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The best laptop backpacks offer up plenty of protection, extra features, and – best of all – loads of pockets. However, with so many materials, sizes, shapes, and ergonomic designs to contend with, it can be difficult to find the right laptop backpack for you. Rather than slinging your pricey machine into any old bag, though, picking up a reliable backpack for your gaming laptop is an essential buy if you’re going to on the move regularly.
We’d recommend keeping an eye out for hardshell laptop backpacks, though softer materials with a solid internal protection system will also serve well as well. A solid, waterproof construction, reliable durability, and space to carry your gaming mouse and gaming headset are all well worth keeping an eye out for. We’ve rounded up all our favorite gadget holders right here, with plenty of recognisable brands and a range of styles.
Before you get started, it’s worth double checking the size of your device. The best laptop backpacks cater to machines that are 14-inch, 15.6-inch, or 17.3-inch. That means there will usually be a separate pocket designed for machines of this size and making sure your laptop fits perfectly is going to be essential to keeping it safe.
The best laptop backpacks
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1. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
The best cheap laptop backpack
Specifications
For: Laptops up to 15″Water resistance: YesWeight: 1.56lbs
Reasons to buy
+Looks classy+USB charger+So many pockets
Reasons to avoid
-Light colors may stain easily
Want a great all-rounder? This option from Matein isn’t as showy or expensive as the competition, but considering how pricey laptop bags can be, that’s a welcome feather in its cap. It’s got storage for days, too – there’s a ridiculous amount of pocket space on offer here.
For starters, three separate compartments allow you to keep all your gear organised. Laptops and tablets are stored in their own section at the back to protect them from whatever else you might be carrying, for example. What’s more, these sections feature their own pouches for keeping accessories within easy reach. If you’ve ever hunted for pens or headphones that are rolling around somewhere at the bottom of your rucksack, that’ll be good news.
This Matein backpack also has utility despite the lower price tag. Besides being water-resistant to keep your tech out of harm’s way, it boasts a “hidden theft-proof pocket” and an external USB charging port on the side. In other words, it’s a sensible choice no matter whether you’re travelling to school or getting a boost of power while waiting at the airport.
The subtle design adds an element of safety as well; it doesn’t scream “hey everyone, there’s an expensive laptop in here.” That makes this one of the best laptop backpacks if you’re looking for an affordable, sturdy companion.
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2. Herschel Heritage Backpack
The best laptop backpack for school or college
Specifications
For: Laptops up to 15″Water resistance: NoWeight: 1.72lbs
Reasons to buy
+Iconic design+Simple+Hard wearing
Reasons to avoid
-Could do with more sections
Those dreaded ‘back to school’ ads seem to get kicked out the door earlier each year, but an upside would be the sales that appear in their wake. And if you see this particular rucksack on offer, it’s worth taking note.
The Herschel Heritage is arguably one of the best laptop backpacks for anyone heading to school, college, or university; besides being a slick-looking classic thanks to that synthetic leather diamond and trim, it’s hard-wearing due to a canvas exterior. Even the zipper pulls go above and beyond thanks to a pebbled leather effect.
It doesn’t disappoint when you open it up, either. That iconic striped lining is back with the Heritage, and there’s plenty of room inside for everything you need. A pocket for 15-inch laptops will keep your precious tech safe, too.
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3. Razer Rogue V3
The best laptop backpack for larger devices
Specifications
Fits: Laptops up to 17″Water resistant: YesWeight: 1.84lbs
Reasons to buy
+Water and damage resistant+Larger Rogues for 17″ laptops available+Minimalist design
Reasons to avoid
-Branded
Razer is as close as you can get to a household name when it comes to gaming tech, and they have a range of bags to go with that hard-earned reputation. Of course, you don’t need the best Razer laptop to take advantage of their laptop backpacks. One of their most recent efforts is the Rogue, a backpack that comes in a variety of sizes to suit your needs (there are models for carrying 13″, 15″, and 17″ laptops).
Besides being rather handsome, the Rogue has everything you could want from the best laptop backpack: scratch-resistant padding, water resistance to keep your gear safe from the elements, a relatively affordable price, and plenty of space for all your kit. Basically, it strikes a good middle-ground between features and cost.
Because of a minimalist look “for an urban warrior”, it’s meant to have a tear-resistant exterior as well. Although we’re not entirely sure what an ‘urban warrior’ is, it sounds cool. That makes this one perfect for everyday kicking about regardless of whether you’re using it for uni, school, work, or travel.
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4. Lenovo Y Armored
The toughest gaming laptop bag
Specifications
For: Laptops up to 17″Water resistant: YesWeight: 3.02lbs
Reasons to buy
+Tough exoskeleton+Weatherproof+Great interior padding
Reasons to avoid
-Big and heavy
The main thing you need a gaming laptop bag to do is protect your tech. And while all of the entries on this list feature padding or EVA shells in one form or another, none can match the hardy Lenovo Y Armored Backpack for sheer, stubborn survivability. It’s built to last; this bag boasts a weatherproof exoskeleton, and the gray matte finish makes for a hard-wearing exterior. This isn’t just for Lenovo rigs either – if you’ve splashed out on an Alienware laptop, the hard-shell exterior and heavy durability will be put to particularly good use.
What’s more, the rear inside pocket features padding that’s basically soft red bubble-wrap. A “compression-molded back panel providing airflow ventilation” only makes this package more appealing, as do three distinct sections filled with pouches.
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5. Targus SteelSeries Sniper
The best backpack for storage space
Specifications
For: Laptops up to 17.3″Water resistance: NoWeight: 3.92lbs
Reasons to buy
+So. Many. Pockets+Fits 17″ laptops
Reasons to avoid
-Weighs more-Not naturally water resistant
If you’re in it for the long haul and/or prefer being prepared for every possible eventuality (up to and including zombie apocalypse), the Targus SteelSeries Sniper bag will be your jam. A hefty 26L monster with pockets for days, it’s got enough room to store everything you need other than the proverbial kitchen sink.
Seriously, you can fit all sorts in here; whether it’s keyboards, controllers, hard drives, and mice to go with your laptop, this backpack has you covered. And while the usual ventilated back padding and strap padding are greatly appreciated in making travel more comfortable, the real bonus would be a hidden “ultra valuables” pocket squirreled away inside and out of sight.
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6. ASUS ROG Ranger Messenger Bag
The best laptop satchel
Specifications
For: Laptops up to 15.6″Water resistant: YesWeight: 2.7lbs
Reasons to buy
+Smaller and easier to carry+Hard front+Water resistant
Reasons to avoid
-Not as much storage space
If you’d prefer to avoid the bulk of a full gaming backpack, the ASUS ROG Ranger Messenger Bag might be up your street. Lightweight and relatively inconspicuous, this satchel won’t weigh you down or attract as much attention as some of the alternatives in this guide.
The Ranger is also packing the usual hardened front to help minimise damage from any knocks. That means you don’t need to worry about it getting too battered if you have a habit of throwing your bags around. Similarly, much of its material is constructed from 1260D Gucci polyester that’s water and scratch resistant.
When you add in detachable side pockets, the Ranger Messenger Bag is ideal for those who just want to get up and go.
If you’re after something even more portable, check out the best Nintendo Switch deals on offer right now. Or, for more gear to take on the road, take a look at the best gaming keyboards on the shelves. Of course, if you’re still speccing out a setup, take a look at all the latest cheap gaming laptops – we’re rounding up the best RTX 3050 laptop deals, RTX 3060 laptop deals and RTX 3070 laptops as well.
