Between the TSA and bouncing around in the overhead storage bins, laptops get tossed around during travel quite a bit, which is why having the right bag is a must. It’s also convenient to have a bag that can easily display a laptop for security purposes. So, what should you look for in a laptop travel bag? 

Ideally, you want something protective, with additional compartments for organizing and storing accessories. You also want something that fits your personal style and is easy to transport. Waterproof material doesn’t hurt, either. Check out our list below to find your perfect laptop travel bag, including both backpacks and briefcases. And if you’re looking for bags that are suited for larger laptops, check out our list of the best 17-inch laptop bags here. 

Backpacks

Tortuga Setout

There’s a good reason why travelers love Tortuga bags. They are well-built with highly durable and weather-resistant fabrics, and they’re shaped to fit comfortably. Tortuga’s new Setout series, which we have been using for nearly all our travels as of late, has become our favorite. The Setout Backpack not only can hold a 17-inch laptop and accessories, but it also has a ton of room for clothes. In fact, it meets carry-on size requirements, yet can fit a week’s worth of clothing if you pack accordingly.

There are a ton of extra pockets for accessories, too, and the hip belt helps distribute the weight evenly when the bag is fully loaded (it also has a compartment for things you need to access often, like a phone or passport). From internal padding to the zippers, the Tortuga Setout feels amazingly strong. For techie nomads who travel out of their suitcases, the Setout is ideal. For short-length travel, the Setout also comes in a smaller size, called the Setout Divide ($179). Don’t have clothes? Tortuga has the Setout Laptop Backpack ($125), which features all the best attributes of the other Tortuga Setout bags, minus the extra space.

Hynes Eagle 38L Backpack

This weekender polyester backpack is one of the best options for short flights that we’ve seen, with pockets and straps for everything you could need, whether you’re going on a professional trip filled with electronics or joining your friends for a quick excursion. It has a top handle, side handle, and adjustable, hidable shoulder straps, no matter which way you want to hold it, along with two sets of compression straps for securing all your items — and, of course, it’s designed to fit into overhead plane compartments without any trouble.

The laptop pouch is found in the roomy front organizer and is suitable for 15-inch and extra slim 17-inch laptop models. The Hynes Eagle 38L Backpack also comes with handy packing cubes that allow you to separate the main space into different compartments.

Osprey Ozone Duplex

The Ozone Duplex is like having two bags. One, called the Daypack, has padded storage for a laptop and tablet, as well as other essentials. The Cargo Bag, which secures on top of the Daypack, has room for clothes and other gear. The idea is that when you get to your destination, you can detach and leave the Cargo Bag at your accommodations, while the Daypack functions as a regular backpack. The Cargo Bag has a separate shoulder strap, too, should you want to haul each separately. The Osprey Ozone is gender-specific, however — there are two versions, one for men (Duplex 65) and another for women (Duplex 60). If you tend to carry two bags anyway, the Ozone Duplex is a neat two-in-one solution.

Everki Titan

The Titan is a colossal backpack, one capable of holding an 18.4-inch laptop. This makes it ideal for anyone with a large gaming laptop who travels frequently. Additionally, the bag features several large compartments, and so you can store plenty of gear including laptop accessories and other devices (tablets, handhelds, etc.). The tablet pocket is even lined with felt, making it safe for any screen.

Although it may seem like such a large backpack would be terrible for moving through security, the titan opens up 180 degrees, so it can move through a screening machine easily. The pack’s innovative design also makes it easy to rifle through compartments and grab the specific device you want at any given moment. It may not be the right choice for every consumer, but those with mammoth laptops and an assortment of gadgets will appreciate the Everki Titan’s bountiful pockets and smart organization.

Timbuk2 Collective Festival

We love a good bag. But, if given one with lots of volume, we will use every inch of it, and that’s not great for weight. If you want to pack light — just the tech essentials, please — or need a second, smaller bag to accompany a duffel or carry-on, we’d recommend using Timbuk2’s Collective Festival. It has room for a 13-inch laptop, a few accessories, and a change of clothes. The bag and straps are also made out of strong materials. As the name suggests, it’s designed for festival goers. As such, the laptop pocket can be used for a hydration bladder, and comes with a rain poncho that serves double duty; it keeps your bag dry, and can be used as a blanket.

SwissGear SA9998

An ideal pack for backpacking across the world while still keeping your laptop safe, the Swiss Gear SA9998 includes a padded laptop sleeve for stashing laptops up to 15 inches in size. It also includes room for pretty much everything else, including office supplies, water bottles, a change of clothes, toiletries, and so on. The padded shoulder straps keep the pack comfortable, and the denier ballistic nylon surface prepares the backpack for rougher conditions, if necessary. If your definition of travel is ambitious and you need a backpack to keep up, this Swiss Gear is worth checking out!

Mancro Water Resistant Laptop Bag

Simple, affordable, and ideal for rainy cities, the Mancro Water Resistant Laptop Bag can fit laptops under 17 inches in size and comes with a built-in USB charging port. There are also more than 10 compartments for housing tablets, phones, chargers, binders, clothing, water bottles, and anything else you may need on the road. The design hits a sweet spot that makes this bag suitable for a business meeting, trade fairs, school, and anything in between. If you’ve been trying to find an affordable laptop bag that still has all the features you need for a busy life/travel plan, you can’t go wrong with Mancro’s water-resistant option.

Briefcases

Lodis Accessories Audrey Brera Briefcase with Laptop Pocket

If you’re looking to make a fashion statement with your laptop bag, we can guarantee you’ll want this classic shoulder bag. The Audrey Brera Briefcase features a modern, elegant style along with a padded laptop compartment. This bag is available in red and toffee and has plenty of storage for all your essential items, including an exterior pocket and five convenient card slots. You’ll never fear an unauthorized pairing again with this bag’s RFID-protected pockets that keeps all your devices and credit cards safe. If that’s not enough, you can also detach the shoulder strap to switch up your style.

Mobile Edge Alienware Vindicator Briefcase 17″

The Vindicator has ample storage space and can easily fit Alienware’s 18-inch laptop and other larger tech tools inside, thanks to its use of Alienware laptop and desktops’ logo and design. Traveling is a breeze with the checkpoint-friendly compartment. You can also use the convenient second compartment to store gaming gear and accessories. This bag is an excellent choice for traveling gamers going to gaming conventions such as E3, PAX, or Comic-Con. In addition to the Vindicator, Mobile Edge also creates ScanFast bags that are checkpoint-friendly and perfect for other gamers and users.

Tumi Alpha 3 T-Pass Medium Screen Laptop Brief

You can easily fold and flatten the elegant (yet practical) Tumi Alpha 3 as you pass through checkpoints, making it a perfect option for the business traveler. The Alpha 3 uses Tumi’s soft and durable FXT ballistic nylon and features a padded laptop compartment and water-resistant outer U-Zip pocket where you can store electronics and other accessories. Those seeking comfort and versatility will appreciate Alpha 3’s padded, detachable shoulder strap that reduces shoulder strain and lets the user decide how to carry their bag.

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