14 Best Laptop Backpacks & Laptop Rucksacks 2023

By Georgia Trodd

Laptop backpacks make lugging your MacBook/Dell/HP etc. etc. to-and-from the office that little bit easier. Pre-pandemic, a lot of us left our computers at our desks when we went home each night – but since hybrid working is a permanent thing, it's important to acquire the correct protection for carrying our valuables. Yes, we're looking at you lot who think a thin tote bag is a suitable method of transportation for your worldly goods.

Unaccustomed to laptop backpacks? While work bags and briefcase-style handbags often feature pockets that'll happily fit a 15-inch screen size, laptop backpacks have padded, secure compartments specifically for storing them. The best part is that they're surprisingly chic, too. So much so that you'd be happy to be seen out with them on the weekends (though maybe sans anything work-related).

By Georgia Trodd

After you've found a design that will fit the dimensions of your device, the next thing to think about is fabric. Opting for waterproof or roll-top design is a good place to start - the last thing you want is soggy, malfunctioning tech - and don't forget about the overall style. You want this accessory to last, so go for something classic that'll complement your workwear and beyond.

Our favourites include Antler's Chelsea Backpack which fits a 13-inch laptop, Ted Baker's Phileap backpack for its eco-friendly recycled PU (a win for sustainability), and Stackers' laptop backpack for its unsuspecting and chic design. We also couldn't go without The ReNew Transit Backpack from Everlane; it's surprisingly spacious interior makes it the perfect travel backpack.

If you have a long daily commute and/or have a bit of a walk to get to the office, you're better off with a backpack. They're much better for your spine and shoulders thanks to the double (and adjustable) straps, and spread the weight more evenly so you don't get an achy arm. Don't worry, though, you don't have to go full-on hiker style with one that features a sternum strap.

For more from GLAMOUR UK's Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.

Native Union W.F.A Backpack in Kraft, €134, KickstarterWhy we love it: This backpack is made from 100% recycled polyester (rPET) using post-consumer plastic bottles, including accents made from recycled leather. It will fit a 16" Laptop and has separate pockets to slot your charging cables into.Specifications: It's water-resistant, has reinforced seams, zippers, and thick organic cotton straps with a spacious 20L capacity.Pros: It includes a hidden pocket for your AirTag or Chipolo tracker.Cons: Shipping isn't until July 2023.

Chelsea Backpack, £139, Antler

Why we love it: It comes in a range of seven colours, so there's plenty of choice.

Specifications: Measuring at 37cm x 26cm x 12cm, this laptop backpack is designed to coordinate with, and work alongside, the brand's Clifton cases. It has a zippered pocket laptop compartment to fit up to 13 inches, and is made from water-resistant and durable nylon with premium leather details.

Pros: It's water-repellent (so no need for a rain cover) and comes with a detachable internal packing pocket for shoes or a change of clothes.

Cons: If you own a 17-inch laptop, you'll have to squeeze to get it in. It's better suited to a 16.5" laptop size.

Phileap Recycled PU Backpack, £150, Ted Baker

Why we love it: It's made from synthetic leather, but you'd never know. It looks real.

Specifications: Measuring at 44cm x 35cm x 14cm, Ted Baker's Phileap laptop backpack is the perfect size for all your daily needs. The laptop sleeve is accessible at the back of the interior, and is secured with a velcro strip for security/peace of mind when you're in a rush.

Pros: It features slightly padded shoulder straps for cushioning alongside breathable mesh/webbing at the back.

Cons: As far as we can tell, this is the only colour available.

Save when you shop for laptop backpacks with these Ted Baker discount codes at checkout.

The ReNew Transit Backpack, £95, Everlane

Why we love it: The ReNew 15" Transit Backpack features an exterior laptop pocket for easy access at airport security, zip pockets for passports and tickets, interior slip pockets for magazines and notebooks, two water bottle holders, a magnetic closure, and a pass-through strap that attaches to rolling luggage.

Specifications: Crafted with a water-resistant finish, this laptop backpack measures at 44.4cm x 30.4cm x 18.4cm. It's made from 100% recycled polyester bar the zipper teeth.

Pros: It has 27l capacity.

Cons: The light colour means it's more susceptible to dirt.

Stackers Plain Laptop Backpack, £85, John Lewis

Why we love it: Stackers are pros when it comes to organisation and storage, and this laptop bag is exemplary of their know-how. It keeps everything neat and tidy thanks to multiple dividers and mesh pockets.

Specifications: Find not one but zipped pockets on the exterior of this bag, as well as over five interior pockets and sleeves for various devices and accessories (even a water bottle holder). Inside one pocket you'll find elasticated strips for holding things like makeup and charging leads safe. It measures at 15cm x 34.5cm x 31cm.

Pros: The padded laptop compartment is quilted as well for extra protection.

Cons: It sells out all the time.

Save when you shop for laptop backpacks with these John Lewis discount codes at checkout.

Eastpak Zippl'r Bike Backpack, WAS £84 NOW £41, Yoox

Why we love it: Cycle to work? This laptop backpack from Eastpak features a reflective strip and bike hooks on the back.

Specifications: Complete with a top handle, adjustable straps, zip pocket at the front, bottle holder on the side and a padded laptop sleeve inside, there's not much this bag is lacking. It measures 40cm x 32cm x 19cm.

Pros: It's water-resistant.

Cons: The large front pocket makes it look quite bulky if over-filled.

Eclat Light & Durable Backpack, WAS £111 NOW £79, Nordace

Why we love it: It's big enough to use as a holdall for the weekend unless you're the heaviest of packers, plus it fits under the seat in front of you on the plane.

Specifications: Made from water-resistant fabric to a light design (only 0.89kg), this laptop backpack measures at 42cm x 28cm x 17.5cm. It has an anti-theft pocket alongside two water bottle slips, a padded laptop slip, convenient USB charging port and plenty of internal pockets for organisation and easy visibility.

Pros: Comes in three different colours, all of which are currently on sale.

Cons: Some reviews mention that if the bag is quite full, not all of the pockets are able to be used as the fabric becomes too tight to slot anything in.

Targus Newport 15-Inch Laptop Backpack, £92.99, Amazon

Why we love it: Targus knows a thing or two about laptop backpacks, case in point with its Newport design. Both chic in design and functional, we love this style for its plentiful pockets.

Specifications: Complete with five zipped pockets as well as the dedicated laptop compartment, the Newport backpack is made from twill nylon with faux leather trims, and measures 11cm x 6cm x 16cm approx.

Pros: It's slimline and classy looking.

Cons: The zipped laptop sleeve is on the outside, making it slightly less safe.

Get free delivery and save when you shop for laptop backpacks with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.

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The Everywhere Zip Backpack, £175, Away

Why we love it: It's made from water-resistant nylon, so will have your back (and your goods) when the weather takes a turn.

Specifications: This laptop backpack has an extended zipper clamshell opening for easy access and visibility. The interior organisation system features zipper and slip pockets, a water bottle pocket, and a detachable key clip keep your TSA-approved keys to your carry-on safe. The padded straps ensure comfort is maintained when worn as a shoulder bag, and the added zip laptop compartment has an iPad slip pocket that fits laptops up to 15-inches with magnetic locking zipper. It measures at 30.5cm x 15cm x 45cm and is made from nylon with leather (despite its neoprene appearance).

Pros: It packs flat in suitcases, making it a great travel bag.

Cons: The colours it comes in are all quite similar/plain.

Leather Backpack, £950, Bennett Winch

Why we love it: It's handmade in the United Kingdom using traditional methods and techniques.

Specifications: Inside this sleek leather laptop backpack, you'll find a protective 16-inch laptop case, low profile pockets and a removable nylon wet compartment keep everything in order. Externally lies a concealed front pocket to store your wallet, phone or similar technologies. It measures at 30cm x 14cm x 45cm.

Pros: It's made from leather so will last for years.

Cons: It's one of the more expensive designs.

Targus Newport Drawstring Travel and Commute Backpack, £111, Amazon

Why we love it: It doesn't look like a laptop backpack, so if you're not into that look you'll love this design.

Specifications: It features a zippered compartment for your laptop on the outside (at the back) which will fit up to 15". Inside you'll find a pocket for your water (plastic bottle or stainless steel), two slots for pens, a zipped pocket and other slip pockets for smaller accessories. It measures at 30cm x 13.5cm x 46cm.

Pros: It has a magnetic closure as well as drawstring for extra safety.

Cons: As the laptop compartment is on the outside, it's less safe against theft than other designs but provides quick access.

Get free delivery and save when you shop for laptop backpacks with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.

Zip Around Backpack in Panama, £1,030, Smythson

Why we love it: While this laptop backpack is certainly an investment, it has also been made in Italy - so you know it's going to last a lifetime.

Specifications: Complete with adjustable shoulder straps, this pure leather bag features a fleece-lined interior where you'll find a main compartment and a padded laptop sleeve which fits a 13-inch computer (or Macbook Pro). It's complete with zipped front pocket and two further slip pockets inside for further storage, and measures at 40cm x 30cm x 11cm.

Pros: It ticks both boxes of being stylish and practical.

Cons: It's the most expensive style in this round-up.

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Fjällräven Kånken Totepack, WAS £88.35 NOW £80, Amazon

Why we love it: It can be a backpack when riding your bike, or a messenger bag when getting on a crowded bus - two bags in one. People who are familiar with Herschel will also appreciate this brand.

Specifications: Made from 65% polyester and 35% cotton, this bag measures at 36cm x 30cm x 15cm. The contents are accessed via a zipper at the top and there's an inside sleeve pocket with a padded base for a 13-inch laptop.

Pros: It has great versatility.

Cons: It's not the smartest in comparison to the other styles.

LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack for Women (15.6 Inch), WAS £49.99 NOW £34.99, Amazon

Why we love it: The external USB port is our favourite feature of this Amazon laptop backpack.

Specifications: Water-resistant, breathable and complete with nifty pockets, this laptop backpack fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop. It measures at 33.1cm x 26.1cm x 12.3cm.

Pros: Comes in several different colours and patterns, and has TWO laptop compartments and an anti-theft pocket.

Cons: The USB charging port doesn't come with the cable or power bank.

Get free delivery and save when you shop for laptop backpacks with these Amazon discount codes at checkout.

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