Top Picks for Minimalist Laptop Backpacks under $100
With all the backpacks on the market right now that can run a pretty penny I’ve decided to wrangle up the best laptop backpacks under $100. These backpacks are minimalist in style so don’t expect a ton of extra embellishments like fifty different carabiner hooks and loud logos. Instead I’m focusing solely on clean minimalist backpacks that have functional features, solid construction, and sleek designs.
I’ve decided to hone in the options to modern mens backpacks that fits the following criteria:
Under $100
High quality. (Just because they are affordable doesn’t mean they have to be cheap)
Modern minimalist backpack design
Dedicated compartment for laptop carry
Rugged enough for everyday carry
Incase City Compact Backpack
Incase Men's CITY Compact Backpack
Quick Review:
Slim profile backpack
Fits up to 15” laptop
Separate padded laptop and iPad compartments.
The Incase City Compact Backpack is my top pick for anyone looking for a daily carry laptop backpack. Made primarily for laptop carry, the City Compact Backpack features a padded laptop sleeve that is lined with faux fur to save your laptop from shocks and scratches during your daily commute. There is also a smaller separately lined sleeve for a tablet. Two smaller pockets are available for easy access on the outside front.
This backpack is very thin and should not be used for extensive travel. You won’t have too many extra features like a water bottle compartment or side pockets but the trade-off is an impressive minimalist design that will definitely fetch a lot of compliments. The main compartment has room for daily essentials like lunch, books or gym clothes. For daily commutes to work and school this backpack is just about perfect.
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
Quick Review:
Simple 70’s inspired design
Fits 13-17” laptops (Different size options available)
Multiple backpack colors to choose from
Weatherproof
Sweden’s own Fjallraven designed the Kanken as a lightweight minimalist backpack inspired by a 70’s retro look. What you get is a simple ultra-functional backpack that does two things very well: Protects your laptop from the elements and feels amazing when worn.
Although the straps don’t look as beefy as other padded backpack straps, each Fjallraven backpack is designed specifically to relieve stress from the shoulders and back. This ergonomic design can be felt instantly as the backpack itself rides up higher to redistribute the carry weight evenly.
This backpack is fully weatherproof and can be worn on rainy days with no worries about water leaking into your valuable contents inside. The padded laptop compartment is a separate zippered compartment located in the back. There are different backpack sizes available, so make sure you pick the correct backpack for your laptop size.
Herschel Supply Co. Parker Backpack
Herschel Supply Co. Parker Backpack
Quick Review:
Simple design
Fits up to 15” laptop
Pleated front pocket allows for a slimmer profile
Herschel is known for their classic backpacks but they went for a slimmer and simpler design this time around with their Parker backpack. What’s great about the Parker backpack is that it doesn’t get carried away with too much accessorizing like other daily carry backpacks tend to. Without bells and whistles like extra zipper compartments, mesh pockets and hooks, you get a very simple yet practical backpack that looks a feels minimalist.
The inside of the backpack includes a sewn-in compartment that can fit a tablet or laptop up to 15 inches. There is also an additional smaller compartment that can be used to neatly store headphones. The outside pocket is pleated and allows for the backpack to maintain it’s slim profile. Although I really like the clean look of the Lunar White, this backpack is also available in all Black and a simple Navy color ways.
Spigen Laptop Backpack
Spigen Laptop Backpack
Quick Review:
Larger profile backpack
Fits up to 15” laptop
Weatherproof
Includes 11 different storage compartments
The Spigen Laptop Backpack is one of the larger bags on this list with 11 different storage pockets and a dedicated sleeve for a laptop up to 15 inches. This backpack offers a futuristic modern design and offers plenty of room to keep all of your gear compartmentalized. The front zipper compartment is packed with mesh and zipper pockets for daily accessories and a tablet.
This backpack is weather resistant and can keep it’s contents dry if used while commuting in the rain. The bag’s outer material is a slick coated fabric that can be wiped clean. For comfort, Spigen includes padded shoulder pads that help with weight distribution under heavy loads. The back is lined with air mesh for ultimate breathability. The simple and clean design makes the Spigen laptop backpack perfect for professional settings and a great replacement for a laptop briefcase.
Booq DP-GRR Daypack
Booq DP-GRR Daypack
Quick Review:
Fits up to 15.6” Laptop
Contoured ergonomic shoulder straps
Generous main compartment and deep side pockets
The Booq Daypack is a cross between a rucksack and a traditional bookbag. It’s slim, light weight yet it’s large interior has plenty of room for your daily carry. As far as comfort goes their padded shoulder straps are especially countered to “fit just about everyone just right” What I especially like about these bags is their overall reliability and quality: Each backpack is made with robust stitching and tough 1200D Ripstop material. Booq even offers a generous 5 year warranty with each backpack which is pretty cool.
The main compartment can hold up to 26 liters making the Booq Daypack one of the roomier backpacks on this list. Inside you will find two separate partitions: One that fits a laptop up to 15.6 inches and another for books and other larger miscellaneous items. The outside of the bag includes two expandable side pockets that allow you to carry larger items like a water bottle or umbrella. There is also a hidden zipper pocket on the outside to stash a phone or wallet. Altogether Booq's clean form factor makes it minimalist in design without any distracting embellishments.
Observ Slim
Observ Slim Laptop Backpack
Quick Review:
Super slim minimalist design
Fits up to 15.6” Laptop
Small profile - Perfect for commuting
The Observ Slim backpack is a great choice for a pick-up and go daily essentials backpack. It’s the smallest backpack to make this list as well as the thinnest at only 4 inches thick. Because of it’s size, it isn’t ideal for travel but it’s perfect for urban commutes where crowded buses and subways are expected. It’s modern design goes great with professional attire.
The bag’s exterior is made out of robust polyester with reinforced stitching to deter common wear and tear. The interior has a shockproof padded compartment that snugly fits a laptop up to 15.6 inches. If organization is your thing then you will love the variety of pockets in the secondary compartment to fit pens, chargers and accessories. The Observ Slim is a great choice for daily carry. What it lacks in space it makes up with a clean minimalist design and functional features that allow you to carry your daily basics in style.
Still on the hunt for the perfect laptop backpack? If you are interested in backpacks by higher end fashion brands like Jack Spade or Skagen then check out my recent post 6 Modern Laptop Backpacks for Men.
