I have several 'tactical' bags that may fit your needs. If you want I'll take some pictures tonight.

That would be very helpful, thanks.

"Under $100" isn't going to get you a high quality, laptop-protective backpack.

That said, take a look at Mountainsmith. The Grand Tour lists at $99.95

https://mountainsmith.com/grand-tour-backpack.html

Osprey

Camelback

We have one each and both are very comfortable and Practical.

Whichever one fits you the best is best.

The two bags I have that work with a laptop are a bag from Yukon and one from 511. The 511 is a messenger style bag and may not suit your needs.

Yukon bug out bag.

511 Rush Lima.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:

quote:

Originally posted by Kevmo:
After much trial and error I discovered the North Face Surge about 5 years ago and it has been, by far, my go to bag every since.

It is airline friendly, has a ton of room, lots of pockets and compression straps

I need something with a good bit more laptop space- this Dell is gigantic compared to slim machines.

Look at the TNF Router It's their largest laptop pack, at 40L, it's a LOT of backpack. Just make sure if you do purchase its from their Fall'18 assortment as the padding/straps in prior styles are mushy and crap.

A well made, solid backpack with laptop sleeve and multiple pockets under $100 is virtually impossible. That's like looking for a well made pair of shoes under $85 or, a quality 2-man tent under $200, you go below those price thresholds and compromises are made in material, construction and design. Zippers are expensive, good zippers cost even more. Zippers mean pockets, pockets mean more stitching time and extra material, what kind of material do you want: acceptable, good or, excellent.

There's a few others out there to consider:
Marmot Monarch 34

Timbuk2 Jet 30

Thule Crossover 32

Whatever you decide to buy, I'd recommend you test the zippers thoroughly to make sure it doesn't catch easily on the fabric. I have a North Face that is built with light weight rip stop nylon and it's very difficult to zip open without snagging the fabric. You have to be slow and deliberate manipulating the fabric away from the small zipper teeth. Mine also has several small pockets, but I'd say too small to really be useful.

For years I was a weekly flier carrying a monster laptop bigger than yours. I used a Slappa Koa. Very large and roomy.

Great for air travel as it zips open and lies flat on the xray belt so you don't have to get the laptop out.

Very dependable it took about 3 years of almost weekly travel for one of the zippers to start coming loose from the moorings.

Amazon has them for $130 so just a bit outside your price range but worth the extra dough.