It's extremely rare these days to get a case or bag included when you buy a laptop, and it may not be wise to buy one from the manufacturer since having a big logo simply advertises the fact that you're carrying something valuable worth stealing. See all laptop bag reviews.
To avoid being a target for thieves, and to help keep your delicate electronics safe as you travel, we've rounded up a selection of rucksacks and messenger bags which are designed to do precisely that. See also The 8 best laptops: What's the best laptop you can buy in 2013?
What to look for in a laptop bag
Every laptop bag has a dedicated compartment for your computer, and bags usually advertise the biggest laptop you can carry by giving a screen size in inches. You might find that a laptop with a 16in screen will fit even if the bag says ‘up to 15in' but it could be a tight fit. We tested all the bags here with a 15.6in laptop, and you can find the maximum dimensions below each review.
The amount of protection varies from bag to bag, with some manufacturers providing all-round padding (with double at the bottom) and others just an internal pouch with no top cover. Read our reviews to find out what level of protection each bag offers.
As well as your laptop, you'll need room for the power supply, other accessories and your own gear, whether that's a gym kit, water bottle, documents, keys and other gadgets. Most bags have a nominal capacity, but this is usually the total volume, rather than a single space for stuff besides a laptop.
Multiple pockets are useful as they help keep everything organised, while a bag with a large extra compartment is good for bulky items such as shoes. Look for a capacity in litres, but bear in mind that the larger the capacity, the bigger (and usually heavier) is the bag you'll have to carry everywhere.
Some bags have a dedicated pocket for tablets and another for smartphones or media players. The latter sometimes have a hole through which you can route your headphones.
It's useful to have several zipped pockets which can be accessed independently, rather than having to open a main zip to get at internal pockets. That gives would-be thieves a view of what you're carrying and isn't nearly as convenient.
If you're after a rucksack, look for one with well-padded straps and – if you'll be walking long distances - a chest strap to help stabilise the load. Some bags even have a hiking-style waist strap, but that's overkill on a laptop carrier.
Most laptop bags have water resistant material either on the outside or in the lining. If this is a priority, bear in mind that only bags marked as waterproof (such as those from Overboard) will ensure your kit stays dry. Some bags, such as Be.ez's LE Bag Pro, come with a separate rain cover which you can pop over the rucksack in a downpour to keep your kit bone dry.
Water resistance doesn't mean the same thing, and if you're cycling in the rain, it's wise to use additional protection such as a proper rain cover or keep some large freezer bags to seal in your gadgets.
Prices vary widely, and you don't always get what you pay for. Buying a laptop bag from a fashion brand, for example, might be more costly, but doesn't guarantee better-quality zips or fasteners than a cheaper bag.
Best laptop bags
Thule Crossover 25L Backpack
- Reviewed on: 15 August 13
- RRP: £90 inc VAT
- Rating:
The absence of decent extra padding below is our real reservation over what is otherwise a super-tough and rather stylish piece of laptop luggage. It's sensibly priced too, given the formidable construction quality.
STM Impulse
- Reviewed on: 15 August 13
- RRP: £75 inc VAT
- Rating:
It's good that STM has brought the laptop bag up to date with a tablet pocket, but the limited extra storage space and lack of a smartphone pouch makes its £75 price look quite steep.
Dicota BacPac Challenge
- Reviewed on: 14 August 13
- RRP: £45 inc VAT
- Rating:
The Challenge has lots of pockets for keeping things organised, and is well padded. It can be found online for under £40, making it great value.
Booq's Mamba daypack
- Reviewed on: 14 August 13
- RRP: £73 inc VAT
- Rating:
Booq's Mamba daypack is a stylish rucksack that is lightweight, comfortable and offers ample space for a 15-inch laptop and several other everyday items too.
Booq Boa squeeze
- Reviewed on: 13 August 13
- RRP: £114 inc VAT
- Rating:
The Boa Squeeze is more stylish than many laptop bags, and has lots of useful pockets for safely storing accessories. However, it costs more than most of its competitors, so doesn't offer the best value.
Be.ez LE bag Pro
- Reviewed on: 13 August 13
- RRP: £90 inc VAT
- Rating:
The LE bag pro is stylish and comfortable to carry, but doesn’t offer much room for bulky gear – apart from your laptop and other gadgets. It’s also quite pricey.
Best messenger laptop bags
STM Velocity Velo 2
- Reviewed on: 6 August 13
- RRP: £65 inc. VAT
- Rating:
A good-looking, practical and well-built laptop bag we like the Velo 2's versatility and security. At £65 it's not the cheapest bag on the market, but if you have to carry mutliple digital devices including a 15in laptop we'd be happy to recommend the Velo 2.
Pakuma Choroka K3L
- Reviewed on: 5 August 13
- RRP: £49 inc. VAT
- Rating:
A well designed, well-built laptop bag. At just £49 when you shop online we have to say we are impressed.
Converse Reporter Poly
- Reviewed on: 16 August 13
- RRP: £35 inc VAT
- Rating:
The Converse Reporter Poly has the basics you need in a laptop bag but it's much plainer looking than we expect from a company like Converse. However, the bag is relatively cheap, so it’s fine if you’re on a budget.
