Choosing the right Knack Pack starts with understanding your laptop’s actual size, form factor, and how it fits into a backpack’s laptop pocket. Screen size alone doesn’t always tell the full story, especially when brands round measurements up or down.
This guide is designed to help you understand how laptop measurements work, why form factor matters, and how to confidently determine which Knack Pack your laptop will fit in. If you already know your laptop size and are ready to compare backpacks and travel bags designed for that size, you can browse Knack bags by laptop size in our guide to find the right laptop backpack for you.
Knack Packs: Great Laptop Backpacks for All Size Laptops
The Knack Team is 100% remote so we understand the need for a tech backpack with lots of padded compartments for laptop protection as well as your other tech gear. We designed each size Knack Pack with a separate, padded laptop pocket that zips closed to keep your laptop safe. Read on to understand how to know if your laptop will fit into the Knack Pack you are thinking about.
MORE >> The Best Backpack for Traveling with Tech
Understanding Laptop Measurements
Once you understand how laptop measurements and form factor work, the next step is applying that knowledge to real-world bag fit. Knack Packs are designed around pocket openings and device dimensions, not just labeled screen size.
If you want to skip ahead and compare bags built specifically for your laptop size, you can explore Knack bags by laptop size here. Otherwise, read on to see how different laptops fit into each Knack Pack size.
First off, a word about laptop measurements. In general, when a specific laptop claims to be “X inches”, or has a screen size of “X inches”, usually the measurement refers to the length of a diagonal line running from the outside edge of one corner of the screen to the outside edge of the opposite corner. Additionally, some laptop brands round this measurement up and some round it down so it becomes challenging to know if a laptop fits simply by using the manufacturers’ claimed size. Therefore, it's critical to understand the laptop's form factor when considering fit into a Knack's laptop pocket.
The Importance of Laptop Form Factor
Laptop screen size alone doesn’t determine fit. What really matters is your laptop’s form factor, or the combination of its height, width, and depth.
Here’s why form factor matters when choosing a laptop backpack:
- Laptop pockets are designed around the zipper opening, not just the internal space
- Laptops are inserted diagonally, which means overall shape matters more than screen size
- Two laptops with the same screen size can fit very differently depending on thickness and edge design
For example:
- A 15.6 inch laptop may still fit into a pocket with a 15 inch opening
- This works when the laptop’s total length and depth slide in without pressure
- That’s why screen size alone isn’t always enough to determine fit
- How Knack approaches fit:
Each Knack Pack is hand-tested using full laptop dimensions, not just listed screen size
Height, length, and depth are all factored in to ensure accurate guidance
This reduces guesswork and helps prevent forcing a laptop into a tight pocket
Once you understand the form factor, choosing the right bag becomes much simpler. If you’re ready to compare backpacks and travel bags designed for your laptop size, you can explore options on our Shop by Laptop Size page.
MORE >> Must Have Features in Your Tech Travel Backpack
Below, we break down how popular laptops fit into each Knack Pack size based on real device dimensions and form factor. This section is meant to help you confirm fit, not force a decision.
For a faster way to choose between backpack styles, capacities, and use cases, the Shop by Laptop Size page offers a streamlined comparison.
Small Knack Pack: Our 13 Inch Laptop Backpack
We start off our list with popular laptops that fit the laptop pocket in the Small Knack Pack. You can also view all of the bag's details and specs .
The Knack Small Laptop Backpack is designed to fit up to a “13 inch” laptop or tablet (measured diagonally). Some laptops are a little bit over that measurement so we’ve marked those 13 inch laptops that will be a tight squeeze with a double asterisk (**).
Here is a list of popular laptops that will fit in the Small Knack Laptop Backpack:
- Acer Swift 3 13.5"
- Acer Chromebook Spin 13.5"
- ASUS ROG Flow 13.3"
- ASUS Zenbook 13.3"
- Dell XPS 13
- Google Pixelbook Go **
- HP Elite Dragonfly 13.3"
- HP Envy x360 13.3"
- HP Spectre x360 13.5
- Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5i 13.3" **
- Macbook Air (13.3")
- Macbook Pro 13"
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 13.5 **
- Pixelbook Go 13.3" **
- Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 13.3"
The Small Knack Pack is a great tech backpack for professionals looking to pack light on a daily basis, but who still want room for a change of clothes in the bag's expandable luggage compartment. If you’re looking for a bit more room, consider the Medium Knack Pack (discussed below).
Medium Knack Packs: Our 15 inch Laptop Backpacks
Next up are the popular Series 1 and Series 2 Medium Laptop Backpacks , perfect for the professional who carries a good amount of items with them every day, and has a “15 inch laptop”. If you’re shopping for a 15-inch laptop backpack , these bags are designed to give you the right balance of space and organization.
Once again, since some laptops are a little bit over 15 inches, we’ve marked laptops that will be a tight squeeze with a double asterisk (**).
Here is a list of popular laptops that will fit in Knack Medium Laptop Backpacks:
- Acer Predator Triton (15.6") **
- ASUS Vivobook 14"
- Asus Vivobook 15.6" **
- ASUS ROG Zephyrus G15 **
- Dell Inspiron 15 **
- Dell Latitude 14"
- Dell Latitude 15.6" **
- Dell Vostro 16" **
- Dell XPS 15 **
- HP - Elitebook 14"
- HP-ENVY x 360 15.6"
- Lenovo IdeaPad 1 14"
- Lenovo ThinkPad 14"
- MacBook Pro 15"
- MacBook Pro 16" **
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 15"
- Samsung Galaxy 2 15.6"
We are often asked if the new MacBook Pro fits in Medium Knack Packs so we wrote an article specific for MacBook Pros to answer all your questions: Does a Knack Medium Laptop Backpack fit the 16" MacBook Pro?
Testimonial: "Better than I expected. Fits everything and more! Perfect fit for my new MacBook Pro 16” - Robert T. ( Series 2 Medium )
Medium Knack Packs are the go-to bag for commuting professionals who also want to pack gear for the gym or a 2-3 business trip. See how Knack Medium Laptop Backpacks are the best business backpacks for busy professionals . But if you’re looking for a bit more room, consider one of our Large Knack Packs (discussed below).
Large Knack Packs: Up to 17-Inch Laptop Backpacks
Last – but never least! – are our Knack Large Laptop Backpacks , designed to hold up to 17 inch laptops. Unexpanded, these laptop backpacks holds up to 30 liters of gear, clothes and whatever else you must have with you every day. When the expandable luggage compartment is expanded, it can hold up to 46 liters and 3 or more changes of clothes.
Below, we’ve shared what laptops will fit in the computer pocket of our Large Knack Laptop Backpacks:
- Acer Predator 16"
- ASUS Vivo Book 16"
- Asus TUF Dash F15 15.6"
- Dell XPS 17 (9720). 17"
- Dell Inspiron 16"
- Dell Vostro 16"
- HP Victus 15.6"
- HP Spectre 16"
- Lenovo Legion 16"
- Lenovo Legion S7 15.6"
- LG 2023 Gram Ultralight 17"
- MacBook Pro (16")
See all of the product specs for the Large Knack Pack tech backpack .
Will a 17 inch laptop fit in a backpack?
A 17 inch laptop, with typical dimensions of around 15" long x 10" height x 1" deep will fit in a backpack with a 17 inch laptop pocket opening, but you should never try to squeeze a 17 inch laptop into a laptop pocket that is any smaller. This is because doing so can put unnecessary pressure on your laptop and can stretch out your bag.
Knack Pack Hack: Tablet Sleeve in Main Compartment
Fun Fact: not all Knackpackers put their computer in the laptop compartment. Many choose instead to put it in the tablet sleeve in the main compartment. This is also a great solution for people who have to carry a work and personal laptop, needing two separate spots, or for people who love their Knack expandable backpack but find the computer pocket opening to be a bit small for their laptop.
Why Knack is the Ultimate Companion for Tech
Want to do a bit more research on Knack Packs and the technology they can carry? Check out our reviews page for testimonials and experiences from real Knack customers . Ready to shop now? Explore our collection of best-selling expandable Knack Packs .
Laptop Backpack FAQs:
Can you fit a 17-inch laptop in a 15-inch bag?
In most cases, no. A 17-inch laptop is typically too large for a 15-inch backpack and forcing it into a smaller pocket can strain both the laptop and the bag.
For proper protection and long-term durability, it’s best to choose a backpack designed specifically for your laptop’s size and overall dimensions.
What are the differences between a 15-inch and a 17-inch laptop backpack?
The difference goes beyond screen size. A 17-inch backpack being larger and able to accommodate larger laptops. These backpacks also tend to offer more overall capacity, making them better suited for extended travel or heavier daily carry. However, there may also be differences in padding, compartments, and other features designed specifically for each size.
What is the proper way to measure my laptop's size?
Laptop size is measured diagonally across the screen, from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. However, this measurement alone doesn’t determine fit. This will give you the size of your laptop, such as 13 inches, 15 inches, or 17 inches. To ensure your laptop fits comfortably, it’s also important to consider the device’s width, height, and thickness, especially if you use a case or sleeve.
Can a 15.6-inch laptop fit in a 15-inch backpack?
Sometimes, but not always. It's possible that a 15.6-inch laptop could fit in a 15-inch backpack, but it's best to check the dimensions of both to ensure a proper fit. Keep in mind that a backpack specifically designed for a 15.6-inch laptop may provide better protection and organization than a backpack meant for a smaller size. When in doubt, choosing a backpack designed for a slightly larger laptop size offers more reliable protection and ease of use.
What if my laptop is between sizes or doesn’t fit cleanly into one category?
You’re not alone. Many modern laptops fall between standard size labels. In these cases, checking full device dimensions and considering how you carry your bag day to day can help narrow the right option.
Our Bag Finder Quiz is a quick way to double-check fit and get a recommendation based on laptop size, travel habits, and carry style.
How will you use your expandable backpack? We love to hear how you plan to use - or have used - your Knack Pack for work, travel, and everyday life. So share your stories and adventures with us on social media: tag @KnackBags and use the #KnackBags when you take your Knack on journeys.
