I do a lot of 3-4 day trips by train / bus as well as some flights thrown into the mix. I will be also using this backpack for day to day commuting.
I'd like to bring it as carry on with flights. I'd also really like to have the padded hip belt to keep the weight of the pack on the hips (suuuuper nice when waiting for trains and buses that are running late). And a nice to have is the separated mesh back support that Osprey has, but I don't know if this is a purely Osprey feature)
Looking for:
Hiking backpack with laptop sleep that fits a 16" Macbook pro.
Prefer a nice hip belt to keep weight off shoulders.
Prefer 30L - 35L (preference towards 35L)
Nice to have:
Mesh breathable back support
Budget:
Preferably~$200, flexible and open to consider more expensive options
What I've found so far:
Osprey Farpoint 40L (Great hip belt, has frame; worried 40L is on the large size for day to day commuting)
Osprey Porter 30L (Unsure on hip belt quality; on the small side)
Osprey Tropos 34L (Nice size; not a great hip belt)
Osprey Radial 34L (Nice size; Laptop sleeve too small)
North Face Borealis 28L (On the small side, not a great hip belt)
I'm leaning towards the Osprey Farpoint, the 40L size will be convenient for larger trips but may be annoying for commuting.
Before I make the purchase I'm wondering if I missed any good options.
Hiking backpack with laptop sleeve (16" Laptop), 30-35L, Padded hip belt, ~$200
Can a hiking backpack's hydration compartment hold a laptop?
It depends on the pack. Some packs are designed to do either.
More on reddit.comHiking backpack with laptop sleeve?
ULA Equipment dragonfly or Atlas.
More on reddit.comBest hiking backpack with laptop compartment?
How much do laptop backpacks cost?
At REI Co-op, we carry a wide range of laptop backpacks that can start under $100 with some higher-end brands and models costing over $200.
What are some popular brands for laptop backpacks at REI?
The top brands for laptop backpacks include:
- The North Face
- Osprey
- Fjallraven
- Herschel Supply Co.
- Gregory
Browse our selection of top outdoor gear and apparel brands.
How can I earn a Co-op Member Reward on my laptop backpacks purchase?
REI Co-op Members get 10% back annually on every eligible purchase, including most full-priced laptop backpacks. (10% is typical but not guaranteed.)
To earn or redeem rewards, buy a one-time $30 lifetime membership, or sign in as a member. See details about the Co-op Member Reward.