14 Best Gaming Backpacks for 2022 (Reviews & Buyer’s Guide)

best-gaming-backpacks

Whether you are a new player or a highly experienced player, you want a good gaming backpack to protect your equipment when you are out and about. The best gaming backpacks are specifically designed with your gaming equipment in mind and have special features built in to securely accommodate your cherished gaming devices and belongings. You want maximum protection from bumps, knocks, drops, and any accidents. The backpack also needs to be comfortable and easy to use. You want it to offer you an organized, safe, and secure solution to gaming on the go or when traveling from A to B. After extensive testing and research, we have compiled this list of the best gaming backpacks on the market today. We have also included a buyer’s guide at the end of this article to help you make an informed purchase decision.

Best Gaming Backpacks for 2022

1. Durable 50L Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port

From Shrradoo, this is a large capacity bag with twenty independent pockets including three spacious main compartments, hidden pockets, elastic net pockets, umbrella, or water bottle holder. The laptop compartment holds a 13” MacBook, or Laptops between 14” and 17”.

This is a very versatile gaming backpack with lots of enduring features, it’s designed with traveling in mind, but is also a great choice for college, school, commuting to work, and for use when hiking.

Comfort and More

With impressive comfort, durability, and capacity this bag offers a back supportive design and breathability. The shoulder straps have an air cushioning system for added comfort. It’s highly rated by users for its spaciousness and load distribution.

External USB

There is an external USB port and a special hole for headphones.

Heavy Duty Water Resistant and Ventilation

The bag is made with polyester and nylon; its shockproof, high-density nylon is lined with a water-resistant high-quality polyester material outer.  The backpack features a U-shaped three-dimensional ventilation design that aids air convection, ventilation, and heat elimination.

Pros:

  • Comfort design
  • Ventilation
  • USB Port
  • Large Size
  • Low price
  • Lots of pockets

Cons:

  • None

 

 

2. Targus Gaming Backpack

Designed by gamers for gamers, this backpack provides the solution for most gamers. Features include hidden pockets, storage compartments for large mice, controllers, headphones, gaming mat, USB sticks, headphones, and more. The laptop space is an oversize design that takes a 17.3” gaming laptop. Some of the compartments are zip on and off to lighten the load when not required.

Durable

The exterior is durable and the laptop compartment is well padded and has the SafePort Sling System offering superior protection. All the compartments are well padded to keep your gaming gear protected.

Comfort

Ventilated back padding and padded shoulder straps with sternum straps give good even weight distribution and comfort. The top carry handle is strong and padded for additional comfort and maneuverability.

Waterproof

The backpack has an integrated reflective rain cover and reflective strips to keep your gear dry and secure and enhance your visibility and safety.

Pros:

  • Waterproof cover
  • Security pocket in the back panel
  • It has sternum straps
  • Safeport sling that protects the laptop from dropping
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Protective and durable exteriors with reflective strips

Cons:

  • Weighs 1.8Kg empty

 

 

3. CTA Digital Universal Gaming Backpack

This gaming laptop bag is a hybrid that is designed to protect all your gaming gear and to work as a suitcase as well.  It provides both maximum impact shielding and a highly convenient traveling solution. This CTA bag is made to be used with Xbox, Playstation 4, Wii U, and previous generation consoles as well. There’s a dedicated, well-padded console sleeve that fits even large console screens. The storage compartments are well padded and spacious, it’s organized by three huge storage departments that are divided and strong zipper accessed layers, as well as six medium and small pockets for things like cables, controllers, headsets, mice, mobile phones. It comes with three restraining straps and a 6 disc organizer.

Durable

Constructed with durable, water-resistant nylon, the Rolling Universal Gaming Backpack, doubles up as a rolling suitcase with wheels and an easily retractable handle. The top handle is rubber covered and sturdy.

Comfort & Convenience

The backpack straps are generously cushioned and hook and loop fastening for easy adjustment. The back panel is well cushioned for comfort and ventilated to promote good airflow. There’s a sternum strap to help keep secure and distribute the load. There are useful D rings to attach to and external mesh pockets to hold drink bottles and sandwiches and a headphone hole.

Pros:

  • Universal cushioned console protection sleeve
  • Option to use like a suitcase with wheels
  • Cushioned straps
  • Durable
  • Strong zippers
  • External pouches for drinks and low value items

  Cons

  • The quality of the plastic base could be better

 

 

4. Mark Ryden Large Capacity Gamer’s Bag

The Mark Ryden features tough cut resistant fabric that is waterproof and dust resistant. The pockets all have concealed zippers for added security and waterproofing and there is a hidden backside area for things like cards, keys, and phones. The main storage area opens up like a suitcase for easy access, this backpacks fits laptops up to 17.3” and has a padded laptop sleeve.

Designed to be ultra-waterproof made with new generation waterproof PU material that together with the YKK zippers keeps everything in the bag dry and safe when it is raining.

Accessible

The backpack has a multi-layer space system that means it is easy to access all areas, it’s a researched design to maximise accessibility and ease for the user.

Comfortable

Padded Air cushioning is used for the shoulder straps and backside to effectively reduce pressure effectively. There’s an adjustable buckle waist for added weight distribution and security.

Convenient

There is a USB port for charging your devices anytime and anywhere and there are quicker access zip pockets for drinks bottles and glasses or sunglasses. This has handy card slots on the shoulder strap for ease of access for travel cards.

There is a luggage cuff that allows the backpack to slide over the luggage tube handle on wheeled suitcases.

Pros:

  • Anti-theft gaming backpack that has been designed with security in mind
  • Waterproof, made with the latest generation waterproof material
  • Charge anywhere USB charging
  • Travel or payment card storage
  • Multi-layer space system
  • Stain-resistant

Cons

  • Beware of imitations

 

 

5. Mobile Edge Core Gaming Backpack with Molded Front Panel

Constructed with durable ballistic nylon and tailored contrast stitching, there are four zippered side accessory pockets for cables, phones, gaming mouse, and more. The shoulder straps are constructed with padded air mesh as is the back panel.

The size is designed to carry popular models of gaming laptops as large as 18” and is suited to 17.3 to 18” and/or consoles such as Xbox One, Playstation 4, Nintendo Switch. It has a separate fleece lined pouch for an iPad tablet or e-reader and a headphone holder and the laptop compartment is well padded.  There are three individual large sections for laptops, keyboards and consoles as well as smaller ones for everything else.

Convenience

There’s a padded carry handle for easy lifting and a trolley strap to stack onto other luggage if required.

An external USB charge port ensures instant power for your phone and other devices.

Durable

This is a tough and durable backpack to protect your gaming equipment from drops, bumps and knocks.

Pros:

  • Tough and durable
  • Spacious padded laptop compartment
  • Room for Laptop, consoles, keyboards, gaming mouse and more
  • External USB Charging Port

Cons:

  • No mention of waterproof
  • No padding fitted between zipper and equipment

 

 

 

6. Lenovo Legion 17” Armoured Backpack II Gaming Laptop Bag

This is made with an ultra-tough, high-density EVA molded front shield that is lined with water-resistant PU fabric. It’s a neat and sleek design in all black that combines durability and style. The bottom offers good padding, while the sides are fairly rigid and the front is well padded inside.

Designed for You

Inside there is dedicated gear storage, with separate pockets designed to hold your keyboard,  palm rest, mouse, headphones, and more. It has a handy net storage compartment on the outside for your drink bottle. It easily holds a 17” Lenovo laptop.

Comfort

Comfort designs include back padding, ventilation, adjustable padded shoulder straps and sternum and waist straps to help secure and spread the load.

Pros:

  • Armored front
  • Water-resistant lining
  • Padded shoulder straps
  • Ventilation
  • Takes up to 17” laptop

Cons:

  • Heavy

 

 

7. Alienware m17 Elite Gaming Laptop Backpack, 17-Inch, Gray/Black

This is a large capacity compact good looking gaming laptop backpack with durable heathered gray fabric that has ballistic weave base panels.

Externally, there’s a dedicated expanding headset pocket, an upper accessory pocket for quick access, a smart Alien logo and a velcro patch for personalizing with other patches. There’s a heavy-duty top handle for ease of lifting and an outside pocket for things like drink bottles.

Stylish Interior

The interior is nice silver color and has a soft-lined Nylex laptop sleeve and gadget pockets.

Gadget Pocket

This backpack has cable ports for in-bag charging and there is a unique gadget pocket that is built into the top of the backpack.

Comfort

The shoulder straps are made using XPE foam for comfort and contoured for a comfortable fit. There are sternum straps to help distribute the weight when carrying heavy gaming kit. The back is a ventilated knit nylon with a cooling channel.

M Series

This backpack is designed specifically to carry thin and light M series laptops. The slim and lightweight gaming backpack takes laptops up to 16.3” x 11.2” x 1.5”.

Pros:

  • Nylex laptop and gadget pockets
  • Ventilated back with cooling channel
  • Designed to carry M series laptops
  • In-back charging cable ports
  • Large capacity
  • Leightweight

Cons:

  • Only takes slim and light laptops
  • Not enough room for full gaming kit

 

 

8. Business Travel Backpack with Lock and USB charging & Headphone Port

This Anti-theft backpack is designed with a built-in password lock and double metal zippers. The bag has a useful hidden pocket on the back and it’s lightweight and durable.

Durable

It’s made from durable eco-friendly high-quality anti-tear Oxford fabric that’s water-resistant polyester with high-density nylon lining. There’s a multi-panel airflow system that ensures cooling for the wearer and the well-padded shoulder straps and top handle make it comfortable in use.

For added convenience there is a luggage strap to fit onto the carry handle of wheeled luggage.

USB & Earphone Jack

There is both a USB charging port and earphone jack, so charging your devices and listening to music are both a breeze.

Pros:

  • Anti-theft design
  • Nice color and material
  • Water-resistant
  • USB Charging
  • Headphone Port
  • Airflow system for comfort
  • Padded shoulder straps

Cons:

  • There’s not a lot of padding for your laptop

 

 

9. FreeBiz 18.4 Inches Laptop Gaming Backpack

This budget gaming backpack does not disappoint. It’s made using 1680D ballistic nylon, which makes the bag highly water-resistant and highly resistant to rips, tears, and scratches.

The laptop space measures 20x14x2.5 Inch making it suitable to easily use with up to 18.4” laptops without the tightness that can lead to scratches that you may have experienced with some other gaming bags. There is a padded divider in the main compartment which is at the rear of the bag, so the bag will comfortably take a large laptop and a Mac Book Pro or tablet at the same time. There are Velcro fastening security straps for the laptop and the interior is well padded.

USB & Headphone Jack

There’s an external USB charging port with a built-in charging cable ensuring ease of use for charging your mobile phone or other devices. A headphone Jack ensures ease of listening to music or podcasts on the go.

Spacious

It’s a nice design, it is graduated with a front compartment that has two zippered pockets for small items. The second compartment is dual zippered and will take large items of gaming equipment or books. Then there is the main compartment at the back that takes a large gaming laptop and with room to spare for a tablet or iPad.  There are also two mesh pockets for cables or data sticks and so on. The side has four pockets that will hold small less value items.

Comfort

For comfort, there are adjustable padded straps with waist straps for added weight distribution and it holds its shape and distributes the weight well. The gaming backpack has a multi-panel airflow design fir cooling and comfort.

Pros:

  • This bag comes with a one year guarantee
  • Water-resistant
  • Resistant to rips, tears and scratches
  • Roomy

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Lacks padding on the base
  • No sternum strap

 

 

10. XT Power Explorer Camouflage 38 Solar Gaming Backpack

This camouflage backpack has a built in 5-watt solar cell for charging your mobile phone and devices. The material is rip and water-resistant.

The backpack has multi-storage layers and a large capacity. There are two large compartments and several smaller storage compartments at a total size of 20 x 14 x 7” it will take a medium-sized gaming laptop.

Comfort

The backpack has a comfortable carrying system with ergonomic concave air mesh back padding panels for a comfortable fit. The adjustable shoulder straps are breathable and lightly padded.

Durable and Lightweight

The bag is durable and robust and offers a lightweight solution with the usefulness of a solar panel that makes it ideal for hiking and trekking. There is a useful USB charge cable and mesh pockets on the side that will carry a drinks bottle and map.

Pros:

  • Solar panel
  • Rip resistant
  • Water resistant
  • Eergonomic concave air mesh back padding
  • Lightweight
  • USB charge cable

Cons

  • Little padding

 

 

 

11. Everiki Travel Friendly Gamer’s Backpack

With a capacity of 40 liters this gaming backpack takes the Laptop and much more, they say that it’s been intuitively designed so that the storage spaces optimize organization, the buckles and straps are thoughtfully placed for adjustment ease and there are external pockets for quick access items.

The laptop compartment takes up to an 18.4” laptop or a large gaming console. It’s designed that the chargers, power supplies, mouse and so on are easy to access. There’s a felt-lined pocket for iPad’s or tablets and the front compartment holds things like pens and peripherals that you may use when traveling, going to work, or college.

The Eriki Business 120 has a soft, scratch free portable media pocket with a cable outlet for ease of use on the go.

Padding and Access

There are multiple layers of padded protection and super soft felt to safely protect equipment. The backpack opens to 180o making it easy to load and unload and breeze through checkpoints when travelling. The laptop compartment is easily accessible to remove the laptop quickly without the need to unload half the other contents. It’s also designed to fit in overhead lockers and under the seat when available, to accommodate a fast exit from the airport.

Durable

The backpack is made using high-quality materials having a durable nylon exterior and a water-resistant rain cover. The zippers are large and metal, with large metal pulls and lock holes for ease of use and security.

Comfort

It has an engineered five-point balance strap system to ergonomically distribute the weight and reduce muscle strain. The shoulder straps are soft and padded, there are two quick-slide waist straps and a sternum strap to aid weight distribution for balanced comfort. The ergonomically designed carry system has a padded back panel with mesh padding and deep airflow channels for maximum breathability.

Pros:

  • Holds a large laptop
  • Large metal zips with lock spaces
  • Rainproof cover
  • Durable material
  • Weight distribution system

Cons:

  • No external drink holder

 

 

 

12. Smatree Semi-Hard and Light Laptop Backpack

Designed for when you want a slim protective backpack Smatree Semi-Hard and Light Laptop Backpack that takes laptops from 11.6 to 15.6”, the slim line size is achieved without compromising on multiple storage compartments, this has three separate compartments and some small pockets:  The front pocket takes things like chargers, cables, readers and other small items. The mid compartment will securely hold your laptop and the rear space works well for books, files or put your iPad or tablet into the specially designed soft pocket.

Water Repellent

The exterior is made with water repellent material and the hardback is an attractive diamond-cut design/shape.

Comfort

The shoulder straps are padded with a thickening sponge and the back is padded and breathable for added comfort. There’s a strong wide strap to slot over wheeled suitcase handles for convenience when travelling.

Pros:

  • Semi hard shell
  • Water repellent
  • Attractive looks

Cons:

  • Small size means you’ll need another bag when hauling all your gaming gear
  • No sternum strap

 

 

 

13. Nubily Laptop Backpack 17.3” Anti Theft Gaming Backpack

This is a durable backpack that utilizes waterproof and high-quality polyester fabric that’s tear-resistant for added security. It’s spacious and will easily carry two laptops and all your gaming equipment within its 45-liter capacity.

Added Security

There are two main dual zipper compartments, a large padded compartment for laptops up to 17.3” with an elastic strap, interior mesh pockets and various zipper pockets for your mouse, cables, headset and more. There’s an anti-theft hidden pocket at the back and some mesh quick access pockets for water bottles and other low value quick access items.

Anti Shock and Easy-Load Design

The lining is well padded with anti-shock features to keep equipment safe. There’s the bonus that it opens to 180o for easy loading and unloading and for a quick checkpoint through airports and security checks. It has a strap to slot over a wheeled suitcase handle for added travel convenience too.

USB Charging Cable

It comes with a USB set-in charging cable that is perfect and convenient for any electronic devices and there’s a headset port.

Reflective

Externally, the backpack is black with red accents and has a reflective tag design for increased safety when walking or cycling at night.

Comfort

The comfort features are padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh on the back. There’s a rugged top handle and a sunglasses pocket on one of the shoulder straps. This backpack lacks sternum or wais straps though.

Pros:

  • Spacious to take all your gaming gear
  • Waterproof
  • Reflective
  • Well padded and anti-shock interior
  • USB charging cable
  • Headset port

Cons:

  • Lacks sternum strap
  • No waist strap
  • USB charging cable only, no power pack

 

 

 

14. Outjoy Anti-Theft Backpack

This neat backpack will take a laptop up to 15.6” and features anti-theft anti-cut durable material.

The anti-theft features are designed to keep your belongings safe and there are hidden zippers including a zippered anti-theft pocket on the back. The outer shell is cut, abrasion and scratch proof, and water repellent.

Ease of Loading

Inside the interior is in a contrasting blue shade, the outer is gray or black. That opens to 180o for ease of loading, unloading and to ease you through more easily at checkpoints. The laptop compartment is well padded with anti-shock straps and there’s a handy padded iPad or tablet section as well as various pockets and compartments for various bits of kit.

USB Charging Port

There’s a USB charging port, but you need to supply your own power pack.

Comfort

For comfort the back panel is ergonomically designed and fully mesh cushion covered for breathability. The top handle is large and wide and has thick foal embedded and it has a strap to fit onto a luggage handle. The shoulder straps are cushioned and shaped and there is a suction phone suction base on one side and a sunglasses hanging loop on the other. However, there are not any sternum straps or waist straps on this model.

Pros:

  • Anti cut outer
  • Well padded and anti shock
  • Ease of loading and unloading
  • Water repellent
  • Hidden zippers

Cons:

  • No sternum strap
  • Lacks a waist strap
  • No external drink carrier

Features of High Quality Gaming Backpacks

Padding           

The best gaming backpacks will offer excellent padding and be resistant to shock for your equipment and soften the impact of any bumps, knocks, accidents, or if the bag is dropped. Padding for your own comfort is also important, cushioning for the back and especially over the shoulders is very welcome and substantially improves user comfort.

Waterproof

You really do need a waterproof gaming backpack and this is an essential requirement for a gaming backpack. You’ve invested in your equipment and even a small amount of water ingress can spoil equipment and even damage it beyond repair. The very best versions should also help guard against other weather conditions such as extreme heat and cold.

Compatibility

An essential requirement is that the gaming backpack is compatible with the devices you have or intend to purchase in the near future. It should offer particular spaces for laptops, gaming consoles, headphones, and any other gaming accessories that you want to take with you.

High Storage Capacity

The gaming backpack should offer all the storage you need with proper sectioning and suspension systems. You want decent-quality zippers and Velcro to maximize the utilization of the space.

Anti-Theft

Having a backpack that is made with sturdy material that is cut-proof could potentially prevent the theft of your precious gaming kit. Look for features like strong zipper closers and concealed pockets to add security.

Light Weight

Because your gaming devices are quite heavy, you’ll want your backpack to be as lightweight as possible, yet it still needs to be sturdy and secure.

Ventilation

This is something that can easily be overlooked. It’s likely that you may be using equipment when in the bag or putting it away in there still hot from use, or it’s likely to even have remaining sweat from use. Good ventilation will extend the life of your equipment. If possible ventilation for your back is a useful attribute as well, choosing a bag that has ventilation qualities that will help to keep you dry as well.

Adjustment and Attachments

Carrying a backpack with all your gaming gear in will be easier when it can be adjusted to maximize your comfort. Buckles and straps that are easy to adjust and then stay in place mean that you can position the bag just right. Compression straps make the gaming bag more comfortable to carry as well.

Solar Charging

Some backpacks offer an integrated solar panel for charging your gaming equipment whilst out and about.

Durability

The best gaming backpacks are made with durable material and fittings that are tough and stand up to regular use.

Types of Gaming Backpacks

The best gaming backpacks are designed to suit the requirements of the user and that is one of the reasons why they fall into different types.

Gaming Laptop Backpacks

Gaming laptop bags are longer in length to accommodate larger laptops safely. They are used for gaming laptops that are used on a desk and for when you need to carry the laptop around for work.

Heavy Gaming Console Backpacks

Those backpacks designed for heavy gaming consoles such as your Xbox or your Playstation are robust and large with good quality suspension and balance strap systems that make it easier to carry the heavier weight.

Tactical Gaming Backpacks

The tactical gaming backpacks are designed for when you need to transport your system with the peripherals to a competition or to a friend’s house. They have extra storage pockets.

Gaming Backpacks with USB Charging

Backpacks for gaming that come with a power bank included. They are suited to when you have a long commute and occasions when you are likely to need to charge your device. The external USB has a charging cable that connects to the power pack.

Backpacks with Solar Panel Charging

Solar Panel charging is a good solution for those traveling outside to utilize the sun to charge gaming devices and mobile phones. This feature is especially useful when you don’t have access to other power sources.

Benefits of Gaming Backpacks     

The benefits of using a carefully selected gaming backpack are many, not least that the special padding and storage pockets are designed to be perfect for transporting your cherished devices.  Frequently they are constructed with the best quality material that is waterproof, breathable, tough, and cut resistant.

The best gaming backpacks are carefully and thoughtfully designed for the job of safely transporting your gaming equipment.

What to Look for in the Best Gaming Backpack

When looking for a new gaming backpack, you need to take a few things into consideration, you need to decide what are the most important features that you need; those that you cannot do without; those that you’d like, and anything that you really don’t want or need.

Sometimes, choosing the backpack will be as much about how it looks, for some people as long as it does the important job of keeping the gaming kit safe, looks don’t matter.

Here are some other things to consider:

Price

It’s not unusual to see gaming backpacks reaching prices of over a thousand bucks, however, there are cheaper options available that offer good value and that’s where your mental list of what you really need comes into play. You want to choose a backpack that offers the functions you need that is within the realistic budget that you set yourself. The good news is that many of the backpacks on our list come in at well under $100.

Quality

You want a backpack that is durable, waterproof, and suited to the type of use you are going to give it. Quality fittings are essential for safe, easy use, and security.

Fit and Comfort

Especially when you are going to be wearing the backpack for long lengths of time your comfort is important. Consider the cushioning of the shoulder straps and if there are any additional straps that will help to spread the load.

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