<p>We’ve covered <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/g40164672/travel-backpack-for-men/” target=”_blank”>travel backpacks</a>, <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/g39838945/best-briefcases-for-men/” target=”_blank”>briefcases</a>, and other <a href=”https://www.esquire.com/style/mens-accessories/g28122227/laptop-bags-for-men/” target=”_blank”>laptop bags</a> before. Today, we’re diving into the work backpack—the one that holds your laptop (typically between 13-16 inches) and all the other essentials you bring to the office. And while backpacks seem simple enough, we’ve realized there are an overwhelming number of options out there. Like, an absurd amount. So, we did the research—read through reviews, asked frequent backpack haulers, and tested a ton of them ourselves. Because, let’s face it, many of the more traditional backpacks are not something an adult should be carrying to work. To help you, the backpack-loving man who wants to avoid looking like a college freshman, we’ve rounded up the 13 best laptop backpacks.</p>”/>
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Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.
The Classic Laptop Backpack
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
Pros
- Large and in charge
- Solid build and spacious compartments
Cons
- No side pocket
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Herschel is the real deal for just about any type of backpack. Whether it’s the Classic, the Heritage, or the cult-favorite Little America, they all make great laptop backpacks with padded, fleece-lined sleeves. But we recommend the Pop Quiz. Not only because we like how it looks, but also because we like how it works—easy-peasy and tough. A reliable first home for your laptop, shall we say.
| Capacity | 25L |
|---|---|
| Laptop Sleeve | 15″ |
Best Leather Laptop Bag
Lucchese Cosimo Backpack
Pros
- Incredibly high-quality leather
- Separate laptop pocket, a lot of functional space
Cons
- Higher price point
If you’re a businessman in Dallas, a tech bro in Austin, or a C-suite boss working from your Jackson Hole cabin, you need to buy Lucchese. Jokes aside, Lucchese—known as one of our favorite cowboy boot brands—has quietly been building out an incredible suite of men’s bags and travel gear. Though a lot of the brand’s production happens in the U.S., the Cosimo collection is made in Italy, and the quality easily rivals that of bigger-name Italian brands.
The back pocket on this bag easily fits a laptop, and the leather is heavy enough to keep your tech safe. That means you’ve got the entire large pocket to store whatever you store in there, making this functionally one of the most spacious bags on this list.
| Capacity | 15L |
|---|---|
| Laptop Pocket | About 14″ |
The Waterproof Laptop Backpack
Rains Waterproof Backpack
Pros
- Perfect for packing light
- Easy flap closure
- Signature waterproof PU fabric
Cons
- Small volume with a single main compartment
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Aesthetically, this bag speaks for itself. But we’ll let Esquire’s Commerce Editor, Luke Guillory take it away.
“Rains’ waterproof backpack caught my eye a few years ago—first on my friend and second when I saw some stranger carrying it in MoMA. Each time, I asked, What is that backpack with a remarkable silhouette? It’s Rains’ signature, as I found out later on. Smooth and clean, easy to open and stack—it’s got one main compartment and a few inner and outer pockets, that’s it—this durable, waterproof backpack is about that no-fuss everyday life.”
| Capacity | 13L |
|---|---|
| Laptop Sleeve | 15″ |
Most versatile laptop backpack
Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack
Pros
- Available in 3 sizes and 6 colors
- Comes with shoe bag and dust bag
- Water-resistant, washable fabric
Cons
- Smallest size is for laptop plus essentials only
Dagne Dover’s signature Dakota does the organizing for you, with a dedicated spot for every necessity, in and out; just prepare the bits and bobs. It’ll then guard them with a water-resistant, quick-drying outer, keeping them safe and sound where you can effortlessly access them. As for where it’ll suit best, judging by its look: office, gym, downtown, subway, bar, Guatemala … just about everywhere on this planet.
| Capacity | 8L, 16L, and 20L |
|---|---|
| Laptop Sleeve | 13″ and 16″ |
Most Utilitarian Laptop Bag
Troubadour Pioneer Backpack
When you pack heavy with a laptop inside, get a heavy-duty backpack to match. Troubadour’s pioneer is an absolute monster: big, tough as nails, and ridiculously useful, with pockets on top of pockets, and compartments next to compartments. If you’ve seen far too many laptop backpacks crap out when the occasion calls for “more is more,” never again will you be disappointed with the Pioneer. It’s got a shtick for everything you can possibly put in there, shoes included.
| Capacity | 23.5 L |
|---|---|
| Laptop Sleeve | 17″ |
Most Eco-Friendly Backpack
Harber London Commuter Backpack
Compact? Yep. Spacious? Surprisingly so! This 17L bag fits a 16″ laptop, a tablet, and all your essentials without breaking a sweat. Crafted from recycled plastic bottles (hello, eco-friendly!) with luxe leather accents, it’s as durable as it is stylish. And with padded straps, a false bottom for extra laptop security, and custom aluminum buckles, it’s built for serious commuters with style. In fact, it’s my husband’s latest go-to bag for business trips.
| Capacity | 17L |
|---|---|
| Laptop Sleeve | 16″ |
What to Look for in Laptop Backpacks
- Capacity: Certainly it’s not just a laptop that your backpack will store—no one’s life is that simple. Hence you should consider the capacity or volume of a laptop backpack—how much and what kind of stuff it can hold besides the laptop matter just as much.
- Organization: As defined by pockets and compartments, the organization inside a laptop backpack makes or breaks what you’ll carry it as and to: If it’s got a shoe compartment, you can carry it as a gym bag to Equinox; with water-bottle pockets, it makes for an outdoor-friendly carryall; and if it has a luggage sleeve, bring it to your next flight so you can work on your laptop in the air. And don’t forget the many small pockets that you’ll find for quick access of stuff—any organization that’ll save you from digging through your bag ever again.
- Laptop Sleeves: It’s what makes a laptop backpack a … laptop backpack. Inside the sleeve, padded for better protection or not, is where you’ll nicely slip your laptop in and out. The size of the sleeve thus is the game changer here. If you have a 14-inch MacBook Pro, for instance, your sleeve should house at least that much. (Of course, sometimes a sleeve is more of a separate compartment itself, which is more than welcome.)
How We Picked the Best Laptop Bags
We tried a bunch of them. We wore the backpacks to the office, to the coffee shop, and around town. We traveled with them, and we stress-tested them. The backpacks that stood up to all that while looking good are the backpacks you see here today. Those are the best laptop backpacks on the market.
Why Trust Esquire?
We have your best interest in mind. Not only are we style nerds; we’re tech freaks. It’s not good enough for something to look good. It’s got to perform just as well. A laptop bag has got to protect your gadgets and fit your personal style. That’s why we had to test these and give you our honest opinions.
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