As any gamer knows, transporting your gear can be a nerve-wracking experience. Gaming equipment such as consoles, headsets and gaming laptops are not meant to survive tumbles and bumps. But we still want to bring our gear to friends’ houses for gaming parties or on trips. This is where a high-quality gaming backpack becomes a must-have item.
Gaming backpacks let you safely pack and transport all your equipment. They come ready for the inevitable bump or small drop with hard exteriors, padding on the inside and pockets that cleverly organize all of your gear. The best gaming backpacks will safely transport the following:
- Consoles (such as an Xbox One, PS4 or Nintendo Switch)
- Gaming laptops
- Controllers
- Keyboards
- Headsets
- Disk games
- Cables and cords
The best gaming backpacks are a clear step-up from typical laptop backpacks or everyday bags, so we suggest that every gamer-on-the-go invest in one. After all, you’re probably transporting hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of equipment.
If you’re looking to upgrade your gaming transportation setup, read on. We’ve rounded up several of the best gaming backpacks for consoles and gaming laptops alike. Check them out below.
1. Alienware Vindicator Gaming Backpack
BEST OVERALL
Alienware is the gaming division of Dell with a line of gaming backpacks that are designed specifically for transporting delicate, expensive gaming systems. They’re a clear contender for the best gaming backpacks and this Vindicator backpack is one of our favorites from the gaming brand. The Vindicator has a protective, durable build, cleverly designed pockets and a sleek look. The interior consists of a spacious padded compartment for laptops (up to 17-inches) or consoles as well as a few extra pockets for accessories, games, magazines and other daily essentials. The pack also has a convenient headphone strap for quick access while commuting or traveling.
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2. Kalidi Gaming Laptop Backpack
BEST BUDGET
While the Dell backpack above is very affordable, you can still save a few more bucks with this gaming laptop backpack from Kalidi. The interior laptop or console pocket is equipped with bubble foam padding that does a great job absorbing shock in case of a fall, while the whole exterior is waterproof for any surprise showers. It also has a handy charging port for your mobile devices while you’re traveling or commuting with your gear.
3. Mobile Edge Core Gaming Backpack
BEST FOR CONSOLES
If you’re mainly transporting your gaming consoles, such as a PS4, Xbox One or Nintendo Switch, we suggest this backpack from Mobile Edge. It’s big enough for any of the most popular consoles, as well as gaming laptops up to 17 inches. The backpack also boasts some handy extra features including an external USB charge port and a TSA-friendly friendly design that folds completely open. The ample padding and ergonomic design also make the bag feel as light as possible (even when it’s weighed down by heavy gear). It’s a great choice if you need to travel long distances with your console or laptop, as reviewers can confirm.
4. FreeBiz 18.4 Inches Laptop Backpack
MOST SPACIOUS
Got a big laptop? Go for this backpack from FreeBiz. It fits a rig up to 18.4 inches, making it the most spacious on our list. On top of that, it still has a plethora of other pockets for accessories and cables. Customers say it’s also great for traveling thanks to a TSA-friendly pocket for quick access to your laptop.
5. Enhance Universal Gaming Laptop Backpack
MOST COMPACT
This compact gaming backpack from Enhance offers a streamlined means of transporting your console or laptop. The lightweight design makes it ideal for short journeys (i.e. to your friend’s house). Although it’s quite small, you can squeeze in a console, physical games, gear and controllers with ease. We especially like the padded divider in the main compartment which allows you to carry, say, a laptop and a console without worrying about the two banging into each other.
6. Mobile Edge Razer Gaming Backpack
MOST STYLISH
Gaming backpacks should still be stylish — it is a backpack, after all. If you want a bag that doesn’t sacrifice fashion, go for this Razer backpack from Mobile Edge. It showcases a handsome military-inspired look but doesn’t skimp on the features in terms of transportation for your gaming laptop or console. It has multiple padded interior pockets, plus a light green color on the inside that helps you find all those black cables and accessories.
7. Incase ICON Lite Backpack
BEST EVERYDAY BACKPACK
Looking for a slim, everyday backpack that can also handle the occasional gaming equipment? Check out this Icon backpack from Incase. With a streamlined design and a total weight of less than a pound, it’s ideal for commuting or hopping over to a friend’s house for a LAN party. The backpack is slightly on the small side, however. It can squeeze the most popular consoles but works best for compact laptops or smaller consoles such as a Nintendo Switch.
8. Alienware Orion Backpack
BEST FOR FLYING
This Orion backpack is another great option from Alienware. It’s ideal for anyone who regularly flies with their gaming laptop or console, as it features a TSA-friendly design and plenty of extra pockets for travel necessities and clothing. The whole backpack opens flat for easy scanning at checkpoints, meaning no unpacking and repacking your gadgets. The backpack is also quite large, offering enough space for a 17.3-inch laptop plus accessories, books, toiletries, clothing and anything else you need.
9. Smatree Semi-Hard Laptop Backpack
BEST HARDSHELL BACKPACK
Hardshell bags such as this backpack from Smartree offer some added protection against the inevitable bumps and scraps of travel. The Smartree is made of 600d nylon and EVA, which translates to a very sturdy backpack that’s resistant to water and shock. Inside you’ll find three padded compartments for laptops, gear and accessories. Plus, the hardshell design does double duty by showcasing an eye-catching modern look.
10. System G Carry Plus Laptop Backpack
PREMIUM OPTION
Our favorite high-end gaming backpack is this one from System G. It has a super streamlined look with a hard protective shell that works to keep your device(s) safe while scoring style points as well. The material is a premium waterproof nylon (no need for an extra rain cover), and the interior liners have a thick structure to keep everything organized and secure. All this does come at a price ($150), but if you carry your gaming laptop or console often, it’s a great investment.