The Best Laptop Backpacks for Work (and Life)
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A laptop backpack is the best, most efficient, and most comfortable way to carry your work stuff. You don't see people schlepping on the Appalachian Trail whilst holding everything in their hands. But finding the right one that works for you and your lifestyle isn't easy. Whether you're commuting to an office or school, running to your local coffee shop, or going on a weekend trip, a good backpack looks good and keeps your stuff organized.
Whatever your needs, we have a fit and functional backpack for you. Don't see anything you like here? Check out our other guides, including theBest Laptop Totes,Best Carry-Ons,Best Day Hiking Backpacks, and theBest Toiletry Bags.
Updated February 2026: We've added the Troubadour Apex 4.0, the Lo & Sons Rowledge 2, the Janji Revy Pack, and the Bellroy Via Workpack. We've also updated links and prices and removed older bags.
How We Tested
First, I look at the fabric. The higher the denier rating, the denser the fabric is and the more likely it will be able to withstand long-term rough treatment. I look for features that make a backpack more usable, like padded straps, high-quality hardware (cheap zippers are no good), or high color contrast fabric in the interior, which makes your possessions easier to see.
To evaluate the different storage options, I pack them for different needs, like going on a work trip, going for a hike, or going out with my kids. I carry them around as my everyday bag for a minimum of two weeks, traveling with them on planes, while riding my bike, and walking around my neighborhood. If I don't have anything that I particularly need to carry at the moment, I put textbooks or loose weights inside to drag them around on the floor and kick them on the sidewalk. I will also lose two to three lip balms inside each backpack, at the absolute minimum.
The Best Backpack
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Photograph: Adrienne SoTom Bihn
Synik 26
Seattle-based bag manufacturerTom Bihn updated its popular Synik line to include the Synik 26, which falls between the compact Synik 22 and the Synik 30 (the number refers to the capacity in liters). It's a smaller backpack that still fits a larger laptop. I have the standard 13-inchMacBook, so I don't technically need a larger bag than my oldSynik 22 ($335), and the Synik 22 is lighter than the 26. However, if you want a workhorse backpack with burly hardware and materials and incredible organization that will last forever, you should get this one.
The pockets on the front are so versatile and accessible—five exterior organizational pockets, where most backpacks have one or two. You can access the laptop pocket from either the interior of the backpack or the side. There are internal compression straps, so you can tie things down or organize them inside the bag. It's made from PFC-free, Bluesign-certified, recycled, high-denier ballistic nylon. There are lots of thoughtful design details; for example, the water bottle pocket is in the center of the bag, and not the side, so carrying a full water bottle doesn't give you scoliosis after a long day. The zippers are YKK coil zippers, instead of toothed ones, so they don't get stuck or tear at your knuckles if you drag them against the zipper while rummaging around.
I have two complaints, which is that the backpack itself is slightly too tall for the luggage pass-through to work withmy carry-on. The handle doesn't extend all the way through the pass-through. Also, all this hardware and sewing comes at a price. It is heavy, and it's expensive. But it will last you forever. I have this pink one, and my spouse has a ten-year-old black Synik 22 that still looks brand-new.
Capacity 26 liters Weight 2 lbs, 11 oz Materials 620D ballistic nylon exterior, 210D nylon ripstop interior Laptop size Can fit a 14- to 15-inch laptop An Affordable Work Backpack
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Photograph: Adrienne SoEverlane
ReNew Transit Backpack
I took this backpack on a weeklong work trip, where I bitched about it endlessly to everyone who would listen. However, I must fairly and objectively conclude that this bag offers tremendous value for the money. It's a light, attractive, rucksack-style backpack that's sleek and understated enough for work,and it's around $100. The 27-liter capacity accommodated enough gear for a full day's worth of travel, from a scarf for the plane to a water bottle, snacks, and other in-flight accoutrements. It has a slim profile and lies close to your back, so it's not hard to carry and won't swing into people on the subway. The pockets are very minimal—just an exterior laptop pocket, an interior tablet sleeve, an interior zip pocket, and two large catch-all pockets—but they work if you already put your belongings in pouches anyway.
Certain design elements just felt cheap. I didn't like the curved zipper that gives you access to the main compartment—zippers that don't run straight are doomed to get stuck. One of the catch-all pockets is annoyingly located on the cover flap, where anything inside will flap and bang around. The luggage pass-through is a bare piece of webbing. However, it all works: it's light, affordable, and looks nice. The fabric is also water-resistant, so you can wear it in the rain! For most people, that's all that really matters.
Capacity 27 liters Weight n/a Materials 100 percent recycled plastic Laptop size Can fit a 15-inch laptop
Most Popular Backpack
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Troubadour
Apex Backpack 4.0
I have never received as many approving comments on a backpack as I have when I tested this one on a three-day work trip (I was told by three people in a day that I sold them on it). It's a good-looking, structured bag with vegan leather accents and gigantic padded back panels and padded shoulder straps. There are little details like vegan leather pull tabs on the interior pockets, so you're not fumbling around for the pocket opening (I have never had this problem, but you do you). The fabric is also waterproof, and you can buy optional accessories likea rain cover.
I really liked the interior organization—for example, the padded, suspended tech pocket hastwo pockets, one for your laptop and one for your iPad or Kindle. However, all those padded panels and good-looking accents come at a price—this bag is disproportionately heavy. I couldn't go on a 20-minute bike ride without stopping to give my shoulders a break. Other details seem like they were designed by aliens who had never seen backpacks before. My tiny18-ounce Owala tips right out of the water bottle pocket because its lip slants forward. The capacity is surprisingly small for how bulky it is, and a 100-percent plastic backpack just should not cost $249. However, everyone else loves this backpack, so here it is.
Capacity 22 liters Weight 2.69 lbs Materials 100 percent recycled polyester with plastic accents Laptop size Can fit a 17-inch laptop Best for Work
Courtesy of Harber LondonHarber London
City Backpack
Backpacks are by far the most comfortable carrying option, but they don't always look professional enough for the workplace. If you're prepared to spend over $700, this all-leather bag doesn't compromise on function. Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu stowed a 13-inch MacBook Air (it can fit up to 16-inch laptops), an iPad in the second laptop sleeve, chargers, cables, his camera, and a separate flash. There's decent organization in there, with a spare zippered pouch and padding at the base to protect your goods.
The front pocket can store a few other slim items, and he likes the tiny pocket near the handles for keys or sunglasses. But the side pockets are too tight to fit a water bottle.
Capacity 13.6 liters Weight 4 lbs, 4.64 oz Materials Full grain leather exterior, 100 percent cotton twill interior Laptop size Can fit up to a 16-inch laptop ★ Alternatives:We love Cuyana's leather tote andtravel beauty case, and itsLeather Backpack ($498) is just as beautiful. The laptop sleeve fits my 13-inch MacBook, and a second pocket fits a tablet or Kindle. Two front magnetic-close pockets held myOwala water bottle. A more moderately priced option is theBostanten backpack purse ($130). As you might expect from the much lower price, the leather is shiny and stiff, and you have to treat the toothed zippers with some care, or they catch. However, if your budget does not fit a $500-plus work bag, this will work well.
Best Work Backpack for Women
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Lo & Sons
Rowledge 2
Lo & Sons is one of the best options if you want a laptop backpack that looks polished but is also durable enough for work and international travel. (We also recommendthe company's O.G. 2 tote.) I took the Rowledge 2 with me on a five-day work trip to IFA Berlin, which included multiple international flights. The nylon is lightweight, durable, and easy to clean. A few caveats: The bag comes with an insert that adds considerably to its weight, and that I deemed unnecessary for organization. The straps are pretty thin if you're carrying a heavy load on your feet all day. Finally, at this price, I would prefer higher-end coiled zippers instead of toothed ones, which tend to snag my knuckles when I reach into pockets.
However, this bag strikes a very good compromise between polish, organization, and practicality. Even without the insert, there is a wide array of useful pockets, like the small top-zip pocket, which works as a phone or passport pocket (or both!). The laptop sleeve has water-resistant zippers, a luggage pass-through, and a light, jacquard-lined interior that makes it easy to see your belongings. Like theO.G. 2, this is a great bag for someone who wants to kick it under a plane seat and carry it straight into the office.
Capacity 23.5 liters Weight 3.2 lbs (with insert) Materials Nylon with nappa leather accents Laptop size Can fit up to a 13-inch laptop Best Backpack for Engineers
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Courtesy of Peak DesignPeak Design
Outdoor Backpack
Peak Design was founded in 2010 and is known in the tech world for itsextremely well-thought-out and good-looking bags. The company launched an outdoor backpack, which, like most of its bags, is designed to go anywhere and do anything. It comes ina daily carry 25-liter size and a travel45-liter size.
I love most everything that Peak Design makes, but this backpack was so over-engineered that it drove me bonkers. I appreciate the work that went into designing a hidden bungee release clamp so it doesn't flap around when you're on a motorcycle; however, it shouldn't take anyone more than 10 seconds to find out where the hell the bungee release clamp is and how to loosen it. Please stop hiding key features in the name of fashion!!!!!! However, the shoulder straps were extremely comfortable. The waterproof TPU coating was a godsend in Oregon's rainy weather. It's endlessly mutable—it has a work backpack's good looks, but add the hip belt and sternum straps, and put a hydration bladder in the pocket, and it's comfortable enough to work as a hiking backpack. It's worth mentioning that this is now my engineer spouse's favorite backpack.
Capacity 25 liters Weight 2 lbs, 8 oz Materials Weatherproof 210D ripstop exterior fabric Laptop size Can fit up to a 16-inch laptop
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Best for School
Courtesy of The North FaceThe North Face
Jester
I live next to a small private college, and the backpack I see the most often on students is a North Face backpack with an exterior bungee. The North Face offersseveral options in both men's andwomen's versions, but the Jester is the most affordable. It's versatile enough to take to school on weekdays and use for day hikes or traveling on the weekends. It comes in several different prints, but the solid version I tried is made from 600D recycled polyester with recycled plastic trims and a 28-liter capacity—more than big enough for my 13-inch laptop, jacket, snacks, and water bottle.
I like that the bag is affordable, recycled, and incredibly light (about a pound). I tried the women's version, which fits my narrow shoulders well, and its FlexVent suspension system maintains airflow between your back and the bag. The top front pocket is incredibly spacious and well-organized, with pen and lip balm pockets, and enough room for my giant sunglasses case, phone, and wallet. The bag is also balanced so that the weight rests between your shoulders rather than on your hips, which is more comfortable. Everyone says they like this distinctive giant bungee, and I understand that it helps pin wet jackets to your pack. However, it flops all over the place and gets caught on things if I'm not careful, and I do not like it.
★Alternative: JanSport also makes affordable school backpacks. If you'd like to spend a bit more than the standardSuperBreak ($45 to $55),the Pro Pack system ($100) has a detachable front pack. When unhooked, the front pack is a fully functioning cross-body bag, and the backpack works with or without it. The strap unclips so it can be safely tucked away inside.
Capacity 28 liters Weight 1 lb, 12.9 oz Materials 50 percent recycled 600D polyester Laptop size Can fit up to a 15-inch laptop Best Little Laptop Backpack
- Photograph: Adrienne So
- Photograph: Adrienne So
Bellroy
Via Workpack
When it comes to little backpacks, it was a very close toss-up between Bellroy's little backpack and theAer Slim Pack 2 ($125). The Bellroy bag is just more sensible. If you're just grabbing the essentials to work from the coffee shop for a little bit, you don't really need the Slim Pack 2's huge, overbuilt shoulder straps and back padding. It's only 12 liters! What do you have in there!
There's just not that much to the Via Workpack, which is what makes it charming. The top has two grab handles and zips from end to end, making it a nice handheld tote if you're traveling by car or public transportation. The laptop pocket holds a 16-inch laptop and can balloon out surprisingly large for its size. The interior water bottle looks cramped, but it easily fits my18-ounce Owala. The so-called luggage pass-through is just a strap of webbing, but that's about my only complaint.
Capacity 18 liters Weight 22.9 oz Materials Blended vinyl Laptop size Can fit up to a 16-inch laptop
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Best for Travel
Photograph: Adrienne SoTumi
Velocity Backpack
Tumi makes iconic, instantly recognizable, and very expensive backpacks that are ideal for airplane travel. The latest one is Velocity, a collaboration with McLaren Automotive, and its sleek design is meant to evoke the aerodynamic lines of McLaren's racing cars. The shell is made of CX6, a type of woven carbon fiber engineered to be both super strong and incredibly light. This means that the bag has a firm structure, just like a piece of carry-on luggage. It doesn't look saggy when it's empty or stuffed like a turkey when it's full, and it can fit a surprising amount of stuff—just unzip the front panel, and it swings open like a glove compartment.
Setting aside how ironic it is to have a car-inspired backpack when your primary mode of transportation is biking, the Velocity survived a week of being kicked around without a scratch. The padded laptop compartment fits laptops up to 15 inches (although surprisingly, the compartment is not suspended, so be careful putting it down). It also has travel-related extras, like a luggage tag, an add-a-bag sleeve, and a luggage-inspired leather grip handle. In keeping with the bag's slim profile, however, the water bottle pockets are extremely tight, and it's very expensive. Tumi has a wide array ofequally attractive and useful laptop backpacks for less than half the price.
Capacity n/a Weight 2 lbs, 14.4 oz Materials Carbon fiber Laptop size Can fit up to a 15-inch laptop Best Backpack for Rucking
Courtesy of EvergoodsEvergoods
Civic Panel Loader 24L Backpack
One of the latest fitness crazes is rucking, a sport where youcarry heavy things around in nature, for exercise. You need a solidly constructed, and preferably military-inspired, backpack. The classic choice is the GoRuck GR1 (7/10, WIRED Review), but reviewer Scott Gilbertson prefers the slightly less tactical style of the Evergoods CPL 24L, which was designed by a former head of product at GoRuck and a former Patagonia designer.
The GPL 24L is American-made and has a ton of organizational details, some of which Gilbertson is still discovering. The fabric is heavy-duty 840-denier that is water-repellent and can be carried both as a backpack and sideways, as a briefcase, which is convenient for airports. The main compartment unzips completely, like a suitcase, which allows you to see and organize everything, as well as the dedicated laptop compartment, which easily fit a 16-inch Lenovo 9i. It has a curved yoke design to sit on your shoulders comfortably, and as a bonus, Gilbertson also notes thatEvergoods' Civic Access pouches are the best pouches he's ever tried.
Capacity 24 liters Weight 3 lbs, 1.6 oz Materials Custom 840D ballistic nylon Laptop size Can fit up to a 15-inch laptop
Best Backpack for Biking
Courtesy of Po CampoPo Campo
Backpack Pannier
My favorite backpack for biking is from Po Campo, which is a small, woman-owned business that makes biking bags that aren't hideous. (I also like the wink and the nod that I get from other women cyclists when they see I also have a Po Campo bag.) I like the Fidlock magnetic buckles, which clip easily on and off my bike rack, and the compression buckle across the top that lets the bag expand to its full capacity or compress for a lower profile when it's empty. The padded laptop compartment easily fits my 13-inch MacBook and is big enough for a 16-inch laptop. There are plenty of interior and exterior pockets for all my doodads.
As a side note, everything from this company is delightful. In the past few months, I have also acquiredthe grocery pannier ($85), which is useful for the farmer's market or taking the kids to the park, and thehelmet harness ($15). Let this be the last time I let my helmet clank loose around the table at a bar. Stay safe, everyone!
Capacity 25 liters Weight 2 lbs, 7 oz Materials 100 percent recycled polyester Laptop size Can fit up to a 17-inch laptop Best Camera Bag
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Photograph: Julian ChokkattuWandrd
Prvke Camera Bag V3
Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu lovesWandrd's Prvke series bags to hold all his gear, from his mirrorless camera and extra lenses to a 16-inch MacBook Pro and other various accessories. Despite months of regular use, it's in fantastic condition, thanks to the 1,680-denier ballistic nylon exterior and the weather-resistant zippers. Lots of little pockets adorn the bag to store cables, card readers, microfiber cloths, and the like—even one underneath that houses a rain fly to keep the bag dry when it's raining.
Julian opted for the Photography Bundle, which adds a camera cube filled with foldable Velcro dividers you can use to organize camera gear and keep them secure. It's also easy to access a camera from the side pocket without needing to take off the entire backpack. We like Version 3, but Wandrd is now on Version 4 of the Prvke. Read ourBest Camera Bags guide for more options.
Capacity 25 liters Weight 2 lbs, 12.8 oz Materials Waterproof tarpaulin, Robic 1680D ballistic nylon Laptop size Can fit up to a 13-inch laptop
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Best Backpack for Parents
Photograph: Nena FarrellCalpak
Convertible Mini Diaper Backpack
As WIRED reviewer Nena Farrell notes, many diaper bags retail for around $200, and you can only use them for a short time in your child's life. Why not geta stylish diaper backpack that you can continue carrying as a work or everyday bag long after your child is potty-trained? We love Calpak's Mini Diaper Backpack, which Farrell takes on outings with and without her kid. It fits an 11-inch laptop or tablet, along with plenty of snacks and accessories. If you need a little more room for a large water bottle, it also comes in a standard size ($195) with stroller straps.
Capacity 12 liters Weight 1 lb, 12 oz Materials 100 percent recycled nylon Laptop size Can fit up to an 11-inch laptop Another Classic Backpack
Courtesy of FjällrävenFjällräven
Kånken 13-inch Laptop Backpack
You've probably seen a Fjallraven bag on any plane, train, or bus. The 13-inch Kanken Laptop pack is especially small and good for everyday use, and it manages to fit a MacBook Pro in its laptop pocket. Plus the large main compartment and smaller front pocket can fit a Kindle, a thick planner, and a notebook, with room for lunch or a change of clothes. The fabric is rigid and repels water, and the company offers limitedlifetime repairs (with a focus onsustainability). The best part is that you cancustomize the Kanken to have any colors you want.
The side pockets are tight, so they won't fit every type of bottle. (It held a 20-ounce Starbucks bottle, but anything wider won't do.) The Kanken comes with a foam pad that adds an extra layer of cushioning while you wear it, and you can take it out to use as a cushion when you need to sit on a hard surface. (It's not super cushy, but it's better than the cold, hard ground.) The Kanken Laptop also comes in15-inch and17-inch versions if you need the extra space.
Capacity 16 liters Weight 10.56 oz Materials 100 percent vinyl Laptop size Can fit up to a 14-inch laptop
A Vegan Work Bag
Photograph: Laflore ParisLaflore Paris
Bobobark Convertible Backpack
This bag is beautiful. Unlike a lot of the backpacks we like, the Bobobark looks great if you're dressed up, and it converts from a backpack to a purse—you can use the handle like a tote, sling it from one shoulder, or wear it cross-body. The straps could stand to be more comfortable, though, and I opted to use it as a tote more than a backpack because of that.
The Bobobark is made from cork, which gives it a leather look without using animal products. It's water-resistant and durable, and the company sells corkconditioner and coloring cream to keep it looking its best. For the price, you will want to make sure it lasts a long time. While this size will hold your laptop and a few books, there's also a beautiful minibackpack/purse.
Capacity 30 liters Weight 3 lbs, 14.92 oz Materials 330D twill Laptop size Can fit up to a 16-inch laptop
More Bags We Like
Janji Revy Pack for $170: I was going to include this as my best running backpack, since one way you can sneak exercise into your day is if you run to and fro from your home to your workplace, kids' school, or coffee shop. However, this backpack sold out before I could write about it, so the hunt continues.
Rains Mini Backpack for $95: This gorgeous, Scandinavian-inspired backpack is waterproof, fits a 13-inch laptop, and comes in at under $100. Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano loved its slim profile and stylish looks.
-Reviewer-Photo-SOURCE-Adrienne-So.jpg&f=jpg&w=240)
Away Commuter Backpack for $228: We very much like everything Away makes, fromcarry-on luggage totoiletry bags. This bag is attractive, water-resistant, and full of organized pockets; the hardware also feels premium. But $225 is steep, and we have other options with similar functionality for cheaper.
Able Carry Daily Backpack for $139: This pack is thin, so you can stuff it to the brim before it starts to get bulky. And stuff it full you can, because it has a pocket foreverything. TheThirteen Daybag for $149 is similar but slightly smaller.
Solo Re:fresh Machine Washable Backpack for $50: Solo's affordable lightweight bag is made from 15 recycled plastic bottles, and it's meant to be machine-washed up to 12 times. We've occasionally washed bags not meant for this, and without issue, but if you (or your kid) is prone to messes, it's nice that this one is made to endure the rigors of the washer.
Dishonorable Mentions
Mission Workshop Rhake for $435: This roll-top bag has aton of pockets, and its two-layer weatherproof construction and Velcro closures keep the contents dry. But those pockets aren't easy or fast to access, it's heavy, and it's even pricier than when we first tried it (and rising).
Adventurist Classic Backpack for $65: This affordable, attractive backpack rings in at well under $100, and for every backpack purchased, 25 meals are donated to families across the United States. It's pretty much just a leather pouch that you wear on your back; however, the showy leather straps were annoying and useless.
Our Favorite Accessories
Oh, you have a backpack and you just … put things in it? And carry them around? That's great if it works for you, but don't worry if it doesn't. Most of us use an additional organization system. (This also lets us switch bags quickly and easily while we're testing.)
VentaPak for $30: The VentaPak clips onto the back of your bag, pushing your pack 2 or so inches away from you, increasing airflow and hopefully reducing sweating. Surprisingly, it didn’t look super obvious, and at only 12 ounces, it doesn’t add much weight. There are standard and small sizes, so check the website measurements if you’re not sure if it'll fit your bag.
Delfonics Pouch for $35: Almost every bag manufacturer makes organizational pouches, too. I like Delfonics andBaggu because they're affordable and come in a wide variety of sizes and bright colors. Bright colors are easy to see at the bottom of a bag!
Herschel Pencil Case for $25: Yes, every backpack usually has a pen pocket or two. Even in this digital age, there are not nearly enough writing utensils, especially if you usea paper planner. Get a pencil case and corral them from dropping to the bottom of your bag and exploding.
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