These days, there’s no escaping technology – it’s everywhere. And since high-tech gear has become more and more portable, it’s become increasingly common to be out and about with your precious gear in tow, especially laptops.
Whether you’re commuting to work, sending off a few emails in a coffee shop, studying, or just watching films on a long train journey, it’s important you have the right means to transport your laptop safely. After all, it’s probably one of the most expensive possessions you own.
Targus has long been at the forefront of technology accessories, with laptop bags being their pride and joy. As we’ll see, their carefully thought-out products cater to the modern era perfectly. On top of that, they’re known for using durable materials while keeping costs down.
Plus, all of their laptop bags are covered by a lifetime guarantee, so there’s really no reason why your Targus bag won’t last you a lifetime (or at least until you get a new laptop).
Targus has a range of designs that suit various purposes. Although we love having so much choice, with so many products on the market, finding the best ones out there can take some time.
To speed things up a little, we’ve put together a list of the best Targus backpacks around, and summarized their pros, cons, and features, as well as giving you some top tips on what to look out for when you’re shopping around – enjoy!
Top Pick
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Best Allrounder
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Best Budget
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Setting the bar very high is one of our favorite Targus backpacks, the CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack. This is an ideal backpack for anyone who travels frequently with their laptop and other gadgets.
It unzips flat for simple TSA screening (no need to remove your laptop, yay), has an in-built trolly strap, has padded sections for your laptop and tablet, and features an extra-large main compartment you can even fit a printer in – everything you need to safely move your office from A to B.
There are also quick-access pockets so you can keep your passport and other travel documents close at hand.
It’s also great for traveling via other means thanks to the cushioned shoulder straps and breathable back panel, reflective accents to stop you from getting bumped off your bike, weather-resistant base, and dual water bottle holders that let you hydrate on the move.
This isn’t the largest Targus backpack though – with a 26L capacity you’ll have to squidge your clothes in or take another bag if you’re planning an overnight trip with this bag.
Are you looking for a laptop bag that’s as good for the environment as it is for you? You’re in luck, the 15.6 Spruce™ EcoSmart® Backpack is just that!
We were super impressed to see that it’s constructed from 100% recycled PET polyester (aka plastic bottles) and contains no PVC, which has implications for the environment as well as human health, at all – what a winner!
But don’t worry, this is still one super durable bag – Targus hasn’t made any compromises on that front.
Again, this backpack features a super-handy TSA-friendly design and trolley strap plus quick-access pockets for valuables, making this great for traveling by plane or train.
In terms of storage, the foam-padded laptop compartment fits screens up to 15.6 inches but, if this isn’t large enough, there’s also a 17-inch model available.
There’s also an extensive organizer section so you’ll know exactly where everything is (there’s even a clip for your keys) plus a dedicated tablet compartment. There are water bottle holders too but bear in mind that they aren’t the tallest so don’t put any giant bottles in there or they might take a tumble.
Another minor gripe is that the grab handle on top isn’t in the best spot, which makes handling it a little awkward, although we guess that you’ll generally have this on your back anyway.
Overall though, this is a great bag for transporting your techy gear, and we love that Targus hasn’t ramped up the price for an eco-friendly option, as often happens elsewhere.
If you’re after a bag that takes its jobs seriously, yet doesn’t have a serious look about it, then the Classic 15.6 Backpack is the one for you. With its casual appearance, it could easily be mistaken for an average high street backpack.
Weighing in at just shy of 2 lbs, this is one of the lighter backpacks on our list. This, combined with its slightly smaller capacity than some of the other models and side compression straps, gives it a sleek design and will stop you from bumping into people if you’ll be missioning around on foot during rush hour.
The laptop compartment is nice and padded, contains a fastener for added security, and fits laptops with screens up to 16 inches. One of the things we love about this bag is that this section can actually be removed which, combined with its durable nylon exterior, means you can easily use this bag on outdoor adventures as well as inner-city commutes.
But when you are commuting, you’ll be grateful for a quick access pocket, water bottle holders (although again they’re slightly short), and paperwork divide.
There might not be as much internal organization going on here as with other Targus backpacks, but if you want something lightweight, durable, and versatile then it’s a price worth paying.
The Atmosphere 17-18″ XL Laptop Backpack is perfect for anyone looking for a sturdy bag for larger-than-average laptops.
It can hold laptops with screens up to 18 inches in size, like those used for serious programming or gaming, in its well-padded laptop compartment. There’s also a section for files and paperwork and an integrated accessory workstation to keep all your bits and bobs orderly.
There’s a quick-access pocket on the front and dual side pockets but, if you’re after tonnes of pockets, this might not be the best Targus bag for you.
It also features strong nickel fittings and has an integrated rain cover, so you don’t need to worry if you get caught in a sudden downpour. We also love that it’s available in blue as well as black (Targus aren’t known for their adventurous color schemes).
Plus, we reckon it’s one of Targus’ comfiest backpacks thanks to its molded handle, padded shoulder straps, AND a waist strap to spread the weight of your load (finally!).
It might not be the cheapest Targus backpack out there, but it does have a lot of features that we love, so it’s up to you to decide if they’re worth the extra cost.
The 16″ Groove Laptop Backpack is a great option if you’re on a budget, but this doesn’t mean that it’s not full of features that we love.
The exterior features a small mesh pocket plus a larger zippered pocket for quick-access items, plus a water bottle holder on one side and a zippered pocket on the other. There’s also a spacious main compartment with a foam padded laptop compartment for screens up to 16 inches and a front compartment for folders or notebooks.
On top of that, there’s an accessory section at the front that’s great for organizing thanks to its headphone porthole, key clip, and more! Yes despite all these compartments and pockets, the Groove remains a lightweight backpack overall.
Unlike some of the Targus backpacks, this model is also available in sizes that fit 15- and 17-inch laptop screens. The nylon fabric used is resistant to water and abrasions, and the bottom has been reinforced with PVC for added durability.
Although the shoulder straps are nice and padded to protect your shoulders, there’s a distinct lack of padding on the carry handle, which means it’s not the comfiest to use, and the padding on the back panel could be slightly thicker.
Overall, however, it’s great to see Targus branch out and make a pack with a lower price tag without compromising massively on features or quality.
And now for one of Targus’ most popular backpacks, the 17″ Drifter II Laptop Backpack. If you’re after something with tonnes of pockets and a large capacity that doesn’t compromise on comfort and durability then this is the one for you.
With a capacity of 34L and tonnes of pockets, this bag is well-suited for anyone that has to lug around a lot of gear. The exterior features one small and one large zippered pocket on the front, with the latter featuring internal organization features (although no pen loops) and a stash zip section on the exterior.
There are also dual side-zippered pockets sitting underneath dual water bottle holders. And we love that there’s also hidden zippered security on the back for any precious cargo – and it’s heavily padded to provide lumbar support, nice.
The main compartment is super spacious and fits 16- or 17-inch laptops (depending on the model) while the front compartment features a zippered pocket, a tablet sleeve, and more.
With all these features, it isn’t the lightest backpack but, don’t worry, it’s still a dream to carry thanks to the heavily padded, contoured shoulder straps.
Constructed of an abrasion- and water-resistant nylon, and featuring a water-resistant base and durable zipper pull, this bag can handle a few bumps and scrapes while keeping your gear nice and dry. It doesn’t have a super professional appearance though, which might be a factor if you take this bag to the office.
With tonnes of pockets, large capacity, and a rugged build, you can see why they call this bag the ‘Warrior of the Road’!
Is it a backpack or is it a suitcase? Our favorite thing about the 16″ Compact Rolling Backpack has to be the retractable handle and rolling wheels that give you the option to pull your pack alongside you instead of always wearing it on your back.
If you do choose to roll your bag, we love that you can pack the shoulder straps away neatly into their dedicated strap, which doubles up as a wheel cover when wearing the bag on your back. And we also like that the carrying handle on top is made of soft neoprene, giving you another carrying option.
It also has a large 29L capacity and a spacious main compartment, one side of which contains a padded laptop section while the other is nice and spacious and features compression straps for all your personal luggage.
The front section has a tablet sleeve and various organizational pouches, making it a great choice for anyone that needs to stay organized on a trip away. Oh – and there’s a water bottle holder on one side and a large zippered pocket on the other.
Unfortunately, the wheels and retractable handle do make this one of Targus’ heavier backpacks, and we wish the laptop compartment wasn’t on the outside of the bag (it can make the bag lean back slightly when not very full) but, aside from that, this makes for one excellent travel bag.
And now for one of Targus’ more stylish backpacks, the 15.6″ Urban Commuter Backpack. Part of what makes this bag so aesthetically appealing is its slim design, which also makes it great for ducking and weaving through rush-hour crowds.
Although its blue fabric exterior looks nice and soft, it’s actually water repellent and the base is fully waterproof, yay. It also features reflective panels, which are an important safety feature if you’ll be cycling to work.
It doesn’t feature as many pockets as some of its relatives, but it has more than enough to keep you well-prepared for your daily commute – the main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve, a front compartment with organizational features, dual water bottle holders, and a quick-access zippered pocket on the front.
Targus also recognizes that comfort is super important in a bag you’ll be wearing every day and that’s why they’ve kept the weight of this commuter bag down and added great padding to the shoulder straps and back panel plus a sternum strap to help distribute the weight of your load.
And don’t worry about getting a sweaty back from all that padding on the back panel – it’s been cleverly designed to ensure the air will still be able to circulate and keep you cool (there’s nothing worse than turning up to work with a super sweaty back, after all).
Unfortunately, it only fits up to 15,6-inch laptops – so tough luck if yours is larger because this is one of our all-time favorite commuter bags!
All Targus backpacks are designed to suit your techy travel needs, but what set’s them apart from one another?
Do you just want something to shove a laptop and some notebooks in? Or are you planning an overnight trip with all your gear? Targus backpacks are available in a range of capacities so you can choose the one that’s right for you.
Do you love having a pocket for everything? Although all Targus packs have a range of pockets, some are definitely pocket-heavier than others. If this is important to you, make sure you fully check out the specs before purchasing anything.
If getting to work is just a casual 10-minute stroll, any Targus pack will likely be comfortable enough for you. But, if it’s a long commute with tonnes of changes and maybe a cycle ride too, then you’ll want to make sure you get a pack with good, breathable padding and ideally a sternum or waist strap too.
Still struggling to decide which bag is right for you? Here are our top three to help you choose:
Our top recommendation for anyone on a budget is the 16″ Groove Laptop Backpack. Its spacious main compartment and organizational features will keep your certainly keep your gear in order, and it’ll last you a while too thanks to the reinforced PVC bottom and great padding.
It’s also a dream to wear and looks super stylish – what more could you ask for at this price?!
Our top all-rounder has to be the 15.6 Spruce™ EcoSmart® Backpack. Great for flying, great for organizing, and great for the environment… yet surprisingly affordable – what a winner!
But what’s our absolute favorite? It has to be the CitySmart EVA Pro Backpack. This bag is built for everything – rainy journeys, airports, cycling… you name it. It’s also super durable, features pockets for days and, with its stylish appearance, you can walk into any office donning this pack – well done Targus!