Avoid cramming your pricey laptop into a too-small bag with these spacious backpacks, each expertly designed to accommodate a full 16 inches of tech.
(Photo: Alpaka)
Nowadays, carrying your laptop around with you isn’t just a perk – it’s often a necessity. Whether you’re commuting to the office, working on the go or hunkering down in a café for a productive day in front of the screen, there are a wide range of backpacks able to accommodate varying laptop sizes. If you’ve got a 16-incher that needs storing, we’ve looked into all the backpacks currently on the market that accommodate this size and picked out our 5 favourites below.
Elements Backpack Pro
Style meet functionality with this backpack, whose contoured back panel and padded shoulder straps are designed to ensure all-day comfort. With a 26-litre capacity and smart internal organisation, it keeps your essentials neatly arranged while looking good too. It features a suspended, padded laptop pocket that fits a 16-inch laptop, and there’s also a luggage passthrough and two large water bottle pockets. With weatherproof fabrics and a magnetic sternum strap, users can easily adapt the backpack to their needs.
Troubadour Apex 3.0
(Photo: Troubadour)
This is a popular choice for those who prefer a polished, modern-briefcase aesthetic with all the convenience of a traditional backpack. Smart enough for the office yet practical enough for everyday use, it’s gained wide appeal for its fusion of elegance, durability and comfort. The backpack’s structured, recycled-polyester body is both sturdy and sophisticated, and thanks to waterproofing treatment and sealed zippers your belongings stay safe in bad weather. Ergonomic features like plush back panels and memory-foam straps also add comfort, while a neoprene-lined top handle is a handy feature too. The backpack fits laptops up to 17 inches.
Aer Duffel Pack 3
This stylish, ergonomic backpack is a popular choice among fitness enthusiasts who like to hit the gym before or after work. Designed for comfort and versatility, it claims to distribute weight, making heavy loads feel lighter. It features a plush, breathable back panel and contoured shoulder straps that ensure all-day comfort, while a sternum strap helps with weight balance. A ventilated shoe compartment and antimicrobial-treated interior keep sweaty gear separate, and the padded laptop compartment – large enough for a 6 inch laptop – sleek zippered pockets and durable exterior help make it just as work-friendly as it is gym-ready.
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
(Photo: Timbuk2)
Don’t be fooled by its slim 20-litre profile – this durable backpack fits an impressive amount into its slender frame – including chargers, tablets, laptops up to 17 inches and even a Nintendo Switch, all while keeping everything secure and easily accessible. The backpack features multiple compartments, including the plush-lined laptop sleeve, an organised front section and a flexible water bottle pocket. Compression straps help adjust the size when carrying less, while waterproof bottom protection mitigates the risk of any spillages.
July Carry All Backpack
With its sleek design, leather-wrapped details, and gunmetal hardware, this backpack combines the polished look of a tote with the comfort of a backpack. Popular with travellers, it has a sturdy luggage sleeve, a hidden passport pocket, and a water-resistant exterior that can stave off even the heaviest of downpours. Inside, the thoughtfully designed compartments include a tablet sleeve, zippered pouch, and a padded 16-inch laptop compartment. Another standout feature is the fully enclosed zippered water-bottle pocket, adding to the backpack’s clutter-free, stylish look.