So far, the 2020s have taught us that essentials aren’t limited to keys and money. On any given day, you need at least a cell phone, earphones, WiFi signal, hand sanitiser, and more often than not, your laptop. The right laptop backpack can make life much easier, whether it’s getting to work, school, or travelling around.
Many people are concerned about the safety aspect of using backpacks and duffel bags for electronics. What should you know about transporting a laptop on your person? Let’s unpack the important details.
How to Protect a Laptop in a Backpack
Yes, it is okay to carry a laptop in a backpack. That being said, there are a few provisors. For example, you need to have the right type of backpack. And, it depends on the other contents that you’ve stashed inside it.
If a juice box and some snacks will be keeping your laptop company, you might want to rethink your life choices. Even if your things are packed nicely, chocolate melts and liquids leak. Plus, if your backpack is overloaded, you might risk having a strap break. Not ideal.
You can protect your laptop by making sure you’ve stored it in a protective case, and even better, in a bag designed with a special laptop compartment. This will be a padded type of sleeve built into the bag that secures your device by stopping it from moving around too much. The padding will also help with impact and the pressure of other items you’re carrying.
Laptop Bags South Africa
If you’re in the market for a new laptop bag, or just doing a bit of research, you might want to take a closer look at Samsonite’s range of backpacks and duffle bags.
To help you out, below are two excellent laptop backpack examples.
1. The Roader Travel Backpack
The Roader Backpack comes in two options, small and medium.
The small one has a little less carrying capacity, but it comes with an extremely useful USB port, while the medium has more space making it perfect for an overnight stay or your daily commute.
In both bags, the main cavity is designed for clothing. Then the laptop compartment is on the body side of the bag that rests against your back. Velcro straps will hold a 17,3-inch laptop in place.
Made for travel, this Samsonite backpack also comes with its own rain cover to protect all your belongings. And it has a chest strap as well as a removable hip belt to take some of the pressure off your back for ergonomic weight distribution. It even has a convenient external bottle holder to keep you hydrated on the road.
2. The Securipack Anti-Theft Backpack
The Securipack is an awesome Samsonite backpack. It’s designed specifically as a laptop bag that you carry on your back.
There are two sizes for his and her options. However, the tasteful design and colour schemes are neutral enough to look unisex. Both are built for lightness.
The Petite Version:
- Weighs 0,6kgs
- Dimensions in centimetres: 29,5 x 12,5 x 38,5
- Accommodates a 14-inch laptop.
The Larger Version:
- Weighs 0,7kgs
- Dimensions in centimetres: 30 x 16 x 44
- Accommodates a 15,6-inch laptop
As its name suggests, the Securipack is a perfect anti-theft option for keeping your things safe. The main compartment is only accessible from the back. And its strong fabric is cut-resistant with reflective details. Plus, it has an RFID protective layer between the outer fabric and internal lining, which protects against payment and identity fraud.
This is an everyday backpack perfect for a student or freelancer. It has more than enough internal organisation pockets, a super handy USB port, and a smart sleeve for your power bank.
With such great protective features, there’s no doubt that it is safe to carry your laptop in your backpack!
How to Carry a Laptop While Travelling
Now that you know about some of the great laptop backpacks out there, it’s a good idea to run through a few practical tips. Below are five important things to keep in mind when you travel with a laptop.
1. Power Down
You’ll want to turn your laptop off or at least put it to sleep before you pack it away. This will stop it from getting hot inside your bag.
2. Unplug
Unplug any devices you were using. Leaving your USB or headphones plugged in might cause damage to the port or the device.
3. Close Up
Make sure you shut the laptop properly, checking that there are no items between the keyboard and screen. Don’t commit the tragic mistake of closing your AirPods into your laptop!
4. Pack Nicely
Be sensible when you pack. This means folding things if necessary and making sure your bag isn’t too heavy.
Pack your laptop into its compartment carefully so that it’s secure and so that none of the other contents of your backpack press awkwardly against it. The laptop sleeve should have your laptop as its only occupant. There’s no room for sharing!
5. Handle With Care
Look after your backpack. You don’t want to forget that it’s trying to keep your laptop safe, so be gentle with how you handle it. Avoid knocking the bag, bumping into things or swinging it.
If you need to put it down, place it between your feet so that it won’t get kicked or tripped over. And don’t put anything on top of your backpack such as other bags or books. Remember to zip everything up. Nothing should be loose or visible.
So, there is a right way to carry a laptop when travelling. These tips might seem obvious, but how often do you find yourself stuffing items into a bag because you’re in a hurry? We’ve all been there.
Laptop Backpack? Safety First!
Photos, work, projects, and all your personal information… your laptop is like a treasure box full of data. It’s something you’ll definitely want to keep safe! That’s why you need a decent laptop backpack.
Samsonite has an amazing selection of bags for every purpose imaginable. Check out the full range of products here.