Choosing a Laptop Bag
Whether you work from home, a coworking space, a coffee shop or your office, the right laptop bag is essential. Ideally, it will offer style and durability with thoughtful organization and adequate laptop protection.
Some bags go beyond padding with nests and caches that lift your laptop off all sides for better protection. Others include packable rain shells for added weather resistance.
Size
When shopping for a laptop bag, size is a critical factor. The device compartment should be roomy enough to stow your laptop, but not too big so that it moves around in the bag and is at risk of being damaged. Tech companies usually describe the size of their laptops in inches, but it’s important to remember that these measurements don’t include the screen’s bezel, which can add an inch or two to the width.
Evaluate how you’ll be Laptop bag using the bag, including daily commuting, business meetings, and travel. Choose a bag that fits the dimensions of your laptop and can also accommodate other electronics and accessories.
The material of the bag is another crucial consideration. Leather offers a sophisticated look, while nylon and polyester offer durability and resistance to water and the elements. Some bags also feature a waterproof coating, which provides an additional layer of protection for your electronics. A bag’s design and style can be just as important as its functionality. Look for a bag that reflects your personal aesthetic and fits with your work attire.
Design
A sleek, professional bag with a sleeve for your laptop can help you stand out from the crowd at work. Its compact design can fit in your blazer or dress pants without getting in the way of the rest of your outfit. You can also choose a bag with an adjustable shoulder strap that is well-padded so you don’t feel any strain on your neck or shoulders. The bag also has extra pockets for organizing pens and other small accessories.
Another option is to choose a backpack with padded laptop compartments for carrying your device. This type of bag is ideal if you use public transportation because the weight of your laptop and other belongings is evenly distributed across both shoulders. Moreover, a backpack has more space for other items like books and documents.
Some bags also have a brightly colored interior that really “turns on the lights” inside the bag, so you can find what you need quickly. That’s a feature we especially love for laptop bags that we use on busy commutes, because it helps us avoid the hassle of digging through a deep pile of gear to find what we need.
Functionality
A good laptop bag is more than just a spot to stash your computer. If you’re taking public transportation to get to work, it makes sense to choose a bag that fits your specific commute. You’ll want a bag that doesn’t crowd your legs or annoy the person next to you on the subway or bus.
Look for a bag that has a dedicated spot for your laptop, sometimes called a compartment or sleeve. Some brands go further than just padding by having a false bottom to help keep your laptop lifted away from the bag’s sides, which can add an extra layer of protection.
You’ll also want to consider any additional features the bag has. For example, if you’re going to be carrying around a lot of water bottles, you may want to look for one with a water-resistant material. You can even find bags with integrated water bottle holders. These features can make your commute easier and less stressful. They can also make your laptop bag last longer and protect it from damage.
Durability
A laptop bag needs to be able to withstand wear and tear. Look for a bag that has been crafted from quality materials, like leather and canvas. Look also for features that make it easy to carry, like whether the shoulder straps are wide enough or the bag has a chest strap to help distribute the weight of the bag.
Look for a backpack that has padded laptop sleeve compartments and plenty of pockets to accommodate all your gear. Fashion stylist Jeni Paolella suggests looking for a bag that is comfortable to carry for long periods of time, especially when you’re walking to work or back from it.
Some laptop bags have innovative compartments that go beyond just padding and include false bottoms, allowing the bag to lift away from your laptop so it doesn’t bang around inside the bag as you walk. Look for a bag with these innovative features, like the ones offered by Minaal and Tom Bihn, to help protect your computer from damage.
Organization
A laptop bag is a great way to protect your expensive device from damage, scratches and other hazards. It can also help you stay organized with pockets, compartments and other features. Some bags even come with security features to prevent theft.
There are many different types of laptop bags available. Some are designed to be simple and functional, while others are more complex. For example, backpack laptop bags can personalized car air fresheners distribute the weight of your gear evenly across your back, making them comfortable to carry. They can also provide extra padding to protect your laptop from bumps and knocks.
On the other hand, bags with minimal organization can be more spacious and allow for a greater diversity of gear. Some bags even offer modular organization, with hooks for MOLLE panels and strips of velcro to connect sold-separately organizer pouches. In addition, some bags have dividers that fold up to customize the interior layout.