Also worth a look in this category:
Start with the laptop, not the bag
The one measurement that rules out most bags is the laptop compartment, and it is the one buyers check last. A 15.6 inch laptop does not fit a sleeve cut for 14 inches, and a 14 inch laptop slides around in a 17 inch sleeve, where the corners take the knocks instead of the padding. Match the compartment first, then choose on everything else.
| Laptop | Compartment to look for | Where to look |
|---|---|---|
| 13 to 14 in | 14 inch sleeve, padded on every side | 14 inch laptop bags |
| 15 to 15.6 in | 15.6 inch sleeve, the most common size | 15 inch laptop bags |
| 17 in | 17 inch sleeve, suspended above the base | 17 inch laptop bags |
Measure the width and depth of the machine itself: two laptops sold as 15.6 inch are not always the same width.
Shoulder bag, backpack or sleeve
A shoulder bag keeps an office look and comes off quickly on a train; the laptop messenger bags add a flap over the opening. A backpack spreads the weight over both shoulders on long walks or by bike: see our laptop backpacks for men. A sleeve protects a laptop carried inside another bag: see our laptop sleeves.
Nylon, canvas or leather
Nylon is the lightest and shrugs off rain for the length of a walk to the station. Canvas wears in and takes a patina at the edges. Leather keeps its shape and ages well: our leather laptop bags for men include cowhide and PU leather, and the luxury laptop bags for men are reserved for genuine leather.
The USB port question
Many backpacks carry a USB socket on the side. It is a pass through cable, not a battery: you put your own power bank in the inside pocket, and the outer socket becomes a place to plug your phone without opening the bag. Useful on a train, but not a charger.
Water resistance, and where bags actually leak
A water repellent fabric handles a shower. Sustained rain gets in through the zip teeth, the seams at the base corners and the panel where the straps are stitched. If you cycle in the rain, look for a covered zip rather than a coated face alone.
Questions before purchase
What size laptop bag do I need? The size of your laptop, not one above: a 15.6 inch compartment for a 15.6 inch machine. Check the inner dimensions given on each product page.
Is a backpack or a shoulder bag better for work? A shoulder bag looks smarter and comes off faster; a backpack is kinder to your back on a long commute on foot. Both protect the laptop if the compartment is padded.
How do I clean a nylon laptop bag? Empty it, brush off the dust, then wipe it with a damp cloth and a little mild soap. Let it dry open, away from a radiator.
Is a leather laptop bag practical? It is heavier at equal volume and needs drying after rain, but it holds its shape when empty and looks right in more places. It suits an office commute better than a daily bike ride.
Related ranges
If you carry documents as well as a laptop, our men's briefcases are built around A4 and Letter sizing rather than screen inches. For a lighter load on one shoulder, see our men's chest bags. The full catalogue is on the English home page.