Howdie travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best laptop backpacks for your electronic travel needs this year. As we know, travel presents the opportunity to see some far off places however, for many of us, even though we are on vacation there is still the need to either ‘check in’ or get some work done whilst we are away.
And of course there are those such as travel bloggers that live the laptop lifestyle as well. So for those of you looking for a safe and secure way to travel with your laptop in tow, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent backpack options below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Laptop Backpacks
I will review these in more detail below however if you just want to get travelling without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are Laptop Backpacks?
I guess this is a question that does need a clear answer as you could argue that a laptop will fit into any old backpack – which is hard to argue against to be honest. So for the purposes of this post we are discussing backpacks that are purposely built to hold a laptop safely and securely.
We will discuss each of these elements below however in short, they are built with features such as padding for the laptop as well as cable connections and anti-theft sections included.
Check out these: Travel Backpacks
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good laptop backpack for your travel needs.
- Size
- Weight
- Durability
- Frame location
- Additions
Size
When it comes to a laptop backpack, I guess the main aspect here is to ensure that your laptop will actually fit inside it. If you have a smaller option then this is probably not an issue. However if you are working with something within the 15 to 18″ level, then you will need to check that it will actually fit.
Other considerations here include:
- Peripherals and personal items – Not only will the backpack need to fit all of the things that come with the laptop – cables, mouse etc. but also your other personal items as well.
- Transit fees – The other factor here to consider of course is airline baggage fees. Larger bags mean more gear and more gear can mean more weight. Even though most are small enough to qualify for carry-on luggage, most airlines jack up the costs for bag weights over pre determined levels as well.
Weight
As we discussed above, weight implications when travelling should not be overlooked and part of this equation obviously is the weight of the pack to begin with. Hence, when you start to look at backpacks, check how much it weighs.
In general, laptop backpacks are made of lightweight materials such as strong polyester or nylon fabrics and weigh around 1-2 lb (carry-on baggage limits for most airlines is around 15lb).
Durability
Another absolute truth when it comes to travel is how hard it can be on our gear. So then a critical factor is to ensure that your chosen option is strong enough to handle the rigors of moving around on planes, busses and anything else you can arrange.
To assist here, the best laptop backpack for travel options are made of high denier nylon or polyester as it is light weight, tough and often waterproof as well. Also look for good quality zippers (they have always been the first thing to go on my luggage) and heavy stitching on the seams.
And as far as the inside is concerned, if it doesn’t have a padded section for the laptop to go in, then it is not a laptop backpack.
Pockets
As above, if you are planning on taking a backpack for your laptop, then you will want to use it for all of your other stuff as well. Hence, the better organization it has – via its pockets and sections – the better it will serve you.
I personally like a padded section for my laptop and a separate one for the cables etc. It also needs a space for my travel papers and one for smaller items such as keys, phones, wallets, passports etc.
Some even come with a special ‘anti theft’ pocket – where you put your passport and cash etc. – that is at the back meaning when you wear it, it is actually protected by your body.
Check out these: 3 Best Rolling Laptop Bags
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Pockets/molle straps – these provide for greater organization and safety for smaller items.
- Padded back and waist straps – for extra comfort.
- USB port – internal cabling and an external USB port to allow you to charge your smartphone etc. when as you move about.
- Luggage strap– allows you to slip the backpack onto the handle of your luggage for ease of movement.
FAQ
Is a laptop backpack worth it?
Laptop backpacks provide a number of advantages to travelers in that they assist in keeping your laptop safe and secure while out on the road. Laptop backpacks also provide for extra comfort as you are obviously carrying it on your back keeping your hands free as well.
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. Victoriatourist Laptop Backpack
This first option is light weight and super strong making it perfect for backpackers of all types. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Victoriatourist
- Laptop Storage Size: 15.6 or 17″ – fits 13 – 17″ laptops
- Weight: 1.34 Lb
- Durability: Made from water resistant fabric and durable metal zippers
- Pockets: Main padded compartment, front, top and front side pockets
Other inclusions:
- Built in USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside
- Padded shoulder straps
- Luggage strap
Why have I chosen it?
This first backpack option is water resistant and durable with enough pockets to keep everything you need safe and organized. It comes with a built in USB charger setup where you can store your power banks inside and attach your phone outside. This is a great option for school and business trips as well.
2. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
My second backpack option is for those who want to take a little more gear in a pack that is still light in weight and durable. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Matein
- Laptop Storage Size: 15.6 or 17″ – fits 13 – 17″ laptops
- Weight: 1.56 Lb
- Durability: Made from water resistant polyester fabric and durable metal zippers
- Pockets: Main padded compartment, middle and front compartment with meshed organization sections. Side mesh pocket and anti-theft rear padded pocket
Other inclusions:
- Built in USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside
- Padded shoulder straps and top handle
- Luggage strap
- Hanging clips on side
Why have I chosen it?
As with the first option above, this pack ticks all of the required boxes in that it is light in weight, durable and holds everything needed for long term travel. It also comes with a comfortable airflow back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding for long haul; trips as well. And as above it is also suitable for all travel needs that require a laptop as well.
3. tomtoc Travel Backpack
This third option is an all-round travel backpack that is TSA friendly and meets the carry-on requirements of most airlines with good laptop storage included. See its specifications below:
- Brand: tomtoc
- Laptop Storage Size: Fits 13 – 17″ laptops
- Weight: 2.65 Lb
- Durability: Made of premium quality YKK zippers and durable eco-friendly recycled fabric
- Pockets: Quick-access main compartment, tech storage and front pocket plus top pocket for smaller items
Other inclusions:
- Built in USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside
- Padded shoulder straps and chest strap
- Laptop compartment designed to be opened 90°-180° for security scanning
- Top and side handles
Why have I chosen it?
With a D padded back panel and contoured thick shoulder straps for superior ergonomic comfort, this backpack also includes all of the features that are needed for traveling with your laptop. It has plenty of pockets and is built to last with sections for smaller gear as well. This is a great option for regular travelers for both business and pleasure as well as travel bloggers too.
Conclusion
There you have it, my three best travel laptop backpacks. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
