The Best Laptop Bags in Canada
A laptop is an expensive gadget that requires proper care and protection, especially when carried outside. Besides protective factors, the right laptop carrier can eliminate the necessity to take extra bags whenever you travel or simply head to the nearest coffee shop to finish a work project. In this guide, we will discuss exactly that—the best laptop bags with enough pockets to store chargers, notebooks and other essentials.
According to LaptopMag, the best laptop bags are commuter-friendly and portable while having enough space for your essentials.
While there is no way to name only one laptop bag that would be suitable for everyone, we covered up the most common requests. Whether it is the most stylish laptop bag, a backpack, a tote bag or a travel-oriented computer messenger, you will find it on this list.
Read more about The Best Tech Gadgets and Electronics.
Our Top Picks
How to choose a laptop bag
Depending on your personal style, the type of laptop you use and the job you do, there are a few important aspects to consider when choosing a computer bag. If the laptop bag you buy meets all your needs including size, weight, storage options and more, you won’t have to worry about forgetting a charger or a passport when taking your laptop on the road.
- Size: Measuring your computer size when buying a laptop sleeve or a backpack is crucial. The best way to find out whether the laptop will fit into a bag is to measure the width (from left to right) and depth (from the hinge to the lip). You want to make sure that a laptop bag is at least one inch longer and wider than the gadget itself. If you are planning on carrying not only a laptop but also a book or a notepad, make sure to double-check the thickness of the bag.
“Different laptop bags work better or worse for different workspaces. For example, if you work in a cubicle at a traditional office, it’s nice to have a laptop bag that’s small enough to easily slide beneath your desk. If you go to school, you’ll probably appreciate a laptop bag that is comfortable enough to carry between classes,” says Pack Hacker.
- Material/durability: Another important aspect is the material of a laptop bag. Whether it is made of leather or synthetic materials, its quality directly affects the durability and lifespan of the bag. If you take your laptop to work at a café or study at a library once in a while, (especially if you drive a car instead of using public transportation), then perhaps a leather tote bag or even a laptop sleeve is more than enough. However, if you spend a lot of time travelling, or as a student take buses and carry your laptop everywhere you go, then choose a backpack made from durable fabric.
While the exterior material matters, the inside also plays a significant role in protecting your laptop. Pay attention to laptop bags that come with inner padding for extra protection and shock absorption.
- Compartments: Your lifestyle influences your choices, thus how many compartments would be in that perfect laptop bag depends on your day-to-day routine. A business man or a woman would want a bag that has enough compartments to store files and folders without creasing them. At the same time, a student most likely would need even more compartments to fit textbooks. Besides, add to it the necessity to carry a charger, other gadgets, and a wallet. Hence, it is best to look for a laptop bag that offers a variety of compartments and pockets.
- Style: Even the most committed minimalists won’t deny how important the aesthetic of a basic bag is. The laptop bag should not only offer functional features, but look pleasing to you, and compliment your style. Besides some exceptions, most students prefer sporty and fashionable backpacks, while business-related or freelance-oriented professionals choose classic, business casual or elegantly sleek shoulder bags, tote bags and briefcases.
Speaking of style, we must mention the convenience that applies to each style. Comparing a backpack to a tote or a briefcase, many office workers refuse that option because it does not look professional enough. At the same time, if you do not work in the office, and have to carry your laptop bag longer than from a building to a parking lot, then a tote or another shoulder bag might be too heavy and uncomfortable to carry all day long.
The same idea of aesthetics applies to the colour of the laptop bag. For those who prefer neutral wardrobes, we suggest a bag that would resonate with your outerwear. (Although, if you would like to add a colourful accent to your neutral style, such colours as khaki, shades of brown or Klein Blue are ideal options for both men and women.) If your style is funky or extravagant, then opt for a bag that will not stand out and will work with all colours and prints you have in your wardrobe. (For instance, black, grey, brown, neutrals, etc.)
The best laptop bag for women
Madewell Zip Top Transport Leather Carryall
According to Marie Claire, “the Zip Top Transport Leather Carryall tote bag is the perfect size to carry laptop, charger, and miscellaneous beauty products that are usually littered at the bottom of a bag. The straps are very durable and hold up when wearing it as a crossbody, the best part is the adjustable strap belt!”
The Madewell Carryall laptop bag is designed to make a daily commute to work more comfortable, keeping all essentials safely in place thanks to the zip closure. What makes it an ideal laptop carrier for a working woman is its classy, minimal look, and adjustable shoulder strap. The clean, simple appearance of the bag makes it easy to style with office attire. Meanwhile an adjustable shoulder strap is designed to be slung over your shoulder for convenient carrying. If, however, you do not wish to hang the bag on your shoulder, the Madewell Carryall provides another option which is top carry handles.
Here is what a satisfied customer said about this bag, “This is a lovely bag, very simple and minimalistic. Plenty of space to carry your lunch and/or laptop to work without looking like you are carrying a duffel bag.” She added that it is big enough to use as an overnight bag, but not too big or heavy for your daily carry. It goes with just about any outfit and looks nice without stealing the show. The leather and zipper are of good quality. Beyond all of this, she gets tons of compliments on it.
The Madewell leather bag is durable and easy to clean. Just wipe it occasionally with a soft cloth to remove dust and fingerprint marks.
Pros
- Interior zip, wall and smartphone pockets.
- Classic, minimal design.
- Spacious inside and compact outside.
- Ideal laptop bag for a professional woman.
Cons
- Some customers noted when loaded with heavy items the strap is painful on the shoulder.
The best laptop bag for men
Solo Duane Convertible Briefcase
Solo Duane’s laptop bag attracted our attention with its ability to convert into a backpack from a briefcase and vice versa. While, at the first glance, it looks like a standard briefcase bag, you can always turn it into a backpack whenever you need to free your hands, and convert it back into a messenger as soon as you want to look more formal.
Besides such a convenient feature, the Solo Duane bag has a stylish, modern design. “Inspired by the exciting buzz of Lower Manhattan, this collection channels a downtown spirit into stylishly laid-back bags complementing the urban lifestyle. It is stylish with an ever-cool black and grey colour pallet or confident, classic look of the black and tan,” says the brand.
But it is not only about looks and functionality. The Solo Duane messenger offers a padded compartment for 15.6-inch MacBook Pro or Dell XPS 15-size laptops, as well as a large front pocket to organize other tech devices. Moreover, a pair of pockets for wallet, keys and phone offer easy access to your essentials.
A satisfied customer noted that the material of the briefcase feels durable. Padding on the inside feels great – it fits his 15.6-inch laptop with ease. The organization was also easy with the pockets. Another day when it was raining, he noticed water droplets were just rolling off this bag. He also recommended it to his coworkers – the bag was better than expected.
Pros
- Padded laptop compartment.
- Convertible (briefcase to backpack).
- Water-resistant material.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
Not many compartments as per some reviews.
The best messenger laptop bag
RAVUO Messenger Bag
Ravuo messenger is another high-quality, water-resistant canvas laptop satchel. Although it is stated as a men’s bag, we find the style unisex for it is perfect for college or business for both men and women.
What makes this Ravuo bag especially useful is two strong buckles on the flap: a little extra detail to secure all your valuables. Besides those two buckles the large zipper closure provides double security for your laptop and wallet.
This satchel bag, unlike Solo Duane, offers fourteen pockets to store all your essentials separately, without the necessity to carry another purse. Overall, you get one zipper pocket on the flap to store the laptop, two front pockets under the flap for small items, one large zipper pocket with eight card slots, two pen sleeves, one key chain and two side pockets for the power bank, one back zipper pocket with leather clasp.
Although you cannot convert this bag into a backpack, the adjustable shoulder strap allows you to carry it as a shoulder or crossbody bag.
As a customer noted, he was surprised at the quality of the bag for the price. (The company even included a notecard that mentions a one-year quality warranty.) All the details and stitching are perfect and the zippers seem durable and of high quality, he added.
Pros
- Ideal gift option.
- High quality material.
- Spacious with various compartments.
- Budget-friendly.
Cons
- As per some reviewers, the only downside is that the laptop section is not heavily padded on the bottom.
The best leather laptop bag for men
KomalC 16 Inch Buffalo Leather
We keep discussing the best laptop bags for men, and this KomalC is a vintage-inspired satchel, made from high-quality leather.
It is a known fact that small brands, compared to the mass-market, care for their reputation more by delivering a product of outstanding quality. KomalC is not an exception. It is a small family business based in Chicago, Illinois. Their passion is in designing exquisite handmade leather accessories.
This 16 Inch Buffalo Leather briefcase is not an exception. As one customer said, he searched for and looked at many bags for his commute to work and this one is the best. It is very well-made and is exactly what he was hoping for when he bought it. He added that the KomalC bag provides enough room for his MacBook Pro (15”) and IPad Pro (12.9”) as well as other things.
According to many other reviewers it is easy to sling around your body or just carry on your shoulder.
What we love the most about this briefcase is how durable it is. Just like leather that is meant to age gracefully, the stitching and clasps were finished with lastingness in mind. Due to its timeless and classy design, as well as quality, you can expect to use this laptop satchel for years to come.
Pros
- 100% Full Grain Leather.
- Rustic vintage look.
- Spacious with various compartments.
- Tight snap closure.
Cons
- Might feel heavy on the shoulder.
The best women’s leather laptop bag
Tory Burch Triple Complartment
If you are willing to spend a little more on a laptop/work bag, this tote from Tory Burch is an elegant, sophisticated option. The feminine style and high-quality supple leather make this Perry tote bag a choice number one for many ladies working in an office environment.
According to Wirecutter, “The Tory Burch Perry Triple-Compartment Tote Bag is pricey, but it makes up for that with its refined stitching, supple leather, and structured design. The stitching on ours was perfect and did not fray, the leather felt luxuriously smooth, and the upright design never slouched or tipped.”
Tory Burch designers made sure to create a functional bag while keeping it simple. The Perry tote comes with four interior compartments: one center zipper pocket for a laptop and three open pockets for small items. Overall, unlike most tote bags (even designer ones) this one has more organizational structure due to various compartments.
This Tory Burch bag is refreshing and different, said a satisfied customer, it is larger than its competitors. It has unique colours (pick from six options). If you want a bag that is different and subtly beautiful, sturdy, and spacious, then this one is for you, she added.
Pros
- Comes in six colours.
- Functional and stylish.
- Ideal with casual and business attire.
- High quality leather.
Cons
- Maximum laptop size 13 inches.
- Expensive.
The best professional laptop bag/ best laptop bag for work
Fossil Haskell Double Zip Workbag
There is no denying that a backpack, a satchel or a tote, especially made from canvas are convenient and durable to wear. They are also more casual looking than leather and can be used by both students and office workers. Yet, if you are looking for a strictly professional laptop bag that has a formal appearance and would look good at any corporate meeting or office environment, then look no further.
Fossil Haskel laptop bag is made of high-quality leather which is durable, ages well and looks elegant. As one customer noted, the Haskell bag looks nice and is not too heavy. It fits in his laptop with room to spare. He also loves all the zippers and compartments: useful to store a laptop, paper files and folders, a cellphone, wallet and other essentials.
The bag can easily fit a 15” laptop in a padded pocket. Besides, you can place other items around the bag in one zip pocket, two slide pockets, and elastic loops for pens.
Even though it is a formal-looking, professional laptop bag, it is comfortable to carry around with one adjustable and detachable crossbody strap and two handles.
Pros
- High quality leather.
- Professional, formal style.
- Enough space to store laptop and other electronic devices as well as paper files.
Cons
- Expensive.
The best backpack with laptop sleeve
Coach Hitch Backpack
Yes, the Hitch Coach backpack comes at a higher price tag, yet it offers so many practical and stylish features that we decided to include it in the list. This backpack combines the classic style of leather bag and the functionality of modern gear. In fact, due to the versatility, size and quality of this backpack, you can take it anywhere from the workplace to a weekend getaway.
The Hitch backpack is crafted of soft sport calf leather which does not only look sophisticated but ages well are easy to clean, and is a durable, yet soft-to-touch material. But, besides its pleasant appearance and a comfortable lightweight style, this backpack has thought-through space.
You can easily fit your 15” laptop in an inner sleeve, while interior multifunction pockets are designed to hold smaller items. Moreover, there are two large exterior side pockets for easy access to such essentials as your passport, wallet or cellphone. As one customer noted, he took the Hitch backpack on a business trip. He loves pockets, roomy compartments and lightweight wear. This will be his go-to travel carry-on for laptops and other work accessories, the customer added.
Pros
- High-quality leather.
- Inside laptop sleeve, and multifunction pockets.
- Adjustable shoulder straps.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- Expensive.
The best laptop bag for travel
eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
A customer who wanted something small yet functional for air travel said that this eBag laptop backpack is perfect for her. The bag has lots of well-laid-out pockets. She noted it takes a bit of getting used to the side opening of the compartments, but no issue once you get used to it. The fabric is excellent, she added.
If you are an active traveler, and often take your laptop to work on the plane, there is no better backpack than this eBag Professional. Besides travelers, students and office workers with a casual dress code find this bag useful. The backpack, despite its compact size, offers tons of secure compartments. No wonder it is called Professional Slim.
Unlike most laptop bags, this backpack’s laptop sleeve can fit a 17” device. Meanwhile, a crushproof AC-adapter garage and a front vertical zippered pocket offer security and convenience.
Another feature that makes this backpack an ideal travel companion is the Teflon-coated design: the exterior material repels water effectively protecting your laptop and other belongings. And lastly, the space is so well organized you will forget about trying to dig out headphones or a snack from the bottom of the bag.
Pros
- Lifetime Warranty.
- Fits up to 17” laptop.
- Converts from a backpack to briefcase.
- Well-padded vented Airmesh back panel.
- Lockable compartments.
Cons
- Not ideal for large gadgets like DSLR cameras: it is a slim backpack.
Volher Laptop Backpack
Compared to the eBag Professional Slim backpack this Volher comes at a lower price, yet with some extra functions. The reason many professionals choose it for business travel is, first of all, a built-in USB charger that can be found on the outside. (It also includes a built-in USB charger on the inside.) This feature is especially appreciated by anyone who spends a lot of time on work commuting: charge your phone while walking, flying or riding.
The Volher laptop backpack is made of water-resistant durable polyester fabric: expect long-lasting usage and protection of your valuable belongings. Besides those convenient features, the backpack has a stylish, modern and minimal aesthetic.
Speaking of the storage compartments, the only factor it concedes to the eBag backpack is a smaller size laptop sleeve (15”). Other than that, you can pack an iPad, charger, books and other items in one spacious packing compartment. Mesh pockets on both sides are designed for water bottles and anything you need quick access to.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact.
- Ideal for business travel.
- Stylish minimal design.
- Durable exterior material.
- Built-in USB port.
Cons
- Slow battery charging as per some reviews.
The best laptop backpack for students
KÅNKEN LAPTOP 15″
Favourite among many students, the classic Kånken is not only for textbook carrying. Thanks to the padded pocket, the backpack becomes a computer bag. The padding protects your laptop from jostling and scratching. Speaking of padding, the shoulder straps have soft layering which makes them comfortable to carry all day long around campus and during commuting.
Moreover, Fjällräven Kånken is made from hard-wearing Vinylon F material. It proved durability through years of wearing. Add to it a stylish design and an ultimate size that fits a 15” laptop, textbooks and notepads.
A customer noted that the Kanken 15″ is seriously the perfect size backpack for school. Whenever she goes on vacation, this is the backpack she packs all her things in it because it is so roomy. It fits a normal-sized water bottle in the side pockets, which the classic Kanken cannot. This also has padded straps, so if you have really heavy books your shoulders won’t hurt. Overall, this is the perfect backpack to get if you are struggling to find a backpack for school, she promises.
Pros
- Durable material.
- Stylish design.
- Roomy inside.
Cons
- As per some customers the backpack does not have enough structure,
Why trust us
Like many of our readers, including those who are right now looking for the best laptop bag, we work at offices, go to school and carry our laptops anywhere from a workplace to a coffee shop. Therefore, we understand the importance of a proper laptop bag that protects your device and only adds convenience to your daily commute to work.
We selected laptop satchels for our list based on thorough research. Our research included an analysis of the most popular laptop bags on the market, other buying guides’ opinions (LaptopMag, PackHacker, Wirecutter), and hundreds of reviews from satisfied customers.
Moreover, we only included laptop messengers, backpacks and tote bags that earned at least four stars and were tested by many customers who swear on the comfort, durability and style of those bags.
Questions and answers about laptop bags
How to measure laptop for a bag?
It is important to double-check whether your laptop would fit the bag you buy, especially those bags that have a designated compartment or a sleeve for a computer. The easy way to measure your laptop is diagonally from edge to edge. Keep in mind that the original size of your laptop does not include the frame that surrounds the screen. For example, if the brand says the laptop sleeve is 15” (and the measurements you took at home show 15.6”) then your laptop won’t fit the pocket. Which means you need to look for a bag with a 17” laptop sleeve.
How to carry a laptop without a laptop bag?
It only makes sense to protect your working horse gadget from scratches and jolts. While a proper computer bag is the best way to cushion your laptop, there are other ways to protect it without buying a satchel or a backpack. The very basic way to protect your laptop is to put a sticker skin on the lid and the back. The sticker skin protects a laptop from scratches and keeps it clean, preventing fingerprint marks.
The second thing you could do is buy a laptop sleeve. A laptop case is much cheaper than an actual bag. They also come in a variety of materials, and sizes. Hence, if you do not have to take your laptop to an office or school every day, or drive a car instead of taking public transportation, consider a laptop sleeve.
How to clean a laptop bag?
Depending on the exterior/interior material type you could do a few things to clean your laptop bag. You can wipe down the exterior with a wet washcloth or disinfecting wipes. To get rid of tough stains use a cleaner spray. To clean inside the bag, you can simply vacuum the interior.
How to wash laptop bag in the washing machine?
It is not advised to wash a laptop bag in a washing machine. Constant cycling can damage zippers and soft padding that protects your computer.
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