For many in the EDC 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 EDC laptop bags that you can buy today.
Sometimes the best laptop bag is the one that can fit all of your stuff. If you need a great quality bag with a large capacity, check out the Tom Bihn Brain bag. This 36L backpack is made with ballistic nylon and features YKK zippers for added durability. It has two main compartments to hold your laptop and tablet (or two or laptops) via Tom Bihn’s Cache system, and a spare change of clothes in the other. There are also a total of four quick-access pockets along the outside. The edgeless shoulder straps, mesh back panel, and compression straps make for a comfortable bag and adjustable to your needs. There’s even an external mesh pocket for your water bottle so you can stay hydrated throughout the day.
You don’t have to break the bank to get a great laptop backpack. The Dell EcoLoop Pro doesn’t only get the job done but also outdoes other options in certain aspects. It has a weather-resistant exterior thanks to an 840D fabric construction with anti-scratch Nylex lining. It also has plenty of built-in internal organization that can hold up to a 17” laptop and most of its peripherals. It features dedicated spots for a tablet, keyboard, your mouse, and there’s even a spot for your headphones. The laptop compartment is also completely surrounded by EVA+ foam for even more protection against accidental drops or mishaps.
Many will rightly argue that GORUCK bags are expensive, but no one can say they’re poorly constructed. If you want a bag that can take a beating on your commute, then the Bullet Ruck is it. This rainproof 16L daypack can fit up to a 14” laptop and has an integrated frame sheet to help you carry it more effectively. Padded shoulder straps live up to the GORUCK standard (now with a less-abrasive 210D material, along with the back panel), and YKK zippers keep your gear safe from a passing storm. The bag opens flat, so you can easily pack it, and three rows of external MOLLE webbing let you kit out your bag even more if you want to lock in your EDC.
If you do a lot of gaming on your laptop, then some of these other options aren’t going to cut it for the larger and thicker models out there. Instead, check out the TIMBUK2 x ASTRO Gaming BP35 backpack. It has a huge 35L capacity, and the internal organization is so next level that you can comfortably carry two 16” laptops and a tablet with room to spare for a gaming headset anc charger. It’s made with a water-resistant fabric to keep all your gear safe from rain and has a padded back panel to help carry all that gear a little easier on your back. Whether you’re a pro or just have to often travel for work and want to bring your gaming laptop along, this backpack has a unique feature set that’s hard to find anywhere else.
Fjällräven makes all kinds of outdoor gear and apparel, but one of its most popular items is the Kånken. This eye-catching square backpack has risen in popularity over the last few years in no small part due to its practical design and wide selection of color options. It’s offered in 13L, 15L, or 17L, so you can get one with a capacity that matches your needs. It’s made from an abrasion and water-resistant fabric called Vinylon F that only looks better with time. The main compartment is just a large space with no organization save for a mesh pocket for your smaller items and a sleeve for a laptop. The top handles also make it easy to carry at your side if space is limited and a large pocket on the front gives you easy access to smaller items like subway cards or pens.
While a backpack is great, you shouldn’t overlook a good messenger bag. Not only does the Bellroy Tokyo Work Laptop bag have the capacity to hold everything you need, but it also has a more professional vibe that won’t look out of place in the office. It has a padded sleeve that can hold up to a 16” Macbook Pro, a tablet or notebook, a few organizers, a pair of glasses, and even a side pocket for your water bottle. The detachable shoulder strap allows you to change how you carry your gear if you want. So you can convert the shoulder bag into a laptop briefcase-style bag a more minimalist approach. It also has a luggage pass-through, making it a solid carry-on for your next trip.
If you’re looking for a no-nonsense classic-style backpack, then the EVERGOODS Panel Loader Classic might be worth checking out. This 20L pack was designed to be the perfect daily driver. It’s made using a high-quality 1680D water-repellent ballistic nylon and has curbed shoulder straps, making it more comfortable to shoulder the weight. It has an accessible front pocket for frequently used items, and the main compartment doesn’t skimp on organization either. There are two zippered pockets (one mesh) and plenty of sleeves and pockets for notebooks, tablets, or pens. Then there’s the floating laptop pocket which keeps your laptop suspended off the floor to prevent any damage from accidental drops.
The base CORDURA 24L Aer City Pack Pro was already a great laptop bag thanks to how it handles organizing your essentials. Now that it’s available in (non-limited!) X-Pac, it’s an even more tempting option. The X-Pac construction means that the bag maintains its water resistance but sheds 0.2 pounds off its overall weight, which can make all the difference towards the end of a long day. This bag has everything you’d expect from a premium laptop bag, including a side water bottle pocket, multiple external quick-access pockets, and a dedicated laptop compartment to go along with the main one. The inside is lined with a high-vis orange lining, making it easier to find what you’re looking for in low light.
Mystery Ranch offers many great EDC options to help carry your gear, but the District 24 stands out if you want a good laptop bag. It can hold up to a 17” laptop with plenty of room to spare for anything else you might need throughout the day. Whether you’re a student that needs to pack in a few extra books or a commuter that needs to pack a spare change of clothes, it has you covered. It’s made of 420D recycled CORDURA nylon fabric and has YKK DWR zippers for a reliably smooth zip. The quick-access pocket on the front and the main compartment are both lined with a high-vis orange on the black and taupe models, but you can also go for all blue to entirely gray if that’s more your style. If you want a bag you can rely on throughout the work week and then into whatever adventure the weekend brings, this bag is for you.
If you prioritize traveling light over all else, then the Alpaka Elements Tech Brief laptop bag should be on your shortlist. This 7L crossbody bag was designed so that every item you have can have its own dedicated spot against its high-vis orange interior. It can hold up to a 16-inch laptop and still have plenty of space for an iPad, a notebook or two, pens, pencils, and an external battery pack. There are 17 internal pockets in total to do with as you wish. All of that is protected by a robust exterior made with weatherproof X-Pac VX42 and waterproof zippers. The removable padded shoulder strap also has a magnetic buckle so you can easily remove it once you reach your destination.
For anyone that’s not looking to bring a backpack into the office or happens to cycle to work, check out the Vitesse Musette Plus laptop bag by Waterfield Designs. It differs from other bags on this list and has a more classic aesthetic. The 11L bag is made of 15oz waxed canvas which protects your gear from rain. The bag and can fit up to a 16” Macbook Pro, though if you’re going to be cycling, it’s probably a good idea to also stash your laptop in a protective sleeve first, just in case. Along with a spot for your laptop, there are two smaller pockets in the main compartment perfect for charging cables or notebooks, and then there’s the main compartment itself. The cycling stability strap is optional, but for just an extra $10, it’s worth picking up. If you’re looking for a professional messenger bag that checks all the boxes and looks good, this is your bag.
If you’re looking for a bulletproof option for cycling, then Mission Workshop is always worth a visit. The company specializes in tough gear for people who cycle, which means its bags are more than sufficient for EDC purposes. Take the Khyte VX laptop bag. Its large capacity matches some of the bigger backpacks on this list, and the VX21 fabric keeps the rain on the outside where it belongs. It has a dedicated padded laptop sleeve along the back that lets you access up to a 15” laptop without needing to open the main 24L compartment. Two magnetic Fidlock buckles keep the bag securely fastened while riding, and the top flap sinches down to remove any extra space so it’ll stay flat against your back. Nothing from Mission Workshop is cheap, but if you want a cycling messenger bag that will last, this is well worth the cash.
Whether your EDC includes a camera and a few lenses or you just like having a separation between the gear in your bag, the Peak Design Everyday Laptop Backpack is a great option worth considering. It has a dedicated zippered laptop compartment that can hold a 15” laptop without issue. This leaves the main 20L compartment so you can organize your gear how you see fit. When packing, you can move the internal dividers around for extra modularity or remove them altogether if you need maximum space. The bag is also completely weatherproof and has comfortable straps and an underrated side handle, which gives you an alternate way to carry it when your back needs a break.
The A.R.C. Daypack features a low-profile, elegant look that doesn’t scream "laptop backpack" to the world. Differentiating itself from many day packs in the industry that feature a big cavernous main compartment, Incase's Daypack features a plethora of inner sleeves and pockets that help organize your everyday carry essentials and put everything in its place. Its padded, faux-fur-lined laptop compartment fits up to 16” MacBook and up to 12.9” iPad, and its organizational features help when you’re trying to find a specific piece of gear quickly too, a big boon in a crowded bag full of cables, adaptors, and other tech tidbits.
Osprey’s line of outdoors and travel bags are well-regarded in the community. Not only do they build their gear sustainably, but they also stand by their products with a lifetime warranty. They’ll repair any damage or defect to their bags or replace them if they cannot. Their Arcane Large Day Pack is made for frequent travels with 20 liters of space for your essentials, a padded laptop sleeve for up to a 15" device, and a water bottle pocket to stay hydrated throughout the day. The bag is also made out of certified recycled fabrics: each one of these bags saves 10.5 plastic bottles from a landfill.
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 EDC 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 EDC 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 EDC.
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 EDCers of 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.
I lost my Job few months ago,my wife left me ,could not get income for my family, things was so tough and I couldn't get anything for my children, not until a met a recommendation on a page writing how Mr Bernie Wilfred helped a lady in getting a huge amount of profit every 6 working days on trading with his management on the cryptocurrency Market, to be honest I never believe it but I took the risk to take a loan of $2000. and I contacted him unbelievable and I was so happy I earn $22,500 in 6 working days, the most joy is that I can now take care of my family I don't know how to appreciate your good work Mr. Bernie Doran God will continue to bless you for being a life saver I have no way to appreciate you than to tell people about your good trade management system. For a perfect investment and good strategies contact Mr Bernie Doran via WhatsApp :+1(424)285-0682 or Telegram : @Bernie_fx or Gmail : [email protected]
Odd choice (to quote Sebastian Maniscalco, "aren't you embarrassed??") to omit the Evergoods CPL24, while including the vastly inferior (for laptop carry) PLC20.
Thank you for the info. The new bag BP23 from Nitecore also an great option with sweet price.The front pannel design for quick accessing in any direction are the plus point.
![The 15 Best Laptop Bags [Find the Right Bag For You]](https://cdn.everydaycarry.com/uploads/22-10-30/1635e952d04932.jpg)
Discussion (6 total)