Minimalist Backpack Buying Guide | 6 Modern Laptop Backpacks for Men
Finding cool backpacks online shouldn’t be a harrowing task. So I’ve narrowed it down to 6 of the best minimalist laptop backpacks available right now for your everyday carry needs. Each featured backpack shares specific criteria:
Clean modern backpack design with minimal branding or embellishments
Dedicated compartment for a laptop and other electronic devices
High quality and made for everyday carry (urban, commuter, school)
If this sounds like what you are looking for then keep on reading as each laptop backpack mentioned has it’s own unique features. Ultimately finding your perfect backpack will become a lot easier once you know what the best brands have to offer.
Herschel Supply Co. Sealtech Lawson Backpac
Herschel Supply Co. Sealtech Lawson Backpack
Quick review:
Classic backpack look
Made of self-sealing Sealtech material
Waterproof
Fits 13” laptop
Minimal Branding
The Sealtech Lawson combines a classic backpack design with high end materials. What you get is a backpack that is waterproof, lightweight and tough as nails. Cool features such as leather shoulder straps, a padded laptop sleeve (for laptops up to 13”) and minimal branding are only the beginning of what makes this backpack so special.
The backpack itself is made from Sealtech, a game changing ripstop nylon that can heal itself from small tears or gashes. This self-healing magic is thanks to the reinforced threading and double sided coating that tightens up around a laceration with only the heat of your hand. Now, this material won’t recover from large tears, but it can reseal a small puncture from something like a pencil with no issues. This bag was designed for those who need an everyday carry backpack that can handle even the roughest of environments.
Cote & Ciel Rhine Flat Backpack
Côte&Ciel Rhine Flat Backpack
Quick review:
Modern slim black backpack
Weatherproof
Fits up to 15” laptop
Minimal branding
Based out of Paris, Cote & Ciel is a brand that channels high aesthetic design and ergonomic function into every bag they create. The black Rhine backpack is made out of Eco Yarn, a strong and weather resistant fabric. What is strikingly apparent at first glance of is the bag's clean minimalist design. The inside of the bag also features carefully designed pockets and a padded compartment that can fit a laptop up to 15 inches. There are also two side pockets and an larger zipper pocket on the outside of the bag for added functionality.
Keep in mind that this backpack was made for urban day-use. Although it is large enough to fit all of your everyday carry items, it’s thin form-factor makes it one of the smallest bags Cote & Ciel currently offers. If you need a larger backpack for traveling then you may want to consider other bags on this list. All in all the Cote & Ciel Rhine backpack is a minimalist high-end backpack that will definitely fetch you some compliments when out and about.
Incase Reform Minimalist Backpack
Incase Reform Backpack
Quick review:
Modern minimalist backpack design
Made especially for laptops and gadgets
Fits up to 15” laptop
Solid grey backpack
The Reform by Incase is a backpack that was designed for laptop carry from the ground up. The inside of the backpack is perfectly constructed with special laptop, tablet and accessory compartments. One of the bag's main features is a molded laptop “cage” on the inside made especially for a 15 inch laptop such as a Macbook. The cage is lined with faux fur to avoid scratches and is made of Tensaerlite, a shock absorbing material that will keep your laptop safe.
The main compartment inside the bag is large enough to hold additional items making this bag perfect for day trip or airplane travel. Adjustable straps are padded enough so that the bag will still be ergonomically comfortable even as the bag fills up. Two smaller pockets in the outside of the bag allow for additional storage of wallets or phones. No stone was left unturned by Incase in designing this minimal, comfortable and practical backpack.
Jack Spade Tech Oxford Stanton Backpack
Jack Spade Tech Oxford Stanton Backpack
Quick review:
Professional minimalist design
Made for daily commutes
Fits up to 13” laptop
Jack Spade did a great job designing this sleek and refined looking bag for the urban commuter. The outside profile is simple and understated while the inside features compartments for your electronic gadgets and miscellaneous daily carry. The back is made of breathable mesh paneling to keep you cool and dry on busier days. There is also an elegant leather top handle for one handed carry.
Inside there is a padded sleeve for laptops up to 13 inches and separate compartments for a tablet, phone and accessories. There are also two additional elastic pocket compartments for an umbrella or beverage bottle. Overall the Stanton comes in measuring only 5 inches in depth making it the perfect backpack for anyone looking for a slim-profile backpack for professional settings.
Kenneth Cole Reaction 'Ahead of the Pack' Leather Backpack
Kenneth Cole Reaction Ahead of the Pack leather backpack
Quick review:
Classic backpack design
Made of Columbian leather
Fits up to 15.6” laptop
Understated debossed logo on front for a upscale look
This Kenneth Cole backpack has made the list because of it’s simple classic backpack profile, high quality materials and understated yet functional design features. The exterior is made of beautifully crafted Columbian leather and features metal hardware in the zipper lines for an upscale look. Padded shoulder straps and a mesh back add to the ergonomic comfort.
What’s great about this backpack is that it fits a slightly larger laptop than most other bags on the list with room for a laptop or tablet up to 15.6 inches. The interior also has additional zipper pockets for other accessories and a decent sized main compartment for your everyday items. The simple streamlined design of the Ahead of the Pack backpack makes it a great choice for work, weekends or traveling.
Skagen Kroyer Twill Backpack
Skagen Krøyer Twill Backpack
Quick review:
Minimalist Danish design
Leather accents
Fits up to 15” laptop
Hidden back pockets
Skagen makes the list with their beautifully crafted Krøyer Twill Backpack inspired by the minimalist modern design the Danish are often known for. The bag itself is made from soft twill with leather handle and zipper accents throughout for an upscale look. The Skagen logo label on the front of the bag is also made of leather and blends in beautifully with the clean minimalist design of the bag.
The inside laptop sleeve can fit a laptop of up to 15 inches and additional compartments are available for your daily essentials. A great feature is it’s hidden pockets on the back of the backpack that can be accessed even when the bag is being worn. These pockets are perfect for phones, passports or other frequent use items. As always, you can expect top-notch stitching and remarkable craftsmanship with a Skagen bag and the Kroyer Twill is no exception.
Looking for more laptop backpack options? Check out my list of Minimalist Laptop Backpacks under $100
