The Wallet Shoppe
I’ve carried an extra battery pack in my carry-on for years, but now that I’m in the market for a new travel backpack, I decided to take a look at some of the best charging backpacks to see if they match up to the hype.
The short version? It’s great having a backpack that is actually organized around the assumption that, yes, you will need to be charging your devices!
Phones, tablets, laptops - the more of them you carry, the more you need a reliable way to keep them charged.
Best Charging Backpacks
These backpacks are built around the assumption that you’re carrying at least one device that needs power before the day is over.
But - and this is key - most are designed to allow on-the-go charging and make it super convenient, but the vast majority are “batteries not included!” See our buying guide below for more on this.
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack
This MATEIN travel laptop backpack is one of the more efficient charging backpacks in this lineup.
Pros
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Lots of storage space and pockets
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Comfortable, supportive, and breathable design
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USB charging port and anti-theft pocket
Cons
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Some people felt the laptop compartment padding was limited
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Water-resistant fabric, but not fully waterproof
The laptop compartment fits up to 15.6 inches, and the main packing area has enough room for everyday essentials on top of that. The front compartment breaks into several smaller pockets rather than one catch-all, which makes it easier to find things without digging.
The padded back and multi-panel ventilated design hold up on longer wears, and the shoulder straps are padded too. There’s also an anti-theft pocket on the back for anything you’d rather not lose to a pickpocket on a crowded train.
BANGE Business Smart Waterproof Backpack
OK, this is one of those “odd” brands that shows up sometimes with weirdly-translated instructions.
Nevertheless, we included it in our list because it just doesn’t look like every other backpack out there - it’s an unusual look that people either love (and some really love it) or give hard pass to.
If you’re in the former camp, this is a durable, well-organized backpack with charging built in.
Pros
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Waterproof and scratch-resistant oxford cloth material
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180° opening laptop compartment for easy access
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Multiple well-designed pockets for storage and organization
Cons
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No feet to keep the bag from scuffing on the floor
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Shoulder straps sometimes slip from desired position
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Limited size for some users
The high-density oxford fabric is genuinely waterproof and scratch-resistant, not just water-resistant-with-an-asterisk like most on this list. The 180° opening laptop compartment lays flat and fits up to 15.6 inches.
The side pockets are split by purpose rather than just size: one holds a power bank with an external USB port routed through it, the other takes a water bottle. Two smaller front pockets handle wallets and pens.
The bag has no feet, so it picks up scuffs sitting on the floor, and the straps have been known to slip after repeated adjustment.
SwissGear 5358 USB ScanSmart Backpack
We’re big fans of Swissgear, so it’s probably no surprise this is our top choice.
This backpack combines smart storage with the durability to hold up as a daily commuter, not just a travel bag.
Pros
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TSA-friendly lay-flat laptop compartment
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Built-in USB port for charging
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Numerous organizational pockets and compartments
Cons
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Slightly heavy at 3 pounds
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Not ideal for those carrying heavy textbooks
The TSA-friendly, lay-flat laptop compartment fits a 16-inch laptop or tablet and lets you leave it in the bag at the security line. The built-in USB port and the essentials organizer for cords and chargers, plus an insulated side pocket for water bottles, keep the rest of your gear from turning into a junk drawer.
The trade-off is weight: this bag runs almost 3 pounds empty, which matters if you’re trying to travel light. Check the stabilizer straps when it arrives - a few buyers have reported them arriving defective.
Mancio Vintage Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port
Mancio’s Vintage Laptop Backpack takes a different look at the same charging-backpack idea.
Pros
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Unique vintage design with PU leather accents
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USB charging port for convenient device charging
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Comfortable, well-padded, and adjustable shoulder straps
Cons
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May not fit all belongings for heavy packers
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Side pockets for bottles could be bigger
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Bag might feel stiff initially
The PU leather accents and magnetic-snap belt flap give it a distinctive look that stands out from the sea of black nylon on this list.
It fits a 15.6-inch laptop across multiple compartments, with padded, adjustable shoulder straps. Heavy packers carrying textbooks or binders will find it cramped, and the side pockets for bottles and umbrellas run small.
The leather is stiff out of the box but softens with use.
Volher 17 Inch Laptop Backpack
The Volher 17 Inch Laptop Backpack rounds out this list as a straightforward, no-surprises option.
Pros
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Spacious storage and pockets
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Comfortable and sturdy design
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USB port and headphone jack for convenience
Cons
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Lacks waterproofing
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Limited color options
Despite its name, this one also tops out at a 15.6-inch laptop, with a main compartment roomy enough for clothes on an overnight trip. Side mesh pockets take a water bottle or compact umbrella.
The padded, ventilated back panel and adjustable straps do the job, and the foam-padded top handle is a nice touch for grabbing it off a luggage carousel. Like the others here, it has a built-in USB port, plus a headphone jack so you can listen to something without pulling your phone out.
It’s solid, if a little unexciting - the safe pick if nothing else on this list stands out to you.
Buyer’s Guide: What Makes a Great Charging Backpack?
The number of charging ports and the overall design matter most when picking a charging backpack.
The ideal charging backpack should provide ample storage for your devices, as well as dedicated compartments for cables and accessories.
Additionally, the power bank you choose should have a high enough capacity to charge all your devices throughout the day and offer compatibility with the types of gadgets you use most frequently.
**Important Point! **
“Charging Backpacks” are designed around the assumption you have lots of electronic devices and will likely need easy access to a battery pack while traveling or commuting. Typically they will have protected eyelet holes to thread a cable through at minimum. Many provide a USB port that can be accessed without opening the bag.
What they don’t have? A built in charger! You will almost always have to buy a battery pack yourself to go with these backpacks. What they do offer is easy access from outside the pack, dedicated compartments to hold a battery pack snugly, etc.
This makes sense when you realize everyone’s power needs are different, but we wanted this to be crystal clear!
As with any other backpack though, another critical factor to consider when purchasing a charging backpack is its durability and construction.
A well-constructed backpack will protect your devices from external damage and should be able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Lastly, comfort is not optional! (Especially for long commutes or travel.) The best charging backpacks should have padded straps and ergonomic design to ensure you can wear them for extended periods without discomfort.
Before You Go…
Charging backpacks make a solid gift for the traveler or commuter who likes to stay organized. Our favorite from this list is the SwissGear:
But before you head off - we have a great article on backpacks that are designed to fit under an airplane seat that you might want to check out also:
