Almost every traveler these days carries a laptop with them. Laptops are not just carried for work-related reasons but are also a great source of entertainment on a long haul flight. No matter what the purpose of your laptop, it definitely needs a good protective case. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to research what is the best laptop backpack for travel. The best travel laptop bags not only protect your device but stand up well to the rigors of travel. So if you are looking for the best laptop bag for air travel, our reviews below will simplify the process.
How To Choose The Right Travel Laptop Backpack
A backpack is one of the most convenient pieces of travel luggage, and one of the best carry on luggage, especially for a laptop. They are durable, secure, and provide easy access to your laptop when you need it. Added to this is the special padded compartment for your laptop which will protect it against rough handling. However, before you go rushing off to buy that coveted laptop backpack there are a few pointers that you need to keep in mind.
Size & Weight
Quite obviously you’d want a backpack that is ideal for your laptop so you’ll need to be aware of the size dimensions of the laptop compartment. It’s not just the length of the laptop that you need to keep in mind but the thickness too. You want to be able to fit your laptop snugly into the compartment for added protection. Besides your laptop, the bag should also be able to fit the other necessities like your charger, wallet, cell phone, and other essentials. A great thing about the best travel laptop bags is that they take all this into consideration.
Pick something that is lightweight. Laptops and their accessories are heavy themselves so you don’t want to add any unnecessary weight from the bag.
Know the basics
Like most backpacks, laptop bags also have specific designs that are unique to them. The first thing that you need to look out for is a padded compartment. When you’re traveling, your bag is likely to get into small spaces or be bumped around so you definitely want your laptop to be extra safe. Laptop compartments without padding are a bad option.
When buying a backpack it should also be comfortable for you to carry around. Look for something that’s well ventilated, which means that it should have mesh at the back to prevent sweating. Padded, adjustable straps, multiple pockets and a side pocket for a water bottle are some of the basics that you need to look out for.
Material and Durability
The best travel laptop bags are made from durable material that is also water-resistant. This is extremely important because your laptop needs protection from the elements as well as the knocks. Another thing that you need to keep in mind is not to overload the backpack. No matter how durable the material, an overloaded bag may put too much strain on it. If you’re going to be traveling in wet-weather for a longer duration it’s a good idea to invest in a rain cover.
Swiss Gear Travel Gear 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack
13
When a bag has over 9,000 reviews with 80% of them five stars, there’s no doubt that it is one of the best travel laptop bags. Swiss Gear has always delivered top-notch products, and the Swiss Gear Travel Gear 1900 lives up to that standard. It’s definitely one of the best Swiss Gear backpacks.
Made from 1200D weather-resistant, durable ballistic polyester, you can be sure that your backpack will go the distance. Add to that, the comfortable contoured shoulder straps with a built-in suspension to absorb stretch and shock, and a padded back panel, and you know you’ve invested in a winner. The shoulder straps also have a built-in reflective accent material for night safety.
Going through security at airports is a breeze with the ScanSmart lay-flat technology as your laptop can remain in the bag. With this technology, you can be sure of a hassle-free laptop-in-bag TSA scan at airports. Apart from the level of comfort, what also impressed us was the organization space.
A fully padded main laptop compartment is separate from the additional floating tablet pocket, allowing easy access to either pocket. In addition to this, you’ll find a large U-zip pocket on the front for keeping all your stationery safe and within easy reach. Two side pockets provide easy convenience for your water bottle or umbrella. A front organizer also provides easy access to travel documents.
What We Love About It
- The overall design and organizational features.
Pros
- Crafted from superior ballistic polyester
- Smooth Zippers
- SmartScan lay flat pocket
- Roomy main pocket
- Available in 7 different colors
- Sturdy Grip Handle
Cons
Buy on:
Yorepek 18.4 Laptop Backback
12
If you’re looking for a laptop backpack with a super large capacity for your travels, this one ticks the right boxes. The 18.4 inch laptop backpack from Yorepak is definitely one of the best travel laptop bags with its special features and storage capacity.
It has three spacious main compartments that can accommodate a bigger laptop and tablet. So if you’re looking for something for your gaming device, this is one of the best options. Apart from the main compartments, it also has lots of additional pockets.
A standout feature of this bag is the TSA approved Scan Smart design which allows you to breeze through airport security. What impressed us most about this bag is the attention to detail. Besides the other great features, it also has a headphone jack for hands-free music experience. Added to all this is the superior quality fabric that the bag is crafted from.
What We Love About It
- The attention to detail that makes this bag such a convenient travel bag
Pros
- Superior quality fabric
- TSA approved Scan Smart design
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Big on storage space with multiple pockets
- USB charging point
- Headphone jack
Cons
- The bag can be a little uncomfortable to carry if filled to capacity as there is no chest strap.
Buy on:
Timbuk2 – The Authority Pack
11
For over two decades Timbuk2 has been in the business of bags and the company’s popularity on quality is quite undisputed. The Timbuk2 Authority Pack shows us just why the company ranks so high on quality. Strong adjustable straps, YKK zippers, and durable fabric that protects against the elements make this one of the best travel laptop bags.
The main compartment can easily accommodate a 17″ laptop. Added to this are numerous smaller pockets for better organization. Other details that impressed us were the neoprene water bottle pocket, the dedicated key keeper fob, and the compression straps. This bag also keeps its shape and doesn’t collapse when empty.
What We Love About It
- The clean and neat style of the bag.
- The bottom compression straps which are a handy addition
Pros
- Key Keeper FOB
- Dual Purpose Compression Straps
- Neoprene Water Bottle Pocket
- Multiple Pockets
Cons
- Although it specifies 28L, it feels a bit smaller
- No TSA SmartScan feature
Buy on:
Solo NY Duane Hybrid Briefcase
10
The hybrid convertible Solo NY Duane Briefcase is ideal for business travel and quite impressive for the price you pay. It’s probably the best laptop bag for air travel as it easily converts to either a backpack or a shoulder bag. The bag includes a fully padded laptop compartment and two quick-access pockets. Perfect for MacBooks or Chromebooks, the laptop compartment can accommodate a laptop up to 15.6 inches.
Suited to both male and female travelers, this multiple compartment laptop bag also has a dedicated pocket for iPads or tablets. The large front pocket is great for organizing phones, wallets or keys. Along with this, the bag also has padded carry handles with magnetic snaps, a removable shoulder strap and hideaway padded backpack straps. Another great thing about this bag which impressed us is the 5-year warranty.
What We Love About It
- Quite obviously the dual function which makes it extremely convenient.
- The slim profile
Pros
- Good organizational space
- Hidden backpack straps
- Durable fabric with just the right amount of padding
- 5-year manufacturer warranty
Cons
- Although the bag says its unisex, it has a more manly style.
- The plastic swivel hooks that attach the shoulder straps to the bag seem cheap.
Buy on:
AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack
9
AmazonBasics has some of the best affordable travel gear and the AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack does not disappoint. In our opinion, it’s the best laptop backpack for travel, in the budget segment. With over 10,200 ratings on Amazon, there are many who agree with us too!
The laptop bag comes with multiple storage compartments so you can carry all your work essentials. There are also plenty of internal pockets for your other knick-knacks. The main compartment can hold a 17-inch laptop.
We were quite impressed with the overall look and feel of the bag. Heavily padded shoulder straps add to the comfort of carrying this laptop bag. Also, the durable material makes the bag look more expensive than it really is.
What We Love
- It’s a great budget backpack that looks more expensive than it really is.
Pros
- Multiple storage compartments
- Durable fabric that offers some protection against the elements
- Heavily padded shoulder straps
- Water bottle compartment
Cons
- For the price you pay, don’t expect this bag to last forever.
Buy on:
Mancro Slim Backpack with USB Charging Port (CU)
8
This slim backpack from Mancro is one of the best laptop backpacks for travel because of its great security features. It comes with an anti-theft metal shackle and RFID-blocking compartments to keep you safe from identity theft. Another feature that impressed us is the external built-in USB charger with charging cable inside. It provides a convenient charging option when you’re on the go.
Made from durable, water-resistant polyester, this backpack is perfect for a wide range of users. A 17-inch laptop fits comfortably into the dedicated laptop compartment while another spacious compartment can accommodate an iPad or tablet. The front compartment is great for organizing small items.
Curved padded shoulder straps make carrying this bag extremely easy. Also, the grab handle is perfect for when you need to take your bag out of the overhead bin. Something else about the bag that also caught our attention is the slim design which gives it a great look.
What We Love About It
- The slim design and security feature
- Built-in USB charger
Pros
- Durable, water-resistant polyester
- Padded shoulder straps
- Good storage space
- 2-way waterproof zippers on the main compartment
- Side pocket for water bottle
- Theft Proof zippered pocket
Cons
- The seams along the zippers tend to rip easily.
eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack (CU)
7
With over 1,500 ratings on Amazon, this laptop bag from eBags is another bag that sits right up there on best travel laptop bags. Its slim design is quite deceptive as it has a host of handy compartments to ensure that you never run out of space. This streamlined shape makes it a great design for everyday use. In 2019, in response to customer feedback, the bag was upgraded to be more lightweight and user-friendly.
Made from twisted-poly fabric, this bag is strong, durable, and perfect for a 17-inch laptop. It has top carry handles and a pass-through sleeve which you can attach to rolling luggage. For added comfort, the bag has contoured straps and a vented air mesh back panel. The patented crush poof pocket is also a handy addition for your charger or sunglasses. However, if you’d like a bit more space in the bag and are not carrying anything valuable, you can remove this crush-proof case.
What We Love About It
- It has a great aesthetic design
- Removable crush-proof case
Pros
- Big on space with many different storage pockets
- Water bottle holder
- Can be carried as a briefcase too by stashing away the straps
- Solid feel tot he bag
- Water-resistant
Cons
- Lacks security features
- A little on the higher price range
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
6
One of the most versatile laptop backpacks is the Peak Design Everyday Backpack with its expandable design. Depending on what you need to use it for, the bag can shrink or grow. A magnetic latch system gives you the flexibility of expanding or shrinking the top of the bag.
It’s probably the best laptop bag for air travel for photographers with its 3 Flexfold Dividers. These dividers protect cameras, drones, and lenses. The bag can comfortably hold a full-frame DSLR camera body and three to four lenses. There are also external side pockets and hidden straps for more storage. Although this is an ideal backpack for photographers, the stylish backpack will also suit those that aren’t into photography and is great for business travelers.
You have easy access to all your belongings through large zippered side panels. The slim padded laptop compartment with a top zipper will snugly accommodate a 15-inch Macbook Pro. We were quite impressed with the premium weatherproof zippers and the durable 400D nylon canvas shell. This bag is definitely built to last.
What We Love About It
- It looks great and scores big with us on versatility
Pros
- Made from durable 400D nylon canvas
- Weatherproof zippers
- Pass-through sleeve to attach to rolling luggage
- Hidden external carry straps
- Patented MagLatch hardware
- Side pockets
Cons
- The black bag is prone to scratches
- Side pockets are a bit small
Buy on:
Mobile Edge Core Gaming Laptop Backpack
5
Designed specifically for gamers, the Mobile Edge Core Gaming Backpack has great storage space for all your gaming accessories. A 17.3-inch laptop can fit comfortably into the designated compartment. It’s ‘checkpoint-friendly’ which means that you don’t need to take out all your gear during the security check. This feature definitely makes this bag a strong contender for the best laptop bag for air travel.
Three large storage sections with a molded front panel allow you to carry all your gear quite securely. Constructed from durable ballistic nylon, the bag also includes padded air-mesh shoulder straps and back panel. Along with this, there is also a padded carry handle and a trolley strap. What caught our attention on this bag is the storage space. With four side accessory pockets, a headphone holder and a fleece-lined pouch for an iPad or tablet you can be sure nothing will be left behind.
What We Love About It
- It’s spacious with a lot of attention to minor details
Pros
- TSA checkpoint friendly
- Four side accessory pockets and three main pockets
- External USB 3.0 charging port
- Molded front panel for extra protection
- Durable ballistic nylon
Cons
- No extra padding on top or bottom for laptop
- Doesn’t stand up when empty
Buy on:
Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
3
Another highly popular travel laptop backpack with over 11,500 ratings is this one from Matein. It’s stylish with a number of handy features that make it perfect for business travel. The slim design, luggage strap, and built-in USB charger make this the best laptop bag for air travel.
The luggage strap is a convenient feature as it slides easily over the handle of rolling luggage. It also has a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back to protect sensitive items. We loved the comfortable design with breathable adjustable shoulder straps and airflow back design. The bag also has multiple storage compartments and can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop. It also has a front compartment for keys, pens, and small items.
There’s no doubt that the built-in external USB charger is a clear winner. It provides a convenient charging option when you’re on the go. However, you’ll need to attach your own battery pack to the charger. Another feature that scored big for us is the water-resistant and durable polyester fabric.
What We Love About It
- The convenience of being able to charge your phone on the go with the inbuilt USB charger.
- Hidden theft proof pocket at the back
Pros
- Multiple storage compartments and pockets
- Multi-panel airflow system
- Luggage strap to slide over rolling luggage
- Great quality and design
- Affordable price
- Available in six different colors
Cons
- No protective pad on the bottom of the laptop compartment.
- Padding on the straps is not very good and can become a tad uncomfortable.
Buy on:
Incase Icon Pack
2
Constructed from heavy-duty, durable 840D ballistic nylon, the Incase Icon Pack is stylish yet low-key. If you’re looking for a no-frills option to take on a flight this is the best laptop bag for air travel. The aesthetics of the design are clean and professional. One of the best things about the bag is that it is durable and weather resistant.
The bag has enough storage space, starting with a small zip-up pocket on top for storing your phone. Another padded section is big enough for a 15-inch MacBook Pro. It also has a front pocket that can accommodate a tablet. Both of these compartments are lined with a soft, scratch-free material. In addition to this, there are multiple storage pockets and zippered compartments. Two side access pockets make it easy to get your essentials without taking the bag off.
What We Love About It
- Great minimalist overall design with enough storage space. Perfect for business travel.
Pros
- Clean and professional design
- Accessible pockets
- Durable and water-resistant fabric
- Available in six different colors
Cons
- No separate pocket for water bottle
Buy on:
Thule Subterra Daypack
1
A commuter inspired day pack from the sports luggage giants, the Thule Subterra Daypack has a host of impressive features. The high-quality material and the superior bumper protection put it right up there as the best laptop bag for air travel.
It has a quick access laptop compartment that can comfortably hold a 15-inch Macbook. A great feature of this bag is that you can access the laptop either from the top or from the side zipper. Packing this bag is easy with the duffel-style zipper which opens the main compartment wide. It’s big on organizational space with hidden vertical pockets, organization pocket and a quick-access front pocket for your travel documents.
The standout feature of this bag is undoubtedly the superior bumper protection. A soft, snuggly lining keeps your laptop safe from hard knocks. Another useful addition is the SafeZone compartment that keeps your fragile items like sunglasses or smartphone safe.
What We Love about It
- The handy features such as the two-way access to the laptop, the removable SafeZone case and the duffel-style zipper.
Pros
- Superior bumper protection with SafeEdge construction
- Protective tablet pocket
- Two-access to laptop
- Lots of organizational space
- Integrated daisy chain attachment system for bike light
Cons
- Quite highly-priced.
Buy on:
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Benefits of using a travel backpack?
Backpacks are highly popular because they put less strain on your body. Travel backpacks are designed to evenly distribute weight. That’s why they are comfortable to transport and can be carried for a long time. Another benefit of a backpack is that it leaves you handsfree. They can also be stored easily.
Is a Laptop Included in the 7kg hand luggage?
Airlines usually state that you can have carry-on luggage plus a handbag or a laptop. However, if the flight is full, the domestic airline may consider it as part of the carry-on luggage. A big, stuffed laptop bag will definitely be considered as 7kg carry-on luggage.
Is it Safe to put A Laptop in the Backpack?
If you have a laptop case it should be okay but you need to make sure your backpack is not overloaded or the straps could snap. In hindsight, it’s always a better option to get a laptop backpack since you have the advantage of the laptop padding.
Will my laptop get damaged if I leave it running in the bag?
When traveling it’s always a good idea to switch your laptop off as it could overheat in the confined space of your travel bag. Also, unplug any external devices so that they don’t accidentally damage your laptop.
Final Thoughts
Laptops are expensive devices to transport around so make sure you have the best protection for it. No matter what bag you decide to use for your laptop do your research well so that you don’t end up with a piece of junk that damages your device.
