The best laptop bag of 2022

What to look for in a laptop bag in 2022

If you’re going to be taking your laptop out of the house, a laptop bag is essential to keep your fragile device in one piece. But there are many different styles of bags available for a variety of different uses.

There is no one laptop bag that works for everyone. The bag that will work best for you will depend on your circumstances.

Do you often cycle to work? In that case, a laptop backpack or messenger bag will be the easiest and most comfortable to use, and water resistance will be crucial. On the other hand, if you travel primarily by train or on foot, a lighter bag will be more beneficial.

Space is also important. Often you need to put more than just your laptop in the bag, you also need to put other essentials in it. So not only do you need to make sure your laptop fits inside, but also anything else you might need when you go out. If bulk is a concern and you have a 13-inch or smaller laptop, you can get away with a smaller bag—and maybe save some money, too.

Finally, many bag manufacturers offer long-term warranties. Some last a lifetime, others last years. These protect you against manufacturing defects and can provide excellent value for money if you are going to be using your bag every day.

If you already have a bag you want to use that isn’t designed to carry a laptop, consider a laptop sleeve instead. These offer extra protection while remaining lightweight and come in a variety of weights, from slim, stretchy shells to durable plastic covers.

Now, let’s get into our recommendations.

The Timbuk2 Lane Commuter is a great option for anyone who needs something durable, weather resistant and stylish to carry their laptop for the long haul. Available in granite and jet black with reflective front panels and shoulder straps, this laptop bag is perfect whether you’re traveling, hiking, or taking public transportation.

The Lan Commuter also features three protections against the elements: a durable outer shell, an “ultra-water resistant” inner lining, and a removable outer shell for added protection against particularly heavy downpours.

In terms of space, there is around 18 liters of internal space and a bag designed to accommodate up to 15-inch laptops. The mesh padding on the back of the bag should help promote airflow to keep your back cool even in hot weather.

There’s also a security strap at the front to keep the straps in place and side pockets to accommodate modest-sized water bottles, a small tripod, or anything else you don’t feel like putting inside the bag.

Timbuk2 offers a lifetime warranty on the bag, so you can be sure your investment will last or be eligible for free repairs and replacements.

If you’d rather save some money and trade waterproofing for a little extra space, the Thule 15″ Crossover 25L increases storage by 7 liters and includes a wider variety of compartments to stow cables, books and more.

The Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is one of the most popular laptop bags on Amazon under $50. It’s a sensible laptop backpack at a price that’s hard to argue with, even on the tightest of budgets. The Matein bag may not last as long as some of the other picks on this list, and it lacks a lifetime warranty and brand recognition, but it will get the job done.

This budget laptop bag can fit a 15.6-inch laptop in a dedicated compartment on the back. It also features an additional large compartment in the middle that is perfect for tablets and books and a smaller front pocket for smartphones and pens.

There are a few other nice-to-have features like padded straps, a luggage strap to slip over a suitcase handle and stay put, and a USB charging port to keep your devices charged on the go.

We’d take promises of water resistance with a large grain of salt given the price, but that’s an issue you can mitigate with a removable rain cover and some waterproofing. But really, you can’t beat this laptop bag at this price.

If you prefer a messenger bag, Chrome Industries Citizen is a tried and tested tote bag. You can wear it in two ways, with a crossbody design that holds the bag in a better position for cyclists, or the more traditional shoulder design for walking around town.

The bag also features the Chrome seat belt buckle, a holdover from the original design from decades ago that used buckles salvaged from junkyards. This buckle even includes a bottle opener, because who knows when you might get thirsty on your journey? The strap itself has a reflective strip for better visibility, perfect for cyclists and those who need to ride in the dark.

The outer shell is made of durable nylon, with a waterproof lining on the inside to keep contents dry. The Citizen has room for a 17-inch laptop inside, plus additional bags and compartments for smartphones, tablets, books and pens for a total capacity of 24 litres.

Not everyone needs a backpack or shoulder bag to go to work. Totes are surprisingly comfortable, stylish, and great for carrying more than just a laptop and charger. The Dagne Dover Vida Cotton Tote is one of the finest examples of its kind, constructed entirely from durable organic cotton canvas.

The bag is available in two sizes, with the large version capable of accommodating a 16-inch laptop and the small designed with a 13-inch model in mind. The bag has carry handles and a shoulder strap and is available in black (Onyx) and off-white (Core). The inner lining can be wiped clean and the entire bag can be hand washed with soap and cold water due to its cotton construction.

Inside there’s a velcro open pocket for your laptop, a zippered compartment to keep other valuables secure, and a variety of side pockets and compartments for everything else. The large bag has a capacity of 27.6 litres, while the smaller bag handles a respectable 14.1 litres.

If you’re looking for something a little easier on the wallet, check out the North/South tote from Carhartt. The bag sports a unisex design, a large interior that should accommodate a 15-inch laptop, and is made of waterproof nylon to help keep the interior dry in the shower.

The Thule Briefcase is a padded laptop sleeve designed with laptop preservation in mind. It can be a bit heavy for some people, but it also gives you the peace of mind of carrying your laptop in almost any bag. It’s sized to comfortably fit everything from a 16-inch MacBook Pro to a 14-inch Windows laptop.

The case has a hard shell exterior with plenty of padding to protect the top and bottom of your computer while in transit. Thule added extra padding in the corners to protect against bumps and drops, with a thick zipper to keep everything together.

If you don’t need something as bombproof as Thule’s offering, consider a lighter case like the tomtoc Recycled Laptop Sleeve. It’s made from recycled material and is available in a variety of fabrics and sizes, plus it’s much lighter than your briefcase.