Tactical Laptop Backpacks

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    A tactical laptop backpack carries a work machine and a full load of gear in one bag. The IronBackpack Pro 45L and Thermal 45L take laptops up to 17" in a padded compartment that sits apart from the main compartments. Each pack is 45L and measures 20" × 12" × 12".

    Built for the laptop you actually own

    Many tactical packs stop at a 15" sleeve. That rules out most workstation and gaming laptops. The Pro 45L and the Thermal 45L take devices up to 17" in a padded compartment of their own.

    The number on a laptop is the screen diagonal, not the width of the case. Measure the outside of your machine before you buy, and add the charger. A thick gaming chassis needs more room than a thin 17" ultrabook.

    Laptop fit by pack

    PackLaptopCapacitySizePick it if
    Pro 45LUp to 17"45L20" × 12" × 12"You carry a laptop and gym kit every day
    Thermal 45LUp to 17"45L20" × 12" × 12"You carry a laptop, gym kit and meals
    Duffle 50LUp to 14"50L29" × 11" × 13.4"You travel with a small laptop and bulky kit

    Keep the laptop away from the wet stuff

    A laptop in a gym bag has two enemies: damp fabric and liquid. The laptop compartment sits apart from the two main compartments, so a used towel never rests against the device. Bottles and shakers ride in the two side holders, outside the pack.

    Weather on the commute

    The fabric is 900D water-resistant polyester. It sheds light rain. It is not sealed against a downpour. If you walk or ride to work, keep the rain cover in a front pocket.

    Train before or after work? See gym and work backpacks and read best backpack for gym and work. Browse all tactical backpacks and 45L backpacks.

    Frequently asked questions

    What size laptop fits in a tactical laptop backpack?

    It depends on the pack. Many tactical packs stop at 15 inches. The IronBackpack Pro 45L and Thermal 45L have a padded compartment for laptops up to 17 inches. The Duffle 50L takes devices up to 14 inches. Measure the outside of your laptop, since the listed size is the screen diagonal.

    Will a 17-inch gaming laptop fit?

    The compartment is sized for laptops up to 17 inches. Gaming laptops are thicker and wider than office models with the same screen. Measure the length, width and thickness of your machine and compare them with the pack, which is 20" × 12" × 12" on the outside.

    Is the laptop safe next to gym gear?

    Yes. The padded laptop compartment sits apart from the two main gear compartments. Used clothes, shoes and a damp towel go in a main compartment. Bottles and shakers go in the two side holders, outside the pack, so a leak does not reach the device.

    Is a tactical laptop backpack waterproof?

    No. The fabric is 900D water-resistant polyester. It handles light rain and splashes. It is not rated for heavy rain or for being submerged. For a wet commute, pull the rain cover sized for 45L packs over the whole bag before you leave.

    Which pack should I get for a 14-inch laptop?

    Any of the three fits it. Choose the Pro 45L for daily gym and work carry. Choose the Thermal 45L if you bring meals. Choose the Duffle 50L if you travel to compete and want a built-in shoe compartment. A 14-inch laptop leaves spare room in the 17-inch compartment.