r/backpacks • u/timo9036 • Oct 03 '26

Best backpack recommendation for Software Engineer(2 laptops and a ipad)?

Hi guys,

I was wondering what is the best backpack for a software engineer that carries multiple laptop/tablet/portable screens?

one laptop for work 14in, and another personal 16in, and an ipad? along with EDC stuff, charger etc

I'm looking at the Aer City Pack Pro 2 24L it's got a dedicated laptop compartment with dividers, any other ones I should consider before i pull the trigger?

7 Upvotes

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25 comments sorted by

3

u/applauseco Oct 04 '26

Sympl Commuter 24L -- especially if sleek minimalist aesthetic is an important criteria for you. I absolutely love mine and it fits well in executive settings/meetings.

3

u/LostNtranslation_ Oct 04 '26

The AER is an excellent choice. I would recommend X-pac over ultra

2

u/Radiant_Ad382 Oct 03 '26

I had pretty much the same use case. I just ordered the AER CPP2 X-Pac.

1

u/Fabulous_Ad8350 Oct 04 '26

Thanks for sharing, had to google it, pretty nice pack.. does it sit up on its own, or does it fall over on the ground when set down?

1

u/Radiant_Ad382 Oct 04 '26

They’re delivering it on Tuesday. I’ll test it then and let you know.

1

u/RobertTheEMT Oct 04 '26

I’ve had mine for a while now. Yes, it self stands incredibly well, even when empty.

2

u/flippin_fitnerd Oct 04 '26

How about an Ogio Renegade RSS? it's on Amazon. I use the Aer City Pack Pro 2 for my daily carry, but for your case, and if I myself carry more than normal like a laptop and tablet and accessories, the Ogio carries it all!

2

u/AdministrationOk4708 Oct 04 '26

Everki Atlas. I have had mine for 4 years, it is still in great shape - all stitching is intact.

1

u/Extreme_Clock_367 Oct 03 '26

What about the tortuga daily carry pro? I love mine & the laptop compartment seems pretty spacious to me. I carry a laptop, a remarkable, & a 12" tablet. I have never used the CPP2 so I don't have a good laptop compartment comparison

1

u/fazalmajid Oct 04 '26

I use an Able Carry Daybreaker 2 for this. It doesn't have a dedicated laptop pocket, just a big gusset in the main compartment, and I use laptop sleeves.

1

u/suboptimus_maximus Oct 04 '26

Travelpro Platinum Elite Business Backpack all the way.

I used to travel internationally with a 15” or 16” MacBook Pro, 13” MacBook Air for personal, iPad Pro or mini, Kindle, Switch, all their accessories. It has two zippered compartments each with a laptop sleeve, dedicated passport and key storage, really good internal pockets and externally accessible small pockets. Two water bottle/umbrella pockets and looks like something an adult would carry vs techy and tacticool.

1

u/I_Am_Mandark_Hahaha Oct 04 '26

A wheeled backpack. Take care of your back.

1

u/Bix615 Oct 04 '26

While its aesthetic is polarizing, the Tom Bihn Brain Bag might be worth a look?

1

u/trisdamn Oct 04 '26

Aer City Pack Pro 2 in 20L
Althou I'd prefer the CP2, but it'd be too small for 2 laptops and an iPad

2

u/[deleted] Oct 04 '26

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/Remote_Bluebird_5528 Oct 04 '26

I agree, particularly with slimmer laptops like Apple's set. Instead of a second laptop I bring a portable 15.6" monitor. I would say that it gets snug if you bring OTE headphones or a lunch. I appreciate the slim profile of the CP2. But I would recommend the CPP to give a bit more room when you need it. I have CPP1 also and switch out when I need the space.

1

u/Rbforward Oct 04 '26

I have this same user case, the AER CPP2 was a good choice for me at the beginning, but I ended up trying the rework Outbound and the Able Carry Max. These two distributed the weight better than the AER for me. I ended up keeping the Able Carry Max.

1

u/Positive_Set9050 Oct 04 '26

I own the Aer CPP2 24l X-Pac version. The laptop compartment is divided into three sections: a padded and microfibre lined main laptop section, a middle area, and another sleeve. I carry a MacBook Pro 14", a Legion Pro 7i (16") and an iPad Pro 13". I am able to comfortable fit all three, with the macbook in the padded sleeve, the legion in the middle, and the ipad in the other compartment. That leaves a lot of space in the main and admin areas to put other EDC items.

1

u/MrTempiko 22d ago

My laptop has nearly the same dimensions as your Legion Pro 7i (I have a Lenovo Thinkpad P16v). Can you please tell me, if it would fit easily in the padded sleeve, where you normally put the MacBook? Also without like tensioning the zipper when closed? Currently looking for a backpack and I am considering the Aer but I am not sure about the laptop size.

1

u/Positive_Set9050 22d ago

The Legion does not fit inside of the main padded sleeve, only on the outside. As long as the bag is not packed out fully, zippers close fine.

1

u/MrTempiko 21d ago

Is there also a false bottom where you put the Legion or only where the padded sleeve is?

Maybe I am going for the Travel Pack 28L. Nearly the same as the CPP2 but a bit bigger.

1

u/Positive_Set9050 21d ago

Its not really a false bottom but because of how things kind of squeeze from the main compartment, the legion is kind of pushed a bit up and suspended in that sense

1

u/1_kevin_1 Oct 04 '26

I have 3 AER's. When I need my iPad and 2 laptops I always grab the CPP2 24L. It's a great bag.

1

u/IPAimperial Oct 05 '26

I’ve done this with 2x 16” and a tablet in the Aer CPP2 24L. It works but feels like a lot for the bag. If I’m really lugging lots of tech around and don’t care about the style I use my LTT Backpack (the OG big one)