The 15 Best Laptop Bags [Find the Right Bag For You]
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For many in the everyday carry community, laptops are the most important (and most expensive) part of their daily carry, and figuring out how to bring one along safely and conveniently can be a big problem. Good laptop bags tend to be bigger and designed with protection in mind, with dedicated spaces for your tech hardware and enough padding to help make sure your computer survives life’s bumps and scrapes. You’re also likely to carry a lot of other office-, school-, or work-related gear like documents, stationery, and gadgets that help you get work done away from home. Hence, the added capacity and organizational space come in handy. Water resistance is important, too, because electronic tech doesn’t work well if it gets wet, after all. With that in mind, your choice of a bag to hold your laptop is very important, and to help you on your quest to find one that suits your everyday carry, we’ve rounded up a list of 15 of our favorite laptop bags that you can buy today.
Our Top Picks
The Best Overall Laptop Bag: Tom Bihn Brain Bag [Buy]
The Best Laptop Bag on a Budget: Dell EcoLoop Pro [Buy]
The Most Premium Laptop Bag: GORUCK Bullet Ruck [Buy]
The Best Gaming Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 [Buy]
The Best Laptop Bag for Students: Fjällräven Kånken [Buy]
Tom Bihn Brain Bag | Dell EcoLoop Pro | GORUCK Bullet Ruck | TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 | Fjällräven Kånken |
 |  |  |  |  |
| $$$$ | $ | $$$ | $$$ | $$ |
| Laptop Compatibility: 17" | Laptop Compatibility: 15.6" | Laptop Compatibility: 14" | Laptop Compatibility: 16" | Laptop Compatibility: 13"/15"/17" |
| Capacity: 36L | Capacity: N/A | Capacity: 16L | Capacity: 35L | Capacity: 18L |
| Key Features: Comfortable, durable, edgeless straps | Key Features: Anti-scratch Nylex lining | Key Features: 210D back panel and strap underside | Key Features: Dual water bottle pockets | Key Features: Two open side pockets |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
The Best Overall Laptop Bag: Tom Bihn Brain Bag
Purchase
The Best Laptop Bag on a Budget: Dell EcoLoop Pro
Purchase
The Most Premium Laptop Bag: GORUCK Bullet Ruck
Purchase
The Best Gaming Laptop Bag: TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 Backpack
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The Best Laptop Bag for Students: Fjällräven Kånken
Purchase
The Ridge Commuter Laptop Bag
Purchase
EVERGOODS Panel Loader Classic 20L Laptop Bag
Purchase
Aer City Pack Pro X-Pac Laptop Bag
Purchase
Mystery Ranch District 24 Laptop Bag
Purchase
Alpaka Elements Tech Brief Laptop Bag
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Waterfield Designs Vitesse Musette Plus Laptop Bag
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Mission Workshop Khyte VX Laptop Bag
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Peak Design Everyday Laptop Backpack Zip
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Incase A.R.C. Daypack Laptop Bag
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PurchaseFactors to Consider when Buying a Laptop Bag
A good laptop bag isn’t only for commutes to the office or to campus. You should be able to seamlessly transition into weekend mode without needing to change out your bag entirely. Whether you’re a student who likes hiking on the weekends or you commute to an office during the week but like to do photography after work, the bag you choose should be able to handle both. Laptop bags are typically more of an investment than a daypack with all the sensitive electronics onboard, so it’s worth knowing your use case to pick a bag that checks all the boxes.
Type
The type of laptop bag you go with will depend on your daily commute and how much you tend to carry. If you take the bus to work, then a bag then maybe you prefer a bag that can have a few different ways to carry it depending on if you can get a seat or not. For those that commute on a bike, it’s a better idea to prioritize weatherproof materials that protect your gear if you ever get caught in the rain. Others might require bags that don’t look out of place in a more corporate setting.
Size
Once you’ve figured out what you’re prioritizing, the next thing you should remember is how big of a bag you are comfortable carrying every day. This will depend entirely on what you carry in addition to your laptop. If you typically only carry your computer and maybe a pen or two, a smaller capacity bag won't be an issue for you. If you pack lunch daily and then head to the gym after work a few times a week, then a bag with a larger capacity might be better.
It’s also worth noting how big your laptop is and whether you will be replacing it soon. A smaller 13” laptop will fit in most bags fairly easily, but if you currently have or are planning to get a 15” or 17” laptop, then make sure the bag you like can handle it. Some options on this list come in multiple capacities, so in this case, it might be worth upgrading to the larger capacity so that you have some wiggle room.
Style
A bag you hate will not be a bag you use very often. Regardless of whatever cool features, hidden pockets, or material a bag might have, it’s a good idea to get a bag that you like the look of. As with most everyday carry items, the gear you use is more than just a tool that gets the job done. A backpack is no exception. Make sure that It’s something you enjoy using, whether because of the aesthetic or the craftsmanship that went into making it.
Material
The material that a bag is made from can have a huge impact on its overall aesthetic. Plus, your laptop is most likely the most expensive piece of gear that you’ll have on you, so making sure the bag you choose adequately protects your investment is a good idea. A material like X-Pac is super water-resistant but has a somewhat tactical aesthetic that might not work for everyone. Similarly, a classic waxed canvas messenger bag might look out of place if you're rocking GORE-TEX from head to toe. Of course, that’s entirely up to you to decide, but being familiar with what materials look and feel like is a good idea.
Any ballistic nylon, CORDURA, X-Pac, or waxed canvas material will likely be enough to cover your bases. Still, if the bag you like doesn’t have any of those materials, it might be worth getting a rain cover to protect your gear. Then there are also the zippers and shoulder straps to look into. If you carry a heavy 17” laptop plus accessories daily, it’s worth getting a backpack with a comfortable harness, contoured shoulder straps, or sternum straps that will help distribute the weight evenly to take the pressure off your lower back. For anyone looking into messenger bags, a cycling strap might be a good idea, even if you’re not a cyclist, just to ease the weight distribution.
Budget
As is the case with all everyday carry gear, laptop backpacks can range wildly in price. If you want more premium features or materials, be prepared to splurge. While there are plenty of affordable options, there are also plenty of not-so-affordable ones. It’s probably better to check with your budget first and then find the best bag that fits within it, versus picking the bag first and then scrambling to find the budget.
Which Bag is Best For Laptops?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this, but depending on your use case, there are some features that make a bag more likely to protect your expensive laptop.
Padding
A bag that has good padding is key. Not only in the laptop compartment but also on the shoulder straps and back padding. You want to protect your laptop from any bumps, but you also want to protect your back from the pressures of carrying a heavy bag daily.
False Bottom
If you tend to place your bag down on the floor often, whether riding on the subway or just in between classes, a false bottom is important. This bag suspends your laptop off the ground so that it never actually hits the ground when you put the bag down. This can save you from those heart-stopping moments when you put your bag down a little harder than intended and hear an expensive thump.
Weather Protection
Unless you live in a desert, getting a bag that will protect your gear from rain is essential. It doesn’t matter how nice your bag is if it isn’t at least a little water-resistant because one downpour can destroy everything inside. Bags that are made with weatherproof materials tend to be a little on the pricier side, but this is one aspect of the bag that’s worth splurging for unless you want to also add a rain cover to your everyday carry.
Soft Lining
It’s safe to assume that the laptop you carry every day is not something you’d be okay with constantly replacing. Laptops are expensive, so a bag that has a soft interior or added padding for a little extra protection is always nice. You can always throw your laptop in a dedicated sleeve first for even more protection, but a little soft lining in the laptop compartment never hurt anyone.
Laptop Bag FAQ
Are laptop bags worth it?
A good laptop bag is, without a doubt a worthy investment. Not only will it protect your laptop from accidents but a great laptop bag can double as an excellent weekender or hiking backpack as well.
What is the best way to carry your laptop?
The best way to carry your laptop is in a bag with a dedicated padded laptop compartment. Most people don’t walk around with their cash and credit cards loose in their pockets, and most people shouldn’t walk around without some kind of bag for their laptop.
What are some tips for buying a laptop bag?
When buying a laptop bag, first make sure that it’s big enough to carry your particular model. Then you want to see if the materials that the bag is made from is weatherproof. If it is, great! If not, then you should either keep looking or also look into picking up a rain cover just in case. Lastly, make sure you’re sticking to your budget. There are a lot of great, expensive bags, but there are also plenty of great inexpensive ones as well. Find one that checks all your boxes before making a final decision because your perfect bag is out there somewhere.
What are the benefits of laptop bags?
A good laptop bag can protect your most expensive gear and give you peace of mind. Plus, laptop bags are typically big enough and tough enough to withstand a weekend adventure or some heavy travel. A good laptop bag will also distribute the weight of your load evenly to minimize negative effects on your lower back as well.
How we picked
Decades of experience and deep connections in the everyday carry industry give us a unique viewpoint on the market to inform our product recommendations. We have the depth of information for thousands of products that have come before and an extensive eye on the market to see what’s new and trending for each piece of gear. The result is a buying guide that we feel is informative and useful for every trade, industry, and budget.
What is Everyday Carry?
Everyday Carry is both the concept of what people carry in their pockets and the process of picking out gear that thoughtfully considers what one wants or needs in their daily lives. It encompasses everything from style to preparedness to utility, meaning an entire industry full of valuable tools and essentials to choose from.
Why you should trust us
Our team has decades of combined experience in all aspects of everyday men’s essentials, from wallets to pens to bags and everything in between, and we know where to find great gear ideas that you may not come across at your local stores or when shopping online. Our expertise with the industry and familiarity in design, materials, and usability help you make more informed choices when it comes to picking up your next piece of gear.
In addition to their expertise in the tech realm, Adam possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience in everyday carry gear ranging from watches to niche carabiners. He has used more backpacks than he can count, a plethora of different kinds of wallets, all kinds of multi-tools, and many random gadgets that never even make it into a recommended buying guide. Adam has developed a deep understanding of the nuances and practicality that make these items indispensable to modern-day life.
Adam is an avid runner and reader in their spare time and loves to learn random skills. Adam is the go-to resource if you are looking for an expert opinion on a product or want to learn more about everyday carry. They are happy to answer any questions and help you find the best products for your needs.
Bernard is known for bringing everyday carry out of obscurity and into the mainstream, having been published or featured in various publications such as GQ, TIME Magazine, The New York Times, VICE, HYPEBEAST, Outside, and many others. He has also played a part in curating, designing, and developing digital and physical products, resulting in successful crowdfunding projects or limited edition collaboration products with established softgoods brands. He stays on the pulse of the EDC industry by attending trade shows, participating in online interest communities, and actively engaging with fellow gear enthusiasts on social media.
In addition to being the editor-in-chief and main social media personality for EverydayCarry.com, Bernard is an avid gearhead and collector in general. His personal collections span technical bags, fountain pens, digital cameras, retro gaming hardware, personal hi-fi audio gear, and mechanical wristwatches, to name a few. Bernard Capulong is a prominent figure and trusted authority in the everyday carry industry with a career dedicated to helping people discover this hobby and stay prepared with quality gear.
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