If you don’t want wheels on your laptop bag, then you may want to take a look at our list of the best laptop backpacks. They tend to have less rigid interiors, allowing you to fit more inside. For all others, read on to see our full overview of the best rolling laptop bags below. The polyester body feels both durable and long-lasting, measuring 14.75H x 17L x 8.75W inches (read: it’s appropriately sized for sitting underneath an airplane seat). The padded laptop compartment can hold up to a 17.3-inch laptop, while the front zippered pocket and organizer section allow for a bevy of papers, books, pens and other travel knickknacks. Dimensions: 14.75x17x8.75 inches | Weight: 1 pound | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment Dimensions: 17.0x9.0x13.5 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Ballistic nylon with DuraGuard coating The dedicated laptop compartment can store up to 17-inch devices, although it’s a tight fit (laptops 15.6 inches and smaller are recommended for complete protection). Once inside the laptop compartment, a velcro strap adds an extra layer of security to prevent the laptop from moving during transit. Dimensions: 16.5x14.5x7.5 inches | Weight: 5.1 pound | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment The built-in media pocket adds a headphone port, so you can have an audio device or smartphone stowed inside the bag and still be able to listen to music via a corded headphone. The hideaway telescoping handle securely locks when pulled out and is just as easily tucked away when not in use. In the event you want to go full-on backpack mode, the padded shoulder straps make it easy to carry just in case you’re running to catch your flight. Dimensions: 20.5x13.5x8.0 inches | Weight: 5.5 pounds | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment Dimensions: 17x13.4x7 inches | Weight: 6.3 pounds | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment Dimensions: 17x14x7 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | TSA Certified: No | Durability: Padded laptop compartment Hayley Prokos has been writing for Lifewire since 2019, specializing in travel-friendly consumer tech, health, and accessories.
What to Look for in a Rolling Laptop Bag
Storage
How big is your laptop? And how much stuff do you need to carry with you? This is a major concern when it comes to buying a rolling laptop bag. After all, if you have a 17-inch laptop, but the bag you want only holds a 13-inch, that’s a problem. Or if you need room to carry a large assortment of cords and devices, but the bag itself is too slim, that’s not going to work. Figure out what you need to carry and pick a bag that fits the bill. Many of the rolling bags also come with numerous pockets, both external and internal mesh pockets, letting you carry a range of accessories in addition to your laptop.
Durability
When it comes to laptop bags, you can find one made out of all kinds of different materials. The question is, what will you be using the bag for? If this is mostly a business travel bag you’ll be taking with you to meetings, leather might be a good option. However, if durability matters more than style, the nylon or polyester varieties might be the way to go. Most rolling laptop bags won’t have a rating like MIL-STD 810G, but it’s still possible to determine if a bag is drop-resistant by looking at corner protection. A hard exterior and padded interior is particularly good for absorbing shocks. Waterproofing is harder to find and you’re unlikely to get an IP rating, but water-resistant material isn’t uncommon.
Comfort
It may seem like a rolling laptop bag doesn’t need to have additional straps for carrying, but you’d be surprised at how often these can come in handy. An additional strap could help take the strain off your arms or make it easier to navigate a crowded airport. You should also consider if you need a handle on top, or straps to attach it to the handle of a larger rolling bag. Do you want to be able to carry it messenger or backpack-style if necessary? These are important things to think about before purchasing a rolling laptop bag. A TSA-certified bag can also make it easier to get through checkpoints and airport security with minimal hassle.
