A 15.6-inch laptop backpack might seem easy to choose at first. However, not every laptop with a 15.6-inch screen will automatically fit in every laptop compartment. A smart layout, water-repellent fabric or USB port may also prove less useful in practice than the product title suggests.
For school pupils, students, professionals and commuters, these are the most important questions: does the backpack offer enough protection, will everything you take with you each day fit inside, and will it stay comfortable when you’re cycling, travelling by train or walking?
The 15.6-inch measurement refers to the screen diagonal, not the full external dimensions of your laptop. A laptop with a wide bezel, sturdy casing or unusual shape may still be a tight fit. So measure your laptop’s length, width and depth, then compare these with the actual dimensions of the laptop compartment.
A water-repellent laptop backpack may help keep out light rain for a short time, but that doesn’t mean its contents will stay dry during a heavy downpour. Check the wording used. Terms such as “water-repellent” or “water-resistant” don’t guarantee complete waterproofing. A rain cover can be a useful extra if you cycle every day.
A backpack with a USB port usually has a cable on the inside and a port on the outside. The power bank is generally not included, so you’ll need to bring your own and check that the cable is easy to reach. A so-called anti-theft laptop backpack won’t automatically prevent theft either. Hidden pockets and lockable zips can make it harder to get inside, but they’re no guarantee.
Don’t just check whether it says “up to 15.6 inches”. Make sure the compartment is well padded and closes securely, too. A separate laptop compartment stops your computer from sliding around between books, chargers or other hard objects. A soft lining is practical in a laptop backpack, but the bag is no substitute for a protective case when carrying your laptop frequently.
Pay attention to where the compartment is positioned, too. A laptop carried close to your back will generally distribute its weight better than one loose in a large main compartment. Check the stated bag dimensions and weight before you buy.
For school or work, a bag of around 20 to 30 litres is often more versatile than a compact model. A school backpack with a laptop compartment should have room for A4 folders, books, a lunch box and accessories. Several smaller pockets help keep your charger, phone, keys and power bank separate.
An expandable model can be useful for travelling. Bear in mind, though, that a fully packed bag will be heavier. Distribute the weight across both shoulder straps and avoid regularly overloading the bag.
Oxford fabric, polyester and nylon are common materials. The product specifications tell you what the bag is made from, but that alone doesn’t determine how long it will last. Check the zips, seams, handles and shoulder-strap attachments, too.
Padded, adjustable shoulder straps are useful for your daily commute. A chest strap can help keep the bag stable when you’re cycling or walking. Check the care instructions: some models can only be hand-washed or cleaned with a damp cloth.
Why it suits this type of buyer: This school backpack is designed for school pupils and students looking to combine a standout design with a laptop compartment and room for A4 books. The stated capacity accommodates laptops up to 15.6 inches.
The description mentions several compartments, two side pockets and hand-wash care. The USB cable is built in, but you’ll need to supply your own power bank.
Oxford fabric, dimensions of 30 × 17 × 48 cm, a laptop compartment for laptops up to 15.6 inches and a pencil case included.
Why it suits this type of buyer: This model is a good fit for professionals looking for a neutral work backpack with dedicated compartments for a laptop and accessories.
The product specifications list a reinforced internal laptop compartment and several zipped pockets. This makes it easier to check the layout than with a single large compartment.
1680D nylon, dimensions of 33 × 18 × 48 cm, a stated weight of 710 grams and compatibility with laptops up to 15.6 inches.
Why it suits this type of buyer: With a 25-litre capacity, expandable to 30 litres, and a range of compartments, this backpack suits commuters and travellers carrying clothes, electronics and everyday essentials.
The capacity is specified as 25 litres, expandable to 30 litres. The RFID-blocking pocket and lockable zips are features for organisation and travel, not a guarantee against theft.
25-litre capacity, expandable to 30 litres, chest strap, tracker pocket and compatibility with laptops up to 15.6 inches.
We’ve put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.
No. Screen size is only one measurement. Measure your entire laptop and compare it with the dimensions of the laptop compartment. Remember to allow for a protective case or an extra-thick casing, too.
Its lifespan depends on the material, the quality of the zips and seams, how much weight you carry and how you use the bag. A bag that’s packed heavily every day or often put down on the ground will wear out faster. Follow the care instructions and don’t overfill your backpack.
Water-repellent fabric can offer extra protection in light rain. It isn’t the same as being waterproof in prolonged or heavy rain. If you cycle regularly, use a rain cover and make sure your laptop is also in a well-fitting, padded compartment.