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Our best gaming laptop bag picks cover every carry style, from padded backpacks to messengers and convertible briefcases.
The best bag depends on how far you carry it and whether you fly. We compared laptop fit, protection, carry style and owner feedback to find the best gaming laptop bag.
Quick Answer: The Best Gaming Laptop Bag
- Best Backpack: Lenovo Legion 17 inch Armored Backpack II, Gaming Laptop Bag, Double-Layered Protection, Water-Resistant
- Best Convertible: BAGSMART 3-in-1 Laptop Bag 17.3 inch, Convertible Briefcase, Water-Repellent
- Best Messenger: Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, Eco Cordura, Sizes for 13, 15 and 17 inch Laptops
- Best Rolling: MATEIN Rolling Backpack, 17 inch Wheeled Laptop Backpack, Water Resistant
- Best Premium Backpack: ASUS ROG Ranger BP2701 Gaming Backpack, 17 inch, Water-Repellent, Mesh Back, Chest Strap
- Best TSA Lay-Flat: SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack, Fits 17 inch Laptops
- Best Value Messenger: ESTARER Canvas Messenger Bag for 17-17.3 inch Laptops
- Best Budget: Amazon Basics Laptop Shoulder Bag, Fits 17.3 inch Laptops
The Lenovo Legion 17″ Armored Backpack II is our top pick. Also consider the BAGSMART 3-in-1 Laptop Bag (Best Convertible) and the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger (Best Messenger).
Best Gaming Laptop Bag Comparison Table
| Product | Best For | Type | Key Feature | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo Legion 17″ Armored Backpack II | Best Backpack | Gaming laptop backpack | EVA front shield, fits 17.3″ | Check Price |
| BAGSMART 3-in-1 Laptop Bag | Best Convertible | Convertible laptop bag | Briefcase, shoulder bag or backpack | Check Price |
| Timbuk2 Classic Messenger | Best Messenger | Premium messenger bag | Eco Cordura, waterproof liner | Check Price |
| MATEIN Rolling Backpack 17″ | Best Rolling | Rolling laptop backpack | Wheels plus backpack straps | Check Price |
| ASUS ROG Ranger BP2701 | Best Premium Backpack | Gaming laptop backpack | 22L, water-repellent, fits 17″ | Check Price |
| SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart | Best TSA Lay-Flat | TSA lay-flat backpack | ScanSmart lay-flat laptop section | Check Price |
| ESTARER Canvas Messenger | Best Value Messenger | Canvas messenger bag | Fits 17-17.3″ | Check Price |
| Amazon Basics 17.3″ Shoulder Bag | Best Budget | Budget shoulder bag | Very low price | Check Price |
The 8 Best Gaming Laptop Bags
Each best gaming laptop bag pick below fits a gaming laptop.
Lenovo Legion 17 inch Armored Backpack II, Gaming Laptop Bag, Double-Layered Protection, Water-Resistant
1The Lenovo Legion Armored Backpack II fits 17.3-inch gaming laptops and adds a hard EVA front shield.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Hard EVA front protects the laptop
- Built for gaming laptops
- Strong owner ratings
Cons
- Bulky look
- Fewer organizer pockets than travel bags
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: Up to 17.3″ laptops
- Protection: EVA armored front shell
- Material: Water-resistant fabric
Its water-resistant fabric and dedicated accessory pockets suit players who carry a mouse, headset and charger.
Best overall value gaming backpack.
BAGSMART 3-in-1 Laptop Bag 17.3 inch, Convertible Briefcase, Water-Repellent
2The BAGSMART 3-in-1 bag converts between briefcase, shoulder bag and backpack and fits 17.3-inch laptops.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Carry three ways
- Fits 17.3″ laptops
- Water-repellent
Cons
- Bulkier as a backpack
- Moderate padding
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: Up to 17.3″
- Carry: 3-in-1 convertible
- Material: Water-repellent
It is flexible for players who want one bag for work and travel.
Best convertible bag.
Timbuk2 Classic Messenger Bag, Eco Cordura, Sizes for 13, 15 and 17 inch Laptops
3The Timbuk2 Classic Messenger comes in several sizes, including one for 17-inch laptops, with a waterproof liner.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Waterproof TPU liner
- Very durable
- Pick your size
Cons
- Expensive
- Check the size before ordering
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: 13″, 15″ or 17″ sizes
- Material: Eco Cordura, TPU liner
- Style: Classic messenger
It is a durable bag for commuters.
Best premium messenger bag.
MATEIN Rolling Backpack, 17 inch Wheeled Laptop Backpack, Water Resistant
4The MATEIN rolling backpack fits 17-inch laptops and lets you roll it through airports or wear it on your back.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Roll it or carry it
- Fits 17-inch laptops
- Water-resistant bottom
Cons
- Heavier than a normal backpack
- Wheels add bulk
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: Up to 17″ laptops
- Carry: Wheels, handle and straps
- Material: Water-resistant bottom, corner guards
Corner guards and a water-resistant bottom help it last.
Best rolling backpack.
ASUS ROG Ranger BP2701 Gaming Backpack, 17 inch, Water-Repellent, Mesh Back, Chest Strap
5The ROG Ranger BP2701 is a 22-liter backpack for laptops up to 17 inches with water-repellent fabric.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Water-repellent fabric
- Comfortable mesh back
- Gamer styling without going over the top
Cons
- Pricey
- Some 18″ laptops will not fit
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: Up to 17″ laptops
- Capacity: 22L (listed)
- Comfort: Mesh back, chest strap
A mesh back panel and chest strap keep it comfortable on longer walks.
Best premium 17-inch backpack.
SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack, Fits 17 inch Laptops
6The SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart has a lay-flat laptop section designed for checkpoint screening and fits 17-inch laptops.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Lay-flat checkpoint design
- Very popular
- Durable fabric
Cons
- Not gamer-styled
- Heavy
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: Up to 17″ laptops
- Travel: ScanSmart lay-flat TSA design
- Material: 1200D polyester
It is one of the most popular travel backpacks on Amazon.
Best TSA-friendly backpack.
ESTARER Canvas Messenger Bag for 17-17.3 inch Laptops
7The ESTARER messenger bag fits 17 to 17.3-inch laptops in a casual canvas design.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fits big laptops
- Casual style
- Good price
Cons
- Canvas is not waterproof
- Basic padding
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: 17-17.3″ laptops
- Material: Canvas
- Style: Messenger
It is a good value messenger for big laptops.
Best value 17-inch messenger.
Amazon Basics Laptop Shoulder Bag, Fits 17.3 inch Laptops
8The Amazon Basics shoulder bag is a cheap, simple carry option for 17.3-inch laptops.
👍 Pros & Cons
Pros
- Very cheap
- Huge owner base
- Light
Cons
- Basic padding
- Not for rough travel
📄 Detailed Review
- Fits: Up to 17.3″
- Style: Shoulder bag
- Brand: Amazon Basics
It works as a short-trip bag.
Cheapest 17-inch bag.
How We Chose the Best Gaming Laptop Bag
To choose the best gaming laptop bag, we compared laptop fit, protection, carry style and owner feedback.
Before you fly with a power bank or spare batteries, check the FAA PackSafe guide to lithium batteries.
Product details in this guide are based on manufacturer specifications and verified owner feedback, not in-house lab testing. Read more on our How We Test page.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Gaming Laptop Bag
Keep these factors in mind when shopping for the best gaming laptop bag.
Measure your laptop first
Gaming laptops are thicker than the screen size suggests. Measure width, depth and thickness, then compare with the laptop compartment size in the listing, not just the screen size.
Comfort and weight
A heavy gaming laptop and charger can weigh several pounds. Padded, adjustable straps, a sternum strap and a ventilated back panel make a big difference on long trips.
TSA-friendly laptop bags
Checkpoint-friendly bags open flat so the laptop compartment can be screened on its own. Rules and lane procedures can vary, so be ready to remove your laptop if an officer asks.
Water resistance
Most bags are water-resistant, not waterproof. Coated fabrics and covered zippers keep out light rain; a rain cover or roll-top design is better for heavy weather.
Backpack packing tips
Pack it right:
- Put the laptop in the padded compartment closest to your back.
- Pack the heavy charger low in the bag.
- Keep the mouse in a case or soft pouch.
- Carry power banks in your carry-on, never checked bags.
Here are quick answers about the best gaming laptop bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best gaming laptop bag?
Our pick for the best gaming laptop bag is the Lenovo Legion 17″ Armored Backpack II, followed by the BAGSMART 3-in-1 Laptop Bag (Best Convertible).
Backpack or messenger bag?
Backpacks spread heavy weight better.
Do I need a gaming-specific bag?
No; fit and padding matter more.
Is a rolling bag better for flights?
It saves your back in airports.
Final Verdict
Our final pick for the best gaming laptop bag is the Lenovo Legion 17″ Armored Backpack II. Choose the BAGSMART 3-in-1 Laptop Bag if you want one bag you can carry three ways, or the Timbuk2 Classic Messenger if you prefer a messenger.
Related Guides
More gaming laptop accessory guides:
- Best Gaming Laptop Backpack under 50
- Best Gaming Laptop Carrying Case
- Best Gaming Laptop Backpack for 18 Inch
- Best Gaming Laptop Hard Case
- Best Low Latency Earbuds for Iphone Gaming
- Best Monitor Arm with Grommet Mount
Product details are based on manufacturer specifications at the time of writing. Prices and availability change often, so check Amazon for the latest price.
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