Buying Guide
How to Buy a Laptop Backpack
This short guide helps you pick the right laptop backpack quickly. It covers what to check, the main types, the must-have features and where to buy so you can make a confident choice fast.
What to consider before you buy
Start with purpose and device size. If you commute daily, prioritise comfort, organisation and water resistance. For travel, add expandability, trolley straps and lockable zippers. Key practical checks:
- Screen size fit: confirm the internal laptop sleeve fits your laptop diagonal and depth. Several packs here fit up to 17.3 inches.
- Protection: look for a padded compartment and impact-absorbing foam; avoid thin sleeves if you carry your laptop often.
- Weather resistance: water-resistant fabric and a water-resistant base protect electronics better than untreated fabric.
- Comfort and carry: padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a ventilated back panel matter if you carry heavy loads.
- Capacity: choose litres to match your load. Everyday commuter packs often run 15 to 30 L; travel or expandable models can go 30 to 35 L.
- Budget and availability: typical price range for well-featured packs is about $70 to $135; check stock if an item is scarce.
Types and size guide
Pick a category that matches how you use it:
- Slim commuter sleeve backpack: low profile, good for light loads and short trips, best for 13 to 15 inch laptops.
- Everyday commuter backpack: balanced organisation, water bottle pocket and padded sleeve, ideal for 13 to 15.6 inches.
- Executive/travel backpack: larger compartments, trolley strap and lockable zippers, suits 15.6 to 17.3 inch laptops and travellers.
- Expandable travel backpack: extra capacity when needed, useful for overnight trips; look for 30 to 35 L expandability.
Features and specs to prioritise
Focus on features that protect gear and make daily life easier. Prioritise these:
- Padded laptop compartment with dense foam: prevents bumps. Look for foam inserts or EPE style padding.
- Durable fabric: 600D to 750D polyester or recycled polyester gives good abrasion and weather resistance.
- Water resistance: coatings and a water-resistant base protect against light rain; do not assume fully waterproof unless stated.
- Security: lockable zippers and RFID pockets for travel or crowded commutes.
- Access and organisation: 180 degree openings, dedicated tablet sleeve, quick-access pockets and cable routing for chargers and headphones.
- Comfort features: padded straps, chest or waist straps for heavy loads, and a trolley strap for airport use.
Where to buy and a quick checklist
Online offers wider selection, clear specs and user reviews but check return policy and exact dimensions before you buy. In-store lets you test fit, strap comfort and padding. Watch stock messages and shipping times; some listings may be low in stock. Use this quick buying checklist:
- Confirm laptop sleeve dimensions match your device.
- Verify material and water resistance claims.
- Check weight of the empty bag and padded strap comfort.
- Look for organisational pockets you will actually use.
- Read recent reviews about durability and zippers.
- Compare price and return policy before checkout.
Final Thoughts
Choose a backpack that fits your laptop size, protects your gear and matches how you travel or commute. For most people a water-resistant commuter pack with dense padding, good organisation and a trolley strap is the best balance. If you travel often, prioritise expandability and security features. Use the checklist to confirm fit and features before you buy.
