If you find you’re always lugging your laptop around with you, it might be time to invest in a bag with a compartment that will protect your beloved technology. The options on this list range from sleek leather bags and rucksacks that wouldn’t look out of place in a fashion shoot to super-practical products to transport everything safely when you’re travelling.
1. Dbramante1928 Leather Marselisborg Messenger Bag: £99.95, johnlewis.com
If you’re after a messenger bag, our pick is this artfully relaxed-looking leather one from the Danish brand (it will get better with age, too). The strap’s adjustable and inside there are storage slots for a laptop up to 14 inches and other bits and pieces. It’s also available in a larger size.
2. Marshall Bergman Athena 13" Tote Bag: £175.00, houseoffraser.co.uk
This sleek, textured leather handbag has more arm-candy appeal than your average laptop carrier. There are padded compartments for a 13-inch machine, tablet, and phone as well as pen holders. It also comes in coral and beige if you want something lighter then black.
3. Knomo Newbury Leather Zip Briefcase: £250.98, amazon.co.uk
Do you have lots of paperwork to carry? This bag-cum-briefcase made with soft but robust full-grain leather is spacious enough for bulky notebooks and files, as well as holding laptops up to 15 inches. Everything zips up to keep your valuable safe and there are two handy external front pockets. The unexpected bright mustard lining is a nice touch, too.
4. Aldo Goluba Tote With Laptop Sleeve: £50, houseoffraser.co.uk
Here’s another one that looks like a smart handbag but this is more affordable than a leather number. It fits laptops up to 15 inches and there are some handy pouches for the likes of chargers. There’s also a zipped pocket on the outside to keep smaller items safe. Comes in a range of colours.
5. Incase Reform Tensaerlite Backpack: £99.95, apple.com
If you carry your laptop a lot, it’s worth investing in a backpack to distribute the weight evenly and protect your shoulders and back. This lightweight one form Californian-based, Apple specialists Incase has a tough, faux fur-lined inner compartment with a magnetic closure to protect your beloved computer from bumps and scrapes. The bag itself has comfy padded straps and plenty of room for the rest of your necessities.
6. Moshi Urbana Laptop Briefcase 15": £100.00, johnlewis.com
This durable case is less bulky than some on the list but there’s still room for a laptop, tablet and other bits inside, as well as in the zipped compartment on the front. The strap’s designed to prevent shoulder strain and, handily, it has a waterproof coating, so your electronics won’t get damp if the heavens open. Comes in three colours.
7. Targus Geo Gibson Laptop Messenger Bag 15.6": £49.95, johnlewis.com
Here’s a good-value, cleverly-designed messenger bag with a rigid base that stands by itself so you never have to leave your computer lying on the floor in harm’s way of feet. Inside, there’s a zipped pocket for a tablet, alongside other pockets, and the outside of the bag is designed so that you can slot it over the handle of a wheelie for easy carrying when travelling.
8. GUARDITRolling Tote 17.3": £95.00, samsonite.co.uk
Anyone regularly travelling for work with a laptop should consider a suitcase with an integrated space for a computer. This one is our pick of the lot for practicality and durability; it meets standard cabin bag allowances and has space for your overnight stuff, while the technology section has a laptop compartment, a phone pocket and a padded section for your tablet.
9. Port Designs London 17.3" Laptop Clamshell Bag: £20.00, debenhamsplus.com
This traditional-looking bag is good-value option if functionality is the aim of the game. Your laptop will be kept super-safe and secure in the zipped compartment and on the other side there’s more room - and plenty of pockets - for other extras. The back strap makes this another one that fits on a trolley bag - ideal if you’re regularly mixing work and travel.
Verdict:
Incase’s backpack is our pick for a versatile, practical bag that will protect both your technology and not put too much of a strain on your body.
