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An L.L. Bean backpack and JanSport backpack laying on a table surrounded by school supplies and apples. Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

Best Backpacks for College, High School Students of 2023

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An L.L. Bean backpack and JanSport backpack laying on a table surrounded by school supplies and apples. Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi

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Product image of The North Face Borealis
Best Dual Purpose

The North Face Borealis

The North Face Borealis backpack has many features that work well for the classroom and the outdoors. Read More

Pros

  • Stand-up design
  • Features a sternum strap and removable waist strap
  • Bungee compression system

Cons

  • None we could find
Product image of JanSport Main Campus
Classic Pick

JanSport Main Campus

An affordable backpack from a trusted brand, the JanSport Main Campus has a large capacity and a secondary compartment with an organizer panel. Read More

Pros

  • Padded laptop compartment
  • Wide range of colors and patterns

Cons

  • Mesh water bottle pocket
Product image of Fjällräven Kanken Laptop 17"
Trendiest

Fjällräven Kanken Laptop 17"

A trendy backpack, this Fjällräven Kanken also is functional for college and high school students. Read More

Pros

  • Trendy and fashionable
  • Fits up to 17-inch laptop
  • Trusted backpack brand

Cons

  • Limited color selection
  • Pricey
Product image of Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L
Cleanest Design

Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L

A chic backpack, the lululemon Everyday Backpack can make the transition from high school to college to the workplace. Read More

Pros

  • Stylish
  • Water-repellant design
  • Fits up to 16-inch laptop

Cons

  • Available only in three colors
Product image of Matein Big Matein Mlassic Backpack
Best Oversized

Matein Big Matein Mlassic Backpack

The MATEIN is extremely popular on Amazon, with 4.7 stars on more than 85,000 ratings. Read More

Pros

  • Multiple sizes available
  • Affordable
  • Plentiful space

Cons

  • Mesh water bottle pocket
  • Some complaints about zippers

Backpacks are for more than just carrying books and a laptop around campus. The best backpacks can reflect the style of the student who is lugging them—but they need to be more than a fashion statement.

High school and college backpacks should be functional and designed to help students succeed in the classroom. In addition to padded laptop compartments and dedicated space for water bottles, the best backpacks should also have the organization elements that help students stay on top of their schoolwork, including big front pockets for school supplies, interior pockets, and plenty of space to carry school books. (They should also have padded straps so overstuffed bookbags don’t cause back and shoulder pain.)

When shopping for backpacks, don’t overlook your students’ outside interests, either. Some of the best backpacks on the market are specially designed with these interests in mind, whether they be sports, travel, hiking, or something else. (Outdoorsy students may want to consider the North Face Borealis (available at The North Face) , which has features that work both in the classroom and on a hike.) Regardless of what your student is interested in, their backpack should be durable because teenagers and young adults are notoriously hard on things.

We researched popular and top-rated backpacks from the best brands so the college student or high schooler in your life can return to campus organized, comfortable, and ready to learn. Here are our favorite backpacks for college and high school students.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Credit: Reviewed / North Face

The North Face Borealis backpack would be great in the classroom and the outdoors.

Best Dual Purpose
The North Face Borealis
  • Dimensions: 19.5 x 12 x 6.5 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 28 liters

The North Face Borealis is ideal for the classroom and the great outdoors. It has a large main compartment for books and binders, and the laptop compartment can fit up to a 15-inch laptop. This bag, which has a stand-up design so it’s easy to pack, features a sternum strap, removable waist strap, and a bungee compression strap system, which are great when students want to hit the hiking trails or go camping.

What reviews say: “My niece is a freshman in college and has used this backpack for four years, and it is still holding up well. No tears or holes,” wrote one customer. “When my middle school daughter's other backpack broke three weeks into the school year, I told her to research a sturdy backpack. The research led her to The North Face Borealis school laptop backpack. This backpack is spacious for a laptop, books, and everything else that is needed for school.”

Pros

  • Stand-up design

  • Features a sternum strap and removable waist strap

  • Bungee compression system

Cons

  • None we could find

Credit: Reviewed / JanSport

The Jansport Main Campus backpack has a padded laptop compartment and is available in many colors and patterns.

Classic Pick
JanSport Main Campus
  • Dimensions: 17 x 12.5 x 7 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 32 liters

Jansport is synonymous with backpacks for good reason. The company has been building quality backpacks for more than 50 years. The brand continues this tradition with the Main Campus style, which features an extra-large capacity, padded straps, and a dedicated padded compartment that fits up to a 15-inch laptop. It has a large main compartment and a secondary compartment with an organizer panel.

What reviews say: “I was looking for a new backpack for school that could hold my laptop, a few binders/notebooks, and a textbook or two all without being super bulky. This is the backpack I was looking for! Plenty of room for all of my supplies, and it's comfortable and stylish. You can't go wrong with Jansport!” wrote one happy buyer.

Pros

  • Padded laptop compartment

  • Wide range of colors and patterns

Cons

  • Mesh water bottle pocket

Credit: Reviewed / Fjallraven

The Fjallraven Kanken 17-inch laptop backpack is trendy while also being functional.

Trendiest
Fjällräven Kanken Laptop 17"
  • Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.8 x 7.1 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 20 liters

Fjallraven Kanken backpacks are always trendy, and this one is no different. But it’s also functional for college and high school, with a padded compartment that fits up to a 17-inch laptop, padded straps to comfortably carry heavy loads and enough space inside for everything the student in your life needs to succeed.

Although the Kanken is stylish and comfortable, it’s important to note that it’s one of the smaller backpacks in this guide.

What reviews say: “When my backpack for college stopped zipping properly, I figured I'd splurge on/invest in a Kanken. … I went for this so it would comfortably fit my MacBook Pro in the laptop pocket, and it does with a couple inches of room to spare,” wrote one reviewer, who rated her purchase a 10 out of 10 overall.

Pros

  • Trendy and fashionable

  • Fits up to 17-inch laptop

  • Trusted backpack brand

Cons

  • Limited color selection

  • Pricey

Credit: Reviewed / Lululemon

Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 can easily make the transition from high school to college to the workplace.

Cleanest Design
Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L
  • Dimensions: 16.5 x 11.4 x 5.9 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 23 liters

This stylish Lululemon backpack easily makes the transition from high school to college to the workplace. Available in three colors, the Everyday Backpack 2.0 is water-repellant and has an exterior padded pocket that fits up to a 16-inch laptop. With its external and internal pockets, this bag makes it a breeze to stay organized.

What reviews say: “I really wanted a more compact backpack with a specific compartment for my laptop and tablet. This ended up being perfect because it has lots of pockets that are pretty spacious, and the interior has good built-in pockets that fit my calculators and other small things,” wrote one reviewer who said the backpack was perfect for college. “I can even fit a sweatshirt or a set of clean clothes in the main one along with my notebooks.”

Pros

  • Stylish

  • Water-repellant design

  • Fits up to 16-inch laptop

Cons

  • Available only in three colors

Credit: Reviewed / Matein

This Matein backpack is among the most popular on Amazon.

Best Oversized
Matein Extra Large Backpack
  • Dimensions: 19 x 13.8 x 7.8 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 35 liters

This Matein backpack is perfect for school and travel—and it’s available at a value price. Available in 14-inch, 15.6-inch, 17-inch, and 18-inch options, you can get the right size for your needs. College and high school students, though, may want to check out the 17-inch. It easily fits the notebooks, books, and other essentials you’ll need for class. There’s a reason this backpack is the No. 1 best-selling backpack on Amazon.

What reviews say: “The backpack has many compartments, and the main one is spacious enough to fit your computer and a 2- to 3-inch binder plus three notebooks. The straps don't dig into your shoulder and distribute weight across your back,” wrote one of the 70,000+ buyers who gave this backpack five stars on Amazon.

Pros

  • Multiple sizes available

  • Affordable

  • Plentiful space

Cons

  • Mesh water bottle pocket

  • Some complaints about zippers

Product image of Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack
Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack
  • Dimensions: 17.5 x 12 x 7.25 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 27 liters

The Everlane Renew Transit Backpack is another great pick for students who also want to travel. It features a 15-inch exterior laptop pocket, so your computer is easily accessible during class or a flight. It also has two internal slip pockets, an external water bottle pocket, an internal water bottle pocket, and two zip-closure pockets, perfect for school essentials or passports and plane tickets.

What reviews say: “After a thorough search for the perfect school and travel backpack that would meet all of our daughter’s needs, we discovered this perfect treasure! She finally outgrew her previous travel backpack that we purchased for her when she was 8 years old (she is now 14 years old),” said one mother who says this bag is perfect for high school and college travels. “... Great job! I may now need to get me one because it is so nice!”

Pros

  • Stylish

  • Easy-access laptop compartment

  • Two water bottle pockets

Cons

  • Pricey

  • Limited color choices

Product image of L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Pack , 30L
L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Pack , 30L
  • Dimensions: 18.75 x 11.75 x 10 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 30 liters

The L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Pack fits up to a 15-inch laptop in its padded sleeve, has a built-in organizer panel with zippered pockets, and has water pockets that hold up to 32-ounce bottles. This backpack is designed with ergonomics in mind, with a rigid back panel with extra padding, mesh straps, and an adjustable sternum strap. With a body made from 300-denier ripstop polyester, 420-denier ripstop nylon, and an extra-durable 1,000-denier nylon bottom, it’s built to last.

What reviews say: “We wanted a backpack that was large enough for my son’s school laptop and enormous binder, as well as water bottles. This one fits it all. The straps are comfortable, and I like the look of it,” said one 5-star reviewer.

Pros

  • Ergonomic design

  • Adjustable sternum strap

  • Body made of durable materials

Cons

  • Some complaints about straps

Product image of Adidas Prime 6
Adidas Prime 6
  • Dimensions: 20.25 x 12.5 x 11 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 37 liters

The Adidas Prime 6 is ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward, well-fitting backpack that’s good for school, sports, or even a hike. The back and the shoulder straps are well padded, thick, and adjustable. It fits up to a 15-inch laptop, and there are three larger storage pockets and two smaller ones. There is also a pouch for a phone or items you want to keep in a safe place.

What reviews say: “I highly recommend this bag for any high school/college students or people in sports,” wrote one 5-star Amazon reviewer. “It holds lots of items and lots of school books. I love this bag for my traveling competitions, and it stores so much.”

Pros

  • One year warranty

  • Many pockets

Cons

  • Few design choices

Product image of Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
  • Dimensions: 17.5 x 12.25 x 6.5 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 25 liters

Made with 100% recycled material, the Herschel Pop Quiz features padded straps, a spacious interior, and fits up to a 15-inch laptop in its floating sleeve. One of our writers fell in love with her Pop Quiz, calling it a “blessing in my life.” After years of use, she was still amazed by the “incredible Mary Poppins-esque depth” of the exterior accessories pouch. “That is where the magic happens, keeping smaller items from getting lost in the main compartment, yet holding so many of them,” she writes.

What reviews say: “I bought the navy color of this backpack about two years ago, and have been using it as my main backpack since,” wrote one 5-star reviewer. “I love it. It is stylish and extremely well-built. I have had absolutely no rips or zipper failures or seams coming loose. I have used it at internships in a professional environment, or strolling to class on campus.”

Product image of Kenneth Cole Reaction Women's Chelsea Bag
Kenneth Cole Reaction Women's Chelsea Bag
  • Dimensions: 16 x 10 x 7.5 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 28.7 liters

The Kenneth Cole Reaction Travel backpack combines the style of a designer tote with the comfort of a backpack. It has a padded laptop pocket that fits up to a 15-inch laptop, a front pocket with organizers for tablets, notebooks, and chargers, and a compact design that helps the bag hold a lot more than it looks.

What reviews say: “I’ve had this backpack for three years, and it still looks like the day I received it,” said one woman who recommends the backpack. “Perfect for school—both high school and college—and traveling. It also really has a lot more space than you think. There’s especially many pockets and zippers to keep all your things organized.”

Product image of Under Armour Gameday 2.0 Backpack
Under Armour Gameday 2.0 Backpack
  • Dimensions: 19.7 x 12.8 x 9.6 inches (height x width x depth)
  • Volume: 33.5 liters

The Under Armour Gameday is another good pick for a student involved in sports. The back of this bag is stiff and sturdy, and so are the straps. The well-padded laptop compartment fits up to a 15-inch laptop. The laptop pocket is tight and soft, making it very supportive of electronics. Any sports enthusiast will love its water-resistant finish and abrasion-resistant bottom panel.

What reviews say: Everything about this backpack is perfect. Not too big, not too small. very well constructed, too. I use mine for a gym bag on my motorcycle, although any student would love it for school on campus.

Pros

  • Classic look

  • Sturdy construction

  • Supportive tablet sleeve

Cons

  • Few design options

  • Stiff straps

What You Should Know Before Buying a School Backpack

A good school backpack is essential for students, but not all backpacks are created equal. Here are some things to consider when purchasing a backpack for college or high school.

Design

While some students are looking for cute backpacks and others are looking for cool backpacks, in many cases, there’s more to design than just how a backpack looks.

One of the first things to look at with backpacks are the straps. There’s no getting around the fact that a student’s backpack is heavy. When looking for a backpack for college or high school, it’s vital that the straps be well-padded. To help ease the burden, you can also look for a backpack with a hip belt or waist strap.

Also, straps should fit comfortably on the shoulders and be adjustable so they fit right, no matter how tall or short your student may be. It’s especially important with high school backpacks, as students use their lockers less frequently than in the past.

Laptop Compartment

Don’t forget to make sure that your student’s laptop fits the backpack you’re considering, and that the laptop compartment is well-padded. While all of our backpack recommendations have laptop compartments, there is a range in sizes.

Considering how important a laptop is to school success—and how rough high school and college students can be on things—you might also want to invest in a quality laptop sleeve for extra protection.

Organization

On the inside, make sure a backpack has enough compartments so that a student can be organized, but not so many that it’s hard to find what they’re looking for.

Also important are side pockets and front pouches—these should be large enough to hold what students need on a daily basis, including school supplies. These exterior pockets should also be easily accessible.

Water Bottle Pockets

A dedicated space for a water bottle is a must in a backpack. However, just because a backpack has a water bottle holder doesn't mean that it fits all sizes. It’s worth double checking to make sure that the backpack you're planning to purchase accommodates your favorite water bottle—there’s a big difference between a standard Hydro Flask and a Yeti Rambler.


Meet the testers

Jaclyn Greenberg

Jaclyn Greenberg

Contributor

Jaclyn Greenberg lives with her husband and three children on the East Coast. She writes about her experiences parenting as well as challenges related to accessibility and inclusion.

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Ben Yoder

Ben Yoder

SEO & Updates Editor

@Reviewed

A journalist for more than two decades, Ben Yoder uses his news, editing, and search experience to help consumers find the best products possible as an SEO & Updates Editor with Reviewed. Based in Iowa, his work has appeared in the Des Moines (Iowa) Register, HawkCentral, and Cyclone Insider, among other websites.

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