With Christmas just around the corner, there's still time to pick up a stylish gift for the tech enthusiast in your life. Laptops are delicate machines that require care during transport. While a normal bag can hold a portable PC, it isn't perfect, which is where these stylish premium alternatives come into play.
The messenger
We've covered the Peak Design Everyday Messenger bag a few times already and for good reason. It's an excellent courier for your precious laptop. It's actually a camera bag but this makes it possible to store a bunch of devices and accessories inside, thanks to the generous amount of space. There's even a zipped, padded sleeve for the laptop, which can hold 13- or 15-inch portable PCs, so be sure to select the right size.
Compact style
When you don't require a bag to take on a long journey or aboard a flight, the Brenthaven Collins Vertical Messenger may be a better option. It's a compact laptop bag with a few handy extras like a pen holder and dedicated mouse pouch, specifically designed for Surface devices. But don't let that put you off if you don't own a Microsoft PC, since this bag will also cater to 13- and 15-inch laptops. Windows Central's executive editor Daniel Rubino also rated this bag highly.
For gamers
For the gamer in your life, nothing would make them happier than lugging around their portable gaming rig in a GT Omega-branded bag. The brand is known for making chairs and other gaming peripherals, so its first backpack is in good hands. The bag can handle up to 17.3-inch laptops, and the padded compartment is shock-proof. Overall, it's an excellent package that enables you to not only carry around a giant gaming notebook but also a clean pair of underwear and deodorant for the LAN event.
Budget pick
The AmazonBasics Backpack for laptops is as barebones as you can get without sacrificing protection and capacity. The bag itself is positively reviewed on Amazon with more than 3,000 reviews and can handle up to 17-inch laptops. From the outside, you get numerous zipped compartments, making it ideal for packing other things aside from the laptop, like accessories or even a change of clothes.
Commuter's dream
The Command Messenger bag by Timbuk2 takes commuting to a whole new level with a waterproof interior and various pockets to house everything you need for a day in the office. It's clearly designed for those who cycle to and from work. Highly rated on Amazon, it can be used by anyone to stash away a laptop, a few accessories, and some packed lunch. Plus, when you need to go on trips in the new year, the bag itself is TSA-friendly, meaning the pouch on this bag folds out so you don't have to pull the laptop and other devices all the way out of the protective container.
Premium companion
The Tumi Alpha Bravo Commuter commands a premium price but for good reason. Should you have the budget available to cover the cost, it's a stunning purchase that uses ballistic nylon and leather accents to create an attractive, yet durable design. The padded laptop sleeve keeps a laptop safe and secure, while two zippered compartments can house books, accessories, and smaller devices. It's an expensive laptop bag that doubles as more of a briefcase, but with the Tumi brand and materials used, you know you're investing in good quality.
Brand name
Our second gamer-focused backpack in this guide is the Razer Rogue. Being from the reputable brand that is responsible for some of the best PC accessories on the market, let alone best gaming PCs, this Rogue backpack has everything you need to keep the PC safe. Not only is the bag tear-proof, but it's also water resistant and an overall badass. It also looks the part. The Rogue can hold up to 15-inch laptops and comes rocking a dark design and green accents, which we've come to know and love from Razer.
Basic messenger
The AmazonBasics Messenger bag for laptops is a basic messenger bag for notebooks. The bag is positively reviewed on Amazon with more than 12,000 reviews and can handle up to 17-inch laptops, depending on which size you opt for. From the outside, you have a zipped compartment, making it ideal for packing other things aside from the laptop.
Versitive pick
This bag can be used as a shoulder backpack or a messenger bag. There are four outside pockets, convenient for organizing all your accessories. There's even room for a spare change of clothes, should you be travelling for work. The fact it's lightweight, somewhat affordable, and ergonomic make it a worthy option.
Whether you're buying for a gamer relative or a loved one who commutes to work daily, these bags should keep their expensive laptops safe from harm. If we had to recommend one bag, it would be the Brenthaven Collins Vertical Messenger, which was rated highly by our executive editor and covers all the bases without being too expensive.
