Between baggage rules that vary by airline and TSA requirements that seem to change by the day, packing can often feel like a minefield of do’s and don’ts. Traveling with tech is a must for business travel, but you don’t want to have to rifle through your bag to pull out your laptop when going through security. Then, there’s the inevitable excavation of your charger at the bottom of your bag when waiting at the gate. All of this digging through your bag is inconvenient; and worse, it means you’re risking dropping something or forgetting to put everything back in the bag (I recently lost a headphone case on a flight due to this exact problem).
All of this is to say that while you probably can’t change what you have to bring with you, and you definitely can’t change the way modern travel works, you can at least change your bag. Having a bag with designated compartments for all your tech makes things a whole lot easier.
With that in mind, we’ve rounded up some USB charging backpacks for your next trip. A USB charging backpack has no power source of its own. Rather, it has a port that allows you to plug your phone to your power bank through the side of the bag. It’s a convenient way to charge your phone while you’re walking through the airport, without having to unzip your bag. These bags also have designated compartments for tablets and laptops, and they’re great options for students and commuters.
1. Matein Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port
This backpack has a discreet pocket that would be against your back when wearing, giving you a hidden spot for your most valuable items. It has three main compartments, including a laptop pocket. Plus, it has a horizontal strap across the back so it can be secured to rolling luggage.
Pros: Hidden back pocket, horizontal strap for attaching to rolling luggage.
Cons: Laptop compartment may be too snug for some 15.6 inch laptops.
2. Yorepek Travel Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port
This backpack has 3 main compartments and 20 internal pockets for pretty much anything you might need to carry with you. This can fit up to a 17-inch laptop. It also has side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas.
Pros: It can be fully opened to a lay flat position, making the TSA line a breeze and allowing for easy access to all of your essentials.
Cons: USB port is on the left side of the bag, which could be inconvenient for right-handed people.
3. Mancro Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port
This backpack has two main compartments with internal subdividers for laptops, pens, tablets, and notebooks. Plus, it has a small slip pocket for easily accessing small essentials and two outside pockets for water bottles. Like all the options, it has a USB hub that you can connect a power bank to on the inside and your phone to on the outside.
Pros: Comes with a removable combo lock that attaches to the zippers for secure storage. Good for storing multiple devices.
Cons: There is no designated internal pocket for the battery bank.