Backpacks are great because they can carry a lot and provide easy access. You can carry heavier loads because they distribute the weight across both shoulders. This makes them very popular with students around the world and this has earned them the perception of being juvenile. Fortunately there are many grown-up backpacks to choose from.
When I am looking for a laptop backpack I want it to be stylish and svelte but with the ability to expand when I need it to. Beyond that I look at fundamentals: good design, materials, and reputation.
Design
The primary function of a laptop backpack is to safely transport a laptop and provide easy access to you. It still has to excel as a backpack but if it’s laptop slot is an afterthought then it has failed in it’s primary purpose. I have fought with many backpacks with bad access to the laptop slot. Toothy zippers chewing your shiny new Macbook are not ok!
Other features that are an absolute must are thoughtful organizational pockets and back airflow. Good airflow keeps you looking stylish even on the hottest days and good organization means your bag is supporting you at a moments notice.
Materials
Canvas and leather are my two favorite backpack materials but because mens laptop backpacks tend to have a bit more tech style, synthetic fabrics are all the rage. That can be fine so long as you can find something more professional and less Tron.
Reputation
I am happy to experiment with a bag from an unknown company. I routinely have to restrain myself from jumping in on the latest bag Kickstarters. I won’t recommend a bag that hasn’t been tested by time and I won’t recommend a manufacturer (or retailer) that I don’t feel believes in their product.
Best Mens Laptop Backpack
This bag ticks all my boxes design wise. Its laptop compartment is thoughtful and easy to access. Its pockets are numerous but they don’t deform the shape of the bag. Its shoulder straps are padded and its back allows airflow. And did I mention it’s beautiful?
The overwhelmingly positive reviews, Cordura and suede construction, lifetime guarantee, and JanSport’s stellar reputation make this bag an extremely reliable choice. My only real complaint is the lack of back airflow but it is difficult to hold that against the Right Pack at this price point.
Best Mens 17inch Laptop Backpack
17 inch laptop bags are almost universally behemoths. Against all odds I have found a stylish well designed, functional, midsized 17 inch laptop bag!
Originally the Kanken was designed for school children to correct a back pain issue that was prevalent in 1970s Sweden due to shoulder bags being popular. More than 35 years later the Kanken is unchanged and still a favorite.