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Best Business Laptop Backpacks
Linsey Knerl
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December 28, 2018
Investing in a top-of-the-line laptop for your work or small business is one major step toward being productive and in charge of your day. Unfortunately, many professionals stop short of choosing a solid option for transporting their gear between work, home, and all the places the day will take you.
Dragging your laptop around can be risky, so it’s wise to take your time when selecting the best laptop backpack for business travel. Here are our choices for the top models on the market today, as well as a list of requirements to look for when making your pick.
Why choose a laptop backpack?
First, you may be wondering why a backpack is a better option than a more traditional duffel or attaché case. The truth is that while these other products can easily accommodate today’s laptop products, they aren’t the most convenient to carry.
A backpack is specifically designed to balance weight evenly across your body, reducing strain on your back and shoulders and giving you more control over how you move through tight spaces, like airport security lines.
The right backpack is also incredibly secure. No one will be able to simply snatch it out of your unsuspecting hands. Backpacks are the most modern choice, style-wise, as well. They communicate that you’re active, on-the-go, and ready to take on new challenges.
Today’s backpacks are versatile in their design and look, giving you a variety of sturdy fabric choices that can tolerate the rough treatment they will be subject to on a typical business trip. If you’re concerned that a backpack seems childish, don’t worry. The backpack has evolved over the past decade to be appropriate for every business professional, and it no longer resembles the carry-alls we had in our younger school days.
With unique options for storage, charging, and portability, backpacks are replacing other outdated carry gear, making them perfect for EDC (everyday carry) of anything - not just your laptop.
7 best laptop backpacks for professionals
Now that you know why a backpack can most definitely add to your polished presence, let’s look at some of the top HP picks available. With a wide range of sizes and styles, you’re sure to find just the right look for your travel laptop needs.
1. HP Slim laptop backpack
With a super-stylish black and gray plaid design, the HP Slim laptop backpack supports a minimalist look. It’s free from distracting designs, protruding pockets, or an oversized zipper pull. It instead gives you a worry-free way to get your HP Ultrabook or other notebook PC to where it needs to be.
The carefree polyester fabric wipes clean and looks great for years. Suitable for laptops with up to a 15.6-inch screen, this backpack can be worn as a messenger bag, too.
2. HP Powerup laptop backpack
When battery life is your top concern, there’s no substitute for the charging solution that comes built right inside the HP Powerup laptop backpack.
Its charging station accommodates up to three separate devices, including a laptop with a screen of 17.3 diagonal inches, a standard tablet, and your choice of smartphone.
When it comes to charging, you get to prioritize which device gets the most juice. The powerful 22400 mAh battery has enough backup capacity to get your HP laptop to full charge, and smartphones can get almost ten charges from the same battery life.
For anyone who has ever been stranded in an airport lobby with no access to an available outlet, there’s no disputing why this product makes our list of the best laptop backpacks for professionals.
3. HP Prelude laptop backpack
For laptops up to 15.6 inches, the HP Prelude laptop backpack is a simple way to stay organized and secure. It is a classic black color, with a light pop of blue on the interior to help you see where everything is stashed. Store your laptop, notebooks, pens, and accessories without adding a bulky look to your wardrobe.
The carefully padded pockets and casing give some major protection to your gear, adding to the chances it will stay in great shape despite your rough travel conditions. Adjustable straps make it easy to fit, or you can choose to carry it by the top loop like a handheld case. It is one of the most affordable backpacks on the market, too, offering a seriously secure solution for budget-conscious professionals.
4. HP Business 17-inch laptop backpack
With the world becoming less secure for sensitive data and personal financial info, it’s a relief to know that one of the best business laptop backpacks has your security in mind. The HP Business 17.3 laptop backpack has all the modern conveniences of style, storage, and comfort, but it offers some tech-savvy solutions, too.
In addition to having ample room for your laptop of up to 17.3 inches, it sports a set of durable double-coil, locking zippers that only you can open. Keeping your credit cards and passport info safe is a breeze thanks to the RFID pocket that comes standard on this backpack. Say goodbye to the hassles of finding a place for all your stuff on the road, and say hello to security.
5. HP ENVY Urban 15-inch laptop backpack
Today’s commuter has so much going on, and the HP ENVY Urban 15.6 laptop backpack is made to help make sense of it. Its very modern design rivals fashion bags on the market while still paying attention to the overall purpose of any of the best business backpacks out there: security.
A beautiful gray cloth exterior is accented with genuine leather handles and detailing. While its brushed appearance seems refined, it’s rugged and weather-resistant to keep your belongings protected from the elements.
If you travel through airport security quite a bit, there’s more good news. This backpack comes with a TSA-compliant laptop compartment that allows you to breeze through security with any laptop under 15 inches.
Finally, you can charge devices without ever taking them out of the bag, thanks to the design of the bag, which also comes with a hard compartment for protecting eyewear. When it comes to the needs of today’s business traveler, this commuter bag really has covered everything.
6. HP Executive Midnight 17-inch laptop backpack
Just when you thought you had to pay more for securing your business essentials, the HP Executive 17.3 laptop backpack proves that a modestly priced business laptop backpack can do the most amazing things.
This expertly made backpack accommodates a laptop of up to 17.3 inches, making it one of the roomiest on the market. With a stylish midnight color, it is modern yet it goes with everything. It offers innovative security features, including an RFID pocket, locking zipper, and a unique hidden pocket that can safely hold an optional and discrete Bluetooth tracking device.
Finally, HP thought of all the comfort needs when creating this backpack - and met them. With an adjustable and padded set of straps that fit most body types, it also has a secure loop for stacking on top of your rolling luggage. A handy top pocket keeps the stuff you need most, such as your keys, right where you can reach them easiest.
7. HP Duotone 15-inch laptop backpack
With simple styling and bold, color-blocked interior color, the HP Duotone 15.6 laptop backpack in silver is easily a contender for best laptop backpacks for business travel. Each pocket is made to expertly hold your gear, from pens to chargers to business cards, and more.
Laptops and notebooks of up to 15.6 inches will find a snug home while away from home, too. Ample padding, secure straps, and pockets make sure your stuff stays where it belongs in the busiest times of travel.
8. HP UltraSlim tablet sling
While not technically a backpack, this messenger-style bag has some serious attitude and makes it super-easy to take your tablet with you anywhere your work has you go.
The HP UltraSlim tablet sling is the right choice for getting your tablet from work to home and back again, even giving you an option for carrying paper files and some accessories, too. It has the same black and gray plaid design as the HP Slim Backpack, giving you a modern look that matches all your style choices. If you want the convenience of a backpack, with a smaller way to carry gear, consider this over-the-shoulder option from HP®.
How to choose a laptop backpack
If the options seem overwhelming, there are a few steps you can take to narrow down the possibilities and decide on just the right business backpack for you. Ask yourself the following questions to know your needs before you buy.
What size device do you use?
If you have a larger laptop, go bigger, but don’t forget that some of the slim options accommodate large screen sizes. If you are only taking along a tablet, don’t feel that you need the full space a large backpack provides. Slings and messenger bags work great for mobile devices and tablets.
Will you need backup battery power?
There are many portable batteries on the market that can easily be tucked inside your existing backpack. For assurance of long laptop battery life when you need it, however, there’s nothing better than a built-in battery.
With features such as charging prioritization and cord organizers to keeps tangles at a minimum, backpacks with batteries inside make sense for anyone who wants to pick up and go without the hassle of getting all your charging gear sorted and packed.
Is your business dealing with sensitive data?
Many workplaces require their employees to take security precautions to guard their computer and card information when traveling. If you work in industries with extra security requirements, consider upgrading to RFID pockets and secured zippers when traveling.
Will it fit?
Business laptop backpacks are made to go everywhere you go, including on a plane or train cabin. To ensure that you won’t be separated from your bag when space is limited, look for one that easily tucks under the seat in front of you and won’t be required to take up overhead bin space, which isn’t always guaranteed.
Choose a bag that has a slim profile but still gives you ample space to store those things you want to keep right at your side.
A final word on business laptop backpacks
As laptops change, the methods we use to carry them will also. This means that you should carefully consider what your future laptop needs will be before buying a backpack.
- Do you foresee getting a smaller notebook down the road? You can invest in a larger backpack now and be assured that your next model will fit just fine.
- Are you considering an upgrade to a portable workstation with a brilliant 17-inch display like the HP ZBook? Look at backpacks that will fit your future now, and you won’t be disappointed later.
With so many choices in fabrics, security standards, comfort design, and color, it can be difficult to know which features you should care about most. Ask yourself which perks are those you can’t live without, and look for a business backpack that offers those as standard.
One final thing to remember is that HP backpacks are made with HP-branded products in mind, but they can be used with any brand of device, provided it fits. Because HP® is the standard for tech, it just makes sense to trust the brand with your commuter needs, too.
How far will your business take you this year? Are you ready to go with a laptop bag that’s designed to carry your tools wherever you are? Take as much time to research your bag as you would your laptop, and you’ll be delighted with your purchase for years to come.
Related article: Best HP Laptop Bags for Women
About the Author: Linsey Knerl is a contributing writer for HP® Tech Takes. Linsey is a Midwest-based author, public speaker, and member of the ASJA. She has a passion for helping consumers and small business owners do more with their resources via the latest tech solutions.
