Hello everyone … I’m hoping to get some suggestions about the best backpack to take on a short upcoming trip, so that I can leave my suitcase at home. I’m trying to find something ... that will protect my laptop and tablet, look professional, and will have space for a couple days’ worth of clothes and travel essentials. Thanks for your help!Read more
#1 Inateck 40L Travel Backpack
#1 Inateck 40L Travel Backpack
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Have you considered Inateck? Their 40L Travel Backpack fits the description of what you’re looking for really well. I take mine on weekend trips and it’s perfect for holding my laptop, Kindle, books, makeup bag, and at least two outfits. This is pretty much the closest thing I’ve found to a wearable suitcase - and it unzips on three sides, so I can pack it similar to one. It has a really sleek, professional appearance so I feel comfortable going straight from the airport to a meeting with clients. It’s an ideal carry-on for flights.... Read more
I love all of the little pockets on the Inateck. There are just enough, and in the right places, for stashing my charger, keys, and sunglasses, plus there’s a decent water bottle holder on the outside and even a tiny change pocket built into the shoulder strap.
I was going to say pretty much the same thing … I have an Inateck 40L and it’s really helpful for keeping everything in the right place. The best part is the anti-theft zipper compartment - it lays against my back when I’m wearing the backpack, so it’s especially secure. I always put my passport in there when I’m walking through the airport or heading to my hotel.
@Anita Pearson, is it large enough for a 17” laptop?
Yes, absolutely! Mine is actually 17.3” and it fits fine.
I almost always travel with my 17” laptop, plus an iPad and a Kindle. There are padded compartments for each of them, and straps to keep them in place so they won’t get damaged during travel.
The Inateck 40L backpack is the only bag I take on weekend trips, whether it’s a business trip or a quick getaway. It’s surprisingly spacious, but it doesn’t look big or bulky. I’ve been using it pretty regularly for about a year, and it’s held up really well. The material doesn’t scratch easily, and the rain cover has been incredibly useful. I usually wear it as a backpack, but sometimes I carry it by the side handle like a duffel bag, with the shoulder straps packed away. When I’m on a longer trip, I can slide it over the extendable handle of my suitcase.
I use this backpack for my daily commute on the train. I’ve also taken it on a number of flights, and it fits into the overhead bin with no problem … on some flights I can even get away with it under the seat!
I love how the Inateck never seems to get too heavy or unbalanced, especially if you have a heavy laptop. It just slides into the padded compartment closest to your back, which minimizes back strain. There’s lots of padding to keep your devices safe and secure, and to cushion your back.
@Ryan Pham, are the shoulder straps comfortable? Do you think this could be a good hiking bag?
I’m sure you could use this for hiking. The shoulder straps are well padded, so it’s comfortable even when it’s pretty full. It has a chest strap that is helpful with weight distribution, and it’s very breathable.
#2 Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
#2 Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack
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As long as it’s not raining, I would recommend the Hynes Eagle Travel Backpack. I had to buy a separate rain cover because although it’s waterproof enough for a light drizzle, ... I needed more protection for my electronics.Read more
@Keith Hill, my main concern is trying to find a backpack that will be comfortable if I have to wear it for most of the day … how do you rate this one?
I often wear this backpack for several hours at a time, and it doesn’t hurt my back. The shoulder straps are heavily padded, and you can also use the chest and waist straps if you ... need them. If you get tired of using it as a backpack, it becomes a duffel without too much trouble. Read more
The Hynes Eagle backpack is really lightweight when empty, but you can store a surprising amount inside. It seems really well made. For a backpack, it looks really good … ... it’s certainly not the same kind of backpack that my kids take to school with them!Read more
I was concerned that it wouldn’t fit under the seat during flights, but it usually does. However, I should point out that I have a 15” laptop and it just barely fits. You’re going ... to need a bigger bag if you have one of those extra large, heavy duty laptops. Read more
#3 SwissGear Travel Gear 1900
#3 SwissGear Travel Gear 1900
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It’s not particularly trendy, but I’ve been very satisfied with my SWISSGEAR Travel Gear 1900. It’s the backpack I use for my daily commute, and I’ve also taken it on weekend trips, day trips, ... and short hikes. I’ve always felt that my electronics were properly protected in the special padded compartment. It’s a heavy-duty backpack that does the job, although it seems too “student-ish” to bring into meetings with clients. Read more
This backpack was fine for a few months, but then the seams started to fray, especially around the zippers. Maybe my mistake was trying to fill it with too many heavy textbooks.
The zippers and seams seem sturdy to me, but I don’t usually carry anything much heavier than clothes and my tablet.
The SWISSGEAR is a great backpack for an overnight trip, but probably not for a whole weekend. It doesn’t look like anything special, so it may not work for business travelers, ... but it’s really good for protecting your laptop and tablet. I’m happy to have the padding every time I have to put the bag on the ground.Read more
I bought this “TSA-friendly” backpack because I was tired of having to remove my laptop and tablet every time I went through airport security. Sadly, some airports ... still require me to completely pull them out during security. :( Read more
#4 The North Face Jester
#4 The North Face Jester
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I love the North Face Jester backpack. It’s a real classic that I originally bought for school. There isn’t anything exceptional about it, but it’s a very well made backpack that ... can hold a pretty impressive amount of stuff. I’ve taken it on a few weekend trips, and it comes to work with me on the subway almost every day. It’s so versatile that I never have to think before throwing my laptop in, along with any other notebooks or devices that I might need for the day.Read more
I like this backpack, but it’s more of a day pack than something for a business trip. I think the capacity is under 30 liters, so it’s not big enough to store everything I need for a weekend away.... I bought one for my son, who’s currently a junior in high school, and it’s just the right size for his laptop, textbooks, and pencil case. I just use mine for day trips or hiking.Read more
I sometimes use it to carry a laptop or tablet, but it’s definitely not big enough to be your only piece of luggage on a business trip. It’s perfect for my bike commute, though.
I bought one for my grandson but it doesn’t fit all of his textbooks -- it wasn’t deep enough. He really likes it, possibly just for the brand though.
#5 Volher Laptop Backpack
#5 Volher Laptop Backpack
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I’ve had good luck with the Volher laptop backpack. It’s great for storing my 13” MacBook Air, and there’s another roomy compartment for books, clothes, iPad, etc. The front pockets are ... perfect for smaller items, and being able to charge my phone inside my bag has been really convenient. I think this backpack looks really professional, especially for the price, and it’s big enough for an overnight trip.Read more
The USB charging port is a good idea, but the cable they provide seems really cheap. I bought a brand new battery pack, but the cable didn’t charge my iPhone.
The Volher is a solid backpack for work. It’s probably not big enough for anything more than an overnight trip, but it has lots of useful pockets. It looks professional enough to ... take into the office and it’s sturdy enough to stand up on its own, which is unusual for an inexpensive backpack. It’s not waterproof but it’s definitely water resistant. Read more
Wow, it seems like we purchased two completely different backpacks -- the stitching on mine started to fall apart after two months, and the zippers really don’t seem very sturdy. ... Mine definitely got wet in the rain! Read more
#6 Venture Pal Daypack
#6 Venture Pal Daypack
Top comments:
I have a Venture Pal that I bought as a daypack, but I’ve ended up using it for short weekend trips, as well. If you don’t need to bring too much stuff, it’s a good little bag. ... It’s lightweight but seems durable, has lots of useful pockets, and there’s a waterproof pouch inside. I sometimes carry my 13” laptop in it, too. Read more
@Alice Ramsey, the Venture Pal is a great hiking bag, but do you really put your laptop in there? I tried that once but I was concerned it would get damaged (and it made the bag too heavy).
It’s not really designed to hold a laptop, but I keep mine it is own padded case, plus I sometimes wrap it in my jacket.