Laptop backpacks are a great way for students to carry their tech from A to B. They have neat storage solutions for all their devices, with features such as dedicated anti-theft pockets and built-in charger ports. Many are also made from water-resistant fabrics and have extra padding on the interior to provide additional security for your valuables.

Whether you're a school or college student, you'll want something that's practical and comfortable to wear.

Here are the best backpacks for tech students available today.

When it comes to quality, The North Face is hard to beat. And this laptop backpack is no exception. This 31-liter backpack is fitted with a FlexVent suspension system, which features a flexible yoke, custom injection-molded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back, and a lumbar panel for ventilated back support. It also has a removable waist belt and bottom compression straps for extra wearer comfort.

This stand-up laptop backpack has an external fleece-lined pocket that’s ideal for storing your sunglasses, phone, keys, or wallet. Its main compartment features internal zip pockets for organization and storage, and there’s a dedicated laptop sleeve for a 15-inch laptop inside. There’s even space for two water bottles, so you can stay hydrated while you’re learning.

While this laptop backpack undeniably has a hefty price tag, you can rely on The North Face to deliver something that’s durable and built to last. The keyword here is comfort, and this fully adjustable backpack has been engineered for your comfort and is perfect for all-day use. It can accommodate everything you need for school or college and has a compact, non-bulky design that looks pretty cool too.

Key Features
  • 31-liter capacity
  • Flex vent technology
  • Padded mesh back and lumbar support
  • 15-inch laptop sleeve
  • Sternum strap
  • Bottom compression waist straps
Specifications
  • Material: Nylon
  • Number of Colors/Patterns: 10
  • Max. Laptop Size: 15-inch
  • Brand: The North Face
Pros
  • Lightweight and comfortable
  • Can be fully adjusted
  • Tough-wearing
Cons
  • No external side pockets
  • Expensive
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The North Face Surge Backpack

This Carhartt backpack might seem a bit bulky compared to others, but it has plenty of room to store a 17-inch backpack and has a portable charger compartment so that you can give your devices a bit of extra juice when you're on the go. It has more pockets than a pool table and is made from durable water-repellent fabric.

Padded air mesh back panels and contour-fit shoulder straps feature FastDry technology that can absorb sweat, to give you a bit of extra comfort while traveling. There are four large external pockets, one of which is a fleece-lined one designed to store eyewear. And anything else you can reasonably think of can be stored inside one of the many other internal or external pockets.

This backpack would suit any student that finds themselves with a fair bit of stuff to carry to and from college. It has acres of space for all the essentials and more to spare. Ideal for anyone who favors substance over style, this larger laptop backpack loves the outdoors and is tough enough to last for years.

Key Features
  • Stores 17-inch laptop
  • Two large main compartments and additional organization pockets
  • Water-repellent fabric
  • Padded air mesh back panel
  • Made with FastDry technology
  • Dedicated power pack pocket
Specifications
  • Material: Polyester
  • Number of Colors/Patterns: 3
  • Max. Laptop Size: 17-inch
  • Brand: Carhartt
Pros
  • Plenty of storage space
  • Can comfortably hold a larger size laptop
  • Durable; built to last
Cons
  • Bulkier than most laptop backpacks
  • Choice of colors is a little uninspiring
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Carhartt Unisex Adult Force Pro Backpack

If you’re looking for a laptop backpack for school or college but don’t want it to cost the earth, then this anti-theft bag from Matein could be the perfect budget option for you. Made from water-resistant material, this slim backpack also features a USB charging port and can store a 15.6-inch laptop.

An anti-theft pocket is situated on the back of this backpack, so that you can safely stow away your valuables, protecting them from any pickpockets. The back of the bag is padded for comfort and breathable shoulder straps can be adjusted to remove stress from your shoulders while you carry it.

With a separate laptop compartment inside, a large main compartment, and a front organizer compartment, plus two mesh side pockets, there’s a surprising amount of space here for all your accouterments. This sturdy backpack is a practical, wallet-friendly option that has plenty of real estate in which to store your devices.

Key Features
  • Stores 15.6-inch laptop
  • Anti-theft back pocket
  • Two mesh drinks bottles holders
  • Two large internal compartments
  • External front pocket organizer
  • USB charging port
Specifications
  • Material: Polyester
  • Number of Colors/Patterns: 12
  • Max. Laptop Size: 15.6-inch
  • Brand: Matein
Pros
  • Makes effective use of the space on offer
  • USB charging port is a convenient feature
  • Water-resistant fabric
Cons
  • Less padded than more expensive laptop backpacks
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Matein Travel Laptop Backpack

With a dedicated compartment to house a 15.6-inch laptop, pockets for your cell phone and power bank, a USB charging port, and a mouse pouch, the SwissDigital laptop backpack seems to have all bases covered.

The bag itself unzips 180 degrees to lie completely flat, allowing for easy retrieval of its contents. Its laptop compartment is double-layered to provide extra protection, and there’s a flannel pocket on the front to store reading glasses or sunglasses. Tail buckles allow for easy adjustment of the shoulder straps on the go, and side mesh pockets are ideal for water bottles or travel mugs.

This water-resistant backpack has a large storage capacity, and its deep design probably won’t be suitable for everyone. However, for anyone needing that bit of extra space, and for anybody who likes everything in its right place; this sturdy and durable backpack is more than fit for purpose.

Key Features
  • Stores 15.6-inch laptop
  • Shoulder mounted UCB charging port
  • Anti-theft pocket
  • Opens out 180 degrees
  • Dedicated pockets for phone, charger and mouse
  • Water-resistant
Specifications
  • Material: Polyester
  • Number of Colors/Patterns: 1
  • Max. Laptop Size: 15.6-inch
  • Brand: SwissDigital
Pros
  • Is about as secure as laptop backpacks can get
  • Pockets and storage for pretty much everything you could ever need
  • Long-lasting and rugged design
Cons
  • Deep backpack sticks out quite a bit from your back
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SwissDigital Terabyte TSA-Friendly Water-Resistant Laptop Backpack

This laptop backpack from JanSport has a more space-saving and compact design than some others, but it still comfortably holds a 15-inch laptop and has a decent amount of space for some extras too. It has two large internal compartments, a large external front pocket with an organizer, plus two smaller ones. There are also two mesh side pockets and a carry handle.

Ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps and a fully padded back panel make this backpack comfortable to wear. It has a 34-liter capacity, which should provide plenty of room for most people. There’s no USB port included here but depending on your requirements this may not matter.

This lightweight, cool backpack is a solid mid-price option for techie students. It’s comfortable and practical, and best of all, it comes in 31 different designs. Perfect for you to express a bit of flair with!

Key Features
  • Stores 15-inch laptop
  • Two large main compartments
  • 34-liter capacity
  • External front pocket with organizer
  • Mesh side pocket
Specifications
  • Material: Polyester
  • Number of Colors/Patterns: 31
  • Max. Laptop Size: 15-inch
  • Brand: JanSport
Pros
  • Simple and practical design
  • Comfortable to wear
  • 31 designs to choose from to express your individuality
Cons
  • No USB charging port
  • Not water-resistant
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JanSport Big Student Laptop Backpack

This elegant, quilted laptop backpack is large enough to store a 15.6-inch laptop and has four compartments and 17 separate pockets inside. It has a slim design that clearly belies its TARDIS-like interior. It also has an external USB port so that you can charge your smartphone via a power bank while you’re on the move.

Made from water-resistant fabric, this backpack is a lot tougher than it looks, and provides a pretty good amount of protection against the elements for your devices. The Mesh airflow shoulder strap design makes this reasonably comfortable to wear, although other backpacks offer slightly more in terms of adjustability.

With its 10-liter capacity, it’s fair to say there may be a bit of a trade-off here between looks and practicality. But with that said, all your essential gear should still be easily accommodated and there’s no denying this is a very pretty bag. And with approximately 23 different designs to choose from too, you can afford to be as flamboyant as you like for the price.

Key Features
  • Stores 15.6-inch laptop
  • USB charging port
  • Separate iPad compartment
  • 10-liter capacity
Specifications
  • Material: Nylon
  • Number of Colors/Patterns: 23
  • Max. Laptop Size: 15.6-inch
  • Brand: Lovevook
Pros
  • Stylish and elegant design
  • Has 17 separate pockets
  • 23 colors/designs available
Cons
  • Smaller capacity than many other laptop bags
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LOVEVOOK Quilted Laptop Backpack

Another budget option to consider is this anti-theft laptop backpack from Volher. Large enough to contain a 15.6-inch laptop, and with a USB charging port, this water-resistant computer bag has everything you need to transport your tech from A to B.

An airflow back design featuring thick ventilated padding provides maximum support, and breathable and adjustable shoulder straps alleviate stress on the shoulders. There’s a large central compartment with dedicated laptop storage, plus a front organizer compartment, two side mesh pockets, and an anti-theft pocket on the back.

Made from high-density water-repellent polyester, this laptop bag is robust and practical. With a quality look and feel too, you’d be forgiven for thinking this backpack is pricier than it is. A great budget option to consider.

Key Features
  • Stores 15.6-inch laptop
  • USB charging port
  • Anti-theft pocket
  • Water-resistant
  • Air flow back design
  • Headphone port
Specifications
  • Material: Polyester
  • Number of Colors/Patterns: 4
  • Max. Laptop Size: 15.6-inch
  • Brand: Volher
Pros
  • Looks more expensive than it is
  • Comfortable to wear
  • Plenty of organization/storage options inside
Cons
  • Some interior compartments are a little small
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Volher Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port

If you’re looking for a laptop backpack but are turned off by the amount of black and gray options out there, then you might like to consider something a little more floral. In this case, this water-resistant backpack from Vsnoon could be just the ticket.

It has a wide-opening design that reveals a large central compartment for storage. At the back is a dedicated protective sleeve for a 15.6-inch laptop, and side straps and internal front pockets are ideal for keeping phones, chargers, iPads, and so on. There’s a USB port on the outside and a large front organizer pocket.

There is a lack of back support from this bag, however, and the shoulder straps don’t have a lot of cushioning to them; although they are adjustable. But considering the price of the bag, this might be an acceptable trade-off, if you’re not planning to wear it at its full capacity for any length of time.

Key Features
  • Stores 15.6-inch laptop
  • USB charging port
  • Water-resistant fabric
  • Wide opening design
  • RFID protection pocket
Specifications
  • Material: Polyester
  • Number of Colors/Patterns: 6
  • Max. Laptop Size: 15.6-inch
  • Brand: VSNOON
Pros
  • Something a bit different in terms of design
  • RFID pocket keeps personal info safe from scanners
  • Luggage belt makes it suitable for travel too
Cons
  • Wide opening design doesn't make the most economical use of available space
Buy This Product
VSNOON Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port

FAQ

Q: Is It Unprofessional To Carry A Backpack?

It's not unprofessional to wear a backpack. It's a convenient way to carry multiple items around between home, school, university, work, and so on.

Q: What Is The Best Tech Backpack?

One size doesn't fit all. Depending on the size of your laptop and how many other accessories you have, different backpacks will suit different people.

However, if you do have a lot of gadgets and devices to carry around, it's worth finding one with plenty of room and multiple compartments.