The Best Laptop Backpacks for Work, Travel, and Everything Between (2026)
Wired provides a curated list of recommended laptop backpacks for 2026, focusing on durability, comfort, and versatility for work and travel. The guide includes specific product picks and honorable mentions based on extensive real-world testing.
Why it matters
Consumer guides help professionals and travelers make informed purchasing decisions for gear that impacts daily productivity and comfort.
I have used many laptop backpacks in this time, and the dividing line between a work backpack that’s comfortable and fits seamlessly into your daily routine and one that’s aggravating at every turn is a fine one. If you’ve got limited closet space, it also helps if the backpack can pull double duty and be used for travel and/or hiking. The backpacks below are ones either I or another WIRED reviewer have used extensively in real life, taking on planes, hiking trails, vacations, and work trips.
For more bag and backpack recommendations, Bag Check features WIRED staffers’ favorite totes, sleeves, and packs. For more portable gear, check out our guides to the Best Wireless Chargers, Best Bluetooth Trackers, and Best Travel Adapters.
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