A good laptop backpack has a lot to offer. It can hold your laptop and most of the rest of your gear — including lunch, a book, headphones and maybe a spare pair of pants and socks. It can protect your gear from the elements and help you stay organized and on top of your daily tasks. And it should also be comfortable to wear.
Whether you’re lugging around school supplies, a laptop laptop bag and tablet or work essentials, your backpack needs to be durable and protect your equipment. But not all backpacks are created equal. The best backpacks for laptops are designed with a number of important criteria in mind.
Most laptop backpacks have a separate compartment for your laptop and tablet or a slim, padded sleeve within the main compartment. Look for easy access to this compartment, as you’ll be opening it multiple times a day. Some bags make it easy to access by putting the sleeve inside a zippered pocket in the front of the bag. Others make it easier by putting the laptop sleeve in a dedicated, easily accessible section that’s separate from the rest of the backpack.
The sleeve or compartment should be snug but not tight, and it should have some cushioning so that your laptop stays safe from bumps, knocks and other jostling. Look for an adjustable Velcro strap to keep the sleeve in place, as this will prevent it from shifting. Also, make sure the sleeve or compartment isn’t too big for your laptop and tablet combined, as this will put too much strain on the fabric.
You’ll also want to ensure the padding is substantial throughout the bag, particularly on the shoulder straps and lumbar area. These areas take the brunt of the weight when you’re carrying a laptop and backpack, so look for ample padding in these places. You can even find a backpack that includes a sternum or hip strap to help distribute the weight evenly across your back.
Some of the best laptop backpacks are made from tough materials, such as 500-denier nylon or durable ballistic nylon. These bags often come with a durable water repellant (DWR) coating to protect your electronics and gear from moisture and rain. And some even have reflective accents for enhanced visibility in low-light situations.
If you’re looking for a backpack that can do it all, consider the Herschel Heritage Laptop Backpack. This bag is large enough for a full week’s worth of gear, and it includes a built-in power bank pocket for charging on the go. It also has a series of useful pockets and compartments, as well as a lockable zipper for added security. And it’s super comfortable to carry thanks to soft oxford fabric on the interior and exterior of the backpack and a pair of high-grade shoulder straps outfitted with sponge padding. And it’s available in a range of colors, too!