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The 12 Best Targus Bags in 2023 [Backpacks, Briefcases, Rolling Cases]

Amar Hussain's image
Amar Hussain

Amar Hussain

Senior Content Contributor

Countries Visited: 63U.S. States Visited: 9

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications incl...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

Countries Visited: 41U.S. States Visited: 28

With years of experience in corporate marketing and as the Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Qatar, Keri is now Editor-in-Chief at UP, overseeing daily content operations and r...

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Targus is renowned for offering its loyal fan base everything from rolling laptop cases to detachable tablet pouches and everything in between. Sharp lines and cleverly crafted interiors set its bags apart from the competition, all of which were designed with tech-loving commuters’ needs in mind.

Why Buy Targus?

Targus produces bags, backpacks, and briefcases. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Formed in London back in 1983 by Neil Bruce-Copp, the Targus brand is well known for producing first-class bags, backpacks, and briefcases that have been designed to suit the ever-evolving needs of the mobile generation.

Targus luggage has durable zippers. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Offering an incredible standard of protection for your electronics, beautiful craftsmanship, and impressive functionality, Targus is a global enterprise that distributes its incredible bags to 145 different countries worldwide.

Targus luggage has sturdy handles. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

As a company that truly understands just how quickly the world of technology is evolving, it prides itself on designing solutions for keeping your tech safe on the go.

Whether you work for a large corporation or are running your own small business, the Targus team knows that carrying your equipment with you allows you to remain at your desk, even when you are away from it.

Targus luggage has useful external and internal pockets. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Using high-quality materials, including military-grade ballistic nylon and water- and abrasion-resistant coatings, all of the laptop bags made by Targus offer increased layers of protection for your precious belongings.

Each piece also comes with the Targus Limited Warranty that offers between 1 and 2 years’ worth of warranty coverage, depending on the piece you choose to take home with you.

Targus luggage has spacious compartments. Image Credit: Amar Hussain

Bottom Line: Innovative design, finely-crafted interiors, and sleek urban design make Targus backpacks and briefcases the clever commuter’s choice.

The 7 Best Targus Backpacks

If you need to work on the go or regularly have to travel with your tech, all of these fantastic travel solutions from Targus should strike the right note.

1. A Seriously Slim Silhouette With Acres of Space on the Inside

BEST OVERALL: Targus CitySmart Essentials Backpack
A highly resistant and practical bag with integrated trolley straps and a padded back panel. It includes various convenient storage pockets and padded compartments for your electronic devices. Its lightweight and durable construction make it a great choice for frequent use.

15.6″ CitySmart Essentials Backpack

Dimensions: 5.43 x 13.93 x 22.59 inches

Weight: 1 pound

With soft curves and a slim silhouette, this gorgeous backpack has been uniquely tailored to offer an incredible mix of striking good looks and awesome practicality. Made from lightweight, weather-resistant materials and plenty of high-end features, this is a brilliant option for commuters who need to work on the go.

On the inside, there is enough room to comfortably carry a laptop measuring up to 15.6 inches, as well as a separate compartment for your tablet and other devices.

There is also a deep pocket for business cards, pens, and smaller gadgets, and a water bottle pocket. This bag’s base is water-resistant, meaning you can confidently set the bag down when you need to.

The padded backpack straps are easily adjustable to suit your frame, and the integrated pass-through strap on the back allows you to slip the backpack over the handle of your suitcase for trips away and overnight stays.

What We Like

  • Breathable and padded back panel

What We Don’t Like

  • No sternum strap for comfortable carrying

2. A Rugged-looking Backpack for Urban Explorers

DISCOUNT: 17%
UPGRADE PICK: Targus Drifter II Backpack
A durable bag with excellent storage solutions for overnight, weekend, or adventure trips. It includes a protected laptop compartment with a pocket for accessories. 3 further compartments can be used for other belongings, and the exterior pockets provide easy access.

16″ Drifter II Laptop Backpack

Dimensions: 10.24 x 14.76 x 1.54 inches

Weight: 2.66 pounds

Designed for urban warriors with a passion for tech, this backpack is made from rugged nylon material and features a water-resistant base to keep your gear well-protected, even when you set the bag down. With a rugged carry handle and durable zippers, this model is perfect for people who really like to work and play hard.

With a dedicated and well-padded laptop compartment that can comfortably hold laptops up to 16 inches in size, as well as a large main compartment that comes complete with an interior divider for storing and organizing your documents, this is an excellent backpack for the office and beyond.

The thick padding on the back conceals a large hidden zippered compartment for keeping your personal items safe, while the soft, fleece-lined pocket at the top is perfect for keeping your sunglasses and cell phone free from scratches. There is also additional space for business cards and a key clip.

The heavily padded shoulder straps are adjustable to help you find the perfect position for long-term wear and the breathable mesh back panel promotes air circulation to prevent sweating during use.

What We Like

  • Well-designed pockets and laptop compartment

What We Don’t Like

  • Backpack straps can’t handle excessive weight

3. An Upscale Piece Featuring Clever Interiors

DISCOUNT: 40%
Targus Legend IQ Backpack
A highly durable bag with a ventilated back panel that includes excellent storage pockets. It features media storage that has a built-in cord and a headphone jack that can make listening to music while on the move more practical.

15.6″ Legend IQ Backpack

Dimensions: 15 x 19 x 4 inches

Weight: 1.77 pounds

Designed as a backpack for mobile workers, this is an excellent alternative to a traditional briefcase. Made from superstrong materials and available in a sleek black colorway, this backpack is packed with high-end features, including a dedicated media pocket and a sizable laptop compartment.

Large enough to house laptops up to 15.6 inches, and with a separate pocket lined with soft-touch material for your tablet, you can be sure of an impressive level of protection for your tech.

With a media pocket that offers a built-in cord and headphone jack, you can keep connected to your tunes, even on the move, and the smaller interior pockets and multi-purpose side pockets are perfect for keeping your personal items neatly kept in place.

With adjustable and padded shoulder straps and a back panel that helps to promote airflow, this backpack will remain comfortable even when it is full. As an additional feature, this backpack also remains upright when you place it down, making it easy to access everything you need in an instant.

What We Like

  • Trolley strap to attach to your suitcase

What We Don’t Like

  • Single zippers only on the front pockets

4. A Very Clever Little Backpack for Savvy Travelers

DISCOUNT: 27%
Targus Groove Professional Backpack
A great choice for business or weekend trips that can even suit hiking adventures. It features a durable and comfortable design that includes a padded sleeve for laptops and other electronic devices. It also has a quick-access front pocket for a porthole and key clip.

16″ Groove Laptop Backpack

Dimensions: 12 x 17.5 x 5 inches

Weight: 1.28 pounds

This sleek backpack offers streamlined aesthetics and lots of useable space, with a design that makes light work of carrying heavier loads for longer. With a durable PVC bottom panel, you can place your backpack on rough or dirty floors, and the clever positioning of the water bottle holder ensures that your tech is kept well out of the way of drips and spillages.

With a foam-padded laptop compartment designed to absorb the shock of everyday use, and a mobile phone pouch for quick and easy access, this backpack has been designed with the modern commuter in mind.

Also offering a wealth of storage sections, including a padded CD pocket, a porthole for headphones, pen loops, and even a key clip, as well as extra pockets for files and documents, this backpack will help you stay organized at all times.

Designed to fit laptops with screens up to 15.6 inches in size, and with padded straps for extra comfort, this lightweight and incredibly awesome backpack is a practical and great-looking alternative to more traditional laptop bags or briefcases.

What We Like

  • Padded bottom in case of dropping or setting the bag down

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t protect contents from the rain

5. A Great-looking Backpack That Works Well on Every Level

Targus Newport Backpack
732 Reviews
Targus Newport Backpack
A durable bag made from premium twill nylon that includes stylish metallic and leather accents. It features a protective sleeve for electronic devices, 3 zippered pockets on the exterior, and several interior compartments. There is a hidden pocket on the back to store valuables.

15″ Newport Backpack

Dimensions: 11.13 x 18 x 5.25 inches

Weight: 1.38 pounds

The beautifully designed backpack comes in an eye-catching black and olive colorway, giving it an air of urban chic for tech lovers on the go. With high fashion looks on the outside, the interior offers the same excellent organizational capacity that the brand is so famous for.

Offering 3 convenient zippered pockets, you can easily keep all of your day-to-day essentials neatly packed on the go. Perfect for protecting slim laptops, notebooks, or even tablets, you can safely carry devices measuring up to 15 inches in the dedicated laptop compartment, and there is enough space in the main compartment for a change of clothes, your gym gear, or other personal items.

Made from high-density water-repellent twill nylon, with gorgeous leatherette accents, this stylish backpack is as perfect for days out as it is for the office. With padded and adjustable shoulder straps, as well as premium metallic clasps and fixtures, this backpack is both comfortable to carry and beautiful to look at.

What We Like

  • Bright interior lining helps to locate items quickly

What We Don’t Like

  • No side pockets for a water bottle

6. An Eco-friendly Backpack To Help Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

DISCOUNT: 36%
Targus Spruce EcoSmart Backpack
A convenient and durable bag made from 600D polyester, with a shock-absorbent protected laptop compartment and an interior storage section with various pockets for accessories. It includes a water bottle holder pocket on the exterior, pen loops, and a key clip.

17″ Spruce EcoSmart Checkpoint-Friendly Backpack

Dimensions: 13 x 19.5 x 6.75 inches

Weight: 2.38 pounds

With its innovative lay-flat design, this larger-than-average laptop backpack has been designed to easily unzip to go straight through the x-ray machine at the airport, making this an excellent choice for frequent flyers.

Being constructed from recovered plastic bottles and featuring nickel-free hardware and PVC-free materials, this brilliant backpack’s eco-friendly pedigree is easy to appreciate from the outset.

On the inside, the large laptop compartment and separate tablet pocket will keep your devices well-protected, while the accessory compartments are perfect for storing your pens, DVDs, USB sticks, chargers, business cards, and so much more.

With a padded back panel and adjustable straps, this backpack even offers a comfortable carry on longer journeys, and the colorful interior makes it easy to find your gear on the go. This sleek, eco-friendly backpack is a durable option for those who care about their carbon footprint.

What We Like

  • Checkpoint-friendly laptop compartment

What We Don’t Like

  • No padding at the bottom of the laptop compartment

7. A Fun Little Backpack for Work, School, or College

Targus Cypress Slim Backpack
A highly durable bag manufactured sustainably from recycled bottles. A great choice for business trips, it includes compartments for files and accessories. The exterior pocket on the front features quick access to your belongings.

Targus Cypress Slim Backpack With EcoSmart

Dimensions: 12.2 x 5.51 x 17.91 inches

Weight: 1.63 pounds

Weighing just over 1.6 pounds, this stylish and compact laptop backpack is a great choice for those who like to carry just the essentials with them when they head out to the office, school, or college. Made from 20 plastic water bottles inside and out, this super-slim backpack has sleek looks and is environmentally friendly.

The 3 main pockets include a dedicated laptop compartment that can comfortably house screens up to 15.6 inches, while the 2 other compartments have enough space to carry your work or school files and other bits of tech. There’s also a front stash pocket to house your wallet, keys, or cell phone.

Strong and padded shoulder straps, combined with an air mesh back panel that helps to encourage airflow, make this a very comfortable carry — even on longer journeys — and the grab handle is just right for quick pickups.

What We Like

  • Made from 20 plastic bottles

What We Don’t Like

  • No sternum strap for more comfortable carrying

Bottom Line: If you didn’t find what you’re looking for here, check out these other great laptop backpacks.

The 3 Best Targus Briefcases

1. Superior Comfort and Protection

Targus Corporate Traveler Briefcase
A highly resistant bag made from military-grade ballistic nylon that repels water. Ideal for carrying laptops and tablets safely and for business trips. Its shock-absorbent design will keep your electronics protected in case of impact.

14″ Corporate Traveler Briefcase

Dimensions: 15.9 x 13.2 x 4.7 inches

Weight: 2.97 pounds

This finely-designed briefcase features the patented SafePort Air Cushion system that offers superior drop and side protection, as well as a checkpoint-friendly lie-flat design, making it easily accessible for airport screening.

Made from water- and wear-resistant military-grade ballistic nylon, this excellent briefcase offers a thoroughly modern travel solution for business travelers.

Designed to comfortably fit a range of laptops up to 16 inches in size, including those with an extended battery, this briefcase offers flexible storage for your electronics and other travel essentials. It also comes complete with a very smart zip-down workstation, as well as multiple accessory compartments to help you stay super-organized on the go.

For your continued comfort, the padded shoulder strap has a neoprene Equalizer feature to help absorb the walking shock, and the removable accessory pouch is perfect for use on the plane or in meetings.

What We Like

  • Padded compartment for a 14-inch laptop

What We Don’t Like

  • No RFID-blocking pockets

2. A Lightweight Checkpoint-friendly Laptop Bag

DISCOUNT: 24%
Targus NeopreneLaptop Tote Bag
A durable neoprene design with nylon handles for comfort and a trolley strap. An ideal choice to carry for electronics, it includes a safe compartment for tablets and a pocket for files.

Targus Neoprene Slipcase Sleeve With Shoulder Strap

Dimensions: ‎4 x 17.25 x 13 inches

Weight: 11.7 ounces

Another great checkpoint-friendly option from Targus is this slipcase sleeve, offering a lie-flat compartment that allows your laptop to remain in the bag while it passes through the x-ray machine. Featuring a neoprene exterior and a slim design, this is an excellent choice for business travelers.

The top-loading briefcase offers a padded laptop compartment for screens up to 17 inches and a further compartment for your files and folders. There is a front-access workstation that offers easy access to your mobile workplace essentials and travel documents.

For easy carrying, the case features a removable EqualizerStrap to comfortably distribute weight across the shoulder and 2 padded carrying handles. It even offers a very useful trolley strap that can be looped over the handle of your suitcase when traveling light is not an option.

What We Like

  • Incredibly lightweight, weighing under a pound

What We Don’t Like

  • Large laptop power cables may bulge out of the material

3. A Legendary, Lightweight Briefcase Design

DISCOUNT: 67%
Targus CityLite Laptop Briefcase
This excellent business bag includes an expandable file compartment and 2 sections for other belongings. There is an easy-access front pocket and a trolley strap that can be used to connect to any upright rolling luggage.

15.6″ CityLite Briefcase

Dimensions: 16.5 x 12.25 x 4.5 inches

Weight: 2 pounds

This fabulous little briefcase is incredibly lightweight, with minimalist good looks and lots of useable storage space. The functional design is perfect for those who like to carry the bare essentials with them, and with its classic good looks, this briefcase works well both in the office and away from it.

On the inside, the protective laptop compartment can comfortably carry anything up to 15.6-inch laptops, and the easy-access front compartment has dedicated space for pens, cell phones, and other everyday accessories. For added convenience on the go, the expandable file section offers a safe space in which to store your files and paperwork.

With padded carry handles and an adjustable and removable padded shoulder strap, you can carry the case in various ways. The additional luggage strap allows you to attach your briefcase to your suitcase for business trips.

What We Like

  • Expandable compartment for your files

What We Don’t Like

  • Won’t fit some larger laptops

The 2 Best Targus Rolling Cases

1. A Laptop Case on Wheels

Targus Metro Rolling Laptop Case
6,570 Reviews
Targus Metro Rolling Laptop Case
A bag that is ideal as a laptop carrier and an excellent companion on business trips. It includes an easy-access workstation for business cards and small devices. The inline wheels make handling easy, and the interior provides enough storage for overnight packing.

16″ Rolling Laptop Case

Dimensions: 16.54 x 14.57 x 7.87 inches

Weight: 5.06 pounds

When you need to take more of your work with you, this rolling laptop case offers the storage space of a briefcase with the functionality of a spinner. Featuring larger-than-average compartment space, you can easily pack to expect the unexpected.

Offering a dedicated laptop compartment that can house laptops up to 16 inches, as well as a large zippered space for your change of clothing, this is a business trip essential for savvy travelers.

With a zip-down workstation that offers space to hold your pens, cell phone, and other items, as well as a large removable pouch, you can work anywhere on the go with this rolling laptop case.

The smooth-rolling wheels allow you to tip and go, and the telescoping retractable handle makes it easy to glide effortlessly through the airport with your work essentials right beside you.

What We Like

  • Separate compartments for your laptop, clothing, and smaller items

What We Don’t Like

  • Wheels can wear out quickly

2. The Ultimate Carry-on for Business Travelers

Targus Corporate Traveler 4-Wheeled Roller Bag
This ideal and durable laptop carrier includes a protected compartment for your electronic devices. The 360-degree wheels provide smooth maneuverability, while the dedicated toiletry bag has dedicated waterproof storage. It includes an overnight section that keeps your belongings safe.

15.6″ Corporate Traveler 4-Wheeled Roller

Dimensions: 15.35 x 18.11 x 11.42 inches

Weight: 9.03 pounds

This top-of-the-range 4-wheel rolling case has been designed for travelers intent on mixing business with pleasure. With innovative features, including a laptop section that converts into a removable sleeve and an interior workstation, this is a premium piece of luggage for very important passengers.

With a laptop compartment that fits screens up to 15.6 inches, as well as quick-access front pockets for storing your tablet and other in-flight essentials, this offers much more flexibility than a standard carry-on.

The large overnighter section has enough space for a change of clothes, and the toiletries bag fits nicely in the waterproof compartment that can also be used as a bottle or umbrella holder.

Made from military-grade ballistic nylon that helps to protect against moisture and wear and tear, the Corporate Traveler comes with spinning wheels and a 3-stage trolley handle, making it incredibly easy to maneuver through the airport and beyond.

What We Like

  • Front access compartment for your laptop and travel essentials

What We Don’t Like

  • No TSA lock included

Final Thoughts

Targus makes incredibly practical, great-looking backpacks, briefcases, and rollers that offer an impressive understanding of what tech-loving travelers really need. Affordable and built to see you through many years, the Targus brand continues to be a favorite with anyone who wants to protect their tech without advertising it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Targus backpacks waterproof?

Targus backpacks are not waterproof, but most have a water-resistant bottom, and the materials used in production are also reasonably water-resistant. Some backpacks, such as the Terra, have a built-in hidden rain cover included.

Where are Targus backpacks made?

Targus backpacks are made in China. Production has been outsourced to China since 1990.

Is Targus a good brand?

Targus is a good brand that builds quality products for business travelers and commuters. For the price, the quality is excellent, and they are long-lasting and hard-wearing products.

Do any Targus bags fit a 17-inch laptop?

There are a few bags and backpacks made by Targus that will accommodate a 17-inch laptop. These include the Spruce EcoSmart Backpack and the Neoprene Slipcase Sleeve.

About Amar Hussain

Amar is an avid traveler and tester of products. He has spent the last 13 years traveling all 7 continents and has put the products to the test on each of them. He has contributed to publications including Forbes, the Huffington Post, and more.

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