Howdie travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best travel backpacks for laptops under $100 to keep your belongings sorted as you travel this year. As we know, keeping everything organized and in one place when traveling can be a daunting task.
And of course there is also often the need to remain with the realms of airline baggage limits as well. So for those of you looking for a good backpack to meet all of your travel needs, I have had a good look around and come up with three decent options below.
Let’s check them out…
My Three Recommended Travel Backpacks for laptops under $100
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 Travel Backpacks for Laptops?
I guess this is a question that does need a clear answer as you could argue that any old backpack will do when traveling – and this would be hard to argue with. So for the purposes of this post we are discussing backpacks that are purposely designed for travel that can hold a laptop – often in place of your carry-on luggage.
We will discuss each of these elements below however in short, they are built with features such as padding for a laptop as well as pockets for all of your gear such as warmer layers, passports etc. and electronics (cameras, mobile phones etc.) as well.
What Should You Be Looking For?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for the best travel backpack under $100 for your travel needs.
- Size
- Weight
- Durability
- Frame location
- Additions
Size
When it comes to a backpack for travel, there are two main influences on the size what you may need. The first is to do with whether you are planning to fly to your destination where it will come under the influence of airline restrictions. In most airlines around the world, the allowable carry on bag dimensions are as follows:
9″ x 14″ x 56″ or 23cm x 36cm x 22cm
Put simply, if you want to travel light and your laptop does not meet these dimensions, then you are taking the risk of being sent to check in and all those extra fees.
Secondly, the next aspect is to ensure that all of your stuff will actually fit inside it. The idea is to make it large enough to fit everything you need, but small enough so that it is still easy to move around with.
Check out these: Softside Carry-On Bags
Weight
An addition to size restrictions above, weight implications when travelling should not be overlooked with part of this equation obviously being the weight of the pack to begin with. Hence, when you start to look at backpacks, check how much it weighs.
In general, 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, look for options 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 you are taking a laptop with you, then it needs some internal padding as well.
Pockets
In general, the difference between a ‘travel’ backpack and a normal one is its storage capabilities which means lots of pockets. I personally like a padded section for my laptop and a separate one for a jumper etc. It also needs a space for my travel papers and one for smaller items such as headphones, 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.
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 travel backpack worth it?
Travel specific backpacks provide a number of advantages to travelers in that they assist in keeping your gear safe, secure and organized whilst out on the road. And as opposed to carry on cases, 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. Matein Travel Backpack
My first 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
- Storage size:
- Separate Laptop Compartment: Fits up to 17 Inch Laptops
- Main Compartment: Thin clothes, headset, books, magazine, camera, CD’s, etc
- Front Compartment: For Phones, pen, keys, wallet, purse, glasses and other small items
- Side Pockets: Durable Elasticized Mesh Pockets on both sides, fit water bottle, small compact umbrella and other items
- Theft Proof Back Pocket: Passport, Cellphone, Wallet, Earphone
- Weight: 1.56 Lb
- Durability: Made from water resistant polyester fabric and durable metal zippers
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?
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 a bonus it is also suitable for all travel needs that require a laptop as well.
2. SHRRADOO Travel 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: Shrradoo
- Storage Size: 52L with:
- 3 spacious main multi compartments with many hidden pockets can accommodate travel accessories, clothes, stationery, notebook,
- Cord organizer
- Side deep Zipper pocket for easy access essentials
- Side Elastic net pockets conveniently hold travel gear umbrellas or water bottles.
- Laptop pocket up to 17″
- Weight: 2.79 Lb
- Durability: Made from water resistant high quality polyester fabric with nylon lining
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 is light in weight, durable and holds everything needed for travel of all types. It is equipped with a U shaped three dimensional ventilation design, comfortable wide breathable mesh shoulder straps with plentiful sponge pads to help relieve the stress as well.
3. YOREPEK 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: YOREPEK
- Storage Size: 50L with:
- One main compartment for daily necessities, such as clothes, notebooks, portable charger, etc.
- Front compartment with many small pockets, as well as pen pockets and a keychain design to keep your things organized and easier to find.
- 2 side mesh pockets for water bottles and umbrellas
- 6 other pockets of varying sizes
- Laptop pocket for laptops up to 17″
- Weight: 2.18 Lb
- Durability: Made of water resistant and durable polyester fabric with high-density nylon lining for better tear resistance
Other inclusions:
- Built in USB charger outside and a built-in charging cable inside
- Padded shoulder straps and chest strap
- Steel cabled top holding strap
- Top and side handles
Why have I chosen it?
With a padded back panel and contoured thick shoulder straps for superior ergonomic comfort, this backpack 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.
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Conclusion
There you have it, my three best backpacks under $100 for your travel needs. 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
