the external one for smaller devices like iPads as it can be a bit tight for some 15-inch laptops, despite what Topo says. Like any good backpack, there’s also a side water bottle pocket.
This backpack from Jansport is not groundbreaking with its design, but its classic styling may be just the ticket for some. It comes in a number of colorways including a few fun ones that will let you or your household student express themselves a little.
More importantly, it’s more than just the basic backpack that everyone’s used to, even if that’s what it looks like at first glance. There are two full compartments along with a padded laptop sleeve that can fit up to a 14-inch laptop (you can fit bigger if you bring your own) as well as a front pocket and a side water bottle pocket that really provides everything most students really need.
While the materials are about as exciting as its classic design, they’re durable and that’s what matters most. No one wants a backpack to rip open on their way home from school, or, god forbid, while going between classes. Oh, and did we mention that it’s cheap?
The Hex Technical Backpack lives up to its name with an extensive number of compartments to store everything from hard drives to battery packs, including a top pocket for a wireless charging pack (Hex wireless power bank sold separately), though other wireless charging packs will fit as well, making it an excellent companion for traveling or long commutes when you might need some extra juice for a phone of tablet.
The number of compartments and organizing pockets is also impressive, though the actual interior compartment capacity is less so, coming in at just 17.5L. This can still hold the essentials, including a 16-inch laptop, but you'll need to use the space efficiently if you're going on a longer trip.
Fortunately, the material construction is very durable and features an antimicrobial exterior shell, so you don't need to worry too much about what it's picking up from sitting on the floor of a bus terminal or subway car. If you're looking for something with more capacity though, check out the Solo NY Grand Travel TSA, which has nearly twice the space and a decent number of pockets and compartments.
Read the full Hex Technical Backpack review
The Solo NY Grand Travel TSA backpack isn't going to appear on a fashion runway anytime soon, but that's fine, since this backpack is meant for another kind of runway. This has been our go-to backpack for traveling back and forth between major events in recent months thanks to its high capacity and it's durable and TSA checkpoint-friendly design for faster opening and access to clear an airport checkpoint faster.
This made out travels easier than ever. Meanwhile, the interior compression straps let us pack our tech and change of clothes nice and tight to cut down on bulk and save us the hassle of trying to squeeze it under the seat in front of us on a plane.
The 17.3-inch laptop sleeve is also one of the largest we've come across, so if you've got a beast of a mobile workstation, this bag can more than accommodate it. If you're looking for something less bulky (and more stylish), then definitely give the Hex Technical Backpack a look, as it does a lot of what the Solo Grand Travel TSA does in a tighter space.
For some people, you can never have enough compartments or pockets. Unfortunately, most backpacks out there really just give you a handful of them, which is probably what sets the Mous 25L apart from the rest of the set. This robust pack has a healthy helping of compartments - 17 of them, to be exact, which is more than double than others.
Those compartments alone won't justify its steep price, but there's also more to love here. We found it to be one of the most robust and thoughtfully-design backpacks out there. For one, it's an ultra-protective backpack made with water-resistant materials such as carbonated nylon, PU coating, and AquaGuard YKK zips to ensure rain and splashes don’t reach your gear. We've traveled this backpack a lot, and it's kept our devices safe, sound, and splash-free. It also comes with a magnetic Fidlock security latch, which serves to prevent thieves from quickly accessing the top of the backpack.
Of course all these come with a weight compromise. This backpack weighs in at 1.8kg while empty, which is pretty heavy. It's just something to keep in mind when packing.
Read the full Mous 25L review
If you ever need to go from work to the nearest hiking trail, the Lo & Sons Hakuba backpack might be just what you're looking for. This is easily the best backpack for a versatile transition from work to play (or more work in the gym).
The Hakuba features a huge interior compartment with organizing insert and expandable water bottle pocket on the side. Plus, it has a separate shoe compartment on the bottom to keep sweaty gym shoes and clothes apart from important work materials.
Like most other Lo & Sons products though, your color options are somewhat limited, though if you've ever wanted a navy blue camo backpack, Lo & Sons has you covered. While not the cheapest backpack going, you can still get a good deal with the occasional sale on the Lo & Sons website.
Read the full Lo & Sons Hakuba review
Tips for shopping for the best backpack in 2023
What is the best backpack brand?
There’s no shortage of quality backpack manufacturers, and no clear winner in the best backpack brand stakes. Each offers unique storage solutions to suit different requirements.
There are excellent backpacks available from the likes of The North Face, Timbuk2, Osprey, and Patagonia, which are great for everyday commuting, with plenty of dedicated storage space for all the essentials. Though arguably they lack a little something in the style stakes.
If you’re after a trendier alternative, you’ll find some colorful and funkier offerings from Fjallraven, Everlane, or Herschel. They may be a little lighter on built-in storage space, but they can still hold everything you need. Plus, they’ll help you stand out from the crowd when you’re on campus.
What is the best backpack to get for school?
For school and college students the best backpacks will offer a good blend of style and practicality. With ample space for laptops and notebooks, and a look that will help you stand out from the crowd.
Choices such as the Osprey Nebula 32 provide a good balance of comfort, organization and style, with dedicated laptop storage and a cool design.
Whereas if style is more your thing, you may favor the more vintage design of the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop backpack. It’s great for midsize loads, with plenty of storage for a laptop and notebooks, and has a durable waterproof design that comes in a variety of different color tones.
What is the best backpack for commuting?
For commuting to the office or working remotely, you’ll want a backpack that offers reliable and secure storage for your gear. You need something comfortable to wear with a decent capacity for storing all the essentials.
And if time is a critical factor in your daily schedule, you might want something that can accommodate gym wear, too. So if you’re headed for a workout straight from the office, you should look at a larger capacity backpack of, say, 30 liters or more.
For the daily essentials only, a 20 liter backpack may be more than sufficient. In either case, you should look for something with safe laptop storage, that’s durable and sturdy enough to withstand the odd few knocks on the train or at the airport.
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