Last Updated: July 19, 2023
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6 Best Osprey Backpacks for Laptops (Commute, Work, Travel)

Osprey is a go-to brand for many travelers and outdoorsy folk. And they have been expanding their lineup and adding various pockets and sleeves for years now. Which is great news when you are looking for Osprey laptop backpacks.


At A Glance: Quick Comparison


Their backpack features make everyday backpacks comfortable, durable, and balanced while being fit for modern requirements – such as accommodating a computer.

So, keep scrolling if you want to find the perfect Osprey bag for your laptop!

 

Top Product Overview

Osprey Transporter Flap Laptop Backpack, Black
  • Made of sturdy and thick material
  • Safety features integrated
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  • Loads of organization options
  • Side access to laptop
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Osprey Bitstream Laptop Backpack, Black
Largest Computer backpack
  • Large and spacious 30L capacity
  • Several pockets and Powerhouse for a great organization
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Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack, Black
Smallest Laptop Backpack
  • Small and lightweight
  • Versatile as a daily commute or a day hike bag
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Osprey Tropos Everday Backpack, Silver Lining/Tunnel Vision Pop, O/S
17-inch Laptop Backpack
  • Fits 17-inch laptops
  • Lots of storage space
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Osprey Apogee Men's Laptop Backpack , Kraken Blue
  • Excellent for both daily commutes and school
  • Several organization options
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Best Osprey Laptop Backpacks


Our Top Pick

Osprey Transporter Flap Laptop Backpack

Osprey Transporter Flap Laptop Backpack, Black

If you’re looking for an everyday bag that won’t look like everyone else’s, the Osprey Transporter Flap Backpack is a definite favorite. This bag feels and looks like a regular knapsack, but its sleek interior and pockets are made to fit today’s world.

There are several organization pockets for various-sized items on the inside that are easy to get to once you open the bag. You can easily store your phone, books, keys, and a water bottle. Of course, there is also a padded laptop pocket and tablet sleeve. It can fit 15-inch laptops. Inside the flap is also a “secret” pocket for easy-to-reach items.

Night commutes are also made safer with reflective straps. You get a blinker light attachment so you’ll be visible to traffic when you’re cycling home.

The material is very durable but also very soft. The only drawback is the bag has a narrow bottom and won’t stand up when put on the floor. And, you have to open the main compartment to reach everything inside it.

Overall, a great Osprey computer backpack you won’t regret buying.

Pros

  • Made of sturdy and thick material
  • Safety features integrated
  • Lightweight and soft to the touch

Cons

  • Won't stand up straight when placed on the floor
  • Limited to 15-inch laptops

Product Information

  • Product Dimensions: 19 x 16 x 7 inches
  • Weight: 2.01 lbs
  • Volume: 20 L
  • Laptop size: 15-inch
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Modern Style

Osprey Arcane XL Laptop Backpack

The Osprey Arcane XL Laptop Backpack is one of Osprey’s newer offerings with a more urban look than we are used to. They use a thicker and more old-school material that will definitely last you for years to come.

As always with Osprey the features are well thought out and very handy. From the easy to access side laptop panel, that fits 16-inch laptops. To the front organizer panel with slots for everything, and a key clip.

There is also a large internal compartment with a document holder (or a tablet) and a handy front pocket for things like your phone, electronics, umbrella, etc.

The drink bottle pocket on the side is another of Osprey’s great designs as it offers access while wearing the pack (instead of having to contort your shoulder to reach it.

My only beef with this laptop backpack is that it only fits a 16″ laptop, whereas many people work or travel with a 17″ laptop.

All in all, a great daily commuter backpack or school laptop backpack with a modern style you will love!

Pros

  • Loads of organization options
  • Side access to laptop
  • Large capacity

Cons

  • Fits only 16" Laptop
  • No hipstrap

Product Information

  • Dimension: 18.5 x 12.4 x 11.8 inches
  • Weight: 1.74 Lbs
  • Capacity: 30L
  • Laptop size: 16-inch
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Largest Computer backpack

Osprey Comet

Osprey Bitstream Laptop Backpack, Black

The Osprey Comet has one big feature, and that’s its 30 L capacity. This is the largest pack in Osprey’s  24/7 Series commuter backpacks and is capable of hauling a big load while maintaining modern aesthetics fit for the urban jungle.

The U-zip opening of the main compartment makes access to your items very easy. It also has a laptop compartment with direct zip access and a tablet sleeve. There are two external side pockets that can fit a water bottle or an umbrella.

A scratch-free pocket keeps your sunglasses or fragile items damage-free. And, there is even a spot for your magazines or papers!

Despite its size, the laptop sleeve can only hold up to 15-inch laptops. It also has a narrow bottom making it difficult to stand up straight when placed on the floor.

Pros

  • Large and spacious 30L capacity
  • Several pockets and Powerhouse for a great organization
  • Zippered main compartment

Cons

  • Can only fit up to 15-inch laptops despite its size
  • Narrow bottom makes for awkward packing and instability when placed on the floor

Product Information

  • Product Dimensions: 17.7 x 12.2 x 11 Inches
  • Volume: 30 L
  • Weight: 1.8 lbs
  • Laptop size: 15-inch
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Smallest Laptop Backpack

Osprey Daylite Plus Pack

Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack, Black

This popular day hike backpack has smooth lines and a sleek look that can be taken straight to the office. The Daylite Plus Pack is great for any kind of trip whether it’s a few blocks away or up to the summit. But if you are looking for even more space, then also check out the standard Daylite.

Small and lightweight, this backpack is also designed to attach to a number of Osprey’s larger packs and travel bags. On its own, however, you get a lot of functionality fit for your daily commute.

The large zipper panel gives you access to the main compartment. In here you have a laptop sleeve, but all of the other pockets are outside. It has two side mesh pockets to hold a water bottle.

The mesh-covered die-cut foam backpanel provides both comfort and ventilation for your daily commute. If you’re going on a hike, there is a built-in hydration reservoir pocket.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be very ready for the many gadgets people carry around nowadays. There are no internal pockets so you’ll have to keep your accessories organized some other way. There are no pockets to keep your cards and IDs, so make sure you don’t accidentally lose them in the depths of your bag or fall out the exterior pockets.

Related Post: Daylite vs Daylite Plus

Pros

  • Small and lightweight
  • Versatile as a daily commute or a day hike bag
  • Can be attached to larger Osprey bags

Cons

  • No internal pockets
  • No organization options for electronic accessories and other business necessities

Product Information

  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 10 x 18 inches
  • Volume: 20 L
  • Weight: 1 lbs
  • Laptop size: 15-inch
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17-inch Laptop Backpack

Osprey Tropos

Osprey Tropos Everday Backpack, Silver Lining/Tunnel Vision Pop, O/S

The Osprey Tropos backpack is a breath of fresh air because it comfortably fits a 17-inch laptop. A rarity in the laptop backpack world.

Of course, that means this is a slightly larger and heavier pack at 32L capacity at nearly 3lbs. But you get a lot of different storage options as a result:

  • Large main compartment
  • Organisational pocket
  • Front stash pocket
  • Top sunglasses pocket
  • Side water bottle pockets

And it comes with a kickstand so you can set it upright on the ground no matter what you are carrying. Plus, Osprey has decided to only use 100% recycled materials that are Bluesign approved in this pack. And yes, they are still as durable as ever.

Pros

  • Fits 17-inch laptops
  • Lots of storage space
  • Kickstand to stand upright

Cons

  • A bit heavy and large

Product Information

  • DimensionsL 21.26 x 12.6 x 11.02 inches
  • Weight: 2.836 lbs
  • Capacity: 32L
  • Laptop size: 17-inch
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Osprey Apogee Backpack

Osprey Apogee Men's Laptop Backpack , Kraken Blue

Bring a bit of comfort and organization to your daily life with the Osprey Apogee. Part of the Active Everyday Series, this backpack is built like a technical pack with all the trimmings needed for the modern urbanite.

First, there is a scratch-free top pocket for your sunglasses or eyeglasses. Next is a handy organization pocket for all your small and important items like phones, keys, earphones, etc (see above). Finally, the main compartment has a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop or tablet, as well as adequate space for various other larger items.

There are also side stretch pockets for more storage such as a water bottle or snacks on the go.

The suspended mesh ventilated back panel ensures you stay dry no matter how long you have this backpack on your back.

This backpack also comes with side compression straps that neatly tuck away in specific slots. Another of Osprey’s clever ideas that they never seem to stop coming up with!

LADIES: The women’s specific version of the pack is called the Aphelia and is pretty much the same pack only designed to fit women’s body shape better.

Pros

  • Excellent for both daily commutes and school
  • Several organization options
  • Comfortable and balanced on the back

Cons

  • Does not comfortably house a 17-inch laptop

Product Information

  • Product Dimensions: 20 x 12 x 10 inches
  • Volume: 28 L
  • Weight: 21.8 lbs
  • Laptop size: 15-inch
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What to Look For In A Laptop Bag?

Overall Capacity

The Osprey backpacks in this review vary from 17 to 30 L capacity. So, what you have to think about is finding a bag that’s just right for the amount you carry on a daily basis.

It can be dangerous to go too big, just in case you might one day need the space. Likewise, being too small can be a problem too, if you suddenly need to carry something else.

Personally, I tend to think of my average day out, and then allow a little more space for extras, especially space-taking items like a jacket. Then, go with that size.

Note: All the backpacks in this review have dedicated laptop sleeves, so although this will eat into your overall size/capacity a bit, you don’t have to think about that when comparing these packs.

Organizational Pockets

Pockets and compartments vary greatly with Osprey backpacks. Some have a lot, some don’t have many at all. So, have a think about how you normally like to pack your things (organized in dedicated pockets, or just all in one deep pocket), then see whether the pack reviewed works for your kind of needs.

Keep in mind that those with minimal organization tend to be sleeker and compact while those with a lot of pockets tend to be a bit bulkier and heavier (you can’t have it all :>).

Laptop Compartment Size

Even if the backpack is huge or has a large capacity, the laptop compartment won’t always necessarily be big. Since you’re mainly looking for a laptop backpack, make sure the laptop sleeves or compartments are the right sizes for the laptop you have.

Note: The average pack can usually accommodate a 14-inch laptop or so, but that is not always the case. So, keep your eyes on the details before buying.

Which Osprey Laptop Backpack Is The Best For You?

Osprey definitely delivers quality with every bag. It’s also great that most packs are dual-purpose and adequate as a hiking pack.

Ultimately though, the choice of the pack will come down to overall size and laptop sleeve size.

Here are a few of my recommendations though:

Active types will definitely love the Comet Daypack. You can use one bag for two completely different occasions but will function quite well whether it’s in the city or up in the mountains.

Osprey Packs Comet Daypack (Spring 2016 Model), Phoenix Red
  • 15"/40cm separate padded laptop sleeve for protection and easy access
  • Keeps electronics protected and accessible

The Pixel Daypack is great for those whose daily needs vary. It’s a medium-sized and manageable bag that can be expanded if you happen to have to carry more items on some days. This way, you won’t have to carry an unnecessarily large bag every day with a lot of unused space.

Osprey Packs Pixel Daypack, Caspian Blue
  • Dual side panel water bottle pockets provide easy accessibility to hydration storage

If you’re looking for a high-quality but straightforward and small laptop bag, then the Daylite Plus Pack is for you. It’s small and compact and enough to carry your 15″ laptop and its accessories. Once you decide on an active adventure, however, it still has the important features fit for a technical pack.

Osprey Packs Daylite Plus Daypack, Black
  • Large panel loading main compartment provides accessibility to inside contents

Head on to Amazon to find your very own Osprey Laptop Backpack!
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