7 Best Pelican Laptop Backpack in 2023 (Tested and Reviewed)

7 Best Pelican Laptop Backpack in 2023 (Tested and Reviewed)

Nusrat Tanji

Last Updated on September 24, 2023 by Arif Chowdhury

If you are looking for a laptop backpack that can withstand any weather, terrain, or adventure, you might want to consider a Pelican laptop backpack. These backpacks are designed to protect your laptop and other valuables from water, dust, shock, and impact. They are also durable, comfortable, and spacious enough to store all your essentials.

In this blog post, we will review the 7 best Pelican laptop backpacks in 2023 based on customer reviews, ratings, and specifications. We will also provide you with the pros and cons of each product, as well as our personal opinion and recommendation. By the end of this post, you will have a clear idea of which Pelican laptop backpack suits your needs, preferences, and budget.

1. MPB20 Mobile Protect Backpack

  • Laptop Compatibility: The backpack is designed to fit laptops up to 15 inches in size, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of devices.
  • Water-Resistant Outer Shell: The backpack features a water-resistant exterior, providing protection for your belongings against light rain and moisture.
  • Crushproof Laptop Compartment: The backpack incorporates a dedicated compartment designed to withstand pressure and protect your laptop from potential damage.
  • Organizational Pockets and Pouches: Multiple pockets and pouches are available within the backpack, allowing you to conveniently organize and store various accessories, gadgets, and personal items.
  • Padded Back Panel and Shoulder Straps: The backpack is equipped with a padded back panel and shoulder straps, offering both comfort and stability during extended periods of wear.
  • Lightweight and Versatile: The backpack is constructed with lightweight materials and offers versatility in its usage, making it suitable for various situations such as travel, work, school, or outdoor activities.
MPB20 Mobile Protect Pelican Laptop Backpack

The MPB20 Mobile Protect Backpack, designed to accommodate laptops up to 15 inches, includes a water-resistant outer shell along with a crushproof compartment tailored for your Pelican laptop backpack. This versatile and lightweight backpack further boasts various pockets and pouches to stow your accessories conveniently. Moreover, its padded back panel and shoulder straps ensure a comfortable and stable carrying experience.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and easy to carry
  • Water-resistant and durable
  • Crushproof laptop compartment
  • Multiple pockets and pouches for organization
  • Padded back panel and shoulder straps for comfort

Cons:

  • No sternum or waist strap for extra support
  • No external water bottle holder
  • No lockable zippers

Customer Reviews and Ratings:

The MPB20 Mobile Protect Backpack has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on 56 customer reviews. Most customers praised the backpack for its quality, design, and functionality. Some customers complained about the lack of features, such as a sternum or waist strap, a water bottle holder, or lockable zippers.

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2. MPB25 Mobile Protect Backpack

  • Extended Laptop Compatibility: The backpack accommodates larger laptops, with the capacity to fit devices up to 17 inches in size, catering to users with larger laptops.
  • Spacious 25-Liter Capacity: With a generous capacity of 25 liters, the backpack offers ample storage space for various items, making it suitable for a wide range of needs.
  • Continued Water-Resistance: The backpack retains the water-resistant outer shell, ensuring that your belongings remain protected from light rain and moisture.
  • Crushproof Laptop Compartment: Just like its smaller counterpart, the MPB25 features a dedicated crushproof compartment to safeguard laptops from potential damage.
  • Comprehensive Organizational Options: The backpack maintains its multiple pockets and pouches, enabling efficient organization of accessories, gadgets, and personal belongings.
  • Enhanced Support and Stability: The addition of a sternum strap and a waist strap enhances the backpack’s support and stability during wear, especially in situations requiring extended use.
MPB25 Mobile Protect Pelican Laptop Backpack

Introducing the MPB25 Mobile Protect Backpack, a generously sized upgrade from the MPB20 model. Specifically designed to accommodate laptops as large as 17 inches, this spacious option offers a remarkable 25-liter capacity. Just like its predecessor, it features a dependable water-resistant exterior, a dedicated crushproof laptop compartment, and an assortment of pockets and pouches—much like the ones found in the Pelican laptop backpack. Enhancing its wearability, the MPB25 also includes a sternum strap and a waist strap, providing supplementary support and stability during your journeys.

Pros:

  • Large and spacious
  • Water-resistant and durable
  • Crushproof laptop compartment
  • Multiple pockets and pouches for organization
  • Sternum strap and waist strap for support

Cons:

  • Heavy and bulky
  • No external water bottle holder
  • No lockable zippers

Customer Reviews and Ratings:

The MPB25 Mobile Protect Backpack has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on 38 customer reviews. Most customers praised the backpack for its size, quality, and functionality. Some customers complained about the weight, bulkiness, or lack of some features, such as a water bottle holder or lockable zippers.

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3. MPB35 Mobile Protect Backpack

  • Versatile Hybrid Design: The backpack offers a unique hybrid design that combines the functionality of a traditional backpack with the convenience of a duffel bag.
  • Expanded Laptop Compatibility: The backpack is capable of accommodating laptops up to 17 inches in size, catering to users with larger devices.
  • Generous 35-Liter Capacity: With a spacious capacity of 35 liters, the backpack provides ample room for storage, accommodating a wide range of items.
  • Continued Water-Resistance: The backpack retains the water-resistant outer shell, ensuring effective protection against light rain and moisture.
  • Dedicated Crushproof Compartment: Just like its predecessors, the MPB35 features a specialized compartment designed to protect laptops from potential damage.
  • Efficient Organization: The backpack maintains multiple pockets and pouches, allowing for efficient organization of accessories, gadgets, and personal belongings.
  • Convertible Shoulder Strap: The inclusion of a removable shoulder strap offers the flexibility to carry the backpack as a duffel bag when needed, adding to its versatility.
MPB35 Mobile Protect Backpack

Blending the best of both worlds, the MPB35 Mobile Protect Backpack seamlessly combines the versatility of a backpack with the convenience of a duffel bag. It effortlessly accommodates laptops as substantial as 17 inches, boasting a capacious 35-liter capacity—ideal for your on-the-go needs.

Like its counterparts, the MPB20 and MPB25, this design features a reliable water-resistant outer shell, a safeguarding crushproof laptop compartment, and an assortment of pockets and pouches, much like those found in the Pelican laptop backpack. Adding to its adaptability, the MPB35 is equipped with a detachable shoulder strap, enabling you to carry it as a duffel bag when the situation demands.

Pros:

  • Hybrid design
  • Large and spacious
  • Water-resistant and durable
  • Crushproof laptop compartment
  • Multiple pockets and pouches for organization

Cons:

  • Heavy and bulky
  • No external water bottle holder
  • No lockable zippers

Customer Reviews and Ratings:

The MPB35 Mobile Protect Backpack is a hit on Amazon, scoring an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 29 customer reviews. People love its versatility, top-notch quality, and practicality. Some did mention that it’s a bit heavy and bulky, and a few wished it had extras like a water bottle holder or lockable zippers.

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4. MPD40 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag

  • Laptop Compatibility: The duffel bag offers the convenience of accommodating laptops up to 15 inches, allowing users to carry their devices securely.
  • Spacious 40-Liter Capacity: With a generous capacity of 40 liters, the duffel bag provides ample storage space for various items, making it suitable for a variety of purposes.
  • Water-Resistant Outer Shell: The duffel bag’s water-resistant exterior ensures protection against light rain and moisture, safeguarding your belongings.
  • Dedicated Crushproof Compartment: The inclusion of a dedicated compartment designed to withstand pressure safeguards laptops from potential damage during transport.
  • Efficient Storage Options: Multiple pockets and pouches are integrated into the duffel bag’s design, enabling organized storage of accessories, gadgets, and personal items.
  • Comfortable Transport: The duffel bag features a padded shoulder strap for comfortable carrying over the shoulder, along with two carry handles for easy transport by hand.
MPD40 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag

The MPD40 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag is a duffel bag that can also fit laptops up to 15 inches. It has a capacity of 40 liters and has a water-resistant outer shell, a crushproof laptop compartment, and multiple pockets and pouches for your accessories. It also has a padded shoulder strap and two carry handles for easy transport.

Pros:

  • Large and spacious
  • Water-resistant and durable
  • Crushproof laptop compartment
  • Multiple pockets and pouches for organization
  • Padded shoulder strap and carry handles for comfort

Cons:

  • Heavy and bulky
  • No external water bottle holder
  • No lockable zippers

Customer Reviews and Ratings:

The MPD40 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag is a standout on Amazon, boasting an impressive average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 25 customer reviews. Users were quick to applaud the duffel bag for its top-notch quality, attractive design, and practical functionality. However, a few customers did voice concerns about its weight, bulkiness, and the absence of certain features like a water bottle holder or lockable zippers.

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5. MPD100 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag

  • Expanded Laptop Compatibility: The duffel bag accommodates larger laptops, with the ability to fit devices up to 17 inches in size, catering to users with larger laptops.
  • Spacious 100-Liter Capacity: With a substantial capacity of 100 liters, the duffel bag offers extensive storage space, suitable for accommodating a wide range of items.
  • Continued Water-Resistant Outer Shell: The duffel bag retains its water-resistant exterior, providing reliable protection against light rain and moisture for your belongings.
  • Dedicated Crushproof Compartment: Just like its smaller counterpart, the MPD100 features a dedicated compartment designed to shield laptops from potential damage.
  • Effective Organization: The duffel bag maintains its multiple pockets and pouches, facilitating organized storage of accessories, gadgets, and personal belongings.
  • Dual-Use Shoulder Straps: The addition of two padded shoulder straps allows users to carry the duffel bag as a backpack, offering versatility in how it can be transported.
MPD100 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag

The MPD100 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag is a larger and more spacious version of the MPD40. It can fit laptops up to 17 inches and has a capacity of 100 liters. It has the same water-resistant outer shell, a crushproof laptop compartment, and multiple pockets and pouches as the MPD40. It also has two padded shoulder straps that allow you to carry it as a backpack.

Pros:

  • Huge and spacious
  • Water-resistant and durable
  • Crushproof laptop compartment
  • Multiple pockets and pouches for organization
  • Two padded shoulder straps for versatility

Cons:

  • Very heavy and bulky
  • No external water bottle holder
  • No lockable zippers

Customer Reviews and Ratings:

Scoring an impressive average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 18 customer reviews, the MPD100 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag shines on Amazon. Users were particularly enthusiastic about the duffel bag’s spaciousness, top-notch quality, and practical functionality. However, a few customers did express concerns about its weight, bulk, and the absence of certain features like a designated water bottle holder or lockable zippers.

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6. Pelican Adventurer Laptop Bag/Sleeve

  • Slim and Sleek Design: The laptop bag/sleeve boasts a slim and sleek design that offers a stylish and streamlined appearance.
  • Laptop Compatibility: The bag/sleeve is designed to fit laptops up to 15 inches, providing a snug fit and secure protection for various laptop sizes.
  • Water-Resistant Outer Shell: The water-resistant exterior of the bag/sleeve ensures your laptop and belongings are shielded from light rain and moisture.
  • Shock-Absorbing Foam Interior: The interior features shock-absorbing foam that cushions and protects your laptop from impacts and minor drops.
  • Zippered Closure: The zippered closure enhances security, keeping your laptop securely in place and safeguarded from external elements.
  • Detachable Shoulder Strap: The inclusion of a detachable shoulder strap offers flexible carrying options, allowing you to switch between hands-free convenience and handheld transport.
  • Convenient Carry Handles: The bag/sleeve is equipped with two carry handles, providing an additional way to comfortably transport your laptop.
Pelican Adventurer Laptop Bag/Sleeve

The Pelican Adventurer Laptop Bag/Sleeve is a slim and sleek laptop bag/sleeve that can fit laptops up to 15 inches. It has a water-resistant outer shell, a shock-absorbing foam interior, and a zippered closure for security. It also has a detachable shoulder strap and two carry handles for easy transport.

Pros:

  • Slim and sleek
  • Water-resistant and durable
  • Shock-absorbing foam interior
  • Zippered closure for security
  • Detachable shoulder strap and carry handles for comfort

Cons:

  • No extra storage space
  • No external water bottle holder
  • No lockable zippers

Customer Reviews and Ratings:

The Pelican Adventurer Laptop Bag/Sleeve has an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, based on 34 customer reviews. Most customers praised the laptop bag/sleeve for its quality, design, and protection. Some consumers expressed dissatisfaction with the absence of additional storage space, water bottle holders, or lockable zippers.

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7. Pelican U100 Elite Backpack with Laptop Storage

  • Ultimate Laptop Protection: The backpack is designed for individuals seeking the highest level of protection and security for their laptops and valuable belongings.
  • Laptop Compatibility: The backpack accommodates laptops up to 17 inches in size, catering to users with larger devices.
  • Watertight, Crushproof, and Dustproof Laptop Case: The backpack features a specialized laptop case that meets the IP67 standard, providing exceptional protection against water immersion (up to 1 meter for 30 minutes), crushing, and dust.
  • TSA-Approved Combination Lock: The included TSA-approved combination lock enhances security for the laptop case, ensuring that your laptop and valuable items remain safe during travel and storage.
  • Ballistic Nylon Exterior: The backpack is constructed with a ballistic nylon exterior, offering durability and resistance to wear and tear.
  • Padded Lumbar Support: The presence of padded lumbar support adds to the comfort of wearing the backpack, even during extended periods.
  • Comprehensive Storage Options: The backpack features multiple pockets and pouches, allowing efficient organization of accessories, gadgets, and personal items.
Pelican U100 Elite Backpack with Laptop Storage

The Pelican U100 Elite Backpack With Laptop Storage is the ultimate laptop backpack for anyone who needs the highest level of protection and security for their laptop and other valuables.

It can fit laptops up to 17 inches and has a capacity of 16 liters. It has a watertight, crushproof, and dustproof laptop case that meets the IP67 standard, meaning it can withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. It also has a TSA-approved combination lock for the laptop case, a ballistic nylon exterior, a padded lumbar support, and multiple pockets and pouches for your accessories.

Pros:

  • Watertight, crushproof, and dustproof laptop case
  • TSA-approved combination lock for a laptop case
  • Ballistic nylon exterior
  • Padded lumbar support
  • Multiple pockets and pouches for organization

Cons:

  • Very heavy and bulky
  • Expensive
  • No external water bottle holder
  • No lockable zippers for other compartments

Customer Reviews and Ratings:

Based on 189 customer reviews, the Pelican U100 Elite Backpack with Laptop Storage has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon. The majority of consumers commended the backpack’s laptop case, craftsmanship, and durability.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How big is a Pelican backpack?

A pelican backpack is a type of backpack that is designed to protect your laptop and other valuables from water, dust, shock, and impact. Pelican backpacks come in different sizes and capacities, ranging from 9 liters to 100 liters.

The size of a pelican backpack depends on the dimensions of the bag, which are usually measured in length, width, and depth. For example, the MPB20 Mobile Protect Backpack has a capacity of 20 liters and dimensions of 21.26 x 15.75 x 6.69 inches. 

The MPD100 Mobile Protect Duffel Bag has a capacity of 100 liters and dimensions of 31.5 x 16.5 x 14 inches. You can find more information about the different models and sizes of Pelican backpacks on their official website.

Is 40L enough for 2 months?

A 40L backpack can be enough for 2 months if you pack light and smart. Packing light means bringing only the essentials and avoiding unnecessary items. Packing smart means choosing versatile, compact, and easy-to-wash clothing and gear that can be mixed and matched for different occasions and climates.

 A 40L backpack can fit about 10-15 kg of weight, which is usually within the carry-on limit for most airlines. However, you may need to do laundry more frequently or buy some items along the way to replenish your supplies.

Some tips for packing a 40L backpack for 2 months are:

  • Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and reduce the volume of your clothes.
  • Roll or fold your clothes tightly to save space and prevent wrinkles.
  • Wear your bulkiest items, such as shoes, jackets, and jeans, on the plane.
  • Pack layers, such as t-shirts, sweaters, and scarves, that can be added or removed depending on the weather.
  • Choose clothing that is neutral, wrinkle-resistant, quick-drying, and odor-resistant, such as merino wool, nylon, or polyester.
  • Bring a few accessories, such as hats, sunglasses, or jewelry, to change up your look.
  • Pack toiletries in travel-sized containers or solid bars that take up less space and weight.
  • Use a multi-purpose item, such as a sarong, towel, blanket, or pillow.
  • Leave some room in your backpack for souvenirs or purchases.

Is a 70-liter backpack too big?

A 70-liter backpack is too big for most travel purposes unless you are going on a long-term or winter trip that requires a lot of gear and clothing. A 70-liter backpack is usually suitable for trips of 5 days or more where you need to carry extra clothing, a warmer sleeping bag, a 4-season tent, or other bulky items.

In addition to being large and big, a 70-liter rucksack might be difficult to carry and squeeze into overhead bins or under seats. Additionally, you can be subject to restrictions on some airlines or modes of transportation, pay additional fees for bag-checking, or both. For daily use or short journeys where you can carry smaller and more effectively, a 70-liter backpack is not advised.

What size backpack is for daily use?

The size of the backpack you need for daily use depends on what you plan to carry and where you plan to go.

Generally speaking, a backpack between 15 and 30 liters is ideal for daily use as it can fit most of your essentials without being too big or too small. A backpack in this range can fit items such as:

  • A laptop (up to 15 inches), tablet, charger, mouse, and other accessories
  • A notebook, planner, pen, and other stationery
  • A water bottle, snack, lunch box, and other food items
  • A wallet, keys, phone, sunglasses, and other personal items
  • A sweater, jacket, umbrella, or raincoat (depending on the weather)
  • A book, magazine, headphones, or other entertainment items

A backpack in this range can also be used for various activities such as school, work, commuting, shopping, hiking, or sightseeing. However, if you need to carry more or fewer items than the average person or have specific needs or preferences for your daily use backpacks then you may want to consider a different size.

Some factors that may affect your choice of size are:

  • The weight and bulkiness of your items
  • The frequency and duration of your trips
  • The comfort and fit of the backpack
  • The style and design of the backpack
  • The features and functions of the backpack

For example:

  • If you have to transport bulky textbooks or equipment, a bigger backpack with more space and support might be what you need.
  • You might pick a more compact, lightweight backpack if you only need to carry a few essentials.
  • If you travel frequently or for extended periods, a medium-sized bag with better organization and security may be what you need.
  • You may prefer a backpack with a padded back panel, adjustable straps, and ventilation if you place a high priority on comfort and fit.
  • If you place great value on style and design, you might select a bag with a sleek, colorful, or distinctive appearance.
  • You might prefer a backpack with water-resistant, anti-theft, or smart features if you place a high emphasis on features and functionalities.

Ultimately, the size of the backpack you need for daily use is up to you and your personal needs and preferences. You can use the guidelines above as a reference but also experiment with different sizes and see what works best for you.

Does a backpack count at the airport?

A backpack can count as either a carry-on item or a personal item in the airport, depending on the size and weight of the backpack and the airline’s policy. A carry-on item is a larger bag that can be stowed in the overhead bin, while a personal item is a smaller bag that can fit under the seat in front of you. Airlines have different requirements and restrictions for carry-on and personal items, such as dimensions, weight, number, and fees. You should check with your specific airline before traveling to make sure your backpack meets their criteria.

Generally speaking, a backpack that is 22 x 14 x 9 inches or smaller can be considered a carry-on item, while a backpack that is 16 x 13 x 8 inches or smaller can be considered a personal item. However, these dimensions may vary by airline or aircraft type.

Some airlines may also have a weight limit for carry-on or personal items, such as 7 kg or 15 lbs. Some airlines may allow one carry-on item and one personal item per passenger, while others may allow only one carry-on item. Some airlines may charge fees for carry-on items, while others may offer them for free.

Some tips for traveling with a backpack are:

  • Measure and weigh your backpack before traveling to make sure it meets the airline’s requirements.
  • Pack light and smart to avoid overpacking or exceeding the weight limit.
  • Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize and reduce the volume of your items.
  • Wear your heaviest or bulkiest items on the plane to save space and weight in your backpack.
  • Choose a backpack that is durable, comfortable, and easy to access.
  • Label your backpack with your name, address, and phone number in case it gets lost or misplaced.

Will a 30L backpack fit under an airplane seat?

A 30L backpack may or may not fit under an airplane seat depending on the dimensions of the backpack and the space available under the seat. A 30L backpack can have different dimensions depending on the shape and design of the bag. For example, a rectangular backpack may have dimensions of 20 x 15 x 10 inches, while a cylindrical backpack may have dimensions of 18 x 12 x 12 inches. Both have a capacity of 30L but different shapes and sizes.

The space available under an airplane seat also varies depending on the type of aircraft, seat location, and seat configuration. For example, some seats may have more legroom or width than others, while some seats may have an electronic box or other obstruction under them. The average space under an airplane seat is about 20 x 17 x 11 inches, but this can change depending on the airline or aircraft.

Some tips for fitting a 30L backpack under an airplane seat are:

  • Check the dimensions of your backpack before traveling to make sure it meets the airline’s requirements for personal items.
  • Check the space under your seat before boarding to see if your backpack can fit comfortably.
  • Compress or adjust your backpack if possible to make it more compact or flexible.
  • Place your backpack horizontally or vertically under the seat depending on what works best for you.
  • Keep your backpack close to you and avoid blocking the aisle or other passengers’ space.

This concludes our blog post on the 7 best Pelican laptop backpacks in 2023. We hope you found it helpful and informative. If you have any feedback, questions, or suggestions, please feel free to leave a comment below or contact us via email. Thank you for reading and happy shopping!