By the Joybuy Team, Your Gear ExpertsPublished July 23, 2026
It's a challenge many of us face: finding a bag that can safely carry a laptop, lunch, documents, and a few personal items without looking like a bulky hiking pack. Between daily commutes, days at the office, and weekend getaways, the laptop backpack has become an essential. It needs to be functional, durable, and suited for an active lifestyle.
This guide is here to help you navigate the options. We've broken down the key criteria and selected models that meet a variety of needs, from the ultra-organised professional to the student on the go.
Before you settle on a model, take the time to define your needs. Here are the key points to check to make the right choice.
The starting point, of course, is to ensure the dedicated compartment is compatible with your laptop's size (15.6 or 16 inches, for example). But a good multifunction backpack goes further: it must offer well-designed pockets and dividers to organise your cables, mouse, pens, and documents. Some models even include secret anti-theft pockets for your valuables—a real asset in an urban environment.
A work backpack is put through its paces every day. Materials like high-density polyester or nylon are known for their excellent resistance to wear and tear. To protect your electronics from downpours, opt for a waterproof backpack or, at the very least, a water-repellent one. A TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) coating or waterproof zippers are a sign of optimal moisture protection.
Modern backpacks include options designed to make your life easier:
We've chosen three models that stand out from the crowd, each with its own strengths for very different uses.
Why it stands out: This is the Swiss Army knife of backpacks. It merges a perfectly organised workspace with an integrated insulated compartment, making it the ideal solution for those who bring their lunch to the office.
Key Features:
Who is it for? The professional or student who wants to consolidate everything into one robust, practical, and well-designed bag.
Why it stands out: The D?sh by Gaston Luga is the perfect blend of minimalist design and high-performance materials. With its waterproof coating and recycled polyester construction, it's the obvious choice for anyone looking to combine style with an eco-conscious mindset.
Key Features:
Who is it for? The urban commuter, the creative professional, or anyone seeking an elegant, discreet backpack that can protect their electronics from the elements.
Why it stands out: Its key advantage? Versatility combined with lightness. Its expandable capacity allows it to go from 10L to 13L in an instant, perfect for adapting to the day's unexpected needs, like last-minute groceries or stowing a jacket.
Key Features:
Who is it for? For minimalists, cyclists, and anyone looking for a compact bag for daily essentials, with the flexibility to carry more when needed.
The models featured here are excellent companions for daily life. But if you frequently travel by plane and have to deal with cabin size restrictions and security checks, more specific models might be a better fit.
? Discover our complete collection of travel backpacks and cabin luggage to find the perfect companion for your next adventure.
For a 15-inch laptop (usually 15.6 inches), choose a bag with a compartment explicitly listed as "15.6-inch compatible." This ensures a perfect fit, preventing the device from moving during transport and providing optimal protection with sufficient padding.
Be careful not to confuse "water-repellent" with "waterproof." A water-repellent fabric can withstand light rain, but water will eventually seep through in a heavy downpour. A waterproof bag, on the other hand, is made with coated materials (like TPU) and often has sealed zippers for complete protection. Read the product specifications carefully to check these details.
Absolutely, especially if you're often on the move. A backpack with a USB port allows you to charge your phone or tablet without having to dig around for your power bank. Simply connect it to the internal cable and plug your device into the external port. It's a small convenience that makes a big difference on long commutes or extra-long days. Note that the power bank is never included with the backpack.