Notice

This page is horribly out of date and hasn't been updated for several years. During that time laptops have become far more common among college and even high school students who are likely to carry them in backpacks, so the number of available backpacks has increased quite a bit.

I'll probably update this page somewhat during the winter of 2004 and spring of 2005, but it is by no means a definitive listing of packs for laptops at this point. The first line of revisions will be simply listing links to known backpack manufacturers (and removing links to companies that are no longer around).

Backpack Cases for Notebooks

Note: As with most web pages, this one is perpetually under construction and may sit idle for a while. Please don't let that stop you from sending in comments and suggestions.

What This Page Is

This listing started as a list of packs that I came across in looking for a case and has grown from that as other people have sent me information on packs that I missed and reviews of the packs that they have. It includes some comments, but I've tried not to put too much opinion on this page - see the reviews for that.

Having said that, most backpack PC cases seem to have a rather blocky or boxy design, due undoubtedly to the requirement that there be a foam box to hold a notebook. This is similar to many high-capacity backpacks, but is more noticeable because of the padding holding the packs in that shape. I don't care for boxy packs for several reasons (looks, how they ride, whether they appear to have a laptop inside), so that bias is reflected on this page. As a counter to that, boxy packs do have two advantages I can see: they can often stand up by themselves, and they are more likely to have good padding because the laptop can't move within them.

Unless otherwise noted:

The terms "Laptop" and "Notebook" are used interchangably depending on how they sound and on whim,
Information on this page is not based on my having examined the packs themselves (see the reviews),
Links to manufacturers or retailers will open in a new browser window if your web browser supports doing so,
Prices listed are in US dollars,
Padded compartments to go in existing packs are likely to be cheaper than most new packs,
Measurements are in inches rounded to the nearest half inch (fabric stretches & shrinks anyway),
Dimensions are specified as Width x Height x Depth
You should look at the manufacturer's web site for the most up-to-date and detailed information,
URLs for particular packs may be out of date due to manufacturer web page redesigns,
Using a laptop while it's in the case probably interferes with the cooling system (generally a fan) and may damage your notebook or cause it to shut down unexpectedly.

Price Categories:

Dirt Cheap - Under $25,
$ - $25-50,
$$ - $51-75,
$$$ - $76-100,
$$$$ - $101-125,
$$$$$ - $126-150,
Expensive - More than $150.

Prices are in U.S. Dollars.

A Note on Size for Those who Travel

United Airlines is apparently now strongly enforcing a size restriction of 14" x 30" x 9", and some of the other airlines may follow suit (though most are using other methods to control carryon luggage), so if you may be traveling by air at some point you might want to be aware of that and avoid some of the largest packs.

Other Packs
Plea for Information
Thanks
Reviews

CODi, Inc.

ProPak

Dimensions: 13 x 16 x 6.5
Weight: 1.5 pounds
Colors: Black
Padding: Foam, variable thickness (insert)
Max. Laptop Size: 10x12.5x2.5
Compartments: Single divided and outside
Opening: Top drawstring/cover
Price: $$$$
URLs: http://www.codi-inc.com/ or http://www.codi-inc.com/home/prod/propak.html

CODi has recently redesigned this pack with the goals of making it both less boxy and lighter. While I'm not certain of the "less boxy" aspect (the dimensions are the same, but that doesn't mean much), I am certain that they managed to make it lighter - at a pound and a half, it may be the lightest pack listed here. In addition, before the redesign this appeared to be one of the less-boxy packs available due to the use of a removable padded box (their FlexPak, described below) rather than a fully-padded pack. The major changes appear to be the removal of the side opening for the laptop and a switch from metal fasteners and buckles to high-impact plastic. The FlexPak may also be gone, with the padding incorporated into the pack itself (The ProPak page no longer mentions the FlexPak by name, but the FlexPak page also doesn't mention the ProPak as one that has the foam padding built in.).
Overall this pack appears to be based on a fairly standard backpack design with some modifications to allow it to work better with a foam-box notebook protector. Since the pack itself isn't padded, the result is a fairly standard-looking fabric pack, however given the relative dimensions of the FlexPak and the backpack it may be necessary to remove the FlexPak from the backpack to get to the computer (however, see speculation above). A small internal accessory bag is also included, along with the external pocket. CODi does have an air suspension/padding system, but it is not available with this pack.
The photos of this pack on CODi's web site are somewhat dark (the pack is black), so heavily lightened copies with higher contrast for better detail are here and here. These are not representative of the actual color of the pack.

FlexPak

The FlexPak is a foam-box laptop holder designed to fit within the ProPak and various other CODi cases. It appears that the foam thickness in the FlexPak is variable, with thicker foam (up to an inch?) at impact points. CODi does not sell the FlexPak separately from its cases.

Day-Timer

Day-Timer sells one backpack of their own, plus the Kensington Saddlebag pack.

Stealth Notebook PC Backpack

Dimensions: 14 x 17 x 4.5
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight: not specified
Colors: Black
Padding: Present, but no details
Compartments: Double? and accessory
Opening: Clamshell
Price: $$
URLs: http://store.daytimer.com, then look under Student Products, then Backpacks.

There is one photo on the web site, showing how a notebook is stowed within the pack. There are others in the catalog, but I have not seen a picture showing the whole backpack. From the pictures, it's difficult to tell how many compartments the pack has - they could be showing different compartments or they could be showing different ways to pack a single compartment.

JanSport

JanSport is a widely known manufacturer of backpacks, and has one models designed for notebook PCs (As of November 24. In the past, they had two additional models known as the Byte Pack (with a sneaker-like rubber bottom) and the Megabyte (with few details available)).
JanSport sells only through retailers, not at their web site, but they do have a search engine that will tell you what retailers are in your area. Not all retailers carry the full line of products, particularly for lower-demand items like this, so it's a very good idea to call call first before visiting them.

Laptop Transit

Dimensions: 14 x 18 x 10
Max. Laptop Size: Uncertain, but won't hold a large laptop well (see reviews)
Weight: 2 lb 5 oz
Colors: Black, Navy, Sunflower, Chili
Padding: Present, but no details
Compartments: Single? and accessory
Opening: Top half zipper?
Price: $-$$ (see retailers)
URLs: http://www.jansport.com, then select Laptop from the Special Features list.
Reviewed?: Yes

The Laptop Transit looks more like a traditional backpack than like a notebook backpack - from the single photo, it seems less boxy than most packs but with a (maximum?) depth of 10 inches that photo may be deceiving. How bulky this pack depends on how much padding there is outside the computer pocket, the back and the bottom. This pack is fairly widely available in stores, and if you have a large system you should probably check it to confirm that your notebook will fit.

Laptop Sleeve

Dimensions: 10 x 13 x 2
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Colors: Black
Padding: Present, but no details
Compartments: Single and accessory
Opening: Top flap
Price: Dirt Cheap-$ (see retailers)
URLs: http://www.jansport.com, then select Laptop from the Special Features list.

The Laptop Sleeve is not actually a backpack, but is instead a padded sleeve that holds a notebook inside a backpack.

Kensington

Kensington is a manufacturer that does not sell directly to the public, but they do provide a list of retailers for physical, phone, mail or online ordering.

Saddlebag

Dimensions: 12.5 x 13.5 x 4.5
Max. Laptop Size: 11.5x13x2.75
Weight: Not specified
Colors: Black/Brown, Black/Black
Padding: Present, but no details
Compartments: Two-section split interior and accessory
Opening: Flap
Price: $$$ (see retailers)
URLs: http://www.kensington.com/products/, then select Cases. Online through Day-Timer, then Technology Products, Computer Cases.

This pack is designed as a versatile case rather than as a full-time backpack, but it does include backpack straps (possibly unpadded) along with a shoulder strap and a top handle. The target market appears to be business casual users, who may be able to use this as a casual briefcase.
This pack is available from the Day-Timer online store under Technology Products, Computer Cases.

L. L. Bean

Campus Computer Organizer

Dimensions:
Max. Laptop Size:
Weight:
Colors:
Padding:
Compartments:
Opening:
Price:
URLs: http://www.llbean.com/
Reviewed?: Yes

(not looked at yet)

Outdoor Products

Outdoor Products is another manufacturer that doesn't sell directly from their web site, providing pointers instead to retailers in your area that carry their products. They have two packs for laptops. (One earlier product, the PC Traveler, appears to have been discontinued; the Einstein takes its place.)

As an editorial note, it's not easy to go to a particular pack. To get to the packs listed here, go to Products, then Work Cases, then use the "Next" link at the bottom of the page twice to reach the "Laptop Carriers" page. It's probably a good thing they're selling these through retailers rather than online, because nobody'd ever find them on their web site if they didn't already know they were there.

Einstein

Dimensions: Unknown
Max. Laptop Size: Unknown
Weight: Not specified
Colors: Black
Padding: Present, including "hammock" to hold laptop off bottom of pack. No thickness details.
Compartments: One plus accessory
Opening: Drawbridge
Price: See retailers
URLs: http://www.outdoorproducts.com/, in "Products" look at "Work Cases" and follow the "Next" links.

From the picture, this looks like a fairly standard pack, unlikely to stand out as holding a laptop. The presence of both a chest strap and compression straps on this pack may make it a good choice for more active laptop carriers.

Bytepack

Dimensions: Not currently listed, probably 13 x 16 x 6 unless it's been redesigned since July 1998.
Max. Laptop Size: Unknown
Weight: Not specified
Colors: Navy, Black
Padding: Present, but no details
Compartments: Two main, no accessory (one main is smaller)
Opening: Top half zipper
Price: See retailers
URLs: http://www.outdoorproducts.com/, in "Products" look at "Work Cases" and follow the "Next" links

This pack is much more like a traditional backpack than many of the others listed here seem to be - from the photo there's nothing that would make you think there was a computer inside. In addition, from the description it sounds like there is a separate sealable pocket inside the larger main compartment to hold the laptop.

Port, Inc

Port appears to have dropped most of its backpack carrying case lines - as of November 24, the only backpack case reachable from Port's home page is the Sony backpack case. The other manufacturers no longer have backpack cases listed.

Sony BackPack

Dimensions: 12 x 16 x 9
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight: 3.2 lb
Colors: Blue, Green
Padding: SafePORT Elastic Sling and foam
Compartments: Two, one with dividers, plus accessory
Opening: PC: Top-half zipper; Other: Clamshell
Price: $$$
URLs: http://www.port.com/docs/syback.htm

From the pictures, this pack almost defines "boxy," though much of that is probably due to its use of the SafePort sling system rather than foam padding. Not much else is remarkable about it.

The Protector

Back Pack Plus - Onyx Collection

Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 7
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight: 2 lb
Colors: Black/Green
Padding: 6mm, but see below
Compartments: Two
Opening: PC: Clamshell, Book/Accessory top half zipper
Price: $$
URLs: http://www.theprotector.com/onyx.html

This seems to be a fairly compact pack, though that may just be the way it's drawn - there are only two actual pictures of it on the site.
My biggest concern with this pack is that the described padding seems awfully thin at just over half a centimeter - about the same thickness as a standard mouse pad. Since that figure comes from a more general page about the entire collection, there may very well be more padding around the laptop itself - something to that effect is mentioned with the diagram of the pack.
Photos of this pack are here and here.

Spire USA

Zoom

Dimensions:
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight:
Colors:
Padding:
Compartments:
Opening:
Price:
URLs: http://www.spireusa.com/
Reviewed?: Yes

Sumdex

BackStar

Dimensions:
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight:
Colors:
Padding:
Compartments:
Opening:
Price:
URLs: http://www.sumdex.com/classic.htm

PortaBack

Dimensions: 13 x 15 x 7
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight: Not specified
Colors: Maroon?/Navy Blue
Padding: Present, but no details
Compartments: Two plus accessory
Opening: PC: Clamshell; Book: Top half zipper
Price: $$$
URLs: http://www.sumdex.com/traveler.htm

This is a nice versatile pack, but like the Kensington Saddlebag it's as much a travel bag with backpack straps as it is a backpack.
A picture of this pack is here.

Targus

Convertible Backpac

Dimensions: 13.5x15.5x9
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight: Unknown
Colors: Unknown
Padding: Unknown
Compartments:
Opening: PC: Clamshell
Price: Varies by vendor; not available directly from manufacturer
URLs: http://www.targus.com/
Reviewed?: Yes

Targus offers one notebook pack, the Convertible Backpac. This is another somewhat blocky pack, with dimensions of 13.5x15.5x9. No details on the padding around the computer are provided, but if nothing else the back of the pack is padded. The straps on this pack can be tucked inside a special pocket to keep them out of the way or make the pack slightly more briefcase-like. This pack is not available directly from Targus, you must go through a retailer instead. CDW lists this pack as a Targus Compaq case at US$79, along with a US$99 leather version not included on Targus' web site.

Tenba

http://www.tenba.com/computer/backpack.htm

Terrapin

Terrapin Laptop Backpack

Dimensions: 14x15x9.5
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight: Unknown
Colors: Leather: Natural or Black
Padding: Unknown
Compartments: Unknown
Opening: Clamshell
Price: $$$
URLs: http://www2.terrapinpc.com/terrapinpc/

Terrapin offers two leather packs, one black and one natural. These appear to be the same design, despite the different model numbers. This is another clamshell pack. Again, this is a somewhat blocky pack (most leather backpacks are anyway) at 14x15x9.5. There are no real details on the padding other than the fact that it is present. This pack lists for US$87.

Travel Tools

Travel Tools is a vendor of travel supplies and luggage.

Computer Backpack

Dimensions: 12.5 x 18 x 9
Max. Laptop Size: ?
Weight: ?
Colors: Black (Leather)
Padding: unknown
Compartments: Two, plus organizer and cell phone pocket
Opening: Clamshell
Price: $$$-$$$$
URLs: http://www.skymall.com
Reviewed?: No

I spotted this in one of the Skymall catalogs - I'm sure it's made by someone other than Travel Tools, but I have no idea who - if you know send me a message and I'll go ahead and simply add a note to the other entry.
There don't seem to be any real distinguishing features to this pack - it's rather boxy, and in the one picture that shows a glimpse of the straps they appear to be fairly thin. This pack includes a removable accessory pouch that might be usable as a belt pack, though there's no mention of that in the catalog description. I'll scan in the pictures from the catalog as soon as I get access to a scanner.

Willow Design

Willow Design was a Canadian company producing good backpacks in North America. They ceased operations some time ago.

Other Packs/More pages to add:

www.uphill.com

www.Goodhopebags.com

www.knomads.com

www.headmost.com/computerbags.htm

www.tombihn.com

www.tacreations.com/computer_cases.htm

Eddie Bauer

Samsonite

Tumi

Brenthaven

CDW lists several other backpacks as well, but as yet I haven't found or received any information on these. The manufacturers are listed as High Sierra and Portfolio.

Definitions

Clamshell

Opens out to at least to 90 degrees, "hinged" at base.
Drawbridge

Opens only partway down, but opens to at least 90 degrees as far as it opens.

Plea for information

If you know of other backpack computer cases, have corrections for the information on this page, or have a backpack case and would like to comment on it, I'd love to hear from you. Reviews of packs are particularly welcome. I'm likely to put most reviews I receive on the review page, but I will try to contact you before I do so and please look over the "Not-Quite-Legalese" note at the bottom of the review page. If you're certain that it's OK for me to put something up, please say so in the letter.

Comments to: ajm@pobox.com.

Changes

October 22, 1999: Added the change listing; corrected a broken link for the Codi ProPack (Thanks B.M.);

Thanks

My deepest thanks to the people who send in pointers to new web pages and reviews of packs that they're using - the page would be a lot smaller and a lot less interesting without their contributions. Basically, I couldn't have done it without you - thanks for your help.