I carry a laptop almost every day. Meetings. Coffee shops. Planes. School drop-off, then straight to work. I’ve tried a lot of bags. Some stuck with me, some did not. You know what? Small things matter—zippers, straps, and how a bag sits on your back at 5 p.m. when you’re tired.
Curious how other gear nerds grade a carry? Esquire rounded up some of the best laptop bags for men, and several of their favorites echo the points I’ll hit below.
Here’s what I look for: a safe laptop pocket, comfy straps, tough fabric, and a shape that won’t sag. I like clean lines. I also want pockets that make sense. Not twenty pockets I’ll never touch. If you want to see how I break down every spec in even more detail, check out this in-depth men’s computer-bag guide.
Below are the computer bags I’ve used, tested hard, and kept (or sold). Real miles. Real rain. Real TSA trays. If you want to dig even deeper, check out the latest selections over at Cool Computer Bags. For yet another lean, spec-focused comparison, Men’s Journal’s rundown of top laptop bags is worth a bookmark.
My quick checklist (so you know my style)
- Can fit a 14–16 inch laptop
- Water-resistant fabric and YKK zips
- A strap that doesn’t dig into my shoulder
- A luggage pass-through (for travel days)
- Pockets I can find without looking
Alright, bag by bag.
Peak Design Everyday Messenger (15L, v2): My bike-and-camera champ
I used this one for two years on my city bike and on set days. It held my 16-inch MacBook Pro, a Sony a6400, two lenses, a notebook, and a hoodie. The magnetic latch is fast. The FlexFold dividers keep gear tidy. The strap slides easy when I swing the bag around to grab my charger.
- What I loved: The latch feels smart. The strap is smooth. The shape stays neat.
- What bugged me: It can look a bit bulky. The flap edges can take spray in a hard storm. It’s not light.
If you ride, or if you carry a camera with your laptop, this one makes sense. It’s a workhorse that still looks sharp with a black coat and boots.
Aer Tech Pack 2: The office-meets-commuter backpack
This is my “leave it packed” work bag. I’ve taken it through three trips to New York and a lot of local runs. It stands up on its own. The laptop pocket is stiff and safe. The front panel folds open like a book, so packing is easy. Fabric is tough 1680D ballistic nylon, which sounds fancy, but it just means it can take a hit.
- What I loved: It’s structured. It stands. The laptop slot is quick at security.
- What bugged me: The back can run warm on summer days. The fit is boxy on small frames.
I toss my 15-inch laptop, a tech pouch, a compact umbrella, and a light sweater in there. It’s tidy. It looks modern with a blazer and white sneakers.
Filson Original Briefcase (Rugged Twill): The classic that ages like good boots
I wanted a bag with soul. This one has it. Heavy twill, bridle leather, brass. It feels like a vintage truck that keeps running. I used it for client meetings and coffee shop days when I wanted a “grown-up” look. It held a 14-inch laptop in a sleeve, a legal pad, a book, and a charger.
- What I loved: It looks better as it wears. The leather feels solid. Simple layout.
- What bugged me: No built-in laptop padding. It’s heavy. In a long storm, it can soak at the seams.
If you like raw denim, Red Wings, and notebooks, this bag fits that vibe. But add a slim laptop sleeve. Trust me. For another perspective on how canvas holds up over years of abuse, you can read my honest take on a canvas computer bag.
Tom Bihn Cadet (15"): The no-drama brief that just works
This one is for the person who hates flimsy bags. The build is tight. The zips are smooth. With the “Cache with rails,” I could slide the laptop out fast at TSA without pulling it all the way free. Inside, there are O-rings for key straps and pouches—nerdy, yes, but smart. I used it for a year of hybrid work, office and home.
- What I loved: Top-notch build. Smart laptop rail. Light but tough.
- What bugged me: Looks a bit square. Pricey. Not flashy (which might be a plus).
It fits a 15-inch laptop, charger, slim water bottle, and a small tech kit. It disappears on your shoulder—and that’s kind of the point. I even built my own one-off carry to solve my “too many gadgets” chaos; the full story is in my custom computer-bag build recap.
Tumi Alpha 3 Organizer Laptop Brief: The travel pro
When I fly for work, this is the brief I reach for. The Add-a-Bag sleeve slides over my suitcase handle, so I’m not wrestling in the aisle. The pockets make sense—cards, pens, cables—each with a spot. The ballistic nylon shrugs off scuffs. I used it on four trips this year, including one messy layover at O’Hare. Still looks new.
- What I loved: Luggage sleeve. Smart pocket map. Durable fabric.
- What bugged me: It’s heavy for a brief. The price can sting.
If you wear a suit or sport coat, this bag matches it. It says, “I came to work,” but not too loud.
Timbuk2 Command Messenger: The city beater with TSA tricks
This one took a beating. Trains, coffee spills, rain. The TPU liner wipes clean. The cross strap keeps it steady when I’m moving fast. It’s got a TSA-friendly feature, so the laptop side can lay flat. Velcro can be loud—yes—but I kind of like the rip when I’m in a rush. I carried a 15-inch laptop, a paperback, and a lunch box.
- What I loved: Tough, wipe-clean liner. Cross strap. Easy airport flow.
- What bugged me: Velcro noise. Can look slouchy if half-full.
It’s ideal for students, creatives, and anyone who needs a bag that can get messy and bounce back. Need something even tougher? I spent a full week hauling the 5.11 RUSH Delivery Lima tactical messenger, and you can dive into the day-by-day report right here.
Bellroy Transit Workpack: Clean lines for office-casual
On days I go light, this is the one. It has a slim look but still fits a 16-inch laptop, a sweater, and a small lunch. The shoulder straps feel soft. The fabric is water-resistant and feels nice to the touch. I wore it with jeans and a button-down. No fuss, no logos shouting.
- What I loved: Sleek look. Smooth straps. Good daily size.
- What bugged me: The opening is a bit narrow at the top. Light marks can show.
If your style leans minimal, this pairs well. It looks like you thought about your outfit—even if you didn’t.
How I match the bag to the day
- Bike or quick city run: Peak Design Everyday Messenger
- Big office day or light travel: Aer Tech Pack 2
- Dressy client meeting: Filson Original Briefcase or Tumi Alpha 3
- TSA-heavy travel with budget in mind: Timbuk2 Command
- Clean daily carry with a modern look: Bellroy Transit Workpack
- Just want something that never fails: Tom Bihn Cadet
Here’s the thing. No bag is perfect. Some days the Filson feels too heavy. Some days the Aer feels too boxy. But when the day and the bag match, life gets easy. That’s the sweet spot.
Odd little tests I always run
- The spill test: I dripped cold brew on the Timbuk2 liner. Wiped clean.
- The rain test: Light rain was fine for all. Filson needed a sleeve in a storm.
- The strap test: I walked a mile with each. Aer and Bellroy felt best on my shoulders.
- The zipper test: Tom Bihn and Tumi zips stayed smooth, even with dust and grit.
I also toss bags on the car floor. I snag them on door frames. I wish I didn’t, but life happens. If a bag still looks good after that, it earns my vote.