19 Best Laptop Backpacks for Women Who Commute in Style
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Your daily commute—whether it’s to the office or to class—doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. If you’re searching for the best laptop backpacks for women, you’re probably looking for something that’s adjustable, padded, and, of course, stylish. Unlike traditional laptop bags, tote bags, or purses, bookbags are a great alternative to school or work bags because they can handle heavy loads like tech, books, and water bottles, without the extra shoulder strain.
Bags with single straps concentrate weight on one side, but a backpack balances it across both shoulders, preventing pain in the moment and soreness the next day. Plus, options with dedicated laptop compartments keep your tech organized and safe from bumps, scratches, and spills. (With lots of space and durable designs, many can even moonlight as carry-ons or diaper bags.)
Laptop backpacks deliver function, but they aren’t lacking on the form front either. Going for a more polished, office-ready aesthetic? A leather bag is your best bet. Want a more classic campus look? There’s a minimalist canvas option waiting for you. Need a personal item for your next flight? Game the system with an option with almost as much storage as actual luggage. To help you narrow your search, we polled our editors and turned to our favorite brands to find the very best laptop backpacks for women. No, we can’t take away your commute—but we can at least make it a little easier.
Our favorite laptop backpacks
- Best Overall Laptop Backpack: Lululemon Everywhere Backpack, $78
- Best Value Laptop Backpack: Kroser Laptop Backpack, $27
- Most Stylish Laptop Backpack: Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack, $95
- Best Waterproof Laptop Backpack: Rains Backpack Mini, $110
- Best Laptop Backpack Organization: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack, $138
- Best Laptop Backpack for School: Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz Backpack, $95
- 1/19
Lululemon Everywhere Backpack
Sporty without looking as though you just stepped off the field, this water-repellent Lululemon option has a padded sleeve big enough for 16-inch devices. It also has plenty of internal and external pockets, making it ideal for type-A organizers. We love that it’s just the right size—neither too big nor too small—and made from water-resistant nylon that’ll keep your tech, books, and clothes safe from sudden downpours.
Laptop size: 16-inch / Colors: 3 options / Material: Water-resistant nylon
Pros: Enough room for most laptops; sleek look
Cons: Limited colorsSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Lululemon promo codes.
- 2/19
Kroser Laptop Backpack
This convertible pick can be worn as either a backpack or a shoulder bag, depending on what’s inside. It easily houses 15.6-inch laptops, tablets, and all of the chargers and cords they require. The front zip pocket comes in clutch for valuable bits and bobs (think AirPods and cardholders) that might get swallowed up in the main compartment. Unlike other laptop backpacks, it has a wide-mouth opening at the top, helping you find anything easily. And Amazon shoppers love this thing—it has 21,000 five-star reviews and counting. (There’s also a 17-inch model available.)
Laptop size: 15.6-inch / Colors: 4 options / Material: Water-resistant nylon, faux leather
Pros: Purse style; room for battery pack; zip-top design
Cons: Side pockets might be too large.Save on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Amazon promo codes.
- 3/19
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Everlane’s low-key laptop backpack is minimalist, durable, and under $100. Keeping with the brand’s eco-minded values, it’s made from 100% recycled polyester spun from used water bottles. The bag features a 15-inch external laptop sleeve—perfect for easy access in the TSA line—plus a main compartment with tons of interior pockets, two water bottle holders, and an exterior pouch for anything you need on hand like your keys and wallet. We also appreciate the earthy tone hues.
Laptop size: 15-inch / Colors: 4 options / Material: Recycled polyester
Pros: Minimalist design; recycled materials; popular with commuters
Cons: Some color options have a large branded patch.Save on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Everlane promo codes.
- 4/19
Best Diaper Bag Backpack: Dagne Dover Indi Diaper Backpack
Who says commuter backpacks can’t also be diaper bags? Dagne Dover’s popular convertible option is ideal for working parents. It features an insulated bottle holder, stroller clips, and a pocket or pouch for just about everything—including 16-inch laptops. “I own a similar bag from Dagne Dover and I’m impressed with the quality of the brand’s products,” says Glamour shopping writer Jake Smith. “The neoprene is thick and easy to keep clean, and the handles are stitched with durability in mind. I love that the top zipper extends beyond the edges of the backpack, allowing you to really dig inside and snap the edges down for a secure fit. Plus, the multiple interior pouches are great for headphones, cards, toiletries, gadgets, and stray lip balms.” (If this one is too large, the medium size, which is $20 cheaper, can handle 13-inch computers.)
Laptop size: 16-inch / Colors: 11 options / Material: Neoprene, recycled polyester
Pros: Durable handles and zippers; comfortable straps; tons of interior storage
Cons: Might be too largeSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Saks Fifth Avenue promo codes.
- 5/19
Caraa Cirrus Backpack
Caraa’s splurge-worthy backpack is an ideal companion for commutes of any length, thanks to its functional design. At 1.5 pounds, it’s much lighter than it looks, with a boxy, rucksack-style construction rendered in water-resistant nylon. Caraa’s backpack is especially great for travel; it hides a specific pocket for a passport (or any other important documents) and another for a power bank. There are 11 total compartments to choose from, including a shoe pouch and one with enough room for a 13-inch laptop. We also love that it doesn’t look like just any other backpack—this thing has personality.
Laptop size: 13-inch / Colors: 4 options / Material: Recycled nylon
Pros: Pockets for power banks and passports; luggage sleeve; water-resistant finish
Cons: Might be too short for some peopleSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Free People promo codes.
- 6/19
Rains Backpack Mini
If you prefer your laptop bag as slim (and stylish) as possible, Rains has you covered. This low-profile, editor-approved option is less than four inches thick and weighs in at less than two pounds, taking up virtually no space on crowded trains. “My partner uses one of these backpacks and I’m highly considering stealing it for myself,” shopping writer Smith says. “Like the Rains travel bag and raincoat I already own, it’s genuinely waterproof. Because it’s so slim, it doesn’t have a padded laptop sleeve—but as long as you’re not literally swinging your bag around, that shouldn’t be an issue. I’d rather take up less room on the train anyway.” And on top of that, thoughtful details like a carabiner closure and a luxuriously soft finish only make it more investment-worthy.
Laptop size: 15-inch / Colors: 5 options / Material: Polyester, polyurethane
Pros: Waterproof material; very thin shape
Cons: Might be too smallSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 7/19
Madewell The Lorimer Backpack
This high-quality leather bag is like the backpack version of your go-to designer bag.) At just over 15 inches tall, it’s perfect for smaller devices like an iPad or a MacBook Air, with ample room in its interior compartments and front pocket for anything else you’ve got in tow. You can even customize it with a monogram to truly make it your own.
Laptop size: 13-inch / Colors: 1 option / Material: Leather
Pros: High-quality leather; monogram option
Cons: Fits only small laptopsSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Madewell promo codes.
- 8/19
Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack
One of the cutest backpacks we ever did see, this faux-leather option is also super functional. It’s spacious enough to accommodate a 15-inch laptop, and it comes with a one-year warranty in case a zipper breaks. It’s also an ideal travel laptop backpack, thanks to a back trolley strap and plenty of room for a change of clothes. The hardest part? Picking your favorite color—tan, navy, cream, and Barbie pink are just a few of the many, many options.
Laptop size: 15-inch / Colors: 22 options / Material: Vegan leather
Pros: Tons of colors; large capacity
Cons: No side pocketsSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 9/19
Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack
This is a sturdy little backpack with some welcome retro flair, and it’s just as good for commuting as it is for travel. Thankfully, the vintage-inspired silhouette has been updated with contemporary touches: You’ll find a built-in USB port over a side pocket, to make it easy to charge your phone via an inside power bank, as well as padded shoulder straps and six pockets for all the essentials, from your passport to your laptop. More than 22,000 five-star Amazon reviews don’t hurt, either.
Laptop size: 15.6-inch / Colors: 4 options / Material: Polyester, faux leather
Pros: Space for a power bank; relatively affordable
Cons: Large branded labelSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Amazon promo codes.
- 10/19
Kate Spade Hudson Large Backpack
Other than an interior pocket that can handle small devices, the main compartment in this Kate Spade number is kept pretty minimal, allowing quick access to your stuff if you’re traveling light. Although the brand is best known for its women’s wallets and leather crossbody bags, we love this larger backpack that wouldn’t look out of place in class or the office. Keep your sunnies in the exterior pocket and more-sensitive items in the hidden interior zip pocket.
Laptop size: 13-inch / Colors: 1 option / Material: Leather
Pros: High-quality leather; streamlined design
Cons: Relatively small capacitySave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Kate Spade promo codes.
- 11/19
Cuyana Leather Backpack
Say hello to the most gorgeous leather backpack we’ve ever seen, which is available in 13- and 16-inch iterations. “If J.J. Abrams rebooted Felicity today and she carried around a 13-inch MacBook Pro, this would be the bag she carried,” says Glamour editor Lindy Segal. “It has a separate sleeve for your laptop (and several other pockets), but my favorite thing about it is that you can carry it as a shoulder bag as well thanks to the longish top handle. They thought of everything.” Better yet, Cuyana is a sustainability-focused brand that’s been a go-to for Meghan Markle—and if it’s good enough for her….
Laptop size: 13-inch / Colors: 3 options / Material: Leather
Pros: Sustainably tanned leather; adjustable shoulder straps; side snaps for a streamlined look
Cons: Pricey
- 12/19
Béis The Backpack
This no-frills (yet unmistakably chic) Béis bag is a commuter staple because of its simple design, durable construction, and roomy interior that can fit most smaller sizes of laptops. But this option (which the brand has nicknamed the Daytripper) is even better for travel, since it can hold a laptop, a change of clothes, a beverage, and anything else you’d otherwise keep in your pockets. If you’re using it with a carry-on, you’ll love the convenient trolley sleeve on the back.
Laptop size: 13-inch / Colors: 6 options / Material: Cotton, PVC
Pros: Simple design; great for weekend trips
Cons: Adjustable straps might not stay in place.Save on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 13/19
Tumi Voyageur Celina Backpack
Tumi’s high-end travel gear is a favorite among frequent flyers and Glamour editors—and this splurge-worthy backpack is no exception. A trolley strap at the back makes it easy to attach this bag to the handle of a suitcase, and there are tons of zippered compartments (including one specifically for laptops) to keep fervent organizers pleased. Plus, each bag includes a unique 20-digit code to help travelers recover their lost or stolen luggage.
Laptop size: 15-inch / Colors: 5 options / Material: Nylon, leather
Pros: Ideal for travel; numbering system for easy recovery
Cons: PriceySave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 14/19
Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz Backpack
This academic backpack has all the versatility of an Eastpak or a Jansport, but with a charmingly retro design that’s a little more stylish than other brands. (It’s probably what you picture when you think of a quintessential backpack.) Herschel offers plenty to love: a padded 15-inch laptop pocket, a lightweight design, and a zippered pocket for headphones and chargers. Plus, there are tons of colors to choose from, including dusty rose, denim blue, and terra cotta.
Laptop size: 15-inch / Colors: 14 options / Material: Recycled polyester
Pros: Tons of colors; classic design
Cons: Limited interior storage
- 15/19
Cole Haan Grand Ambition Convertible Backpack
Cole Haan’s classic, handsome bag can be styled as a backpack or a tote, allowing you to switch up the look depending on your mood (or load size). There are five interior slip pockets for all the laptops, phones, tablets, books, and files you want to throw at it. “I’ve been stopped multiple times on the subway, the street, and the airport with questions about this handy li’l guy, and it’s saved my shoulders so often that I could probably write a sonnet about it,” says Glamour art director Alexandra Folino. “It’s got convertible drop straps that make it wearable as a tote or a backpack, and it’s even equipped with a handy trolley sleeve that makes it easy to attach to my carry-on suitcase—the Optimus Prime of bags!”
Laptop size: 15-inch / Colors: 2 options / Material: Leather, nylon
Pros: High-quality leather; washable nylon interior
Cons: Straps might be too thin.Save on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Macy’s promo codes.
- 16/19
Fjällräven Kånken Laptop Backpack
Fjällräven’s iconic everyday backpack doesn’t just excel in the looks department; it’s also an editor-approved laptop bag. “When I needed a new bag to carry my two laptops in to work, I was delighted to see that the bag I had dreamt about in my art-hoe youth fit the brief perfectly,” says Anastasia Sanger, senior manager of social creative development at Glamour. “With an interior padded pocket in the main compartment for my lighter laptop and a more heavy-duty separate compartment for my heavier one, I was able to haul my tech to work without back pain. True to the brand’s marketing, I’ve had my little yellow Kånken for a year now and haven’t seen any signs of wear or tear, so I can definitely say it’s worth the investment.”
Laptop size: 17-inch / Colors: 11 options / Material: Recycled polyester
Pros: Plenty of room for two computers; comfortable straps; three laptop size options
Cons: Limited interior pocketsSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Amazon promo codes.
- 17/19
Matein Travel Backpack
A welcome pop of color among a sea of darker designs, this techy backpack features a spacious main compartment, another huge internal compartment, and plenty of external and internal pockets, all protected by water-resistant fabric. It’s built with room for hulking 17-inch laptops (but there are also options for 15.6- and 18.4-inch devices). There’s also a charging port for juicing up on the quad or the train (hook it up to your power pack inside). Oh, and don’t miss the luggage sleeve on the back panel, which’ll allow you to breeze through the terminal if you’re using it as a second carry-on.
Laptop size: 17.3-inch / Colors: Yellow, black, gray / Material: Polyester
Pros: Huge capacity; ideal for organization
Cons: Techy lookSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Amazon promo codes.
- 18/19
The North Face Borealis Backpack
This day pack is built to handle the great outdoors—peep the bungee cord, sternum strap, and two mesh water bottle pockets—so it’s perfectly capable of getting through your daily commute. A padded laptop compartment stows your tech safely, extra-padded straps keep your shoulders from aching, and an external fleece-lined pocket protects sunglasses and headphones from scratches. It’s all protected by water-resistant recycled nylon that’s ideal for the trail or the train.
Laptop size: 15-inch / Colors: 2 options / Material: Recycled nylon
Pros: Water-resistant finish; fleece-lined pocket
Cons: Interior might be too small.Save on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Nordstrom promo codes.
- 19/19
Timbuk2 Authority Backpack
Got a huge laptop? No worries—this sleek bag can fit one up to 17 inches. It’s also one of the best backpacks for larger loads, since it’s built with a sternum strap to offer more support, plus breathable mesh padding in the back for extra comfort. The thoughtful details don’t stop there: Buckles at the bottom allow you to cinch the fabric down, keeping your bag from looking lumpy. There’s also a waterproof boot to protect from spills and puddles.
Laptop size: 17-inch / Colors: 4 options / Material: Water-resistant polyester
Pros: Extra straps for more support
Cons: Might be too bulky for casual wearersSave on the best laptop backpacks for women with these Amazon promo codes.