30 Top bags for techies, gamers, and everyone else

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Pockets aren't adequate for the modern techie. Your phone is likely the least of your gear, as far as storage needs are concerned. Laptops, tablets, ereaders, handheld game consoles, cameras, spare batteries, accessories...all things found in the average backpack. Given that it's possible to have thousands of dollars' worth of gear in a single bag, choosing the bag itself should be no small matter. Here's you'll find a bag for every gadget and situation, whether you need something for long-haul travel or a simple trot around the block.

Solar Backpacks

A solar backpack is exactly what it sounds like: a backpack that features a few solar panels integrated into the bag's exterior, feeding a battery electricity whenever you have the bag in sunlight. The benefit here is that you don't have to hassle with separate portable solar panels — instead, the solar and battery tech is always there ready to charge your gadgets.

Lumos unPlug

As far as attractive solar backpacks are concerned, Lumos has a winner with its unPlug model. This backpack doesn't look like an ordinary bag with a solar panel stitched on the front, nor like something you'd use for weekend camping. Rather, the Lumos unPlug has something like a commuter bag appearance, and the solar panel is nicely recessed into the flap, making it appear like part of the bag's overall design rather than just an afterthought tacked on. Priced at $99.99 USD.

Eceen Solar Backpack

One of the highest rated bags on our list is the 7W Solar Backpack from Eceen. This bag, like other solar models from Eceen, features a built-in solar panel and, in this case, a 2,000mAh battery. The bag is durable with a PU leather bottom, soft bubble foam shock protection, and nylon cordura cloth. This Eceen bag model can accommodate up to a 14-inch laptop, as well as various accessories and other smaller gear. Priced at $89.99 USD.

LuisVanita 6W Solar Bag

The LuisVanita backpack is attractive, at least as far as solar bags go. This model features a uniform black color with a 6W solar panel that isn't in-your-face with its presence. The backpack has a total of 970 cubic inches of storage, including space for a camera, a padded laptop sleeve, and spots for stowing accessories. The bag doesn't seem to include a USB power bank, though, so you'll need to supply that yourself. Priced at $70 USD.

Voltaic Solar Daypack

The Voltaic Solar Daypack is one of the more expensive solar backpacks on this list at $129 USD, but it has generally good reviews and a decent design. The daypack features a 3.69W solar panel and a 4,000mAh USB power bank. The bag is made of UV-resistant material from recycled soda bottles, adding to the 'green' factor. There's a padded laptop sleeve and water-resistant exterior fabric.

SolarGoPack Backpack

The SolarGoPack is a 35L multi-purpose backpack with an attached (and removable) solar panel, a li-ion battery pack for storing electricity generated by the solar panel, as well as necessary accessories like device adapters. The backpack itself, meanwhile, is waterproof and priced between about $80 and $250 depending on which solar panel wattage and battery capacity you get.

Shoulder Messenger Bags

A messenger bag is a horizontally-oriented bag that you wear over one shoulder rather than on your back. These bags are quite popular as everyday travel bags amongst the tech-savvy, and for good reason: they're convenient, roomy, and attractive.

Tiding Canvas & Leather Laptop Messenger

Tiding has a beautiful retro-styled laptop messenger bag made out of canvas and Crazy Horse leather. The bag measures 14.17 x 11.81 x 4.33-inches, which makes it suitable for carrying a laptop up to 14-inches, a few books, tablet and accessories, or other similar items. The bag includes magnetic quick-snap buckles, a dedicated iPad pocket, and a pair of large pockets on the front of the bag. Priced at $45.99 USD.

CaseCrown Campus Messenger Bag

CaseCrown has launched a messenger bag that is gorgeous in its simplicity: the CaseCrown Campus Messenger Bag. Available in urban-chic charcoal grey and four other colors, this messenger bag accommodates laptops measuring up to 15-inches in size, as well as books, a tablet, small items like chargers and pens, and more. The bag is made from canvas and features several pockets on both the outside and inside. Priced at $44 USD.

KomalC Retro Buffalo Hunter Laptop Messenger/Briefcase

KomalC's retro Buffalo Hunter laptop messenger bag is made from real leather and designed to look very rough and rugged. Despite its appearance, though, the bag is very much modern, able to carry up to a 15-inch laptop and other gear. The bag has an external zippered pocket, a large tablet pocket on the front, buckle closure, and a handle for carrying the bag like a briefcase. Priced at $89.99 USD.

Hynes Eagle Laptop Messenger Bag

The Hynes Eagle 15-inch laptop messenger bag has a color and fabric design similar to the aforementioned campus messenger, but with a larger, less minimalist design. This model features PU leather and polyester materials, an adjustable shoulder strap, multiple pockets, and a dedicated laptop sleeve. Priced at $39.99 USD.

Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag

The Timbuk2 Commute Messenger Bag's design has become a bit dated, and the old-but-not-retro design may not appeal to many. However, this bag is a classic and the company behind it has a long positive history, earning the Commute Messenger a place on the list. The bag is made from waterproof materials and features dual quick-release plastic buckles on the front, a couple external water bottle pockets, a TPU liner, and internal pockets for both a tablet and a laptop. Priced at $117 USD.

Gamer Bags

Bags designed specifically for gamers differ slightly from other bags due to their design support for handheld consoles. A bag with a special pocket for a Nintendo 3DS is, obviously, a preferred bag for someone who always travels with their 3DS. These bags are also targeted at PC gamers, and designed to transport large gaming machines, among other things.

ASUS Republic of Gamers Messenger

ASUS has a ROG-brand messenger bag designed with a mean, angular look not unlike designs you find on many gaming laptops. This bag can handle laptops measuring up to 15-inches, and includes things like detachable side pockets, internal mesh sleeves, and external 1260D Gucci polyester that is both lightweight and scratch/water-resistant. Priced at $79.99 USD.

Bonvince 18.4" Laptop Backpack

The Bonvince laptop backpack is designed for the massive gaming laptops that tend to be left on a desk most of the time. This backpack, which features a quite stylized design with a gray body and high-contrast red trim, can accommodate gaming laptops up to 18.4-inches, according to the company; it includes things like back support, a multi-panel airflow system, and 1680D ballistic nylon for both water-resistance and durability. Priced at $58.99 USD.

Kids Mushroom Backpack

This backpack is targeted at children, and is an excellent way to tote around the small gaming stuff kids tend to carry: a Nintendo 3DS or a PS Vita, for example, as well as small game cards, figurines, and other things. The design itself is inspired by the 1UP mushroom, while the bag weighs less than a pound. The interior of the mushroom is hollow, and includes some small pockets for items. Priced at $12.99 USD.

Mobile Edge Razer Tactical Backpack

Mobile Edge's Razer Tactical Backpack is a robust bag with the iconic black-and-green Razer design. This model is made from 1680 ballistic nylon with a scratch-proof interior and water-resistant and tear-resistant exterior. There's a ventilated rear panel, dedicated tablet pocket, and support for laptops measuring up to 17.3-inches. The laptop compartment is padded. Priced at $97.78 USD.

Mobile Edge Alienware Vindicator Briefcase

Mobile Edge's Alienware Vindicator briefcase has that typical gaming PC look, but with a far more subtle, arguably grown up design. The front panel features an angular but demur design complemented by a padded clip-on shoulder strap and a handle for carrying the messenger bag like a briefcase.

The Vindicator has what Mobile Edge describes as a TSA 'checkpoint-friendly' compartment for use in airports, as well as a trio of zippered compartments, a combination of nylon, high-density nylon, and fabric, a padded tablet pocket and padded laptop compartment, and the iconic Alien head logo. Priced at $110.77 USD.

Everki Beacon Laptop/Console Backpack

If you want a backpack able to handle a large, heavy gaming laptop, but without the stereotypical gaming-chic design, the Everki Beacon backpack is a model to check out. This bag can handle laptops measuring up to 18-inches, and there's also a sleeve for a gaming console like a PS4 or Xbox. A pair of hip pockets provide fast-access to small items, and there's a 5-point balance strap system for distributing the weight. Priced at $112.73 USD.

Technoskin's New Nintendo 3DS Shoulder Bag

Technoskin has a popular shoulder bag designed specifically for the Nintendo New 3DS and New 3DS XL. The bag is somewhat small, and can carry one of the handheld Nintendo consoles (including the older 3DS/DS/DS Lite etc), as well as up to 12 game cartridges and 2 styluses. The bag itself is made of nylon with a hard plastic core, while the interior features micro-fiber pouches to prevent scratches. Priced at $23.99 USD.

Travel Tech Bags

Travel tech bags are, in this case, bags designed specifically for traveling (TSA-friendly, etc), but with designs that accommodate tech items like laptops, tablets, cameras, and other gear.

Hynes Eagle 40L Flight Approved Carry on Backpack

Hynes Eagle has a 40L bag that is described as "flight approved," meaning it can fit inside the average overhead storage compartment or underneath the average flight seat. The bag has a 40 liter capacity and is made from water-repellant polyester. There's an external handle and backpack straps, as well as a laptop sleeve that accommodates models up to 15.6-inches, a zippered pocket on the front with multiple slips, and side storage pockets. Priced at $64.99 USD.

Witzman Men's Vintage Canvas Shoulder Duffel

Witzman's canvas shoulder duffel is a large backpack designed for travelers who need to pack a bunch of items but still want to fit everything in a carryon. The bag has a main slot in which a 12 to 16-inch laptop can be placed, as well as a pair of zippered pockets, one side pocket, a secret pocket in the shoulder strap, and air meshes for proper air flow. Priced at $65.57 USD.

ibagbar Travel Canvas Rucksack

ibagbar's travel canvas rucksack is another large quasi-duffel/backpack designed for travelers. The bag can handle most 17-inch laptops, as well as other smaller items in the variety of zippered and mesh pockets. There's a hidden pocket in the shoulder straps, a one-year warranty, and the inclusion of PU leather elements for extra durability. Priced at $37.99 USD.

Luxur Cylindrical Canvas Travel Duffel

Luxur's retro canvas duffel features a cylindrical design with both two handles for different carrying orientations and a pair of shoulder straps for carrying it like a backpack. The bag can hold a laptop measuring up to 16-inches, and it includes a hidden zippered compartment for other items. PU leather complements the canvas, there's air mesh for breathability, and 30 liters of storage capacity. Priced at $26.48.

Toupons Weekender Duffel

Toupons' Weekender duffel bag has a more traditional design, featuring a handle at the top for carrying the bag horizontally rather than as a backpack. The bag is made from canvas, and includes a slot for a laptop measuring up to 14-inches, as well as a pair of front zippered pockets, a back zippered pocket, one inner zippered pocket, and a pair of side pockets. Priced at $33.99 USD.

House of Marley Lively Up Mist Scout Pack

This bag is smaller than some of the others, but designed for travel with space for both clothing and tech items. According to House of Marley, this pack has an internal padded area for a laptop, as well as pockets for an ereader and tablet, three accessory pockets on the outside, and adjustable shoulder straps. The bag is 'green' in the environmental sense, being made of hemp, organic cotton, recycled PET bottles, and Re-wind fabric. Priced at $84.15 USD.

Student Backpacks

Modern student backpacks aren't quite the same as student backpacks from ten years ago. The rise of tablets and digital textbooks mean the average student may only need to carry one or two textbooks, or only a tablet and/or laptop and paper notebook. For this reason, modern student backpacks are usually designed with tech in mind, not books, and they're all on the slim side of the size spectrum.

Uoobag KT-01 Slim Laptop Backpack

Uoobag's KT-01 slim laptop backpack is everything a student could want, offering a slim, minimalist design alongside anti-theft zippers, a dark coffee color, and waterproof 210D nylon exterior fabric. In addition to its durable design, the backpack supports laptops measuring up to 15.6-inches, and can handle up to 88lbs loads, making it suitable for hauling potentially heavy textbooks alongside your laptop. Priced at $39.99 USD.

Kopack Travel Backpack

This backpack has the same stylish commuter design we've seen on some other bags, but with an interesting angular design that sticks out from the crowd. Though the bag has 'travel' in the title, Kopack advertises it as a school/commute backpack, and it's easy to see why. This Kopack model is made from water-resistant anti-scratch material, and in addition to having space for books or a laptop, the backpack also has a hidden tablet/small laptop compartment for storing personal items out of sight. Priced at $39.99 USD.

Kopack College Daypack

Another Kopack model has made the list, the Kopack College Daypack. This bag has a design that, while modern, skews more toward the business side of things — it's the kind of bag you'd use if you wear a nice blazer to work, but also need a durable, comfortable backpack for catching the train or bus. The bag can hold laptops measuring up to 15.6-inches, and includes more than ten compartments, padded shoulder straps, a loop handle, and back support padding. Priced at $37.99 USD.

ibagbar Laptop Rucksack

ibagbar has a series of laptop rucksacks (backpacks) with traditional, clean, not quite minimalist designs. Each bag features canvas with real leather trim around the zippers. The bag itself has a 35L capacity, two interior spaces for items plus one laptop sleeve, and a total of nine pockets, two of which are on the sides. ibagbar adds the perk of a one-year warranty to all of its bags, adding to the appeal. Priced at $23.99 USD.

Zebella Laptop College Backpack with USB Charging

Zebella mixes together the best design elements from commuter and cyclists backpacks to form a bag that is meant for everyday use, but that has the stylish urban design that's popular right now. In addition to coming in gray, blue and black color options, the backpack is made from terylene oxford lawn and nylon, has a dedicated laptop (up to 15.6-inches) sleeve, and multiple pockets for smaller items. The backpack also has an external USB with a charging cable built in so you can charge your small items from a power bank stored inside of the bag. Priced at $25.90 USD.

Mancro Anti-Theft Backpack with USB Charging

Mancro has a bag very similar to the Zebella model above, only it boasts an anti-theft design that includes strong metal zippers and a "theft-proof" combination lock. Those features will come in handy if you utilize the internal laptop sleeve (supports sizes up to 17-inches). Other features include three main pockets, 9 inner pockets, and a pair of side pockets that are sealed. There's a USB charging port built into the backpack that allows you to charge your device using an internal (not provided) power bank. Priced at $28.99 USD.

AmazonBasics Backpack

Those who need a larger backpack with more room for textbooks or a spare change of clothes should check out the AmazonBasics backpack, a bag from Amazon's own line of products. This bag can accommodate laptops measuring up to 17-inches, and includes a padded sleeve, multiple internal compartments, mesh water bottle pockets, smaller spots for pens and similar things, and a carrying handle. Priced at $29.99 USD.

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