The Best Laptop Backpack Review

Product Selection
We selected eight bags that represent an ideal cross section of the laptop backpack market. From large companies like North Face and Timbuk2 to tiny handmade outfits like Cilo Gear we attempted to offer an array of products from all types of manufacturers. This review aims to identify the best bag for your everyday life: a bag that accompanies you on every adventure wherever you go. The difficulty with this review is that every person has a different lifestyle and therefore has different requirements for a bag. We attempted to address this problem by having eight testers who have different lifestyles, occupations, and preferences. Each tester used each bag for one week.

Criteria for Evaluation
We assessed each bag based on its comfort, storage, versatility, laptop security, professional look, water resistance and durability. All variables are weighted equally. We also ranked each bag based on its performance at various activities such as bicycling, walking, and hiking, and also in various environments like subways, airports, offices, and going to the beach.

Backpack vs. Messenger
Choosing between a backpack and messenger bag is a critical decision. In general, our testers found backpacks to be better for everything except for having near instant access to the contents of the bag. Check out our Messenger Bag Review for more details.

Storage
Here we assessed each bag’s ability to serve as a vessel for our everyday necessities. Focusing on both quantity and quality, we ranked each bag based on how much it held and how well it held things. Could the bag fit what we wanted? Could we keep things organized? Could we access key items quickly and easily? Was opening and closing the bag loud and distracting to others? Could the bag store documents without crushing them? Our top rated backpack in this category was the Timbuk2 Swig, which represents the best blend of easy access, secure pockets, and logical compartments.

Comfort
This variable takes into account how comfortable the bag was at all stages of capacity and at various activities. Specifically, we looked at shoulder straps, back padding, the inclusion or omission of rigid stays and sternum straps. We found the most comfortable backpack to be the North Face Surge, which fits a variety of body types well and has very well padded shoulder straps. We also found that what is comfortable when walking is not necessarily comfortable when cycling. Our testers preferred semi-rigid support for walking and flexible padding for cycling. Our two top rated bags have flexible padding that remains comfortable regardless of the activity. The Arcteryx Blade 24 and 30. with their semi-rigid removable stays, are the most comfortable for walking.

Laptop Security
This variable measures how well the backpack protected our expensive laptops from accidental drops, grungy subway floors, and spilled liquids. The winners in this category were the Arcteryx Blade 24 and 30, both of which have a rigid hanging compartment that protects a laptop on all sides. The bag with the worst laptop protection is the Cilo Gear City Pack, which has a rudimentary foam insert.

Water Resistance
With its bombproof, coated fabrics and a rolltop closure, the Chrome Soyuz was the clear winner here. The least waterproof backpack was the North Face Surge. But, do you need a bag that’s completely waterproof? Most people don’t. But we think it’s a very useful feature to have in case you get caught in an unexpected downpour.

Professional Look
This variable attempts to quantify how well each bag performed in a professional office environment. Could the bag enter a prestigious law firm unnoticed? (Answer: none could.) While all of the bags tested here are far from a classy leather briefcase we ranked them based on how well they would perform in an environment where professional appearance mattered. Some companies, such as Timbuk2 and Rickshaw offer custom bags built with your choice of over thirty colors and a variety of fabric types. While this allows you to express your individuality it doesn’t necessarily make a bag look more professional. Our testers agreed that the most professional looking backpack was the Arcteryx Blade 24.

Durability
We ranked each bag based on its ability to endure years of abuse. We looked at materials, buckles, straps, zippers, and velcro quality. Through our eight-week test period we found the Chrome Soyuz to be the most durable. None of the bags were exceptionally fragile.

Versatility
Here we assessed how well each bag adapted to different environments and activities. Could the bag go the office, gym, and grocery store all in one day? Was the bag comfortable for cycling and walking? Could the bag successfully store fragile documents and bulky, sharp objects at the same time? The Cilo Gear City Pack sprinted to the finish in this category. Its large capacity combined with adjustable attachment straps make this bag a sure winner for any and all activities.

Weight
Although weight isn’t factored into our numerical ranking, it’s an attribute worth discussing. A lighter bag is easier on your body and makes walking and cycling more enjoyable. Therefore, weight is something to consider when buying a bag that will hang from your body nearly everyday for the next ten or more years. Lighter bags are better!! Our two top rated backpacks, the Timbuk2 Swig and Cilo Gear City Pack weigh over a pound less than other bags with similar capacity E.G., the Chrome Soyuz. (This is due to their superior, more efficient design, and the fact that lighter bags are more comfortable.)

The Bottom Line
Of the eight laptop backpacks tester here the clear Timbuk2 Swig is the winner, and recipient of our Editor’s Choice Award. The Swig provides a durable, weatherproof, comfortable backpack with effective storage for small items, a versatile capacity, good looks, and an excellent built-in laptop sleeve. It’s the ultimate conqueror of school, work, and play, and only costs $90.

Taller people, those with broader shoulders, or those who demand a greater capacity should get the Cilo Gear City Pack ($175). With a 30 Liter capacity, customizable and removable attachment straps, and high quality materials the City Pack is the most versatile laptop backpack we’ve reviewed. Both of these bags are exceptionally comfortable and more versatile than messenger bags. You can’t go wrong with either.