How to Select a Laptop Backpack

When selecting the right laptop backpack, consider your own lifestyle and travel needs. For example, if you like to bike or hike with a hydration bladder, you should choose a bag that offers storage for those accessories.

To test each pack’s durability, Madison Yauger threw it around her apartment and listened to the sound it made when it hit the ground (a dull thud is ideal). She also assessed internal organization—like how well the pockets fit glasses, hard drives, and cables.

Size

Many laptop backpacks are designed with a sleek appearance that emphasizes a minimal footprint. These bags offer a slim profile that makes them suitable for commuters and travelers, but they may be limited in their capacity to accommodate everything you’ll need during your trip.

A bag that focuses on everyday use will often feature compartments and dividers to organize a wide range of belongings, including books, documents, water bottles, and headphones. Having this versatility will help you save time from untangling power cords or searching for your keys in the depths of your bag. These kinds of backpacks are also designed with extra padding and cushioning that helps you carry the weight evenly, preventing back and shoulder strain.

Whether you’re commuting to work or heading to the gym, a backpack with dedicated laptop compartments is ideal for carrying your computer and all its accessories. These bags will usually have a padded section to protect your device from accidental falls or bumps, and they provide easy access when you’re in a hurry.

To determine if a laptop backpack will fit your device, put it on a flat surface and measure the height, best travel backpack width, and depth of its case. Then, compare these measurements to the laptop backpack’s pocket dimensions. Be sure to account for the thickness of your laptop’s case, as some backpacks will hold devices vertically while briefcases or totes will hold them horizontally.

Style

As you swim through the sea of laptop backpacks out there, it’s important to find one with a design that suits your needs and aesthetic preferences. Some models are designed for work and commute with more of a formal look, while others boast an outdoorsy, casual style suitable for students or outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you choose to carry your bag by hand or over your shoulders will also play a role in its comfort. The weight of the bag should be evenly distributed across both shoulders to avoid unnecessary strain on your back and neck. If you’re planning on carrying heavy items in your backpack, a reinforced plastic frame and suspension system can help reduce the amount of pressure put on your back.

Another aspect to consider is how easy it is to access your laptop. Most laptop backpacks will have a compartment or sleeve dedicated to holding your computer. Some sling bag supplier will unzip from the front and allow you to slide in your device vertically, while others unzip from the side and have a horizontal loading space.

Other pockets, like those meant to hold water bottles and keys, can be extremely helpful as well. Some models come with additional organizational features, like packing cubes and pouches that make it easier to keep your gear organized. If you’re going to be traveling, look for a bag that has a lockable zipper or other security features. While this will not make your bag theft-proof, it may deter opportunistic thieves.

Security

A laptop is expensive and requires a great deal of care to prevent a variety of possible damages. Although a computer can be repaired in many cases, it is often less expensive to take precautions against damage in the first place.

A common way to protect a laptop is with a dedicated case that can be placed inside of a backpack. This can help to protect the device from bumps and drops that could otherwise cause a crack or other damage. It can also help to segregate the laptop from other items that may be carried in the same bag, such as sharp objects, pens or pencils, chargers and cables, water bottles and more.

In addition to protecting the laptop from damage, a laptop backpack can also provide extra security measures to ensure that the device is not stolen. This is especially important when travelling and going to airports and other public places where thefts can occur. Many laptop backpacks come equipped with special locking systems to make it more difficult for thieves to break into the bag and steal the laptop.

In addition to these safety measures, it is also recommended that you practice common sense when carrying a laptop backpack. Never leave the backpack unattended, and never swing it around or knock it into things. A simple knock on the side of a door or other item can easily cause significant and costly damage to a laptop.

Water Resistance

A laptop is one of the most important tools a person owns and it is essential to protect it. Choosing a backpack that is waterproof is a good idea to help keep your computer protected from accidental spills of water and rain. This is also a great feature for travel, as it will protect your valuables from the elements while you are on the go.

A good laptop backpack will have padding in the main compartment that will help protect the computer from bumps and knocks against other items in the bag. This padding will distribute the impact pressure evenly, minimizing damage to your laptop. Some backpacks will have a designated laptop sleeve that is specifically designed to fit your specific laptop. This is a great feature for students, professionals, and people who travel often, as it will ensure your laptop will always fit in the bag.

A laptop backpack will also have other features that can help make it more comfortable to wear for long periods of time. One of the most important is the adjustable shoulder straps. These will allow you to adjust the weight of the bag on your shoulders, reducing strain on your back and neck. It is also a good idea to look for a backpack that has padded hip straps to help relieve the pressure on your back and pelvic area while you are carrying the bag.