There are tons of good minimalist backpacks out there, but each and every one of them has its own purpose. There are ideal for carrying gadgets, be it your laptop or camera, while others have an amazing build with an eccentric style or design for every other day activities. It can be a hectic task finding the right laptop backpack for your needs considering there is a wide range to choose from.
If you want a laptop that can match any outfit but still provide enough storage to hold all of your belongings, you might want to consider a minimal laptop backpack. These bags are stylish, functional, and ideal for any laptop user.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best minimal laptop backpack to help you narrow down your search to the premium choices.
Reviews of the Best Minimalist Laptop Backpack
From cushioned straps to hidden pockets, these top six best minimal laptop backpacks have got all you need in a new bag. Take a look below to pick your favorite.
Incase Icon Pack, Black
Incase made the Icon Pack with the modern worker in mind. This light, sleek backpack has special compartments for your computer, tablet, and music player.
The other cool feature is the side pocket designed to hold your charging cables. It’s right at your hip, so you can charge your phone while using it, or even while carrying it in your pocket. You never have to worry about losing charge again!
The Incase Icon is more long and thin than wide, but it will still hold a full-sized laptop. The straps are also padded for your extra comfort, and the pack has built-in air channels to keep you cool.
The other unique part of this backpack is how well they arranged the pockets. In some backpacks, using one pocket negates the use of others. The Incase Icon Pack has solved this problem with careful planning and engineering. This means you can pack your backpack to the brim without gaining any bulk.
Get the look: Incase Icon Pack
Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack
Osprey created the Daylite Plus Daypack with the intention of attaching it to other backpacks. By its nature, the Daylite Plus is down to the essentials. You’re not going to go on any major hiking tours with this, but that’s the point.
It’s the kind of pack you strap onto your larger backpack, the one you’ll use for your hiking and traveling adventures. Then after you put your big bag in a safe place for the day, the Daylite Plus is for local adventures.
It carries 20 liters, and has seven pockets for your different items. Some of these pockets can expand to accommodate thick sweaters or hiking shoes. The front panel features the “Shove It” pocket for all those things you need to get to quickly.
Inside the Daylite you can use the interior sleeve for your waterpack or computer. This way you can take the Osprey Daylite Plus to school or work during the week. Then on the weekends make the quick transition to hiking by replacing your computer with your water pack.
One important feature of the Osprey Daylite Pack is the large loading panel on the front. It opens like a suitcase, so you won’t have to worry about shoving all your things to the bottom of your backpack.
Get the look: Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack
Cocoon Innovations Slim Backpack
Are you an organizational nerd? Do you spend hours making sure you’ve arranged everything on your desk just so?
Then you need the Cocoon Innovations Slim Backpack.
This backpack has the same padded compartment for your laptop or other fragile items. The straps have padding and are adjustable. The back is also padded, with the same mesh lining that keeps you cool on summer days.
But the real draw for this backpack is the award-winning GRID-IT system. The GRID-IT lets you store all your items vertically, and opens flat like a suitcase. That means you can open your backpack and everything inside looks like a James Bond suitcase.
It’s durable, waterproof, and perfect for that person who loves a clean bag. Isn’t cleanliness what having a minimalist backpack is really all about?
Get the look: Cocoon Innovations Slim Backpack
eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
This backpack is like the Cocoon model, but for travel.
eBags created an amazing backpack that solves the “separation anxiety” travelers feel when there’s too much stuff in their bags. This bag is perfect for the kids who didn’t like their food to touch and grew up to be adults.
Open the front pocket to see all the mesh pockets and pen holders you can use for work travel. There’s an “AC Adaptor Garage,” which is a special compartment for all your computer adaptors and batteries.
The two main compartments in the back are perfect for storing your laptop and tablet, or any other important work documents. You can use the slip-sleeve on the back to attach this bag to your suitcase.
One thing to keep in mind about this minimalist laptop backpack is the weight. It’s a very sturdy bag, but some of that is because of its weight. If you’re looking for a light bag, this isn’t it. But if you’re looking for an organized bag with lots of security, the eBag Professional Slim Laptop Backpack is a great choice.
Get the look: eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
Belkin Slim Polyester Backpack
If your concern is for your computer and you refuse to jump on the Bluetooth bandwagon, you should check out the Belkin Slim Backpack.
This backpack is thin, and loads from the front. You won’t be able to front load it completely, but the compartments open wide enough that finding things shouldn’t be a problem.
The laptop interior chamber fits most full laptops, up to 15.4”. It also comes with a special pouch for your cords and chargers that fits nicely at the bottom of the bag.
You can leave your phone inside, and use the headphone grommet so you can keep listening to music. If you are someone who uses Bluetooth headphones, you can still use the grommet to store an extra battery pack. This way you can charge your phone and still use it while on the go.
This backpack is lightweight with padded shoulder straps and back. It’s a comfortable option to keep your electronics safe while you commute to work or school.
Get the look: Belkin Slim Polyester Backpack
Opposethis Invisible Backpack
This oddly shaped rhombus of a backpack has many hidden pockets. Each pocket has a designated purpose, like the hidden water-bottle pack on the side. There’s a separate laptop compartment for up to 15″ screen laptop.
The backpack has 3 quick-access front pockets for storing phones, notes, or other small items. It also comes with a shoe compartment at the bottom so you can take extra shoes if needed.
The whole backpack is weatherproof, so you can take the Invisible Backpack on any short trips or adventures. It won’t carry you through the week, but this bag is perfect for weekend retreats into the woods.
Get the look: Opposethis Invisible Backpack
Cote & Ciel Men’s Isar Ecoyarn Medium Backpack
If a unique minimalist laptop backpack is your thing, then this design from Cote & Ciel is your new favorite pack.
Cote & Ciel created the Isar Ecoyarn medium backpack for fashion-forward minimalists. It’s made of stiff, well-constructed canvas that is water and weatherproof.
The design is ergonomic, which means it’s made to protect your back and shoulders.
The backpack itself is side-loading with a reinforced zipper. The zipper might seem hard to work with at first, but after a few uses you should have it working in no time. The interior has a padded laptop sleeve and 3 pockets.
This backpack is like a duffle bag you can put on your back. You can adjust the width of the interior on the side using adjustable straps. The side-loader is good for getting to your things easily, including your weekend-away items.
Despite the odd shape, it’s easy to carry around on your back. You can adjust the straps, and the padded back is ergonomic.
Out of all the minimalist laptop backpacks on this list, this one is both the strangest and the best made. You have to loosen up the zippers, but after that you have a well-made backpack for the next several years.
Get the look: Cote & Ciel Men’s Isar Ecoyarn Medium Backpack
Canvas Backpack: Minimalist Laptop Backpack on A Budget
Upoalker made a good backpack that does what we all need: charges our phones on the go.
This backpack is simply and well made. The canvas is 100% cotton, and the zips are genuine leather. The straps are easy to adjust, so you can put it as high or as low on your back as you want.
As for storage, Upoalker’s Canvas Minimalist Backpack has several hidden pockets for all your needs. There are two side pockets, along with the main interior. The front has two zipped pockets with inner storage. The laptop compartment is padded, so you won’t have to worry about scratching or jostling.
The main feature of this bag is the USB charging port. At the bottom of the bag, Upoalker has included a fully chargeable extra battery. This battery connects to the USB port at the top of the bag. If you’re out and about, and your battery is running low, plug it at the top and store it in the side pocket.
This backpack is both tech-savvy and simple. It’s the perfect bag for people with long commutes or lots of classes during the day.
Get the look: Upoalker Canvas Backpack
Rains Backpack Mini
The Rains Backpack Mini is the best minimalist laptop backpack for the fashion conscious. It’s a small 10L backpack with a stylish top-loading design.
The front strap has a clasp that keeps the Rains Backpack closed. The clasp is metal, so it won’t snap off after too many uses. The straps are adjustable and thin. They’re not as comfortable as gel-straps you get on hiking backpacks, but they’re good for biking to work.
The size of this mini backpack is deceptive. You can fit your basic work gear into this pack, including a 13-inch laptop and other notebooks. While there’s no side pocket for a water bottle, you can easily fit one inside.
While it’s roomy, it’s not Mary Poppin’s carpetbag. If you’re worried about your 15-inch computer, Rains offers a larger version of the same minimalist backpack.
There are a few pockets on the inside that you can use to organize your things. There’s also an outside exterior pocket for the things you need to get to quickly.
The Rains Backpack Mini is versatile enough that you can bring it to work and drinks afterward.
Get the look: Rains Backpack Mini
City Backpack- Black
Incase Designs City Backpack is as comfortable as it is sleek.
The mesh back has padding to give you the kind of cool comfort needed on hot days. The straps are also padded, and fully adjustable.
Incase City Backpack has two chambers, plus two front zip-pockets. The back chambers open like a suitcase. You can reasonably take this backpack on a weekend trip as well as class.
It is, however, definitely made for students and workers. This minimalist laptop backpack has a 360-padded chamber for your full-sized laptop, unlike the Rains or Osprey backpacks.
The second backpack chamber is full of pocket space. It’s a good place to store things like wallets, or extra batteries for your phone.
The City Backpack is light but has lots of pocket space. As such, it’s a minimalist bag in looks only. That’s what some people want: a sleek minimalist look with all the hidden pockets of a normal backpack.
Get the look: Incase City Backpack
Bellroy Studio Backpack
Do you remember packing your brown paper bag lunch, then rolling it over at the top so nothing came out?
The Bellroy Studio works like that, but it also has a strap for extra protection.
Bellroy as a company takes cues from the simpler times in life to create their designs. When slim-cut pants became more popular in 2010, Bellroy set out to create an even slimmer wallet. The wallet leads to other great designs, including their minimalist backpack.
The bag itself has only two panels of fabric. The inside has padding to keep your laptop in place, while extra pockets add organization.
The design is simple, as the Rains Backpack. But with the added padding, your stuff is a little more secure.
They also added a neat size zip enclosure, so that you don’t have to roll open your backpack all the time. Instead, you can stash your wallet or keys near this zipper, then pull them out when you need them.
Bellroy also does their best to use the most eco-friendly materials. Not only will you embrace the true minimalist mentality with the Studio, but you can also feel good about taking care of the planet.
Get the look: Bellroy Studio Backpack
Bellroy Duo Totepack
Bellroy’s slender, cerulean Duo Totepack combines simplicity with functionality. The sleek, clean design exudes minimalism while still providing a high-quality storage space for your laptop. The interior is lined with cushioned fabric to cradle your laptop during transport and protect it if you were to accidentally drop the backpack.
The backpack has multiple storage compartments within and a large pocket on the front and backside for you to store any extra necessities. Plus, it has a mini storage pocket along the top to easily access smaller items, such as wallets, headphones, loose change, keys, and more. For further protection, the bag has a thick impermeable zipper top to seal your belongings.
Bellroy designed the bag with a durable baida nylon fabric to protect your laptop from spills or unexpected weather changes. The backpack straps are extra cushiony to comfort your shoulders unlike other generic bags that can wear down your muscles.
Rains Base Bag
Carry your laptop in a minimalistic style with the Rains Base Bag. The product gets its name from its basic style, but don’t let that fool you. The monochromatic bag provides ample storage solutions encompassed in a durable, long-lasting fabric.
Within the backpack, you’ll find a spacious interior and a slender, cushioned sleeve to hold and protect your laptop from other items you might carry. The exterior features another large storage component for convenient access. Both compartments, interior and exterior, have durable, waterproof zippers to protect their contents.
The backpack features Rains’ patented waterproof material. You can take the bag out during a torrential downpour and still find your laptop completely protected and unscathed. It also has extra padding in the shoulder straps for maximum comfort during transport. Or, you can take advantage of the sturdy single handle along the bag’s top to carry as you see fit.
Plus, the backpack comes in different colors. You can choose from olive, taupe, black, or blue depending on your preference.
Bellroy Apex Backpack
Another Bellroy product, the Apex backpack takes the simpler Duo Totepack to another level of functionality while maintaining the minimalist style. The bag has a similar style to the Duo Totepack, but comes with many more desirable features depending on your needs.
Instead of having single zipper protection, the Apex backpack has magnetic buttons too. It has multiple pockets surrounding the exterior, mimicking a toolbelt’s style. However, the pockets are discreetly designed to match the backpack’s exterior exactly.
The bag opens up like a messenger bag but also zips down for deeper access into your bag’s belongings. Along the back of the opening flap, you’ll notice a slender pocket fit for a small tablet or iPhone.
It also has a comfortable laptop sleeve, two water bottle sized pockets on either side of the sleeve, and a front facing pocket to hold your chargers, cords and other belongings. The baida nylon material provides the ultimate protection while the multiple button’s lining the bag’s front allow you to customize the bag’s fit and storage capacity.
City Compact Backpack with Diamond Ripstop
Incase took the standard backpack design and refined it further to create the optimal minimalist backpack. From appearance, the backpack has rounded edges which compliment the monochromatic color scheme.
The quick-access pockets on the bag’s exterior were discreetly sewn in so as to not distract from the sleek appearance.
The City Compact Backpack’s interior is spacious and features a laptop sleeve complete with 360-degree fleece lining for superior support and protection. The slender cell phone pocket on the bag’s exterior has a lining to match.
Incase designed the bag with recycled polyester, eco-friendly Diamond Ripstop weave material. The composition is not only beneficial for the environment, but incredibly durable. It can withstand a random rainstorm, an accidental coffee spill, and the occasional abrasion.
As for the straps, you’ll find them comfortable and cushioned for ample support. Plus, the straps have a breathable air mesh fabric added to them to allow for ventilation alongside support.
Rains Backpack
This elegant minimalist bag is like a condensed version of a traditional backpack but with more storage components and stylistic design elements. While most bags have zippers or buttons to fasten, the Rains Backpack has a unique clip feature to keep your belongings extra secure.
After unclippling the hook, you’ll notice the deep and spacious main compartment along with a sleek laptop sleeve. It also has a hidden cell phone pocket on the back for quick access and protection from potential pickpockets.
Besides the initial hook clip to undo the backpack, the other pockets secure via magnetic closings. The straps are slender and adjustable. While the backpack is a single size, you can maneuver the straps to fit your height and comfort level.
If you want to go for a specific look, the bag is available in 10 different neutral colors including taupe, olive, yellow, black, khaki, green, off-white, blue, and shiny black.
Incase City Backpack
Much like the previous Incase Diamond Ripstop backpack, the City backpack has softened edges and a design reminiscent of a traditional backpack. This backpack, however, has two different fabric color options and provides even more space than the previous.
The main storage compartment is divided into two sections, front and back with a pocketed divider that can contain extra belongings or even a tablet. In the pack compartment, the bag houses a cushioned laptop sleeve capable of fitting up to 16-inches.
In the front, the bag contains smaller pouches for minimal item storage. These pockets are ideal for headphones, pens and pencils, or other necessities to accompany your laptop. The straps still feature the extra padding like the other Incase Diamond Ripstop bag.
