Life is busy, and the last thing you should worry about when you’re on the move is the stuff in your backpack. In the digital age, it is imperative to carry around laptops, tablets, and phones everywhere we go, so finding the perfect backpack that will protect all your tech is essential. The world of backpacks, however, is complex and ever-changing. Below I’ve listed my top 3 laptop backpacks to help make your search a little bit easier.

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Nixon Ridge II Backpack

 

Starting out my top three is the Ridge II Backpack from Nixon. If you’ve never owned a Nixon backpack, you’re definitely missing out. As one might expect from Nixon, this backpack is tough.

There are a number of features that make this backpack special, but when it comes to protecting your laptop, it really boils down to materials and pockets. In the main compartment, there is a large laptop pocket that sits toward the back, right up against the back-panel so your computer is tight against your body. This keeps it from jostling more than if it were elsewhere in the bag, preventing hard-wear from coming loose in your laptop over time.

Still, your backpack is only as reliable as the material it’s made of. The Ridge II is made from a durable poly-fabric blend that is designed to withstand the elements, as well as a little rough and tumble travel. Measuring at 600D, this bag can hold its weight and take a beating, making it an ideal choice for carrying a laptop.

At its price point, this bag is perfect for anyone on a budget (looking at you college kids), who want a bag they can rely on to protect their laptop and other items for years.

Other cool features: mesh-padded back panel and shoulder straps, zippered shoe compartment, internal organizer

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Burton Day Hiker Pinnacle Backpack

 

In the middle of that pack (or backpack, ha) is the Day Hiker Pinnacle Backpack from Burton. We all know that Burton makes quality goods, and this backpack stays true to that.

This backpack features two pockets for your tech – one for your laptop and the other for your tablet. I love taking my tablet with me when I go places, but I don’t always like storing it in the laptop pocket because it’s too big and tends to dance around. It’s also no fun to try and stuff both items into the laptop pocket, but with this backpacks separate pockets for each, I can carry them individually, while ensuring they stay snug in place.

The Day Hiker Pinnacle Backpack is made using poly-fabric blends woven in a ripstop style that is designed to resist general wear and tear better than traditional fabrics. This makes this backpack particularly suited for camping or hiking at any time of year. It’s made by Burton, after all, so snowboarding was definitely in mind.

At its price point, this bag is a great choice for someone who wants to spend a bit more for additional features but doesn’t want to shell out for a high-tech super bag.

Other cool features: bucket top, goggle/sunglasses pocket, hydration sleeve, water bottle pockets

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Dakine Network 32L Backpack

 

Listen. Your backpack is more than just a bag. Besides you, it’s the only thing standing between the blind, merciless forces of nature and all the valuables you carry inside. Ensuring you have a bag that lasts for years, that also keeps all your gear organized and in tip-top shape should be a priority. Rounding off my list of best laptop backpacks is a bag that will do just that. The Network 32L Backpack from Dakine.

This backpack is a dream come true for the organized person. This backpack features a multitude of pockets that are designed for tech. Not only does it have a laptop pocket, but it also features a fleece-lined tablet pocket and a separate smartphone pocket. Specialized pockets cradle your chargers, USB cables, a mouse and more, ensuring that you never misplace your gear and get it all tangled up. The laptop pocket folds down all the way and is located right behind the back-panel to ensure that it stays super snug at all times. Furthermore, it’s TSA compliant so you don’t have to remove your laptop when traveling.

On top of that, all of your tech is cradled by durable poly-fabrics that range between 300D and 600D with a ripstop weave that ensures your stuff is safe as you travel, hike or commute to work and class. It has a clean-cut design and sleek profile that has most of its pockets built inward, making it more difficult to access for those with thieving intentions.

It’s true that the price point is a bit higher for this backpack, but the quality is absolutely worth it. The Dakine Network 32L Backpack combines clean lines, durable materials and genius design for a backpack that rises high above the rest.

Other cool features: ergonomic foam back panel, stash pocket front, cable management system.

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Whichever bag you choose, your laptop and everything else will be kept perfectly safe at all times. Not to mention they all look pretty tight.