A 15.6-inch laptop backpack needs to do more than just carry your laptop. Whether you’re commuting, studying, travelling or using it every day, you’ll also want room for a charger, documents, lunch and perhaps your gym kit. At the same time, the bag shouldn’t be unnecessarily heavy or bulky.
Marketing copy doesn’t always make choosing easier. Terms such as “waterproof”, “business” and “large capacity” only tell you so much unless you know which features to check. Read on to find out what to look for and which models suit different needs.
A 15.6-inch laptop can have different external dimensions depending on its make and model. So a compartment described in the product title as suitable for a 15.6-inch laptop won’t necessarily fit yours. Measure your laptop and compare its dimensions with the seller’s size guide.
Pay particular attention to:
A water-repellent laptop backpack can help protect against light rain or spills, but that doesn’t mean everything inside will stay dry in prolonged rain. The seams, zips and base also affect how much protection the bag offers.
Check whether the product information describes the bag as water-repellent, water-resistant or waterproof. These terms aren’t interchangeable. If you’re carrying valuable equipment, consider using a separate laptop sleeve or rain cover.
A roomy backpack with multiple compartments sounds appealing, but poorly positioned sections can reduce the space available. A separate laptop compartment, a large main compartment and a small pocket for cables are often more useful than lots of narrow pockets.
Check the shoulder straps, too. Even a lightweight backpack can be uncomfortable if the straps are thin or can’t be adjusted. Look at the product photos and specifications before you order.
Look for a separate, padded compartment that keeps your laptop close to your back. This helps limit movement inside the bag. Also check whether the compartment closes with a zip, hook-and-loop fastening or elastic strap.
A laptop backpack for men and women doesn’t necessarily need a different design. Adjustable shoulder straps, a back panel that fits well and a sturdy handle for carrying short distances are more important.
A compact model may be enough for everyday use. For work and travel, you’ll usually need more space for:
An expandable bag can be useful if you want to adjust its capacity to suit different occasions. For example, a model that expands from 25 to 35 litres may offer extra capacity for a weekend trip, according to the product title. Always check the exact dimensions and internal layout.
A lightweight backpack reduces the overall weight you carry, but a low bag weight shouldn’t come at the expense of sturdy zips, seams or straps. Check the stated material and fastening. A roll-top, flip-top or drawstring closure works differently from a traditional zip fastening.
For travelling, a handle or luggage strap is useful. For cycling, a compact design with easily adjustable straps may work better than a wide weekend bag.
Why it suits this need: This model is designed for school, work and city trips. It’s listed as having a 15.6-inch laptop compartment, a water-repellent finish and a drawstring closure.
The product title lists the laptop size and water-repellent feature separately. Before buying, check the full dimensions and how the closure works.
Listed features: suitable for 15.6-inch laptops, generous capacity, water-repellent material and a design for both men and women.
Why it suits this need: A business backpack for anyone combining work, commuting and short trips. The product title lists space for a 15.6-inch laptop, multiple compartments and an external USB port.
The expandable design can help you avoid carrying an oversized bag every day. The USB port is a pass-through, so you’ll need a separate power bank.
Listed features: expandable design, water-repellent material, space for a 15.6-inch laptop and an external USB charging port.
Why it suits this need: This travel backpack is designed for commuting, air travel and weekend trips. The product title states that its capacity can be expanded from 25 to 35 litres.
The adjustable capacity means you won’t need a separate bag for every occasion. Check your carrier’s hand-luggage size limits and your laptop’s exact dimensions in advance.
Listed features: expandable capacity from 25 to 35 litres, space for a laptop, multiple compartments and a design suitable as hand luggage or a weekend backpack.
A backpack for work and travel usually has different features from a bag for a short walk. For the office, a padded laptop compartment and room for documents are important. For a weekend trip, capacity, space for clothes and a sturdy fastening matter more.
A weekend bag or gym bag may be suitable if you’re not taking a laptop or mainly need to carry clothes and shoes. If you want to combine both, choose a model with a separate laptop compartment. When cycling or walking, pay extra attention to adjustable straps and how the weight is distributed.
If you’re after a classic look, you could also consider a 15.6-inch vintage canvas laptop backpack. Canvas offers a different look and texture from a business backpack, but be sure to check the stated water resistance and the dimensions of the laptop compartment.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
No, not always. The inch size refers to the screen’s diagonal measurement, while the overall dimensions vary from one laptop model to another. Compare your laptop’s width, height and thickness with the dimensions of the laptop compartment.
Its lifespan depends on how heavily it’s used, the material, seams, zips and day-to-day wear. A bag that’s constantly packed to the brim will generally wear out faster than one used within its recommended capacity. Check the shoulder straps, base and fastenings regularly.
The USB port itself usually doesn’t supply power. You’ll need a compatible power bank, which connects inside the bag. Check that the port is compatible with your cable and charging device. That way, a handy feature won’t end up going unused.