I See This Ultra-Efficient Backpack 20 Times A Day — Here’s Why
If you’re in need of a new backpack, stop what you’re doing right now and check out what I think may be one of the most thoughtfully designed, chic and reviewer-beloved backpacks on the market. I’m talking, of course, about the Dagne Dover Dakota neoprene backpack.
This ultra-popular backpack comes in three sizes and nine colors (Nordstrom has some options for medium and large, but Dagne Dover’s official site has the full range of colors and the small size). First, how about some commotion for the sleek appearance of this bag? The monochromatic look with the neoprene fabric and matching zippers offers a cool and streamlined look.
But the aesthetic isn’t the only thing the neoprene is good for.
If you didn’t know, neoprene is a high-tech, quick-drying synthetic rubber that’s water-resistant, insulated and shock-absorbent. The lining of the bag, meanwhile, is made from recycled polyester, making the Dakota 100% vegan.
The structure of the Dakota is also designed to distribute weight equally among all the pockets to keep the bag feeling comfortable on your shoulders. You can fit so much in this backpack. If you click the little “size guide” link just above the “add to bag” button on the Dagne Dover product page, you can see exactly what can fit in each size. But for reference, I’ll talk about the medium size here.
The medium has a sleeve that can fit a laptop up to 13 inches. The main compartment can fit one to two outfits and a toiletry bag, perfect for a quick trip or commute. Other pockets include three front panel pockets, two exterior side pockets, a zipper front pocket and two zipper back pockets.
But that’s not all: The medium and large also include a separate shoe bag, mesh zip top pouch and detachable key leash to optimize your organization. Along with padded, adjustable shoulder straps and a luggage handle sleeve to attach the bag to a suitcase, the Dakota can help you be prepared for any packing situation. All three sizes can even fit under an airline seat as a personal item, according to the brand (just make sure to check your airline’s specific dimension requirements first).
Reviewers have raved about the organization, durability and versatility of this backpack. People have used it as a work bag, as a travel carry-on and even as their gym bag.
If you’ve seen this bag around before and been pondering taking the plunge, this is your sign to grab a Dakota for yourself — if the reviews below don’t convince you, nothing will.
“I’m a big fan of mini backpacks, and the Small Dakota is my go-to, everyday bag. I have it in Black and Camel and use both all the time. The amount of pockets and organization is insane, and perfect for travel. My passport fits perfectly inside the back side-zip pockets for easy access. I get so many compliments on these backpacks, and can’t wait to add more pieces to my DD collection!” — Kristin K.
“I’m a guy who honestly trusts my former manager with my life; her recommendations have never led me wrong. I was sick of buying bags that didn’t last (higher price point doesn’t equal quality, I learned). I went to her because I remembered how much she loved her bag when I worked for her. She raved still and told me the only thing she’d do differently is buy the large version (for the laptop sleeve) but hers was fine going on 4 YEARS IN so she had no reason to get a new one.
I kinda bought it blindly because she doesn’t recommend stuff unless she loves it. When I tell you I was amazed at how spacious this thing is, I’m not kidding. Everything fits in here, but it being full doesn’t bulk it up like other bags. I have been using it for a month and I cannot believe I bought other bags previously.
Turns out, someone on my team has one and I’d found it cute before. I’ve honestly assumed it was new but she’s two years into having hers too! I’m looking forward to carrying this thing for a long time.” — Isam R.
“I’ve been doing a lot of international travel recently and have STRUGGLED to make the bags and backpacks I own work. I needed something that would allow easy (and secure) access for all the things – passport, AirPods, lip gloss, credit cards, hand sanitizer. I also needed a protected spot for my laptop. This backpack fits every bill! And the luggage sleeve is chef’s kiss.” — DALLAS N.
“It’s been almost s month now since my purchase and I’ve been wearing this bag almost everyday! It helps get me from the gym to work smoothly and it has SO many pockets. I’m mostly surprised at how comfortable it is. I pack it up everyday with so much stuff and in spite of how heavy it gets, it sits so comfortably on my back. Not to mention the sleek design is everything!” — Tiffany C.
For more travel backpacks with laptop pockets, check out this roundup by HuffPost shopping writer Griffin Wynne:
Fjallraven
The Swedish rectangular bag I have
I went to a liberal arts college where nearly everyone had a tiny Fjallraven backpack and now, nearing 30, I have finally joined the club. Unlike other styles the brand offers, this 17-inch laptop bag has thicker, cushioned straps that feel good to wear and don’t hurt your shoulders. With two water bottle holders, a small pocket on the front, a roomy main compartment and of course a padded laptop zippered compartment, it made for a great carry-on bag for a six hour flight. When I got caught in the rain, the quick-drying and water-resistant vinyl kept my computer safe. And when I bought too many books on vacation, it held them all nicely and still gave me room for other odds and ends.
You can find Fjallraven backpacks in a bunch of colors (and you can get this same style in smaller sizes) but the 17-inch has comfortably fit two of my laptops at the same time in the little pouch. Overall, it’s spacious enough for ample packing without feeling like a giant piece of luggage and frankly, it just looks really cool.
Amazon
A budget-friendly version with thousands of 5-star reviews
Deemed the “Best Thing I’ve Bought on Amazon” by reviewer Stacie M., this budget-friendly travel backpack comes with a ton of pockets — including that separate zippered pouch for your laptop. “The laptop compartment makes TSA much easier compared to my old backpack,” says reviewer Thomas. “I love all the pockets on the inside to stay organized day to day.” Made from water-resistant and durable fabric, this option comes in a bunch of colors, both bright and neutral, in four sizes, for laptops 14-18 inches.
Amazon
A top-zip version
If you like the look and functionality of a classic top-opening backpack, you may think you have to sacrifice a laptop pocket. Fear not, my friend. This ingenious bag has a top-zip front section that’s great for packing shoes or clothes, and a zipper-back section for your computer. It’s made from a coated fabric that’s water- and scratch-resistant, and available in seven colors.
Promising review: “This bag is sleek but can pack a lot. The computer section zips all the way down for easy access. It’s compact and durable. I use it for weekend travel and getaways.” — Darrell
Target
Target’s ‘suitcase In backpack form’
We’ve written about this “suitcase in backpack form” from Target before, and upon inspection realized that it too contained a beloved laptop-only section. With a 35-liter capacity, this bag is on the bigger side making it better for trips and less ideal for daily commuting. The clamshell closure opens completely flat for easy packing, and it’s full of internal pockets, zippers and sections to keep you extra organized. Right now, it’s available in five colors.
Promising review: “This was the best carryon bag EVER!! I took it to Europe and it accommodated multiple outfits, medicine, electronics, etc. It also expands, can be affixed to luggage handle, and has multiple buckles. Wish I had this for prior travel.” — Fittybops
Amazon
A rounded option with fun hardware
Metallic zippers and shiny pulls give this option a little something-something without being overbearing to the eye. Perfect for daily use and travel alike, it comes in two sizes and a variety of colors with all sorts of pockets and sections for your tech, makeup and more.
Promising review: “Lightweight, spacious, perfect for daily use or travel and absolutely beautiful! I love the hardware and the many pockets that allow for easy organization. Highly recommend!” — Crissy
Amazon
A durable but polished option
When writing about backpacks and traveling, it felt only right to include an option from Timbuk2, a brand loved by full-time backpackers and college kids alike. Their Authority laptop bag keeps you organized on the go with sections for everything, including a laptop.
Promising Amazon review: “This backpack is not only stylish but also incredibly convenient for short trips. It has just the right amount of space for 1-2 day travel, comfortably fitting everything I need. I especially love that it fits perfectly under an airplane seat, making it ideal for flights. Highly recommend for anyone seeking a compact yet roomy travel bag!” — Dmitry
Amazon
A two-tone version
With a little two-tone action, this stylish backpack may help you feel a little more presentable at the airport. It has pockets galore, adjustable straps and a back section for your laptop. This comes in two sizes and several two-tone color options.
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Promising review: “Used as personal item on plane. Fit a laptop & Ipad no problem. Had plenty of room for other electronics & travel gear in the big pocket. Lots of little pockets to hold AirPods, water bottle & more. Very happy I bought this!!” — Suzann Gastreich
Amazon
A versatile bag with a ton of storage
Clocking in at 55 liters, this backpack rivals the size of a carry-on suitcase. It has an abundance of pockets and compartments, and is made with a larger tech pocket to fit gaming and generally larger laptops up to 19 inches. Find it in two sizes, all black with different color trim.
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Promising review: “I love this bag! I’ve used it for weekend trips and (along with a small carry-on) for trips overseas. It has plenty of compartments to store things, and I love the compartment to store my laptop. I like the anti-theft compartment in the lower back area, the space to connect an external UBS charger for my phone (although the charging power is slow), and the padded space for my laptop which is easy to access. It’s very convenient that the laptop compartment opens up at a 90-degree angle, so it’s easy to remove my computer at the airport. The bag is definitely worth the purchase.” — Sasha Renee
Amazon
A sporty yet sophisticated option
With many reviews comparing it to a bag from Lululemon, this chic backpack looks way more expensive than it really is. Enjoy a smaller outer pocket, a water bottle holder, a large inner compartment and an external spot for your laptop in a sporty yet sophisticated bag. It comes in a handful of colors in three sizes ranging from a daily bag for school and work to a more travel-friendly backpack with room for about a weekend’s worth of clothes.
Promising review: “Love this bag!! Looks like lululemon and very high quality. Doesn’t get dirty and is water resistant. We took it to Greece for our honeymoon and could fit all the things we needed in it. Very spacious with all of the pockets and super comfy to wear for long periods of time.” — Madeline Paden
Amazon
A highly-rated spacious bag
Another option with a ton of 5-star reviews and a nice price tag, this travel backpack gives you a separate back spot for your computer as well as plenty of room in the front for everything else you need. Keep your belongings extra secure with the password lock feature that ensures the two zippers stay shut, and charge your phone on the go with the built-in USB charging port that lets you plug your own power bank inside the bag and connect a charging cord to the outside. The inner back features a foam pad with breathable mesh making it comfortable to carry without getting too sweaty or clammy. This comes in six colors.
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Promising review: “I am a teacher and need to carry my laptop back and forth from home to school. I bought this backpack for the laptop sleave and other features. This is the most comfortable backpack I have ever owned in terms of carrying. The straps are padded and comfortable. I have used this for my carry on for both domestic and international trips- it is perfect! so much room and easy to stay organized with all the pockets. It slides easily under the seat of an airplane. It stays clean and seems to stay dry when it rains. This is by far the best backpack I have ever owned!” — Amy B. Foley
Nordstrom
A stylish “puffer” style bag
When you see a bag for sale at Anthropologie, you know it’s going to be good-looking. This backpack from Calpak gives you a chic, adult look that doesn’t ruin your outfit thanks to its “puffer” style exterior. With six outer pockets and seven inner pockets, you also get a place for everything including your laptop, right on the back. This comes in two. colors at Anthro and a whole bunch of colors on the Calpak website.
Promising Calpak review: “The 15in backpack has been perfect for what I need. It fits my 15in laptop, my iPad Pro, and 2 notebooks. Along with a pen case and some chargers. It’s perfect for the office. The straps are super comfy. I’m glad I didn’t get the bigger size, it would’ve been too much for my 5’5 frame. I’ve also used it for a quick trip! Hubs and I flew Spirit to watch a soccer game in Miami, and if you know Spirit, you know their add on costs. We knew we wouldn’t be doing anything but sitting at the pool and watching the game, so I didn’t need much. It was the perfect size for [my] toiletries, a bathing suit, pjs, and my jersey.” — Priscilla P.
Amazon
A luxe, British option
On the higher end of the price spectrum, this luxe option from the British brand Troubadour is a truly handsome backpack that feels perfectly unisex and ageless in a chic way. Named the Best Laptop Bag of 2024 by “Wirecutter,” it has a polished style while still being durable, and is another great option for both travel and daily commuting.
Promising review: “I’ve got a long commute and have a lot to carry. This backpack is so well designed and well padded that it’s comfortable to manage everything. Enough pockets to keep things organized, a padded computer sleeve, a drink holder. It looks great–professional and sleek. I’ve done a ton of research, and I’m very happy with it. No complaints. Materials are all high quality.” — Amazon customer
