Whether you’re carrying your laptop into work, heading to the gym after a long commute or packing for a weekend camping trip, a backpack with a dedicated laptop sleeve will keep your gadget safe during the ride. Depending on your needs, the best laptop sleeve backpack can be slim and lightweight or roomy and loaded with features.
A sleeve is a separate compartment within a backpack or bag designed to fit your laptop snugly, typically made of neoprene or leather. Some sleeves also offer additional pockets for other items. The sleeve protects the laptop from bumps and knocks during daily use, but it’s unlikely to withstand more severe damage from drops or other hazards.
If you’re looking for a slim sleeve, content creator Muchaneta Kapfunde recommends this model from Elvis & Kresse, which she likes for its sleek design and sustainable manufacturing. The British company uses recycled fire hoses for the fabric and has transparent pricing, making this case one of the most affordable in our roundup. It fits a 13-inch MacBook Air or iPad Pro and has an outer pocket for documents, too.
If you want to add a sleeve to a backpack that already offers plenty of storage space, this option from Timbuk2 is a smart choice. It features a padded sleeve in the back to hold laptops up to 17 inches, as well as side and front slip pockets for accessories, a trolley pass-through sleeve and an exterior water bottle sleeve. It was a top pick in our durability tests and doesn’t get too hot when worn on long walks or rides to the gym.