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With ‘smart’ versions of nearly every device lately, backpacks have also come with smart versions. The best smart backpacks have modern features, such as water resistance, USB charging ports, anti-theft protection, and hidden compartments. In addition to packing all your items comfortably and helping you stay organized for daily travels, these innovative backpacks also guarantee total security for everything they hold. They are made of water-resistant materials and are available in several gorgeous, rugged, and classy designs to suit your style.
If you have never used a smart backpack before, you might need some help navigating through the various options in the market. Our curated list of the best-selling smart backpacks will help you narrow down your choices and pick the right bag for your needs.
Top Picks
11 Best Smart Backpacks In 2024
1. Best Spacious:Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
Join the 19,241 satisfied buyers on Amazon who have said the product meets their needs and expectations.
Let’s face it, there is no such thing as enough pockets or enough space when it is about backpacks — you could always use the extra space. And, with Matein Travel Laptop Backpack you will never run out of it. If you want to carry a laptop, clothes, small electronic devices, or daily necessities, you can fit them all in this superior-quality carry-on backpack and in a compartmentalized order. It is made from water-resistant and durable polyester fabric materials for long-term use. Further, you can attach a power bank with a built-in cable on the inside, which comes in handy for easier charging of devices. Check out this review video on YouTube for a detailed understanding of this ultra-efficient product.
Pros
- It has a luggage strap or trolley sleeve on the back to slide it into the luggage tube securely.
- It has a padded laptop sleeve that can hold a 15.6-inch laptop.
- It has a thick but soft multi-panel padding for optimal back support.
- It has a comfortable airflow back design which reduces sweating.
- It has breathable and adjustable shoulder pads.
- It has zipper pockets with an anti-theft design.
- It also includes side water bottle holders.
- It has a padded handle on the top for strain-free carrying.
Cons
- There might not be enough padding for laptops.
2. Best Breathable:Yorepek Travel Backpack For Men
This men’s smart backpack from Yorepak offers plenty of space for your travel items. The tried-and-tested 50-liter backpack is made from high-quality polyester fabric and is shockproof owing to its high-density nylon lining. It boasts 20 independent pockets for both large and small items. It also has a dedicated laptop compartment with padding for complete protection from impact. An external USB port with a charging cable enables easy charging of mobile phones and other electronic devices. If you want to know more about this product, check out this review video on YouTube.
Pros
- It has a handle with a steel cable for easy portability.
- It has three main compartments with multiple hidden pockets.
- It has side zipper pockets and elastic net pockets to hold a water bottle or an umbrella.
- It can be unfolded up to an angle of 90-180 degrees making it easy to display the contents of the bag at security checkpoints.
- It has a hole on the top that provides easy usage of earphones that are connected to the devices kept inside the bag.
- The back uses a U-shaped three-dimensional design that provides maximum ventilation.
- It has breathable mesh shoulder straps with sufficient sponge filling to prevent stress on the shoulders.
Cons
- The seams of the back might loosen over time.
3. Best Travel-Friendly:Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The 31,621 reviews on Amazon indicate that this product has a loyal following.
Are you planning to go on a trip soon and are in need of a carry-on backpack? You should consider buying this tried-and-tested travel smart bag from Tzowla. Be it for a business trip or pleasure, this best-in-class versatile backpack with phone charger is your perfect travel partner. It has plenty of compartments that let you arrange all your items in an organized manner. The front side alone has multiple pockets that can be used to store small items. It has anti-theft password locks for the zippers to ensure all your items are safe at all times. Go ahead and check out this YouTuber’s video for more details about the secure backpack.
Pros
- It has luggage straps.
- The padded straps reduce strain on your shoulders.
- It has a multi-panel airflow system making it easy to carry heavy loads.
- It uses an anti-theft pocket that is designed to be hidden towards the wearer’s back.
- It is made from superior-quality polyester fabric material which helps in increasing the lifespan of the bag.
- It allows for convenient phone charging via its in-built USB port which is connected to your power bank.
- It has a dedicated padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate a laptop with a maximum dimension of 15.6 inches.
Cons
- It might not be ideal for heavy usage purposes.
"The backpack's design and sturdiness impressed me. It is comfortable and spacious yet compact. While I felt the internal organization could have been better, its efficiency didn't disappoint in any weather. It is perfect for students and professionals carrying medium loads."
Did You Know?Matein Travel Laptop Backpack Best Spacious | Yorepek Travel Backpack For Men Best Breathable | Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack Best Travel-Friendly | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 1.56 pounds | 2.18 pounds | - |
| Dimensions | 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches | 2.56 x 7.09 x 5.31 inches | - |
| Color | - | - | A-black |
| Dimensions LxWxH | - | - | 13.78 x 10.04 x 3.58 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 19,241 | 10,264 | 31,621 |
| Price | $29.99 | $33.99 | $31.95 |
4. Best Giftable:Kopack Slim Women Laptop Backpack
Looking for the perfect gift for your lady love? Kopack’s Slim Women Laptop Backpack is a great choice. It is a slim and premium backpack with a USB charging port that is connected to a power bank with an inner cable, allowing you to recharge phones and tablets. The laptop compartment is hidden at the back which is reachable only when the user is not wearing it, ensuring the laptop is safe at all times while traveling. The stylish bag has shoulder pads filled with 8mm of foam to keep the shoulders stress-free.
Pros
- It can fit laptops of up to 15.6 inches thin.
- It is compact and lightweight, so the only amount of weight you will be carrying is the weight of the items you put in the bag.
- It is made from smooth three-layer fabric that is tear-resistant and water-resistant.
- The main compartment is protected with anti-puncture and dual-layer zippers which can also be locked for added safety.
- It has multi-functional file slots to keep your items like phones, pens, cards, passports, and other small items.
- It includes a front zipper pocket and side elastic pockets.
Cons
- It is not waterproof.
5. Best Locking System:Wenig Laptop Backpack
We all have been students for a long time and completely understand how messy our bags were during our college days. So make your child’s life simple by gifting them this innovative, smart, and affordable backpack from Wenig. It is a laptop backpack with plenty of compartments—three main compartments, nine small pockets, two elastic side pockets, and a back compartment for laptops. The organized carry-on backpack offers convenient access ports like a USB charging port that is connected to a power bank via an in-built charging cable and a headphone jack.
Pros
- It has front zipper pockets to have easy access to regularly used items like ID cards.
- It has a number lock system that will keep your laptop and other valuables safe.
- It has a luggage/ trolley sleeve that can be used to easily place the backpack on the luggage tube.
- It is made from sturdy Oxford fabric, a water-resistant material.
- It has two S-shaped shoulder straps for an ergonomic fit.
- The adjustable shoulder straps have pockets to hold sunglasses.
Cons
- It might not be ideal for long trips.
6. Best Ergonomic Straps:SwissGear 5358 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The tried-and-true product has earned over 426 good reviews on Amazon.
The Swiss are known for their impeccable designing skills, from watches to bags, they know how to impress. SwissGear is a company based in Switzerland and this cleverly designed bag is sure to catch some eyes. The innovative design makes it possible to cramp the smart travel backpack with modern features like ScanSmart technology, RFID pockets, ergonomic and adjustable shoulder straps with airflow back panels, and USB equipped charging capability. So, if you are a Swiss products fan, this RFID-blocking backpack is a no-brainer.
Pros
- Its padded laptop sleeve can easily fit a 15-inch laptop.
- The ScanSmart feature allows you to lay the bag flat and provide easy access to your laptop which results in quick security checks at the airport.
- The integrated USB port provides a convenient way to charge your phone.
- It has a collapsible shoe pocket on the side to carry an extra pair of shoes.
- It has an insulated side water bottle pocket.
- It has a heavy-duty handle on the top which can be used as an alternative option to carry the bag.
Cons
- The sunglass holder might take up plenty of storage space in the main compartment.
7. Best Fashionable:Fintie Anti-theft Travel Laptop Backpack
Looking for a smart backpack that looks clean and fashionable? This tried-and-trusted backpack from Fintie is designed to be fashionable, secure, and durable. Be it school or office, you can now travel in style. This high-performance and durable backpack with anti-theft protection is made from 800D water-resistant and wear-resistant jacquard thick nylon, which can endure most environments and ensure extended use. With the anti-thief back pocket and TSA-accepted luggage lock, it is one of the best lockable theft-proof backpacks out there.
Pros
- It is RFID protected.
- It has waterproof zippers.
- The main compartment is padded to provide protection for your laptop and other sensitive items.
- It has a flat open design for quick access to all your items.
- There is a USB port on the outside with a detachable charging cable for charging your phone hassle-free.
- The bag is designed to retain its original shape no matter the number of items stored.
- It has wide padded straps with breathable mesh.
- It has luggage straps to easily slide it onto luggage tubes.
Cons
- It might not be ideal for long holiday trips.
Quick Fact8. Best Water-Resistant:BAGSMART Travel Backpack
Here is a smart backpack that balances affordability and functionality quite seamlessly. It has the perfect space capacity for all your travel and daily needs. The water-resistant backpack is constructed from durable nylon fabric. It has a dedicated laptop compartment and two spacious compartments for carrying essentials. For added security, the multifunctional backpack has a TSA-friendly lock and a hidden RFID compartment to keep your cards and passport. The USB port on the side can be connected to a power bank on the inside to charge your phone.
Pros
- It has mesh pockets on each side for a water bottle or an umbrella.
- It can be opened at an angle of 90-180 degrees for easy security checks.
- It has luggage straps to easily slide in on the luggage tube.
- The laptop compartment is padded to protect it from any damage from drops and minor accidents.
- It has two adjustable S-shaped shoulder straps that offer a lightweight carrying experience.
- It has a padded vegan handle for an alternative and easy transportation option.
Cons
- It might have trouble standing up straight when placed on a flat surface.
9. Best Lightweight:Bopai Slim Laptop Backpack
Backpacks do not necessarily have to be big and spacious to call them a “good backpack”. It needs to be sleek while offering plenty of storage space for your items, and this slim smart backpack offers those features. This tried-and-tested product is a comfy backpack with a width of just four inches—an ideal carry-on backpack for your daily needs. The zippers are neatly concealed for additional security and it has a USB port on the outside to charge your mobile devices
Pros
- It includes six zipper straps—three blue and three red.
- It has a hidden pocket for phones and wallets.
- It can easily fit a laptop with a dimension of 15.6 inches.
- It has a detachable keychain strap.
- It is constructed from durable and water-resistant microfiber leather and ballistic nylon.
- The high-density and breathable back relieve you from the sweat caused by the heat.
Cons
- The strap to harness the laptop on the inside might be a bit flimsy.
10. Best Durable:Korin Design FlexPack Pro
We rely on our backpacks a lot since it is one of the things that makes traveling easy. This expertly crafted smart backpack from Korin is one of the most trusted bags in regards to organizing, durability, and security. The anti-theft backpack uses a triple theft protection system which includes a TSA lock and an extendable metal wire lock. It has multiple compartments that allow you to organize all your items efficiently and an accessible 2.0 USB port for input and output charging.
Pros
- It can bear a weight of up to 50 kgs.
- It has a magnetic chest strap to reduce load stress and for additional security.
- It has an expandable thermal insulation pouch on the side.
- The interior is padded to provide protection for your items.
- It is made from water-resistant fabric and has adjustable shoulder straps.
Cons
- The zippers might be too stiff.
11. Best Storage:Gruv Gear Club Bag Tech Backpack
The mark of any good backpack is how easy it is to organize your items in it and this techie backpack goes all out to offer exactly what you want. This innovative 20-liter everyday backpack is the perfect way to carry your everyday items, making it the ideal smart school backpack. The interior shelves can be removed to customize the storage space as required and it has a dual locker door access system to access the bottom sections. This is one of the best tech bags you can get.
Pros
- It uses an exclusive ScanFly tethered laptop system that can be used with the Sliiv Tech optional sleeve.
- It has a glove box with an overhead clip to store headphones and sunglasses.
- It offers optional “Bento” drawers for the side pockets that can be pulled out to access small items.
- It has thick air mesh straps and a chest strap to wear the bag comfortably and securely.
Cons
- It might not be suitable for long-term use.
How To Choose The Right Smart Backpack?
Here are a few pointers that you should keep in mind while buying a smart backpack.
- Volume: Before buying any kind of bag, the first thing that anyone should consider is how big and spacious the bag is. If you are a student, then you could do with a medium-sized bag to carry your laptop, books, and other small items. But if you are more of a traveler, then you would need an extra-large carry-on backpack to carry all your clothes, shoes, and other essentials.
- Compartments: Without having proper compartmentalization in a bag, it becomes extremely cluttered and difficult to reach out for the required items at the time of need. Most smart backpacks have dedicated compartments for laptop and other small items. This helps in organizing your items in an efficient way.
- Padding: No matter how many items you have in your bag, if you have the bag on you for a long time, it is bound to make you feel uncomfortable which can further cause stress on your shoulders. To avoid such situations, ensure that the bag has a soft padding. And let’s not forget the interiors, having padding on the inside will protect your items from any damage after a fall.
- Durability: Bags are stuffed with a lot of items to hold and any bag that is made from cheap fabric will easily rip due to the weight. So, having a backpack that is made from durable materials is of utmost importance. It is also necessary that they should be weather-proof backpacks or at least water-resistant to protect the items during the rainy season.
- Security: If you need a bag for your college, trip, or office, you are sure to carry items that are important or are expensive like laptops and tablets. And we understand if you always have a feeling of agitation about items being stolen. That’s why it is important that the bag you are going to buy should have a number-lock system. This will offer access to only those with the security number.
- Charging Port: One of the main reasons to buy a smart bag is because they offer a convenient way to charge devices. These smart bags have a USB port with a built-in charging cable that is connected to a power bank. This way you will not need to carry the power bank in your pocket or tuck away your phone inside the bag for it to charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I charge a laptop with a smart backpack?
First, ensure that the backpack is connected to a power bank using the in-built charging cable and then connect the laptop to the external USB port using a charging cable. This will charge your laptop or any other electronic device.
2. Can smart backpacks be used as anti-theft bags?
Most smart backpacks have a hidden zippered pocket that can act as an anti-theft pocket to conceal valuables like passports, documents, wallets, and ID cards to a certain extent.
3. How much can smart backpacks carry?
Most smart backpacks are spacious enough to be used as a laptop bag, school backpack, and travel backpack for short trips. They have a dedicated laptop sleeve, large compartments to carry books and a few clothes, front-access pouches for convenience, a water bottle pocket, an umbrella slot, a pocket with anti-theft design, and more.
4. Do all smart backpacks have room for a laptop?
Almost all smart backpacks have a separate compartment or sleeve for a laptop. Some can even accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop with ease. However, certain brands may need more laptop-friendly padding.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Wedetso Chirhah covers topics related to electronics, household products, and automobiles. He prioritizes easy-to-understand, informative content to improve your buying experience. In this article, he has created a list of the best smart backpacks that are versatile, stylish, and efficient. Including detailed features, these backpacks have been chosen based on user feedback and ensure high quality and long-lasting use. He has also included a buying guide to help you choose the right product.
The Bottom Line
Smart backpacks allow you to carry your essentials comfortably and conveniently, making short trips more manageable. They offer ample storage space and have plenty of compartments, including hidden ones, to pack your things tidily. The list of the best smart backpacks comprises sturdy, durable, spacious, and waterproof backpacks with useful features such as USB charging and number locks. For instance, the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack offers plenty of storage space and has anti-theft capabilities, the Yorepek Travel Backpack for Men has a 50-liter capacity and a shockproof lining, and the Tzowla Travel Laptop Backpack has an integrated USB port. So, choose a smart backpack with features that suit your requirements.
Infographic: Points To Consider When Using A Backpack
Backpacks are a convenient way to carry all your essentials. Unlike purses and other one-shoulder bags, backpacks evenly distribute the weight, reducing the intensity of weight and pressure on the body. However, it is essential to wear them the correct way. The infographic can help you do that.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Athavan Thanabalaratnam and Tharaga Sharmilan; (2021); Smart Backpack Technologies to Avoid the Musculoskeletal Pain.
https://www.gssrr.org/index.php/JournalOfBasicAndApplied/article/download/12511/5959/
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