Do I Need a Laptop Backpack for a Laptop?

Whether you commute with your laptop to work, take it to classes, or bring it on holidays, traveling with a laptop can be tricky. When you're out and about, your laptop can be an easy target for thieves. But more importantly, it can get damaged without you even noticing.

A laptop backpack is ideal for transporting your computer, while keeping it safe. Similar to a regular backpack, it typically has multiple compartments and is padded enough to provide a comfortable carry. Laptop backpacks have an additional, padded pocket, specifically for a laptop. It ensures that your portable computer stays protected in one place.

A laptop sleeve vs. a travel laptop backpack

If you already have an everyday briefcase, crossbody bag, or school bag that you like, you may be tempted to throw your laptop in there. Also, if you own a laptop sleeve for your computer, it can feel secure enough. However, most sleeves only provide cosmetic protection.

A laptop sleeve helps to prevent damage as they may protect your computer from objects rattling around inside your bag. However, if you drop your bag, the computer may still break, and you may even damage the hardware.

How to pick a good laptop backpack

If you want a backpack that will protect your laptop and last for a long time, there are a few things to consider:

1. Padded built-in compartment. Laptop bags should not only have a designated, laptop pocket, they should also be padded. Skip the bags with no padding. The more padding, the better.
2. Water-resistant material. Your bag should be made from water resistant nylon, which provides extra protection that other bags don't.
3. External water bottle pocket. If the backpack is for a child who's more prone to spills (or for a clumsy adult), keeping your water bottle separate from your computer is a good idea. This feature is available in all the Kipling Seoul bags.
4. Padded shoulder straps. This is not directly related to securing your laptop, however, since computers are usually not that light, you want to be able to carry the bag around comfortably.
5. Durable material. This is also related to weight. Since you're bound to load the backpack with your laptop and other belongings, you want to ensure it can last for a long time. Kipling's signature, crinkle nylon (a feature of the Seoul bags) is a material that can serve that purpose successfully.
6. Find the correct size. Finally, you need to ensure that you have the right size backpack for your laptop. Otherwise, your laptop may not stay snug in the designated compartment.

How to measure a laptop for a backpack

Most laptop backpacks note the size of the laptop they can carry in the product title. However, it's essential to understand that this size of the laptop refers to the screen size. It is the diagonal measurement from the top corner of the screen to the bottom-opposite corner.

The best way to determine the correct size backpack to fit your laptop is to measure the laptop's case horizontally and vertically. Put your laptop on a desk and measure the width (right to left), and then measure the height (from top to bottom).

Older models can also be thicker, which is an additional variation. Even if they are 15 inches, the thickness will require extra fabric for them to fit, so it’s important to measure the depth of your laptop.

How to keep a laptop safe in a backpack

Even if you have a backpack with a protective pocket for your laptop, there is still a small chance that your computer could be damaged while being transported. To minimize those odds, here are a few things you can do to protect your laptop even more:

• Power down the computer before you put it in the bag: Save your work and either turn it off or put it in hibernation. This will stop it from overheating.
• Unplug everything from the computer: Any USB, headphones, or drive connected can bump against the computer while you travel and damage it. Make sure to unplug everything.
• Close the laptop with the screen facing inside: Some models have a reversible screen, which is more prone to break. Also, make sure there’s nothing stuck inside, between the keyboard and the screen.
• Place the laptop separately in the secure pocket: Don’t put anything else in the padded compartment other than your computer. You want to make sure it stays away from any pointy objects or anything that can spill.
• Be gentle with the bag: Finally, remember you are carrying a laptop in your backpack, so don’t throw it around.

Look for style as well as function

Now that you know how to pick the best laptop backpack to fit your needs, find the bag that fits your style best. Browse the Kipling best-selling large printed backpacks or our classic Seoul range.