Traveling with valuable electronics can be stressful but also an essential part of business trips. You need your laptop to handle your work at your destination and on the go, allowing for easy access to files, emails, and more. But, how can you be sure that your laptop will survive the journey? The best option is to get a quality piece of carry-on luggage with laptop storage. You will have your device close at hand, and be able to keep it secure in a specially designed pouch. But, not all cases and bags are built equally and some are more protective than others. Below are 10 of the best carry on luggage with laptop compartment and what to look out for.
What Style Of Carry-On Luggage Allows For Laptop Storage?
With so many people looking to travel with laptops and other portable electronics, luggage manufacturers now provide laptop pockets and protective measures in a range of products. You can find these pouches in the interiors of shoulder bags, backpacks, and even suitcases. Suitcases and backpacks are great as carry-on baggage, and you could also try a rolling bag if the design works in your favor.
Carry-On Backpacks For Laptops
A popular choice for traveling with a laptop is a backpack. They offer hands-free portability with the right protective features to keep your laptop safe from harm. They are a good choice for work when you don’t want a more formal shoulder or cross-body bag. The right backpack with good dimensions can also work as carry-on luggage for business trips across the country.
Traveling With A Laptop In A Suitcase
This may not sound like the ideal solution if you are used to traveling with a laptop in reach, or if you are worried about bumps and damage. But, some great suitcases have laptop sleeves and enough protection. Some of the best are the hardside cases with the tougher shell. But, if you prefer, you can also get some softside cases that are as user-friendly.
Rolling Bags For Laptops
Some rolling bags have provisions for a laptop as one of their many compartments. These can be really useful when carrying the laptop for work, alongside other important equipment. The shape and organization within the bag are highly practical, while the portable features of the base, wheels, and telescoping handle make them easier to handle. They can work as carry-on baggage, and as rolling bags for traveling between work sites.
Here are 10 of the best carry on luggage with laptop compartment within these different categories.
- Samsonite Novex Perfect Fit Laptop Backpack Black
- EVERKI Atlas Business Laptop Backpack
- SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17-Inch Laptop Backpack
- TravelCross Boston 21″ Carry On Lightweight Hardshell Spinner Luggage
- Fribourg Hardside 20” Premium Carry On Spinner Luggage
- Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Case
- Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0 Frequent Flyer Softside Expandable Carry-On Luggage, Black
- Samsonite Silhouette Sphere 2 Softside Spinner Boarding Bag
- Travelpro Unisex Adults Crew Versapack Rolling Travel Tote Bag
- Solo New York Bryant Rolling Laptop Bag
Samsonite Novex Perfect Fit Laptop Backpack Black
Let’s start with the backpacks as they are the most familiar for traveling with laptops and on flights. There is a fairly typical shape and structure to this bag compared to some of the others below. This might make the backpack more difficult to handle when dealing with TSA agents, but it could make it suitable for more applications.
There is a laptop compartment at the back that is adjustable between 13 and 15.6-inches. Therefore, you should get a snug fit for smaller devices too. From there, you can take advantage of the organization features in the front pocket and the interior space for clothes and other large items. It is 17.5 × 12.25 × 7.25 inches in total, so a good size for the cabin and for traveling between locations.
EVERKI Atlas Business Laptop Backpack
This alternative model from EVERKI does things a little differently as it is designed with airport travel in mind a little more. Here, the front compartment opens up at a 180-degree angle for faster TSA checks. There is another adjustable laptop pouch, this time between13 and 17.5-inches.
Additional helpful features include the trolley handle pass-through so you can stack this onto another case, as well as the multi-functional side pockets for quick access. As with the other backpacks, the style is simple, with dark tones and no decorative features. It is all about having something practical and efficient.
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17-Inch Laptop Backpack
SwissGear laptop backpack is another specially designed with those TSA checks in mind. The front opens up with that wide angle, letting people see everything easily. The padded pockets also make it easier to view the items without taking them out. This is true for the larger 17-inch laptop pouch and smaller tablet pocket.
You don’t have the same adjustability as the adaptable pockets though. You also don’t get a lot of other pockets besides your basic backpack features. A bonus, however, is the wider range of colors available.
TravelCross Boston 21″ Carry On Lightweight Hardshell Spinner Luggage
Next, we need to look at the potential for traveling with a laptop on a plane with a suitcase. This TravelCross Boston 21″ is a hardside case, which can allow for greater peace of mind when protecting any valuable from knocks in transit. It has a lightweight ABS shell, so is tough but still easy to handle. The standard telescoping handle and four spinner wheels add to the portability.
Inside, there is a separate compartment at the front for a 15.6-inch laptop. Just open the zip, let the front fall open, and use the padded pockets within. These come with a Velcro strap for extra security. There is a 19-inch capacity overall – making it 21-inches tall when counting the wheels.
Fribourg Hardside 20” Premium Carry On Spinner Luggage
Fribourg hardside ABS case is very similar in style and construction. There is another compartment on the front that opens out the same way. An important difference is that this is a 17-inch laptop pouch this time. The 20-inch capacity allows for a little more room without becoming a problem for carry-on luggage rules.
The case also has an aluminum trolley handle with a push button, rather than a standard suitcase handle and spinner wheels. This is also another grey case. There is something about business-based carry-on bags for laptops that means black and gray are the primary color choices.
Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Expandable Case
You don’t just have to for hardside cases when traveling with a laptop. There are some softside models out that are as effective if you prefer that style. A nice thing about the softer material is the additional color options, such as navy and Bordeaux.
Inside Travelpro Platinum Elite Softside Case, there is a nice padded laptop sleeve for a 15-inch laptop and a separate tablet sleeve as needed. The standout feature, however, is the power bank pocket on the front pocket at the top of the case. This allows for on-the-go charging at airports with the right equipment.
Victorinox Werks Traveler 6.0 Frequent Flyer Softside Expandable Carry-On Luggage, Black
First impressions of this case are that great because there doesn’t seem to be too much emphasis on the protective features for laptops or other personal devices. There is a laptop sleeve within the case, and the position means that the device should be safe between the shell and clothing. But, it isn’t the thick adjustable pouch seen in other luggage options.
The reason this case makes it into this guide is the USB port at the back, which isn’t a factor in the other cases. It is also a decent-looking softside model that could work for leisure as much as business.
Samsonite Silhouette Sphere 2 Softside Spinner Boarding Bag
This Samsonite Silhouette softside case is great for shorter trips for business because of its size. This one is only 17-inches, so there are no concerns about it being suitable for traveling with you in the cabin. That allows for just enough room for some clothes, essential items, and your laptop and chargers. The separate laptop compartment allows for a 15.6-inch laptop, and there is a Velcro tab holding it in place.
Other helpful features include the mesh pockets inside, the push button telescoping handle, and the spinner wheels. This should be really easy to handle when you just want a basic case that does enough without getting complicated.
Travelpro Unisex Adults Crew Versapack Rolling Travel Tote Bag
There are rolling bags as an alternative to the larger cases. The Travelpro travel tote bag is structured to offer many of the great features of suitcases. There is the PowerScope handle that extends to 42.5″ to support additional bags, the durable material, and the wheels. But this is a smaller bag at 8.5×16.5×15.75 inches, with a different configuration of pockets and a carry handle.
You get the padded sleeve in between the main storage at the back and the front pocket for better protection. Then there are pockets in the front section for chargers, other electronics, and small items like thumb drives.
Solo New York Bryant Rolling Laptop Bag
Finally, there is this rolling laptop bag that is clearly designed for professionals traveling across the country for business. There is a nice padded compartment within the main interior for the laptop, but also an organizer section for smaller items, and a file compartment for any essential paperwork. This is something not seen with the more casual backpacks, or the larger cases.
The bag also has a nice push button handle and padded carry handles. It isn’t that big at 14×16.8×5-inches, but big enough for short trips. It could prove to be a helpful choice when cases are too excessive.
What To Look For In The Best Carry-On Luggage With Laptop Storage
The size of the pouch
Not all laptop pouches are the same size, so it is important to check the dimensions in product specifications. Many are around 15-inches to allow for a standard laptop. If your model is a larger gaming laptop, you will need to go for a bigger bag. Bags with adaptable pouches help if you have a range of devices and need a snug compartment for a smaller model.
The protection for the laptop
Protection should come in a few forms. For a start, that pouch should be a snug fit with padding to protect the laptop from getting shaken around while on the move. A velcro strap at the top helps too. Then there is the placement within the bag. Some cases put the pouch in the middle. This means the added protection of the clothes and items in the other compartments. Then you should consider the fastenings and weatherproofing on the compartment.
Additional storage for related items
If you are traveling with a laptop for work, you will also need the charger and probably other tools like thumb drives, USB cables, and more. It helps if there are dedicated pockets for these little items so you can keep them safe and know precisely where to find them. Luggage with areas for power packs and USB ports may be excessive or perfect for traveling depending on your profession and how much you need to do on the go.
TSA-friendly bags
Then there is the issue of getting your carry-on bag through security with all these electronic items inside. Neither you nor the TSA agent wants to waste time getting the bag undone and taking everything out. The backpacks and cases with 180-degree compartments and see-through panels can save a lot of time and stress.
Of course, you still need your cases to be airline compliant, durable, and with the capacity to hold everything else you need. It needs the right materials and security features too. But, the main concern here is that you will have the organisational tools to handle your precious electronics.
There Are Plenty Of Options In The Best Carry On Luggage With Laptop Compartment To Suit Different Tastes
The range of products with laptop storage included is diverse. You might expect to have to carry your laptop on the plane n a cumbersome shoulder bag that goes in the overhead locker. But, these cases, backpacks, and rolling bags allow for something a lot more convenient. Compare the specifications, make sure your laptop will be secure, and find something that will make your business trips a lot more enjoyable and less stressful.