Protection. That's what your laptop needs when you're on the go. Of course, for your stylish everyday, protection alone is not quite enough. Laptop bags have evolved from basic to bursting with essential features. Vegan leather? Of course. Custom zips? Naturally. Big enough to double for that weekend away? Can do. We've picked our 9 best laptop bags for 2022 and compiled a neat guide to help you find that personal essential accessory for your nomadic digital life. Now, where's that beach you're going to work from? 

Let's get the basics out of the way first. Always check that whatever laptop bag you're considering has space enough for your laptop and everything else that you need for your independent working life. You're not going to shoehorn a 17-inch laptop into a space designed to protect its smaller 14-inch cousin. On the other hand, the 14-incher would be happy in a larger bag.

Consider the padding that's offered, too: the more the better. Then have a think what else you'd like with you. Perhaps you'd like space for an A4 notepad, pens and pencils, an iPad, your phone and charger. Some bags have even more space so that they can easily double as an overnighter or as a carry-on. If that's not for you, then stay simple. It might be that the deluxe basics are all that you need.

Style is also - naturally - a consideration. Quality is key and not only because your laptop is likely to be better protected by a thoughtfully designed bag. Remember that true form-follows function style never goes out of fashion. You won't go wrong with any of our choices. They really are that good.

Great design comes built in to every Maverick & Co. bag. Their Vibrant Voyage Briefcase is perfect for work days and just as happy accompanying you on your downtime escapes. Construction is from waterproof nylon fabric, generous main zipped compartment has a dedicated pocket designed to protect a MacBook Pro 15”, secured by a strap in the same 100% oiled full-grain leather that forms all the bag's trimmings. Zipped pocket to the side. Subtle style takes you to your boutique hotel weekender.

Functionality with understated elegance is the aim of the Swedish minimalists at Carl Friedrik. The Goswell Slim Leather Portfolio has all that you need and absolutely nothing more, crafted by Portuguese specialists from vegetable-tanned Italian leather, with Italian nylon canvas lining. There's a single zipped compartment, complemented by a slim side pocket, suitable for laptops up to 13". Interior detailing allows for your Mont Blanc pen and Staedtler pencils to be stored in their own individual pockets.

Danish form-follows-function at its finest from the Scandinavian luxury design specialists at Mismo. Their M/S Pouch Large can hold 14" laptops - and smaller - in zipped main compartment, padded front and back. Side pocket holds your iPad. Construction is water-repellent cotton canvas with full grain bridle leather trimmings. Hardware is solid brass, zips are hand polished. Mismo's fashion-free sustainable approach means this is a laptop bag that's going to be with you for many years to come.  

Whatever the conditions, your laptop will be safe and dry with this one, as Danish all-weather specialists Rains bring their no compromise utilitarian approach to the classic messenger bag. Compact, no-frills construction is ideal for the daily commute and crucially will complement any look. Single flap opens to zipped main compartment that can accommodate an up-to-16" laptop in its own padded pocket. Construction is from Rains's signature PU waterproof fabric, with detachable shoulder strap.

At Oda, it's all about the details and the utility. In our eyes that adds up to a certain unique style, too. Design is both slim and structured, while - protected by concealed zips - inside a variety of pockets takes care of everything from your wallet and sunglasses to your 16" MacBook Pro. There's space for your iPad, too. Fabric and zipper are waterproof. Mesh-padded shoulder straps are ergonomically designed for maximum comfort and ingeniously can hide away. This may just be the only backpack you’ll ever need.

Meticulously - almost obsessively - designed by the Swedish less-is-more specialists at Steele & Borough, The Little Black Briefcase is the result of intense research involving hundreds of prototypes. It shows in the detail: construction is from water-resistant nylon and vegan leather, very much a Steel & Borough calling card. Tough zipper opens to a large compartment incorporating pockets for laptop and other precious electronics. Entire bag is padded for added protection.

A deluxe choice from Roderer, who've made their name with luxury essentials. Soft-grain Italian leather is used to hand-craft the Award Briefcase, two-way zip opens to a large interior featuring a pocket designed for a 13" laptop, as well as a large zipped pocket, dedicated pen holders and a useful hook for your keys. Adjustable shoulder strap is removable and there's the discreet Roderer crown logo to finish an impeccable picture. Great for those overnight breaks, too.

Go bold or go home: such is the thinking behind Floyd's brightly coloured, logo-emblazoned luggage and travel accessories. Just take its laptop sleeve, for example – available in 'Hollywood Pink', 'Gator Green' or 'Aloha Yellow' and featuring contrasting lining, it's guaranteed to make a statement. Crafted from durable and waterproof wetsuit material, it's ready for whatever adventures you have in store.

Hi-tech yet sustainable, the Horizn Studios approach is for bags to accompany you for life, whatever that throws at you. Take the Kōenji Laptop Case: engineered from water-resistant ballistic nylon, the same material used for bulletproof vests which makes it just about indestructible.  Zipped compartment holds a 13" laptop in snug security, with additional pockets for mobile and smart charger. All materials are vegan. 

Designed easily to accommodate your 16" MacBook Pro or 15" PC laptop in a padded pocket, Troubadour's Pathfinder Slim Briefcase is true to the sustainability ethos of this innovative British brand. Exterior is recycled polyester fabric with recycled polyester lining and Troubadour's vegan leather trim. Large external pocket with concealed zip takes care of your personal electronics, camera and charger. Quietly brilliant. 

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