13 of the best laptop backpacks

There's a reason Samsonite is known for the quality and durability of their suitcases, and the brand has also lived up to its reputation in the broader world of travel accessories. This OpenRoad business backpack is a well-designed backpack that may look simple, but is equipped with all the features necessary to make it a versatile travel and day-to-day companion.

Its laptop compartment resides in the backside of the bag, protected when worn by the front and main pockets and is cushioned (with memory foam padding to boot) against possible scratches. It's got a smaller pocket for a tablet in the same space as well as a Velcro strap to keep either device from sliding around if it's smaller than was intended for. That compartment opens up to halfway with a zipper so that your laptop is easy to slide out at any time, and the padding on its back doubles as a strap to fasten it to any rolling suitcase's handle.

The main compartment has two dividers for files or documents you may want to keep from getting wrinkled, as well as a zip pocket for smaller items you don't want to have to fish around the bottom for. There's also a front zip pocket as well for essentials, complete with a clip to attach keys to. Though they don't look it, the side pockets are big enough for a standard water bottle, since they have some stretch to them. If you're trying to pack clothes or bulkier items, the various dividers might get in the way — either way, the bag itself won't carry bulkier items like large jackets, but there's plenty of room for travel essentials and more.

The Samsonite OpenRoad backpack is perfect for professionals and students alike who want a compact, efficient backpack that will last through the years.

Gamers, rejoice. For every minor to major inconvenience you have faced when it comes to finding the perfect backpack to transport your precious gaming goods, the Everki Titan is the answer. Seriously though.

Unlike most of the backpacks on our list (and most laptop backpacks in general) that typically fit laptops up to 17 inches diagonally, the Titan has a dedicated ultra-soft padded laptop compartment that'll hold larger laptops measuring up to 18.4 inches. You'll also have room to pack all of your necessary accessories (headset, power block, mouse, etc.) One of the most impressive parts about the Titan is how it caters to its owner's convenience. 

The 180-degree foldout design makes all of the bag's contents easily accessible, while making it totally checkpoint-friendly. The multiple compartments and pockets on the inside are contrasting colors, making it super simple to stay organized and know exactly where to grab when you need something. It comes with a media player outlet to avoid the annoyance of wires tangling around your backpack straps, and utilizes a five-point balance strap system, which features pillow-soft straps adjustable at the shoulders, two quick-slide straps at the bottom, and one across the chest. This comfort-conscious system is designed to distribute the weight across your body, reduce strain, and provide you with maximum comfort and breathability. To top it all off: the Titan is water-resistant, so your precious cargo will be safe even in inclement weather. 

It should come as no surprise that The North Face ranks high on our list. Known for designing gear aimed at athletes and outdoor adventurers, The North Face creates products to withstand extreme conditions. The same standards apply to their Borealis Backpack.

Pretty much everything on this backpack is heavily padded. It features custom injection-molded shoulder straps and a super padded mesh back panel, so even if you pack this thing to the max, it should still feel comfortable on your back and be able to get you through the day without feeling the pain (if not the weight) of straps digging into your shoulders. The laptop compartment is also extra protective, so there's no need to worry about your laptop getting all banged up or damaged. The top handle is also padded for a comfortable grip, and it comes complete with a sternum strap and removable waist belt, should you need them. 

Apart from the comfort-minded design, the Borealis also has multiple compartments and stretchy mesh pockets for bottles of water. Each of these pockets are made of sturdy, durable materials — your back will give out before the bottom of this backpack does. Whether you're trekking through the mountains with heavy gear or walking across campus with textbooks, the Borealis is designed to handle it easily, all while providing you with maximum comfort.

If you've ever shopped for a backpack for back-to-school season, the classic navy-and-maroon-colored JanSport logo should be familiar. JanSport has seemingly been around forever, remaining a reliable and trusted brand in the world of school supplies. So, it's definitely appropriate that their backpack dedicated to students would earn a spot on our list. 

The JanSport Cool Student backpack has room for all the basic necessities you'll need for the semester. It has two deep sleeves, one for a laptop and the other for textbooks and notebooks, as well as a front stash pocket for smaller items like pens, pencils, and other supplies. It also has a side water bottle pocket that's just the right size to keep a standard-sized water bottle from slipping out. The manufacturing quality on the JanSport is definitely good, so much so that JanSport offers a lifetime warranty on this backpack, so there's no need to worry about this thing lasting you through the school year and beyond. 

And since every student is unique and has their own personal tastes, the Cool Student comes in 15 different colors and patterns (of which nine are available on Amazon).

If your daily commute involves utilizing public transportation, safety and space should definitely be a priority when choosing the right backpack. You don't want a huge bulky bag that will take up already limited space, and you certainly don't want to worry about your brand new laptop ending up in the wrong hands. 

The Matein slim travel backpack is our go-to pick for commuters. The backpack is slim and lightweight by design, so whether you're packing into a tight train car or stashing it under a seat somewhere during your trip, transporting this thing won't feel like a giant hassle. The theft-proof pocket is also an important feature for storing key items like your passport. Even if a thief were to slash the bottom or take advantage of a zipper left open, they won't find the hidden pocket. The Matein lets you breathe a little easier knowing you don't actually have to grow eyes on the back of your head to keep track of your valuables. 

Backpacks are super convenient, but usually aren't the most stylish — especially if they're big enough to fit your laptop. Luckily, the Lily & Drew Daypack gives you a sleek option that will make you look more like a polished adult and less like a third-grader heading to the bus stop. 

The Daypack has pockets galore, including two slip pockets, a sleeve for your tablet or laptop, a front zippered pocket, a "hidden" pocket on the back, and two side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella. The two different carry options make it extra versatile, allowing you to throw it on your back like a regular backpack with shoulder straps (when you want to have your hands free) or use the top handles to carry it like a briefcase. The shoulder straps are padded, as are the foam back and padded bottom, so you'll stay comfortable and at ease knowing your electronic goods are still protected. The Daypack comes in three different colors — red, brown, and black — so you can choose whichever works best with your style.

Chances are you're probably familiar with (or have at least seen) a Herschel backpack. Herschel is a Canadian-based company on a mission to "create a timeless product with a fine regard for detail." That statement pretty much sums up one of their most popular models, the Heritage Backpack. 

The Heritage is a classic, simple design that meets all the basic functions of a good laptop backpack. That being said, if you're looking for a more "tech" focused backpack with lots of extra bells and whistles (e.g. multiple pockets, compartments, straps, etc.) the Heritage probably isn't for you. However, what it lacks in the frills department, it makes up for as a quality, durable product that's designed to get the job done and last you a long time. Plenty of reviews mention how spacious and comfortable it is for its size. Also worthy of noting: it looks pretty great. It's sleek, simple, comes in a whopping 28 colors and patterns, and generally looks more sophisticated than your typically bulky grade-school backpack.  

The Heritage features one large main compartment with a 15-inch laptop sleeve and one single front pocket with a key clip. Nothing confusing here, people. Again, just enough to get the job done. It also features an internal media pocket with a headphone port, so you can feed your headphone wires right through.

This backpack from Case Logic isn't the most stylish on our list, but in terms of practicality and convenience, it has a lot to offer.

One of our favorite features on the DLBP is the felt-lined, scratch-resistant pocket at the top of the bag that is perfect for holding more fragile items like that pair of Ray-Bans you spent hundreds on or one of your many touchscreen devices. It also has a dedicated, accessible compartment for your smartphone, and its laptop compartment can comfortably fit a 16-inch computer without stretching its shape. 

The shoulder straps are easy to adjust (unlike a lot of other backpacks), and the strap management system keeps excess strap material rolled up and out of your way. 

If you want lots of pockets of various sizes as well as overall comfort, this Case Logic bag is a good place to start.

If you're a frequent (or even periodic) flyer, you'll be very familiar with the hassle of having to take your laptop out of your bag every time you go through security. It can be hard to wrestle your devices out of a stuffed bag, or otherwise to fish them out from under everything else you packed on top of them; it's understandable that some prefer briefcases that offer easy access. But toting around a briefcase can also get cumbersome — enter the SwissGear 1900 Scansmart backpack, which combines the easy organization of a briefcase with the hands-free advantages of a backpack. Designed with ease of use in mind, it's got separate, zippered laptop and tablet pockets at its back that have a TSA-approved ScanSafe lay-flat design, so you can leave everything as is while you go through security.

On the other hand, it also features an RFID-protected organizer compartment that blocks scanning, so your credit cards will be safe from unauthorized charges. The many, many pockets both internal and external mean you'll always know exactly where everything is, with easy access to it all. Its phone pocket has a headphones port, the front pocket has pen holders, and the mesh side pockets let you fit retractable umbrellas and water bottles separate from what you're carrying inside (lest wet umbrellas or leaky water bottles ruin any notebooks).

In addition to its many storage features, the 1900 Scansmart backpack also has comfort in mind, with airflow back padding that minimizes overheating and ergonomic, adjustable padded straps. For commuting or longer travels alike, this bag is pretty perfect, and cost-effective to boot.

For people who want a little variation from the standard canvas or polyester, the Bromen Leather laptop backpack is a stylish choice. Made of vegan leather (that's water-resistant!), it comes in 11 different color combinations and patterns including crocodile grain and plaid, so you can opt for a statement piece or a more subtle option.

The aesthetic versatility of this bag makes it suitable for the workplace or everyday use. Though you sacrifice some protection from the exterior since the material isn't padded or particularly thick, the internal laptop pocket is lined to offer some cushioning for your tech. A U-shaped zipper means that this bag opens all the way up, though the material may be stiffer than other fabric, especially for the side pockets, which don't have as much stretch as one might want from a water bottle pocket.

If you don't mind compromising on some of the practical features of more rugged backpacks, this sophisticated option might work for you.