If you travel regularly for work, you won't need to be told that a good travel backpack is essential. This is especially true if a backpack can serve as a decent-sized carry-on while also housing your laptop in an easily accessible compartment.
We've looked at some of the best (and most stylish) backpacks to make it easier for you to find the best item.
Without further ado, here are the best business travel backpacks that maximize form and function for different budgets.
Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack, $33.47
If you don't want to break the bank, the Amazon Basics line offers a reliable and, dare we say, quite stylish backpack for under $40.
The bag features a dedicated (and padded) laptop sleeve that can easily hold a laptop up to 17 inches; it has additional compartments for pens, keys, cell phones and other items.
There's also a water bottle pocket on both sides of the bag for easy access when you're on the go.
Lenovo Legion Gaming Laptop Bag, $55.19 (normally $79.99)
Granted, we've never seen Batman carry a backpack, but if he did, we're pretty sure it would look like this sturdy bag from Lenovo. It has a capacity of 20 liters and room for a 16-inch laptop, plus seven interior pockets to accommodate all your business travel needs, including a hidden compartment for valuables.
Designed for carrying electronic items, the bag features shock-absorbing foam bumpers on the corners of the laptop compartment for added protection against bag drops and other jolts.
Daily newsletter
Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers for the latest news, in-depth guides, and exclusive offers from TPG experts.
There is also a high-quality magnetic lock to keep your items secure.
Buy From $55.19 (normally $79.99)
Tangcorle Travel Backpack, $58.90
Both a backpack and a carry-on suitcase, this bag has an expandable design. This means it has a capacity of 36-50 liters and should easily fit the maximum carry-on size of most airlines.
Other features include an external USB port with a built-in charging cable, allowing you to connect your own power bank and keep your devices charged while on the go.
The main compartment is similar to that of a regular carry-on suitcase and can easily store five to seven days of clothes, depending on how you like to pack. It's perfect for long weekends and short business trips.
Samsonite Novex Laptop Backpack, $69.99 (normally $99.99)
If you're looking for a travel backpack from a reliable brand on a more down-to-earth budget, this best-seller from Samsonite has plenty going for it.
Despite its price, the Novex laptop backpack doesn't compromise on the essentials. The separate laptop and tablet pocket features a special strap system that provides extra durability in case you drop the backpack. Plus, thanks to the special supportive lining on the top front pocket, you won't have to worry about misplacing your headphones, glasses or cell phone.
The main storage compartment can hold all the essentials, although it might not be big enough to fit a full change of clothes or a pair of shoes.
Buy from $69.99 (normally $99.99)
The North Face Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack, $109
A modern classic, the Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack is a popular and trendy model that you'll frequently see on the backs of young professionals in busy city centers.
The backpack has two external bottle holders and a main compartment capable of carrying up to 30 liters. Its laptop sleeve is also a large size and should easily hold machines up to 18 inches.
Perhaps its most exciting feature is its comfortable strap design, certified by the American Chiropractic Association.
Ogio Renegade Backpack, $128.24 (normally $149.99)
If you're looking for the bag with the most pockets, this might be it. Ogio's flagship backpack has dedicated space for everything (laptop and iPad included), and more. With a phone pocket, two zippered side pockets and five main pockets, you risk getting lost looking for your gear.
No matter how much you fill this nearly 30-liter backpack, you shouldn't have much trouble carrying it around, thanks to its padded back panel and shoulder straps. This makes transportation to the airport or corporate campus easier.
Buy from $128.24 (normally $149.99)
Incase ARC Backpack, $129.95
Apple aficionados are no doubt familiar with Incase, a popular brand of cases and protective solutions for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
The laptop pocket is large enough for a 16-inch computer and is lined with faux fur for added protection. Its travel tech compartment also includes RFID blocking technology, preventing thieves from stealing your digital information.
A water and stain resistant coating, two dedicated water bottle holders and a pass-through system for rollaboard bags make this the ideal bag for anyone going from the gym to the office to the airport. If you need something larger, Incase also offers a larger ARC travel bag.
Need more convincing? Both bags are made from a sustainable blend of recycled polyester, giving the company its acronym ARC, which stands for “responsible transportation.”
Aer Pro Pack 20L, $179
As far as business travel backpacks go, this one from Aer is certainly very stylish. It comes in three colors (black, navy and olive) and is made from durable materials without compromising durability. A separate laptop compartment protects your most valuable tech, while the main compartment is large enough for all your chargers and other travel accessories.
The standout feature is the 180 degree flat opening zipper system of the main compartment, giving you unobstructed access to all your belongings.
There's even a hidden pocket to store an AirTag or other tracker so you can locate your bag even if it's stolen or misplaced.
Away The Everywhere Zippered Backpack, $195
Made from water-resistant nylon, the Away Everywhere Backpack features a full-wrap zipper that provides access to the main compartment. Not only will you be able to store more things in an orderly manner, but you will also be able to easily see your things when you need to retrieve them from the backpack.
Alongside the main compartment, the bag also houses a 15-inch laptop pocket with a magnetic locking zipper and padded shoulder straps for added comfort. It is available in five colors, including the limited edition garnet colorway.
Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack, $209
The Timbuk2 Never Check Expandable Backpack has room for everything and more. The padded back pocket is the perfect place for a laptop, so you won't have to rummage through the main compartment to find your computer.
The main compartment is spacious and can expand by almost 3 liters, giving you more room for your belongings. Plus, the front pocket has a dedicated organizer with multiple pockets, so you'll never forget where you put your passport, charger and cables.
Nomatic 20L Backpack, $279.99
Although you may not have heard of Nomatic, this brand receives rave reviews from its loyal following. The company's best-selling backpack comes in two sizes: 14 liters and 20 liters. Both are expandable by almost 20%.
The flat, rectangular design may be controversial at first glance, but at least you can't complain about finding space for all your gadgets. The bag has 24 unique storage compartments, ranging from closed pockets to mesh nets. This is an ideal bag for those who like to stay extremely organized while on the go.
Briggs & Riley Traveler Backpack, $329
The Briggs & Riley backpack has an impressive storage capacity thanks to its multitude of pockets and its 180-degree flat opening which allows unhindered access to every nook and cranny.
The laptop sleeve and tablet sleeve are in the same area as the main compartment, but they're separated by an interior zippered pocket to keep your clothes alone.
There's also a so-called PowerPocket that fits an external battery and keeps a charging cable close at hand – perfect for a quick energy boost while you're on the go.
Tumi Alpha Bravo Sailing Backpack, $525
Although Tumi makes a handful of durable bags, the Navigation Backpack excels for a wide range of travel needs. It includes a separate padded laptop compartment (which can fit even the largest MacBooks), a main storage area, and plenty of other smaller pockets.
It also has a zip extension feature if you decide to collect souvenirs during your trip.
The backpack comes in five colors, giving you plenty of choices to match your personal travel style.
Rimowa Large Flap Backpack, $1,725
If you're looking to make a statement and are willing to spend a lot of money, Rimowa's travel bags are the way to go.
This large luxury canvas flap backpack, made in Italy, features a padded laptop sleeve and a large drawstring compartment to store all your travel essentials. It is secured by a flap case with a magnetic buckle decorated with the Rimowa logo.
Related reading:
