With so many people working hybrid schedules and traveling for work, carrying a laptop every day is more common than ever. The right bag is essential for keeping your laptop safe and your belongings organized. For professionals, not just any laptop backpack will do, either. Here are a few important features to look for in such a bag.
Key features to look for in a laptop backpack
The right size and fit
The most important feature of a laptop backpack is the laptop compartment itself. Not all laptop compartments are built the same, and just because you find a backpack with one doesn’t mean that your laptop will actually fit. Before you start shopping for a tech backpack, figure out your laptop’s dimensions. Most fall between 14 and 17 inches, but they may be as small as 12 or as large as 20 inches.
Once you know this measurement, you can search for backpacks that fit your needs. Backpack volume is typically measured in liters:
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10- to 13-liter backpacks offer enough storage for packing light
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20-liter backpacks provide an average amount of storage
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30-liter backpacks have space for a weekend trip or longer
Evaluate how much you typically carry and choose a laptop backpack that accommodates your typical amount of gear with some wiggle room.
Style and aesthetic
It’s important to find a backpack that is both functional and professional. The bag you choose should be professional and well-built, so it leaves a good impression on colleagues and clients. Sleek, modern designs usually do the trick, but a vintage backpack can work in the right context. Typically, you want to choose a solid color, ideally a neutral shade. A waterproof bag also helps protect your items when the weather changes unexpectedly.
Comfort
Comfort is crucial on a long commute. A bag with thin straps, no supports, and a soft bottom will sag and put unnecessary strain on your shoulders, neck, and back. Instead, look for a laptop backpack with padded shoulder straps, a rigid or semi-rigid bottom, a chest strap, and an A-frame.
Padded shoulder straps keep a heavy bag from cutting off circulation, while a chest strap can help distribute the weight more evenly across your body, reducing the strain on your shoulders and back and improving your posture.
The combination of an A-frame with a rigid bottom and sturdy straps means your tech backpack won’t sag. This keeps your items safer and keeps the weight higher up on your body, so it’s easier to carry.
Special features
Turning to the interior, you’ll want to find a bag with useful features, such as a padded laptop sleeve or separated pockets and mesh bags. Proper laptop protection is key, especially if you set your bag down or move it frequently while commuting.
Specialized pockets for a water bottle, pens, a stylus, books, and a charger make organizing your bag much simpler. Having a secure place for small items means you won’t have to dig around the bottom of your bag trying when you need them.
Top laptop backpacks to consider from Able Carry
All-around contender
The Able Carry Daily Plus bag is the perfect option for most commuters. It holds up to 21 liters and can fit laptops up to 16 inches. The interior is neatly divided to make organization and retrieval as easy as possible, while the exterior is sleek, classy, and waterproof.
Luxuriously padded shoulder straps make it feel light on your back, and an air channel on the back provides ventilation to prevent excess heat and sweating.
Versatile bag for work and travel
Those whose work travel takes them away for more than a few hours would benefit from something larger. The Max EDC bag has 26 liters of storage, which makes packing clothes, shoes, and bulky outerwear much easier. It uses the same comfort technology as the Daily Plus and adds a chest strap for improved wearability.
In addition to the spacious main compartment, this three-zone backpack also has a dedicated laptop compartment and a front compartment with a duffel-style opening. Laptops up to 17 inches can fit inside.
Minimalist bag for traveling light
If you plan to carry only the bare essentials, turn to the Thirteen Daybag. This 13-liter tech backpack is built with minimalism in mind but remains practical and effective. It has a hidden water bottle pocket, several divided pockets, and a zipper pocket inside. It fits laptops up to 14 inches and is perfect for short commutes.
Find your perfect laptop bag with Able Carry and enjoy modern, minimalist style with maximal function and organization.
