Key features to look for in the Best Travel Laptop Backpacks
For this article, we are focusing on travel backpacks that can accommodate laptops.
All of the bags listed below are travel backpacks with laptop compartments and are well equipped to organize your technical gear while you're traveling.
Backpack with a laptop compartment: A separate padded compartment keeps your electronics secure. Of course, you can also use these zipped compartments for books, your travel journal, or many other things.
Front-loading: Many backpacks are top-loading, which means having to dig around awkwardly to get something from the bottom. Look for a backpack that zips flat (like a suitcase) for ultimate ease!
Weather-resistant: If you are going to be carrying your laptop and other valuables, you want a backpack that will protect your valuables! Make sure it's weather-sealed or includes a rain cover.
Carry-on size: Carry-on travel backpacks save you from having to deal with lost bags and luggage fees. All of the backpacks on this list are carry-on sized and abide by TSA guidelines.
When looking at the best carry on backpacks, size is one of the most important factors. You want a backpack that complies with TSA rules and has small enough dimensions to get onto any budget airline flight.
Most travelers only need a backpack for clothes, a good, portable laptop, and some technical gear (if that at all). Unless you are traveling with a tent, camping gear, and sleeping bag, you don't need a hiking backpack.
1. Look for a Comfortable Laptop Backpack
Comfort is extremely important to consider when choosing the right laptop backpack for traveling. Are the straps comfortable and sturdy enough to carry your gear or a heavy pack? Is this a bag you're going to want to lug around the streets of Paris, or from hostel to hostel?
Be sure to look for a backpack with padded and adjustable straps! Bonus points if the backpack comes with waist straps or if it has padding on the actual back portion-having a stiff piece of metal directly on your back is not always comfortable.
2. Prioritize Accessibility and Organization
The best laptop backpacks have organization compartments. Well-thought-out design is especially important if you plan to use one for traveling. With the top-rated laptop bags, you should be able to easily access your gear, and keep everything nice and tidy when you are on the go.
A laptop sleeve will help you keep your laptop safe and protected, as well as remove your laptop in the TSA line efficiently. All of the backpacks on this list have a completely separate laptop sleeve, and they are built to go through TSA lines with ease.
3. Versatility
You want the best laptop backpack for air travel, yes, but you also need something that will be useful after you land too. Can you use your backpack on day hikes? Is it fashionable enough to wear while sightseeing? Do you want a backpack for your camera and photography equipment?
There are obviously many uses for a laptop backpack, but first, you need to figure out what your travel-specific needs are.
Me? I prefer bags with a wide-opening main compartment and the ability to lie flat like a suitcase. My favorite travel laptop backpacks have an efficient organization system to keep my clothes and gear organized. I also prefer to have a bag I can take on the trails since most of my travel trips revolve around the outdoors.
4. Durability and Protection
This may go without saying, but when looking for the best laptop backpack for travel, you want to choose one that going to last years. A good quality backpack should also come with a great warranty. This is going to be one of your most important investments if you travel frequently!
Not only do you want a backpack that will last, but also make your laptop last as well! Protection is one thing that a lot of people take for granted-they may think that a laptop will be safe so on their back, but there is no way to predict accidents. Whether intentional or not, bags fall all the time, from tables, from being tossed around, and from (personal experience) broken bathroom coat hooks.
Make sure that the backpack that you're buying as some sort of padding. A bit on the bottom and around the sides of the main compartment should get the job done.
5. Travel Backpack vs Hiking Backpack?
Simply put, traditional hiking backpacks usually do not make for great laptop backpacks.
Often times hiking bags are top-loaded (meaning you can only access your gear from the top opening). They are also covered in straps and designed to keep weight centered on your back. Great for hiking, but oftentimes, not so great for organizing and packing/unpacking regularly.
This is why it's a better decision to go with a compact traveling laptop bag-something that you can carry on, easily stow, and access without having to worry about unpacking too much.
Nowadays many backpack companies that specialize in hiking are making great hybrid travel backpacks. If you plan to travel and want the flexibility of being able to hike on your trip, then I recommend getting a laptop backpack that is also comfortable for hiking.
If you are looking to hike, look for a laptop sleeve that doubles into a hydration bladder pouch, and bags with sturdy, comfortable straps.
