Laptop bags

How to choose a laptop bag

A laptop bag is insurance: the right size and proper padding save your computer on the bus and in the rain. We stock over 360 bags, sleeves and backpacks — think first about how big your laptop is and how you carry it.

• Screen diagonal. Bags are made for a set size: 11–13″, 14″, 15.6″, 16″ and 17.3″, gaming bags up to 18″. Compare your laptop's width with the compartment — a thin 16″ laptop often fits a 15.6″ bag, a thick gaming machine does not. The left-hand filter sorts bags by screen size.
• Bag type. A backpack spreads the weight over both shoulders when a charger and books come along. A shoulder bag or briefcase is more formal and opens quickly in a meeting. A sleeve protects against scratches inside another bag.
• Padding. The laptop compartment should be padded on every side, and the laptop must not reach the bottom of the bag; corner guards or a hard shell (Targus Dome) save it in a fall.
• Material and rain. Polyester and nylon (800D–1680D) shrug off wear, neoprene is light, PU leather looks smart. Most bags are water-repellent — fine in rain, not in a puddle.
• Volume. 15–20 l is enough for the city, 25–30 l for an overnight trip. A USB charging port (Natec Camel Pro, Port Designs San Francisco) feeds your phone from a power bank without opening the bag.
• Security. Anti-theft backpacks (Rivacase Prater, Port Designs Chicago EVO) open from the back, and the Targus Mobile Elite is lockable. For flying, a compartment that unfolds flat stays packed at security.

Laptop bags in our range

Most of the range is laptop backpacks for 14–17.3″ laptops: Thule Subterra 2 and EnRoute, Targus GeoLite EcoSmart, Lenovo ThinkPad Essential, Case Logic Propel, Rivacase Urban, Dell EcoLoop. Gaming backpacks from Lenovo Legion, Dell Alienware and ASUS ROG take up to 18″. Shoulder bags and briefcases for the office: Targus Classic and Intellect Slim (190 g), Case Logic Advantage, Rivacase Regent, Port Designs Courchevel. Sleeves for 11–16″ come in neoprene or EVA foam (Rivacase Antishock, Trust Primo); Thule Gauntlet and Lithos are tailored to the MacBook. For travel there are rolling cases (Rivacase 8481, Targus CitySmart) and 28–40 l travel backpacks.

Brands

Thule is a Swedish brand known for well-designed carry systems and hard-wearing fabric. Targus has made business bags for decades; the EcoSmart series is recycled plastic. Rivacase has the widest choice and the most affordable end. Case Logic is Thule's simpler sister brand with firm padding. Lenovo and Dell cut their bags to their own laptops' dimensions. Port Designs is a French brand with the design-led Milano II series; Natec and Genesis offer good volume for the money.

Related products

Browse bags by type: laptop backpacks, laptop shoulder bags and laptop sleeves. A new computer is under laptops; for the desk, see laptop stands — the full selection is in laptop accessories. A bag reaches an Omniva, DPD or Venipak locker in 1–2 working days.

Frequently asked questions

Will a 16-inch laptop fit a 15.6″ bag? Often yes — new 16″ laptops have slim bezels and are no wider than old 15.6″ ones. Compare the compartment size with the laptop's width.

What is the difference between waterproof and water-repellent? Water-repellent fabric sheds rain, but seams and zips leak in a downpour. Cyclists should pick a rain cover or a roll-top closure.

Does a backpack count as cabin luggage? Up to 25 l usually fits cabin limits; for 30–40 l bags, check your airline's rules.

How do I wash the bag? By hand with lukewarm water and a soft brush, never in the washing machine — padding and coating will not survive the spin.

Are there bags made for the MacBook? Yes — Thule Gauntlet and Lithos are cut precisely to MacBook Air and Pro dimensions.