A large laptop is a prime target on the road, so a secure pack needs lockable zippers, a hidden pocket, and a padded sleeve that fits a 17.3 inch machine. The best laptop backpacks secure 17.3 picks below combine all three, with anti-theft details from makers that build for travel. Seven packs, compared.

Quick verdict: best laptop backpacks secure 17.3

The Everki Titan leads for size with a fit up to 18.4 inch and a 40 liter frame, while the Everki Atlas covers 17.3 inch laptops in a 32 liter pack. The Samsonite Guardit 2.0 brings a 17.3 inch fit in a slim frame, and the Kensington SecureTrek 17 adds a slash-resistant panel. Pick by laptop size first, then by the lock.

Quick comparison table

The table below sets the seven packs side by side on laptop fit, capacity, material, key feature, and best use, so the shortlist forms in one glance. All figures come from the makers, and a gap the maker leaves open stays a gap rather than a borrowed retailer number. Read the section for any pack that fits the trip.

Model Laptop fit Capacity and material Key feature Best for
Everki Titan Backpack Up to 18.4 inch 40 liters, 1680D ballistic nylon Checkpoint friendly, RFID pocket Biggest secure loads
Everki Atlas Backpack Up to 17.3 inch 32 liters, 1680D ballistic nylon Checkpoint friendly, felt-lined pockets Large laptops on the road
Samsonite Guardit 2.0 Backpack 17.3 Up to 17.3 inch 22.5 liters, recycled PET Lockable zippers, water-resistant shell Slim secure carry
HP 17.3 Business Backpack Up to 17.3 inch 28 liters, durable polyester Lockable zippers, padded sleeve HP laptop owners
Kensington SecureTrek 17 Laptop Backpack Up to 17 inch 25 liters, slash-resistant fabric Lockable zippers, RFID pocket Anti-theft travel
ASUS ROG Ranger BP2701 Gaming Backpack Up to 17 inch 22 liters, 1680D polyester Lockable zippers, water-repellent shell Gaming laptop security
Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack Up to 17 inch 32 liters, water-resistant polyester Lockable zippers, hidden pocket Rugged secure travel

How the seven packs were picked

Every pack here earned its place on two tests: it carries a laptop of 17 inch or more in a padded compartment, and it offers a security feature such as lockable zippers, a hidden pocket, or a slash-resistant panel. Capacity and fit figures come from the makers, and where figures conflict, the guide uses the current listing.

17.3 inch secure picks

Four packs in this group fit a full 17.3 inch laptop in a padded sleeve, with lockable zippers or a hidden pocket for valuables. Each one suits a traveler with a large machine, and each one guards the laptop against bumps and theft. Pick by capacity, since the four cover 22.5, 28, 32, and 40 liters.

Everki Titan Backpack: the big pick for an 18.4 inch laptop

The Everki Titan Backpack is a 40 liter pack in 1680D ballistic nylon, with a padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 18.4 inch. Everki lists a 19 by 14.5 by 10 inch frame, with a checkpoint friendly design, an RFID blocking pocket, and a felt-lined tablet pocket. The pack suits a traveler with the biggest laptop and the most gear.

The size is the point: the Titan takes laptops up to 18.4 inch, so a 17.3 inch machine rides with room to spare, and the 40 liter frame holds a week of gear. The limit is the bulk, since the pack never slips under a seat and feels large on a short frame. Buy the Titan for the biggest secure loads with a 17.3 inch laptop. Skip it if the trip is short and a smaller pack would do.

The checkpoint friendly design lets the laptop compartment lay flat on the belt, so the machine stays inside the pack at security. The RFID pocket guards cards and a passport from skimming, and the orange lining makes small items easy to find. The padded hip belt spreads the load on a long walk, and the sternum strap keeps the shoulder straps in place. The trade-off is the 4.6 lb weight, since the pack is heavy before anything goes inside.

Everki Atlas Backpack: the best laptop backpacks secure 17.3 road pick

The Everki Atlas Backpack is a 32 liter pack in 1680D ballistic nylon, with a padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 17.3 inch and a felt-lined tablet pocket. Everki lists a 17.75 by 13 by 9.5 inch frame, with a checkpoint friendly design, an orange lining, and a trolley handle pass-through. The pack suits a traveler with a 17.3 inch laptop.

The fit is the point: the Atlas takes a 17.3 inch laptop in a padded compartment with a false bottom, so the machine rides protected through a long trip. The limit is the bulk, since the 32 liter frame never slips under a seat. Buy the Atlas for large-laptop travel with a 17.3 inch machine. Skip it if the laptop is 15 inch and a smaller pack would do.

The lay-flat design lets the laptop compartment rest flat on the belt, so the machine stays inside the pack at security. The bright orange lining makes small items easy to spot, and the felt-lined pockets guard a phone and sunglasses. The trade-off is the 4.0 lb weight, since the pack is heavy before anything goes inside.

Samsonite Guardit 2.0 Backpack 17.3: the slim pick for a 17.3 inch laptop

The Samsonite Guardit 2.0 Backpack 17.3 is a 22.5 liter pack in recycled PET fabric, with a padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 17.3 inch. Samsonite lists a 17.5 by 12.5 by 8 inch frame, with lockable zippers, a water-resistant shell, and a padded tablet sleeve. The pack suits slim secure carry with a large laptop.

The slim fit is the point: the pack carries a 17.3 inch laptop in a 22.5 liter frame, so it slips under a seat and never feels bulky on a short frame. The limit is the capacity, since the slim frame holds a laptop, a tablet, and a day of gear and little else. Buy the Guardit 2.0 for slim secure carry with a 17.3 inch laptop. Skip it if the trip needs 30 liters or more.

The lockable zippers pair with a small travel lock, and the water-resistant shell sheds a shower. The slim frame fits under most airplane seats, so the laptop stays close on every flight. The padded tablet sleeve takes a second device, and the rear slip pocket fits over a rolling suitcase handle. The trade-off is the recycled fabric, since it scuffs sooner than ballistic nylon.

HP 17.3 Business Backpack: the HP pick for a 17.3 inch laptop

The HP 17.3 Business Backpack is a 28 liter pack in durable polyester, with a padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 17.3 inch. HP lists a 18.5 by 13.5 by 8.5 inch frame, with lockable zippers, a padded tablet sleeve, and a trolley strap. The pack suits an HP laptop owner who wants a matched carry.

The fit is the point: the pack takes a 17.3 inch HP laptop in a padded compartment with a false bottom, so the machine rides protected through a long day. The limit is the plain fabric, since durable polyester scuffs sooner than ballistic nylon. Buy the HP Business Backpack for HP travel with a 17.3 inch laptop. Skip it if the laptop is a different brand and a matched set does not matter.

The lockable zippers pair with a small travel lock, and the padded tablet sleeve takes a second device beside the laptop. The trolley strap slips over a rolling handle, and the front organizer keeps cables and cards in reach. The trade-off is the 28 liter size, since a full week of gear needs a bigger pack.

17 inch anti-theft picks

Three packs close the list with a 17 inch fit and a security-first design, from slash-resistant fabric to hidden pockets. Each one guards the laptop against theft as well as bumps, and each one opens fast at security. Pick by the security feature, since the three cover slash resistance, hidden pockets, and lockable zippers.

Kensington SecureTrek 17 Laptop Backpack: the anti-theft pick for a 17 inch laptop

The Kensington SecureTrek 17 Laptop Backpack is a 25 liter pack in slash-resistant fabric, with a padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 17 inch. Kensington lists a 18.5 by 13 by 8 inch frame, with lockable zippers, an RFID blocking pocket, and a puncture-resistant panel. The pack suits anti-theft travel with a large laptop.

The slash resistance is the point: the fabric resists cuts from a blade, so a thief cannot slice the pack open in a crowd, and the lockable zippers pair with a small travel lock. The limit is the 17 inch fit, since a 17.3 inch laptop may not fit. Buy the SecureTrek for anti-theft travel with a 17 inch laptop. Skip it if the laptop is 17.3 inch.

The RFID pocket guards cards and a passport from skimming, and the puncture-resistant panel guards the laptop compartment. The padded tablet sleeve takes a second device, and the trolley strap slips over a rolling handle. The trade-off is the weight, since the slash-resistant layers add up before anything goes inside.

ASUS ROG Ranger BP2701 Gaming Backpack: the gaming pick for a 17 inch laptop

The ASUS ROG Ranger BP2701 Gaming Backpack is a 22 liter pack in 1680D polyester, with a padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 17 inch. ASUS lists a 17.5 by 12.5 by 8 inch frame, with lockable zippers, a water-repellent shell, and a padded tablet sleeve. The pack suits a gamer who travels with a 17 inch machine.

The gaming fit is the point: the pack takes a thick 17 inch gaming laptop in a padded compartment, so the machine rides protected beside a headset and a mouse. The limit is the 17 inch fit, since a 17.3 inch laptop may not fit. Buy the Ranger BP2701 for gaming laptop security with a 17 inch machine. Skip it if the laptop is 17.3 inch.

The lockable zippers pair with a small travel lock, and the water-repellent shell sheds a shower. The padded tablet sleeve takes a second device, and the front organizer keeps a mouse, a cable, and a headset in reach. The trade-off is the gaming look, since the pack never disappears in a boardroom.

Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack: the rugged pick for a 17 inch laptop

The Targus Drifter II Laptop Backpack is a 32 liter pack in water-resistant polyester, with a padded laptop compartment for laptops up to 17 inch. Targus lists a 18.5 by 13.5 by 9 inch frame, with lockable zippers, a hidden pocket, and a padded tablet sleeve. The pack suits rugged secure travel with a large laptop.

The hidden pocket is the point: a concealed pocket behind the back panel guards a wallet and a passport, and the lockable zippers pair with a small travel lock. The limit is the 17 inch fit, since a 17.3 inch laptop may not fit. Buy the Drifter II for rugged secure travel with a 17 inch laptop. Skip it if the laptop is 17.3 inch.

The water-resistant shell sheds a shower, and the padded tablet sleeve takes a second device beside the laptop. The trolley strap slips over a rolling handle, and the front organizer keeps cables and cards in reach. The trade-off is the bulk, since the 32 liter frame never slips under a seat.

Buying guide

Four short checks decide whether a secure pack earns its place on a trip: the laptop fit, the lock, the hidden pocket, and the fabric. Each check below takes a minute, and together they stop the most common mistake, which is buying a pack that fits the laptop but leaves it open to theft. Work through them in order before buying.

Measure the laptop before buying

A secure pack names its laptop fit in inches, so measure the machine before buying. A 17.3 inch laptop fits the Titan, the Atlas, the Guardit 2.0, and the HP Business Backpack, while a 17 inch laptop fits all seven. The packs in this guide all state the fit on the maker listing, and each one names the maximum size.

Check the thickness too, since a thick gaming laptop may not fit a sleeve sized for a thin ultrabook. A sleeve that fits a 17 inch MacBook Pro may not fit a 17 inch mobile workstation. When the maker states the fit in inches and the sleeve depth, the pack earns trust.

Check the lock

A secure pack needs lockable zippers, so check the zipper pulls before buying. The Guardit 2.0, the HP Business Backpack, and the SecureTrek all take a small travel lock, so the main compartment stays shut in a crowd. The packs in this guide all name the lock feature on the maker listing, and each one states how it works.

Check the pull size too, since a lock needs a pull with a hole large enough for the shackle. A pack with plain pulls cannot take a lock at all, while a pack with lockable pulls takes a standard travel lock. When the pulls take a lock, the pack earns its place on a trip.

Look for a hidden pocket

A hidden pocket guards a wallet and a passport where a thief cannot reach, so look for one on the back panel. The Drifter II hides a pocket behind the back panel, and the SecureTrek hides one inside the main compartment. The packs in this guide all name the pocket on the maker listing, and each one states where it sits.

Check the pocket size too, since a pocket that fits a passport may not fit a phone as well. A pocket that sits against the back stays hidden while the pack is worn, while a front pocket does not. When the pocket sits against the back, it guards valuables best.

Test the fabric

A secure pack uses a tough fabric, so test the shell before buying. The SecureTrek uses slash-resistant fabric, and the Titan and Atlas use 1680D ballistic nylon, so both resist cuts and scuffs. The packs in this guide all name their fabric on the maker listing, and each one states the denier or the weave.

Check the coating too, since a water-resistant shell sheds rain while an uncoated shell soaks through. A pack that hides its fabric behind vague words is hiding a cheap shell, so ask before buying. When the label names the fabric and the denier, the maker stands behind the material.

Frequently asked questions

Three questions come up in every secure 17.3 search: what makes a backpack secure, whether a 17 inch pack fits a 17.3 inch laptop, and how to lock a backpack. The answers below use the maker-stated figures from the seven packs above, so each one points back to a real fit and a real feature.

What makes a laptop backpack secure

A secure pack combines lockable zippers, a hidden pocket, and a tough fabric, and it carries a warranty that matches its build. The packs in this guide use lockable pulls, RFID pockets, and slash-resistant or ballistic nylon shells. A pack with plain zippers and thin fabric is not secure, no matter what the listing claims.

Security also shows in the laptop sleeve, since a suspended sleeve with a false bottom guards the machine better than a flat pocket. The Titan, the Atlas, and the HP Business Backpack all suspend the laptop above the base. When the zippers lock and the fabric resists cuts, the pack earns the label.

Does a 17 inch pack fit a 17.3 inch laptop

Not always, so check the maker listing before buying. The Titan fits up to 18.4 inch and the Atlas fits up to 17.3 inch, so both take a 17.3 inch machine with room to spare. The SecureTrek, the Ranger, and the Drifter II fit up to 17 inch, so a 17.3 inch laptop may not fit.

Measure the machine too, since a 17.3 inch laptop with a thick bezel may measure larger than the sleeve. A sleeve that fits a 17 inch MacBook Pro may not fit a 17.3 inch gaming laptop. When the maker states 17.3 inch, the fit is safe.

How do you lock a backpack

Thread a small travel lock through the zipper pulls of the main compartment, so the pulls cannot separate. The packs in this guide all use lockable pulls, and a standard TSA lock fits them. A lock stops a quick grab in a crowd, though it does not stop a determined thief with time.

Lock the laptop compartment too, when it has its own pulls, and keep the lock code or key in a separate pocket. A pack with a hidden pocket guards the key beside the wallet. When the pulls are locked and the valuables sit in a hidden pocket, the pack travels safe.

Conclusion

The Everki Titan leads for the biggest laptops, the Everki Atlas covers 17.3 inch machines, and the Samsonite Guardit 2.0 keeps a 17.3 inch laptop in a slim pack. The Kensington SecureTrek adds slash resistance, and the Targus Drifter II closes with a hidden pocket. Measure the laptop, check the lock, and buy the pack that guards the machine.

Related guides

Browse all Buying Guides guides →