Backpack that fits 16 inch laptop

Everyone knows JanSport. Nearly every kid in school had the ultracheap Superbreak. You can carry around a laptop in that one, but it isn't designed to keep it well protected. That's why I like JanSport's Right Pack Premium. It fits a 15-inch laptop in its dedicated, padded back pocket, and it comes in lovely honey or purple orchid colors with a suede bottom.

Basic backpacks tend to have one front pocket for pencils or other small knick-knacks. This one adds an additional front pocket that's big enough to fit my 4th-gen iPad (about 9.5 inches tall), with enough room to fill its three organizational pockets with chapstick, a makeup compact, and my keys attached to a clip. Then there's the large main pocket that can fit the rest of your work or school needsnotebooks, binders, planners, and a small lunch bagand a side water bottle pocket. The padded straps will need some wearing in, though.

A JanSport Alternative: I also tried and love the Agave Backpack ($70). There are three main pockets, with an additional small pocket on the top near the handle (it fits my iPhone 11). One of the front pockets is the entire length of the bag, with more organizational pouches within it, including a pen holder and a little carabiner. It has mesh water bottle pockets on each side and straps you can tighten to compress the entire bag. The shoulder straps are more comfortable than the JanSport and it includes waist and chest buckles.

You've probably seen a Fjallraven bag in nearly any crowded area. The 13-inch Kanken pack is especially small and good for everyday use, and it manages to fit my Macbook Pro in its laptop pocket. Plus the large main compartment and smaller front pocket can fit my Kindle, a thick planner, and a notebook, with room for lunch or a change of clothes. A reviewer on Fjallraven's site called it a Mary Poppins bag, which I daresay is incredibly accurate. The fabric is rigid and repels water, and the company offers lifetime repairs (with a focus on sustainability). I love the colors the bag comes in, but arguably the best part is you can customize the Kanken.

The side pockets are quite tight, so they won't fit every type of bottle. (It held my 20-ounce Starbucks bottle, but anything thicker won't do.) The Kanken comes with a foam pad that adds an extra layer of cushion while you wear it, and you can take it out to use as a cushion when you need to sit on a rigid surface. It's not super cushy, but it's better than the cold, hard ground. The Kanken also comes in 15-inch and 17-inch versions if you need the extra space.

The Dux's design takes some getting used to, but the amount of options for organizing your gear might make you forget about its looks. This bag is very structured and surrounded by foam padding, so it can take a few bumps without breaking everything inside. Unzip the front pocket to unfurl two mesh zipper pouches and an additional fuzzy zipper pocket that fits fragile gear like sunglasses. Plus there's a clip for keys, and if you need more room, you can unzip the bottom of this top pocket to directly access the main compartment of the bag.

This main section has three separate compartments you can access via either side of the bag, and it comes with a small pouch. You can fit cameras and lenses, or shoes and an outfitwhatever the day requires (you can also remove the dividers). The side entry flaps have their own pockets too, so every little thing you need to keep track of is accounted for. The two water bottle pockets can unzip to allow for more widthhandy if you're storing a tripod. The back is plushly lined with suspended pockets for a 16-inch Macbook Pro and tablet. There's yet another deep pocket on the very back of the bag near the handle, and slots on the shoulder straps to hold your phone, though it was tough to fit my iPhone 11 with a Popsocket on the back.

We've tried tons of backpacks. The ones listed here are all good choices that we think you'll be happy with depending on your need and budget.

Aer Designs Slim Pack for $115: We like this bag for quick trips where you don't need to carry everything you normally keep at your desk. It's just 8.5 litersthat's less than half of some of our picksbut it still fits a laptop and charger, wallet, water bottle, phone, plus a snack, a mask, and hand sanitizer. Its durable polyurethane coating can be easily wiped clean.

STM Goods Myth 18L Backpack for $120: Reviews editor Julian Chokkattu found that, despite the Myth's compact 18-liter size, he could easily fit a 16-inch MacBook Pro and accessories inside. The laptop is suspended to not get damaged in an accidental drop, and the thick padding helps it sit comfortably on your back. There's a handy loop you can use to hang earbuds or cables and a microfiber-lined top pocket for fragile stuff, but no side pockets for a water bottle or umbrella.

Targus 2 Office Antimicrobial Backpack for $120: Julian was a fan of this bag too, which is intended for folks who frequently switch between working from home and working at the office. Two pouches on the front attach via a looped Velcro strap, so you can easily remove them if you want to pack light. The primary touchpoints on the backpack near the zippers have an antimicrobial protective finish, which Targus says will prevent the growth of microorganisms. Dont expect this to do much, but it might give you some peace of mind.

Incase Icon Backpack with Woolenex for $200: Incase has lots of backpack options, but Adrienne likes the low profile and durable weave of the Icon series with Woolenex (Incase's proprietary wool-polyester fabric blend). It's abrasion-resistant and repels moisture but looks much more polished and feels more fabric-like than nylon.

Mission Workshop Rhake for $380: This roll-top bag has a ton of pockets and its two-layer weatherproof construction and Velcro closures keep the contents of the main compartment dry. It's not particularly fast or easy to access many of these pockets, it's really heavy, and while it looks cool, the price is quite steep.

Dagne Dover Dakota Backpack for $145: Dagne Dover bags are attractive and fit everything, with a loop to attach to luggage. Neoprene may be water-resistant and vegan, but it's not environmentally friendly. The company says it is working toward being more eco-conscious. We didn't try the Vida Tote ($145), but it holds a 13-inch laptop and is made of organic cotton if you want to try a different material.

Everyone knows JanSport. Nearly every kid in school had the ultracheap Superbreak. You can carry around a laptop in that one, but it isn't designed to keep it well protected. That's why I like JanSport's Right Pack Premium. It fits a 15-inch laptop in its dedicated, padded back pocket, and it comes in lovely honey or purple orchid colors with a suede bottom.

Basic backpacks tend to have one front pocket for pencils or other small knick-knacks. This one adds an additional front pocket that's big enough to fit my 4th-gen iPad (about 9.5 inches tall), with enough room to fill its three organizational pockets with chapstick, a makeup compact, and my keys attached to a clip. Then there's the large main pocket that can fit the rest of your work or school needsnotebooks, binders, planners, and a small lunch bagand a side water bottle pocket. The padded straps will need some wearing in, though.

A JanSport Alternative: I also tried and love the Agave Backpack ($70). There are three main pockets, with an additional small pocket on the top near the handle (it fits my iPhone 11). One of the front pockets is the entire length of the bag, with more organizational pouches within it, including a pen holder and a little carabiner. It has mesh water bottle pockets on each side and straps you can tighten to compress the entire bag. The shoulder straps are more comfortable than the JanSport and it includes waist and chest buckles.