The Best Laptop Backpacks for Students, Commuters, and Travelers

Iconic and reliable, the JanSport backpack has been the classic choice for students for decades. The suede bottom is stylish, but it also adds reinforcement to help prevent tearing. The backpack’s design is simple but includes key components like easy-access front pockets, comfy padded straps, and a laptop sleeve, although it can only fit 15-inch laptops so the bag might be better suited for younger kids.

Consumer testers loved using this bag with their kids, with one saying, “It's easy to keep organized” and that she “loves the various colors it comes in.” Available in more than 20 colors including bold patterns, neutrals, and brights, there’s an option for students of all styles.

Both practical and professional, this quality pack from Troubadour has a sleek look with a well-organized interior that features plenty of pockets and compartments, including a sturdy padded 17-inch laptop sleeve. Though it is expensive, it includes high-end features like lockable zippers, even for the shoulder strap pocket, to keep your valuables protected.

“I get compliments regularly in public and at work on the look and design of the backpack,” shared one tester who has been using Troubadour backpacks for years. “It’s the perfect size for work travel—fits perfectly under an airplane seat with room for my feet (I am tall with big feet) and I can fit my laptop, work notebooks, mouse, and keyboard easily.”

“It’s super spacious, and the shape of the top makes it really easy to access everything inside,” shared a consumer tester who loved using this Portland Gear backpack as a personal item when flying since it fits within most airlines’ size restrictions. “It fit perfectly under the airline seat and was easy to grab by the top handle.” When I packed this bag in the Lab, I was impressed by just how much I could fit in it, thanks to the extra-wide wire-frame opening.

One GH editor said this is her go-to travel bag because she loves the hidden back pocket for her passport and the luggage trolley sleeve. The brand notes that it can only fit laptops up to 11 inches, but I found that it fit my 13-inch laptop easily. On Amazon, it’s available in six colors, but there are about 20 color options of the brand’s website.

Our Textiles experts have been impressed with the Borealis backpack from The North Face for over 10 years. It stayed in great condition after abrasion and drop testing in the Lab and it can stand up to the wear and tear of everyday use. The exterior fabric proved water-resistant in our evaluations, so it will keep your belongings dry even if you get caught in the rain. When I filled this backpack with items during our packing test, it fit everything easily, but it did become a bit top-heavy when fully packed and would sometimes topple over.

Our survey respondents who are college students loved how versatile The North Face backpacks are, with many saying they wear them for activities like hiking, traveling, going to classes, and teaching. We love the padded straps that offer extra comfort and the padded mesh back panel to help with breathability against your back. College students especially liked the stretchy water bottle holders on each side that accommodate even larger bottles.