Laptop Backpacks For The Savvy Traveler

Laptops have freed us to seek the van life, to sign onto work from the beach, and to get things done on the train going into the office. But to keep your most useful possession safe, you need a laptop bag that can join you whether it's a trip to the Winnetka office or a global voyage.

Remember, this is luggage, and whether it's going to the office or taking the worst baggage handlers can dish out, the basics need to come first. The shoulder straps should be comfortable, the construction should be rugged, the materials should be tough, and of course it should suit your style. Get a bag you'd buy for yourself, even if you're using it for the office.

Look for bags that can haul not just your laptop but your necessary infrastructure to go with it. Chargers, power bricks, phones, tablets, and other tools may be hitching a ride as well, so check for a large number of pockets with enough padding to keep all your stuff safe.

Roominess also counts, especially if you'll be combining all your stuff into one go-bag for overnight flights, long meetings, or that trip back to see the family. Roomy bags let you easily shove things into without putting your electronics at risk, especially if you need to keep a lunch replacement just in case that meeting goes over.