When packing for college, you want to get your hands on the fastest and most reliable laptop that can help you be on top of your studies. What is completely overlooked is the bag where you are going to store and carry your tech.
But guess what? A bag is more than just a storage pouch. It can be the basic foundation of your entire academic day. The right bag can also help protect your back from the strain of carrying a significant load for the entire day.
Top Picks: Best backpacks For Laptops
Osprey Nebula 32 Pack
Osprey Nebula Commuter Backpack, Black
$159.27
- Premium efficiency and design
- Storage tuned to the each season
- Purpose designed to help mak the most of each exploration
- Dual stretch mesh water bottle pockets fit most sized bottles
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This is the perfect solution if you are carrying a laptop along with other heavier loads. This is a brand that is popular for hiking gear, which is why if you need something a bit more heavy-duty that can survive wear and tear and the possible stress of commuting, you can never go wrong with this one.
What we also love about this particular bag is that you can easily organize your things. It can keep all your books in one neat line.
And for laptops, it has this unique floating design. It is probably one of the safety features in a laptop bag. The laptop does not rest on the bottom of the bag, so if you accidentally drop it, your tech will not slam against the ground.
We highly recommend this if you need hefty storage. It is highly organized and has lots of pockets and compartments, too. And if you are going to carry that bag a day long within the campus, you are not going to complain about an achy back. This feels very comfortable since it has back support.
The drawbacks is that some of the straps in the pockets can be quite finicky.
Which student will find the best use for this? This is perfect for the campus commuter, or what is referred to as the long day student. If you take the public transit or ride a bike to campus, this bag is for you.
Moreover, those majoring in Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, and Digital Media will find this bag very roomy. If you have intense gear requirements, this can make your campus life more comfortable.
Tortuga Laptop Backpack
Tortuga Expandable Travel Backpack, 27-32.5L Carry-On Travel Backpack for Men and Women - Durable, Comfortable, Easy to Pack, Airline-Approved Travel Bag with Laptop Compartment
$250.00
- This large travel backpack expands 20% (from 27L to 32.5L) with a simple unzip
- At 19.2 x 12.5 x 8.3 inches expanded, this bag meets international and US size requirements for carry-on luggage and easily fits in the overhead bins.
- The front-loading, suitcase-style opening makes this convertible travel bag simple to organize.
- Made by travelers for travelers with durable, 630D CORDURA nylon and lockable YKK zippers.
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If you need a bag that is not too heavy and bulky but is still built for stress, this is a great choice. Even if you carry books, it is not too heavy to carry. The bag is designed with multiple layers, which makes it very resistant and durable without it bearing too much weight.
The bag is designed in such a way that it is not too bottom heavy. The pockets and grids sit near the top of the bag, thus distributing the entire weight to the even sections of the bag. You can also easily access your smaller tech items, such as earphones, and keep them neatly tucked in the compartments.
This bag is referred to as the ultimate under the seat personal item. Thus, if you go to college out of state and need to travel frequently for spring break and vacations, this is a versatile bag. It is weather-resistant, perfect for high winds and even saltwater. Thus making it a reliable travel bag too.
Bellroy Classic Backpack
Bellroy Classic Daypack (laptop backpack with 16 inch laptop sleeve, external pockets and luggage pass-through) - Indigo
- Its charming, heritage-feel details like metal hardware, embroidery and leather accents are subtly balanced by modern organization and access points.
- The exterior fabric’s got a unique soft matte finish with a subtly contrasting internal lining.
- Measures 480 x 350 x 120 mm / 18.9 x 13.8 x 4.7 inches.
- This product is covered by Bellroy for 6 years.
If you fancy a more streamlined, professional-looking backpack, this is it. This is perfect for the minimalist students who still need a bag that can support the weight of a laptop and other heavier items they may have to bring to the campus.
At first glance, this might not be a bag that can carry the weight of a standard laptop. But it is quite a workhorse and can surprise you. It has this invisible tech protection and a tailored silhouette. The internal is cradled with mesh to make up for the minimalist design.
Thus, if you hate the sight of pockets and too many compartments but need them for the ultimate organization, get this. It has those invisible pockets and compartments that can help you keep things tidy without the bag giving it away.
Like our other options above, this is quite ergonomic and comfortable to carry within the campus for the entire day. It has a curved lumbar support that follows the natural shape of your spine.
This is perfect for the Design, Business, or Humanities major and courses that may require you to dress up a bit during presentations. The design of the bag will not mess up with your OOTD.
Herschel Little America
Herschel Little America Backpack, Black, Standard - 30L
$123.98
- 600D Fabric and Tonal stripe Liner made from recycled polyester
- Padded and fleece lined floating sleeve fits a 15"/16" laptop
- Carry comfortably with adjustable EVA-padded shoulder straps
- Back entry zipper offers easy access
- Dual water bottle pockets expand to fit different sizes
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This is a favorite among college students; it has that classic sporty look that is very easy on the eyes.
And while this may look like your average sporty bag, it is indeed built for laptops.
It has this impressive push laptop protection that prevents the device from getting scratched with even the tiniest things in your bag, say the springs on your notebooks, pens, or other whatnots.
The sleeves are sufficiently padded and have a suspended design. This means that the device does not rest at the bottom of the bag.
So even if the bag suddenly slammed against something hard, your tech will not come crashing down.
It also has upgraded tech accessibility. The magnetic pin clips ensure added precaution for the bag. The bag is ergonomic, and you have the sufficient compartments that can keep smaller tech gadgets such as wireless earbuds and charging fabrics accessible.
Though keep in mind that this is a top-sliding drawstring bag. It might take more time to open compared to a zippered backpack.
This is perfect for the student who does not want that tech geeky look. It is very versatile and perfect for the weekend travelers, when tuned to get home for a two day weekend after class.
Topo Designs Daypack
Topo Designs Daypack Classic Backpack Daily Carry Pack Designed in Denver, Functional Travel Bag, Recycled Nylon, 2 Padded Laptop Sleeves, 21L (Beetle/Spice)
$79.00
- This stylish and functional pack is the ideal travel companion or pack mule whether you're commuting through town, across campus, or hitting the trail
- Topo Designs has been churning out stylish and colorful packs and apparel from Denver, Colorado since the early 2000s
- DAYPACK CLASSIC DEETS: 1000D recycled nylon, 210D recycled nylon liner, 11"w x 19"h x 5"d, 1285 cu. in. / 21.6 L, Made in Vietnam
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This is a cheeky and aesthetic backpack that veers away from the usual generic tech bags. It continues that rugged look, DNA of a workhorse, but with more aesthetic and body colors. So for those who want a breath of fresh air, this is perfect.
And while it may come off as aesthetic, do not underestimate this bag. This is made from military grade materials and is very resistant to wear and tear. Your tech can be spared from abrasions and scratches. Even though the zippers are heavy-duty, they do not catch, split, or break.
One notable difference is that the laptop feels close to the body. Such is designed to be agile and compact.
The bag has a dedicated internal sleeve and a flat back panel. Your laptop acts as the stabilizer, and this keeps the bag resting nicely on your spine.
Another quirky design is the colored lining of the inside of the bag instead of the standard bag. With such bright colors, you can easily find whatever it is that you are looking for.
We see this best serving Design, Arts, and Creative majors.
And if you have a strong personal style and need a bag that supports your tech stuff, this is it. And with its simple and more compact silhouette, this is very functional and feels good on the go. This is perfect if you are riding a bike or scooter to get to campus.
What’s not to like? There is no ventilation on the back panel. And with the laptop sitting close to the body, some may find it a bit restrictive.
What’s not to like? There is no ventilation on the back panel. And with the laptop sitting close to the body, some may find it a bit restrictive.
Able Carry Daily Backpack
This is another great option if you are looking for a highly minimalist yet functional laptop backpack. It has even weight distribution, is lighter to carry, and has impressive protection for your tech.
The bag has an A-frame suspension system. So even if you are carrying books, the bag will not sag. It will also feel lighter than it really is.
The sleeves have a floating design. So even if the bag drops on the concrete library floor, your laptop will not crash into pieces. The sleeves are also heavily padded and can completely hold their structure. Your tech will not be crushed by heavier books that are also in the bag.
This is perfect if you want a minimalist and clean bag. If you fancy a more streamlined bag but have a lot of books to carry as well, you will find this very useful.
It’s also suited for a crowded campus. Since it is compact and streamlined, you can easily pass through a big crowd as you rush to class.
The downside however, some of the inside pockets are flimsy.
Rennen Daypack
This is a classic backpack that veers away from that tech-bulky look. If you want a more streamlined bag with a sleek silhouette, we vouch for this one.
It has a suspended sleeve that adds a layer of protection for your tech gadgets. When the bag accidentally hits something hard, your laptop will not come crashing. The sleeves also have a premium lining that protects the surface of your gadgets. Getting scratched from the spiral notebook that is also inside the bag is the least of your concerns.
This is also waterproof, and the zippers are sealed tight, so you can rush into the rain. Even in a sudden downpour, you can make it to class and have everything dry and toasty.
It is perfect for those who want a minimalist organization. If you hate the sight of pockets and zippers, this bag gets you. The pockets are inside the bag. This is a subtle-looking laptop bag; people might not even notice that you are carrying one.
Keep in mind, though, that when completely empty, it will not perfectly stand upright on its own. It is more of a sleek and soft backpack.
This is perfect for the minimalist and paperless students, the Graduate or professional track student. Even those who commute will find the best use for this.
REI Co-op Ruckpack 30 Pack
One of the things that drew us to this laptop bag is its dual versatility. It has dual access for your device and has a highly functional design. It has a dedicated external side zipper that opens straight into the sleeve. So if your bag is packed with books and whatnots, you do not need to unload everything just to gain access to your laptop. You can just slide it out sideways.
Aside from being ergonomic, this is a very durable bag. It is quite rugged and has the DNA of bags that are used for hiking and trekking. Thus, if you need a heavy duty bag built for more stress, we highly recommend this.
This is very comfortable to carry. It has a structured internal framesheet and ribbed mesh coerced foam back pane. So very agile and suited for those who are always running late to class, pun intended.
And if you usually walk through areas with unpredictable weather, this can keep your valuables safe and dry. It has a stowable rain cover that you can easily get if you suddenly find yourself stuck in a downpour. The compartments also have lockable zippers, perfect for keeping your stuff safe during long commutes and in crowded places.
The downside is that it can be a bit overwhelming for those who are looking for a minimalist bag. It may have too many zippers, pockets, and compartments. This is not for those wanting a sleeker and simpler design.
Buying Guide: How We Chose These Bags
With lots of laptop bags to choose from, it is very easy to make a mistake. So to avoid that and just enjoy a suitable bag that can make your campus sweater, check our top picks.
And this is how we made the choice cause we did not just randomly pick a laptop bag.
Dedicated Tech Panel
Bags claiming to be suitable for laptops will have that internal sleeve. This separates your tech from the other things that are inside the bag. But is this enough? Sadly not. There are more things to consider aside from this.
Is the sleeve thick enough to protect the surface of the tech from abrasions and scrapes? Even the small spiral of your notebook or a tiny chip can make a noticeable dent or scratch.
You have to pick bags that have a false bottom. This can be the ultimate protection for your laptop. Never buy a bag where the laptop sleeve touches the bottom of the bag. The sleeves must be an inch from the base so your tech does not smash against the concrete wherever you lay your bag down, or if it accidentally drops.
Pockets and Compartments
Aside from the laptops, you will also be carrying smaller items such as earbuds, chargers, power banks, and adapters. Do not just look for bags that have sufficient pockets and compartments. While these may be useful, you can do much more with the ultimate organizations.
Pick bags that have a dedicated tech admin panel. A good one would have dedicated mesh pockets and elastic loops so you are not untangling cords mid-lecture.
Ergonomic and Comfortable
You will be walking a lot. Your backpacks are essentially your mobile locker. Without an ergonomic design, you are actively straining your body.
So look for bags that have enough support. This must not be a dread to carry around since you are going to have other stuff inside, such as books. Ideally, pick ones that have a built-in lumbar support.
These bags are structured in a way that it shifts the load to the strongest muscles. This prevents lower back pain, nerve compression, and spine and shoulder strains. The straps should also be comfortable and durable enough. Even with additional weight, it should not be too taxing on the shoulders.
Another Campus Investment
Investing in a suitable laptop backpack isn’t just about protecting your tech; it’s also about protecting your body. You are going to be carrying that weight around campus, maybe for the entire day.
You might be commuting and rushing to class every now and then. A standard bag will put you under so much stress, and your body might take the toll.
The perfect backpack can also make you more productive in class. While a suitable laptop bag may not help you write essays and complete tests, the right bag can act as an efficient mobile workspace. And when your bag is organized, it eliminates friction-filled moments that can hamper your focus.
