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If “be more organised” was top of your New Year's resolutions list for 2024, then investing in one of the best laptop backpacks was surely second. Nothing will make lugging your MacBook, Dell, HP or whatever device you own to and from the office that little bit easier.
Pre-2020 a lot of us didn't even have laptops, but if we did they'd be left at our desks when we went home each night. Now, since hybrid working is a more permanent thing, taking your valuables with you wherever you go is somewhat of a non-negotiable, so it's important you acquire the correct protection for carrying them around. Yes, we're making direct eye contact with those of you who think one of those free cotton tote bags you get from the bookstore is a suitable method of transportation for your worldly goods.
Unaccustomed to laptop backpacks? While work bags and briefcase-style handbags often feature pockets that'll happily fit a 15-inch screen size, laptop backpacks have padded, secure compartments specifically for storing them. The best part is that they're surprisingly chic, too. So much so that you'd be happy to be seen out with them on the weekends (though maybe sans anything work-related).
Skip to: How to choose a laptop backpack | The difference between a laptop bag and a laptop backpack | How we tested them | Shop the best laptop backpacks.
After you've found a design that will fit the dimensions of your device, the next thing to think about is fabric. Opting for waterproof or roll-top design is a good place to start – the last thing you want is soggy, malfunctioning tech – and don't forget about the overall style. You want this accessory to last, so go for something classic that'll complement your workwear and beyond.
Our favourites include Antler's Chelsea Backpack which fits a 13-inch laptop, Aspinal of London's logo-embellished woven backpack for its lightweight and durable design, and Nordace's Eclat backpack for its unsuspecting and chic credentials. We also couldn't go without the Oslo backpack from Bellroy; its surprisingly spacious-yet-compressionable interior makes it the perfect travel backpack.
If you have a long daily commute and/or have a bit of a walk to get to the office, you're better off with a backpack. They're much better for your spine and shoulders thanks to the double (and adjustable) straps, and spread the weight more evenly so you don't get an achy arm. Don't worry, though, you don't have to go full-on hiker style with one that features a sternum strap.
We at GLAMOUR all work in London at least three days a week, so we've been hunting for something that'll help those early starts feel a little less stressful – and that's where laptop backpacks come in. We've rated the below designs out of five stars in terms of their durability, price, capacity and style credentials. We've also provided specifications to save you the time of searching for them yourself, alongside pros and cons to consider before purchasing.
For more from GLAMOUR UK's Senior Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
Why we love it: It comes in a range of seven colours, so there's plenty of choice, plus it's always trending on our bestsellers list.
Specifications: Measuring at 37cm x 26cm x 12cm, this laptop backpack is designed to coordinate with, and work alongside, the brand's Clifton cases courtesy of a trolley sleeve. It has a zippered pocket laptop compartment to fit up to 13 inches, and is made from water-resistant/weather-resistant and durable nylon with premium leather details with adjustable straps.
Pros: It's water-repellent (so no need for a rain cover) and comes with a detachable internal packing pocket for shoes or a change of clothes/toiletries.
Cons: If you own a 17-inch laptop, you'll have to squeeze to get it in. It's better suited to a 16.5" laptop size.
Aspinal of London Logo Embellished Woven Backpack
Why we love it: While this large capacity laptop backpack will set you back a few hundred quid, you're well and truly getting what you pay for. Aspinal of London is renowned for its craftsmanship, and this offering is no exception.
Specifications: Complete with leather trims, this wipe-clean accessory features an external zip pocket, padded back panel for laptop protection/security and shoulder straps. It also has two elasticated side pockets for bottles or umbrellas, a laptop slip pocket, an internal zip pocket and gold-tone hardware throughout. It measures at 44cm x 30.5cm x 15cm.
Pros: It'll go with virtually every office outfit you wear it with.
Cons: There are only three left at Selfridges currently.
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Targus Newport 15-Inch Laptop Backpack
Why we love it: Targus knows a thing or two about laptop backpacks, case in point with its Newport design. Both chic in design and functional, we love this style for its plentiful pockets.
Specifications: Complete with five zipped pockets as well as the dedicated laptop compartment, the Newport backpack is made from twill nylon with vegan leather/faux leather trims, and measures 11cm x 6cm x 16cm approx.
Pros: It's slimline and classy looking.
Cons: The zipped laptop sleeve is on the outside, making it slightly less safe.
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Nordace Eclat Light & Durable Backpack
Why we love it: It's big enough to use as a holdall for the weekend unless you're the heaviest of packers, plus it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane.
Specifications: Made from water-resistant fabric to a light design (only 0.89kg), this laptop backpack measures at 42cm x 28cm x 17.5cm. It has an anti-theft pocket alongside two water bottle slips, a laptop slip with cushioning, convenient USB charging port, a buckle compression strap and plenty of internal pockets for organisation and easy visibility.
Pros: Comes in three different colours.
Cons: Some reviews mention that if the bag is quite full, not all of the pockets are able to be used as the fabric becomes too tight to slot anything in.
Why we love it: Slim in structure but with plenty of space inside, with enough room for your daily essentials (plus a few extras), this style is made with durable water-resistant recycled fabric and soft microfibre trims. A win on the eco-friendly front.
Specifications: With a capacity of 16L and a weight of 650g, this 30cm x 4.4cm x 16cm laptop backpack holds a lot more than it looks capable of. It has a 13" padded laptop sleeve, a designated pocket for cables and chargers, a document slip, a quick access pocket (for keys), and its made from 100% recycled and water-resistant fabric.
Pros: It comes with a three year warranty.
Cons: Although there are five colour options, they're all quite plain.
Sam KSNYL Nylon Laptop Backpack
Why we love it: It's crafted from recycled materials, so that's already a winning factor for us, but this laptop backpack is also selling out – so clearly everyone else adores it too.
Specifications: With a capacity of 16L and a weight of 650g, this 30cm x 4.4cm x 16cm laptop backpack holds a lot more than it looks capable of. It has a 13" padded laptop sleeve, a designated pocket for cables and chargers, a document slip, a quick access pocket (for keys), and its made from 100% recycled and water-resistant fabric.
Pros: It comes with a three year warranty.
Cons: Although there are five colour options, they're all quite plain.
Why we love it: Functionality meets performance with this roll-top laptop backpack, as it's literally designed for outdoor adventures. From its reflective details to the fact it comes in nine different colourways, we can't fault it.
Specifications: With capacity for up to 20L and a designated (and, crucially, padded) section for 16-inch laptops, this silhouette is also fully waterproof. It features weatherproof bound seams, water-resistant zips, reflective logos and considered compartments for all your daily essentials. From the bike light anchor to the compression straps, there's not much it doesn't have. It measures at 63cm x 30cm x 15cm.
Pros: It's crafted with a lot of recycled materials.
Cons: One review says it scratches easily.
Herschel Supply Co. Nova Recycled Polyester Backpack
Why we love it: Road trip? Commute? Gap year? Weekend stay? There's not much this laptop backpack can't cater to.
Specifications: With a zip-fastened main compartment and neat front pocket (also zip-fastened), this silhouette caters to laptops up to 13" in size courtesy of a sleeve at the back (which is lightly padded, FYI). You'll also find a key clip, two water bottle pockets, adjustable shoulder straps, and dual top handles. 41cm x 30cm x 14cm.
Pros: It comes in several colours and you can also find them at other online retailers (Nordstrom, we're looking at you).
Cons: The bright colours often sell out.
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Why we love it: Stackers are pros when it comes to organisation and storage, and this laptop bag is exemplary of their know-how. It keeps everything neat and tidy thanks to multiple dividers and mesh pockets, making it the perfect school bag/rucksack.
Specifications: Find not one but two zipped pockets on the exterior of this bag, as well as over five interior pockets and sleeves for various devices and accessories (even a water bottle holder). Inside one pocket you'll find elasticated strips for holding things like makeup and charging leads safe. It measures at 15cm x 34.5cm x 31cm.
Pros: The padded laptop compartment is quilted as well for extra protection.
Cons: It sells out all the time.
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Why we love it: From the quiet luxury look to the sleek fabric, there's not much we can find to fault about this design.
Specifications: Made from 100% polyester with a polyurethane coating and multiple pockets, this laptop backpack fits a 13-inch laptop courtesy of a designated compartment.
Pros: It's incredibly lightweight.
Cons: Some reviewers have said it's not the most comfortable to wear due to non-padded straps and a non-padded back.
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Why we love it: It's made from water-resistant nylon, so will have your back (and your goods) when the weather takes a turn.
Specifications: This laptop backpack has an extended zipper clamshell opening for easy access and visibility. The interior organisation system features zipper and slip pockets, a water bottle pocket, and a detachable key clip keep your TSA-approved keys to your carry-on safe. The padded straps ensure comfort is maintained when worn as a shoulder bag, and the added zip laptop compartment has an iPad slip pocket that fits laptops up to 15-inches with magnetic locking zipper. It measures at 30.5cm x 15cm x 45cm and is made from nylon with leather (despite its neoprene appearance).
Pros: It packs flat in suitcases, making it a great travel bag.
Cons: The colours it comes in are all quite similar/plain.
Vancouver Water Resistant 15" Laptop Roll Top Backpack
Why we love it: Sleek, simple, and – crucially – water proof, this navy blue laptop backpack will come more than in handy for those rainy commutes into the office. No more hanging your bag out to dry on the radiators.
Specifications: Completed with a padded sleeve that can fit up to 15" laptops, this design also has an outside slip pocket, and an internal webbing/mesh phone and wallet pocket with key chain. Adjustable padded shoulder straps? You bet, plus the fold-down top means its slightly expandable too. 40cm x 30cm x 12cm.
Pros: It's currently less than £50.
Cons: Customers are saying the magnetic closure isn't very strong and has broken in some instances.
Save when you shop for the best laptop backpacks with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.
Fjällräven Kånken 17" Laptop Backpack
Why we love it: It can be a backpack when riding your bike, or a messenger bag/top-handle bag when getting on a crowded bus - two bags in one. People who are familiar with Herschel will also appreciate this brand.
Specifications: Made from 100% vinyl, this bag measures at 42cm x 30cm x 18cm. The contents are accessed via a zipper at the top and there's an exterior zippered compartment (great for storing your earbuds/headphones) as well as an inside sleeve pocket with a padded base for up to an 18-inch laptop.
Pros: It has great versatility and functionality.
Cons: It's not the smartest in comparison to the other styles.
Why we love it: The ReNew 15" Transit Backpack features an exterior laptop pocket for easy access at airport security, zip pockets for passports and tickets, interior slip pockets for magazines and notebooks, two water bottle holders, a magnetic closure, and a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage.
Specifications: Crafted with a water-resistant finish, this laptop backpack measures at 44.4cm x 30.4cm x 18.4cm. It's made from 100% recycled polyester bar the zipper teeth (which unzip super smoothly, FYI).
Pros: It has 27l capacity.
Cons: The textured fabric means that it's less easy to wipe clean.
Why we love it: It's handmade in the United Kingdom using traditional methods and techniques.
Specifications: Inside this sleek canvas laptop backpack, you'll find a protective 16-inch laptop case (compatible with hard-to-accommodate 15.6-inch laptops from brands like Apple and Microsoft), low profile pockets and a removable nylon wet compartment to keep everything in order. Externally lies a concealed front pocket to store your wallet, phone or similar technologies. It measures at 30cm x 14cm x 45cm.
Pros: It's made to last for years.
Cons: It sells out regularly, so act fast.
Zip Around Backpack in Panama
Why we love it: While this leather backpack is certainly an investment, it has also been made in Italy – so you know it's going to last a lifetime.
Specifications: Complete with adjustable shoulder straps, this pure leather bag features a fleece-lined interior where you'll find a main compartment and a padded laptop sleeve which fits a 13-inch computer (or Macbook Pro). It's complete with zipped front pocket and two further slip pockets inside for further storage, and measures at 40cm x 30cm x 11cm.
Pros: It ticks both boxes of being stylish and practical, and makes for a great gift idea for her.
Cons: It's the most expensive style in this round-up.
LOVEVOOK 17" Laptop Backpack Rucksack
Why we love it: The external USB port is our favourite feature of this smart Amazon laptop backpack.
Specifications: Water-resistant, breathable and complete with nifty pockets, this laptop backpack fits up to a 17-inch laptop. It measures at 19.8cm x 31.7cm x 43.1cm.
Pros: Comes in several different colours and patterns, and has TWO laptop compartments and an anti-theft pocket for peace of mind.
Cons: The USB charging port doesn't come with the cable or power bank.
Baby Backpack Get free delivery and save when you shop for laptop backpacks from brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Timbuk2 with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.