Best laptop backpacks for back to school

If you're the kind of person who takes your laptop everywhere you go while classes are in session, carrying it in a regular backpack just won't do. To provide your laptop with the utmost protection, you need to get a backpack specifically designed for laptops. Laptop backpacks differ from regular backpacks in that they come with a protective sleeve inside that you can easily slip your computer into. This sleeve keeps your laptop more firmly in place while in transit, and provides a cover that protects your other personal items from rubbing up against it, ultimately preventing damage.

We rounded up the best laptop backpacks for back to school that will effectively protect your laptop, offer enough additional space for all your school necessities big and small and be comfortable to wear. Order soon to ensure your laptop backpack arrives before school starts!

Best laptop backpacks for back to school:

Here are our picks for the best laptop backpacks for back to school. Thinking about upgrading to a new laptop, too? Then check out the best back-to-school deals on laptops now.

• Best overall laptop backpack: Herschel Supply Co. Tech Kaslo backpack
• Best laptop backpack for large laptops: Matein extra-large travel backpack
• Best affordable laptop backpack: Wrangler Yellowstone sturdy backpack for travel
• Best splurge laptop backpack: Samsonite Business Slim backpack
• Most stylish laptop backpack: Calpak Kaya laptop backpack
  

Best overall laptop backpack: Herschel Supply Co. Tech Kaslo backpack

One of our CBS Essentials shopping experts has owned a Herschel Supply Co. backpack for six years and told us it has very little wear and tear. This is pretty impressive, as our shopping expert uses a Hershel as a commuter bag, travel backpack and a hiking backpack.

The Kaslo backpack, made by the same brand, is designed specifically for carrying around your devices, comes with a pretty cozy home for your laptop. This home is a padded and fleece-lined sleeve that can hold laptops up to 16 inches. You'll find other storage compartments inside for necessities such as your tablet, pens, power bank and phone. There's another compartment specifically for your charger. 

Externally you'll find a small zipped compartment located on one of the bag's straps, which has been designed specifically for wireless earbuds. There are two water bottle pockets, a trolley sleeve for travel and a sternum strap for greater support. 

Best laptop backpack for large laptops: Matein extra-large travel backpack

It can be really hard to find a great laptop backpack that is able to fit laptops larger than 15 inches. Don't worry though, we found one and it's very affordable. The Matein extra-large travel backpack from Amazon is equipped with a padded laptop sleeve that can fit computers up to 18.4 inches. There's a strap that you can fasten over the sleeve to help keep your laptop even more secure. 

You can store your tablet in the sleeve located right under the laptop sleeve, or in the second largest zipped compartment on the bag. The second largest zip compartment also has room for other large personal items such as a hoodie, while the smaller, front zipped compartment contains dedicated storage areas for your keys, cell phone, pens and more. 

The Matein travel backpack has a 4.8-star rating on Amazon out of more than 98,000 ratings. One reviewer wrote, "This held up for me through three years of college -- the only reason why it didn't stand longer was because I was constantly filling it to the brim and a zipper broke one day. Amazing quality for the price!" 

Best affordable laptop backpack: Wrangler Yellowstone sturdy backpack for travel

This backpack from Wrangler is great for people who don't need the extra bells and whistles that come with higher priced laptop backpacks. The brand's affordable Yellowstone model contains a padded sleeve that can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches in the main zipped compartment. The backpack has two smaller front pockets and one water bottle pocket on the side. The padded straps are adjustable.

Another upside to getting this backpack, in addition to the affordable price, is the many different styles available. You can get this in corduroy and various western patterns, including one with horses, cowboys and longhorn cows. 

What's more, the backpack is on sale at Target for up to 30% off. Discount varies by style.

Best splurge laptop backpack: Samsonite Business slim backpack

Those looking for a laptop backpack that is both functional and stylish will appreciate the Samsonite Business slim backpack. This backpack is made of a pebbled leather that is pretty to look at, smooth to the touch and is less likely to scratch compared to other leather finishes. 

The interior contains a sleeve that can fit laptops up to 15.6 inches. What's interesting about this Samsonite backpack's padded laptop sleeve is that inside it has additional webbing that the brand calls a "laptop hammock." This acts as extra support for the laptop, so if you accidentally drop your backpack, the laptop won't hit the ground and potentially get damaged.

The Business Slim also contains a padded sleeve for your tablet, a large zipped front pocket with three storage compartments and an additional zipped compartment for small items that you need to get to quickly, like your phone or keys. Get this in one of three colors: cognac brown, black and navy. 

Most stylish laptop backpack: Calpak Kaya laptop backpack

We've never seen so many color options available for a laptop backpack -- Calpak lets you choose between a whopping 29 colors. These include emerald, shades of pink and blue, lavender, honey (a mustard color), metallic gray and bronze as well as neutrals such as black and stone (an off white). 

The laptop backpack also stands out with its square shape, gold hardware and zippers, and an eye-catching stitching that lines the front of the backpack. It's a nice departure from the many utilitarian designs on the market. The backpack has a 15-inch laptop pocket that can be secured in place with a fastener. There's also another large compartment that has four storage areas, one of which is large enough for a tablet. There's a front pocket, too. 

The backpack is made of faux leather. It has adjustable straps and a trolley sleeve, which will make it easier to carry while in transit. Got a bigger laptop? The brand makes this backpack in a bigger size that can fit 17" laptops.