With the increased use of laptops, more and more people take their laptops with them wherever they go. It’s a great way to have your work on you at all times so that you can continue working even when away from the office.
However, it is essential to remember that if your laptop isn’t protected in some manner, it will be vulnerable to damage—one popular method for protecting a laptop while traveling is by placing it inside a laptop backpack.
Most laptops are more delicate than most assume and can be easily damaged if the laptop is bumped against something or placed in an area where it can be crushed.
In this article, we’ll explore how to protect your laptop in a backpack properly while traveling and during rainy days.
8 Ways Laptops Can Be Damaged in Backpacks
There are many reasons why a laptop can be damaged in a backpack, and we’ll look at them here:
1. Shock damage
If the laptop falls or is banged against complex objects, it can cause physical damage to the internal components. This can be especially true if your laptop backpacks are dropped from a high surface.
2. Overweight
Putting too much weight into a laptop backpack can result in the laptop being damaged during transit. If you must pack particularly heavy items, it is best to place them on the bottom of the laptop bag and put your laptop vertically or near the top to receive less weight.
3. Liquids
If liquids get into the backpack, then there is a chance that they can seep through to the laptop and cause damage. If you plan on going outside in the rain with your backpack, it’s a good idea to place a barrier between your laptop and the exterior of your bag so that water doesn’t come directly into contact with your laptop.
4. Weather damage
If the backpack is left outside during bad weather, there is a risk that the laptop will be damaged due to rain or snow. Because moisture is your laptop’s biggest enemy, it can quickly be damaged if left out during bad weather.
5. Food & Beverage
If you are carrying food and beverage items in your backpack, there is always the risk that something will spill on the laptop. This can cause permanent damage to the device.
6. Extreme temperature
Extreme temperatures can also cause damage to a laptop. For example, exposing the device to high heat or leaving it in a cold environment can be harmful.
7. Dust & Dirt
If your backpack isn’t well-sealed, dust and dirt can get inside and accumulate on the laptop. This can cause damage over time and may eventually require a professional clean.
8. Carelessness
Last but not least, you could be held responsible for having caused permanent damage to your laptop simply because you were careless with it. For example, if someone trips over your backpack filled with your laptop, it can easily be damaged.
Now that we’ve looked at how laptops can be damaged while in backpacks, let’s look at how to protect them.
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How To Protect Your Laptop
There are many different ways to protect your laptop while it is inside of a backpack. Here are some of the most popular methods:
1. Use a good quality laptop backpack
This is probably the most crucial step in protecting your laptop. If you use a cheap backpack with no protection, your laptop is highly likely to be damaged. It is essential to find a backpack with some padding form and is made from a sturdy material. Ordinary backpack material isn’t suitable; you need to purchase a backpack specially designed for laptops.
You can also use a good anti theft backpack bag to protect your laptop from being stolen. If your backpack has hidden pockets you can also keep USB cables, power cable, HDMI cable, etc.
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2. Use a laptop sleeve/protective case
Laptop sleeves are a great way to protect your device from shock damage and liquids at the same time. If you are using a backpack that doesn’t have much padding, it is a good idea to use a laptop sleeve for extra protection.
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3. Use laptop compartment
Laptop bags have a dedicated laptop compartment, make sure to place your laptop inside of it. This dedicated compartment has an extra cushion that helps to protect your brand new laptop from any knocks or bumps that may occur during transit.
4. Keep it clean
It’s a good idea to keep your laptop backpack dust-free and clear of any dirt or grime that might cause damage over time. If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner at home, then heading down to the local car wash with your backpack can be a great way to clean it out.
5. Use weather protection
If you know that you will be traveling in bad weather, it’s a good idea to use some form of weather protection for your laptop. This could include a rain cover or an insulation bag.
6. Remember to zip
Ensure that you always zip up your backpack when traveling with your laptop inside. This will help to keep it protected from thieves and prying eyes.
How Do I Protect My Laptop When Traveling?
There are many different ways to protect your laptop while traveling. Here are some of the most popular methods:
1. Use suitable luggage
Carrying the correct suitcase-type for traveling is important because some types are more secure than others. A briefcase with a lockable, zippered compartment is ideal because it keeps your belongings away from prying eyes and close to you so you can keep track of them.
2. Use lock
The easiest way to protect your backpack is to lock it. This extra protection will prevent someone from opening it and stealing something, no matter how much they want to.
This may not be the best option for you if you need access to the backpack for long periods during the day, but it has one of the highest levels of protection against theft.
3. Keep your backpack with you
Another way to protect your laptop is by keeping it with you at all times. This way, you know that it is always safe, and there’s no chance of it being stolen or damaged.
This cannot be easy to do if you are traveling and have a lot of luggage, but it is the best way to keep your laptop safe.
4. Label your backpack or luggage
Protect your laptop backpack or luggage is by making them easily identifiable. If you travel with several backpacks or suitcases, this may not be possible, but it is best to use a unique luggage tag that has your name and contact information on it to be returned if lost.
5. Be aware of the environment
The safest way to protect your laptop is by being aware of the security around you so that you can avoid dangerous situations.
When traveling in a foreign country, it may be challenging to determine which areas are safe and not, but being vigilant will prevent conflicts that may damage or steal your belongings. Be sure to store your backpack in a safe, out-of-the-way place while you aren’t using it.
6. Get insurance
If you are worried about protecting your laptop while traveling, you should purchase insurance or a protection plan so that you are covered if something terrible does happen. Many insurance companies offer travel insurance for laptops.
7. Back up your data
The last thing you want is to lose the data on your laptop. To protect yourself from this, be sure that all of your essential files are transferred onto a portable hard drive and kept somewhere safe until you need them again.
8. Update the security software
This software is an extra layer of security in case your laptop is stolen. Be sure that all of the software on your laptop is up to date. If you have an antivirus program, it’s good to have it scan your computer regularly for any threats.
9. Use VPN or trusted Wi-Fi
When in an unknown environment, it is best to avoid using unsecured networks. Instead, use a VPN or trusted wifi when using your laptop to secure the information you send across the network. Most users don’t use these options, so it is easier for hackers to gain access to your computer.
10. Use passwords
Ensure that all of your devices, including your laptop, are password protected. This will help to keep them safe from anyone who may try to access them without your permission.
How To Protect Your Laptop From Rainy Season
There are many different ways for your laptop to get wet on a rainy day. Here are some tips on making sure it does not get wet.
1. Use a water-resistant backpack
If you are someone who is constantly on the go and your laptop is at high risk of getting wet, then it might be a good idea to invest in a water-resistant backpack. These backpacks have a water-repellent coating that helps keep moisture out.
2. Use waterproof rain cover
The rain cover for the laptop bag is a thin transparent plastic sheet that covers your backpack. This thin plastic sheet is enough to keep water from seeping into your laptop case. This method of keeping the dry laptop works best during light or medium rainfall as it can easily get blown away in heavy rainfall conditions.
3. Use a waterproof sleeve or case
A waterproof laptop case can offer the highest level of protection against water. These cases are made from a thin but durable plastic material that will not allow any liquid other than pure water to get into the bag. This is the safest way of keeping your laptop dry while you travel or during light rainfall conditions.
4. Use silica gel packs
Silica gel packs are small packets that contain a chemical called silicon dioxide. These packets can absorb moisture and keep vapor from seeping into your laptop case, bag or backpack. Silica gel packs come in many sizes and can be used to protect all sorts of electronic devices such as laptops, cameras, and smartphones.
5. Use umbrella
Umbrella is a convenient tool to have when it starts raining. If you don’t have a plastic bag or water-resistant backpack, using an umbrella can be an excellent way to keep your laptop dry. Ensure that the umbrella is big enough to cover both you and your backpack.
FAQs
What size backpack do you need for your laptop?
The size of your laptop will determine the size backpack that you need. If you have a regular 13″ laptop, you will most likely fit into a pack with any variations ranging from 40-50litres. Mid-Sized laptop bags are usually considered anything below 55 liters for 25 or 36 liters. These ranges would start at 20-25 liters for those with really small laptops.
Can you put a laptop in a checked bag?
You can put a laptop in a checked bag as long as you comply with the airline’s baggage guidelines. Most airlines will allow you to bring your laptop as a carry-on provided that it is screened, documented, and meets the size dimensions permitted, which means that you should check their site or speak with an airport representative before traveling.
Conclusion
Protecting your laptop can be challenging, especially if you are constantly on the go. There are many different ways to keep it safe and dry while traveling, but not all will work in every situation.
A laptop is a precious device that contains important and confidential data. That’s why it is important to protect it from any unwanted damages. By using the methods mentioned above, you can ensure that your laptop is safe while inside a backpack.
Let us know if we missed anything, and feel free to share your thoughts and experiences regarding this topic.
