The best backpack for college will have to pull a lot of weight. It has to protect your delicate laptop on the way to class, house gym clothes, and even double as a carry-on for trips back home during school breaks.
So it’s essential to find a backpack for school that can help you do the heavy lifting comfortably and stylishly (of course!). We suggest looking for a roomy bag with plenty of organizational compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve (we’ve also got cool laptop backpacks if you’re looking for some). Wide, cushioned straps and back panel padding can help distribute the weight evenly and provide ample back support. Depending on where you live, you may also want to opt for a backpack constructed with water-resistant materials to keep all your school gear safe.
You won’t have to worry about finding the right pick, though, because there are plenty of styles, colors, and types to choose from. And we selected the most popular backpacks according to customer reviews and student-loved picks on TikTok. Yes, there are the same good old classics—like Jansport and North Face—you relied on in your younger years. But some fashion brands—like Patagonia and MZ Wallace—are also creating plenty of ultra-cool, luxe options that still happen to be highly functional. There are also tons of budget-friendly backpacks on Amazon.
Whether you prefer a sophisticated leather backpack, a solid black quilted number, or a more durable water-resistant canvas, these are the 23 best backpacks for college students.
Our top picks:
- Best overall college backpack: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack, $75
- Best backpack for college students with laptops: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack, $138
- Best North Face backpack: The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack, $75
- Best backpacks for college guys: Jansport The Rightpack, $64
- Best backpacks for college girls: Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack, $140
This backpack has one of the broadest ranges of colors and designs on our list, and you can’t go wrong with any. You’ll also find multiple compartments, including two mesh tech sleeves for laptops and tablets and a zippered front pocket for easy access to essentials like your dorm key card. Best of all? You can toss the whole thing in the washing machine for a quick refresh.
Pros:✓Available in many colors and prints ✓ Machine washable
Cons: ✓ Some wish it was bigger
Color(s): 61 (varies by retailer)
Size: 7.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches
Materials: 100% Cotton
Review: “This bag is great! You have pockets upon pockets! You will not run out of room with this one. It’s very sturdily made and has held up with my heavy water bottles, too! I love having the option to carry so many different items such as a laptop/tablet, but the pocket is flat enough that you wouldn’t be burdened by the extra fabric/weight if you aren’t using it.”
Need one of the best North Face backpacks? Step right up and reach for this campus-ready choice. Perfect for those needing ample storage, this roomy 28L backpack includes two external water bottle pockets, a padded internal laptop sleeve (up to 15 inches), and extra zippered pockets inside. It stands upright on its own, so you can effortlessly load and unload it. It’s also endorsed as ergonomic by the American Chiropractic Association. (That means it’s extra comfortable to carry.)