A 15.6-inch laptop backpack needs to do more than simply hold a laptop. Students, pupils, commuters and office workers often also carry a charger, lunch, documents, water bottle and personal belongings. A backpack that looks spacious on paper can still prove inconvenient in everyday use.
Pay particular attention to the organisation, protection and carrying comfort. Marketing terms such as “waterproof”, “business” or “large capacity” do not always say enough about how practical a backpack really is.
Laptop sizes vary by brand and model. A 15.6-inch laptop may be relatively thick because of its sturdy casing, or it may have a slim design. So check not only the screen size, but also your laptop’s dimensions and the dimensions of the laptop compartment.
A compartment that is too tight puts strain on the zip and can make packing and unpacking difficult. A compartment that is too spacious provides less stability when cycling or travelling.
A water-resistant laptop backpack can help repel light rain and splashes, but that does not automatically mean the contents will stay dry during a heavy downpour in the Netherlands. Pay attention to the type of fastening, seams and the position of the zips.
A roll-top or flap can provide extra coverage. If you cycle every day, a separate rain cover is still a practical addition when your laptop is important.
A laptop backpack with compartments sounds convenient, but a large number of small compartments is not practical for everyone. Check whether there is room for larger items such as headphones, a lunch box or a folder. A bag with only narrow pockets can quickly feel full.
Look for a clearly described laptop compartment suitable for 15.6 inches. Also check the total capacity. For a day at work, a spacious work backpack is often more useful than a very slim model if you also want to carry accessories and clothing.
A school laptop backpack often needs to carry more than just a computer: books, a pencil case, sportswear and a water bottle all require a flexible main compartment. For commuting, a separate document compartment may be more important.
Polyester, coated canvas and synthetic materials are widely used for laptop backpacks. Look out for:
A lightweight backpack is comfortable on public transport, but a low weight should not mean that the back panel or laptop protection is missing.
A backpack with a USB charging port can be useful when you are out and about. Bear in mind that the port usually connects to a power bank; the power bank itself is generally not included unless this is explicitly stated in the product information.
An expandable model is suitable for short trips and busy working days. If you mainly travel to school or the office, you may get more benefit from a simple business backpack with a well-organised layout.
Why it suits this profile: This model is designed for everyday use at school, work and around town. The flap and drawstring provide access to a spacious main compartment.
The product name explicitly states support for 15.6-inch laptops and water resistance. Even so, check your own laptop’s dimensions before buying.
Flap design, drawstring fastening, spacious main compartment and suitable for school, work and city travel according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: This Michael Kors backpack is well suited to the office, city use and situations where a polished appearance matters just as much as organisation.
The bag has an internal tech compartment, a front zipped pocket and several interior pockets. The product information does not specify a 15.6-inch size, so check your laptop’s dimensions.
Approximate dimensions of 30.5 × 38 × 17.8 cm, coated canvas, tech compartment and a minimum two-year statutory warranty in the EU.
Why it suits this profile: Commuters and travellers moving between the office, train and short trips can benefit from the expandable design and additional storage space.
The product description mentions a water-resistant design, multiple compartments and an external USB charging port. The USB function requires a separate power bank if one is not included.
Suitable for a 15.6-inch laptop according to the product name, with an expandable design, water-resistant construction and an external USB port.
Why it suits this profile: This sporty backpack combines a spacious layout with a back panel and shoulder straps that are described as padded in the product information.
Two main compartments, a front pocket, two mesh pockets and an internal elasticated pocket reduce the need to put everything into one large compartment.
Approximately 24 litres of capacity, dimensions of 45 × 30 × 18 cm, two side pockets and a maximum compatible device size of 18.7 inches according to the product information.
Always check your laptop’s dimensions, the capacity, fastening and returns policy before buying. A model described in the product name as suitable for 15.6 inches will not automatically fit every laptop of that size.
We have compiled a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
No. Screen size is only one factor. Check your laptop’s height, width and thickness, and compare them with the laptop compartment. Also allow room for a protective case.
Its lifespan depends on the material, zips, seams, load and usage. A backpack that is filled heavily every day or frequently placed on the ground will wear out more quickly. Distribute the weight and avoid sharp objects pressing directly against the lining.
It can be useful on train journeys or during long working days. The port makes it easier to connect a cable, but you will usually still need a power bank. Check in advance exactly what is included and where the cable runs inside the backpack.