Top 5 Laptop Travel Backpacks: Reviews & Buying Guide

Does your current backpack feel more like a burden than a buddy on your journeys? We all know the struggle: juggling a precious laptop, chargers, travel essentials, and maybe a water bottle, all while trying to keep things organized and comfortable. Finding a single bag that handles the daily commute *and* weekend adventures can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Too small, it crushes your tech; too big, it weighs you down. The wrong choice leads to sore shoulders and frantic digging just when you need your passport!

Choosing the perfect backpack for both your laptop and travel needs is a balancing act between protection, capacity, and comfort. This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what features matter most, from padded sleeves that guard your screen to smart compartments that keep your travel documents accessible. By the end of this post, you will know precisely how to choose a backpack that works as hard as you do, seamlessly transitioning from the office to the airport.

Top Backpacks For Laptop And Travel Recommendations

No. 1
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, 17 Inch Work TSA Approved Carry on Backpack, Large Computer Business Bag for Men Women with USB Port and Trolley Sleeve, College School Rucksack Book Bag, Grey
  • Travel Gifts Idea: 17 inch laptop backpack for men is the great gifts choice for college teachers school students. Work commute gifts designed for adult men or women as office tech gifts, travel gifts or Birthday gifts. Special holiday gifts for him or her, your husband, wife, son, daughter, father, mother and friends coworker
  • TSA Approved Backpack: Laptop compartments' tsa function is designed for airplane flight travel. large laptop travel backpack can unfold 90 to 180 degrees, making the laptop bookbag 17 inch get through airport security checkpoint more easily and quickly. This 17 inch laptop backpack is large enough for daily office work, weekend getaway, overnight trip, college school, business travel
  • USB Charging Port & Luggage Sleeve: 17 inch computer backpack for men with external USB charger port and built in charging cable can conveniently charge your phone, tablet and other electronic devices while walking or hiking. Featuring the trolley sleeve on large backpack for men breathable back, business traveler could fit laptop backpack men right on the luggage suitcase, which free your hands
  • Multiple Pockets: Slim backpack for men has a separated laptop compartment for 15.6, 16, 17 inch notebook and tablet. Main compartment is roomy for office work files, travel clothes, school books. Front compartment storage daily tech accessories. Side mesh pockets hold water bottle or umbrellas. Back anti theft pocket protect wallets, passport. Ensuring the zipper is fully down with the puller at the bottom. This keeps your belongings safe from unexpected openings when you're walking
  • Water Resistant & Multipurpose: Laptop backpack 30 L is made of water resistant 600D polyester fabric. Comfortable handle and adjustable breathable shoulder straps, which perfects for 3 days business short trip, professional office work backpack or outdoor activities, backpacks for college men women. Recommended age range: 5 years old and up
No. 2
SHRRADOO Extra Large 50L Travel Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port, College High School Backpack Airline Approved Business Work Bag Fits 17 Inch Computer for Men Women
  • AFTER SALES SERVICE : We solemnly promise that within one year of receiving this product, if any quality defects occur during normal use, you only need to take a photo of the defective product and contact us. We will reply with a solution to the problem within 24 hours, or send you a new identical product for free to replace the defective product
  • LARGE CAPACITY AND ORGANIZED: men travel backpack owns 20 independent pockets for storing large items and organizing small items. 3 spacious main multi compartments with many hidden pockets can accommodate lots of stuffs like college supplies, 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
  • CONVENIENT AND MULTIPURPOSE: The external USB port with built-in charging cable provides convenience for charging phone. There is a password lock device to protect the security of the computer, and the backpack is equipped with a sturdy handle. Unfold the oversize backpack freely by 90-180 degrees, designed specifically for airplane travel. A large backpack is perfect for indoor/outdoor activities. A large laptop university bag that you can use anywhere for travel, camping, hiking, and trip
  • COMFORTABLES: A technology backpack with a U-shaped three-dimensional ventilation design on the back, comfortable wide breathable mesh shoulder straps, and ample sponge pads help relieve shoulder pressure. The shoulder straps on both sides are designed with hanging ropes, which can be used to hang small pendants such as sunglasses. Men's premium backpack, women's computer backpack. This is an ideal gift for men, women, or back to graduation
  • EXTRA LARGE AND LONG-LASTING USE MATERIAL:Size of extra large backpack: 19.5x15x11 (inches), Capacity: 50L, the separate padded laptop compartment can accommodate 13 inch MacBook, 14, 15, 15.6 inch, and 17 inch laptop backpacks/computers, suitable for adults, women, men, and teachers. Laptop backpack made of high-quality polyester fiber material, Heavy duty large notebook backpacks suitable for cities(This item is not intended for use by people 12 years old and under)
No. 3
Taygeer Travel Laptop Backpack for Men Women, Airplane Approved Travel Backpack Suitcase with Usb Charging Port, Lightweight College 35l Luggage Bag 15.6inch Laptop Mochila Gifts for Business,Black
  • Convenient USB Port: Mens travel backpack with built in USB charger outside and built in charging cable inside, carry on backpack for men flight approved offers you a more convenient way to charge your phone while walking. Please note large travel laptop backpack doesn't power itself and does not include a powerbank and cable, USB charging port only offers easy access to charge
  • Roomy Capacity & Multi-Pocket: Dimensions 16.8*11*7 inch, Light Weight 0.79 kg(1.74 lb), Womens travel backpack has 3 main large compartments and 9 allocated inner pockets and side pockets. Makes your item organized and easier to find. College backpack with laptop compartment holds a 15.6 inch laptop and a 12.9 iPad, backpack suitcase for mens travel bag Providing dedicated space for your pen, textbooks, wallet, clothes, shoes, bottle etc. At the same time, small backpack men is water resistant
  • Flight Approved Laptop Black Travel Backpack: 180 degree zipper closure helps you pass through the security check quickly. lightweight backpack for travel fits overhead and under the seat. Laptop backpack 15.6 inch also meets airline carry-on requirements, applicable for airlines such as Easy Jet, Spirit, Jet Blue, Frontier, United. Recommended age range: 5 years old and up
  • Be Handbag or Backpack: Women's backpack travel designed with padded adjustable shoulder straps and 2 padded handles make it easy to transform this weekender backpack travel bags for men from hand bag to backpack. Luggage Strap provides a more flexible carrying experience. 2 padded grab handles are set on top and side of large backpack for men travel.Note: when used as a handbag, you can thread the shoulder strap through the luggage strap for convenience
  • Widely Used: Mens backpack for traveling on airplane can be used in several different ways, served as daily backpack, weekend backpack, professional business backpack for men travel carry on, TSA backpack, personal item backpack, laptop backpack for men, luggage backpack, suitcase bag, travel essential. Travel backpack airline approved can be dirt resistant large college backpack with laptop compartment for men and woman, perfect back to school brithday travel gifts bag for men women best friend
No. 4
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, Business Anti Theft Slim Sturdy Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port, Water Resistant College School Computer Bag Gift for Men & Women Fits 15.6 Inch Notebook, Grey
  • LOTS OF STORAGE SPACE&POCKETS: One separate laptop compartment hold 15.6 Inch Laptop as well as 15 Inch,14 Inch and 13 Inch Laptop. One spacious packing compartment roomy for daily necessities,tech electronics accessories. Front compartment with many pockets, pen pockets and key fob hook, makes your item organized and easier to find
  • COMFY & STURDY: Comfortable soft padded back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, gives you maximum back support. Breathable and adjustable shoulder straps relieve the stress of shoulder. Foam padded top handle for the long time carry on using
  • FUNCTIONAL & SAFE: A luggage strap allows backpack fit on luggage/suitcase, slide over the luggage upright handle tube for easier carrying. With a hidden anti theft pocket on the back protect your valuable items from thieves. Well made for international airplane travel and day trip as a travel gift for men
  • USB PORT DESIGN: With built in USB charger outside and built in charging cable inside,this usb backpack offers you a more convenient way to charge your phone while walking. It's a great tech gift for him from wife, daughter and son. Please noted that this backpack doesn't power itself, usb charging port only offers an easy access to charge
  • STURDY MATERIAL & SOLID: Made of Water Resistant and Sturdy Polyester Fabric with metal zippers. Ensure a secure & long-lasting usage everyday & weekend.Serve you well as professional office work bag,slim USB charging bagpack, back to college backpacks. 15.6 inch travel laptop backpack for daily using and organize
No. 5
LIGHT FLIGHT Travel Backpack for Women, 15.6 Inch Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Hole, Water Resistant College Bookbag, Large Capacity Black Computer Backpacks for Work, Black
  • Large Capacity: The separate laptop compartment fits up to a 15.6'' laptop. The large main compartment is roomy for daily necessities, such as A4 folders, magazines, tablets, chargers, power bank, and clothes
  • Easy Access: Front zippered pocket of the backpack allows you to put your small items in an organized manner. Backside hidden pocket to keep your phone or other valuable items. Side pockets for water bottles or umbrellas
  • Easy Charging: You can charge the phone via the side pocket’s hole so that you don’t need to take the portable charger all the time. Just keep your phone powered up on the go
  • Bags With A Luggage Strap: Mesh padded shoulder straps relieve the pressure on shoulders, providing wear comfort. The back luggage strap of the backpack is easy to transport
  • Versatile Usages: Its simplistic, stylish look makes it a bookbag, laptop backpack, work backpack, travel backpack, college backpack as well as backpack
No. 6
Laptop Backpack,Business Travel Anti Theft Slim Durable Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port,Water Resistant College Computer Bag for Women & Men Fits 15.6 Inch Laptop and Notebook - Black
  • Storage Space & Pockets:One separate laptop compartment hold 15.6 Inch Laptop as well as 15 Inch,14 Inch and 13 Inch Macbook/Laptop.One spacious packing compartment roomy for iPad,mouse,charger,binders,clothes,ect.Mesh pockets at side for water bottle and compact umbrellamake your items organized and easier to find.
  • COMFY&STURDY: Comfortable airflow back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, gives you maximum back support. Breathable and adjustable shoulder straps relieve the stress of shoulder. Foam padded top handle for a long time carry on
  • FUNCTIONAL&SAFE: A luggage strap allows backpack fit on luggage/suitcase, slide over the luggage upright handle tube for easier carrying. With a hidden anti theft pocket on the back protect your valuable items from thieves. making your journey and travelling more convenient wherever you go.
  • USB PORT DESIGN: With built in USB charger outside and built in charging cable inside,this usb backpack offers you a more convenient way to charge your phone while walking. Headphone Jack: you can listen to your favorite music on the go hands-free.
  • DURABLE MATERIAL&SOLID: Made of Water Resistant and Durable Polyester Fabric with metal zippers.Ensure a secure & long-lasting usage everyday & weekend.Serve you well as professional office work bag,slim USB charging bagpack, perfects for business traveling, weekend getaways, shopping & outdoor activities in daily life. Good Gift for college.
No. 7
DUSLANG 17 Inch Laptop Backpack for Travel Water Resistant College Backpack for Men/Women Laptop Bag with USB Charging Port,Black
  • COMPARTMENT CAPACITY & POCKETS:Separate laptop compartment fits 17/15/14/13 Inch Macbook/Laptop.Separate compartment Fits Maximum 9.7” iPad.Main compartment roomy for tech electronics accessories,3-5 days clothing,5 A4 Books.Front compartment with 2 Pockets for power Bank and Shaver,2 Pen pockets and key fob hook.Pocket for socks and gloves.Front hidden zipper pocket fits papers.2 mesh pockets for water bottle and compact umbrella.Strap pocket fits bus card and Metro Card,One glasses hold strip.
  • COMFY&STURDY: Comfortable airflow back design with thick but soft multi-panel ventilated paddingand Lightweight material, gives you maximum back support. Breathable and adjustable shoulder straps relieve the stress of shoulder. Foam padded top handle for a long time carry on.
  • FUNCTIONAL&SAFE: A luggage strap allows backpack fit on luggage/suitcase, slide over the luggage upright handle tube for easier carrying. With a hidden anti theft pocket on the back protect your valuable items from thieves. Well made for international airplane travel and day trip as a travel gift for men .
  • BUILD-IN USB PORT : The backpack comes with built in USB charger outside , built in charging cable inside, offers you a convenient way to charge your phone when you are walking, riding.
  • DURABLE MATERIAL&SOLID: Made of Water Resistant and Durable Polyester Fabric with metal zippers. Ensure a secure & long-lasting usage everyday & weekend.Serve you well as professional office work bag,slim USB charging bagpack,college backpacks for men women.THIS ITEM IS NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER.
No. 8
LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack for Women with Pouch Pocket for Large Capacity Cup,15.6 Inch Laptop Computer Bag Travel Backpack Purse,Waterproof Work Business Backpack College Teacher Bags,Beige-Black-Brown
  • ✊【Upgraded LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack for Women】: Smooth double LOVEVOOK no-slip metal zippers.NON-STAIN,water-resistant and durable polyester fabric.Cute and stylish color combination.FASHIONABLE AND FUNCTIONAL.Total of 4 compartments and 14 pockets for your computer,A4 folder,bottles,umbrellas,clothes,work supplies,college supplies and travel essentials.size: 12”L 17.5”H 8”D, weight: 1.85lb.
  • ❤【Design for Large Capacity Cup】: Adjustable elastic strap, designed for convenience, custom-designed for Large Capacity Cups. With this water bottle pouch, you can easily carry your cup. Free your hands and take your water bottle accessories anywhere with ease. Well designed backpack purse for women.
  • 💻【Padded Work Bags College Backpack】: The dedicated separate laptop compartment with cushioned cotton sewn around, has a dedicated separate 15.6-inch laptop pocket, a 9.7-inch iPad slot, fits your laptop perfectly and is padded for extra protection. It makes carrying your laptop so much easier.Professional and well made for work, business, travel, commuting, college, teacher, nurse, daily use as a practical gift for women.
  • 🚀【Personal Item Travel Backpack】: Backpack for traveling on airplane,fits great under the seat on the plane! The adjustable and mesh airflow WELL-PADDED SHOULDER STRAPS are nice and cushioned so they don’t hurt your shoulders. The ANTI-THEFT POCKET on the back design and waterproof material give you peace of mind while traveling.The LUGGAGE STRAP DESIGN on the back that allows it to ship over your suitcase handle for an easy push through the airport!
  • ✅【Practical Gifts & Quality warranty】: Super cute and stylish LOVEVOOK laptop bag for women.Practical gifts for all people you care about.Users'feelings are what we care about most.We LOVEVOOK backpack provide a 12-hour customer service, 30-day no-reason return and 1-year warranty policy.

Choosing Your Perfect Laptop and Travel Backpack: A Comprehensive Guide

Finding the right backpack for both your laptop and your travels makes life much easier. You need a bag that protects your tech and holds everything else you need for a trip, whether it’s a quick business meeting or a weekend getaway. This guide helps you pick the best one!

Key Features to Look For

The best backpacks offer smart organization and great protection. Don’t settle for less!

Laptop Protection is Priority One

  • Padded Laptop Sleeve: This is essential. Look for a sleeve that fits your laptop size exactly (13-inch, 15-inch, etc.). It should be thick and suspended off the bottom of the bag so if you drop the bag, the laptop doesn’t hit the floor directly.
  • Water Resistance: Light rain happens. A water-resistant exterior fabric keeps your electronics dry. True waterproofing is rare, but resistance is very helpful.
  • Lockable Zippers: If you travel often, especially internationally, zippers that accept small locks offer security for your valuable electronics.

Travel and Organization Features

  • Clamshell Opening: Some travel backpacks open completely flat, like a suitcase. This makes packing clothes and accessing items much easier than a top-loading school bag.
  • External Pockets: You need quick access to your phone, passport, and water bottle. Look for side pockets for water and easy-access front pockets for small items.
  • Trolley Sleeve (Pass-Through Strap): This strap slides over the handle of your rolling suitcase. It keeps your backpack secure on top of your carry-on luggage, saving your shoulders.

Important Materials Matter

The material determines how long the bag lasts and how well it protects your gear.

Durable Fabrics

  • Nylon and Polyester: These are the most common materials. Look for high denier counts (like 600D or higher). Higher denier means the fabric is thicker and tougher against scrapes and tears.
  • Ballistic Nylon: This is very tough and often used in high-end bags. It resists abrasion extremely well.

Comfort and Support

  • Shoulder Straps: They must be well-padded. Thicker padding prevents digging into your shoulders when the bag is heavy.
  • Back Panel Ventilation: Mesh panels or air channels on the back keep air flowing between you and the bag. This stops your back from getting too sweaty during long walks.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

A quality backpack lasts for years; a poor one fails quickly.

Quality Boosters

  • Stitching Quality: Look for tight, neat stitching, especially where straps connect to the main body. Double stitching in high-stress areas (like strap anchors) is a huge plus.
  • Zippers: YKK zippers are the industry standard for reliability. They glide smoothly and rarely snag or break. Cheap, unbranded zippers often fail first.

Quality Reducers

  • Thin Padding: If the laptop sleeve padding feels flimsy, your computer is at risk.
  • Flimsy Straps: Straps that feel thin or use weak plastic buckles suggest the bag won’t hold up under the weight of travel gear.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you will use the bag most often.

The Daily Commuter

If you use the bag daily for work and occasional short trips, prioritize comfort and quick access. A slimmer profile that fits easily under an office desk or train seat is best. Look for features like a quick-access pocket for transit cards.

The Frequent Flyer

For air travel, size matters. Ensure the bag meets standard carry-on dimensions (usually around 22 x 14 x 9 inches). The clamshell opening and the trolley sleeve become vital for navigating airports efficiently.

The Tech-Heavy User

If you carry a laptop, tablet, charger, mouse, and perhaps a portable monitor, you need excellent internal organization. Look for multiple padded compartments and cable management loops so wires do not become a tangled mess.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How do I know the right size laptop sleeve for my computer?

A: Always measure your laptop’s diagonal screen size (e.g., 15.6 inches). Then, check the backpack specifications. A backpack listed for a “15-inch laptop” usually fits most 15.6-inch models, but checking the sleeve’s actual dimensions is safer.

Q: Are “waterproof” bags really necessary?

A: “Water-resistant” is usually enough for most travelers. It means the fabric sheds rain. Truly “waterproof” bags use sealed seams and special coatings, which are great for very harsh weather or boat trips, but they often cost more.

Q: Can I use a travel backpack as my only bag on a flight?

A: Yes, many modern travel backpacks are designed to fit the under-seat or overhead bin requirements for carry-on luggage. Make sure the bag is not overly stuffed, as overstuffing makes the bag exceed standard size limits.

Q: What is the benefit of having a luggage pass-through strap?

A: This strap lets you slide the backpack over the extended handle of your rolling suitcase. You only have to pull one piece of luggage instead of carrying a heavy bag on your back while rolling a suitcase.

Q: Should I choose a backpack with a dedicated shoe compartment?

A: This is a great feature if you pack athletic shoes or dirty boots separately from clean clothes. It keeps the main packing area tidy and clean.

Q: How important is weight distribution?

A: Very important for comfort! Look for bags with adjustable sternum straps (chest strap) and hip belts. These transfer some of the bag’s weight from your shoulders to your hips, which is where your body is strongest.

Q: Do I need an RFID-blocking pocket?

A: RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) pockets block scanners from reading the chips in your passport or credit cards. It adds a layer of security against digital theft, making it highly recommended for international travelers.

Q: What makes a travel backpack different from a school backpack?

A: Travel backpacks usually have more internal volume, open flatter (clamshell style), and focus more on clothing organization and durability for extended use, whereas school bags focus more on easy access to books and smaller daily supplies.

Q: Are TSA-friendly laptop backpacks worth the extra money?

A: They are very convenient. These bags have a laptop compartment that can lay flat when unzipped, allowing security agents to scan your computer without you removing it from the bag. This speeds up airport security checks significantly.

Q: How should I clean my laptop backpack?

A: Check the tag first. Usually, you can spot-clean tough dirt with mild soap and a damp cloth. Avoid putting high-quality bags in a washing machine, as this can damage the specialized padding and water-resistant coatings.