Best backpacks 2021: Carry your laptops and tablets in style
(Pocket-lint) - A backpack is one of the most useful items in life, whether you're commuting to work, going to school, college, or finding yourself a digital nomad who loves to fly (as difficult as some of those things are to imagine right now). Finding a"
It can be a real challenge to bring your technology around with you on your back in a comfortable, fashionable and secure way.
That's why we've rounded up some of the best backpacks for your laptop, camera and/or tablet, as well as any other computers, stationery, or even clothes you may like to have on a trip with you.
Our guide to the best tech-carrying backpacks to buy today
Peak Design Everyday Backpack (V2)
The approach to bags by Peak Nature is a little different from anyone else's. The company designs bags that are simple to get into, easy to extend and make storing all your various devices easier. You can pick an everyday bag to work for you, whether you bring a camera, a Mavic Pro drone or just a laptop.
Our option is the Daily Backpack, with the 30 litre one being the most spacious and can accommodate more than you can imagine inside it, now on to the second generation. The so-called FlexFold splitters help to isolate and keep your camera or drone organized and secure. In order to secure batteries, cards, hard drives and battery packs, as well as the regular laptop and tablet/document sleeves, there are built-in side panel pockets. On the outside, the wide pockets are large enough to accommodate tripods or water bottles.
There are lots of pockets, compartments and brilliant organization, just like the daily edition. Within a magnetically-sealed panel on the back, you can tuck the straps away, using a handle instead, or use the built-in waist brace for more support.
A 500D weatherproof Kodra shell and high-density padding, with metal fixtures made of solid anodised aluminium, cover all this from the outside.
In short, this backpack will work for your particular needs, whether you're a photographer, student or office worker, and it will last through the rainy season.
The North Face Borealis Classic
The North Face has built its brand on a reputation for rugged outdoor apparel and equipment, but for some years, its regular backpack, the Borealis Classic, has been a tried and tested choice for us here at Pocket-lint. It's a simple recommendation because of its price point.
First of all the padding on the back and on the straps means it's an easy to wear, very comfortable backpack. It does not inflict friction on your shoulders or strain your neck excessively.
Second, there is space inside for a lot of stuff. In the front pocket, there are individual little slots for pens and pencils, smartphones and other small everyday carrying items, with a section at the back to carry your laptop or iPad.
Third, in addition to all the other colours that are certainly not just plain black or grey, there's a camo option. There are shades of bright blue, khaki, mint green, dark green and dark blue, as well as the usual shades of light grey and dark grey.
In different sections, it is made of nylon, polyester print and ballistic nylon, has a hydration port, water bottle holders and reflective light loop to make you visible at night. Did we mention that it comes with a camo option as well?
Waterfield Designs Mezzo Laptop Backpack
Some of our favourite bags are made there by Waterfield Designs. The San Francisco-based bag business has an ethos of using real materials such as waxed canvas, ballistic nylon and leather, and in the new Mezzo Laptop Backpack, they're all on display.
First off, it's fun to look at - we've been using the version of waxed canvas and chocolate leather, but black ballistic nylon with black or chocolate leather accents is also available. It has a robust zip-fastened main compartment, concealing a main storage area with two beautifully padded slots that are ideal for laptops and tablets.
The front pouch has a smart clip with a magnet feature that is very creative. It immediately snaps together, but then it won't just pull apart - you need to slide it the correct way to gain entry. For easy access, it hides several pouches and pockets, while at the top of the main bag there is also a very useful mini zipped pouch.
Dual water bottle pockets are open, plus plenty of padding on the back and on the straps designed to wick away any moisture (read sweat). Using a gold water-resistant liner, even the inner lining is thoughtfully made, which not only adds to its longevity, but also makes it easier to find stuff inside thanks to being reflective.
The Mezzo backpack from Waterfield Designs is one of our favourite bags ever for its approach to design and practicality alone, one that we know we will use for years to come.
Lowepro Freeline BP 350 AW
Okay, so this one probably targets photographers and videographers rather than the typical student. A removable central frame that can be split into parts using removable "shelves" is the main component (for want of a better word).
In order to hang on to the internal frame, these shelves use a velcro-like grip, so they can be taken out or pushed around to better accommodate your needs and devices. That means you can break it up however you want, if you need to bring around a camera, a drone, both or handheld gimbals. And you can just eliminate the internal QuickShelf device and instead have a large empty cavity if you want to use it as a traditional pocket.
The exterior is covered in high-grade nylon that is durable and water resistant, but also comes with an extra covering that can be attached around it when it is especially wet.
There is also a laptop compartment, as you would imagine, and it is wide enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop. It also ships with a separate gear box built to hold all the additional cables, batteries and accessories you could carry around.
Knomo Cromwell
As it has a roll-top rather than a zip, the Cromwell is somewhat different from most technical backpacks. That means it can be fully sealed against the weather and as they can not easily slip their hands inside, it is less vulnerable to pickpockets.
To give as much water resistance as possible, it is available in grey or blue and made of polyurethane-backed welded nylon. When worn and the straps are similarly padded, the rear is cushioned for warmth. At just 1kg the power is especially light. It also shouldn't break the bank.
In its padded interior portion, you can fit up to a 15-inch laptop, and there is an extra waterproof pocket on the front for additional, smaller things you need to grab more quickly.
A proprietary system, Knomo ID, is provided by Knomo that allows users to register their bags in case they are lost. The owner can be easily tracked via the registration system if anyone discovers it.
STM Myth Backpack 18L
STM makes excellent bags that are not hideously pricey, and by providing a nice look and functional functionality for all the myth builds further on that credibility. First of all there is a laptop security feature called SlingTech, which adds extra padding in the laptop compartment and gapless corners to ensure that the laptop is covered even in places where it will normally be bumped on a daily basis.
Various compartments and pockets on the front are tucked away within the case. Quite interesting, there is a cable channel that allows you to charge your phone with your own battery pack without anyone seeing it. For sunglasses, you also get a fleece-lined bag. Plus, there's a pocket built specifically for AirPods.
STM added a pass-through on the back, so you can slip it over your suitcase's handle when travelling. With strong lumbar support and a channel for air movement, you also get generous padding.
Connect to it some water repellant coating, and you have a lightweight, tiny, protective and sturdy bag. In the Windsor Wine colour version, it looks especially good too.
Herschel Pop Quiz
Pop Quiz is perfect if the excessively tech-focused approach to bags is too much for you, and you just want something well-made and trendy that your laptop and other gadgets can still hold. Herschel is a brand associated with sleek, sturdy bags, and a prime example is this one. It is available, from simple to patterned and all in between in no less than 34 different colour/design choices.
The interior of the laptop sleeve is padded, felt-lined and suits up to 15-inch laptops, with its own internal organizers and a key clip in the front pocket. With a headphone port and a fleece-lined sunglasses compartment, there's even an internal media bag. Often the zipper is waterproof. It also happens to be one of the lightest bags on our list, and has an impressive capacity of 22 litres as a bonus.
Peak Design Travel Backpack 45L
If you are after a versatile backpack that fits only inside the cabin luggage allowances of most airlines, Peak Design's second choice on this list is definitely worth a look. It's a little heavy to bring around every day in its completely extended shape, but the beauty of it is that it can collapse.
Specially mounted pop fasteners mean that you can make it smaller, dropping it down from 45L to 35L, making it much easier to carry with you.
Thanks to sealed zippers, the whole bag is made from a recycled nylon 400D shell that is also weatherproof. It's very brilliant, with room for your gadgets and enough space for the main compartment to store your overnight clothes and shower bags.
With the abundance of external clip-on points and expandable side pockets for water bottles of any size (or lightweight tripods), combine these characteristics and you have one of the most flexible choices out there.
It isn't the most comfortable bag we've ever worn, but it was great for travelling.
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