If you have a 17-inch laptop and want to carry it around, you’ll need a backpack that is slightly larger than it. You’ll need a bag with a 17-inch laptop sleeve or an opening that is about 18 by 11 inches minimum.
This post will explore what size of backpack you need for a 17-inch laptop. I’ll highlight some information you should keep in mind while looking at different bags for your laptop and provide some other related tips.
Let’s get to it.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- You need a backpack that is slightly larger than a laptop to fit a 17-inch computer.
- If you have a bag with a 17-inch laptop sleeve, it will fit a 17-inch laptop. If it’s a smaller sleeve, it won’t fit a computer that size.
- As long as your bag has an opening around 18 by 11 inches, it should fit a 17-inch laptop.
How Big of a Backpack Do I Need for a 17-inch Laptop?
Whenever you carry a laptop, you want to ensure it’s well-protected, so it doesn’t bounce around while you’re on the move and get damaged. A 17-inch laptop is relatively large, so you’ll need a backpack large enough to handle it.
If you are looking at a modern backpack that comes with a laptop sleeve, you’ll want to get one that is 17 inches to match the size of the laptop you have. If you get a smaller-sized sleeve, you likely won’t be able to fit a 17-inch laptop inside it.
If you are just looking at all types of backpacks, regardless of whether it has a laptop sleeve, you need one with a slightly larger opening than how large the laptop is.
So, for a 17-inch laptop, you’ll want a backpack with at least one opening that is 18 by 11 inches. This gives you about an inch on either side of the laptop for extra room. If you go smaller than that, the laptop might not fit.
Since even larger laptops aren’t that thick when closed, you don’t need to worry much about the thickness of your laptop in relation to the backpack. You’ll be able to fit it inside the sleeve or pocket as long as it fits in the bag’s compartment.
Most average-sized backpacks should be able to fit a 17-inch computer. But not all of them will have laptop sleeves to give you a secure fit. It’s a good idea to get a case of some kind for your laptop to protect it while in the bag.
Best 17-inch Laptop Backpack
Many factors come into play when deciding the best option for a backpack with a 17-inch backpack. The best choice for you depends on which features and functions you want or need.
I always like to get a backpack with a dedicated laptop sleeve. This will help prevent the computer from slipping and sliding around while you have the bag on. You’ll need a 17-inch laptop sleeve for a 17-inch backpack.
But you also should consider other features such as the overall size or volume of the bag, the type of material it is made of, and the total cost. These factors all contribute to figuring out which is the best for you.
If you need to carry a 17-inch laptop and a lot of other stuff, you’ll want a larger backpack with multiple pockets. If you don’t need to carry much more than the laptop, you can get away with using a smaller backpack.
If you live in a location that gets a lot of rain, consider using a backpack that has waterproof material to keep your laptop protected. You also might want a specific color or material.
Cost is another big concern here. If you are on a budget, the best bag will be one that is cheap and can still hold a 17-inch laptop. If money is not an issue, you can choose any model that works best for the rest of your needs.
Here are a few that I recommend:
1. AMBOR Business Backpack
- Anti-theft: Yes
- Material: Nylon fabric
You don’t always have to spend an arm and a leg to get a high-quality backpack. The AMBOR Business Backpack proves that, as you get a nice large capacity at an affordable price. This is feature-rich, well designed, and offers a lot of features for the price.
This backpack is made of a great feeling nylon fabric. The grey color is neutral, which means it won’t clash with any outfit you have on, and the bag utilizes a combination lock for anti-theft protection. There is even a built-in USB charging solution. Just plug in your power bank and put it in the backpack.
2. KROSER Large Computer Backpack
- Anti-theft: Yes
- Material: Poly fabric
Sometimes backpacks have one huge pocket with a simple divider and nothing else. That’s not great if you like to carry multiple things at once. The KROSER Large Computer Backpack doesn’t have this problem. It features plenty of compartments and storage spaces so you never have to leave anything behind.
This backpack is made of a water-resistant poly fabric that gives it a great premium feel. In addition, it features an external USB jack that allows you to charge your phone on the go with a power bank. Overall, this backpack has a premium feel and comes with all the features you need to carry your laptop in style.
3. eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack
- Anti-theft: Yes
- Material: Twisted dobby fabric
eBags is known for making high quality backpacks and bags, and the Professional Slim Laptop Backpack is just another one in that range. This bag feels great, looks amazing, and has a ton of features that aren’t available in similar models.
The bag comes with high-quality twisted dobby fabric that gives it a premium feel. It has anti-theft protection built in, as well as the compartments you need to secure your carry on during your next plane flight. All in all, you would be hard pressed to find a better traveling laptop backpack.
4. Samsonite Tectonic Backpack
- Anti-theft: No
- Material: Polyester
Samsonite makes some of the best luggage on the planet, so it’s no surprise that their Tectonic Backpack is so solid. This model has some of the best protection we have ever seen in a 17 inch laptop bag. Once you put your computer inside, you don’t have to worry about it getting damaged at all.
The bag is made out of a durable polyester material that provides it with a sturdy, rugged feel. The one big short-coming here is that it doesn’t come with any anti-theft protection.
Even so, you could always buy an aftermarket solution to fix that. All in all, this laptop bag has a ton of room and works great for everyday use.
FAQs
Here are a few short answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to how big of a backpack you need for a 17-inch laptop.
How do you carry a 17-inch laptop?
It’s always a good idea to get a laptop bag or case to carry a laptop of any size. Seventeen inches is a pretty big laptop, so a bag with a dedicated laptop sleeve can be a good option. But you can also carry this size of laptop in a case in your hands.
How big is a 17-inch backpack?
A 17-inch backpack is relatively small, and this size is typically used to describe the size of the laptop sleeve it has – not the entire backpack size. If the backpack is really only 17 inches, you won’t have much room to carry many things.
How big should a backpack be to fit a laptop?
You should have at least an inch or so of extra room in your backpack around your laptop for an ideal fit. You don’t need a lot of thickness, but you need to ensure the backpack will fit inside the bag’s compartment easily.
Final Thoughts
If you want a secure fit for your 17-inch laptop, you should get a backpack with a 17-inch laptop sleeve. This will give your laptop plenty of protection to ensure that it doesn’t bounce around and get damaged while you move.
As long as there is enough room for a laptop to fit, any type of backpack will work. You’ll need at least 18 by 11 inches of space to accommodate a 17-inch laptop.
How large of a backpack do you use for your laptop? Let me know in the comments below.
