But because the bag cant fit a big load anyway, your shoulders will be safe from strain. Since the backpacks style and features remain the same, we feel confident in recommending the new, larger size, which can hold a little extra weight. Its main pocket (with a laptop sleeve) is large enough to accommodate everything you need for work, but its namesake snap closures can be difficult to use while youre in motion. To revisit this article, visit My Profile, thenView saved stories. This convertible backpack-purse hybrid can be worn as a shoulder bag depending on whats insidewhich can vary, since it can easily house both a 15.6-inch laptop and a tablet. But be careful, because the more you load, the heavier the bag gets. We had different requirements for each category, but across our testing, we sought bags that were comfortable, good-looking, durable, and able to hold a 13-inch (or larger) laptop. For the next iteration of this guide, we are considering testing Patagonias latest designs, the Atom Tote Pack 20L and Refugio Daypack 30L & 26L. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Cond Nast. The sleek, minimalist lines on the Rains Backpack Mini keep things professional, but it also comes in a wide range of subtle to punchy colors, which feels fun. ), A popular travel bag and diaper bag, Fjllrvens Kanken backpack features a moisture-repellent outer fabric to see you through misty fall days and spring downpours alike. The Ares website is also riddled with spelling and technical errors, which set off alarm bells, and when we searched for the bags warranty, it led us to a blank page that Ares seemingly hasnt updated in more than a year. Who its for: The Rover Pack will suit you if youre a practical city commuter who appreciates a mountain aesthetic. Theres also a luggage pass-through on the back that attaches to the handle of a carry-on, which is a nice touch. Wirecutter editor Thorin Klosowski has had his Topo Rover Pack for eight years and says its still in excellent shape and looks new despite heavy use. He carries things every day. But when it was full, we struggled to fit a laptop charger or a paperback into the bag. Why its great: The Topo Rover Pack combines a campground aesthetic (in colors ranging from flashy to subdued) with a practical design that is perfect for subway commutes. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The thin straps on the Rains Backpack Mini make it less comfortable than other, thick-strapped bags. One of the most aesthetically pleasing womens laptop backpacks we ever did see, its spacious enough to house a 15-inch laptop andthanks to the sturdy handle up topit can double as a tote bag. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. The Timbuk2 Authoritys padded back panel made it comfortable to wear for hours at a time. Unfortunately, the fabric felt scratchy and cheap, the bag was ugly to look at, and we worried about its ability to withstand rough treatment. that saves your butt from going numb whether youre at the airport or your kids soccer game. Why its great: A polished gym bag should be large and well organized enough to hold a change of clothes and shoes, keep whats dirty separate from the office supplies youre carrying, and look good enough that you wont be embarrassed to carry it to work. The Fjllrven Rven 28 looks like a minimal backpack, but it has the organization you need while youre running to catch your next flight out of town. Ideally, a backpacks outside pocket should be large enough to accommodate a small book so that you dont have to unbuckle, uncinch, and rummage through the interior just to access something to read during your commute. If youre packing light, the Rains Mini is cute, waterproof, and distinctive. Our journalists combine independent research with (occasionally) over-the-top testing to save people time, energy and money when making buying decisions. (I know. Laptop backpacks are true workhorses too. A backpack is more ergonomic than a messenger bag, holds more than a briefcase, and looks more stylish than a rolling bag. Even with all of that stuffed inside, the bag was comfortable and easy to lug around. Although its wise to attach extra reflectors and lights for riding at night, the reflective strips on the Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop are more substantial than those on some other bags we tested (which is important for visibility during golden-hour and early-morning rides). If youre WFH from somewhere else, dont sleep on this gorgeous backpack, which has sleeves to house your laptop, iPad, and other must-haves. If you have trouble using your hands or arms, whether because of an injury or limited mobility, a bag with a zipper will be more convenient. From laptop bags to headphones to chargers to dongles galore, here are the essential accessories to help you use your new laptop. The Rains bag offers smart organization and a petite size, both important factors for a commute. Why its great: The Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30L Backpack is fully waterproof, has a rugged exterior, and fits 30 liters worth of gear. We independently review everything we recommend. Save up for the larger Lo & Sons Hakuba instead. While working from anywhere sounds extra nice these days, schlepping your laptop around in your standby work bag can feel like, well, a schlep. Dimensions: 17 by 10.5 by 4 inchesWeight: 1.6 poundsWater-bottle holders: noneWarranty: two years; 30 days to returnMaximum laptop size: 13 inchesColors: 10 colors, including black, slate, and navy. Dont be fooledthis may look small, but its big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop, tablet, and other accessories. When that train is too crowded for backpacks, you can slide it off your back and hold it by its top handle. A briefcase is still de rigueur for certain careers, and these picks will suit anyone for any purpose, from internship to retirement party. But we found that its tall height made it uncomfortable. Hes very well versed in carrying. The packs fit was stable and comfortable thanks to a removable sternum strap that connected its two shoulder straps, as well as an air-mesh ventilated back panel that helped minimize back sweat. Weve found eight messenger bags to suit everyone from the hard-core cyclist to someone who needs a chic day-to-night accessory. With sleek lines and a flat-to-the-body shape, the Rains is tiny and stylishbut its suited to only the most minimalist of commuters, since its thin straps make it uncomfortable to wear with heavy loads. And yet, as one Amazon reviewer puts it: Love, love, love this bag! The eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack that we tested in spring 2020 is the remodeled version of a former pick. Our pack, customized with waterproof fabric, stood up well to the elements, felt comfortable, and offered good organization. This bag is chock-full of secret zippered compartments and mesh areas designed to hold specific daily-commute items. And when youre not lugging the kitchen sink around, the bag shrinks to a more manageable size. What makes this an excellent travel laptop backpack? Despite having a ton of pockets and organization, the Day Pack 2 sports a minimalist exterior that makes it less techy looking. However, its main compartment was more of a giant maw than an easily organized space, and its longish Velcro tie-down strap just got in the way in the TSA line. During testing, the bags outside zippered pockets were big enough to fit a portable charger, a snack, some cables, and a Kindle. And even though it can fit neatly underneath your seat while youre traveling, its big enough for a 15-inch laptop, business gear, a change of clothes, and a pair of slim shoes. It didnt carry as much as the Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop, though, so this bag is a good choice if youre a light packer. Because of quarantine orders throughout 2020, I couldnt travel far, but I did spend hours wearing the backpack while walking around my neighborhood to get a sense of how it distributed weight. The Topo Rover Packs small footprint makes it easy to rummage through while youre on public transit. Thats a lot of technology for one bag.). The playful, campground aesthetic of the Rover Pack is divisivebut undeniably fun. The zippered middle pocket is roomy enough for a change of clothes, shoes, and a toiletry kit, which means you dont have to push those items out of the way to get to your laptop. With separate sections for your shoes, gym clothes, laptop, and files, Lo & Sonss Hakuba is easy to organize and comfortable to carry. Timbuk2 also sells the simpler Authority Laptop Backpack, which is a good, similarly sized bag but doesnt offer the Deluxe versions extra-comfortable padded straps and padded back panel. Learn more. Reminiscent of those old-school Jansport bookbags, except with a deluxe feel, this eye-popping Tory Burch number holds a 13-inch laptop with space to spare. We wanted to test the Ares Backpack, but our order never arrived. Yes. (The front pocket is also clutch for bits and bobs, like tiny earpods that would otherwise get lost. The side pockets are roomy enough to fit a water bottle, and the built-in USB port means you never have to go on low-power mode ever again. This striking bags pocket design allows you to separate your work essentials from the books and beverages you use during your commute. You can find laptop bags with water-resistant fabric, anti-theft features, and even USB charging ports (!) Even more important, its comfortable to sling over your shoulder. I ran with this bag on my back for 3 miles, and it never felt like I was carrying too much. And the bag is so light that even with all my stuff in it, it wasnt too heavy.. The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack was comfortable to wear and easy to transport, even when its filled with tech for your work day. We scoured best-sellers and under-the-radar laptop backpacks for women alike to help you find the perfect one for you. Weve tested 53 backpacks on buses, trains, cars, bikes, and planes to find the best laptop backpacks for commuting. Plus, it can fit a surprising amount inside. The Rains doesnt have space for much inside, but its laptop pouch and inner zippered pocket will keep your basics (such as your laptop and phone chargers) organized with room for a couple more small items if needed. We also found reports of low-quality materials and dissatisfied customers on Reddit. S.Coups, Wonwoo, Vernon, Hoshi, Jeonghan, DK, and The8 get together to answer questions about each other, draw each other, and face each other in an epic dance off. Whether youre traveling to work or to school, using a backpack is the most comfortable way to carry your laptop, books, and anything else you need for the day. To revisit this article, select My Account, thenView saved stories. When we first tested the 28L size, Wirecutter senior staff writer Sarah Witman said, The bag is big enough to carry everything a bike commuter needs but not so large that its unmanageable. Its roll-top closure allows you to easily expand the main compartment when you need to cram in lots of gear or shrink it for lighter loads. For gym sessions before or after work, Lo & Sons offers a sleek backpack to properly store and separate what you need. If your bag is beyond the yearlong warranty, though, Lo & Sons recommends reaching out to the company with the details. Now its been upgraded to 30L, and theres a new, smaller option that holds 20 liters. Its internals are conveniently organized, and it includes a pair of external water-bottle pockets that can double as holsters for travel documents such as a boarding pass or a customs form. At the top of its main compartment are pockets for your notepads and books; underneath, the Hakuba has a compartment for your shoes. The Hakuba by Lo & Sons does all of that: Its 15-inch external laptop pocket allows you to completely separate your computer from where you stash your dirty gym clothes. If you commute with your laptop, a backpack is the most convenient and ergonomic way to carry your computer, cables, and everything else you need for the day. Even while doing all of that, the Hakuba maintains its shape. On top of the bag, youll find two zippered pockets for incidentals such as your wallet, keys, lip balm, and headphones. The laptop compartment has a spacious open area and a second pocket for organizing documents, tucking in a binder, or holding a tablet for in-flight entertainment.. Flaws but not dealbreakers: Although the Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe can comfortably hold a wide variety of tech gear, it doesnt have quite the capacity of other bags in this category, such as the eBags Pro Slim Laptop Backpack. The Patagonia pick has been discontinued, and the Chrome has been updated. It stands out in a crowd, practically guaranteeing that you wont forget it in the overhead bin, and it features a trolley sleeve on the back so you can slide it onto the handles of your carry-on bag. Unlike briefcases, messenger bags, or totes, backpacks spread the weight of your gear across both of your shoulders, which is more comfortable and better for your back over the course of a long day. Herschel Supply Co. Orion Mid-Volume Backpack, Fjllrven Kanken 15-Inch Laptop Backpack, The (Re)sourced Backpack in Painted Leopard, Paravel Fold-Up Leather and Grosgrain-Trimmed Shell Backpack. Two testers routinely used the Rains during thunderstorms, and the bag always kept their possessions dry. It has a tough polyester exterior that guards against bumps and bruises as you lug it to and from the office, and its backed by a lifetime warranty against defects. You wont fit more than a laptop and a Dostoevsky novel in this slim bag. The Fjllrvens large, 28-liter capacity allows you to tote a huge number of items. And its fabric is water resistant, so if you get caught in a drizzle, you can rest assured that your gear will stay dry. Safely organize your tech gear with Timbuk2s Authority backpack. The Arcteryx Granville 20 Backpack was one of the most comfortable backpacks we tried; our tester rode 3 miles through San Francisco with it. When we first tested and recommended the Urban Ex Rolltop, it was sized to fit 28L. Compared with other bags we tested, this model also has a slightly less intuitive closure, since you have to roll up the top and strap the ends down with buckles on the side. We tested the beige color, but its available in a few darker hues that might blend into more situations. The Hakuba comes with Lo & Sonss one-year warranty, which covers product defects and damages. Flaws but not dealbreakers: The Arbor Classic doesnt have a water-bottle pocket, although it offers plenty of space inside to tuck in a bottle. The Arbor Classic gives you a ton of space but lacks interior organization. This large backpack can hold everything from textbooks to a laptop and a change of clothesin case youre not into hauling a separate gym duffel aroundbut its made of nylon, which keeps it lightweight and water-repellent. While this floral backpack is on the smaller sidecomfortably accommodating a 13-inch laptop or tabletit makes up for that in terms of security. The recycled-nylon fabric dries quicklya huge plus if you get caught in the rainand it comes with a dust bag for shoes and a dedicated mask holder. With a large capacity and handy attachment points, the Chrome Urban Ex Rolltop is perfectly suited for bike commuters. The Timbuk2 Authority Deluxes huge number of pockets and compartments let me slot everything I wanted to carry into specific places so items were easy to find. The Hakuba can also attach to most suitcase handles via the sleeve on its back. If youre considering comfort, the back and shoulders of the Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop are cushy and well padded, plus they have mesh and built-in slits for ventilation. The front pocket comes with a little pouch to store your phone, and theres even a built-in cardholder in the back for your credit cards and ID, in case you dont want to carry your wallet with you. Dimensions: 18.9 by 11.8 by 5.1 inchesWeight: 2.6 poundsWater-bottle holders: oneWarranty: lifetime against defects in material and workmanshipMaximum laptop size: 17 inchesColors: navy blue, black, dark gray, gray. The Bellroy Classic Backpack is comfortable and cute, and it has a three-year warranty. Took it on a trip this past weekend. The Hakuba covered the length of our testers back, but it also carried everything we needed to head to the gym before work. The Thule EnRoute Backpack 18L almost made our list as a road-warrior rucksack runner-up thanks to its easy laptop access, its stretchy mesh bottle pocket, and its crush-resistant sunglasses/phone pocket. It has a zippered section to securely hold your phone and transit pass, and its small, flat shape means its much less likely to knock into someone when youre sprinting to catch a train. The Lululemon City Adventurer Backpack 17L is too small for most commuters. If you need something waterproof, or you prefer Aers aesthetic over that of other gym backpacks, we loved the almost aggressively minimalist Aer Duffel Pack 2 and Aer Fit Pack 2. This design zips open on the top and one side, so the other side remains permanently shut, and its water-bottle pocket was not big enough for a decent-size bottle. The Rains bags unusual hook closure makes it stand out from other backpacks. ride on tightly crowded buses and train cars, Best laptop backpack for tech organization: Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe, Best retro-inspired commuter laptop backpack: Topo Rover Pack, Best laptop backpack for travel: Fjllrven Rven 28 Backpack, Best small, stylish laptop backpack: Rains Backpack Mini, Best gym laptop backpack: Lo & Sons The Hakuba, Best laptop backpack for carrying anything and everything: Patagonia Arbor Classic Pack 25L, Best laptop backpack for biking: Chrome Urban Ex 2.0 Rolltop 30L Backpack, Holds a lot of tech, takes a lot of abuse, A stylish backpack for the minimalist commuter, A sleek bag for all your work and workout gear, Minimal organization, maximum flexibility, low-quality materials and dissatisfied customers, Thule Pack n Pedal Commuter Backpack 24L, Our Favorite Laptop Sleeves and MacBook Pro Cases, The Best Things to Get for Your New Laptop. The Fjllrven Rvenis great for overnight trips. Its made with tough materials, so it can take a beating on your commute. Why its great: If youre going to be wearing a backpack every day, you may want it to be fashionable, but it still needs to be functional, comfortable, and smartly organized. After six months of using the Rains, tester Jordan Bowman told us the straps sometimes burrowed into his sides, but the bag was so sleek and well designed that he didnt mind. Cute? Chromes Urban Ex Rolltop has handy loops for hanging a helmet or U-lock, plus plenty of room in its main compartment for a laptop, a change of clothes, and more. We thought the Herschel Nova Backpack Mid-Volume was comfortable, and its canvas material felt more breathable than most. Wirecutter is the product recommendation service from The New York Times. Those specific styles are now unavailable, but theyve been upgraded to the Duffel Pack 3 and Fit Pack 3, which we havent tested yet. The Patagonia Arbor Classic emphasizes simplicity and storage over everything else. And since it had 14,000 positive reviews on Amazon at the time of our research, we figured it was only fair to try this bag. We also love the waterproofing on the Rains backpack. It closes via drawstring, so when youre carrying a lighter load, all you have to do is tighten the drawstring and its flag straps to reduce the bags footprint. Dimensions: 21.5 by 13 by 7.8 inchesWeight: 2.8 pounds with insert, 2.4 pounds without insertWater-bottle holders: twoWarranty: one yearMaximum laptop size: 15 inchesColors: black and navy camouflage.