Laptop Backpacks for Work in the UAE: PRESIDENT vs American Tourister vs DELSEY

A work backpack needs to carry more than a laptop. There is the charger you cannot leave behind, the bottle you reach for during your commute, and the smaller essentials that become frustrating when they disappear into one large compartment.

Choosing between PRESIDENT, American Tourister and DELSEY becomes easier when you compare specific models against that daily routine. Price, empty weight, pocket layout and luggage attachment can make a more useful difference than the brand name alone.

This guide compares nine laptop backpacks listed at SHONATI, explains their practical differences and helps you decide which features deserve a place in your budget.

Quick Answer: Where Should You Start?

For a budget below AED 100, start with the PRESIDENT models in this comparison.

For a larger laptop, look at the DELSEY Esplanade 17.3-inch model.

For carrying a laptop alongside a tablet, compare the DELSEY Element Navigator with the American Tourister BASS.

If your workday regularly includes a rolling suitcase, check for a trolley sleeve or luggage attachment. If you mainly carry a laptop and a few essentials, give equal attention to the backpack’s empty weight and how much space you actually need.

These are starting points based on published specifications. Your final choice should match your device, belongings and preferred way of carrying them.

How We Compared These Backpacks

We used the model-specific product specifications published by SHONATI, together with matching official brand information where available. The recommendations below interpret those specifications for everyday work and commuting.

Weights are published product weights, not measurements from a SHONATI weighing test. Laptop screen-size labels describe the stated compatibility range; they do not confirm the fit of every device in that range.

This comparison covers selected SHONATI models, rather than every backpack made by the three brands. It does not assign durability or comfort scores from unperformed tests.

Prices checked: 1 October 2026. Prices shown include VAT. Prices, colours and availability may change. Check the linked product page for the current offer and available variant.

Nine Work Backpacks at a Glance

Source: the individual model listings linked in the table, with matching official brand information where available. Published weights are product specifications and should not be interpreted as measurements taken from each physical bag.

Before choosing by laptop size: the “18” in a PRESIDENT model reference should not be treated as a guarantee that an 18-inch laptop fits.

For device measurements, sleeve clearance and protective cases, use our laptop backpack fit guide.

Use the exact model name when comparing features. Product images are not to scale; a laptop’s dimensions matter as well as its screen label.

PRESIDENT: Comparing the Options Under AED 100

BPP24939: The Lowest Price in This Comparison

The PRESIDENT BPP24939 Executive Laptop Backpack is listed at AED 79. Its published features include laptop storage, several compartments, an external USB connection and a luggage attachment.

That makes it worth considering when purchase price is your first filter and you want an organised bag for work.

The trade-off is its listed 0.9 kg empty weight. It also needs a device-specific fit check: the nominal backpack size should not decide the purchase. Confirm the colour of the selected variant before ordering.

Consider it when: you want the lowest-priced model here and its layout meets your needs.

Compare another option when: reducing the backpack’s own weight is a higher priority.

BPP6957/18: A Lower Published Weight at AED 99

The PRESIDENT BPP6957/18 has a published weight of 600 g. Listed features include four compartments, five pockets, USB and Type-C connections, a mesh back panel and side mesh storage.

At the checked prices, it costs AED 20 more than the BPP24939 while weighing 300 g less according to their listings.

This is a useful comparison if you want to limit empty bag weight before adding your equipment. It does not establish which bag feels more comfortable when loaded.

Consider it when: you want multiple compartments at a budget price and place particular value on lower published weight.

BPP6959/18: Compare Its Shape and Layout With the 6957

The PRESIDENT BPP6959/18 is also AED 99, with a published weight of 800 g. Its listed equipment includes four compartments, USB and Type-C connections, padded adjustable straps and side mesh storage.

Its published outer measurements differ from the 6957, but those measurements do not establish usable laptop sleeve space.

With the price equal, the useful question is whether the 6959’s shape and arrangement suit your belongings better. If both meet your needs equally, the 6957 has the lower listed empty weight.

Consider it when: its compartment layout and physical shape suit the items you carry.

Compare the three PRESIDENT layouts with the items you reach for during your working day. These are the original product views.

American Tourister: Amber or BASS?

Amber: Organisation and a Smart Sleeve

The American Tourister Amber 15.6-inch Laptop Backpack combines an internal organiser, inner mesh pocket, front pocket and bottle holder. Its Smart Sleeve allows attachment to a compatible suitcase handle.

At approximately 0.8 kg, it is the lighter of the two American Tourister models here. The listed outer dimensions are approximately 45 × 31 × 18 cm.

Consider it when: your routine involves a laptop, smaller accessories and occasional travel with rolling luggage.

Compare another option when: you specifically want the BASS model’s listed tablet storage and suspension feature.

Amber’s litre capacity is not used in this comparison because we do not have a sufficiently consistent model-specific figure for it.

BASS: Device Organisation With a Higher Empty Weight

The American Tourister BASS 15.6-inch Laptop Backpack lists separate laptop and tablet storage, 1680D polyester fabric and the brand’s Tractum Suspension feature.

Official information for model TI6*09102 gives a capacity of 23 litres and a weight of 1.1 kg. This is the BASS Backpack AS; it should not be confused with the separate AT Work model offered in a colour called Bass Black.

At the checked prices, BASS costs AED 60 more than Amber and has approximately 300 g more empty weight.

Consider it when: its device organisation and carrying-system design address something you need.

Compare another option when: you mainly want a lighter bag for basic office equipment. The suspension feature alone does not prove greater comfort for every wearer.

The BASS interior uses the actual product-gallery photograph. Objects shown inside illustrate the layout and are not confirmed as included with purchase.

DELSEY: Choosing Between Esplanade and Element

Esplanade 47cm: A Starting Point for Everyday Office Carry

The DELSEY Esplanade 47cm is listed with a 15.6-inch laptop compartment, two main compartments, an organiser and trolley compatibility.

Its published specifications include recycled polyester construction, approximately 26 litres of capacity and a weight of approximately 0.7 kg. Its external dimensions are 47 × 32 × 17 cm.

At AED 179, it is worth comparing when you want organised office storage and the ability to attach your backpack to rolling luggage.

Consider it when: your device fits its stated range and you prefer the smaller Esplanade format.

Compare another option when: you need the larger model’s stated laptop compatibility or additional storage.

Esplanade 17.3-Inch: More Space, With a Larger Footprint

The DELSEY Esplanade 17.3-inch Laptop Backpack lists a padded laptop compartment for devices up to 17.3 inches, two compartments and a trolley attachment.

Its published external dimensions are 51.5 × 37 × 18 cm, with approximately 34 litres of capacity. It is priced at the same AED 179 as the smaller Esplanade in this comparison.

The larger format deserves attention if your work setup needs more room. However, a larger backpack can be unnecessary when you carry only a compact laptop and a small accessory pouch.

Consider it when: you need the larger stated laptop range or more general storage.

Check carefully: a thick gaming laptop still needs a body-dimension and opening check, even when its screen size falls within the stated range.

Element Navigator: Separate Device Storage and Accessible Side Pockets

The DELSEY Element Navigator lists storage for a laptop up to 15.6 inches and a tablet up to 9.7 inches. Its organisation includes front pockets, two mesh side pockets and compression straps.

It also provides a trolley attachment and a USB connection, with the external battery explicitly excluded.

At AED 239 and approximately 0.7 kg, it is a candidate for people who carry several devices and want designated places for smaller work items.

Consider it when: tablet storage, accessible side pockets and the listed connection features would be useful every week.

Compare another option when: those extras add little to your routine. The lower-priced Esplanade may already cover your requirements.

Element 45cm: An Alternative Pocket Arrangement

The DELSEY Element 45cm Laptop Backpack is also AED 239. Its listed features include two main compartments, an organiser, front pockets, two zipped side pockets and trolley compatibility.

Its published weight is approximately 0.78 kg, with external dimensions of approximately 45 × 35 × 20 cm.

The useful comparison with Navigator is the arrangement of storage: zipped side pockets may suit small items you want enclosed, while open mesh pockets offer a different access style.

Consider it when: you prefer this pocket layout and external shape.

Check carefully: zipped side pockets should not automatically be treated as bottle holders. Confirm the pocket size against whatever you intend to carry.

The Navigator and Element 45cm have different side-pocket layouts. Compare the exact model with how you organise your daily essentials.

What Does Spending More Actually Give You?

A higher price only helps when the additional features solve a problem in your routine.

For someone travelling between an office and an airport, a luggage attachment may be useful frequently. For someone carrying both a laptop and a tablet, separate device storage may matter more. Someone who carries a charger and a notebook might gain little from extra specialist pockets.

Use three questions before moving up your budget:

1. Which feature am I paying extra for?
2. How often will I use it?
3. What trade-off comes with it — weight, size or cost?

A more expensive model will not necessarily be lighter, fit a larger laptop or have more usable space. Those are separate specifications.

Equally, do not treat a feature missing from a specification sheet as proof that the bag lacks it. Ask about the exact model when that detail would change your decision.

Compare published empty weight separately from laptop fit, storage and comfort under your own daily load. The tilde marks approximate values.

Match the Backpack to Your Working Day

A Short Commute With Office Essentials

Start by listing what you actually carry: laptop, charger, phone, keys, notebook and perhaps a bottle.

A large capacity figure should not be the goal by itself. Look for an arrangement that lets you remove your charger or notebook without unpacking everything else.

Shortlist two bags that meet your device requirements, then compare their empty weight, shape and access.

Metro Journeys and Walking Between Buildings

Think about the full journey, including time spent standing and carrying the bag away from air-conditioned spaces.

Check whether the straps adjust comfortably, whether the packed bag projects farther behind you than you want, and whether frequently used items are easy to reach.

Mesh and padding describe construction features. They do not establish that a backpack will prevent sweating or remain comfortable for every wearer.

A Laptop, Tablet and Several Accessories

Separate device storage is useful when you want to keep equipment organised. Also check what happens to the remaining space after adding your charger, mouse and accessory pouch.

A long pocket list does not necessarily mean the interior suits your equipment. The location and shape of those pockets matter.

Office Equipment Plus Lunch or Gym Items

Consider the space needed after the laptop compartment is occupied. A rigid lunch container or a pair of shoes may need an uninterrupted section that smaller accessory pockets cannot provide.

Keep food and liquids appropriately contained and separated from electronics. Do not assume that a general work backpack includes insulated or leakproof storage.

Work Trips With a Suitcase

Look for a confirmed trolley sleeve or luggage attachment and check compatibility with your suitcase handle.

Consider how you will use the backpack once attached: can you reach your documents, and does the arrangement remain stable with your usual load?

This is also where buying a larger bag “just in case” can become inconvenient. Choose the space your working trip requires.

Match the Amber’s published features to your work trips. This editorial airport illustration is based on its product photograph and does not establish airline baggage acceptance.

Laptop Fit: Make This Check Before Ordering

A laptop’s screen measurement is only the starting point. Devices with the same screen size can have different body widths, depths and thicknesses.

Measure the laptop with any protective case you normally use. Compare those measurements with the usable laptop compartment and its opening wherever those dimensions are available.

The external dimensions of the whole backpack are not the dimensions of its laptop sleeve. Capacity in litres cannot answer the fit question either.

Our 15.6-inch and 16-inch laptop backpack fit guide explains the measurements and checks in detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which brand should I choose for a work backpack?

Choose the model that matches your budget, device and carrying needs. In this selection, PRESIDENT provides the lowest-priced options, while the American Tourister and DELSEY models offer different combinations of device storage, organisation and travel features.

The recommendation changes with the exact model; it should not be applied to an entire brand.

Will a 16-inch laptop fit a backpack labelled 15.6 inches?

Sometimes, but the label alone cannot confirm it. Check the laptop’s complete body dimensions, the usable sleeve space and the opening. Include any protective case in those measurements.

Does a USB backpack charge a phone by itself?

A connection port does not supply power. It needs a compatible power source and cable. The Navigator listing explicitly excludes the external battery; power-bank inclusion is not confirmed for the PRESIDENT models discussed here.

A Type-C connector also does not, by itself, establish fast charging or USB Power Delivery support.

Are these backpacks waterproof?

Do not assume waterproof performance from the material name, padding or appearance. Check the exact model’s stated water protection. Where it is described as water-resistant, do not treat that as a guarantee against prolonged rain or immersion.

For the PRESIDENT 6957 and 6959, SHONATI’s public descriptions use water-resistant wording.

Is a lighter backpack always more comfortable?

No. Empty weight is one factor. Fit, strap adjustment, load placement and the belongings you carry also affect the experience.

Use published weight to compare how much weight the bag adds. Assess loaded comfort separately.

Can I use the same backpack for work and travel?

Yes, if its storage and carrying arrangement suit both uses. A trolley attachment can be useful alongside a suitcase.

If you intend to take the backpack into an aircraft cabin, check your airline’s current allowance for the booking; a laptop compartment does not make a bag automatically cabin-approved.

Use these six checks to connect the specifications to your own working day.

Choose Your Work Backpack With SHONATI

Start with your laptop and everyday essentials, identify the features you will regularly use, and compare the exact models that meet those needs.

Explore our laptop bags and backpacks online, or visit SHONATI in Sharjah, beside City Centre, and at Wafi Mall, Dubai.

Bring your laptop and usual protective case if you would like to check compatibility in person.

For a particular model, colour or size, contact SHONATI to confirm availability at your preferred location before visiting.