Is it OK to Put Your Laptop in an EDC Backpack? –  Check Out Here!

“Is it ok to put your laptop in an EDC backpack?” sounds like a mind-boggling riddle that some folks expect laptop owners to know the answer to instinctively.

I never asked myself this question the first time I owned a laptop. Backpacks are uber-convenient, and so are lappies. Yet, stashing such delicate equipment into a cramped backpack is never a good idea unless you consider several things.

So, I will share my secrets to keeping your laptop safely stowed in your trusty everyday carry backpack.

Laptop Backpack Safety

Carrying a laptop is more about safety than convenience. After all, these miniature computers have fragile and expensive components; one wrong move could result in a large piece of junk stowed in your backpack. So, let’s appreciate backpack features that will protect our trusty lappies.

• Padding

I’m not talking about the one-inch thick shoulder straps that make carrying a 2-pound laptop more comfortable. We’re focusing on the backpack’s laptop compartment.

Adequate cushioning is a must to protect your mobile computer from vibrations, bumps, and shocks. It should keep all components neatly seated in their place.

• Water resistance

Although EDC bags focus on practicality, some brands go to great lengths to add weatherproofing to their backpacks. After all, you will never know when “butterfingers” strike or a sunny day turn into a storm in a flash.

A waterproof EDC backpack protects your laptop from shorts and other water-related damage due to accidental spills or unpredictable weather. You can safeguard your mobile PC from irreversible damage.

• Anti-theft features

Laptops are thief magnets. And while not everyone has the MJ Swarovski and Diamond-studded Notebook (valued at $3.5 million) or the $500,000 Macbook Air Supreme, protecting your $700 lappie remains a principal concern.

So, the best EDC laptop backpack should have anti-theft features, such as anti-theft locks, hidden zippers, and integrated GPS trackers. My favorite? A backpack with an alarm that blares an ear-splitting siren.

• Build quality

Never underestimate the value of sturdy EDC backpack construction. Zippers must be robust, and so must seams. 

Otherwise, you risk damaging your laptop when it falls because of a faulty backpack design or poor build quality.

Best Things to Consider When Carrying a Laptop in Your Backpack

Now we know that an EDC laptop backpack can protect your precious device. The question now is how do you choose the perfect bag? Here are some things to consider.

• Laptop compartment

I don’t know about you, but I prefer backpacks with a dedicated compartment for laptops. More importantly, this oversized pocket should have adequate protection – extra padding, hidden zippers, etc. And it should accommodate my lappie snuggly.

• Backpack ergonomics

Although laptops are increasingly becoming thinner and more lightweight (except for gaming rigs with massive internal cooling fans, large screens, and other techs), a laptop EDC backpack shouldn’t be a burden to carry. 

Padded shoulder straps are a must. And if it comes with adjustable sternum straps and cushioned back panels, I’d welcome it wholeheartedly.

• Backpack durability

I’m a sucker for tough EDCs. I won’t mind paying extra dollars if I know the backpack will last many years, standing up to my adventures and occasional brushes with risky activities.

Nylon and leather are my go-to materials, except the latter can be unforgiving with maintenance. Some digital nomads might opt for polyester, but it’s less durable than the other materials.

• Internal organization

Okay, I know we’re talking about putting a laptop in an EDC backpack. That doesn’t mean it’s the only tech you can put inside. 

I also need my charger and adapter, graphics tablet, power banks, wireless mouse, portable hard drives, cables, and other things I cannot live without. I want the EDC backpack to have dedicated pockets for these items and other stuff, too.

• Versatility 

If you’re like me who cannot afford a backpack for every activity (i.e., one each for hiking, traveling, working or schooling, and commuting), a multi-purpose EDC backpack should come in handy. 

I could stash water bottles, snacks, a few clothes, books, and other items, and be on my merry way.

Laptop Size that Can Fit in an EDC Backpack

From ultra-portables to massive gaming rigs, today’s laptops are as varied as their users. EDC backpacks should have compartments that snuggly accommodate a given laptop size. Here are the common ones.

• 13- to 15-inch laptops

Most laptops fall into this size category, ranging from a 12.5-inch device to a standard 14- or 15.6-inch unit, although the latter might be a tight fit. You won’t have issues finding an EDC backpack for these lappies.

• 16- to 17-inch laptops

Gaming rigs (15.6-inchers) and desktop replacements (17.3-inch units) are a favorite of some folks (me included). These can be hefty, so I prefer a lightweight yet super-tough EDC backpack.

• Ultrabooks 

The opposite of gaming rigs, ultra-portables are super-lightweight and uber-thin, like the 0.44-inch thick MacBook Air or the 2.47-pound Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon Gen 12. While a dedicated laptop compartment is optional, extra padding is a must because these babies are super fragile.

Tips on How to Carry a Laptop in a Backpack

The perfect EDC backpack cannot protect your laptop if you don’t practice or observe the following tips.

• Although an EDC backpack can have a laptop compartment, always store your laptop in a sleeve for extra protection against scratches and added cushion against shocks and impacts.
• Avoid packing books and heavy items on your laptop to prevent damage to the computer casing or screen.
• Choose an EDC backpack wisely to ensure a snug fit. Too wide, and your laptop could shuffle in the compartment. Adding a sleeve should do the trick.
• Always place your backpack gently on a firm and flat surface when resting.
• Avoid packing laptops with stuff containing water or liquid (i.e., water bottles). Use a separate compartment for these.
• Clean your backpack regularly, especially the laptop compartment, to remove dirt, dust, and debris that can scratch your device.

Final Thoughts

It’s okay to stash your laptop in an EDC backpack, provided you protect your device from impacts, water, and potential theft. I recommend spending more time examining each backpack’s unique attributes that guarantee such requirements. More importantly, always carry your laptop in the backpack responsibly and safely.