Do laptop bags protect?
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01 Introduction There’s more to a laptop bag than simply being able to carry a laptop.
Finding the Best Laptop Bag for YouIf you want to leave your house with your laptop, then you’re probably going to want a laptop bag. Of course, you probably already know this. But you may not know which laptop bag you should buy. There seem to be a million (approximately) options out there. Unfortunately, we can’t tell you what the best laptop bag is. We wish we could, because let’s be real, it would be a lot easier to simply write the name of a single bag than an entire guide about a bunch of them. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as the “best” laptop bag because everybody has different needs and preferences. Fjallraven Kanken 13″ Laptop Backpack In Detroit, MichiganSo, in this guide, we’re going to walk you through how to choose the best laptop bag for you. What You Can Expect From This GuideHere at Pack Hacker, we’re all about putting gear to the test, noting all strengths and weaknesses as we go. (We’ve written about our testing and reviewing process here if you would like to learn more.) For this guide, our team of gearheads has gotten our hands on over 100 laptop bags. We’ve looked at each one, even fully testing and reviewing several of them. Based on months—sometimes years—of using these bags, we’re going to take you through everything you need to consider when choosing the best laptop bag for you. That means diving into all the different components of laptop bags and explaining what works best for a variety of situations. Throughout this guide, we’ll also provide laptop bag recommendations that are, once again, based on our rigorous testing. Testing Lots Of Laptop Bags In DetroitNow, we understand that you’re a busy person and may not have time to read every single word of this guide. So, we’ve recommended ten laptop bags below that cover a wide range of use cases. Keep in mind, everybody has different needs and lifestyles, so your future favorite may not have made the list. That’s why we recommend you read the full guide—or, at the very least—skim it while enjoying your morning cup o’ joe. A Preview of Some Great Laptop BagsWhat is a Laptop Bag?Before we get going on this guide, let’s make sure we’re on the same page about what a laptop bag is. Sure, you can shove a laptop into whatever you have on hand and call it a laptop bag. We’re not going to stop you. Tom Bihn Synik 30 Laptop Compartment Side AccessThat said, we define a laptop bag as a bag that has specifically been designed to hold a laptop. To put it another way: a laptop bag is a laptop bag first and a camera, travel, hiking, makeup, dog, etc., bag second. Conversely, you can have a bag that just so happens to be able to hold a laptop. Take travel backpacks—they’re designed for travel, but many of them have a laptop sleeve, too. See the difference?
02 Considerations Overwhelmed by all of the laptop bags out there? We’ve got your back.
Finding the perfect laptop bag can be as overwhelming as finding the perfect pasta sauce. There are just so many options. Marinara, pesto, Alfredo, vodka, oil, and garlic…Whoops, went off on a tangent there. The point is there are so many laptop bags—and pasta sauces—to choose from. The best way to combat overwhelm is to think through a few key considerations, which we’ve listed below. If you’re able to think through these points and clearly understand your needs, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect laptop bag for you. So, let’s get into it. Use-CaseYou may be thinking to yourself, “Obviously, I’m planning on using my laptop bag to carry my laptop. Next consideration.” But we challenge you to dig a little bit deeper here. Consider: Your Commute It’s worth spending time figuring out the challenges of your commute and how your bag will meet those challenges. Take public transportation, for example. If you ride the subway to work, school, or wherever else you want to bring your laptop bag, a challenge may be limited legroom and space. If that’s the case, you’ll want a bag that’s compact enough to not crowd your legs, annoy your seat partner, accidentally whack people in the face while you’re standing, or take up a whole extra body’s worth of space. Or maybe you take a bus that has plenty of legroom, but your bus stop is over a mile away from your destination. You’ll want a bag that’s comfortable enough to carry that distance. Able Carry Daily Backpack in DetroitIf you ride a bike to work or school, you’ll want something with solid weather resistance, whereas if you drive, you may want a tote or briefcase for convenience and accessibility. You can easily grab something from an open tote hanging off of your shoulder, which isn’t necessarily true with a backpack. You get the idea. Now, make sure you think about all of the ways you get to the office/coworking space/coffee shop/school/laptop bag convention. Even if you only scooter to work for the summer months, you’ll want a laptop bag that can keep up with your epic scootering. Your Workspace You may work at a traditional office, a coworking space, a coffee shop, the pool at your apartment complex, your father-in-law’s attic, and so on. In the modern world, it seems like you can work anywhere (particularly if you work on a laptop). Different laptop bags work better or worse for different workspaces. For example, if you regularly work at a coffee shop it’s nice to have a laptop bag that stands up on its own. That way, it won’t slide down the table legs to the floor and get in everyone’s way. If you work in a cubicle at a traditional office, it’s nice to have a laptop bag that’s small enough to easily slide beneath your desk. If you go to school, you’ll probably appreciate a laptop bag that’s comfortable enough to carry between classes. Looking Professional With The Bellroy System Work BagAlso, consider the dress code at your work. Some workspaces are dressier than others and may prefer more professional messenger bags or briefcases over laptop backpacks. That’s important to keep in mind unless you’re a #rebel who likes to break the rules. Additional Activities You may find yourself in other scenarios outside of the ones on this list, but we hope that we’ve sparked your imagination. Of course, laptop bags won’t work for every single occasion. Activities like backpacking or long-term travel will likely require that you pick up a separate bag. But some versatility is a plus, so look out for:
SizeYou should take into consideration not only the size of the laptop bag, but the size of its laptop compartment, sleeve, and/or pocket. Brands call the dedicated laptop spot inside of their bags by different names. For simplicity’s sake, we’re going to refer to these spots as laptop sleeves throughout the rest of this guide. Sleeve Size Unfortunately, this isn’t as simple as it sounds. The advertised laptop sleeve size can vary from company to company. One brand’s 13’’ sleeve will easily fit a 16’’ laptop while another’s 13’’ sleeve will barely fit a 13’’ laptop. (Exasperating, right? Get it together, brands!). To be extra sure, it’s probably best to size up. If the sleeve ends up being too big, you can always stick your laptop inside of a case or an additional padded sleeve first. We’ll talk about laptop protection more in the Protection section of this guide. On a similar note, if you plan to put your laptop inside of a separate sleeve or case before putting it into your bag, make sure you consider that when looking at the laptop size limitations. If your additional protection is too bulky, it may not fit inside. Bag Size You may want a laptop bag that can hold your lunchbox, change of clothes, and go-to encyclopedia as well as your laptop. As we mentioned earlier, larger capacities do tend to make for more versatile bags, but they can be a pain to carry around. North St. Bags Weekender Meeting Bag in DetroitOr, you may want a laptop bag that will hold a laptop, a pen, and nothing else. If that’s the case, you could probably even size down to an 8L bag. Smaller laptop bags tend to be easier to lug around and can work as lightweight daypacks when you want to carry a little more than your pockets allow. But, if you ever do need to haul your go-to encyclopedia to work, you may run into problems. StyleWe probably don’t need to tell you that aesthetic is a key factor when it comes to choosing a laptop bag. You’ll likely use it frequently—maybe even daily—so you should love how it looks. Luckily, there are so many high-quality laptop bags that you should be able to find one that’s not only your style but also durable with thoughtful organization and adequate laptop protection. We’re not here to tell you what a fashionable laptop bag looks like—beauty is in the eye of the beholder, after all—but we’ve noticed the most common styles you’re likely to come across, including:
Materials, Durability, & CraftsmanshipWe suggest investing in a bag that’s made from high-quality materials with excellent craftsmanship. In your search for a laptop bag, you’ll probably come across materials like:
We’re not going to take a deep dive into all of these fabrics in this guide (check out our Travel Backpack Guide if that’s what you’re looking for.) As a general rule of thumb, Ballistic and Ripstop Nylon as well as CORDURA® branded fabrics are going to be your most durable. Leather and canvas laptop bags look classy and professional, although they’ll be heavier and more susceptible to the elements than the synthetic options. For that reason, we don’t generally recommend them for travel or if your commute involves a lot of walking. But, if you’ll primarily be driving to and from work, a leather or canvas laptop bag could treat you well (and impress your fashionista coworkers). Bags made from Tarpaulin or TPE Fabric Laminate will be highly water-resistant but will also pick up marks and scratches quite easily. Finally, Dyneema and X-Pac provide some nice weather resistance and are typically lighter weight, but they tend to be expensive fabrics. Aer Day Pack 2 MaterialOf course, the durability of your laptop bag should depend on personal preference and/or how often you’ll be using it. Daily use is going to be tougher on your bag than if you work from home and only go to the neighborhood coffee shop occasionally. Tom Bihn Brain Bag ZippersAlso, consider zippers and hardware. They may seem like a small thing, but a broken zipper or buckle can render some bags inoperable. Do your best to avoid unbranded zippers and hardware (we’ve had some bad experiences). We’ve had great luck with YKK and Riri. Zoom and SBS zippers are decent, but we’ve generally found them to be less desirable. Duraflex, YKK, Woojin, Nifco, and ITW are all solid brands when it comes to other hardware on bags like buckles and strap-adjustment sliders. Note that zippers come in sizes on a scale from one (small) to ten (large). We’d recommend looking for something above a #5 for all exterior zippers, although #8-#10 will treat you the best. Smaller sizes work fine for internal pockets.
EVERGOODS Civic Panel Loader 24L (CPL24 V2) The EVERGOODS CPL24 V2 feels like it has been built to withstand a hurricane. That’s to say, it’s super durable with exceptional craftsmanship. The exterior of the pack is made of some durable stuff—500d High Tenacity Nylon 6,6 to be exact—that has been finished with a DWR coating for water and abrasion resistance. While the massive zippers can be a little sticky around the corners, they will (probably) last you decades to come. In fact, we wouldn’t be surprised if you passed your EVERGOODS CPL24 V2 down to your favorite grandchild. See Details & Buying Options BudgetYou should keep your budget in mind. If you can afford it, we suggest investing in a laptop bag that will last you for years instead of continually needing to replace a cheaper one. In the long run, purchasing a more expensive, yet higher-quality bag will probably save you money. Plus, it’ll have a better environmental impact, keeping broken bags out of the landfill. As the saying goes, “buy nice or buy twice.” Of course, this requires that you have the initial money to invest in a pricier bag, which we understand not everyone has. Bellroy Tokyo Totepack in DetroitNow, keep in mind that expensive doesn’t always translate to durable. Sometimes, you’re paying for style, brand, or clever marketing. A good rule-of-thumb is to look for brands that proudly back their gear with generous warranties. That usually means a brand makes quality products that they’re happy to guarantee. You can also read through our detailed reviews, as we’re dedicated to helping you decide whether or not a bag is worth the money.
03 Carry A question of the ages: should you carry a laptop messenger, tote, or backpack? Let’s break it down.
While searching for the best laptop bag, you’ll probably run into the same modes of carry again and again. There are different pros and cons to each mode—which we’ll discuss below—but it’s also one of those things that’s a personal preference. Maybe you’re a huge fan of tote bags, although you can’t put your finger on why. If that’s the case, don’t let us stop you from buying a tote. You do you. BackpackTom Bihn Synapse 25 DetailsThe Good: Two straps also evenly distribute weight better than a single strap, meaning backpacks are likely going to be more comfortable to carry over long distances than other styles. Additionally, wearing a backpack frees up both of your hands, allowing you to do all sorts of two-handed activities (juggling, miming, and hand-clap games, to name a few). Backpacks can also be more versatile than some of the other options—you can take your laptop backpack on a hike, whereas a laptop briefcase probably won’t hold up so well on the trails. The Bad: Compared to some of the other styles in this list, a backpack may look the least professional. Of course, you can find polished and stylish laptop backpacks, but they may not scream “office” as much as a tote or briefcase will. Additionally, backpacks can sometimes feel cumbersome if your commute primarily involves driving; throwing a backpack over your shoulder(s) for a 30-second walk into the office or your house can be annoying. Finally, getting inside a backpack may take a little bit longer than getting inside one of the other bag styles. You can’t just leave the top of the backpack unzipped (unless you want to risk things falling out) like you can with a tote so it may be frustrating if you need to frequently get in and out of it.
Tom Bihn Synapse 25 The Tom Bihn Synapse 25 is made of durable materials that should hold up against the test of time (and the company has a great warranty, if not). Plus, it has a decently comfortable harness system. But the organization is truly where this pack shines. All of the pockets are laid out in a clever, intuitive way and there are plenty of O-rings for customization. Our main gripe is that, when the main compartment is full, it can be difficult to slide the laptop cache in and out. See Full Review & Buying Options
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack You’re probably familiar with the Fjallraven Kanken—at least in look if not in name. This boxy laptop bag is globally popular, but it’s more than a fashion statement. We’ve been testing the Kanken 13″ Laptop Backpack for over three years (!) across three continents (!). Overall, we’ve been impressed with how well it’s been holding up. We’re also digging its super minimal organization, versatility, and how easy it is to grab your laptop. However, the harness system isn’t super comfortable since the straps have minimal padding and there’s no sternum strap (note that the straps on the original Kanken do not have any padding). There are multiple iterations of the Kanken—including a version made of recycled plastic bottles—and multiple sizes, so you can pick up one that suits your needs. See Full Review & Buying Options Check Price at Backcountry Check Price at Amazon Check Price at Zappos TotePeak Design Everyday Tote 15L V2 In Essex EnglandThe Good: The Bad:
Mission Workshop The Drift Tote The Mission Workshop Drift Tote has a clean, thoughtful design. It feels like the tote’s designers really took their time creating the bag, putting in thoughtful details like the metal key clip and highly water-resistant bottom. There’s a separate laptop compartment for your laptop (duh), which is a nice touch and something you don’t frequently see with laptop totes. The bag itself is large for a tote, meaning you can load it up with a ton of your gear. That said, it will get heavy. Keep in mind that the carry isn’t especially comfortable. While wide, the shoulder strap isn’t well-padded. See Details & Buying Options Check Price at Mission Workshop Check Price at Huckberry
Peak Design Everyday Tote 15L (V2) If you’re a photographer, videographer, or otherwise like to carry around camera equipment, then you’ll probably like what the Peak Design Everyday Tote 15L (V2) has to offer. You can use the two included FlexFold dividers to customize the tote’s main space to fit your camera or other gear. Plus, the bag is made from durable, weather-resistant materials. However, we do wish that the laptop sleeve had a false bottom and could accommodate laptops over 13’’. See Full Review & Buying Options Check Price at Peak Design Check Price at Moment Check Price at Amazon Tote PackBellroy Duo Totepack In DetroitIf you’re not familiar, a tote pack is the combination of a tote and a backpack (tote pack, get it?). Basically, it’s a bag that has stowable straps you can pull out whenever you’d like to have a backpack and hide whenever you’d like to have a tote. The Good: The Bad:
Bellroy Duo Totepack The most sophisticated-looking totepack on our list, the Bellroy Duo Totepack will be at home at whatever professional events you have on the docket. The harness system is nice enough for a 15L bag, but there’s nothing particularly fancy going on (no sternum strap, load lifters, mesh, air channels, etc). Of course, this helps the bag look sleek and tidy, but may not be a worthwhile tradeoff for you. We’re digging the organization, which falls toward the more complex end of the spectrum. That said, its slim design means it’s best to load up the bag with thinner items. See Full Review & Buying Options Check Price at Bellroy Check Price at Amazon
Peak Design Everyday Totepack 20L (V2) The Peak Design Everyday Totepack 20L has all the same features we’ve come to expect from Peak Design—customizable organization (in the form of FlexFold dividers), a durable build, clever detailing, and a sleek aesthetic. Its exterior also has a good amount of water-resistance. Now, the handles aren’t large enough to toss over your shoulder—you have to carry them in the hand, which is only comfortable for so long. Luckily, it’s quite comfortable to carry as a backpack as the adjustable shoulder straps are anchored to the bag in a way that lets them rotate, so they move with your body. See Full Review & Buying Options Messenger BagTimbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag in DetroitThe Good: Though they’re not often as comfortable as a backpack, messenger bags can be enjoyable to carry for short periods. Just look for a well-padded shoulder strap that’s properly anchored to the bag. Some messengers even have an extra stability strap to secure the bag to your body for better weight distribution and security while commuting. Lastly, like a tote, it’s easy to get in and out of a messenger. You can simply reach into your bag hanging at your side instead of swinging a backpack off of one shoulder. The Bad: Editor’s Note: These days, there’s not a hard line between briefcases and messengers. There’s quite a bit of overlap, and some people use “briefcase” and “messenger” interchangeably. While a traditional briefcase carry is a top handle you hold in the hands, modern briefcases tend to have a crossbody or shoulder strap as well. They often have more structure than messengers and are a little bit smaller and square-er. Of course, you’ll find many exceptions on both sides. Because of these similarities, we’re not going to have a separate section on briefcases. The pros and cons are the same.
Timbuk2 Closer Laptop Briefcase The Timbuk2 Closer Laptop Briefcase has an adjustable, well-padded shoulder strap you can throw over one shoulder or crossbody. The bag sits relatively close to your body as you’re wearing it, so it feels secure. All that said, it does not have much structure. Putting a laptop inside helps some, but we don’t like it when a laptop has to act as a bag’s frame sheet. Because of this—and the design of the interior organization—it’s definitely best for lighter loads. See Full Review & Buying Options
Aer Commuter Brief 2 The Aer Commuter Brief 2 stands up on its own (at least in our testing), which is a unique feature for any bag let alone a messenger bag. You can simply pop it by your side at school, work, the coffee shop, wherever. It’s super handy. The organization is on the more complicated side, which may not be your cup of tea. That said, it’s laid out in an intuitive way that’s worked really well for our daily setup. The laptop sleeve is also super padded, offering great protection. Our biggest grievance is with the snap fastener handles, which slow down access. See Full Review & Buying Options Check Price at Aer Check Price at Huckberry Alternative:Mystery Ranch 3 Way Expandable Briefcase Carry OptionsThere are some laptop bags available that don’t fit neatly into the above categories, including hybrid bags that you can carry in multiple ways. We’re not going to take a detailed look at these bags—since they have pros and cons unique to the specific bags—but we wanted to point out that they exist in case you’re less than impressed with the above options.
DSPTCH Utility Tote The DSPTCH Utility Tote is a great laptop bag when you’re not looking for anything fancy. It’s sleek and simple, featuring a pretty basic interior and exterior (which can be either a good thing or a bad thing depending on your preference). We’re big fans of the durability, though the straps can get a bit finicky to use. See Full Review & Buying Options
Topo Designs Global Briefcase 3-Day The Topo Designs Global Briefcase 3-Day is a triple threat—a briefcase, messenger bag, and backpack rolled into one sleek and cheerful profile. The 3-Day name comes into play because the bag has been designed to work as a solid weekender. It has plenty of space—and organization—for everything you need for a long weekend away (well, within reason). We do think the laptop sleeve could be improved as it lacks both substantial padding and a false bottom. As it stands, we suggest using a separate laptop sleeve for proper protection. See Full Review & Buying Options
04 Protection Padding is only the beginning.
Arguably, one of the most important aspects of a laptop bag is how well it protects your laptop. Here’s what you should look for: PaddingPadding will protect your laptop from other items in your bag, but our team is split on how important we think padding is. Some of us prefer to stick our laptop in a separate case or sleeve before putting it in a laptop bag, which means it’s not as important to have a heavily padded internal sleeve. Members of the Seperate Laptop Sleeve Club say that they give extra peace-of-mind, plus they’re portable from bag to bag and add protection when you’re carrying the laptop by itself. Incase Compact Sleeve with BIONIC | Sleek.On the other hand, some of our team members appreciate laptop bags that feature enough padding that you don’t feel like you need to put your laptop in a separate sleeve and/or case first. These members of the Dedicated Laptop Sleeve Club like bags with consistent, dense padding on all sides of the internal sleeve. Now, all of us here at Pack Hacker think that an optimal laptop bag has more than just padding. In fact, we think that too much padding can lure you into a false sense of security. So, look out for other security features, which we’ll talk about next.
Cote&Ciel Isar M EcoYarn Grey The Cote&Ciel Isar has a separate laptop compartment that features a well-padded laptop sleeve. The thick padding is on every side—it’s like your laptop is cradled inside of a fluffy cloud. Not only is this great for your expensive machine, but because the laptop compartment is against your back, it makes for a comfortable carry to boot. See Full Review & Buying Options Check Price at Cote&Ciel Check Price at Amazon False BottomA false bottom is exactly what it sounds like—the laptop sleeve or compartment ends before the bottom of the backpack. Basically, it suspends your laptop off the bottom of the bag. Why is this important? Because this means that if your pack hits the ground abruptly, your laptop won’t smack the ground as well, which goes a long way in protecting your tech. Unless you can guarantee that you will never drop your laptop bag—or set it on the ground with a little too much oomph—then you’re going to want a false bottom. Laptop Compartment False BottomNow, not all false bottoms are created equal. Some laptop sleeves will have a very small one, which is basically like not having it at all. We recommend looking for a false bottom that sits approximately an inch minimum off of the bottom of the bag. Soft LiningIncase ICON Backpack Laptop CompartmentWe appreciate laptop sleeves that feature a soft lining, which will help prevent your laptop from getting scratched up. We don’t think this is as necessary as a false bottom or padding, but it’s just one of those things that’s nice to have. Like one of those mini cocktail umbrellas. Do you need it? No. But is life better with it? Absolutely. Alternative ProtectionMinaal Daily Bag LaptopSome bag brands are starting to get clever with how they design their laptop compartments, going beyond padding and even false bottoms. Brands like Minaal and Tom Bihn have nests and caches respectively that suspend your laptop in the center of the sleeve and are adjustable to the exact size of your laptop. This means that your laptop is not only securely held in place, but lifted away from all sides of the bag, which adds protection no matter what angle you drop your bag at.
Minaal Daily Bag The Minaal Daily Bag is a solid pick if you’re looking for a laptop bag with premium protection. Minaal calls its laptop sleeve the “patented DeviceNest™ shock-proof device sleeve.” Despite this super jargon-y name, this device sleeve is amazing. It securely holds your laptop and tablet in a soft, padded embrace. The sleeve also sits in the center of the compartment, meaning the laptop will be protected on all sides (and regardless of the angle you drop it from). Plus, it’s adjustable, so you can ensure your laptop is being held firmly. See Full Review & Buying Options Weather ResistanceA little bit of weather and water resistance is nice to have—after all, laptops + water = not a good time (to put it lightly). But you don’t need anything overkill. We tend to look for bags that are weather-resistant and designed to hold up in ordinary inclement weather (think rain shower, not hurricane). Note that we said weather-resistant, which is not the same thing as waterproof. You can find both—and there’s a big difference between them! If you plan to go whitewater rafting with your laptop bag—maybe that’s your commute?—then you’ll want a waterproof bag. Most people should be okay with a water-resistant laptop bag as opposed to a completely waterproof bag. Here’s what to look for when scrutinizing a laptop bag’s weather-resistance: Coatings Weather-Resistant Zippers You will also find bags with covered zippers (i.e. there’s a strip of fabric over the zipper track), called a fabric welt, which gives the bag more water protection. Roll-Tops Rain Shells
Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack If you’re looking for a laptop bag that’s highly weather-resistant then the Timbuk2 Parker Commuter should be on your radar. To get technical for a second, the main exterior is polyethylene vinyl acetate. Rain will simply bead and run off of this material. Plus, there’s also welted fabric over the zipper of the main compartment for even more water resistance. If that’s not enough—say you frequently bike to work in the rain— the pack comes with a rainfly, which tucks away into a zippered compartment at the bottom of the pack. See Full Review & Buying Options Check Price at Timbuk2 Check Price at Amazon
05 Organization Hint: It’s somewhere between 0 pockets and 1,000.
As gear reviewers, we’ve concluded that organization is personal, like how you take your coffee (or don’t). You may like a laptop bag with large, empty compartments, or you may like to have a spot for everything. Even our team differs. Laptop bags run the gamut of organization—simple, complex, or anything in between. Plus, you can find bags with exterior organization if that’s your thing. But beyond how much organization a bag has, there’s the question on how easy said organization is to access. There’s a lot to unpack here, so let’s break it down. Interior Organization Simple These bags also allow you to take organization into your own hands by utilizing packing cubes and pouches. You can get as intense as you want here, organizing your gear in color-coded pouches that you evenly distribute throughout the various compartments in your bag, or just throw most of your gear into one pouch, toss it in the main compartment, and call it a day. Plus, you can take the whole thing out of your laptop bag and keep it on your desk for easy access too all your tech.
GORUCK GR1 While there is some organization inside of the GORUCK GR1, the main compartment is basically one giant bucket. There’s a ton of space to throw tech pouches or additional organizational systems, so you can customize to your heart’s content. We’re also digging the MOLLE webbing, which makes it easy to store your stuff. But, keep in mind, smaller things may disappear into the Bottom of the Backpack Blackhole (a.k.a fall to the compartment’s bottom never to be seen again). See Full Review & Buying Options Check Price at GORUCK Check Price at Huckberry Modular While these bags are great if you want to really optimize your organizational setup, they aren’t as cost-effective as having a bag with built-in organization already. Plus, you’ll have to put a lot of time and thought in to creating your modular system.
Tom Bihn Cadet The Tom Bihn Cadet is as durable, well-constructed, and intelligently designed as most Tom Bihn gear. It’s a minimalist bag designed to fit your laptop and some daily essentials…and not much more. It also features O-rings for some customizable organization. The carry is relatively comfortable—you can wear it over one shoulder, crossbody, or hold the handles—but you should upgrade to the Absolute Strap if you’re looking for some primo comfort. Our main gripe with the Cadet is that the laptop compartment does not have a false bottom. See Full Review & Buying Options Complex Note that the organization inside of these laptop bags has been designed for the average person (and thus for average gear). It’s great at organizing pens and notebooks. But if you carry things that vary in size and shape from product to product, like a battery bank, you may feel limited by built-in organization. All that said, most people will probably want organization that’s somewhere between simple and complicated with a few specific pockets, but nothing over the top. Exterior OrganizationSome people prefer bags that have a more minimal, sleek look without much going on externally, while others don’t care about that clean aesthetic and prioritize external pockets or attachment points for quick-and-easy access. External attachment points also allow you to carry gear externally that you wouldn’t want to put inside your bag, like a rain jacket, which could get all of your other stuff wet. Mystery Ranch Rip Ruck 24 in DetroitYour use-case comes into play here. Do you have a long commute on a bus or train? If so, you might want more external pockets to be able to quickly grab a book or a snack. Do you walk to work? You might appreciate having easy access to water via external water bottle pockets. Do you frequently find yourself outside while it’s raining? Keep an eye out for external attachment points. AccessYou’re likely going to be accessing the laptop sleeve/compartment at least twice a day, so it’s worth paying attention to how easy it is to get to. We prefer quick access because time is money and all that. Plus, it’s just a huge hassle to have to work your laptop around tough angles or annoying straps. You’ll usually find one of two things: the laptop sleeve is inside the main compartment or the laptop sleeve in its own compartment accessible from the outside of the bag. Let’s take a closer look. Laptop inside the main compartment Additionally, look for side access points that give you direct access to the laptop sleeve in addition to the top access via the main compartment. We’re fans of secondary access points as they make it easy to quickly grab your laptop. Plus, you don’t have to sort through all your stuff to get to it. Next, look at the laptop sleeve itself. Is it tight to the back compartment? Does it close with a buckle, velcro, or magnets? A closure may help keep your tech firmly in place, but it will take longer to grab if there’s a flap in the way. Aer Slim Pack Laptop SleeveWe know that these may seem like small details, but they matter. Put on your glasses, pull out your calculator, and let’s do some math. Let’s say it takes 15 extra seconds to grab and put away your laptop because of a quirk in the design. If you access and put away your laptop twice a day that’s 15 x 2 = 30 seconds per day. Multiply that by 5 days a week = 150 seconds per week. Multiply that by 50 weeks—taking into account two weeks of vacation— and you get 7,500 seconds. That’s a lot of seconds, people! Not to mention all the frustration it will cause you. Laptop inside its own compartment The way these compartments are implemented on bags differs from company to company, of course. Some are designed only to fit a laptop, while others have a little more room and bill themselves as a “tech compartment.” Be sure to look at the access to this compartment. Can you get to the compartment from the top, side, or both? This seems like a small thing, but it matters in context. Take plane travel, for example. Side access will be annoying if you frequently fly. That’s because if your bag is underneath the seat in front of you, you’ll have to fully pull it out to grab your laptop—a problem you wouldn’t have with top access.
Tom Bihn Synik 30 The laptop compartment in the Tom Bihn Synik is accessible from both the top and side. The top access is great if you’re pulling the bag from under your airplane or bus seat, especially if you’re a bit constrained in a middle seat. But the side access is great when you want to quickly and easily grab your laptop. We’ve found that laptops glide in and out of this side access oh-so smoothly. Plus, the entire pocket is lined with a lightly-padded mesh material. See Full Review & Buying Options Look for a bright lining Regardless of whether or not a laptop sleeve is in its own compartment, we appreciate laptop bags that have bright interior linings. Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech Laptop CompartmentA bright lining really “turns on the lights” inside of a bag, helping you see what’s going on (anyone else start singing Marvin Gaye? No?). These linings are particularly helpful with bags like roll tops that can often become a deep, dark pit of gear.
06 Conclusion That’s a wrap, folks.
Phew, you’ve made it to the end of our guide. Congratulations on becoming an official laptop bag expert! Hopefully you know enough to go out into the world and find the best laptop bag for you. If you do find The One, snap a picture and tag us @packhacker on Instagram. If you haven’t already guessed, we love looking at and obsessing over bags. And if you need more information, be sure to check out ourgear reviews and Youtube channel. Lots Of Laptop Bags In DetroitWe’d like to close by reminding you that there is no such thing as the best laptop bag. Remember, it all comes down to personal preference and use-case. Of course, you’ll also want to assess quality, laptop protection, and organization (which is why we wrote this guide in the first place.) So, good luck, and happy shopping!
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