As the world opens up and travel becomes more prevalent, the quest for the ideal laptop bag continues. For those who need to transport valuable electronics safely, whether for gaming events, work trips, or general travel, finding the right bag is crucial. This guide presents a curated selection of the best laptop bags, catering to diverse needs, price points, and styles, ensuring there’s a perfect fit for everyone.
Our recommendations are based on a thorough review of various bags, focusing on price, value, design, and functionality. We’ve only included bags that we, at CGMagazine, would personally use and trust with our own gear, ensuring quality and reliability. This list will be updated as new options become available throughout the year.
Bellroy Transit Check-In
Brand: Bellroy
Price: $399
Description: Bellroy’s first foray into checked luggage, the Transit Check-In is a 69-litre hardside roller crafted from approximately 80% recycled polycarbonate. It features a durable, scuff-resistant matte finish, rounded corners to minimize impact points, and smooth-rolling 60mm HINOMOTO wheels. The interior is highly configurable with magnetic mesh panels for easy packing and an integrated packing cell for organization. A key feature is Bellroy’s repair-first approach, with consumer-replaceable wheels, telescoping handle, and TSA lock. Backed by a 10-year warranty, this suitcase is built for longevity.
Peak Design Travel Crossbody 3L
Brand: Peak Design
Price: $99.95 USD
Description: Designed for minimalist travel, the Peak Design Travel Crossbody 3L is made from durable, recycled nylon with a solid feel and water resistance. Its lightweight design makes it comfortable to carry all day. The interior boasts origami-style dividers for organized storage of smaller items like battery banks or point-and-shoot cameras, alongside larger compartments for books or a compact gimbal. A zippered pocket with a key leash and a hidden tracker pocket add security. The exterior magnetic pocket offers quick access to essentials like your phone or boarding pass. While the unpadded strap can dig in when heavily loaded, the swivel attachment points ensure a comfortable and secure fit.
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
Brand: Timbuk2
Price: $185 USD
Description: A workhorse for tech-heavy users, the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe prioritizes organization. It balances significant capacity with a slim profile, capable of holding a 16-inch gaming laptop and a tablet. Compression straps keep contents secure, and features like a luggage pass-through and ventilated back panel enhance travel convenience. Made from 100% recycled nylon with a water-resistant bottom boot, this backpack is built for durability, keeping expensive equipment organized and protected.
ALPAKA Flight Satchel
Brand: ALPAKA
Price: $119 USD
Description: Bridging the gap between a large carry-on and a small sling, the ALPAKA Flight Satchel is an ideal seatback companion with an 11-litre capacity. It comfortably fits a Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch OLED, headphones, and other essentials. The dedicated padded sleeve fits up to a 13-inch laptop, with room for a 14-inch MacBook Pro depending on other contents. Constructed from lightweight and malleable Axoflux 210D ripstop nylon, it conforms to the body. Features include a luggage pass-through for stacking on roller bags.
Bellroy Tokyo Totepack
Brand: Bellroy
Price: $199
Description: Available in 20L and 14L options, the Bellroy Tokyo Totepack offers a stylish and functional compact solution. It easily converts between a backpack and a tote bag with tuck-away padded shoulder straps and nylon grab handles. The Totepack can store up to a 15-inch electronic device and features multiple internal pockets for organization, a zippered top entry for security, and concealed front zip pouches for quick access. Made from water-resistant woven fabric, it measures 17.2” L x 14.96” W x 3.9” D, making it a compact yet versatile travel companion.
Samsonite Paralux 2-in-1 Travel Backpack
Price: $340.00 CAD
Description: This innovative backpack solves the dilemma of carrying a heavy carry-on versus a light daypack. The Samsonite Paralux features a detachable Go Bag that functions as a lightweight daypack for excursions, while the connected main unit serves as a robust travel hauler. It includes a dedicated sleeve for laptops up to 15.6 inches and a main compartment that opens like a suitcase. The system’s slightly deeper profile is a worthwhile trade-off for its adaptability. It also includes a StackIt strap and a hidden AirTag holder.
TIMBUK2 Mode Belt Bag
Brand: TIMBUK2
Price: $59 USD
Description: For times when you only need the essentials, the TIMBUK2 Mode Belt Bag offers a streamlined solution. Its sleek profile avoids the bulk of traditional waist packs and can be worn around the waist or across the chest for quick access. Built with the durability characteristic of the brand, it securely holds your phone, passport, and cards, making it an ideal sidekick to a larger gear bag for keeping essentials close and hands-free.
Alienware AW5625P & AW7825P Backpacks
Brand: Alienware
Price: $69.99-129.99
Description: The Alienware AW5625P (16-inch) and AW7825P (18-inch) backpacks combine futuristic design with practical protection and organization. They feature Alienware’s signature moulded body and iridescent reflective logo. The AW5625P accommodates laptops up to 16 inches, while the AW7825P fits up to 18 inches, including gaming laptops and compact consoles. Built with breathable 3D mesh, a moulded shell with internal bumper for drop protection, and weather-resistant materials, these backpacks offer substantial volume (21L and 28L respectively) and robust construction for carrying laptops, gear, tablets, and accessories.
Maverick & Co. Manhattan Leather Briefcase
Brand: Maverick & Co.
Price: $329
Description: Crafted from durable and water-resistant Saffiano leather, the Maverick & Co. Manhattan Leather Briefcase offers an executive feel with a unique sense of style. It comfortably accommodates laptops up to 16 inches. The design balances professionalism with practicality, featuring subtle styling and a vibrant orange lining made of recycled polyester. The interior includes a padded laptop pocket, pen slots, and phone compartments. Polished silver hardware, magnetic closure, and an additional padded shoulder strap highlight the attention to detail.
Mystery Ranch 3 Way 18 Expandable Briefcase
Brand: Mystery Ranch
Price: $199.00
Description: This versatile bag seamlessly transitions between briefcase, shoulder bag, and backpack. Starting at 18 litres and expanding to 23 litres, it offers flexibility. The main compartment features a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 15 inches, and the front admin section provides organized storage. Constructed from durable 500D recycled nylon, it balances durability with a professional aesthetic suitable for both office and city exploration. While comfortable, its size might be a consideration for very crowded spaces.
URTH Norite 24L Backpack
Brand: URTH
Price: $180.00
Description: The URTH Norite 24L Backpack boasts a sharp, sophisticated look with clean lines and a muted colour palette. It features a modular layout with dedicated, padded compartments for laptops (up to 16″), tablets, and other gadgets. The backpack is constructed with a weatherproof recycled nylon shell and durable zippers. Despite its organizational features, it remains lightweight and comfortable, with padded shoulder straps, a sternum strap, and a waist belt for stabilization. An optional camera insert makes it ideal for creators.
Flint Black Leather Laptop Backpack
Brand: Alaskan Leather Company
Price: $155.00
Description: Crafted from genuine full-grain cow leather with antique-style silver hardware, this backpack offers a timeless, professional look. It features modern compartments and protection for tech, easily transitioning from office to airport. The central zippered compartment has a dedicated laptop sleeve for devices up to 15 inches. Additional interior and exterior pockets provide ample storage for accessories. Padded shoulder straps and a comfortable carry handle ensure easy transport, blending durability, classic design, and smart organization.
Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro
Brand: Alpaka
Price: $189 USD
Description: Designed for creators and gamers, the Alpaka Elements Backpack Pro offers a sleek profile with a dedicated front admin panel for organizing cables and controllers. It features a sleeve for laptops up to 16 inches. Despite its 26-litre capacity, the slim design keeps it close to the body, suitable for crowded terminals. Weatherproof X-Pac or Axoflux materials ensure protection from the elements, and space cell foam padding on the straps enhances comfort for longer walks. It’s a smart, durable option for those valuing organization and style.
Freitag F304 MOSS
Brand: Freitag
Price: $280.00
Description: This unique laptop bag is made from recycled truck tarps, bicycle inner tubes, and car seat belts, giving each bag a distinct look. It’s compact and padded, perfect for laptops up to 15 inches, a tablet, or an e-reader. Freitag’s bags are designed with careful consideration, offering comfort and durability against unpredictable weather. The innovative manufacturing method and distinctive style make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking a one-of-a-kind accessory.
Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag
Brand: Bellroy
Price: $189.00
Description: The Bellroy Tokyo Work Bag features a refined exterior with tasteful leather accents and a durable coated zipper. The ultra-wide main zipper provides easy access to a spacious, organized interior with slip and zip compartments. Constructed from sustainably-sourced materials like recycled PET plastic and nylon from industrial offcuts, it’s a durable, eco-friendly commuter bag. It includes a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, tablet slip pocket, and a divided front pocket with built-in organization and a key clip. A luggage pass-through enhances travel convenience.
Targus Cypress EcoSmart 15.6″ Hero Backpack
Brand: Targus
Price: $103.99
Description: The Targus Cypress Hero backpack offers a slim, understated look with significant storage capacity. It accommodates laptops up to 15.6 inches with a dedicated padded sleeve and has a professional aesthetic suitable for various settings. The interior features a roomy main compartment and a secondary area for organization. Two stretchy side pockets are useful for water bottles. Plush padding on the back panel and shoulder straps ensures comfort. Made from 26 recycled water bottles, it’s an eco-conscious choice.
TIMBUK2 Classic Messenger Bag
Brand: TIMBUK2
Price: $89.00
Description: With a timeless design, the TIMBUK2 Classic Messenger Bag is comfortable and versatile for frequent travelers. It features a Double-Loop CAM buckle for quick strap adjustments and curved Air-Mesh padding for comfort. The bag securely fits laptops and other work essentials. An ingenious closure system with SR buckles, TPU liner, and corner flaps protects the internal water bottle pocket. Various internal pockets allow for effective load distribution. The polyurethane exterior has a water-repellent coating and can be worn crossbody.