If you recently purchased a laptop computer, hopefully you also selected a laptop computer backpack to tote it around in. If not, and you find yourself without a case… or just sick of the briefcase style bag you are currently using… then read on. I am going to cover some of the more popular laptop computer backpacks brands on the market today.

There are three laptop backpack brands I highly recommend to laptop owners.

• North Face laptop backpacks
• Targus laptop backpack
• Swiss Army laptop backpack

The North Face Laptop Backpacks

The North Face is one of the leaders in the industry of outdoor gear and outerwear. They make products that are rugged and designed to stand up to the elements and whatever crazy situations you throw at them.

And this is why they accel at making backpacks for laptops. You want a backpack that has features and room… but you also want one that can absorb all the damage you throw at it, while it keeps your laptop safe and secure.

There are three models I recommend and I am going to list them here. Click on each model to read a bit more about them.

• North Face Recon Laptop Backpack
• North Face Surge Laptop Backpack
• North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack

I have heard a few people say that The North Face Laptop Backpacks are too expensive. I commonly respond by saying, “Say What?! How much did you spend on your laptop? And you want to skimp on protecting it?!” Not only that, there are countless tales out there of people replacing their 10 year old north face backpack with a brand new one. And really, only because they felt it was time. Not because it was worn out, damaged, broke. But because they were ready to upgrade to today’s technology.

North face puts out a quality product. Rugged, durable, and suitable for people from all walks of life. But particularly those who like to shed the 9-5 skin and get out there!

Targus Laptop Backpack

Targus was the pioneering company when it comes to cases to carry your laptop around in. They are also the manufacturer behind many computer brand laptop backpacks. Since they have been doing it so long, they have perfected the art of making a sturdy laptop backpack. For the price, you can’t argue the quality of targus laptop backpacks.

Here a few of my favorite Targus Laptop Backpacks. Click on each model to read a bit more and learn their features.

• Targus Groove Laptop Backpack
• Targus XL Laptop Backpack Black Blue

Swiss Army Laptop Backpack

You would have to believe that the manufacturer of the world’s most popular utility knife would be quite adept at making a quality, multi functional laptop backpack. And if you do believe that, then you are spot on my friend.

I’ve given Swiss Army it’s own page. You can check it out here: Swiss Army Laptop Backpack. I cover the history and features of the Swiss Army laptop backpack brand, and review my favorite and the highest quality models available from swiss gear.

Hope this little guide has been helpful to you. The single most important thing I want for you to take from this is that you should never, ever risk damaging your laptop by taking it out of the house unprotected or using an inferior bag just to save twenty dollars. You spent a lot on your laptop, it only makes sense to set aside the small investment you will put into a laptop backpack that will more than likely outlast the technology you are going to store in it. Any number of laptop computer backpacks will provide the perfect solution for you. But you certainly can’t go wrong with The North Face, Targus, or Swiss Army laptop backpacks.

The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack is the perfect pack for the laptop toting student in your life. Lightweight, yet durable, the Borealis has multiple compartments and plenty of storage space, which is just want high school and college students need. It doesn’t stop there though. This pack is great for short travels, weekend journeys, and rugged enough to take out on the trail.

This is a mid-size pack and is ideal for laptops up to 15.4″. You can squeeze a 17 inch laptop in the backpack, but it is not ideal for this size.

I actually purchased this pack for my niece as she was entering college. I knew she needed a pack that could handle her laptop, all her books and notebooks, but would also work for her as a daybag when she goes hiking and mountain biking. It is also ideal for her when she treks on back home. I believe it is one of the best bags for the dollar if you have a kid on the go in need of a laptop backpack.

In true North Face form, the Borealis is made from high quality material and can hold up to the abuse you will throw at it. You can rest assured that it will keep your laptop and valuables safe from the elements.

The North Face Borealis laptop backpack is available in 12 different colors. They are Amethyst Quartz Purple, Bittersweet Brown, Black, Cardinal Red, Chute Green, Dalberg Yellow, Gypsy Pink, Ink Blue, Kingfisher Blue, Sundust Yellow.

The North Face Surge Laptop Backpack is what I would call a premium backpack. If you have a large laptop, read 17″ or larger, then this pack should be high on your list. If you only have a 10″ netbook, but like to keep your life in a bag, then this is the bag for you. This laptop backpack has enough capactiy to hold your notebook, text books, binders, a change of clothes, a refrigerator… well just kidding about the fridge, I think. Anyhow, this pack also doubles nicely as a backpack you would use for camping and hiking, or simple weekend trips where traditional luggage is just too much.

North Face says, “you’ll be investing in the right pack for multiple adventures”… they are right. If you enjoy the outdoors or taking day trips, and you are looking for a backpack for your laptop and more, then you can’t go wrong choosing the North Face Surge laptop backpack.

The North Face Surge is made from high quality material that can withstand all the rigors of every day use. Secure enough for your valuables, durable enough to handle the back country. This pack is especially popular among college students and weekend day trippers who are notorious for carrying around their lives in a bag. The Surge makes it easy to do so… and keep it all organized at the same time. And with the numerous zippered compartments, getting to your small storage items is a breeze.

North Face always takes special pride in making backpacks that can carry a heavy load, and do so in a way that does not hurt your back in the process. The shoulder straps and back panel are designed with extra padding so that even when you are carrying a heavy load you will never feel like the pack is digging into you. This system also helps to disperse the load evenly and this reduces back strain… a very, very important feature. Younger folks reading this may not understand that yet. Trust me, take care of your back NOW and you will thank yourself in 15 years!

You never have to worry about your laptop getting damaged in the Surge backpack. I have even heard someone complain that there was TOO MUCH padding and that was taking room away from another storage compartment. I had to laugh at that one. I honestly don’t think you can skimp on protection for your laptop! The surge can handle any sized laptop, making it the perfect pack for someone with a large laptop or someone who thinks they may eventually own a larger one.

For the fashion conscious, there are 5 color choices available. This could, of course, hamper those who have trouble deciding on such things. The colors available are black, cherry stain brown (kind of a burnt orange), deepwater blue/basin blue, saratoga green, and zinc grey. My personal favorite is the deepwater blue/basin blue. If you are purchasing a Surge as a gift for someone, this is the ideal color choice.

Some additional specs:

• A padded Airmesh comfort back panel
• BackSaver compression bottom panel
• Top access zippered laptop storage with ample padding
• Zippered power cord pocket
• Electronics organization pocket
• Large main compartment with a hydration port
• Water-bottle side pockets
• Accessory pocket on the shoulder strap
• Reflective hits
• Made from 420D nylon
• Weighs 2 lbs 10 oz
• Dimensions 20in x 13.5in x 9.5in

The North Face Surge Laptop Backpack truly is a premium backpack that will not let you down. And in true North Face fashion, it will last as long as you decide to keep it. So whether you are a corporate warrior, or a day tripping college student, I highly recommend this pack for its comfort, looks, ability to carry as much as you need, and its durability.

They say that the North Face Recon laptop backpack is “built for speed & comfort”. They weren’t kidding. The pack is very light on its own, and has a unique distribution system so even if you are carrying around a heavy load it is distributed in such a way that it doesn’t hurt your back.

This pack is durable enough for a hiker, roomy enough for a student, and stylish enough for the corporate warrior. Suitable storage for your laptop, books, binders… and all the other things we tend to take along without us day in and day out.

There are two common objections I have heard from people. One – it looks too small. Well, let me tell you, looks are very deceiving with this backpack. Not only will it store your laptop, but you have ample room for books, binders, outdoor gear, change of clothes, your cell phone, mp3 player… and you may find you still have an unused pouch or two!

Second – the price. Usually the people who are concerned about the price of this bag have never owned any gear made by The North Face. Listen, the North Face Recon laptop backpack is just as sturdy as the gear that the the folks at the North Face have been putting out for 40 years. There is a reason why I often hear from folks that they are replacing their Recon they purchased TEN YEARS AGO with this bag.

I picked up this pack for my son who is 17 and pretty rough on his stuff. When it arrived I was a bit concerned that it might be too small for him (yes I did purchase it sight unseen). Anyways, we started stuffing his books, laptop, and a change of clothes into it and everything fit. After a year of abuse the bag still looks like new. Can’t go wrong here.

Any item from The North Face is an investment that will pay you back tenfold. You won’t have to replace this bag until you get sick of looking at it.

There is a North Face Recon laptop backpack available for just about any taste. At last count, there are 12 different color combination models available.

North Face Recon Laptop Backpack Specs:

• Breatheable mesh allows for back ventilation to reduce sweating
• Unique design to allow for even distribution of weight to reduce strain on your back
• Equipped with a hydration sleeve and hose port – perfect for hiking
• Organizational system in front compartment
• Reflective hits so you are visible during darker hours
• Has a capacity of 1850 cubic inches and only weighs a tad over 2 pounds
• Too much more to list

You can’t go wrong with the North Face Recon Laptop Backpack. Try one today, you won’t be disappointed.

Let me know what you think.

It’s only fitting that the makers of the world’s most popular utility pocket knife would also make a laptop backpack that can fulfill so many needs of the laptop traveler. The Swiss Army laptop backpack is one of my top three brands even though the two models I recommend the most aren’t suitable for 17″ laptops.

Swiss Army gear is aptly named Swiss Gear… so sometimes you may hear these Swiss Army laptop backpacks referred to as Swiss Gear Synergy laptop backpack and Swiss Gear MAXXUM laptop backpack.

So… onto the reviews.

Swiss Army Synergy Laptop Backpack

If you have read my review of the Targus Groove CRV600 laptop backpack, then you may notice some similarities between these two models. The Swiss Army Synergy is just a less “tricked out” model. There are some unique features of this backpack that I do like and feel are worth mentioning…

The Swiss Army Synergy laptop backpack is equipped with a case base stabilizing platform. Essentially, this keeps the laptop standing on its own. Everything you store at the base of the backpack is going to remain upright as you stored it. I also appreciated the fact that they took time to design the back padding to reduce the amount your back sweats. This was accomplished by using “air-flow back padding”… whatever that means. It works. Case Closed.

All in all, I recommend this Swiss Army laptop backpack – the Synergy – if you have a laptop in the 15.4″ range or smaller. It is very high quality, and extremely durable. Guaranteed to stand up to the elements and abuse.

Manufacturer Description of Features:

• Air-Flow Back Padding
• Shock Absorbing Shoulder Straps
• Quik Pocket
• Essentials Organizer
• Case Base Stabilizer Platform
• Adjustable Shoulder Strap

Swiss Army MAXXUM Laptop Backpack

The Swiss Army MAXXUM laptop backpack is another bag that is suitable for laptops in the 15.4″ or smaller range. Some people have said that this backpack has so much padding it borders on TOO much. The MAXXUM has back padding, just like the Synergy, but doesn’t seem to reduce back sweating quite as much. Not sure why that is.

You will find all the standard creature comforts on the MAXXUM… a separate sleeve for your laptop, additional compartments, zippered pouches, and so forth. There are also a few unique features, such as its dual handle system.

Manufacturer Description of Features:

• Comp-U-Flex computer pocket for protecting your laptops
• shock absorbing shoulder straps>/li>
• adjustable chest strap
• dual handle system and trolley strap provide enhanced carrying comfort

A good bag, very durable… a bit on the heavy side though.

Of these two Swiss Army laptop backpack models I would have to recommend the Swiss Army Synergy for laptop users searching for a suitable laptop backpack for their 15.4″ or smaller laptop.

Let me know what you think.

The Targus XL Laptop Backpack Black Blue dual color backpack is one of the most popular models out right now. It’s secure, padded laptop storage area is suitable for all laptops with up to 17″ screens.

Targus says that the XL Laptop Backpack Black Blue is “perfect for the notebook user who carriers their life on their back”. They aren’t kidding. You can fit just about everything you need for a week in there… and do it in an organized way.

Targus XL Laptop Backpack Black Blue features:

• Your laptop has its own seperate padded compartment
• The main file storage area has an organizational shelf
• Lots of additional storage for files as well as accessories
• A pocket on the side for your water bottle
• Also another pocket on the side that is padded and a suitable place to store your sunglasses
• A place for your ipod or mp3 player with a line-out hole for your headphones.
• Made from durable 840D nylon
• Only weighs 3.4 pounds, so it won’t bog you down

One of the comments you hear often about this backpack is how stylish it is. A sleek black and blue design is sure to turn heads.

You can’t go wrong with the Targus XL Laptop Backpack Black Blue XL617. For under $50 USD you can have a laptop backpack that provides you with security and safety for your laptop, plenty of storage room, and it isn’t an eyesore!

Do you own a Targus XL Laptop Backpack? Tell us what you think.

The Targus Groove Laptop Backpack is a great choice for a laptop backpack. With various models available to accommodate up to a 17″ screen, there is a Targus Groove laptop backpack suitable for everyone.

The Targus Groove features 3 large compartments suitable for notebooks, files, text books, binders, etc. There is a protective padded sleeve which is where you will store your laptop. Equipped with numerous accessory zones, you will never be hurting to find a place to store your pens, pencils, cell phone, mp3 player, and more. It also has two water bottle holders as well as a zip up pocket on the side… these are easily accessible without removing the backpack.

I personally like the fact that it has a special place for my ipod with an audio port, so my ipod doesn’t get exposed to the elements, and I can listen to my music.

The Targus Groove laptop backpack is that it has extra water protection at its base. No need to worry about spills or accidentally setting your bag down in a puddle.

And at just under 2 lbs, it won’t be adding any too much weight to your trek, yet it is still durable enough to handle being roughed up.

Popular models include:

Targus 15.4″ Groove Backpack CVR600 – Suitable for laptops with up to 15.4″ screens. An extremely popular and affordable model laptop backpack. I have been very impressed with how well this model holds up over time. The Targus Groove Backpack CVR600 can be found for around or under $30 USD.

Targus Groove Backpack for 17 Inch Laptops CVR617 – perfect choice for those of us who lug around our “mobile desktop pcs”… or 17 inch laptop as the case may be. This bag is made from durable 840D nylon material… so it is guaranteed to be rugged. You can find the Targus Groove Backpack CVR617 for a tad over $41 USD.

You will find the following features available in both models:

• Front Storage Section Includes Padded CD & Mobile Phone Pockets with Port Hole for Headphones, Pen Loops, and Key Clip
• Extra Pocket for Files or Accessories
• Side Pocket for Extra Storage and Water Bottle Transport
• Durable PVC Bottom to Protect Against Water and Wear

You will find that the Targus Groove Laptop Backpack will stand up to just about whatever abuse you throw at it!

Tell me what you think of this model.