Don't be like that individual: 4 good compact carry-on laptop bags for your next flight

Let's keep it simple. Laptops aren't meant to be on check-in bags on flights.

Carry-on tech bags for your next flight

While airlines permit laptops in checked-in luggage, laptops are subject to rough handling even if they are placed in padded or secured bags—even if there is a "fragile" sign. They could still be damaged, stolen, or even cause a fire hazard on airplanes due to possibly overheating their lithium-ion batteries.

The best practice is to put laptops in a carry-on bag. Some of these bags can even fit more than one laptop. Most airlines like the Philippine Airlines even allow passengers to bring one carry-on cabin bag and a small bag. Worst case, if you are not traveling alone, ask for help from your friends or family and even the airline crew.

Anyway, here are some of our favorite compact reasonably priced carry-on bags to bring when flying.

4 good reasonably priced compact carry-on tech laptop bags for your next flight

Alpaka Bravo Tote Backpack

1. Alpaka Bravo Tote Backpack - Priced at PHP 8,200, this bag is a tote and a backpack in one. This features weatherproof eco-friendly fabrics (Axoflux 300D), soft-touch fleece-line laptop and tablet sleeve, YKK Aquaguard and silent zippers, up to 16-inch laptop support, integrated MOD Key Tether in the front compartment, hidden adjustable padded backpack straps, and luggage pass-through. You can buy this at Urban Traveller & Co.

I bring this laptop bag with me when I need to carry a lot of items with me.

U Elements Elite Brook Organizational Backpack

2. U Elements Elite Brook Organizational Backpack - Priced at PHP 5,999, this laptop is super-slim, stylish, and comfortable at the same time. It features a dedicated up to 15-inch laptop compartment, padded 11-inch tablet compartment, zippered internal pocket, 5 slide pockets, 3 pen holders, front zippered pocket, and quick-release key ring. For comfort, it has ergonomic S-shaped straps and a padded back panel. This bag is also using a water-repellent fabric.

This is my personal everyday backpack great for business meetings in and out of the country.

You can buy this at SM Malls or Urbanize stores.

Able Carry Thirteen Daybag

3. Able Carry Thirteen Daybag - Priced at PHP 11,599, this is dubbed as the minimal do-it-all backpack. It comes with premium X-Pac fabric, can fit up to 14-inch laptops with light padding for protection, YKK Zipper, Duraflx Hardware, DWR coating, external pockets, quick access card slots, sternum strap, and closed-cell foam cushioning and simplified A-Frame panel for support and comfort.

My teammate Neil is using this as his everyday backpack. You can inquire at Urban Traveller & Co. to check if there are stocks.

tomtoc T60 Explorer Laptop Backpack

4. tomtoc T60 Explorer Laptop Backpack - At PHP 3,890, this is one of the most affordable quality laptop bags for travel around. it is made with Condura ballistic 840D Nylon, up to 16-inch laptop support, pockets in & out, and ergonomically designed comfortable carrying handles. It measures 420 x 300 x 120 mm and weighs just 650 grams.

We've seen this in person and it is one of the better backpacks to consider at this price point.

Alpaka Elements Tote Bag

Bonus: We've seen the Alpaka Elements Tote Bag from our colleagues and we think that it is affordable yet capable at just PHP 2,800 (also available at Urban Traveller &Co). This comes with sturdy yet comfortable strap handles, magnetic closure, quick access pockets on both sides, six (6) internal pockets, a foldable + self-standing design, weatherproof fabric, and a carabiner loop. If you have a dedicated sleeve, you can even put a laptop in there.

What do you guys think?