Shopping·6 min read

8 Laptop Backpacks and Bags to Make Commuting Easier

8 Laptop Backpacks and Bags for Every Style and Budget
Design: theSkimm | Image: Everlane, Calpak
August 4, 2022

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Most of us take our laptops everywhere these days — to and from the office or classroom, on trips, to coffee shops. So it’s important to have a bag that’ll keep your tech safe and give you plenty of room for other essentials. Bonus if it’s easy on the eyes. That’s why we’ve rounded up our fave laptop bags and backpacks for work, everyday use, and heading on vacay. 

laptop backpack
Rains

A modern take on the classic school backpack… 

This one’s got a sleek design — a simple two-strap front secured with carabiners and a paper bag-like silhouette — and comes in five dark neutral colors. There’s one internal laptop pocket and a spacious main compartment. But the best part is its functionality: It’s made with waterproof PU fabric so even if you forget your umbrella, your laptop will be safe rain or shine. ($95, Rains)

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Laptop bag
Calpak

A backpack that can go from the airport to the hiking trails… 

From the outside, this bag looks like your standard hiking backpack. But take a look inside, and it’s a dead ringer for a carry-on suitcase. The front unzips and opens to a large space for your essentials — books, clothing, shoes — complete with two compression straps and interior pockets. The outside has one 16-inch padded laptop sleeve, and a couple other pockets, all made from recycled ripstop polyester with a laminated coating for durability. BTW, If you’ve got a rolling suitcase, this bag will slide right onto the handles to make getting from point A to B easy. ($145, Calpak)

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Laptop bag
Everlane

A leather laptop tote bag that’ll replace your fave purse… 

Functionality meets aesthetics in this bag that comes in two earthy colors and can fit a 13-inch laptop. It’s made from 100% premium Italian leather so you can count on its durability. The bag has an adjustable shoulder strap, a snap closure, and an interior and exterior pocket. It measures 13 inches high by 9.75 inches wide, with a roomy interior that’ll fit your everyday work essentials and your after-hours extras. Psst…store this out of direct sunlight to keep it in tip-top shape. ($168, Everlane)

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Laptop backpack
Calpak

A super-slim laptop backpack that comes in a ton of fun colors…

The Kaya laptop backpack fits a 15-inch laptop in its zippered back compartment, and also has an outer pocket plus multiple inner pockets to organize all everything you’re workin’ with. Plus, it’s been designed with a carry-on sleeve for convenient travel — it’ll slip right over your luggage handle. The faux leather bag comes in tons of color options and is covered by a one-year limited warranty. ($128, Calpak)

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Laptop backpack
Day Owl

A functional and sustainable backpack you’ll never have to throw away…

Because when you’re done with it, you can ship it back to the brand and they’ll find a way to give it new life. It’s made with waxed canvas derived from 100% recycled post-consumer plastic bottles, plus 100% recycled polyester lining and trim, algae-based foam, and water-repellant neoprene. This one with a minimal design can fit up to a 14-inch laptop, 750ml bottle of water (or, hey, wine), and any other everyday extras. Plus, it comes in nine different colors and two sizes — this slim version, and a larger one that can fit a 16-inch laptop. ($99, Day Owl)

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laptop bag
Dagne Dover

A canvas work bag you’ll probably find yourself using every day… 

Whether you’re headed to brunch, work, or out for a grocery run. This 100% organic cotton canvas carryall comes in two different sizes — with either a 13-inch or 16-inch laptop sleeve — and has a spacious interior pocket, and four large outer pockets. The interior is made with a wipeable lining that can be hand-washed with a bit of warm water and mild soap if it gets dirty. Say hello to your new BFF. ($165, Dagne Dover)

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Laptop bag
Amazon

A laptop backpack that’ll be easy on your wallet… 

It’s available in two sizes — that can fit up to either a 15.6-inch laptop or a 17.5-inch one — and has pockets for tablets, chargers, books, binders, clothes, and more. There’s a slanted front pocket that’s great for storing the things you wanna keep handy (like your work ID or home keys) and — our fave feature — a USB port you can plug a portable charger into. Plus, this bag comes with an anti-theft lock. It’s water resistant and made from eco-friendly nylon fabric, and customers say it’s sturdy and spacious, particularly given its budget-friendly price. ($26.99, Amazon)

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Laptop bag
Monos

A multipurpose travel bag with a built-in laptop case… 

If sleek had a middle name, it’d be Monos. If you’re in the market for a backpack, we think this one is a great contender to become your go-to travel case for tech products and commuting essentials. It’s got a spacious inner compartment with dedicated space for gym clothes or shoes, mesh pockets, a felt sleeve, and even a pack pocket for your passport or phone. Plus, there's a built-in laptop case on the outside. It also comes with an extra pouch that snaps on and off the front of the backpack — perfect for any essentials you’d like quick access to. Oh, and we can’t forget its trolley sleeve that lets you secure it to any suitcase handle. It’s basically a traveler's dream. ($195, Monos)

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