The 12 Best Backpacks for Carrying Your Laptop in 2021

Published: Author: Abby Helgeson

The best way to ensure your laptop stays safe from any harm is to invest in a laptop backpack. Travel from work or school more comfortably with all of your essentials right on your back. If you tend to use messenger bags, briefcases, or rolling bags, it may be time to make the switch. Laptop backpacks are more spacious and allow you to pack all of your necessities easily while holding most of the weight for you. That way your back isn’t aching after a long day of commuting. However, with so many options of laptop backpacks to choose from, it may be tricky to figure out which fits best into your lifestyle. That is why we have put together a list of what we think are the best laptop backpacks in 2021. Keep on scrolling to find out which one is the best fit for you!

Best Overall

Life in Motion Linked Charging Computer Backpack

The Life in Motion charging backpack is hands down our favorite laptop backpack out of this selection. It checks all of our boxes for organization, mobile charging, carrying capacity, and is travel friendly. It has an integrated 5,000 mAh power bank that allows you to charge two devices simultaneously. The front zipper pocket has a ton of organization methods for cables, pens, and your tablet or smartphone. Letting you charge your devices inside your bag whilst staying organized. This bag also includes a laptop sleeve, a trolley strap, and water bottle sleeves on the sides. Not to mention, this laptop backpack has a professional, asymmetrical design. This backpack is definitely worth adding to your shopping list.

Best for Organization

Samsonite Kombi Large Backpack

This Samsonite backpack is designed specifically for those of you with a crazy busy work life. With a clean design, genuine leather accents, and a ton of storage space, the Samsonite backpack is perfect for business professionals. Aside from its laptop compartment, it has three additional compartments to store your belongings, and the front pocket has three pen slots, cardholders, a tablet sleeve, and even more compartments for your organizational needs. This backpack has everything you need to keep all of your belongings nice, neat, and organized.

Best Eco-Friendly Backpack

Parkland Kingston Plus Computer Backpack

Parkland backpacks are hands down the best sustainable backpacks in the game. With the front exterior made entirely out of recycled water bottles and an amazing simplistic design, this bag is not one to miss out on. There are multiple pockets for organization, a 15-inch laptop sleeve, and four amazing color options to choose from. The Parkland team prides themselves on sustainability and change, making them a great choice for your backpack needs. After all, shopping sustainably is how we keep our beautiful green planet… well, green!

Best for Athletes

Nike Utility Speed Backpack

Need a bag for both school and training sessions? The Nike Utility Speed Backpack is sure to be glued to your back from now on. This bag has a sleek design with three color options available and durable construction that is sure to protect your necessities. The main zippered compartment opens wide and flat for easy access to gear and has a laptop sleeve that fits 15-inch laptops. This bag includes zippered compartments for quick access to smaller items, has side sleeves that can hold up to 32-ounce water bottles, and padded shoulder straps with Max Air to bring you even more comfort. Don’t miss out on this superb backpack that is perfect for athletes!

Best for Commuters

OGIO Sly Pack

This stylish, lightweight pack fits most 15” laptops and is perfect for those who commute daily. With easy access to the top compartment, you’ll have no problem pulling out your train tickets, keys, and wallet for your daily commute. The front compartment has a deluxe organization panel that has three pen slots and extra pockets to help you stay organized. If you pack a lot inside your commuter bag, the OGIO Sly Pack has more than enough space for your valuables. This bag also has padded backing and padded straps ensuring that you will stay comfortable, even with a heavier load on your back. This OGIO backpack is sure to make your daily commute a lot easier.

Best for Fashion

Westbridge Leather Rucksack

Make a statement with this vintage-inspired, genuine leather backpack. This backpack screams professionalism and style! Including an interior padded laptop compartment, as well as an interior zipper pocket, two exterior storage pockets, and a magnetic snap closure. This bag is practical, as well as stylish. It is important to note that since this backpack is made from genuine leather there may be irregularities in the consistency of the overall look of the bag. But that is only because you are buying real, genuine leather. Look at it this way, each piece is beautiful and unique.

Best for Your Tech Needs

Volt Charging Backpack

Don’t stress about your phone or laptop running out of power ever again, with the Volt Charging Backpack. This charging bag is perfect for those of you with a busy work life that need to get things done on the go. With a patent-pending design, this bag helps with cord management and easily allows you to keep your cords organized in your bag while charging. You can even keep your phone charging as you travel from place to place, by placing your phone in the pocket on the shoulder strap. Made with sport mesh back panels and padded straps, comfortability is not a problem with this bag. Includes a water bottle sleeve and laptop sleeve for up to 15” laptops or tablets as well. The power bank is not included.

Best Basic Pack

JanSport Big Student Backpack

If you are looking for a simplistic backpack the JanSport Big Student Backpack is your best bet! This bag has a very modest design and three color options available. It is constructed with durable, polyester fabric. Featuring two large compartments with internal organization, mesh padding on the back panel and two zippered pockets on the front allowing for extra storage. This basic backpack is great for those of you who strive for comfort on a day-to-day basis.

Best for Travel

Solo Grand Travel TSA Backpack

This TSA checkpoint-friendly backpack is sure to be every traveler’s best friend. Complete with a 15 inch padded laptop sleeve, three extra front-exterior zippered pockets, a trolley strap, and a 5-year limited warranty. This bag has a lie-flat front compartment for fast TSA checks, a buckled garment strap to carry extra clothes, and three zipper compartments inside for storing toiletries. As a bonus, this bag has two different straps to easily grab and carry your things, one on the top and the other on the side. This bag is basically a suitcase disguised as a backpack. Soon to be your favorite traveling companion!

Best Budget Pick

Lancaster Backpack Tote

The Lancaster backpack tote is the perfect backpack for those of you who don’t want to spend too much but still want a stylish bag that gets the job done. This bag is made of a durable polyester material that has a two-tone heathered grey color, making it a very fashionable bag, that goes with any outfit. (If that is a concern for you, of course.) The main advantage of this bag is its versatility. There is a top handle for carrying it as a tote bag, and shoulder straps for using it as a backpack. That way you don’t have to check your bag wherever you end up going, since it is not “technically” a backpack. If you are wanting to use this as a laptop backpack it fits up to 15.5-inch laptops as well. There are more durable bags available elsewhere, but this backpack is a great option for inexpensive laptop backpacks.

Best for Packing Extra

Basecamp Sherpa Backpack

This Basecamp backpack is perfect for those who travel for work or like to go on adventures, but need to get some work done at the same time. With a ton of storage space, this bag allows you to pack a lot of equipment and has extra padding on the back and straps to make your commute more comfortable. This bag can act as your work backpack, traveling companion, and camping pack, all in one! It has an RFID shielding pocket that defends against unauthorized scanning, a TSA-friendly laptop pocket, and includes mountaineering-style webbing for exterior attachment points. There is a water bottle sleeve on the side of the pack, as well as four extra pockets that are water-resistant. This heavy-duty backpack is sure to make your life a whole lot easier and hold up for a long period of time.

Best Small & Compact Backpack

Beckett Slim Convertible Computer Portfolio

If you are in the market for a small laptop backpack that still has ample storage space, this backpack is the one for you! Including a large main compartment for storing essential items, a laptop sleeve that fits up to a 15-inch laptop, and a front zippered pocket for smaller items, this bag has plenty of storage space. The main advantage of this bag is its 3-in-1 design. The convertible straps allow you to use it as a portfolio, a messenger bag, or a backpack. It is basically three backpacks in one! Slim, versatile, and inexpensive. This Beckett backpack is a keeper!

Runner Ups

Backpacks that didn’t quite make the cut, but are still definitely worth taking a look at:

Oxygen 25 - 25L Backpack: A tech backpack with cord pass-through to all pockets. Perfect for those wanting to charge their devices on the go!
Anza Backpack: A classic backpack with lots of padding for a more comfortable wear-time. This backpack is lightweight and has a unique, cool-toned color combination.
Kenneth Cole Double Pocket 15 Computer Backpack: This Kenneth Cole backpack has tons of storage space and different compartments to store your items. Making this a great bag for business travel!
Thule EnRoute 15” Laptop Backpack: A runner up for the daily commuter. This Thule brand backpack has a smaller construction to easily place under a train seat or airplane seat, while still having enough space for all of your valuables.
Solo Draft Backpack: A well-constructed backpack that is perfect for students and business professionals alike!
Heritage Supply Tanner Sling Backpack: For those of you who love sling backpacks but need more storage space. The Heritage Supply Sling Backpack is the perfect choice for you!

We hope you found this list of our favorite laptop backpacks useful. Be sure to keep in mind the carrying capacity, the overall look of the backpack, and your lifestyle, when coming to a final decision on your computer backpack. There you have it, folks! You are on your way to a more organized work-life, and a stress-free commute.

Looking to find out more about the different types of backpacks? Check out our backpacks buying guide. If you are looking to personalize the perfect custom laptop backpacks for your employees, send a live chat or call us at 888-515-1026, and we will help you along your promotional journey today!