I carry a big laptop. Mine’s a 17-inch workhorse that loves to hog space and test zippers. I’ve tried way too many backpacks that promise a “17-inch fit” and then choke at the gate.
Here’s the one that didn’t: the Travelpro Crew Executive Choice 3 Large Backpack. (I lay out even more nitty-gritty details in this deep-dive on the Travelpro’s 17-inch chops.) I’ve lived with it on flights, trains, and a few rainy walks to hotel lobbies. It’s not perfect. But it’s the one I keep grabbing without thinking twice.
If you want to browse other bags that handle hefty laptops with ease, take a spin through the lineup at Cool Computer Bags.
First, does a 17-inch actually fit?
Short answer: yes.
My 17-inch Dell slides into the padded sleeve with room to breathe. No angry bulge. No zipper fight. The sleeve has a stiff back panel, so the laptop doesn’t bend when the bag’s full. I’ve had bags that “fit” but then pinched the corners. This one doesn’t do that.
A quick win that made me grin: it still slid under the seat on an American 737, aisle seat, with the bag packed full. I had to nudge it in, but it went.
Real trips, real stress
- O’Hare, 6 a.m., security shuffle: I pulled the laptop straight out without digging around. No wrestling. Back in, zipped, done.
- Portland rain: The fabric shrugged off a light shower. Not a monsoon, but my stuff stayed dry on a 10-minute walk.
- Coffee spill at the gate: I wiped the front clean with a napkin. No stain.
- Hustle move: The luggage handle pass-through strap is sturdy. I stacked it on my spinner and jogged to C12 without the backpack wobbling off. Making that sprint reminded me why I eventually traded my old shoulder bag for a rolling computer bag on longer trips.
If a layover or unexpected overnight keeps you in the Chicago suburbs near O’Hare, and you’re curious about where to unwind once the bag is stowed, the nightlife and personals listings on Backpage Roselle can point you toward local bars, events, and social connections so you don’t spend the evening scrolling aimlessly in your hotel room.
You know what? Tiny wins like that add up when you’re tired and hungry and your charger’s playing hide-and-seek.
Pockets that make sense
It’s organized but not fussy. I can work with that.
- The laptop sleeve is snug and padded. There’s a separate tablet pocket too.
- A quick-access top pocket holds my phone and boarding pass. It’s soft inside, so my sunglasses survived without a case.
- The front pocket eats cords and a mouse and still zips smooth.
- Two side pockets hold water bottles, but they’re happier with slim ones. A chunky 32-oz bottle is a squeeze.
I wish more bags got this balance right—enough pockets to sort your gear, not so many you lose your own snacks.
Comfort over a long day
Loaded up, it’s steady and calm on my shoulders. The straps are wide and squishy, and the back panel has airflow ridges that keep sweat down. I carried it through a long layover in Denver, and my shoulders didn’t bark at me after.
It does feel a bit heavy when empty. Not brick-heavy, just solid. That’s the trade-off for the structure that protects a big computer.
Hauling all that tech (and sometimes sprinting between gates) can sap anyone’s energy. If you’re a guy who wants to keep your stamina high for those marathon travel days, take a quick look at the Top Testosterone Supplements for Men in 2024 — this research-based guide breaks down ingredients, dosages, and real-world benefits so you can decide whether a supplement could help you feel less drained on the road.
What bugged me (and how I worked around it)
- It’s boxy. Looks pro, yes, but a bit square on my back. I’m fine with it; just calling it out.
- The side pockets are tight for big bottles. I use a skinny steel bottle now.
- It’s not a budget bag. But my cheaper “17-inch” packs sagged or tore at the seams. This one hasn’t.
Small thing, but the zipper pulls make a faint clink when you walk fast. I looped a tiny bit of cord through the main pulls. Quiet now.
How it stacked up against others I actually used
- SwissGear 1900: Cheaper and opens flat at security, which is nice. But the padding wasn’t as firm, and my big laptop moved around more than I liked.
- Everki Titan: A tank. It’ll fit almost anything, even bigger than 17-inch. But it felt huge on my back. Great for tech roadshows, not great for tight plane aisles.
- eBags Pro Slim: Love the layout, but it’s tight for some 17-inch models. My charger brick felt like it needed its own seat.
If you specifically want a backpack engineered around 17-inch machines, the SwissGear Ibex Backpack is purpose-built and worth a look.
One unexpected standout in my testing was this under-the-radar 17-inch hauler; it didn’t beat the Travelpro for me, but it punched well above its weight.
For me, the Travelpro hits the sweet spot: real 17-inch fit, strong build, and airport-friendly design without feeling like a hiking pack.
Little packing habits that helped
- I put the laptop on the side closest to my back. It feels more balanced.
- The heavy charger brick goes low in the front pocket. Keeps the bag from tipping.
- Cables live in a small pouch. I toss the pouch into the front pocket so nothing snakes around the laptop sleeve.
Who will love this bag
- Business travelers with big laptops who still want to look sharp.
- Students with a 17-inch machine who carry books and don’t want saggy straps.
- Anyone who hates the “it fits… kind of” lie some bags tell.
My quick verdict
The Travelpro Crew Executive Choice 3 Large Backpack is the best bag I’ve used for a 17-inch laptop. It fits. It protects. It keeps my day moving. It’s not the lightest, and the bottle pockets are picky, but the wins beat the quirks.
If your laptop is big and your days are long, this one just works. And when a bag just works, you notice how much calmer travel feels. I sure did.