20 Best Backpacks for College – 2024
July 21, 2024
Best Backpacks for College – Admittedly, when we first think of college supplies, we often think about textbooks, laptops, notebooks, pens, highlighters, etc. However, the best way to transport these materials should not be overlooked. There鈥檚 no doubt about it: A reliable backpack is a college essential.
A good backpack can be a lifesaver for students constantly on the go. Between classes, internships, jobs, and sports practice, a reliable backpack can make lugging heavy materials easier and less painful. Especially if the bag will be used daily, finding a practical one that won鈥檛 wear over time is a must for any college student.
Plus, the best backpacks for college are not only sturdy but also a staple for any student’s wardrobe. Striking the balance between a fashionable accessory and a comfortable, durable bag can be tricky. Luckily, we are here to help.
How to Choose the Best College Backpacks
When considering the best college backpacks up for the challenge of busy student life, you must consider several factors. First, it鈥檚 important to determine what you need from your backpack and how you plan to use it.
Some students may be looking for a daily, catchall bag. Something roomy enough for textbooks, snacks, a water bottle, and then some. Or, the backpack may have a singular purpose鈥攎ade just for carrying a laptop or gym equipment.
However, some students may want a separate, smaller bag dedicated just to their internship or job. In this case, a sleeker, more professional-looking bag will do the trick.
To better help you find the best backpacks for your specific needs, we have arranged our choices by category.
Best College Backpacks For Laptops
If you are looking for laptop advice look here: 10 Best Laptops for College Students
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Do you plan on carrying a laptop to class? If so, it must be helpful to find a backpack with a designated laptop compartment. In fact, there are even bags specifically designed to carry just your laptop!
The is one such bag. Priced at $125, this bag is available in a variety of colors and is designed to accommodate a laptop up to a 17-inch screen width. However, the bag is also available in 13-inch and 15-inch sizes, for less cost, if you don鈥檛 need as much room.
The benefits of this bag are its compact and iconic style. With an enduring and easily recognizable look, this backpack doesn鈥檛 sacrifice comfort for style.
However, the side pockets on this bag are not spacious, and the bag itself has an 18-liter capacity. This is worth noting if you like to carry a water bottle or need your backpack to transport large textbooks. This bag is best for light to medium-weight loads.
Best College Backpacks For Laptops (cont鈥檇)
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Another great backpack made for safely transporting laptops is the from Timbuk2. Priced at $159, this backpack looks sharp while keeping your tech safe. At 20 liters, this backpack is perfect for those who are tech-oriented and need to transport lots of tech accessories. With top marks for organization, this bag offers many secure pockets for extra storage.
For example, this bag has no problem carrying keyboards, chargers, a laptop, and a tablet. Plus, there鈥檚 even room to spare for your personal items. Additionally, this bag is designed to be compacted when you鈥檙e not carrying as much, which can be helpful for daily use.
3)
A bit pricier option, but extremely durable and stylish, is the . At $245, this bag offers a lightweight and waterproof fabric, lining, and zippers. Made with a breathable back panel and front valuables pocket, this bag is also big enough to store a 17-inch laptop.
If you鈥檙e worried about the price, it might also reassure you to know that this bag comes with a 5-year guarantee. Ultimately, you are paying for a sturdy, quality bag that also looks elegant without compromising on practicality.
Best College Backpacks for Everyday Use
If you鈥檙e looking for a reliable bag for daily use, then you have several suitable choices.
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If you鈥檙e looking for a larger backpack that still remains comfortable and stylish, then you might want to check out the . Priced at $109, this bag not only comes with a removable laptop sleeve, but also is much larger, at a 26-liter capacity.
Ideal for students who need to haul heavier loads on a daily basis, this backpack is designed to evenly distribute weight with its adjustable straps. Plus, this bag earned high marks for comfort and storage. With several separate compartments, two water bottle pockets, and a vertical zipper, this backpack also earned high marks for organization.
As an added bonus, this bag is also waterproof!
5)
A campus classic, the is likely a bag you鈥檝e seen before. Available in a variety of colors of patterns, and even some limited-edition patterns, this bag is priced at $65. Additionally, the bag is available in three sizes, allowing for a maximum 30-liter capacity.
This bag is spacious. If you need your backpack to carry not only your school supplies but also your personal items, like your wallet, headphones, and workout gear, this bag has you covered.
While it does not have a ton of internal organization, it does offer a laptop sleeve, which can accommodate a 15-inch laptop.
Best College Backpacks for Everyday Use (cont鈥檇)
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If you鈥檙e looking for a slighter smaller but still sturdy backpack for everyday use, then you should check out the . At a 20-liter capacity, this bag is priced at $110.
This backpack offers a laptop compartment and is incredibly lightweight at just over one pound. Complete with a water bottle pocket, mesh shoulder straps, and two large compartments, this bag would be ideal for large hauls across campus.
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The might be another great option for everyday use. At $65, this bag is available in 6 colors with a padded back panel and laptop sleeve which fits 13-inch devices. If you鈥檙e looking for a casual backpack for daily use, then this could be a good fit.
Complete with a water bottle holder, this bag offers great organization storage. There鈥檚 even a third compartment that can be used for your phone, sunglasses, or other slim items. Overall, this is a large bag to accommodate all your items at a 28-liter capacity. This makes it a perfect choice for a large and reliable everyday bag.
Best College Backpacks for Professional Use
Maybe you need a bag specifically to take with you on job interviews, to use only for your internship, or even to take to conferences and other professional meetings.
8)
One of the best backpacks for college students aiming for a more sophisticated look is the . Priced at $149, this bag is designed with comfort in mind for easy travel. With top marks for organization, this bag features several compartments for storage, including water bottle pockets. Plus, it can fit up to a 16-inch laptop.
At a 14-liter capacity, this bag is sleek and uniform, making it the perfect companion on any professional endeavor.
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Another bag with a mature, professional look, is the . At $95, this bag is compact, stylish, and environmentally friendly, made from 100% recycled polyester!
If you鈥檙e looking for something on the smaller side, then you鈥檒l be happy to know this bag is 15 inches. It鈥檚 light and adjustable which makes it easy to travel with and to wear on the go to and from work. Plus, the bag offers an exterior laptop pocket, so carrying your personal belongings is both comfortable and easily accessible.
10)
Another bag made from recycled materials, the is another good option for professional use. Priced at $139, this bag presents a clean and modern look. With a 22-liter capacity, the bag is big enough to hold a 16-inch laptop, charger, and mouse.
However, it is important to note that this bag comes with one, main compartment. For students looking to have their items organized into separate spaces, this bag is not designed for multi-pocket use.
Best College Backpacks for Weatherproofing
Maybe you plan on attending a school in a particularly rainy or snowy climate. If keeping your classroom materials safe and dry is important to you, then you might want to check out one of the best backpacks for college known for its weatherproofing.
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With a simple and pleasant design, the backpack is as comfortable as it is stylish. At $75, this bag comes in two sizes: 16 and 25 liters.
This bag is large enough to haul your classroom materials while keeping your items dry. Lightweight and durable, this bag is also great for everyday outdoor use. Plus, you can keep your laptop secured with the bag鈥檚 padded laptop base.
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If weatherproofing is important to you, then you might also want to check out the . At $185, this bag comes in four color options and is designed with both travelers and students in mind. With a laptop compartment and internal organizer, this bag will keep your items both safe and secured.
Plus, at 20 liters, this bag is a good size for long walks across campus. This makes it a multipurpose backpack, one that you can use daily between classes and also while traveling!
Best College Backpacks for Sports
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If you are a student-athlete looking the best backpacks for college to take with you to the gym or practice, then look no further. The is a 19-liter bag specially designed for storing workout essentials, priced at $149. Large enough to keep your uniform and a spare change of clothes, this bag is functional without the bulk. Plus, particular to this style of bag, there鈥檚 even a separate compartment for your shoes.
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The same company also designs the for $179. If you鈥檙e looking for a slightly larger bag, this backpack holds 21.4 liters. With exterior water bottle pockets and a ventilated shoe compartment, this bag is both durable and allows for maximum organization.
While these bags are a bit pricier, it鈥檚 because they are designed especially for athletes. Plus, they include special features that regular backpacks do not, like an antimicrobial lining. Even if you鈥檙e a student who frequents the gym on your way home from school or work, these backpacks could prove extremely useful.
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Another backpack with a sportier design is the , priced at $98. At 22 liters, this bag comes in only one color, black, but is still stylish and perfect for you to take to the gym. Designed with a water-repellant fabric, this bag features a water bottle pocket and even a laptop compartment to store a 15-inch device.
Best Backpacks for College 鈥 Other Picks
Some of these backpacks may have fit into more than one category. Or, perhaps you鈥檙e looking for even more general, everyday use backpacks to choose from. Here are our other picks for the best backpacks for college students:
16)
- Price: $75
- Colors: 9 options
- Features: 16-inch laptop sleeve, two water bottle pockets, water resistance
17)
- Price: $99
- Colors: 14 options
- Features: 28 liters, bungee straps, body made with recycled fabric
18)
- Price $85
- Colors: 5 options
- Features: 16-inch laptop sleeve, front panel stretch mesh pocket, small zip pocket, scratch-resistant lining
19)
- Price: $189
- Colors: 4 options
- Features: iPad and 16-inch laptop sleeve, soft-lined sunglasses pocket, 3-year warranty
20)
- Price: $99
- Colors: 8 options
- Features: Nice organization, easy-to-attach exterior gear, water bottle pockets
Best Backpacks for College 鈥 In Review
As you can see from this list, there are many great options to transport your school materials from class to class. But when it comes to finding the best college backpack, the decision is mostly determined by how you intend to use the bag. Ultimately, your class, job, and/or sports practice schedules will determine the best backpack for your needs.
While some might not think of a backpack as a priority when shopping for college essentials, the right bag can make life on campus that much easier. Finding a backpack that鈥檚 versatile and dependable can make a world of difference for busy college students on the go!
20 Best Backpacks for College Students 鈥 Additional Resources
