Remember how some years back, no self-respecting man would be caught dead heading to work or a meeting without a briefcase? Well, times have changed, and laptop bags are the new must-have work accessory. Both laptop works bags and professional backpacks do, however, serve much the same purpose as the briefcases of yore; carrying essential and documents while driving, biking, walking, or taking public transport to work or school.
Top 10 Laptop Bag for the Working Man
A personal computer is a prized possession to many, and mission-critical to most. So you want a laptop bag that is sturdy enough to provide the utmost protection to this and other valuables you chose to carry. Of course, the carry itself is important too–ergonomics, comfort, and weight distribution all factor in. Check out our buyer’s guide further down the page to help with your comparison shopping, or otherwise just dive into our 10 recommended computer bags.
1. Matein 15 inch Laptop Travel Bag
View in galleryBuy now The Matein Business Travel Backpack is lightweight, sturdy, comfy and provides maximum back support thanks to ample padding. Its custom-fit adjustable shoulder straps also come padded to relieve shoulder stress. Since it’s made using water-resistant and long-lasting polyester fabric, the bag can withstand heavy usage in all weather conditions. This spacious bag sports multiple pockets. First, there’s a compartment that easily fits a 15.6-inch laptop. There’s also the main compartment for your books, lunch, travel accessories, or light clothing. Finally, a front compartment with organizer pockets holds small items like your keys and/or cellphone, while the mesh side pockets are useful for your umbrella or water bottle. The Matein bag is ideal for use as a professional backpack or as a slim fashion bag while away from the office. And because it comes designed with an inbuilt USB port, it’s convenient for carrying your laptop for both work and play. And for easy handling on public transport or at airports, there’s a rugged carry handle on top.
2. SHRRADOO Extra Large 50L Backpack Laptop Bag
View in galleryBuy now Looking for a computer bag for your 17 inch laptop? Consider SHRRADOO‘s massive computer backpack. With overall dimensions of 19.5 x 15 x 11 inches, this bag offers a whopping 50L of main compartment capacity. It also boasts up to 20 extra pockets for storing oversized items as well as keeping smaller stuff well organized. Three of these spacious pockets spot multiple hidden compartments for your stationery; deep side zipper pockets offer easy and convenient access, while the elastic net pockets keep your water bottle or umbrella within easy reach. For maximum convenience when charging your devices, the computer bag comes fitted with an external USB port and charging cable. There’s also an opening that allows you to use your earphones while carrying your bag. Made with high-quality materials, this heavily padded laptop backpack also boasts wide, padded shoulder straps to ensure your utmost comfort. A strong, rugged handle with a steel cable top allows you to have a good grip on your bag and makes it easy to carry. Depending on what you are carrying, you might want to adjust the size of this bag, a convenience made possible by the side compression straps. View in galleryBuy now With a 15.5 x 2.8 x 12 inch sizing, these lightweight laptop messenger bags for men are slim and compact, making you look neat and well-organized whenever you use it. And though it might not carry bulky items, the bag contains multiple zip pockets that can hold accessories like your iPhone, portable mouse, pens, stationary, and other essentials. Carry handles on the bag also allow you to shift the laptop weight from your shoulders to your hands.
4. Mancro Water Resistant Laptop Bag
View in galleryBuy now If you’re looking for a waterproof laptop bag, Mancro may have an answer. Featuring water-resistant and eco-friendly nylon construction, you can safely store your laptop up to 15.6 inches in the dedicated compartment. There’s also a built-in anti-theft combination lock, keeping prying fingers away from your precious work gear as well. It also features compartments to conveniently hold your iPad, files, charger, books, and clothes. Dig deeper, and you’ll find inner pockets for keeping your phone or wallet safe. Slanted front pockets offer quick access for items like your ID and keys. Also, there are two side pockets for your compact umbrella and water bottle. To ensure the utmost comfort for your shoulders, Mancro laptop bags for men come with padded shoulder straps. These straps also help relieve stress on the shoulders and support your back, thus make it easy to carry the bag for long periods. At 20 x 12.2 x 5.7 inches, this bag fits underneath your plane seat as a compact carryon whenever you are going on a business trip. It also comes with an inbuilt USB port for easy charging, making it well-suited for use as a professional laptop bag.
5. Volher Laptop Carry Bag
View in galleryBuy now The Vohler Laptop Carry Bag is ideal for those who commute or travel regularly. It has a well-hidden anti-theft pocket to keep your valuable items safe from pickpockets on city streets and subways. A spacious zipped packing compartment keeps your mouse, charger, books, and clothes neatly organized and within easy reach. It also comes with an in-built USB charger that makes it easy and convenient to charge your electronic devices on the go. Featuring durable and water-resistant polyester material, this bag can endure daily usage without looking shabby. It also sports a modern, stylish design which makes it one of the more fashionable laptop bags on our list. For your comfort, the bag features an airflow back design along with thick-layered ventilated padding. The breathable and easily adjustable shoulder straps help reduce shoulder stress, while the foam-padded top handle allows for extended hand carrying. Moreover, while on the move, you can listen to music hands-free via the headphone jack. Great aesthetics aside, Vohler laptop backpacks easily fit any 15.6-inch computer within a roomy, padded laptop compartment.
6. KROSER 17″ Laptop Bag for Men with RFID Blocking
View in galleryBuy now One computer bag that’s perfectly suited for all your business travel needs is the Kroser Travel Laptop Backpack. It comes with a partition for your laptop and a port for your headphones, so you can listen to music while on the move. The well-padded computer compartment contains organizer dimensions and can fit a 17.3-inch laptop. What’s more, RFID pockets with ID-blocking capabilities ensure that your credit cards and passport remain secure at all times. This bag’s multifunctional compartments enable you to stay super-organized as your electronics, clothes, and small essential items have specific storage areas. Made from high-quality water repellent material, this durable bag is pretty comfortable to carry. It has adjustable, well-padded shoulder straps and a strong handle. Alternatively, you can use the well-knitted luggage strap to fix the backpack to your luggage trolley for more relaxed travel. The in-built USB port allows for safe and convenient cellphone charging.
7. Herschel Laptop Bag Pop Quiz Backpack
View in galleryBuy now The Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack features the same outstanding craftsmanship and unique design that has made this Canada-based company’s name synonymous with quality. At 17.5 x 11.75 x 6 inches, it’s the ideal size for a day bag, and more than enough to safely house your 15-inch laptop with room to spare. Furthermore, the main compartment features a fleece-lined laptop sleeve that helps keep your computer well-protected. Weatherproof zips and fabric lining keep away spills and moisture, adding to the security of your bag’s contents. Also, the front pockets come with internal mesh organizers, providing adequate space for your electronic accessories, keys, and pens. This Herschel laptop bag has easily accessible storage pockets, as well. Since you have a range of colors to choose from, you can tailor these fashionable laptop bags to suit your personal style.
8. eBags Pro Slim Laptop Bag
View in galleryBuy now The eBags Pro Slim Laptop Bag offers convenient storage for your laptop in a slim and compact package. Despite its size, if you prefer a computer bag with lots of secure compartments and zip pockets for supreme organization, then this is the bag for you. It has a side zip pocket for your water bottle, a bottom structured zip pocket at the front, and a crush-proof AC adapter garage. It has a Teflon-coated design that repels moisture, preserves the exterior material, and protects your valuables from accidental spills. There’s also a 17″ laptop sleeve bag, plus multiple internal and external easy-access compartments for your plugs, cables, and devices. The Pro Slim backpack is lightweight and easy to carry around. Adjustable shoulder pads and contoured straps enable it to lie comfortably on your shoulders without exerting undue stress. Additionally, sturdy strap handles ensure your hands get a firm grip. And the backpack converts into a briefcase for a more professional look. Better yet, a pass-through sleeve conveniently connects the bag to your rolling luggage, making your commute less cumbersome. Though a bit pricey, this slim laptop work bag features rugged construction to get your money’s worth. It also features a breathable, well-padded air mesh back panel that provides your back with maximum comfort when carrying a lot of stuff.
9. Modoker Vintage Designer Laptop Bags
View in galleryBuy now Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack is a slim fashionable laptop bag that fits computers up to 15.6 inches. It has 6 pockets, thus allows you to store your computer, device accessories, clothes, files, and other essentials. For instance, there’s a front zipped pocket ideal for keeping small items like cords, keys, pens, or business cards. It’s a perfect bag to use when walking or biking to work since it’s lightweight, plus you can adjust its heavily padded straps to a suitable fit. You can also charge your devices on the go as it comes with a built-in USB charging port and charging cable. Made from high-quality 600D Nylon material, the bag is scratch-resistant, splash-proof, and tear-proof, making it durable and ideal for heavy use. The Modoker Vintage not only keeps your laptop safe from leaks and spills but also maintains its shape well even after repeated use. Hence you can use it daily for work or school.
10. Taygeer 17″ Laptop Shoulder Bag
View in galleryBuy now Taygeer Laptop Shoulder Bag for Men is a spacious computer bag fitted with multifunctional zipped sections. These compartments provide a separate space for your laptop, clothes, files, and electric accessories. As such, you can easily fit your charging cable, portable charger, and power cord, and an umbrella or water bottle in this 17 inch laptop messenger bag. Another exciting feature is that it’s possible to expand the bag’s capacity by an extra 1.2 inches at the bottom. This extra space allows you to carry along additional items when traveling for work. The bag’s handle comprises soft leather hence is comfortable to hold for long, but you can also attach the shoulder strap to the luggage strap for easier transportation. The padded bag’s main compartment contains extra foam padding, which provides a safe space for laptops sized between 13 and 17.3 inches. But despite the enormous size and additional padding, the bag is light in weight. This sturdy bag is highly durable, thanks to its nylon fabric. In addition, it’s both spill-resistant and splash-proof, plus it bears a layer filled with polyester foam padding that offers protection from accidental scratches. All these features make the Taygeer Laptop Bag ideal for everyday use at work, school, and for your business trips. RELATED READING: Best Carry On Bags
How to Find the Best Laptop Bag for You
Buying a computer bag might sound easy until you’re faced with the numerous brands and styles available on the market. The many options can make this seemingly simple venture an overwhelming task. If this is your dilemma, here is a guide on what to consider when buying a computer bag.
Computer Size
In addition to the overall size of the computer bag, you also need to consider how big the laptop compartment is. This is crucial because you will place your laptop here; hence you need to ensure it fits well. Note that if the laptop sleeve is too large, the computer might move during transit, making it prone to damage.
Material Type, Durability, and Quality
As a general rule, it’s best to invest in a bag made of high-quality, durable material – preferably water-resistant. Check for superb craftsmanship as well. Nylon and polyester are all quality materials to look out for.
Typical Mode of Transport
Do you drive to work, ride, walk or take the bus? If you commute, you need a compact bag that fits snuggly and lies comfortably on your shoulders. If you stand for long periods during your commute, a big bag will feel heavy and lead to stressed shoulders. To avoid this, go for a sturdy, waterproof bag that offers maximum shoulder support. Flying a lot? Make sure your bag has a top handle and conforms to carryon specifications. And, if you’ll be taking the subway or metro, some RFID protection, sturdy zippers, and even a built in lock wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep your sensitive information safe.
What Else You’ll Be Carrying
Apart from your computer, you may want to carry files, electronic devices, your lunch, or even clothes when traveling for business. You, therefore, want to get a sizeable, sturdy, and durable bag with many pockets. Multiple storage options allow you to carry your laptop, devices, and any additional items you might need. But remember, sheer numbers are one thing; accessibility is another. Make sure you can easily reach the crucial pockets which hold your credit cards, phone, earbuds, and other things you like to have close at hand.
Your Personal Style and Types of Laptop Bags
Depending on your style preference, you can choose between a backpack, briefcase, or an over-the-shoulder computer bag. A backpack is more ideal for the commute but if you want a more polished look, a bag that converts into a briefcase will serve you well. Of course, there’s more to your choice in laptop bag than aesthetics. Messenger bags and backpacks are very different beasts; the former is ideal for quick setup and breakdown of your mobile computing setup, while a backpack is a little more cumbersome and involved. However, you’ll really miss the extra storage if you don’t go for a backpack or rolling computer bag on long trips. There’s no right or wrong answer; just what’s right or wrong for your needs.
Your Budget
At the end of the day, your budget will determine what option you go for. If on a limited budget, consider the non-negotiables such as durability, good quality, and functionality. But if you have money to splurge, then by all means, select the best bag you can get. Nevertheless, don’t get confused by marketing gimmicks but look out for a good manufacturer warranty instead. Below are answers to some frequently asked questions about computer bags:
How Can I Tell Whether My Computer Will Fit in a Computer Bag?
As a rule, computer bags specify the size of laptops (in inches) they can hold. Laptop size measurements refer to the screen size hence a 15-inch laptop contains a 15-inch screen. So if you know your screen size, you will have no problem buying the right fit for your computer.
What’s a Laptop Sleeve?
A laptop sleeve is a bag for carrying your computer. But unlike a laptop bag, it has a single opening and has neither a handle nor a strap. Many laptop bags and backpacks actually include a laptop sleeve which fits snug within the appropriate computer compartment. This makes it easier to remove your laptop without scratching, and keeps linty and dirt out of your fan vents and keyboard keys.
How Do I Identify a Good Quality Bag?
Check for durable fabric like nylon and extra padding especially at the back and on the shoulder straps. The padding helps protect your spine, as well as the laptop itself. Also, look for quality zips and waterproof lining to ensure your laptop remains secure and safe under any weather.
Best Laptop Bags for Men: Conclusion
Have you tried out any of the bags mentioned in our list? Do you have a great recommendation we might have missed out on? If so, share your experience in the comment section below!