Something I have never regretted investing in is one of the best laptop backpacks. Sure, as a fashion writer I’ve made far more glamorous purchases – a new designer handbag, some treats from my favourite jewellery brands, and so on – but none of those have have been something I’ve reaped quite as many benefits from.
Previously, as someone with their finger on the pulse of the latest trends, I’d naturally go for something chic and impractical (much to the detriment of my back) when on the hunt for one of the best work bags. It turns out, though, that lugging your MacBook, journal, water bottle (Stanley, of course), makeup and lunch around actually wears on your spine more than you’d think. And I would know; I commute to the office four days a week.
Best laptop backpacks FAQs, answered:
According to The Physio Company, one-sided shoulder bags are the least recommended in fact. They said they place “your body out of balance by putting more pressure on one side of the spine, especially when crammed full and heavy. The thin and usually non-padded straps of the bag can cut into the shoulder, placing pressure on the nerves that pass through that area from the neck into the arm.”
Posture aside, now that I own a laptop backpack, I’ve been awoken to their many other pros, too – like many of them having designated pockets for everything you’ll ever need to carry. Sure, it’s true that very little can be done to improve the whole commuting experience (though fewer train strikes would be fab), but a rucksack that’ll fit everything but your kitchen sink inside is a step in the right direction. Trust me; they’re a must-have item for anyone who travels to and from the office every day.
Unaccustomed to laptop backpacks? While messenger bags, travel backpacks and briefcase-style handbags often feature pockets that’ll happily fit a 15-inch screen size, laptop backpacks have padded, secure compartments specifically for storing them. The best part is that they’re surprisingly chic, too – no Velcro in sight. So much so that you’d be happy to be seen out with them on the weekends (though maybe sans anything work-related).
What should you look for when it comes to choosing a laptop backpack?
After you’ve found a design that will fit the dimensions of your device, the next thing to think about is fabric. Opting for a waterproof or roll-top design is a good place to start – the last thing you want is soggy, malfunctioning tech. This sand-coloured iteration from Stubble & Co offers exactly that, plus a capacity of up to 20L, with added features such as a cushioned air-flow back panel with fully adjustable straps.
“I love the fact that the external laptop pocket means you can keep it separate from everything else. It means that, when I need to send a last-minute email on the train (we’ve all been there), I can get to it without having to open everything else up completely,” says Freelance Commerce Writer Denise Primbet.
Louisa Bryant, Associate Visuals Editor, cycles to work every day and previously struggled to find a backpack that felt comfortable against her spine on her travels. Until now: “With the Essentials Backpack from Antler, I’ve found the solution. It’s light, and the padding prevents me from having an achy back after a long cycle in. I love how much I can fit in it, and with multiple compartments inside and out, I can bring all of my work essentials with me to the office. Plus, my laptop fits like a glove,” she says.
Don’t forget about the overall style of your new accessory, too. You want it to last, yes, but you also want it to fit in with the rest of your bag collection and ultimately go with your daily outfits – so go for something classic that’ll complement your workwear and beyond.
How we tested the best laptop backpacks in this round-up:
We at GLAMOUR all work in London four days a week and travel in from various areas in England, so we’ve been hunting for something that’ll help those early starts feel a little less stressful – and that’s where laptop backpacks come in. We’ve tested our faves (see the above three) and rated the below designs out of five stars in terms of their durability, price, capacity and style credentials. We’ve also provided specifications to save you the time of searching for them yourself, alongside pros and cons to consider before purchasing. Read more about how we test here.
chrissie moncrieffe/@chrissiemilan
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