Best business travel backpacks for every budget
If you travel regularly for work, you won’t need us to tell you that a good travel backpack is essential. That’s especially true if a backpack can double as a decently sized carry-on luggage item while still housing your laptop in an easily accessible compartment.
We looked at some of the best (and most stylish) backpacks out there to take the hassle out of searching for the best item.
Without further ado, here are the best business travel backpacks that maximize form and function across various budgets.
Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack, $33.47
If you don’t want to break the bank, the Amazon Basics range offers a reliable and, dare we say, fairly stylish backpack for less than $40.
The bag has a dedicated (and padded) laptop sleeve that can easily hold a laptop up to 17 inches in size; it has additional compartments for pens, keys, cellphones and other items.
There’s also a water bottle pocket on both sides of the bag for easy access when you’re on the go.
Lenovo Legion Gaming Laptop Bag, $55.19 (normally $79.99)
Admittedly, we’ve never seen Batman carry a backpack, but if he did, we’re pretty sure it’d look something like this robust bag by Lenovo. It has a 20-liter capacity and room for a 16-inch laptop, alongside seven inside pockets to suit all your work travel needs — including a hidden compartment for valuables.
Built for carrying electronic items, the bag features foam antishock bumpers on the corners of the laptop compartment for extra protection against bag drops and other jolts.
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There’s also a high-quality magnetic lock to keep your items safe.
Buy from $55.19 (normally $79.99)
Tangcorle Travel Carry On Backpack, $58.90
Part backpack and part carry-on suitcase, this bag has an expandable design. This means it has a capacity of 36 to 50 liters and should easily fit the maximum carry-on size for most airlines.
Other features include an external USB port with a built-in charging cable, allowing you to attach your own power bank and keep your devices charged while on the go.
The main compartment is similar to one in an ordinary carry-on suitcase and can easily store five to seven days’ worth of clothes, depending on how you like to pack. It is perfect for long weekends and short business trips.
Samsonite Novex Laptop Backpack, $69.99 (normally $99.99)
If you are shopping for a travel backpack from a reliable brand with a more down-to-earth budget, this Samsonite bestseller has a lot going for it.
Despite its price, the Novex Laptop Backpack doesn’t compromise on the basics. The separate laptop and tablet pocket features a special webbing system that provides extra durability in case you drop the backpack. Plus, thanks to the special supportive lining on the top front pocket, you won’t have to worry about misplacing your headphones, glasses or cellphone.
The main storage compartment has room for all the essentials, though you may not find it large enough for a full change of clothes or a pair of shoes.
Buy from $69.99 (normally $99.99)
The North Face Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack, $109
A modern classic, the Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack is a popular, on-trend design you’ll frequently see on the backs of young professionals in buzzy city centers.
The backpack has two external water bottle holders and a main compartment capable of carrying up to 30 liters. Its laptop sleeve is also sizable and should easily hold machines up to 18 inches.
Perhaps its most interesting feature is the comfortable design of its shoulder straps, which are certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
Ogio Renegade Backpack, $128.24 (normally $149.99)
If you’re looking for the bag with the most pockets, this might be it. Ogio’s flagship backpack has dedicated space for everything (laptop and iPad included) and then some. With a phone pocket, two zippered side pockets and five main pockets, you might just get lost looking around for your gear.
No matter how full you stuff this nearly 30-liter backpack, you shouldn’t have much of a problem carrying it around, thanks to its supportive padded back panel and shoulder straps. This makes it easy to lug it around the airport or corporate campus.
Buy from $128.24 (normally $149.99)
Incase ARC Daypack, $129.95
Apple aficionados will no doubt be familiar with Incase, a popular brand of cases and protection solutions for iPhones, iPads and Macs.
The laptop pocket is big enough for a 16-inch computer, and it’s lined in faux fur for additional protection. Its travel tech compartment also includes RFID-blocking technology, preventing thieves from stealing your digital information.
A water- and stain-resistant coating, two dedicated water bottle holders, and a pass-through system for rollaboard bags make this the ideal bag for anyone going from the gym to the office to the airport. If you need something bigger, Incase also makes a larger A.R.C. travel pack.
Need more convincing? Both bags are made from a sustainable mixture of recycled polyester, giving the company its A.R.C. acronym, which stands for “a responsible carry.”
Aer Pro Pack 20L, $179
As far as business travel backpacks go, Aer’s is certainly quite stylish. It comes in three colors (black, navy and olive), and it’s made of sustainable materials without compromising on durability. A separate laptop compartment safeguards your most precious technology, while the main compartment is large enough for all your chargers and other travel accessories.
The standout feature is the main compartment’s 180-degree flat-open zipper system, giving you unobstructed access to all your belongings.
There’s even a hidden pocket to store an AirTag or other tracker so that you can locate your bag even if it’s stolen or misplaced.
Away The Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195
Made with water-resistant nylon, the Everywhere backpack by Away has a full wraparound zip that provides access to the main compartment. Not only can you fit more things in an orderly fashion, but you’ll also be able to easily see your things when you need to retrieve them from the backpack.
Alongside the main compartment, the bag also houses a 15-inch laptop pocket with a magnetic locking zipper and padded shoulder straps for comfort. It’s available in five colors — including the limited-edition garnet colorway.
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, $209
The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack has space for everything and then some. The padded rear pocket is the perfect spot for a laptop, so you won’t have to dig through the main compartment to find your computer.
The main compartment is spacious and can expand by nearly 3 liters, giving you more room for your belongings. Plus, the front pocket has a dedicated organizer with multiple pockets, so you’ll never forget where you put your passport, charger and cables.
Nomatic 20L Backpack, $279.99
Although you may not have heard of Nomatic, this brand receives rave reviews from its loyalists. The company’s bestselling backpack comes in two sizes: 14 liters and 20 liters. Both are expandable by nearly 20%.
The flat rectangular design may be controversial at first glance, but at least you can’t complain about finding space for all of your gizmos. The bag has a staggering 24 unique storage compartments, ranging from enclosed pockets to mesh nets. It’s a great bag for those who like to stay extremely organized when they’re on the road.
Briggs & Riley Traveler Backpack, $329
The Briggs & Riley backpack has an impressive amount of storage capability thanks to its multitude of pockets and 180-degree, lie-flat opening that allows unfettered access to every nook and cranny.
The laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve are in the same area as the main packing compartment, but they’re separated by a zippered inner pocket to keep your clothes all by themselves.
There’s also a so-called PowerPocket that fits an external battery pack and keeps a charging cable within easy reach — perfect for a quick boost of juice while you’re on the go.
Tumi Alpha Bravo Navigation Backpack, $525
Though Tumi makes a handful of durable bags, the Navigation Backpack excels for a wide range of travel needs. It features a separate padded laptop compartment (that can fit even the largest MacBooks), a main storage area and plenty of other smaller pockets.
It also has a zip expansion feature if you decide to grab some souvenirs during your travels.
The backpack comes in five colors, giving you plenty of choices to match your personal travel style.
Rimowa Flap Backpack Large, $1,725
If you’re looking to make a statement and are willing to spend some serious cash, Rimowa’s travel bags are the way to go.
This luxury Italian-made large canvas Flap Backpack features a padded laptop sleeve and a large drawstring compartment to fit all of your travel essentials. It is secured by a flap-top enclosure with a magnetic buckle emblazoned with the Rimowa logo.
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