Best 17 Inch Laptop Backpack in 2023: Detailed Reviews and Guide

Best 17 Inch Laptop Backpack

While laptops are designed to be portable, you’re unlikely to see anyone walking down the road with one tucked under their arms.

For obvious reasons, a backpack is an essential purchase for anyone looking to carry their laptop around with them, whether it’s down the block to a cafe or to another part of the world on a business trip.

The need for a decent laptop backpack is even more important for those with a hefty 17 inch laptop, since you’re not going to be able to just use any old bag.

Let’s dive into our top picks for best 17 inch laptop backpack. Here they are…

👑 Our Pick for Best Overall

⭐ Our Other Picks for Best 17 Inch Laptop Backpack

• Best of the Best: MATEIN Laptop Backpack
• Runner Up: BRINCH Laptop Backpack
• Best on a Budget: Sosoon Laptop Backpack

Best 17 Inch Laptop Backpack Reviews

MATEIN Laptop Backpack (👑 Best of the Best)

It’s our view that the best 17 inch laptop backpack is this one from MATEIN, which is lauded by almost all who have used it.

It’s rare that you find a product on Amazon that has more than 20,000 reviews and a solid 5-star rating. This alone is testament to the quality of this backpack, and its utility. We all love to voice our gripes with products that we’ve paid for, so to find one which has relatively few negative comments about it is a rarity indeed.

But don’t just take 20,000+ people’s word for it, see for yourself if this is a backpack that has everything you need. Besides, not all reviews can be trusted, and it would be naive to only rely on anecdotal evidence.

Let’s start off with the basic product details. This backpack is suitable for 17 inch laptops, and is available in a wide variety of colors. It’s made from durable, water-resistant polyester and has a generous amount of foam padding to support your back and shoulders as you wear it. This is hugely important, since it’s hard to come across a 17 inch laptop that isn’t very heavy. Carrying the laptop on your shoulders along with chargers and other accessories can be quite the burden, so you want to make sure the material feels padded out and comfortable so it doesn’t dig into your shoulders too much. Beyond being comfortable to the touch, the material of this backpack also makes it breathable with multi-panel ventilated padding. You can even adjust the shoulder straps if needed for a more comfortable fit. Plus, there’s a convenient luggage strap on this backpack which will make it easy to attach to your luggage handle, if at any point your back or shoulders need a break.

The storage of this backpack is ample, with both exterior and interior pockets to take advantage of. On the front of the bag you have a compartment which has a pocket for your phone, pens, and a key fob hook. This gives you quick and easy access to the important stuff you’re likely to need at the airport. Then there’s a small front side pocket, which is perfect for storing important documents like boarding passes or small gadgets. Add to that the elastic pockets on the side of the backpack, which are intended for water bottles, and you have a very versatile array of exterior storage options.

Moving on the interior of the backpack, there’s plenty of space for all of your carry-on goods you could ever need for a flight, or everything you could need for a LAN party or light cafe work session. There’s a large main compartment, a front organizer compartment, and a separate laptop compartment. This is all the space you could ever need for a short trip with your laptop. There’s even an anti theft back pocket which is great for your valuables. The laptop compartment is one of the best features of this backpack, as you can get to it easily enough, and be safe in the knowledge that it’s securely being held in place even as you move around. The other great thing about it is that it’s a TSA-friendly compartment, which means that if you need to take a flight you can just unfold the laptop compartment quickly so the staff can scan it without you needing to take it out. 

This backpack also has a neat extra feature you might appreciate in the form of USB charging port access. Yes, you read that right, you can plug your devices into the a USB port on the side of your backpack to charge them. Given that gadgets tend to have short battery life these days, especially when we rely on them for entertainment and directions while travelling, this is a very handy extra. 

BRINCH Laptop Backpack (🥈 Runner Up)

Our runner up pick for the best 17 inch laptop backpack is this stylish option from BRINCH.

This backpack is available in a range of colors and patterns, and is made from durable water-repellent nylon. It has ample storage, but doesn’t sacrifice any style to achieve this, and it’s a great-looking backpack for any trip. The wide rectangular design gives you easy access to everything you need, which rids you of the need to dig through all of your belongings to get what you need.

The exterior of the bag has a small zip pocket on the front which is perfect for storing your valuables and important documents for travel with easy access. There’s also dual side pockets which are great for storing bottles for staying hydrated on the go. Considering the significant weight of most 17 inch laptops, you’ll be grateful that you have space for a water bottle in this backpack. There’s another zip pocket on the back on the laptop which is best for storing your most important belongings since they will be safe up against your back. Finally, there’s a convenient USB charging port, which means you can charge your devices on the go, which is another thing you will be grateful for on many occasions.

On the inside, there’s a spacious zipper pocket with a dedicated laptop compartment. Plus, you’ll even get a tablet pocket which can support an ipad 10.5 inches. That’s not all though. There’s also space for several A4 books or notepads, folders with documents, as well as a couple of inner pockets.

Carrying this backpack is a breeze, and you have several options which should prevent shoulder and back fatigue. The main way to carry this bag is with the adjustable padded shoulder strap which is wide to prevent the feeling of discomfort from a strap digging in. There’s a top handle too for a more conventional carry for whenever you need to switch things up. Plus, there’s a luggage belt which will let you strap it to the trolley of your luggage when your shoulders and back need a break.

Features:

•  Made from durable, water-repellent nylon material
•  USB charging port
•  Includes tablet pocket
•  Dual side pockets 
•  Adjustable padded shoulder strap
•  Luggage belt

Sosoon Laptop Backpack (💰 Best on a Budget)

The Sosson laptop backpack is our top budget pick, making it the perfect choice for anyone looking for a more affordable option.

There’s a lot to appreciate about this backpack, and at such a reasonable price, you won’t have to think twice about investing if you like the look of it. The backpack is black, and suitable for laptops as small as 13.3 inches and as large as 17 inches. Its design is simple, which could work in your favor if you’re trying to conceal the fact that you have an expensive laptop on your back. It’s made from water repellent double-pile polyester.

Looking at the exterior of the backpack, you’ll notice that there’s something interesting about the shoulder straps. That’s because on the inside, the straps are fitted with massage mats, to keep your shoulders comfortable and at all times. This is a nice touch, and while it might not feel like you’re in a top spa having your worries melt away, it can make wearing the backpack less of a chore especially considering the significant weight of most 17 inch laptops. The rear of the bag is designed for optimal airflow, with multi-panel ventilated padding which is soft, yet provides firm support for your back.

In terms of outer storage, there’s a pouch on the front which opens up to reveal a multi-pocket organisation system, ideal for a number of smaller items and gadgets. This makes for easy access, which can be very handy for getting through the airport smoothly. Then there’s an array of useful hidden pockets and holders, including a hook for sunglasses, a secure back pocket, and even a card pocket. The anti theft zipper design should help put your mind at rest that your belongings will be safe and sound too, even in these external storage spaces.

Inside the backpack, there’s one large compartment as is common with most laptop bags. However, unlike many backpacks which have the laptop compartment sharing the space with the main one, the Sosoon backpack places the laptop in a separate compartment with its own zipper at the rear of the back. Within the main compartment you’ll have ample room for in-flight entertainment like magazines, books, and anything else you could want with you for travel. Frequent flyers will also appreciate the fact that this backpack is TSA-friendly, meaning you can flip it out 180 degrees which prevents the need to unpack everything when going through security.

Finally, there’s a few extra features which further increase the value of this nifty backpack. There’s both an earphone hole and an external USB charging port. This means you can not only listen to your music as you walk around without needing to use your phone, but you can also be charging your gadgets on the go. Anyone who travels regularly and relies on technology to some extent will appreciate how beneficial it is to be able to charge a phone without needing to find a place to stop. The earphone hole is far from necessary, but helps you conserve the battery life of your phone which you might need for navigation. Alternatively, you could place your phone inside the bag and listen to music while keeping it secure.

Features:

•  Accommodates laptops between 13.3 inches and 17 inches 
•  Several compartments including separate laptop space
•  Multiple pockets and pouches for valuables 
•  Anti theft design
•  Earphone hole 
•  External USB port
•  Made from water repellent polyester
•  Includes massage pads on shoulder straps

Ultimate Guide

In order to select the best backpack for your 17 inch laptop you’re going to need to make sure it ticks all the right boxes.

There are a number of factors you should think about to make an informed decision and spend your money on the best backpack for your needs.

The most important factors will be the features of the backpack, the storage options and space, how comfortable it is to wear for you, and the protection it affords your laptop and valuables.

Storage

Without a doubt the most important factor to bear in mind is how much storage the backpack has.

First and foremost, you need to be 100% sure that the backpack is suitable for the size of laptop you have.

In this case, you’ll want to look out for a backpack that states that it can store a laptop up to the size of 17 inches.

If you weren’t already aware, a 17 inch laptop is about as big as it gets for a portable computer, so don’t expect to find a small backpack to carry it.

Once you’re confident you’ve found a backpack that accommodates the size of your laptop, it’s time to consider what storage you prefer.

Laptop Compartment

Laptops can be stored in many ways, from loose sleeves to special TSA-friendly compartments. It all depends on how quickly you want to be able to access your laptop and how secure you need it to be.

If you travel a lot for work and always bring your laptop with you then we strongly recommend you choose a backpack like the one from MATEIN which has a TSA-friendly compartment. This means you won’t have to take it out when you get to airport security, as staff will be able to scan it while it’s inside the compartment.

If you don’t need to take your laptop on flights, then this is less important, and pretty much any form of storing the laptop will suffice so long as it doesn’t move around a lot. Bear in mind that the more secure it is, the less likely it is to move around and take damage or be susceptible to theft.

Exterior Storage 

As far as exterior storage goes, you’re going to want to think about what valuables you’ll be carrying with you and if you need easy access.

For example, if you’re flying with your laptop, then it can be useful to have a backpack with a few smaller front pockets so that you can easily get your phone or important documents out when necessary.

Some backpacks, like the MATEIN one, even have specific pouches for phones, pens, and other important items which can be very handy.

It can also be useful to have a side mesh pocket or 2 if you’re likely to be walking around a lot in the sun and want to be able to take a quick swig of water on the go.

Some backpacks even have a rear pocket, and in the case of the MATEIN backpack, it’s designed to be theft-proof so you can be sure that special valuables stay safe.

It’s always nice to have exterior storage in some form, it just depends what you tend to carry with you when you travel with your laptop.

Interior Storage

Interior storage is obviously the most important part of any laptop backpack, so you need to take a look at the product photos and see if it meets your criteria.

While some backpacks will just have a single large compartment, most will have some combination of pouches, compartments, and/or sleeves.

For a laptop backpack it’s imperative that you have a compartment specifically for your laptop, as we mentioned earlier, since it needs to be fastened securely to prevent damage.

If you’re not looking to spend a fortune on a backpack for your laptop then you might be OK with just a laptop compartment and a main compartment for things like chargers and accessories, otherwise you’ll probably appreciate a more sophisticated storage system.

Some backpacks will have a number of different pouches and pockets, each designed for a certain object like a tablet, a phone, or documents.

The storage system that best suits you will be the one that accommodates everything you typically bring with you when you are out and about with your laptop.

If the majority of the time you just go to a nearby cafe to do some work then you might be fine with a minimalist storage design, but if even just once a month you go on a business trip, then going for a backpack more storage will make more sense in the long run.

The best way to figure out what interior storage system will work best for you is to place all of the items that you normally take with you when you take your laptop out on the floor or a table.

Now, think about other things that you don’t need all of the time, but will need every now and again.

Take a look at everything laid out in front of you, and then take another look at the product photo of the interior of the backpack. This should give you a clear idea of whether it’s an adequate amount of storage.

Features

While you shouldn’t expect too much in the way of features, some laptop backpacks will have a few that will certainly sweeten the deal.

USB Access Port

If there’s one feature that stands out more than most, it’s the inclusion of a USB access port.

One of the worst things to happen while out and about is to find out that your phone has died, so you can’t communicate or make use of the GPS to get your bearings in a new place.

Having a USB access port on your laptop backpack will eliminate this common problem, as you’ll be able to charge your phone, as well as other devices, while on the go.

Earphone Slot

Much like the USB access port, an earphone slot can be an essential feature if you like to make the most of your phone and other gadgets while out and about.

Say you have your music streaming account linked up to your tablet or you simply want to conserve the battery of your phone while listening to music, you can feed your earphones through the backpack and plug them into your tablet.

That way, you can have all the music you want, while saving the battery life of your phone and keeping your tablet safe and sound inside the backpack.

Valuables Storage

While most backpacks will accommodate your valuables, not all of them will have a special pocket for your phone, your wallet, your documents etc.

The ones which do have designated pockets or pouches for your most important belongings will provide you with easy access to them, which means no more rummaging, and quicker passage through airport security.

Massage Mats

A unique feature for sure, but one which serves an honorable purpose, massage mats on the shoulder straps of a laptop backpack as seen in the Sosoon bag can make your life a lot more comfortable as you transport your laptop.

These massage mats will have rows of nubs which can massage the soft tissue of the shoulders to provide relief, even when carrying a heavy weight.

Comfort

The importance of comfort for a 17 inch laptop backpack cannot be overstated.

As we’ve mentioned multiple times in this guide, a 17 inch laptop is heavy as I’m sure you’re aware, and it probably isn’t the only thing you’ll want to take with you in your backpack.

As a result, the chances are you’re shoulders and back are going to have to bear a significant burden.

This means you’d do well to find one that has adequate padding in the straps, and features a lightweight and breathable design.

You might appreciate other features too which enhance user comfort such as massage pads on the shoulder straps as seen with the Sosoon backpack.

Adjustable shoulder straps and different ways to carry the backpack can be useful too.

You also want to ensure the backpack is weather-resistant or water repellent, since it’s hard to be comfortable with a sodden weight on your back, plus a lot of gadgets don’t respond well when exposed to water.

Frequently Asked Questions About Laptop Backpacks

Is it safe to carry a laptop in a backpack?

While it is generally safe to carry a laptop in a backpack, there are a few precautions you should take to be sure that it is protected.

First, it’s important to find a backpack that can accommodate a laptop and keep it held securely in place so it doesn’t move around a lot. Anything from a sleeve to a compartment will do the job well enough.

Then, make sure you have considered the dimensions of the backpack and measurements of your laptop. Failure to do so will oftentimes result in your laptop either being too big or too small to fit correctly in the backpack.

What size laptop fits in a backpack?

Generally-speaking, you can find a backpack for any size laptop, you just need to pay attention to the measurements.

If a backpack states that it’s suitable for a 15.6 inch laptop, then obviously you know it’s fine for any laptop of that size.

Make sure you find a backpack that fits your laptop perfectly, or even go for one that can hold different sizes of laptop if you feel like you’ll need more space in case you invest in another laptop in the future.

What are the best backpacks for laptop?

The best backpacks for laptops are those which keep it safe from weather elements and well protected from theft.

In concrete terms, we believe the best backpacks for 17 inch laptops are the MATEIN backpack and the BRINCH backpack.

Both are universally praised by thousands of Amazon users, and offer a range of features and functionality which should make your life easier.

AFinal Word From the Trending Man

Your laptop is likely one of your more valuable possessions, so you want to ensure you find a backpack that is more than up to the task of keeping it in top shape.

To ensure you make the right decision, don’t leave anything to chance. Take the necessary measurements, and consider factors such as the weather, as well as features that you’d find useful.