Grown-Up Gear: 9 Best Laptop Backpacks for Your Office Commute

1 month ago 2

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Whether you’re heading to class or commuting to the office, you’ll need a decent laptop bag to keep all of your accessories or supplies together in one easy-to-carry package. That’s where a good laptop backpack comes in, with the convenience (and comfort) of an over-the-shoulder bag, and the practicality of pockets, secured compartments and handy organization.

These days, laptop backpacks come in a number of grown-up styles that wouldn’t look out of place in a conference room or worn with a suit and tie.

The backpacks we gathered for this article were tested based on how they keep your laptop safe and secure during daily commutes from home to your school or office. We picked laptop backpacks that are stylish, durable and comfortable to wear — especially if you’re going to be wearing something on your back throughout the day.

Backpacks are also spacious with more than enough room to comfortably carry your laptop (up to 17 inches in size), school or office supplies, headphones, a water bottle, keys and more.

Scroll down and shop the best laptop backpacks for back-to-school or return-to-office use, below:

TOP PICK

OIWAS Travel Laptop Backpack

$29.99

This laptop backpack from Amazon is TSA-approved as a carry-on bag for your computer. What that means: it has a built-in laptop sleeve that folds out flat, so security can easily see what’s in it. In many cases, you no longer need to actually take out your laptop as your go through the screening.

Other things to like about this backpack: its contemporary gray colorway, the lightweight material, a breathable mesh backing (no sweaty messes here) and a luggage strap that lets you hang the backpack over your suitcase handle.

Able Carry

Editors’ Choice

Able Carry Daily Plus

$209

The Able Carry Daily Plus is ideal as a laptop bag for everyday use, but it’s durable enough to take into the wild too as a hiking or camping sack.

This bag makes our list for being comfortable, spacious and stylish. It has a number of clever (and even hidden) pockets that are smartly-engineered for protection and easy access to the things you bring to school or the office. The dome-style shape is sleek and minimalist, while a top handle allows for an additional carrying option.

Mous

Best for Photographers

Mous Extreme Commuter Backpack

$219.99 $249.99 12% off

If you’re a photographer, then the Mous Extreme Commuter Backpack is a must thanks to its clever design, comfortable fit and secure lid with heavy-duty locks.

The backpack comfortably fits a laptop, camera and all your accessories. Everything has its own place inside, with a padded laptop sleeve, main padded compartment for your camera, and zip pockets for things like your charger, flash drives and more. The material also helps to keep what’s inside safe and dry from roaming pickpockets or nasty weather.

Timbuk2

Best for Commuters

Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe

$169

For students and professionals who commute to school or work, the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is best for daily use.

Timbuk2 is known for its lightweight and durable bags, which can easily be worn while biking or walking to work. This one has a two compartment system for folders and books, as well as a dedicated space for your laptop.

Mission Workshop

Best Organization

Mission Workshop Rhake

$545

If organization is your thing, then the Mission Workshop Rhake is the backpack for you. Just about everything has its place with this backpack.

The Rhake is a 22-liter, waterproof backpack with a large number of secure compartments for everyday carry, from a laptop, to charging cables, to pens and a water bottle. Multiple straps fold down and buckle to keep your stuff secure and ripstop material withstands scratches, drops and weather elements with ease.

Monos

MOST STYLISH

Monos Metro Backpack

$178 $200 11% off

Monos may be best known for their luggage, but they made a great backpack option too, with the Monos Metro.

A more professional-looking bag, this backpack is sleek, stylish and designed to hold your stuff with ease (while maybe turning a few heads too). It’s spacious enough for a laptop, tablet, books and files, while the minimalist nylon and vegan leather construction pairs well with a power suit at the office.

Fjallraven

FAN FAVORITE

Fjällräven Kånken

$120

A popular pick about adults and young adults alike, this Fjällräven Kånken backpack is big enough to carry a laptop up to 17 inches in size.

This lightweight bag is made from a water-resistant nylon and comes in 12 fun colors, including sky blue (pictured), blackberry, ox red and more. A padded computer sleeve keeps your laptop secured inside while a large exterior pocket is great for your wallet, charger, keys and more. Fjällräven also makes this bag in 13-inch and 15-inch laptop versions.

Herschel Supply Co.

BESTSELLER

Herschel Retreat

$110

The Herschel Retreat is a no-frills backpack that’s stylish on the outside and surprisingly spacious on the inside. If you’ve seen this bag everywhere, you’re not alone: this is one of the bestselling backpacks online.

This Herschel bag has a main compartment with a dedicated laptop sleeve and small dump pocket on its front for easy-to-access things like keys or hand sanitizer. In our testing, we found it super comfortable to wear, and we liked that it kept our belongings safe and secure in a minimal design.

Away

Best for Travel

Away Quilted Everywhere Zip Backpack

$95 $225 58% off

For something different, the Away Quilted Everywhere Zip Backpack is padded all around with a fun design that resembles a puffy jacket.

This Away backpack has two compartments: one for your things, like books and folders, and another for your laptop. The backpack also has a passthrough sleeve for a rolling suitcase, just in case you want to take it on your next business trip or spring break.

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