Best Laptop Bags for Travel in 2023

by Albert Varkki updated 06-02-2023

Table Of Contents

best laptop bags for travel

Looking for a travel bag that has a built in laptop compartment?

In this post, we discuss the best laptop travel bags for 2023, ordered by type and style, as well as how best to choose a laptop bag that will survive the airport rush.

Top Picks

Want a quick breakdown? Here are our top picks:

  1. Best Professional Laptop Bag: City Laptop Bag (click to view) - a stylish laptop carry-on bag made from the highest quality full grain leather, with a dedicated laptop compartment and detachable shoulder strap.
  2. Best Professional Tote Bag: Elegance Tote Bag (click to view) - a stylish zipped tote bag that's ideal for work or travel. The full grain leather looks impeccable, and the detachable shoulder strap makes it versatile for multiple uses.
  3. Best Stylish Laptop Backpack: Prime Men's Leather Backpack (click to view) - a stylish laptop carry-on backpack made from full grain leather. Handmade in Italy.
  4. Best Modern Laptop Bag: Essential Briefcase (click to view) - a spacious, modern laptop briefcase that's ideal for work or travel. Made from full grain leather, and comes with two large compartments, as well as a detachable shoulder strap.

Best Laptop Travel Bags for 2023

City Leather Laptop Bag

City Laptop Bag

Best for business trips and city travel with a sleek leather design and spacious compartments for laptops and documents.

City Laptop Bag Product Highlights:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
Color OptionsSolid Brown, Elegant Black, Deep Red
Laptop CompatibilityFits up to 15.6-inch laptop
Inner LiningDurable Italian cotton lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
DesignProfessional and spacious design for work or travel essentials
Adjustable StrapAdjustable and detachable shoulder strap
Inner PocketsStitched 100% cotton canvas lining
Compartments & Pockets1 large zipped main compartment divided by a zipped padded pocket
PersonalizedOption to personalize with initials or a special message.

Watch the City product video below:

Browse more images of the City:

Our review:

"This incredibly elegant unisex bag for travel has been designed to appeal to men and women alike. The bag is manufactured from outstandingly elegant and dependable materials including Italian full-grain leather. It can accommodate a laptop of up to 15.6 inches and has been designed with longevity in mind. Invest in this bag and receive several years of support as you explore everything that the world has to offer. The bag also comes with tough cotton lining and boasts rounded top handles which make it easy to transport it from country to country. Take a closer look at this exquisite unisex travel bag today."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and sophisticated design Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space and compartments Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain

Elegance Leather Tote Bag

Elegance Tote Bag

Best for business trips with a touch of sophistication. The Elegance Leather Tote Bag is perfect for carrying your laptop and documents in style.

Elegance Tote Bag Product Highlights:

Material OriginCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather from Tuscany
Laptop SleeveSpecifically designed slot for up to a 14" laptop
Interior QualityRobust Italian cotton canvas lining, pleasant to touch
Zipper DurabilityRenowned Japanese YKK zippers ensuring longevity
CraftsmanshipHandcrafted in family-owned studios in Florence, Italy
Sustainability CommitmentSupports traditional craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices
Leather TreatmentLeather treated with sustainable methods, ensuring quality and origin
Wear ResistanceDesigned for frequent use without excessive wear and tear
Handle StrengthHandles crafted to carry laptops, documents, and books securely

Watch the Elegance product video below:

Browse more images of the Elegance:

Our review:

"Have you been searching online for a reliable, long-lasting unisex bag for travel? If so, this could be the perfect solution. The bag has been designed to support you through trip after trip and gives you a great deal of capacity for all your travel essentials. This high-selling bag is made from elegant Italian full-grain leather and can be carried by hand or over the shoulder thanks to the robust leather straps. Key features of the bag include the zipped pocket for smaller items, three pen slots, a YKK zipper and cotton lining. The bag offers a great deal of longevity and should last for many holidays or business trips before it needs to be replaced."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Multiple compartments for organized storage
Stylish design

Voyager Leather Carry-on Bag with Wheels

Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag

Best for effortless business travel with a touch of luxury - Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag with Wheels.

Voyager Leather Carry-On Bag Product Highlights:

Color OptionsAvailable in Elegant Black, Solid Brown, Classic Tan, and more
Laptop SleeveIncludes a sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
MaterialHandmade from premium vegetable-tanned Italian leather
Convenience FeaturesSmooth-rolling wheels, foldaway telescopic handle with two height settings, and easily accessible pockets
InteriorDurable cotton lining with small slots and an interior zipped pocket
Zipper QualityHigh-quality Japanese YKK zippers
SustainabilityCrafted sustainably with a focus on supporting local communities
Origin CertificateComes with a certificate of leather origin guaranteeing quality and origin
Travel-FriendlyCarry-on compliant with ample space for travel essentials
Additional FeaturesLuggage tag included for easy identification

Watch the Voyager product video below:

Browse more images of the Voyager:

Our review:

"Extremely popular with male and female travellers alike, this big-selling unisex travel bag is designed to serve you well for years to come. The bag offers a wide range of brilliant features for travellers including the telescopic handle and wheels. It is also carry-on compliant and comes with a luggage tag. There's a special compartment for a laptop up to 16", tough cotton lining and a reliable YKK zipper. The bag makes it easy for you to quickly access travel essentials like your passport and boarding pass and comes with a fold-over magnet closure. Small slots and an interior zipped pocket makes organising smaller items a breeze."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and refined appearance Not completely waterproof
Built-in wheels and retractable handle for effortless mobility Not ideal for extremely rough terrain
Ample storage space for essentials Not the lightest option for a carry-on bag
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Perfect for business or personal travel

No.3 Leather Messenger Briefcase

No.3 Briefcase

Best for business trips with a touch of sophistication - No. 3 Leather Messenger Briefcase is perfect for carrying your essentials in style.

No.3 Briefcase Product Highlights:

ProductNo.3 Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 13 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width38 cm (15 in)
Height30 cm (12 in)
Depth9 cm (4 in)
Weight1.5 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the No.3 product video below:

Browse more images of the No.3:

Our review:

"This fantastic unisex travel briefcase appeals to men and women alike. The briefcase is designed to last for several years before it needs to be replaced and comes complete with various excellent features. These include the special compartment for a 13" laptop and the premium Italian full-grain leather that it's manufactured from. Other features include the tough cotton lining and YKK zipper as well as the two-strap lock-and-key closure that will keep sensitive documents and treasured items secure. You can also convert the briefcase into a backpack for travel whenever you like. Why not take a closer look at this unisex briefcase for travel today?"
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and professional design Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for essentials Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Suitable for work, school, and travel

10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag

10X Laptop Travel Bag

Best for business travel with a touch of luxury. The 10X Leather Laptop Travel Bag is perfect for carrying your essentials in style.

10X Laptop Travel Bag Product Highlights:

Product10X Laptop Travel Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsBackpack Straps and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width31 cm (12 in)
Height42 cm (17 in)
Depth17 cm (7 in)
Weight2 kg (0.9 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the 10X product video below:

Browse more images of the 10X:

Our review:

"This unisex bag for travel has been designed to appeal to men and women alike. The bag offers a number of exceptional features that will make your travels a breeze, and these include tough cotton lining and a dependable YKK zipper. The bag has been manufactured from elegant premium Italian full-grain leather. It has a front-loading design that makes it so easy to access your holiday essentials when you require them. You'll also get access to a sleeve to protect your 15.6 inch laptop or 16 inch MacBook Pro. You can use this high-selling offering as a travel bag, a backpack or a messenger bag. Organisation is made simple thanks to the canvas-lined internal compartments."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Fits most laptops up to 16 inches
Designed for easy travel and convenience
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Prime Leather Backpack

Prime Backpack

Best for business trips with a touch of luxury. The Prime Leather Backpack is spacious, organized, and exudes sophistication.

Prime Men's Leather Backpack Product Highlights:

ProductPrime Men's Leather Backpack
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Size
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsAdjustable Straps
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height27 cm (11 in)
Depth12 cm (5 in)
Weight1.2 kg (0.5 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Prime product video below:

Browse more images of the Prime:

Our review:

"This unisex bag for travel is designed to support you on your global adventures for many years. It is made from elegant premium grade full-grain leather and has robust cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 14 inches side. The large zipped pocket on the front is ideal for storing holiday essentials such as books, sunglasses, suntan lotion and your passport. There are three separate compartments inside the main compartment. Carry the bag with ease with the top handle or the adjustable shoulder straps. Take a closer look at this fantastic unisex travel bag today."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Designed for men
Multiple compartments for organized storage
Stylish design
Comfortable to wear as a backpack

City Large Leather Laptop Bag

City Large Laptop Bag

Best for urban professionals who need to carry a laptop and essentials in style. The City Large Leather Laptop Bag is sleek and functional.

City Large Laptop Bag Product Highlights:

ProductCity Large Laptop Bag
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 17 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width45 cm (18 in)
Height34 cm (13 in)
Depth8 cm (3 in)
Weight1.6 kg (0.7 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the City Large product video below:

Browse more images of the City Large:

Our review:

"This brilliant unisex travel bag appeals to men and women alike. The bag has designed to be your perfect companion for many holidays to come and can accommodate any laptop up to 17 inches. The bag boasts a pleasingly slim profile and can be used to transport all your travel essentials like clothes, refreshments, sun cream, toiletries and books. Made from premium grade Italian full-grain leather, the bag has sturdy zippers and hardware. It also comes with round top handles and an adjustable shoulder strap that make carrying a breeze. Expect the bag to last for many years before it needs to be replaced."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Spacious and versatile Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Fits most laptops up to 17 inches
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Essential Modern Briefcase

Essential Briefcase

Best for business trips with a modern edge. The Essential Modern Briefcase is sleek and functional, perfect for carrying your work essentials in style.

Essential Briefcase Product Highlights:

ProductEssential Briefcase
MaterialFull Grain Leather - Certified Vegetable Tanned
Laptop Sizeup to 15.6 inch
LiningDurable Cotton Canvas
ZippersYKK Zippers - Italian-Made
Handmade?Handmade in Florence, Italy
StrapsDetachable and Adjustable Shoulder Strap
Carry-on Compliant?Yes
Width40 cm (16 in)
Height31 cm (12 in)
Depth10 cm (4 in)
Weight1.3 kg (0.6 lbs)
Personalization?Custom Laser Engraving

Watch the Essential product video below:

Browse more images of the Essential:

Our review:

"Don't settle for less when you need a unisex travel bag that appeals to men and women alike. This popular bag gives you enough space for a 15.6 inch laptop and is made from premium Italian leather. Invest in this bag and you'll gain access to a large back pocket, a reliable YKK zipper and a detachable shoulder strap. The bag is often used to transport clothing, make-up, books, toiletries and more. This big-selling briefcase is handcrafted in Florence, Italy by some of the country's most skilled craftsmen. It comes with an exquisite hardware finish and is ideal for the airport, the hotel and everywhere in-between."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather Price point may be considered a worthwhile investment
Durable and long-lasting Weight adds to its overall quality and strength
Modern and stylish design Proper care and maintenance will ensure its longevity
Spacious and versatile
Suitable for both professional and casual use
Multiple compartments for organized storage

Weekender Leather Weekend Bag

Weekender

Best for a stylish weekend getaway with friends, the Weekender leather bag is spacious and durable, perfect for packing all your essentials.

Weekender Product Highlights:

MaterialCertified Italian vegetable-tanned leather
DesignSpacious design perfect for gym and travel with a dedicated sleeve for up to a 16" laptop
InteriorDurable cotton lining with compartments for organization
ZipperJapanese YKK zipper for reliable access
ComplianceMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
CraftsmanshipHandcrafted in Florence, Italy by experienced craftsmen
Additional FeaturesAdjustable and removable leather shoulder strap, studs on the base for protection, solid brass hardware
PersonalizedOption for custom laser engraving
Use CasesTravel, gym, sports, weekend getaways
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly practices

Watch the Weekender product video below:

Browse more images of the Weekender:

Our review:

"Look no further if you require a unisex bag for travel � this carry-on compliant bag can give you everything you need. The bag is made from premium full-grain leather and comes complete with a sleeve for a laptop up to 16". The bag is perfect for overseas travel as well as your next staycation and boasts robust cotton lining and a YKK zipper. The bag has been designed to be as practical as it is elegant. It also comes with smooth top leather handles and an adjustable shoulder strap which will make transportation a breeze. Carry clothing, chargers, toiletries and more."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and sophisticated design Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for essentials Not ideal for extremely heavy items
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Easy to clean and maintain
Multiple compartments for organized packing
Suitable for weekend trips and overnight stays

Grand Leather Garment Bag

Grand Leather Garment Bag

Best for business travelers who want to arrive in style with wrinkle-free clothing, the Grand Leather Garment Bag is a must-have.

MaterialCertified Italian Vegetable-Tanned Full-Grain Leather
Garment Duffel BagCarry your suit in style and without creases
Interior LiningDurable Italian Cotton Lining
Zipper QualityJapanese YKK Zipper
Carry-On CompliantMeets airline size standards for carry-on luggage
OriginMade in Florence, Italy
SustainabilitySupports local communities and eco-friendly
CapacityCan fit 2-3 suits, shirts, shoes, accessories, and a laptop
Suit CarrierAttached to the travel bag
PersonalizedIt can be personalized with a custom laser engraving

Watch the Grand product video below:

Browse more images of the Grand:

Our review:

"This beautiful unisex bag for travel has been designed with longevity in mind. The bag comes complete with a tough YKK zipper and boasts outstanding cotton lining. This popular bag is as spacious as it is functional, giving you enough space to carry outfits, laptops and more. What's more is that the bag is compliant with carry-on rules. Get your most treasured goods from the airport to the hotel in style with our highly elegant and dependable unisex travel bag. The bag has been manufactured by leading Italian craftsmen and is as sophisticated as it is reliable. Take a closer look today."
Pros Cons
Made of full grain leather May have a slightly higher cost compared to other materials
Stylish and elegant design Not completely waterproof
Ample storage space for clothes and accessories
Comfortable to carry and handle
Durable and long-lasting construction
Develops a unique patina over time
Features hanger hooks for easy storage of garments
Zippered compartments to keep clothes secure during transport

Air Travel Can Damage Laptops

Many think that carry-on bags and personal items are handled gently when travelling by air.

Though it’s true that checked bags usually have it much worse, we should not underestimate the plight of the carried bag.

When it comes to your laptop, consider that you take it out for TSA screening, then stuff it back in, maybe remove it to get a little work (or streaming) in before and after security, you run the gauntlet of the airplane aisle, stow the bag under the seat or in the overhead, and then take it out again for use on the flight.

When you land, it might go through some more jostling when you grab your checked bags, ride the taxi or shuttle… and this is if there is no accidental bumping, tipping or dropping.

Your laptop might go through a lot. A dedicated laptop bag, constructed to keep your prized possession safe yet accessible during your trip, is a very wise investment.

Consider the key factors when you shop for the right bag: the correct storage size (for laptop and accessories), protective padding, organization compartments, comfort when carrying or rolling it, and the best style for you and the setting in which you use the bag. You might even consider higher end features like waterproofing, a hard shell, or security measures.

The right bag should have some smaller pockets for smaller items, so they don’t get lost in the larger bag. It should include a space for the laptop that is easy to slide the device in and out, but not so larger that it can shift and slide too far – that can cause scratches to the laptop itself, and may make carrying it awkward and uncomfortable.

If everything has its own space, of an appropriate size, you won’t have them knocking around together, causing damage and worn-out appearances.

The whole purpose of the bag is the transport of your laptop, so don’t forget to make sure that transportation experience is as comfortable as possible. An adjustable shoulder strap is a must, as is a good amount of padding on the strap to protect your shoulder.

Don’t discount style, either. Not only does the bag reflect you and your standards and style, but it also sets the tone of what your employees, clients, customers, or employers expect from you. Make sure the bag is a match for the image you want to display.

Related:

How to Choose a Laptop Travel Bag

Size

The backpack should be small enough to fit in an overhead bin, while still easily holding your laptop and any accessories or other items you want to carry in it. A little extra space is a good thing, but you don’t want a floppy, empty bag or one in which items jostle together and take damage. Laying out the items you want to carry in the bag, and taking a quick pic of them for reference in the stores, is a great way to make sure you don’t forget to consider any important items.

Along these same lines, you should try to have a compartment for each notable item, and to stow the items in the same place each time. This will let you get what you need with impressive speed and ease, which can be especially important in front of an important client, or when trying to get that little item out of the overhead bin as the flight attendants ask for everyone to strap in.

Remember a place for your charger, cables, external hard drive, backup cell, or other computer-related items, but don’t forget personal items you may want places for, like your phone, wallet, sunglasses, keys, passport, and so on. You’ll need empty pockets for security screening, so why not have everything safely stowed and easily accessible in the same bag? Luxury and ease! We all need a little of that during travel.

Standard laptop bag dimensions state the width and height of a closed laptop. They normally include 15”, 16” and 17” compartments, but most do not include a measurement for the thickness of the laptop. If yours is sleek and low-profile, you needn’t worry, but if it is a chunkier model, or is in an additional protective case, it is worth having it on hand when you try out bags.

Compartments

Each type of item should have a designated spot, so look for a bag with a variety of pockets that will suit what you need to carry. Make sure the laptop padding protects it from being knocked or pressed against items within your bag too, as something like a charger can do damage to a laptop if both are not suitably stowed.

Remember spots for personal items, like your wallet, passport, phone, etc. A small pocket or clip for your keys is… well, key… because when you get back home you’ll be tired and may be in the dark or rain or wind – finding your key fast will save you some intense annoyance, and end your trip as well as you started it.

Weight

Depending on your laptop model and size, and largely affected by the size and number of accessories needed, your laptop bag might wind up being quite heavy when fully packed for a trip. The bag itself, then, should be as lightweight as possible, while still holding up to the job without tears or other damage.

It should also be comfortable, so don’t be too shy to put some weight in it, try it on, and walk around the store a bit – or to try it at home and return it if it doesn’t meet your standard.

Material

The main point of a purpose-designed laptop backpack is to protect your device during transport. This includes bumps and knocks, sure, but it also needs to stand up to that torrential rain you run through from the taxi to the front doors, and any other weather that stands in your path.

Waterproofing is an available option. Ripstop materials and other durable fabrics are also available. Worth considering too is the ease of cleaning your new bag. It needs to look great not just when it leaves the store, but on its 50th journey too!

Handles

For comfort on long trips or when the bag is heavily loaded, make sure the backpack is the right size for you, too. The part that touches your back should be the right size, and the straps should adjust to the right length for maximum comfort and control of the bag.

FAQs

Is a laptop safe in a suitcase?

In short: no.

You might get away with it a time or two, but suitcases are often thrown from one belt or pile to another, they fall from carts and belts, and are sometimes vulnerable to theft if it appears something of suitable value might be inside.

Damage, loss, theft, worry… it’s not worth it.

Can I take 2 laptops onto a plane?

If the laptop compartment can fit two devices, then yes, this is usually allowable. It may slow you down a little at security, but that would be the only hinderance.

How big should a laptop backpack be?

Know the measurements of your laptop and make sure the bag you are considering is the same or larger. For thicker laptops, you may want to go a size larger to allow the compartment to wrap around the device at the ends. The best bet is always to try the bag with the laptop itself.

Standard laptop compartment sizes are rated to fit (relatively thin) 15”, 16” and 17” laptops.

Related:

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our article on the best laptop travel bags.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments, or email Von Baer at info@vonbaer.com.

You can also browse our other travel pages here.

Author: Albert Varkki

Albert Varkki is the co-founder of Von Baer. He understands leather products as a consumer, supplier, and a manufacturer, helping you with the inside knowledge you need, to choose the perfect leather product for you.

We always aim to have the highest editorial standards, and only publish accurate information on our website.

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