When choosing a laptop backpack, you want to make sure it’s comfortable for commuting and offers enough space for your computer and other gear. You also need a backpack that is durable and lightweight, so it will last you years of use.

Comfort for Travel

A backpack with a good fit and padded shoulder straps is the best way to avoid back pain when lugging a heavy load through traffic or a long flight. Especially if the bag you choose is lightweight, your back will not suffer from the weight of your computer and other gear.

Padding & Design for Protection

A laptop backpack should have ample padding and a sleeve for your laptop to protect it from bumps, scratches, and wear & tear during travel. The sleeve should be large enough to hold the computer and its case, and the padding should be extra thick to prevent damage from knocks and friction.

The sleeve should also be easy to access for storing your laptop or tablet, as well as chargers, headphones, and other gadgets. Most laptop backpacks have a simple zipper that allows you to quickly access everything inside, and some are even designed with separate compartments for your laptop, which makes getting at things easier when it’s time to go through security.

Water Resistance

A waterproof backpack is essential for trips, especially if you are planning to travel to rainy or tropical locations. Look for a bag that has a durable water-resistant (DWR) coating and covered zippers. A DWR coating helps to shed water rather than absorb it, but you should remember that DWR coatings can eventually wear off and require reapplication.

Organization for Travel

A laptop backpack should have a number of different pockets and spaces, as well as dividers, to organize your items properly. This will help keep you organized when packing, and it will also help you find the things you need quickly if you have to grab a drink or get out of your seat on an airplane.

The Peak Design Everyday is a great example of this, with its huge main storage area that includes velcro dividers for organizing your computers, camera equipment, and accessories. There are also a number of smaller pockets to store chargers, pens, and other miscellaneous stuff.

ScanSmart for Airports

A good laptop backpack should have a ScanSmart design that lets you breeze through airport security without having to remove your bag. This feature is particularly helpful for people who have to go through checkpoints multiple times during a trip.

Tortuga’s ScanSmart designs have a lay-flat laptop compartment to allow you to slip your computer through the TSA scanner more easily. The sleeve is padded and has anti-theft features, such as RFID blocking, to keep your personal information safe and secure.

Water Resistance

No matter what kind of backpack you’re looking for, it should be weather-resistant and abrasion resistant. A waterproof backpack is the perfect choice for people who plan to take their laptop with them on vacation or a weekend getaway.