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Finding the best laptop backpack to meet your needs can be a challenge with so many options on the market, but we’re here to help. Whether you’re looking to buy a weatherproof laptop backpack, adjustable shoulder straps, slim backpack, a travel laptop backpack, business backpack or a tote that’s also a backpack, you should find something for you amongst our picks.

Josh Goldman/CNET

If you want one backpack that’ll work for your daily commute, a day trip or weekend away or as an airplane carry-on, this is it. I continue to be amazed at how well designed this bag is every time I use it and it truly feels like the company thought of everything. Take, for example, the key leash. Most bags have a short one stitched inside a pocket — some more accessible than others — and can’t be removed. Nomatic includes a retractable clip-on key leash that can be moved to another pocket or just removed entirely. 

Another good example is the internal design. The main compartment gives you enough room for your lunch, a jacket, books and whatever else you might carry with you on a daily commute including a hard case for sunglasses. Like many travel bags, though, there’s a zipper around the outside (all the zippers are weather-sealed, by the way) that expands the size to give you space for shoes and clothes for a day or two. What is unique is that when you expand the bag, it reveals another zipper that opens the backpack like a clamshell for easy packing.

A compartment at the front of the bag has all the organization you’ll need for cables, a mouse, power adapters and other accessories. It also has an RFID pocket to keep your credit cards, ID and other things safe. A separate zippered lined pocket above the front compartment is perfect for your phone and there are cable pass-throughs from the pocket to the front compartment so you can put a power bank in the latter and charge your phone on the go. 

Then there are things like external pockets on each side that stretch to fit a water bottle or umbrella but close flat to the bag with magnets when empty. The backpack stands on its own and has grab handles on the top and sides so you can easily carry it when it’s off your back. The shoulder straps even tuck into the cushy back panel so they don’t flap around or get snagged when sliding it under an airplane seat. Also, the separate laptop compartment at the back can be unzipped and laid flat to slip it through TSA without taking your laptop entirely out.

At $300 (£222, AU$407), the Nomatic Travel Backpack is not exactly a bargain, but given its versatility, the quality of materials and thoughtful design, it’s worth every penny.