The 13 Best Laptop Backpacks for Women in 2022

(Image credit: Brittany Holloway-Brown / Courtesy of Brands)

published 23 May 22

If you've recently begun commuting to work again, you’ve probably realized that your usual cotton tote bag isn’t cutting it now that you need to lug your laptop back and forth on a daily basis. If you’re constantly struggling with shoulder pain, find yourself digging into a seemingly bottomless pit in search of your keys, or just wish that you had a cute laptop bag (opens in new tab) that can carry your things from the office to happy hour, allow me to introduce to you to a selection of the very best laptop backpacks on the market. These picks have been vetted by our team of editors plus a few experts in the field who know a thing or two about looking stylish while on your morning train ride, so keep scrolling to find your new favorite pick.

Better than your usual leather tote bag (opens in new tab), the best laptop backpacks make light work of carrying all of your essentials, be it a bevy of charging cables, a water bottle, or a change of gym clothes. And while yes, all of the backpacks (opens in new tab)on this list are designed with function in mind, many of them are just plain stylish, too. Ahead, we asked Cuyana founder (opens in new tab)Shilpa Shah (opens in new tab) about her most favorite picks, as well as rounded up a few of the ones that keep team Marie Claire going.

What makes a great laptop backpack?

Say no to compartment-less backpacks in 2022! Laptop backpacks are there to ultimately make your life easier, so look for ones that come with lots of nifty design details. Your commute will at least feel seamless if you don’t need to reach into your bag’s largest compartment to pull out one of your essentials every time you want to change a song or put your book away. "When shopping for a laptop backpack, organization is key!” says Shah. “I always look for thoughtful design details like interior pockets and built-in laptop sleeves to keep your essentials in place.”

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Cuyana Leather Backpack

Best Supersized Laptop Backpack

Shah says that Cuyana’s Leather Backpack has been her “go-to for years.” Available in two sizes—13 and 16 inches, respectively—the backpack comes with a laptop sleeve built-in alongside a larger slip pocket on the inside. “This bag was truly designed with comfort in mind, with wider back straps and adjustable notches to help you carry your necessities with ease,” she says.

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MZ Wallace Metro Backpack

Best Laptop Backpack for Long Subway Rides

This plush, quilted nylon backpack from MZ Wallace is polished, sophisticated, and versatile for day or night use. The backpack comes with a removable pouch for smaller essentials and two interior cell phone pockets—one for your work phone and one for your personal.

3/13

HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. Little America Mid-Volume Backpack

Best Take-Everywhere Laptop Backpack

"This is my go-to backpack for extended trips or long subway rides where I can't be bothered to carry a regular bag. The interior laptop pocket is large enough to fit my 14-inch computer while also having a padded cushion that keeps my very expensive piece of tech safe. Mary Poppins and I have one thing and common and that is carrying a bag that seems endless with the most random things in it. I usually carry a lot with me and this bag from Hershel is large enough to carry what I need with a chic exterior that doesn't clash with what I'm wearing--yes that's important." — Alexis Gaskin, Freelance Beauty Writer

4/13

Madewell The Lorimer Backpack

The Best Everyday Laptop Backpack

If you're looking for an option that won't cost you a fortune, looks luxe, and works for everyday use, consider this pick from Madewell. The buttery soft leather will wear with time, giving it the perfect lived-in feel.

5/13

Longchamp Le Pliage Club Backpack

Best Small Laptop Backpack

"I'm a Le Pliage girl through and through, faithfully replacing mine every couple of years, but recently I've had my eye on the Le Pliage Club. The collector's version of Le Pliage—and I am nothing if not a Le Pliage collector—is the same size, but features a few updated details (colored buttons! Logo embroidery!)." — Jenny Hollander, Director of Content Strategy

6/13

AWAY The Front Pocket Backpack

Best Laptop Backpack For Travel

This pick from AWAY was designed for hands-free travel. It's made from water-resistant nylon, contains three main compartments, and can hold up to a 15" computer. If you have a suitcase from AWAY, this backpack comes with a trolley sleeve that attaches to all of the brand's wheeled options.

7/13

Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

Best Laptop Backpack If You Go to the Gym After Work

"I own the medium Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene backpack in Dune, as well as the small and large limited edition Dusky Blue. I also own a large Indi Diaper Backpack in Storm Blue. I've built a collection of these Dagne Dover bags since 2019 because the neoprene is so light and soft. The main compartment is roomy enough for gym shoes and clothes, planner books, a makeup bag, as well as an exterior side pocket that can accommodate a thin water bottle (it's Larq compatible!). Also, the interior features a laptop sleeve with an elastic enclosure to keep your laptop or tablet in place—safe and separate from your other belongings. The adjustable straps are also made of neoprene so it's easy on the shoulders during your commute. The bags are water resistant, but not stain resistant. However I throw mine in the wash under delicates and lay flat to dry and it looks brand new again." — Tanya Benedicto Klich, Senior Editor

8/13

Senreve Maestra Bag

Best Stylish Laptop Backpack

If you have a 13" computer, this option from Senreve is for you. It works as a tote or a backpack, and looks stylish either way. The stain-resistant texture also means that it will be super durable for years of constant use.

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Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

Best Discreet Laptop Bacpack

If you need a no-fuss backpack that won't look super out-of-place at your next happy hour sesh with your colleagues, this one from Calpak is a must-buy. The simple square silhouette and black detailing makes it look so timeless.

10/13

Rains Field Backpack

Best All-Weather Laptop Backpack

You'll want to break out this waterproof backpack whenever it rains or snows—this accessory can handle anything Mother Nature throws at it. It can fit most 15-inch laptops, plus a generous front pocket allows you to stick pens, gum, snacks, and other miscellaneous objects in there with ease.

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Paravel Fold-Up Backpack

Best Space-Saving Laptop Backpack

Made from 15 recycled plastic water bottles, this backpack can be folded flat and zipped into a small pouch when it’s not in use. That said, when it’s go-time, the backpack easily expands, and it’ll hold your must-have items and up to a 15-inch laptop. Plus, you can personalize it with your monogram for a custom look.

12/13

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Best Spacious Laptop Backpack

If you’re after a roomy bag with lots of compartments that isn't bulky, look no further. Not only does this style have a spacious interior, but the exterior of this well-reviewed bag offers two sizable front zip pockets that you can tuck several items in for easy access.

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Brahmin Sadie Backpack

Best Roomy Laptop Backpack

"This is my go-to laptop bag, thanks to its roomy interior (it has space for my 13'' laptop, a charger, my notebook, a book, and then some). I get compliments almost constantly on this bag, with people gushing over the glossy finish, the mock-croc texture, and the cute front lock." — J.H

Julia Marzovilla

Julia Marzovilla is an E-Commerce Writer at Marie Claire covering all things fashion, beauty, and entertainment. Offline, she’s most likely browsing the web for another pair of black boots or listening to music too loudly—often at the same time.