🔴 Website 👉 https://u-s-news.com/
Telegram 👉 https://t.me/usnewscom_channel
The first time I used a backpack with an external laptop pocket, I didn’t even notice the extra section and threw my computer in the main pouch. Months later, when packing for the airport and prepping for TSA, I noticed a second zippered compartment, along the back of the bag. It was slim but padded, and it took me a couple of minutes to realize it was a specific section for one’s laptop. Skeptical, I obliged, slipping in my charger and laptop, and giving the top a little zip.
The following morning, I breezed through security, overpaid for an iced coffee and picked out my plane podcasts before realizing — I was in a pleasant mood. At the airport. I didn’t hold up the line fishing for my computer. I didn’t feel rushed jamming everything back into my bag. And I didn’t feel the corners of my computer awkwardly digging into my back as I walked to the gate. That sneaky pocket. It changed everything.
I went to a liberal arts college where nearly everyone had a tiny Fjallraven backpack, and now, nearing 30, I have finally joined the club. Unlike other styles the brand offers, this 17-inch laptop bag has thicker, cushioned straps that feel good to wear and don’t hurt your shoulders. With two water bottle holders, a small pocket on the front, a roomy main compartment, and of course, a padded laptop zippered compartment, it made for a great carry-on bag for a six-hour flight.
When I got caught in the rain, the quick-drying and water-resistant vinyl kept my computer safe. And when I bought too many books on vacation, it held them all nicely and still gave me room for other odds and ends. You can find Fjallraven backpacks in a bunch of colors (and you can get this same style in smaller sizes), but the 17-inch has comfortably fit two of my laptops at the same time in the little pouch. Overall, it’s spacious enough for ample packing without feeling like a giant piece of luggage and frankly, it just looks really cool.
Whether you travel a lot, commute daily or just find yourself often leaving the house with a computer or tablet — upgrading to a backpack with a whole extra zippered section can make your whole day run smoother. And it doesn’t have to break the bank.
If this one isn’t the bag for you, I also wrangled up some other great options.
HuffPost and its publishing partners may receive a commission from some purchases made via links on this page. Every item is independently curated by the HuffPost Shopping team. Prices and availability are subject to change.
Amazon
A budget-friendly version with thousands of 5-star reviews
Deemed the “Best Thing I’ve Bought on Amazon” by reviewer Stacie M., this budget-friendly travel backpack comes with a ton of pockets — including that separate zippered pouch for your laptop. “The laptop compartment makes TSA much easier compared to my old backpack,” says reviewer Thomas. “I love all the pockets on the inside to stay organized day to day.” Made from water-resistant and durable fabric, this option comes in a bunch of colors, both bright and neutral, in four sizes, for laptops 14-18 inches.
Amazon
A top-zip version
If you like the look and functionality of a classic top-opening backpack, you may think you have to sacrifice a laptop pocket. Fear not my friend. This ingenious bag has a top-zip font section that’s great for packing shoes or clothes, and a zipper-back section for your computer. It’s made from a coated fabric that’s water- and scratch-resistant, and available in seven colors.
Promising review: “This bag is sleek but can pack a lot. The computer section zips all the way down for easy access. It’s compact and durable. I use it for weekend travel and getaways.” — Darrell
Amazon
A rounded option with fun hardware
Metallic zippers and shiny pulls give this option a little something-something without being overbearing to the eye. Perfect for daily use and travel alike, it comes in two sizes, and a variety of colors with all sorts of pockets and sections for your tech, makeup, and more.
Promising review: “Lightweight, spacious, perfect for daily use or travel and absolutely beautiful! I love the hardware and the many pockets that allow for easy organization. Highly recommend!” — Crissy
Amazon
A two-tone version
With a little two-tone action, this stylish backpack may help you feel a little more presentable at the airport. It has pockets galore, adjustable straps and a back section for your laptop. This comes in two sizes and several two-tone color options. Clip the coupon for 10-20% off.
Promising review: “Used as personal item on plane. Fit a laptop & Ipad no problem. Had plenty of room for other electronics & travel gear in the big pocket. Lots of little pockets to hold AirPods, water bottle & more. Very happy I bought this!!” — Suzann Gastreich
Amazon
A versatile bag with a ton of storage
Clocking in at 55 liters, this backpack rivals the size of a carry-on suitcase. It has an abundance of pockets and compartments, and is made with a larger tech pocket to fit gaming and generally larger laptops up to 19 inches. Find it in two sizes, all black with different color trim.
Note: Clip the coupon for an extra 10% off that’ll show up at checkout.
Promising review: “I love this bag! I’ve used it for weekend trips and (along with a small carry-on) for trips overseas. It has plenty of compartments to store things, and I love the compartment to store my laptop. I like the anti-theft compartment in the lower back area, the space to connect an external UBS charger for my phone (although the charging power is slow), and the padded space for my laptop which is easy to access. It’s very convenient that the laptop compartment opens up at a 90-degree angle, so it’s easy to remove my computer at the airport. The bag is definitely worth the purchase.” — Sasha Renee
Amazon
A sporty yet sophisticated option
With many reviews comparing it to a bag from Lululemon, this chic backpack looks way more expensive than it really is. Enjoy a smaller outer pocket, a water bottle holder, a large inner compartment and an external spot for your laptop in a sporty yet sophisticated bag. It comes in a handful of colors in three sizes ranging from a daily bag for school and work to a more travel-friendly backpack with room for about a weekend’s worth of clothes.
Promising review: “Love this bag!! Looks like lululemon and very high quality. Doesn’t get dirty and is water resistant. We took it to Greece for our honeymoon and could fit all the things we needed in it. Very spacious with all of the pockets and super comfy to wear for long periods of time.” — Madeline Paden
Amazon
A highly-rated spacious bag
Another option with a ton of 5-star reviews and a nice price tag, this travel backpack gives you a separate back spot for your computer as well as plenty of room in the front for everything else you need. Keep your belongings extra secure with the password lock feature that ensures the two zippers stay shut, and charge your phone on the go with the built-in USB charging port that lets you plug your own power bank inside the bag and connect a charging cord to the outside. The inner back features a foam pad with breathable mesh making it comfortable to carry without getting too sweaty or clammy. This comes in five colors.
Promising review: “I am a teacher and need to carry my laptop back and forth from home to school. I bought this backpack for the laptop sleave and other features. This is the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned in terms of carrying. The straps are padded and comfortable. I have used this for my carry on for both domestic and international trips- it is perfect! so much room and easy to stay organized with all the pockets. It slides easily under the seat of an airplane. It stays clean and seems to stay dry when it rains. This is by far the best backpack I have ever owned!” — Amy B. Foley
Target’s ‘Suitcase In Backpack Form’
We’ve written about this “Suitcase In Backpack Form” from Target before, and upon inspection realized that it too contained a beloved laptop-only section. With a 35-liter capacity, this bag is on the bigger side making it better for trips and less ideal for daily commuting. The clamshell closure opens completely flat for easy packing, and it’s full of internal pockets, zippers and sections to keep you extra organized. Right now, it’s available in the green option shown and a sleek dark gray.
Promising review: “This was the best carryon bag EVER!! I took it to Europe and it accommodated multiple outfits, medicine, electronics, etc. It also expands, can be affixed to luggage handle, and has multiple buckles. Wish I had this for prior travel.” — Fittybops
Amazon
A durable but polished option
When writing about backpacks and traveling, it felt only right to include an option from Timbuk2, a brand loved by full-time backpackers and college kids alike. Their Authority laptop bag keeps you organized on the go with sections for everything, including a laptop.
Promising Amazon review: “This backpack is not only stylish but also incredibly convenient for short trips. It has just the right amount of space for 1-2 day travel, comfortably fitting everything I need. I especially love that it fits perfectly under an airplane seat, making it ideal for flights. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a compact yet roomy travel bag!” — Dmitry
Nordstrom
A stylish “puffer” style bag
When you see a bag for sale at Nordstrom and Anthropologie, you know it’s going to be good-looking. This backpack from Calpak gives you a chic, adult look that doesn’t ruin your outfit thanks to its “puffer” style exterior. With six outer pockets and seven inner pockets, you also get a place for everything including your laptop, right on the back. This comes in black and tan at Nordstrom; black, tan and olive at Anthro; and a whole bunch of colors on the Calpak website.
Promising Calpak review: “The 15in backpack has been perfect for what I need. It fits my 15in laptop, my iPad Pro, and 2 notebooks. Along with a pen case and some chargers. It’s perfect for the office. The straps are super comfy. I’m glad I didn’t get the bigger size, it would’ve been too much for my 5’5 frame. I’ve also used it for a quick trip! Hubs and I flew Spirit to watch a soccer game in Miami, and if you know Spirit, you know their add on costs. We knew we wouldn’t be doing anything but sitting at the pool and watching the game, so I didn’t need much. It was the perfect size for [my] toiletries, a bathing suit, pjs, and my jersey.” — Priscilla P.
Amazon
A luxe, British option
On the higher end of the price spectrum, this luxe option from the British brand Troubadour is a truly handsome backpack that feels perfectly unisex and ageless in a chic way. Named the Best Laptop Bag of 2024 by “Wirecutter,” it has a polished style while still being durable, and is another great option for both travel and daily commuting.
Promising review: “I’ve got a long commute and have a lot to carry. This backpack is so well designed and well padded that it’s comfortable to manage everything. Enough pockets to keep things organized, a padded computer sleeve, a drink holder. It looks great–professional and sleek. I’ve done a ton of research, and I’m very happy with it. No complaints. Materials are all high quality.” — Amazon customer