Things to Consider Before Buying a Laptop Backpack for Travel When you're buying a backpack for travel, especially one for transporting a laptop, you should consider the capacity and how much will fit. Some laptop backpacks for travel only fit certain size laptops, others might just fit a laptop and a few other things and some can store several clothes as well as notebooks, laptops, toiletry bags, and more. In some cases, laptop backpacks for travel with higher storage capacity can function similarly to a weekender bag. And bonus points if there are lots of pockets and compartments for organizing your items. "Compartmentalizing work items creates ease of navigation on the go," Volpe says. "Another factor in purchasing a travel laptop bag is durability," says Volpe. She points out various travel hazards like spilled coffee on planes and rainstorms where a good backpack material can be the difference between a ruined day and momentary inconvenience. You want to make sure that, like other types of underseat luggage, your laptop backpack for travel can withstand the wear and tear of being shoved by your feet on an airplane. "Durable materials like leather are luxe and long-lasting," says Volpe. "They also take wear and tear nicely." She points out that the look of leather improves over time, so even once it has worn down over time, it will retain that vintage leather feel. "Another great option for durability is high-quality polyester," she says (as well as nylon). She adds that this material generally costs less than leather, and can "outlast torrential downpours and being crammed into an overhead compartment." Our best overall laptop backpack for travel is the Solo Re-Define Backpack, partly due to its lightweight, durable, water-resistant polyester material. The design of a laptop backpack for travel can either aid or hinder your travels, so you want to look for features that add to the overall comfort, durability, and use of the bag. Features like adjustable straps, the ability to connect to a charger, and the number of pockets and storage compartments are all important factors to look for. Also, an ergonomic top handle is great for those who prefer carrying tote bags. "Instead of being too trend forward I look for a travel laptop bag that has an aesthetic which can last for three to four years versus one season," Volpe says. She suggests avoiding wild prints/patterns and looking for solid colors that will pair well with many outfits and occasions. "A travel laptop bag isn't something you just throw away like a budget-friendly evening clutch," exclaims Volpe. "It has to be appropriate to take to business meetings and while working from your local coffee shop." It's not unlike investing in a great functional women's work bag. But a laptop backpack for travel doesn't have to be boring. "Color is A-okay for the creative and fun-loving types," she says. "Combination neutrals like cream, brown, and gray are chic, mature, and versatile to coordinate with any outfit." And for the tech-savvy shopper? "You may want a travel laptop bag that has a headphone port, RFID-blocking ID slots, and/or an external USB with a built-in charging cable." Most of the options on our list include a USB charging port, including the Vohler Laptop Backpack with Charger. The price of a laptop backpack for travel can range from $50 to $500 or more, so you just have to keep your budget in mind, as well as the features you're not willing to compromise on, and find a bag that meets both of those criteria. Certain materials like leather (and quality vegan leather) will cost more, like the Monos Metro Backpack coming in over $200. Tech features, like charging capabilities, can also add to the cost. The Solgaard Lifepack Backpack costs more, but its USB capabilities, anti-theft features, and Solarbank compatibility make it well worth it. Our team tested 43 of the top-rated laptop backpacks for travel in our lab, comparing qualities like design, capacity, durability, level of comfort, and overall value. After testing these features, 15 bags came out ahead as our winners. Madison Yauger is a senior commerce writer for PEOPLE who's tested hundreds of lifestyle products across all categories. With a background in news and lifestyle journalism, she has a wide network of expert sources and a penchant for accuracy. For this article, Yauger also spoke to celebrity fashion stylist and consultant Chelsea Volpe. She also drew on insights from our lab tests in evaluating purchasing decision factors such as price, capacity, the durability of materials, design, and comfort of carrying to determine the best laptop backpacks for travel. 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