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The digital age has made laptops essential for high school students. A reliable laptop is a daily necessity, from online research to digital textbooks and collaborative projects. But lugging around a valuable piece of technology, along with textbooks, notebooks, and other essentials, requires a backpack up to the task. Finding the right one can feel overwhelming.
This review will objectively assess the pros and cons of three top-rated backpacks, specifically focusing on their suitability for the demanding life of a high school student who needs to safely and comfortably carry a laptop. We’ll examine key features, durability, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.
Finding the Right Laptop Backpack for High School
It was the first day of junior year, and Sarah felt confident. She’d carefully packed her new laptop, textbooks, and lunch. But halfway to school, the cheap strap on her old backpack snapped, sending her precious laptop tumbling to the pavement. The screen cracked, and Sarah’s day and semester started with a major setback. This is unfortunate, but all-too-common situation, shows that it is important to have a good backpack.
High school is more than just classrooms and homework. It’s about navigating crowded hallways, balancing extracurricular activities, and managing a heavier workload than ever before. Students need to carry a laptop, without the risk of breaking it. Furthermore, textbooks, and binders, are still a reality, placing significant strain on a backpack’s seams and zippers.
The weight of textbooks and school supplies can cause physical problems like back, neck, and shoulder pain.
The search for the “perfect” high school backpack isn’t just about finding something that looks good. It’s about protecting valuable technology. A quality backpack should offer more than just a basic laptop sleeve. A good choice will consider those points:
Dedicated laptop protection. It’s often overlooked that simply having a “laptop sleeve” isn’t enough. The compartment needs dedicated padding, ideally on all sides (including the bottom!), to protect against bumps and drops.
Spacious main compartment. A common misconception is that any large backpack will do. High schoolers often carry multiple large textbooks, binders, and notebooks, requiring a main compartment with ample structured space, not just overall volume.
Durable materials. The materials should be water resistant. This protects the laptop, textbooks, and other important papers from accidental spills or unexpected rain. Look for materials like nylon or polyester with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating.
Comfortable straps and back panel. Interestingly, many students focus on the internal organization and overlook the importance of comfortable, adjustable straps and a breathable back panel. These features are crucial for distributing weight evenly and preventing back pain, especially during long walks or commutes.
Organizational features. Having dedicated pockets for pens, pencils, calculators, phones, and water bottles. These smaller compartments prevent items from getting lost or damaged at the bottom of the bag. This also helps students quickly find their needs, saving valuable time between classes.
Top 3 High School Backpacks with Laptop Compartments
We’ve evaluated three popular high school backpacks – the JanSport Big Student, The North Face Recon, and the Herschel Supply Co. Retreat – against the abovementioned key criteria. Each backpack offers a dedicated laptop compartment, but their strengths and weaknesses differ in ways that are crucial for high school students. This table will provide a direct comparison to help you see which best fits your needs.
| Criteria | JanSport Big Student Backpack | The North Face Recon Backpack | Herschel Supply Co. Retreat Backpack |
| Is the laptop compartment truly separate and padded on all sides, including the bottom? | Good: Features a dedicated 15-inch laptop compartment, but padding is more substantial on the sides and back than the bottom. Users may want to add extra padding for maximum protection. | Excellent: Offers a dedicated, lie-flat laptop compartment with ample padding on all sides, including the bottom. The fleece lining adds extra scratch protection. The checkpoint-friendly design is a bonus for frequent travelers. | Good: Includes a padded, fleece-lined 15-inch laptop sleeve. While it offers decent protection, it’s integrated into the main compartment and doesn’t offer the same level of separation and bottom padding as a dedicated compartment. |
| How effectively does the backpack distribute weight, even when fully loaded with textbooks and a laptop? | Good: Two large main compartments help distribute the weight of books and other essentials. The ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps provide decent comfort, although they may not be as breathable as other options. | Excellent: The FlexVent suspension system, with its injection-molded shoulder straps and padded mesh back panel, is specifically designed for comfort and weight distribution, even under heavy loads. The sternum strap adds extra stability. | Fair: While the padded shoulder straps offer some comfort, the overall design doesn’t prioritize weight distribution as much as the other two. The straight-cut straps may dig in under heavy loads. |
| Does the backpack offer enough structured space for multiple large textbooks, binders, and laptops, preventing them from shifting and becoming disorganized? | Excellent: With its two large main compartments and numerous organizational pockets, the Big Student provides ample structured space to keep everything organized. The front utility pocket with organizer keeps smaller items easily accessible. | Good: While it has a large main compartment, the overall design is more streamlined than the JanSport, potentially making it slightly less accommodating for multiple very large textbooks and a bulky laptop. | Fair: The single main compartment offers decent overall volume but lacks the other two’s internal dividers and structured organization, making keeping textbooks and binders neatly arranged harder. |
| Beyond basic water resistance, does the backpack offer any features specifically designed to protect electronics from the elements? | Fair: The 600-denier polyester fabric offers basic water resistance, but it’s not specifically designed for heavy rain or spills. Users in wet climates may want to consider an additional rain cover. | Excellent: The durable, water-resistant fabric and zippers protect the elements well. The laptop compartment’s design also helps to shield the laptop from rain. The DWR (durable water repellent) finish adds an extra layer of protection. | Good: The Retreat is constructed from durable polyester and offers decent water resistance for light rain. However, it lacks the specialized water-resistant features of The North Face Recon. The flap-top closure, while stylish, may not be as weatherproof. |
JanSport Big Student: Best Classic Durability
Perfect For: Meet Alex, a busy high school junior juggling AP classes, soccer practice, and a part-time job. Alex needs a backpack that can handle a heavy load without falling apart, and organization is key to staying on top of everything.
The JanSport Big Student has long been a favorite among high school students, and for good reason. Its enduring popularity stems from its simple yet effective design and its reputation. As we saw in the comparison table, the Big Student excels in providing ample, structured space, making it ideal for carrying multiple textbooks, binders, and a laptop. While its laptop compartment offers good protection, the padding on the bottom could be improved.
The Big Student’s strengths lie in its two large main compartments, which allow for efficient weight distribution and prevent items from shifting around. The numerous organizational pockets, including a dedicated front utility pocket, help keep smaller items easily accessible. The ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps provide decent comfort, although they aren’t as advanced as those on more specialized backpacks.
One potential weakness is the basic level of water resistance. While the 600-denier polyester fabric can handle light rain, it’s not designed for heavy downpours. Students in wet climates might want to consider an additional rain cover. The aesthetic is also classic and may not appeal to students looking for a more modern or stylish design. While generally durable, the zippers are standard and lack the reinforced stitching found on some premium models.
The JanSport Big Student remains a solid choice for high school students prioritizing durability, capacity, and organization. It’s a workhorse backpack that can handle the demands of a busy academic life, though users may want to take extra precautions in wet weather or if maximum laptop protection is a top concern.
The North Face Recon: Best for Comfort and Protection
Perfect For: Meet Maya, a style-conscious high school sophomore who walks to school daily and participates in several clubs. Maya needs a comfortable and protective backpack for her laptop, and she also appreciates a sleek, modern design.
The North Face Recon distinguishes itself with its superior comfort and laptop protection. As the comparison table highlighted, the Recon’s FlexVent suspension system, with its injection-molded shoulder straps and padded mesh back panel, is specifically engineered for weight distribution and breathability. This makes it an excellent choice for students who have long walks to school or carry heavy loads.
The dedicated, lie-flat laptop compartment is another standout feature. It offers ample padding on all sides, including the bottom, and is fleece-lined to prevent scratches. The checkpoint-friendly design is a bonus for students who travel frequently. Furthermore, the Recon’s durable, water-resistant fabric and zippers provide excellent protection from the elements. A detail often overlooked is the reflective bike-light loop, adding a layer of safety for students who walk or bike in low-light conditions.
While the Recon offers a large main compartment, its more streamlined design might be slightly less accommodating for multiple large textbooks than the JanSport Big Student. The focus is more on balanced organization and comfort rather than sheer volume.
Overall, The North Face Recon is excellent for high school students prioritizing comfort, laptop protection, and a modern aesthetic. It’s a well-rounded backpack that blends functionality with a premium design.
Herschel Supply Co. Retreat: Best for Style and Everyday Use
Perfect For: Meet Liam, a high school senior who values style and wants a backpack that reflects his personality. Liam carries a laptop and a few essentials, but doesn’t typically haul a huge load of textbooks.
The Herschel Supply Co. Retreat is undoubtedly the most stylish of the three backpacks. Its classic, minimalist design and signature striped fabric liner have made it popular among high school and college students. The Retreat offers a padded, fleece-lined laptop sleeve, providing decent protection. However, it’s integrated into the main compartment and doesn’t offer the same level of separation as a dedicated compartment.
The Retreat’s main strength lies in its aesthetic appeal and everyday usability. It’s a great choice for students with a moderate load who prioritize style. The magnetic strap closures with metal pin clips add a touch of sophistication, although they may not be as secure as zippers. A subtle design element that often goes unnoticed is the contoured shoulder straps, which, while not as heavily padded as the Recon’s, are shaped for a comfortable fit.
However, the Retreat’s focus on style comes with some trade-offs in terms of functionality. The single main compartment lacks internal dividers, making it harder to keep items organized. The straight-cut shoulder straps, while padded, may not distribute weight as effectively as the ergonomic designs of the JanSport or North Face.
The Herschel Supply Co. Retreat is a solid choice for high school students who prioritize style and everyday usability over maximum capacity or specialized features. It’s a trendy backpack with decent laptop protection and a comfortable carry for moderate loads.
Which Laptop Backpack is Right for Your High School Life?
The value proposition of each backpack differs significantly. The JanSport Big Student, often found around $50, is comparable to the cost of a few school lunches, offering excellent value for its durability and capacity. The North Face Recon, at a higher price point (around $100), is akin to the cost of a good pair of running shoes, reflecting its focus on comfort and premium features. The Herschel Retreat, typically priced around $80, is comparable to a nice dinner out, highlighting its emphasis on style and design.
- JanSport Big Student: Best for the workhorse student – Alex, who needs maximum capacity and durability for a heavy academic load.
- The North Face Recon: Best for the comfort-conscious commuter – Maya, who prioritizes comfort, laptop protection, and a sleek design.
- Herschel Supply Co. Retreat: Best for the style-minded student – Liam, who wants a trendy backpack for everyday use and moderate loads.
Ultimately, the “best” backpack depends on individual needs and priorities.
Ready to make your choice? Explore these top picks:
- Shop the JanSport Big Student – Classic Durability and Capacity
- Shop The North Face Recon – Superior Comfort and Protection
- Shop the Herschel Supply Co. Retreat – Stylish and Trendy Design
FAQ: High School Laptop Backpack Essentials
How can I ensure my high school backpack with a laptop compartment offers enough protection?
Look for dedicated compartments with padding on all sides, including the bottom. Consider adding a padded laptop sleeve for extra protection, especially if your backpack’s built-in padding is thin.
What’s the best way to organize my high school backpack with a laptop compartment to prevent back pain?
Distribute weight evenly by placing heavier items (like textbooks) closest to your back. Utilize internal compartments and pockets to keep items from shifting.
Is a waterproof high school backpack with a laptop compartment necessary?
While complete waterproofing isn’t always essential, water resistance is highly recommended. Look for durable, water-resistant fabrics and consider a rain cover for extra protection in wet weather.
Is an expensive high school backpack with a laptop compartment worth it?
It depends. You have to consider durability.
How often should I replace my high school backpack with a laptop compartment?
It depends on the quality of the backpack and how heavily it’s used. Inspect your backpack regularly for signs of wear and tear, such as frayed seams or broken zippers. A well-made backpack should last for several years.
Read Also: School Backpacks.