Best School Backpacks – Top Picks & Reviews

Think about your daily routine. Are you hauling tons of textbooks? Do you need to protect a laptop? Are you constantly between classes, extracurriculars, and a part-time job? Your backpack needs to fit your life. Consider following:

• High School Student: Demands a durable backpack with a laptop sleeve and ample space for heavier loads. You’re likely carrying multiple textbooks, notebooks, gym clothes, or sports gear. Don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable, well-organized bag.
• College Student: You should prioritize a spacious backpack with a dedicated laptop compartment, comfortable straps, and organizational features. You might carry your laptop, textbooks, and supplies across a large campus all day.

Consider what a typical day looks like, and make sure your backpack can handle it:

• General School Use: Focus on backpacks with ample storage and comfortable carrying. You’ll need space for textbooks, notebooks, and everyday essentials. Look for a bag that distributes weight evenly to avoid back strain.
• Sports/Athletics: Look for backpacks with dedicated compartments for sports gear and water bottles. A separate, ventilated compartment for shoes or sweaty clothes is a huge plus. You might also want external straps for carrying larger items like a ball or helmet.
• Arts/Music: Consider backpacks with specialized compartments for art supplies or musical instruments. Look for features like padded dividers, straps to secure items, or oversized pockets for sheet music or sketchbooks. Water resistance is a plus if you are carrying artwork.
• Technology-Focused Studies: Prioritize backpacks with padded laptop sleeves and organizational pockets for tech accessories. Your laptop’s safety is paramount, so ensure the sleeve is well-padded and fits your device snugly. Plenty of pockets for chargers, cables, and other accessories are also essential.
• Extracurricular Activities: Choose backpacks with versatile storage and easy access to frequently used items. You need a bag to adapt to your changing needs throughout the day. Quick-access pockets and multiple compartments are your friends.
• Minimalist: Choose a lightweight backpack with enough capacity to carry essentials. Think about a streamlined design with just enough space for your laptop, a notebook, and key items, often in the 15-25 liter range.

Think about your surroundings and how they impact your backpack choice:

• Urban Campus/School: Prioritize backpacks with anti-theft features and sleek designs for crowded environments. Lockable zippers, hidden pockets, and slash-proof materials can help protect your belongings. A low-profile design can also make navigating crowded hallways and public transportation easier.
• Large, Spread-Out Campus: If you walk long distances between classes, comfort is KEY. Look for padded straps, a supportive back panel, and a sternum strap or hip belt.
• Small, Compact Campus: You can get away with a smaller, lighter backpack. Since you won’t walk long distances between classes, you can prioritize a streamlined design over maximum capacity and heavy-duty support.
• Rural Schools: Opt for durable backpacks that can withstand outdoor elements and rougher terrain. Water resistance and sturdy materials are important considerations. You might also want a bag that can be tossed around a bit.
• Commuter Student: If you’re driving, taking the bus, or biking to school, consider how your backpack will fit in your car, on public transport, or your bike.
• Schools with Long Commutes: Choose backpacks with comfortable straps and ample storage for long journeys. The bag should comfortably carry everything you need for the day, including snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Weight distribution is crucial for avoiding back pain.
• Schools with Locker Restrictions: Consider slim backpacks that fit easily into lockers. Avoid overly bulky bags with many external attachments. If possible, measure your locker dimensions to be certain.
• Schools with Strict Dress Codes: Choose backpacks that adhere to school guidelines regarding colors and designs. Before you buy a backpack, make sure it meets any specific requirements. This will save you the hassle of having to return it later.

A standard backpack is a basic, everyday bag with one or two main compartments and a front pocket. It’s a solid, all-around choice if you don’t have specialized needs, such as carrying a lot of gear or requiring extra security. Standard backpacks come in various sizes to accommodate different loads. Consider them if you want a simple, reliable bag and don’t carry a laptop daily.

Yes, a laptop backpack is essential if you regularly carry a laptop. It features a dedicated, padded sleeve to protect your device from bumps and scratches. These backpacks also include extra pockets for organizing chargers, mice, and other accessories. This is the best way to keep your expensive technology safe.

With its wheels and telescoping handle, a rolling backpack can be a good option if you consistently carry heavy loads and your school allows them. They take the weight off your back but can be bulky and difficult to use in crowded spaces. Check your school’s policy before choosing this option, as some restrict or ban them. Be mindful of stairs and crowded hallways.

An anti-theft backpack offers built-in security features to deter thieves. These can include lockable zippers, RFID-blocking material to protect your credit card information, and slash-proof fabric. If you’re concerned about security, especially in crowded areas or on public transportation, this backpack provides extra peace of mind.

A water-resistant backpack is highly recommended in an area with frequent rain or snow. These backpacks are made from materials that repel water, protecting your books, notes, and electronics from getting soaked. Light rain can damage your belongings, so this feature is crucial for protecting your investment.

An ergonomic backpack is specifically designed to prioritize comfort and support your back. It features padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a contoured back panel (often with lumbar support), and sometimes a sternum strap or hip belt. These features distribute weight evenly and reduce strain, making it a great choice if you have back problems or regularly carry heavy loads.

A duffel backpack is a versatile bag that combines the features of a duffel bag and a backpack. It can be carried by handles like a duffel or worn on your back using shoulder straps. These bags are often very durable and offer a large, open main compartment, making them suitable for carrying bulky or oddly shaped items.

Mini backpacks are very small and primarily designed for carrying just a few essentials, like a phone, wallet, and keys. They are unsuitable for carrying textbooks, laptops, or other school supplies. For most high school and college students, a mini backpack is not a practical choice for everyday school use. It’s best to avoid them for your daily needs.

The right size depends on how much you need to carry. Consider the number of textbooks, notebooks, and other items you might carry on a typical day. High school and college students often need larger backpacks (around 25-35 liters or more) than middle schoolers. Please don’t get a bag that’s too big, though, as it can be uncomfortable and unwieldy.

Look for durable, water-resistant, and lightweight materials. Nylon and polyester are popular choices because they’re strong, resist tearing, and can withstand some rain. Consider a fully waterproof backpack if you live in a very wet climate.

Padded shoulder straps are essential for comfort, especially when carrying heavy loads. A padded back panel can also make a big difference. A sternum strap (a strap that goes across your chest) helps distribute weight evenly and prevents the straps from slipping. Some backpacks even have hip belts for extra support.

Organization is very important, especially for high school and college. Look for a backpack with multiple compartments and pockets to organize your books, notebooks, pens, phone, and other essentials. Dedicated pockets for specific items (like a water bottle pocket or a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses) are also helpful.

Check the material (nylon and polyester are good choices), and look for reinforced stitching, especially on the straps and bottom of the bag. Sturdy zippers are also a sign of quality. Read reviews from other students to see how the backpack holds up over time.

Even an empty backpack has some weight, depending on your load. Choose a lightweight backpack to minimize strain on your back and shoulders. A lighter bag gives you more flexibility to carry what you need without exceeding a comfortable weight.

Reflective strips or panels are important for visibility, especially if you walk or bike to school in the dark. Sturdy zippers are also a safety feature, making it harder for someone to quickly open your bag without you noticing.

A dedicated laptop compartment is a must if you carry a laptop daily. This compartment should be padded to protect your device from bumps and impacts. Ensure the compartment is the right size for your laptop – a snug fit is best to prevent it from sliding around.