It’s only befitting that a MacBook Pro’s backpack is well-designed, efficient, and convenient. After all, those qualities are pretty much the namesake of MacBook Pro. So if you’re looking for the best backpack to carry your most prized machine, you’ve come to the right place.
Given that the size of the MacBook has reduced over the past few years, you don’t need a big and bulky bag. The consensus is that the compact the backpack, the better. That said, MacBook Pro is probably not the only thing going into the backpack, so you do want some volume and organization.
It’s also important to mention the disappearing ports from the device, which may call for some extra accessories, which, of course, would again go into the bag.
Table of Contents
Best MacBook Pro Backpacks
Here are some of the best laptop backpacks, explicitly considering the size and design of MacBook Pros:
Bellroy Classic Backpack 2nd Edition
Bellroy has mastered what it takes to make a backpack that’s true, in essence, a complete backpack. The Bellroy Classic 2nd Edition looks like any other ordinary backpack, but its design is precisely engineered to provide comfort and convenience. The great thing is that you can fit both the 13-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro.
You have thorough padding on the back and the shoulder straps, which make it pretty comfortable to carry it all day long. The laptop pocket is also padded, so your precious laptop stays safe. A quick grab handle on the top makes it easy to carry it up and put on your shoulders.
You have an external quick access pocket for ids and other such frequently needed stuff. There are inner pockets for housing all your laptop and phone accessories. It also has a padded iPad pocket with a pen slip.
It doesn’t have a side pocket for a water bottle like in traditional backpacks, but that’s not so much a flaw as it is a design choice. If anything, it makes it look cleaner and more straightforward.
This Bellroy laptop bag is perfect for daily commuters. What sets it apart is the quality of the materials, as the leather is sourced from eco-friendly tanneries. Also, its stylish design may earn you the title of having the most stylish backpack in the room.
Pros
- Minimalistic design
- Decent padding
- Space-efficient organization
- Lots of color choices
- Three-year warranty
Con
- No water bottle pocket
High Sierra Loop Laptop Backpack
For those looking for a viable backpack solution but at a smaller price tag, the High Sierra Loop is a good option. It’s one of those bags you can use for the daily commute and use when traveling. Those who know their way around packing hacks can take advantage of its many pockets.
With multiple large compartments and smaller zipped pockets, there’s room for a lot of items. As for your MacBook, this bag is good for the 13-inch one, not the bigger one, as it can only accommodate a 15-inch laptop. Nevertheless, it’s remarkable considering you can also keep books, folders, pens, chargers, iPad, and a water bottle on the side.
The laptop compartment is at the very back and is fully padded. The yoke-style S-shaped shoulder straps are also adequately padded. The suspension system of the straps makes them ideal for traveling.
It’s cheap mainly because it’s made of polyester, but that doesn’t mean it’s low-quality. This should give you a few good years easily.
Even though it houses so much stuff, it distributes the weight well. As a result, it should be comfortable to carry even if you have long commutes or travels. The overall capacity of the bag is a whopping 33 pounds.
Pros
- Convenient organization
- Padded TechSpot tablet sleeve
- Spacious
- Good value for money
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not weatherproof
- Not stylish
Timbuk2 Authority Backpack
The Timbuk2 Authority Backpack is the best choice for those who want something rugged and lasting. At first look, it doesn’t look like a stylish backpack, and that’s because style is not the focus here. The focus is on quality and functionality.
The backpack is made of 400D polyester, which is undoubtedly going to last long. There are two main compartments, one of which has organized pockets for a tablet, notebook, charger, stationery, etc. The other main room can house your MacBook and a change of clothes quickly.
This one fits 15-inch laptops easily, so you should also fit in the 16-inch MacBook. One particularly nice feature is that the zipper is located at the rear end of this compartment so that you can access the laptop quickly. The back panel has a ventilated Air mesh panel and a removable sternum strap.
For those who like their backpack compact, this doesn’t feel bulky even when full. When it’s not complete, you can use the compression straps at the bottom to adjust the size. There’s reflective tape under the compression straps, which serves as a safety feature for pedestrians and bikers.
Pros
- Sturdy construction
- Organized pockets
- Easy and quick access
- Compression straps
- Lots of space
Con
- Not waterproof
Mancro Laptop Backpack
The Mancro Laptop Backpack is one of the most popular bags for laptops, and all the right reasons. What makes it ideal for MacBook Pro is its waterproof, padded laptop compartment. It comes in two sizes: 15.6 inches (15-inch laptop or smaller) and 17.3 inches (up to 17-inch laptop).
The main compartment of the backpack has ample space for books, stationery, iPad, chargers, etc. A Velcro strap will secure the MacBook Pro over the laptop sleeve in the back. Then you have plenty of small pockets for secondary items and small essentials.
The slanted pocket on the front of this bag is best for keeping id or metro card. There’s an inner pocket for cash and bank cards. Basically, there’s plenty of organization, which makes this ideal for someone who likes it all super organized.
The bag is super secure as it comes with its very own lock. Another great feature is that it has a built-in USB charging port. That works out great when you want to charge your phone somewhere. There are no charging outlets.
As for comfort, the shoulder straps and back are padded and designed to sit naturally on your shoulders. You can adjust these straps according to your height. More importantly, it’s made of eco-friendly material, which is also water-resistant.
Pros
- Contemporary design
- USB charging
- Comes with a high-quality lock
- Lightweight backpack (1.5 pounds)
- Durable and smooth zippers
Con
- Side pockets are relatively small
Incase EO Travel Backpack
If you’re looking for bags for a laptop that are great for traveling, Incase EO Travel Backpack is one option. Designed with traveling in mind, this bag can hold 17 inches laptop. As a result, it should easily accommodate a 16-inch MacBook Pro.
For the best laptop protection, it features a fully padded sleeve. This bag has one of the best paddings on the back, so it feels comfortable even wearing for long periods. This one can expand by up to 35 percent when you release its side compression straps, giving you even more space to fit in your travel essentials.
Accessing the laptop sleeve is easy, making it ideal for airport travel where you may have to take out your laptop for security screening. The clamshell design makes it lie flat, making it perfect for overhead storage in planes and trains. Another protective feature of this laptop bag is that it’s water-resistant.
Its size and weight capacity make it best for air travel, as you can use it as a carry-on. If you frequently travel for work and need laptop bags that double as luggage, this will do the job well. The company claims it’s good enough for a three-week trip, so you can imagine how spacious it must be.
Pros
- Great for traveling
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Water-resistant
- Minimalistic style
- Expandable
Con
- No side pockets
Buyer’s Guide
When looking for the best laptop backpack for your MacBook Pro, you need to consider a few essential things. You can fit in the laptop in any bag, but it’s best if it’s designed specifically for laptops. After all, your laptop deserves all the protection and care it can get in a backpack.
Size and Capacity
First thing’s first, you need to decide on a size. You’ll need to consider the size of your laptop. In some bags, laptops go into a specific laptop compartment, so ensure that the compartment is compatible with your laptop size.
Generally speaking, a backpack more significant than 17 inches in height is good as it can easily accommodate up to 17-inch laptops. However, if you have a 13-inch MacBook, you can go for a smaller bag.
Similarly, you need to pay attention to the overall capacity as well. It should be able to accommodate all the items you regularly commute with, for example, notebooks, stationery, charger, tablet, and personal care products. The main compartment should be large enough to carry your laptop and perhaps a few books or a change of clothes.
Materials
A backpack is as good as the materials it’s made of. So always invest in a bag that’s made of high-quality materials. The best laptop bags are usually made of canvas or synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. When buying these synthetic fabric laptop backpacks, pay attention to the deniers.
The deniers will tell you the weight and strength of the fabric. Also, it would help if you decided whether or not you want a weatherproof bag. That would increase the price, but it’s necessary to live in a wet place with frequent rain or snow.
Zippers
Zippers are usually the first thing to break in a backpack. A high-quality, smooth zipper can make all the difference. You can ensure quality zippers by purchasing from a reliable brand that only uses top-quality zippers.
For comparison, YKK zippers are the best, so go for YKK zippers or similar. It doesn’t necessarily need to have heavy-duty zippers, just something reliable.
Comfort
An uncomfortable bag is not merely an inconvenience; it’s also a health hazard. You don’t want to strain your back and shoulders. Ensure the bag you’re buying is comfortable enough to wear daily.
It should have ample padding on the back and in the shoulder straps. The straps should be adjustable, so you can adjust the bag according to its weight and height.
FAQs
Where to Buy a Laptop Backpack?
You can buy laptop bags for excellent prices online. Amazon is a great place to start as you have so many laptop backpacks in one place. From budget-friendly to high-end ones, there’s something for everyone.
You can also choose a bag from the list above as they’ve been carefully picked to provide a versatile range of backpacks. Most of them are good enough for 15-inch laptops, so if you have a bigger laptop, go for a 17-inch backpack.
Who Makes the Best Backpacks?
There are a lot of brands that are known for their quality materials, craftsmanship, and customer support. Some of the well-know backpack brands include Swiss Gear, Jan Sport, Patagonia, Herschel Supply Co., Timbuk2, and Osprey.
There are some new players in the market too that are bringing innovative designs to the table. Some of these are Bellroy, Mancro, and Kopack.
These are all trusted names in the world of backpacks and travel gear, so you can be sure about the quality. However, that doesn’t mean these are your only options.
Can I Travel with a Laptop Backpack?
Yes, you can easily travel with a laptop backpack. However, not all backpacks are travel-friendly.
If you travel frequently, you may want a bag with ample space for all your items. It should also be comfortable to wear for long durations and may even have anti-theft features.
Also, it doesn’t hurt if it’s easy to access the laptop, as you may have to take it out at airport security. Otherwise, you may earn the title ‘the person who is holding up the line.’
Conclusion
The best laptop bag for your MacBook will make it so much easier to commute and travel with it. Your laptop is only second to your phone, and you need it all the time.
Investing in a high-quality laptop backpack is a smart choice because it can easily give you years of use. For that, you should be ready to spend over a hundred bucks. If you don’t have that kind of budget, you can also find something great in just under 50 bucks.
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