Investing in a reliable Travel Laptop Backpack is a smart move to safeguard your valuable technology while you’re on the move. Whether navigating airports or commuting to work, a comfortable and durable backpack with a dedicated, padded laptop compartment is essential.
To help you find the perfect travel laptop backpack, we rigorously tested over 50 backpacks in our New York City lab and in real-world scenarios. Our focus was on comfort and durability, the two most crucial aspects for everyday use. We loaded each backpack with laptops, tablets, clothing, and other essentials to assess comfort during carry. Durability was tested by dropping each pack from tabletop height, ensuring our dummy laptops remained safe.
Continue reading to discover our top travel laptop backpack recommendations, chosen for their style, comfort, value, and specialized features.
Our Top Picks for the Best Travel Laptop Backpack:
- Best Overall: Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack
- Best Leather: Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack
- Best Expandable: Samsonite Elevation Plus Backpack
- Best Solar-powered: Solgaard Lifepack Backpack
- Best Splurge: Lo & Sons Rowledge
- Best Budget: Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
- Best Organization: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
- Most Versatile: Monos Metro Backpack
- Best for Students: Fjällräven Räven 28
- Best Basic: Béis The Backpack
Best Overall Travel Laptop Backpack
Stubble & Co. The Everyday Backpack
Why We Love It: This travel laptop backpack excels in organization with numerous pockets of varying sizes, and boasts a stylish, waterproof design.
What to Consider: The chest straps detached during testing and proved difficult to reattach.
The Stubble & Co. Everyday Backpack stood out as our top overall pick, even among waterproof backpacks. Its sleek design and abundance of pockets make it an exceptional travel laptop backpack for daily use. Despite its slim profile, it offers ample space for a 16-inch laptop, headphones, chargers, a jacket, water bottle, notebook, travel pouch, and small toiletries.
Jackie Cucco, Travel + Leisure testing editor, praised its organizational prowess: “The sheer number of pockets would keep even the most chaotic packer organized. I especially love how there’s a variety of pocket sizes and shapes to give all different types of items their own little home.” It features a dedicated back compartment for laptops and flat items, a main compartment with six pockets, a small top pocket, a tiny strap pocket for earbuds, dual water bottle pockets, and a large front pocket. An adjustable chest strap is included, although we experienced detachment issues during testing.
Beyond organization, its waterproof nature impressed us. Under showerhead testing, electronics remained completely dry, ensuring peace of mind in wet weather.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 18.1 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity: 20 liters
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Recycled PET, recycled RPET lining, polyester air mesh
- Laptop Size: 16-inch
- Special Feature: Waterproof
Best Leather Travel Laptop Backpack
Bee & Kin The Midi Nomad Backpack
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Why We Love It: The Bee & Kin Midi Nomad Backpack elevates style with its luxurious leather, setting it apart from typical nylon backpacks.
What to Consider: Straps may be too long, even at their shortest adjustment.
Crafted from supple Italian leather, this mid-sized backpack merges sophistication with practicality. It comfortably fits up to a 13-inch laptop while remaining compact enough for everyday errands. After four months of regular use, we found it to be an ideal medium-sized bag, easily cleaned and perfect for daily life. It accommodates a laptop, water bottle, wallet, notebook, and headphones with room to spare. Travel-friendly features include a pocket for a wireless charger (sold separately) and multiple internal pockets for accessories.
The soft leather enhances carrying comfort. However, shorter straps would improve the fit, as the bag sits slightly low on the back. Despite this minor drawback, the high quality and versatile size make it a worthwhile investment for travel, commuting, and daily use as a stylish travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 13 x 11.6 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Material: Leather
- Laptop Size: 13-inch
Best Expandable Travel Laptop Backpack
Samsonite Elevation Plus Backpack
Why We Love It: Expandable zippers significantly increase packing space in this versatile travel laptop backpack.
What to Consider: Limited color options are available.
Having tested numerous backpacks, the Samsonite Elevation Plus stands out with its exceptional features. While its exterior is understated, it’s packed with traveler-friendly functionalities. Ample pockets accommodate all essential travel items, including laptops, tablets, notebooks, chargers, and passports. The secure water bottle pocket is a highlight, preventing spills even during drop tests. The laptop pouch’s hammock design provides superior protection against impacts.
The expandable zipper is a favorite feature, adding 1.5 inches of extra space – perfect for an added jacket or souvenirs. It fits easily under airplane seats, and enhanced back and shoulder strap padding ensures comfort throughout your travels, making it a top expandable travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 17.8 x 12 x 6.5 inches
- Capacity: 22.75 liters
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Recycled polyester
- Special Feature: Expandable
Best Solar-powered Travel Laptop Backpack
Solgaard Lifepack Backpack
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Why We Love It: Eco-conscious and innovative, this travel laptop backpack is made from recycled ocean plastic and includes a built-in solar USB charger.
What to Consider: Capacity is smaller compared to other tested backpacks.
The Solgaard Lifepack impressed us with both its performance and commitment to sustainability. Solgaard’s mission utilizes recycled materials, specifically their patented Shore-tex material made from ocean-bound plastic bottles. This travel laptop backpack features a solar-powered USB charging port, ensuring device charging on the go without relying on power banks.
In our lab tests, it accommodated our packing list including a sweatshirt, laptop, iPad, notebook, and water bottle, though space was limited. The fleece-lined laptop sleeve, while a simple slip pocket, provided adequate protection during durability tests. Ample padding and an adjustable chest strap contribute to comfortable wear.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 6.9 x 19 inches
- Capacity: 19 liters
- Weight: 4.85 pounds
- Special Features: Anti-theft lock, USB port, Solar-powered
Best Splurge Travel Laptop Backpack
Lo & Sons Rowledge
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Why We Love It: This luxurious travel laptop backpack combines sleek nylon with leather accents for style and protection.
What to Consider: Laptop compartment is limited to 13-inch laptops.
The Lo & Sons Rowledge, while a higher-end option, justifies its price with exceptional performance. The nylon exterior with leather accents creates a timeless, sophisticated aesthetic, ideal for travelers and professionals. Despite its seemingly compact size, it easily accommodated a sweatshirt, laptop, iPad, notebook, and water bottle in our tests. The primary limitation is the laptop pocket size, which fits only up to 13-inch laptops.
Adjustable straps and generous padding enhance comfort and durability. While initially a bit stiff, the material molds comfortably to the body over time. Though it withstood initial drop tests, some scuffing and hardware tarnishing appeared after six months of use. Overall, it remains a stylish and functional splurge-worthy travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.5 x 6.75 inches
- Capacity: 21 liters
- Weight: 3.2 pounds
- Material: Nylon, leather
- Laptop Size: 13.5-inch
Best Budget Travel Laptop Backpack
Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
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Why We Love It: This highly affordable travel laptop backpack is packed with smart, travel-friendly features.
What to Consider: Materials feel less premium compared to higher-priced backpacks.
The Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack exceeded expectations for its price point, boasting features comparable to more expensive models. After four months of consistent use, the padded laptop sleeve, accommodating up to 15.6-inch laptops, was a standout. Smart features like a USB port, passcode lock, and headphone port enhance electronic device management on the go. The main compartment is spacious, easily fitting bulky items, while the front compartment offers numerous organization pockets.
Constructed from polyester, durability is adequate, withstanding our tests, though the material quality is noticeably less premium than higher-priced competitors. However, comfortable padded straps and adjustable buckles ensure comfortable carrying, making it an excellent budget-friendly travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity: 34 liters
- Weight: 1.83 pounds
- Material: Polyester blend
- Laptop Size: 15.6-inch
- Special Features: USB and headphone port, Password lock
Best Organized Travel Laptop Backpack
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
Why We Love It: Exceptional organization is key with numerous pockets for efficient storage in this travel laptop backpack.
What to Consider: Main compartment capacity could be larger.
The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe excels in organization, featuring a multitude of interior and exterior pockets. Designated compartments for essentials include a padded laptop pocket, a main compartment with slip and zippered pockets, and a spacious front pocket for notebooks. A side slip pocket accommodates water bottles, and a trolley sleeve allows for suitcase attachment. Laptop access is convenient via the back zipper or main compartment. Compression straps adjust capacity, though the main compartment could be slightly larger. Padded straps ensure comfortable long-term wear, and the recycled nylon exterior is water-resistant, ideal for wet climates, making it a great organized travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 18.9 x 11.42 x 5.31 inches
- Capacity: 20 liters
- Weight: 2.51 pounds
- Material: Recycled nylon
- Laptop Size: 17-inch
- Special Feature: Water-resistant
Most Versatile Travel Laptop Backpack
Monos Metro Backpack
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Why We Love It: Removable front pocket offers adaptable storage, making this a highly versatile travel laptop backpack.
What to Consider: Straps lack substantial padding.
The Monos Metro Backpack distinguishes itself with a removable front pocket, significantly increasing capacity when needed, ideal for travel. The updated design conceals snaps when the pocket is detached. For everyday use, the pocket easily removes via a discrete cord, maintaining a sleek backpack appearance.
The vegan leather option offers a stylish look and provided laptop protection in drop tests. Internal pockets and a separate rear laptop compartment enhance organization. Suitable for both air travel and office commutes, this stylish and adaptable backpack is available in vegan leather or nylon with various color options, making it a truly versatile travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 11.5 × 16.5 × 6 inches
- Capacity: 18 liters
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Material: Vegan leather or nylon
- Laptop Size: 15-inch
- Special Feature: Removable front pocket
Best Travel Laptop Backpack for Students
Fjällräven Räven 28
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Why We Love It: Comfortable for walking and packed with pockets for student essentials, making it the ideal travel laptop backpack for campus life.
What to Consider: Polyester blend material is less durable than desired.
The Fjällräven Räven 28 Backpack is our top recommendation for students due to its campus-friendly design. Breathable back padding provides excellent cushioning and support. Its slim design is ideal for navigating crowded spaces. Ample pockets within the main compartment organize classroom necessities, and dual side slip pockets accommodate water bottles.
While the fabric tends to collect dust, it effectively protects laptops in the padded sleeve. Its versatile and compact design suits various needs and crowded environments. Even after six months of daily commuting, it effectively repelled rain. Larger water bottle pockets would be a welcome improvement, but overall, it’s an excellent student-focused travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 18.5 x 14 x 6.1 inches
- Capacity: 28 liters
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Material: Polyester and cotton with wax coating
- Laptop Size: 15-inch
- Special Feature: Water-resistant
Best Basic Travel Laptop Backpack
Béis The Backpack
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Why We Love It: Simple, versatile design makes this a reliable basic travel laptop backpack for any occasion.
What to Consider: May be too large for daily use for some.
The Béis Backpack’s simple design is complemented by thoughtful features, making it a versatile option for travelers, students, and commuters. The large main compartment easily accommodated our packing list, including tech items and water bottles in the side pockets. The main compartment’s full zip-open design and internal pockets enhance packing convenience. Morgan Ashley Parker, T+L Associate Editorial Director, noted, “I love how the main compartment zips fully open to see what I’ve packed, and it fits a ton… I think it’s a great price for a basic black backpack that doesn’t have a super sporty look.”
Padding effectively protected laptops during drop tests, though bottom padding is lacking. After six months, strap padding could be improved for heavier loads, but it remains a solid, basic travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 5.5 inches
- Capacity: 22 liters
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Material: Cotton, PVC, polyester
- Laptop Size: 14.5-inch
Best Style Travel Laptop Backpack
Paravel Alta Via Backpack
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Why We Love It: Stylish and eco-conscious, this travel laptop backpack features vegan leather accents, recycled materials, and monogramming options.
What to Consider: Vegan leather accents may require extra care.
The Paravel Alta Via Backpack caters to both minimalists and over-packers. Its compact, chic design belies its surprisingly spacious interior, accommodating bulky items like jackets, water bottles, laptops, tablets, and toiletries. Organizational features are plentiful, including a padded breathable mesh back with a zippered pocket, trolley sleeve, exterior water bottle pocket, front zippered pocket, and multiple interior pockets with a padded laptop/tablet sleeve for up to 16-inch devices.
Monogramming adds a touch of personalized luxury. Made from recycled water bottles and water-resistant inside and out, with recycled vegan leather accents and zippers, it’s both stylish and sustainable. The vegan leather may require additional care, but it’s a beautifully designed travel laptop backpack.
Key Features:
- Dimensions: 17.7 x 12.4 x 6.3 inches
- Capacity: 17 liters
- Weight: 2.09 pounds
- Material: Recycled vegan leather and zippers
- Laptop Size: 16-inch
- Special Feature: Water-resistant exterior and interior, Monogram option
Other Travel Laptop Backpacks We Liked
While not top picks, these travel laptop backpacks are also noteworthy:
- Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack: Sleek and functional design, but padding could be improved for comfort and laptop protection during rough handling.
- Vohler Laptop Backpack With Charger: Strong budget contender with sturdy build and protective padding, but lacks some standout features of our top budget pick.
- Swissgear Travel Gear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack: Durable and offers ample storage, ideal for students, travelers, and commuters, but comfort could be better.
Our Testing Process for Travel Laptop Backpacks
Across multiple lab testing sessions, we evaluated over 50 travel laptop backpacks from reputable brands, including The North Face, Away, Samsonite, and Swissgear. Our assessment focused on capacity, design, comfort, and durability.
Capacity testing involved using a standardized packing list including a laptop, iPad, sweatshirt or jacket, water bottle, notebook, and toiletry bag. Design evaluation considered padding for laptop protection, pocket versatility, and intuitive handles and straps.
Comfort was assessed through 10-minute wear tests, noting any shoulder or sternum strap discomfort, pinching, or irritation. Comfort-focused backpacks featured back and strap padding and minimized awkwardness. Durability was tested by tabletop drop tests, checking for interior and exterior damage. Backpacks also underwent four months of real-world use to monitor long-term quality and functionality.
We will continue to update this guide as we test more travel laptop backpacks.
Tips for Buying the Best Travel Laptop Backpack
Check the Laptop Sleeve Size
Laptop sizes vary from 10 to 17 inches. Always confirm the laptop sleeve dimensions to ensure a proper fit. Laptop capacity is usually listed in the product specifications.
Padding is Crucial for Protection and Comfort
Adequate padding around the laptop compartment is vital for protection against impacts. Back padding enhances carrying comfort. Look for padded straps for added comfort, especially when carrying heavier loads in your travel laptop backpack.
Consider Additional Features
Beyond laptop sleeves, organizational features streamline packing. Depending on your needs, look for features like shoe and water bottle pockets, and tech-friendly additions like USB charging ports in a travel laptop backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Laptop Backpacks
Should I use a laptop case inside a backpack?
Our tests placed laptops directly into padded sleeves without cases. Top-performing backpacks provided sufficient padding for protection. However, using a laptop case for added peace of mind is perfectly acceptable.
How do I measure my laptop for a backpack?
Laptop sizes are diagonal screen measurements, ranging from 13 to 17 inches. Measure diagonally from corner to corner to determine your laptop size. Check backpack specifications for compatible laptop dimensions.
Is a laptop backpack considered a personal item on flights?
Generally, yes. A travel laptop backpack typically qualifies as a personal item in addition to a carry-on, depending on the airline and ticket restrictions. Ensure your backpack fits under the seat in front of you to avoid carry-on classification. Always verify with your airline beforehand.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure for Travel Laptop Backpack Reviews
T+L associate editor Anna Popp, who authors most of our tested content, participates in all lab and real-world tests for luggage, outdoor gear, and beauty products. Anna utilizes her personal backpack experiences and thorough testing insights to recommend the best travel laptop backpacks.
Edited by Jackie Cucco, a testing editor at Travel + Leisure with extensive experience in product testing and reviews.
Updated by Asia London Palomba, a trilingual Italian writer focusing on travel and product reviews.
