15 best laptop backpacks for keeping your tech safe while travelling and commuting

Who it’s for: Ideal for commuters, remote workers and frequent travellers who want a dependable, no-fuss daily backpack. This has a streamlined style and practical features that make it a strong choice for office days, travel, gym sessions and more.

Why we like it: This backpack is properly water-resistant and has survived plenty of rainy commutes. It has a dedicated laptop compartment, a roomy main section, and dual bottle pockets that many rivals lack. The compact shape belies how much it can hold, making it versatile enough for long weekend trips. One of our favourite things about it is that it’s a perfect fit for the Ryanair “personal item” restrictions when we're travelling light on flights. It’s also comfortable to wear for long periods and sturdy enough to handle daily use.

Take note: The top carry handle could be thicker and more comfortable to grab, especially when the bag is full. That said, it’s still holding up well after months of regular use.

Who it’s for: This is perfect for commuters and weekend travellers who want a stylish, lightweight bag with smart features and a splash of colour. It’s also a good pick if you’re after versatility without bulk.

Why we like it: We're impressed by how much this compact backpack can carry – from a laptop and accessories to snacks and travel essentials. It has quick-access zips, smart magnetic closures and enough room for short getaways along with day-to-day needs. The weather-resistant materials stood up well to rain, and it’s available in four colour options.

Take note: It only has one water bottle holder, which can feel a bit limiting. It also doesn’t feature the shockproof lining that Mous is known for and is only built to handle light rain rather than downpours.

Who it’s for: This is an excellent pick for professionals and city commuters who want something minimal, stylish and functional. The Apex is ideal for those who carry their laptop and work gear daily but don’t want a bulky backpack.

Why we like it: It looks discreet, yet fits everything you need for a day at the office, including a laptop, power bank, over-ear headphones and charging extras. We ended up using the dual external pockets for a water bottle and umbrella, and the padded laptop compartment keeps tech safe. Due to its luggage passthrough, it could work well for travel, and the addition of an AirTag slot is another thoughtful detail. Despite its sleek profile, it’s more spacious than it appears and comfortable to wear.

Take note: It’s not the most rugged or biggest backpack out there. Also, at £249, it’s a significant investment.

Who it’s for: Designed for people who need one bag that works for both travel and everyday life. This is great for commuters, gym-goers and short-haul travellers looking for a spacious, reliable, fuss-free option.

Why we like it: The 30-litre capacity and clamshell opening make it easy to pack like a suitcase for weekend trips. It’s water-resistant, well-padded and surprisingly lightweight for its size. The dedicated laptop pocket and dual-access top pocket are smart touches, and the luggage passthrough is convenient if you’re travelling with a wheelie case. Overall, it’s practical, comfortable and doesn’t skimp on build quality.

Take note: It’s a bit bulky for day-to-day use if you’re packing light. An extra water bottle pocket would be nice, and there aren’t quite as many internal compartments or clever storage solutions as you’ll find in pricier models.

Who it’s for: This is a great choice for those who want a stylish hybrid bag that works as both a tote and a backpack. Ideal for light commuters or anyone looking for a compact but well-organised laptop bag.

Why we like it: Peak Design’s Totepack is lightweight, easy to carry, and handles downpours well, thanks to its water-resistant build. As with other Peak Design bags, we're fans of the side access, and you can use ‘FlexFold’ dividers to keep your items neatly organised. Inside, there’s room for a laptop, headphones, charger, water bottle and more, all without feeling bulky.

Take note: The straps aren’t that padded, and the top magnetic closure on the handles isn’t as strong or secure as those on the main compartment. We also noticed that the lighter colour marks easily, so we’d consider going with the black instead.

Who it’s for: Ideal for commuters who carry a little bit of everything – from laptops to gym gear – and need a versatile, expandable bag. It’s also a great pick for cyclists or anyone worried they’ll need to deal with rain often.

Why we like it: We see this bag all the time on our commute, and it’s no surprise that it’s one of the most popular designs around. It’s comfortable to wear, offers reliable water resistance, and has a well-padded laptop compartment. The dual external pockets are great for storing both an umbrella and a water bottle, and the roll-top design offers extra space when you need it. At £120, it also offers excellent value for money compared to pricier rivals.

Take note: The roll-top style can feel bulky when packed to full capacity. If you think you won’t need all the space, you might prefer the smaller 15-litre version.

Who it’s for: This large backpack is great for someone who regularly travels for work or simply doesn’t travel lightly. It’s the bigger sister to the brand’s original and extremely recognisable compact rucksack, which has dominated high streets, schools, festivals and busy commutes for years. The wide colour range is what makes them appeal to the masses – from bright yellows or blackberry, to subtler black or grey.

Why we like it: The thick, padded straps are very supportive and make it easy to carry a full, heavy backpack, no matter how much stuff you cram in. There are lots of convenient compartments, such as a front external zip for storing those easy-access essentials, as well as an internal smaller pocket for keys or a phone. The laptop sleeve can be accessed via a separate external zip, keeping it safely away from any leaky lunchboxes or water bottles. The 20-litre main compartment is spacious, and we’ve found you can fit a weekend’s worth of clothes in. Depending on how much of a space-efficient packer you are, it’s also possible to fit a pair of shoes!

Take note: Its spacious design is great, but also makes it slightly bulky, even when it’s not full of stuff. You’ll need to make sure you take it off in extremely crowded trains or buses, as it has the potential for a few accidental bashes to fellow commuters.

Reviewed by: Madeleine Evans, Lifestyle Writer

Who it’s for: Sartorially-minded commuters who don’t want to compromise on style but need the practicality, too.

Why we like it: The colourway drew us in, but we stayed for the capacity. Mary Poppins move aside – this might not look bulky, but it has ample space for your laptop, bottle (on the inside), lunchbox, a book and some shoved-in gym kit (no trainers). We swapped out a small Rains rucksack to test it, and this stylish new number has won us several compliments already. We love how it has lots of compartments for odds and sods, plus a reinforced back to keep your laptop safe and a padded passthrough to slip it onto the handle of your luggage if you’re using it for travel.

Take note: Our main gripe with this is it isn’t fully waterproof, only water-resistant, and if you’ve got a good-sized water bottle, it won’t fit in the allotted side pockets, but there’s plenty of space in the main pouch.

Reviewed by: Florence Reeves-White, Senior Beauty Writer

Who it’s for: If you love individual pockets for your items, Mous has you covered with its latest backpack. There are 18 “purpose-built” pockets on this bag, including easy-access zip pockets, a discreet AirTag slot, an external bottle holder and another versatile side pocket. For travellers, it also opens up flat, like a suitcase, and offers a 25-litre capacity – good enough for a long weekend trip.

Why we like it: Bags with loads of organisational features and tough materials tend to be heavier, but Mous has somehow managed to improve on its Extreme Commuter Backpack while making things lighter. This is still super protective, with a shockproof lining to its laptop slot and weatherproofing, too. It’s also well-padded. Compared to the previous Mous model, we find this more comfortable and more breathable.

Take note: While there’s a lot to like about this bag, it's very pricey, and we’ve found the latch on the lid a bit fiddly. It still feels and looks like a wide and bulky backpack, too, despite the weight reduction. We also got a bit frustrated that it can’t stand upright on its own. Whether empty or full, you’ll always be looking for a surface to lean it against when you’re not wearing it!

Who it’s for: Kapten & Son’s Bergen backpack is a stylish bag that works perfectly for the daily commute. The black colourway is both smart and trendy, and features a 13-inch laptop compartment as well as an internal zipped pocket for keeping your belongings organised. There’s also an extra outer pocket with a generous amount of space – perfect for stashing commuting necessities like hand sanitiser and paracetamol!

Why we like it: Its outer design uses a vegan water-repellent material on the top section of the bag to protect your items and laptop from any showers you encounter on your journey. While the 12-litre volume isn’t as much as some bags on this list, we’ve found it fits everything you’ll need (and more) for a day at work. Its sturdy build has also lasted us for over two years already with no signs of breaking.

Take note: Without padded straps, the backpack can be uncomfortable to carry when fully loaded. However, we’ve managed to take this on many trips and even weekends away, and it’s not been too much of an issue. If we’re being picky, we’d have liked the whole backpack to be made of the water-repellent material – a heavy downpour can definitely infiltrate the outer pocket!

Reviewed by: Megan Geall, Senior Homes & Lifestyle Writer

Who it’s for: This backpack is for those who want a stylish, more practical alternative to their go-to luxe tote. It has plenty of space for everything you need to lug to work, with simple organisational sections in the main bag, and a separate small zip area too for your phone or keys. It’s also lightweight, can be carried on the back or by the top handle, and has a reinforced bottom so it can stand by itself.

Why we like it: This bag feels extremely well-made, with a sturdy main zip. It’s lovely and light to cart around, with enough space for a massive water bottle, reusable coffee cup, notebook and hardback, alongside the obligatory laptop and cables. It’s comfortable to wear, whichever way you choose, and the straps were easy to adjust.

Take note: We didn’t have any major complaints about this one and thought it offered great value. However, the straps are only lightly padded, which might not suit everyone.

Reviewed by: Stacey Smith, Senior Food & Drink Editor

Who it’s for: Great for commuters with a lot to carry and travellers who like customisation, organisation and hidden compartments. This Gomatic is a solid option for people who pack methodically and want one bag that works for multiple scenarios.

Why we like it: This expandable bag offers plenty of room – typically 20 litres, but increasing to 24 litres – and has dedicated slots for your laptop and tablet. It’s packed with clever features: luggage passthrough, hidden rear pocket, magnetic water bottle holders and more. The suitcase-style opening makes it super simple to pack for short trips, and everything feels secure and well-padded. It’s also weather-resistant and holds its shape well, even when fully packed.

Take note: It's tall, so almost certainly a bit too large for most airline personal item policies. The zips are lockable, but for full security, you’d need your own small padlocks as they don’t interlock.

Who it’s for: It’s ideal if you often switch between light and heavy packing – this is a premium backpack for travellers and commuters who want organisation in a compact, expandable form.

Why we like it: Despite its 15L starting capacity, this bag is surprisingly roomy and can expand to 21L for longer trips. We were able to use it for a five-day journey with packing cubes and appreciated the internal mesh pockets, external handles, and hidden compartments. The hard shell adds protection, and tamper-resistant zips are great for some extra peace of mind. It’s well-padded, weather-resistant and well-organised, making it a strong all-rounder for those on the move.

Take note: Because of its hard shell, it’s not always the most flexible bag when it comes to packing odd-shaped items, and it looks a bit businesslike. But, for structure and security, it’s still one of the best we’ve tested.

Who it’s for: If you pack relatively light but still want a versatile bag with a sleek look for the office, Aer’s second-generation City Pack is a great pick.

Why we like it: A 16-litre capacity may not sound like loads, but this bag fits your laptop, charger, tech pouch, notebook, headphones and more, with room to spare – plus it has an external bottle holder. We’re impressed by the high-quality ballistic nylon and smooth zips, and the whole bag feels well-structured and premium. We especially like its smart design with a quick-access top pocket, luggage passthrough sleeve, and wide main opening that makes it easy to pack.

Take note: In use, you may find the pockets sharing each other’s space, so while there are lots of clever organisational zones, if you pack one to full capacity, the adjacent compartment will feel tight. Also, there's just the one bottle pocket, which may not be enough for some.

Who it’s for: If you value thoughtful, functional design and pockets that will actually get used, we highly recommend picking Aer’s City Pack Pro 2. It ticks loads of our boxes: a big capacity, a main compartment that lays flat for packing, dual side bottle pockets, premium materials, and a well-designed easy-access top pocket. We’d struggle to think of ways to make this more organised.

Why we like it: This bag nails the balance between roomy capacity and smart looks without tipping over into the realm of bulky travel bags. A 24-litre capacity will be big enough for carrying everything you need for work plus your lunch and gym kit, while it also packs like a suitcase and has upright luggage passthrough to make it perfect for travellers. The design is clean and premium, featuring durable ballistic nylon and smooth zips.

Take note: There aren’t many caveats here. It’s bigger and slightly heavier than the City Pack 2, but it doesn’t feel too heavy at 1.3kg. You also may not use every one of the clever organisational pockets, but we’ve found most of them handy.