Laptop Bags

What a laptop bag adds

A laptop bag carries the laptop and the rest of the day with it: the charger, papers, a water bottle, lunch, a jumper. What makes it a laptop bag is a padded compartment that holds the laptop apart from everything else, so it is not knocked by a bottle or scratched by keys. The rest is about how you like to carry, how far, and in what weather. Most people who carry a laptop every day find one kind of bag suits the daily journey best, and keep a sleeve or a smaller bag for the days that are different.

The kinds of laptop bag

• Laptop backpacks spread the weight over both shoulders, for walking, cycling and travel.
• Messenger and shoulder bags are worn on one shoulder or across the body, and include totes with a laptop section.
• Laptop briefcases have handles and a smarter look, in leather, leather-look and fabric.
• Wheeled laptop bags roll on wheels with a pull-up handle, so nothing hangs from your shoulders.
• Waterproof laptop bags are made from coated fabrics to keep the rain out.
• Children's laptop bags are school and college bags with room for a laptop and books.

How to choose

Start with the compartment. Bags are sold by the largest laptop their compartment takes, such as "fits up to 15.6 inches", so check yours is no bigger, and measure it if it is close. A compartment is often a little roomy, which lets it take the laptop in a slim sleeve. Then think about the journey: a long walk suits a backpack, a car or a short train ride suits a shoulder bag or briefcase. Look at the pockets you will actually use, and at the strap padding if it will be carried every day. The comparison of backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases goes through each kind in more detail.

Questions people ask about laptop bags

What is the USB port on some bags for?

It lets you charge a phone from outside the bag. The bag has no battery of its own: a cable inside connects the port to a power bank you carry in it.

Can I take a laptop bag on a plane?

Laptops and power banks travel in the cabin, and power banks must never go in checked luggage. Cabin bag sizes differ from airline to airline, so check yours. At security you may be asked to take the laptop out, so follow the airport's instructions.

What does anti-theft mean on a backpack?

It is made to be hard to open while you are wearing it. Each product page says how its own design does that.

How long does delivery take?

Delivery is included in every price and tracked to your door. Each product page says when it usually arrives, so check it before ordering for a set date.

More to look at

• Laptop backpacks
• Messenger and shoulder bags
• Laptop briefcases
• Waterproof laptop bags
• Laptop sleeves
• Tech pouches
• Guide: Laptop backpacks, messenger bags and briefcases compared