The Best College Backpacks for All Needs & Budgets
Reviewed by Huzaifa HaroonYour backpack is undoubtedly your closest companion throughout your college journey, carrying all your essentials with ease and style. Beyond simply transporting your gear—though that remains its primary function—it also serves as an excellent way to express your personal style and identity.
For this reason, it is essential to choose a backpack that is versatile and unmatched in terms of comfort, durability, and style. With the market flooded with choices, this curated guide is designed to streamline your search and help you discover the perfect backpack tailored to your specific needs and preferences.
What Makes a Good College Backpack?
Selecting the best college backpack requires careful consideration of specific factors that can help you narrow down your options effectively. The following criteria are designed to guide you toward backpacks that offer outstanding value and meet high demand. Explore these important elements to ensure you find the optimal backpack for your college experience.
1. Price
Your budget is a vital starting point. Aim for a backpack that delivers significant value for its price. While a higher cost does not always guarantee better quality, it’s important to select an option that aligns with both your budget and personal preferences. Fortunately, many affordable backpacks offer a balance of quality, features, and aesthetics.
Keep in mind that higher-priced backpacks often include additional features and enhanced durability; however, price alone should not dictate your decision.
2. Comfort
Comfort and ergonomic design are critical in determining the right backpack for you. No matter how feature-rich a backpack is, it loses its appeal if it is uncomfortable to carry around campus. Look for features such as well-padded shoulder and back panels, adjustable straps, and chest or waist belts, all of which dramatically improve carrying comfort.
Inspect these elements carefully before making a purchase. Not only do they contribute to a more pleasant carrying experience, but they can also significantly improve your posture and balance throughout the day.
3. Capacity
The storage capacity of a backpack determines how many items it can accommodate and directly impacts the weight you will carry. Choose a size that offers ample space for your daily essentials, but avoid overly large backpacks that may encourage you to carry unnecessary weight, which can lead to long-term discomfort or health issues.
In essence, the capacity should be suited to your body type and the items you regularly bring to class, enabling efficient organization without overloading yourself.
4. Features
A backpack’s design and features are equally important. With so many innovative upgrades available, it’s wise to opt for a bag that suits your personal style while also offering practical elements like extra compartments, laptop sleeves, hidden pockets, and other organizational aids.
Such enhancements boost the backpack’s utility and allow you to keep everything organized and easy to access. Always choose options that fit your lifestyle and preferences, ensuring both efficiency and style.
5. Quality
The construction of your backpack indicates its overall quality and expected lifespan. The type of materials used, such as robust fabrics or leather, strongly affects durability. High-quality materials ensure that your backpack can withstand daily wear and tear and last through years of college use.
Therefore, always examine the quality of the fabric, leather, zippers, and stitching before purchasing. You can also extend your backpack’s durability through routine cleaning and maintenance, keeping it looking and functioning like new.
7 Best College Backpacks – Our Top Picks
Whether you spend long hours on campus, commute straight to your workplace after class, need extra space for your essentials, or want a backpack that reflects your reputation, there is a perfect solution for every need.
1. The North Face Borealis Backpack
Best All-Day Comfort
Pros
- Lightweight & comfortable to carry all-day
- Multiple compartments for various storage options
- Women-specific Flexvent backing
- U-pull zippers
- Bungee cord system for additional storage and compression
- Padded sections for laptops/tablets/etc.
Cons
- Takes time to get used to the waist strap
Check PriceCollege life demands a backpack that excels in quality, utility, and design, but never at the expense of comfort. The North Face is celebrated for its top-tier, durable products, and the Borealis Backpack upholds this reputation.
With an array of organized compartments for a laptop, tablet, water bottles, stationery, and even clothing, this backpack prevents your load from becoming overwhelming or disorganized. If you find yourself needing to carry more, the bungee cord system offers adjustable storage and a secure fit, while the padded chest straps and hip belt distribute weight for maximum comfort.
Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for its Flexvent suspension system, the Borealis emphasizes ergonomic features, including padded shoulder straps, a rounded back panel, and comfort-driven stitching. Move confidently throughout your day—this backpack is engineered to keep you comfortable wherever you go.
↪ Specifications
- Dimensions: 5.75 inches (depth) x 11 inches (width) x 18.74 inches (height)
- Capacity: 27 liters
- Weight: 1.15 pounds
- Price: $99
2. Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack
Best Budget
Pros
- Water-repellent & durable
- Separate mesh slots for your smaller belongings
- Side pockets for storing water bottle
- Affordability at its best
Cons
- Not very stylish
For college students aiming to stay within budget without sacrificing quality, the Carhartt Classic Laptop Backpack is a standout option. It proves you do not need to spend a fortune to get reliable performance and practical features.
This straightforward and functional design includes a dedicated laptop compartment, mesh pockets for your phone, wallet, and other small items, and convenient side pockets. Made from water-repellent polyester, it ensures your belongings remain protected against the elements. It is a prime choice for students who seek “maximum value at minimal cost.”
↪ Specifications
- Dimensions: 6 inches (depth) x 12 inches (width) x 17.5 inches (height)
- Weight: 1.5 pounds
- Capacity: 27 liters
- Price: $59
3. Nordace Siena Backpack
Best Smart and Versatile
Pros
- Plenty of pockets for maximum organization plus an anti-theft zippered one
- Ergonomic shoulder straps
- Built-in USB charging port
- Soft and resilient materials
Cons
- Not very durable
If you need a backpack that transitions seamlessly from campus to the workplace, the Nordace Siena Backpack is an ideal choice. Its modern, versatile look ensures it performs as well in class as it does in professional environments.
Noteworthy features include a rear anti-theft compartment for safe travel and a built-in USB port, perfect for students who rely on tech devices. Multiple pockets support effective organization and quick access to your essentials—whether you’re heading from lectures to work or traveling across campus.
↪ Specifications
- Dimensions: 6.03 inches (depth) x 11.04 inches (width) x 16.54 inches (height)
- Weight: 1.9 pounds
- Capacity: 19 liters
- Price: $109
4. Eastpak Padded Double Backpack
Best Street Style
Pros
- Water-resistant polyester material
- Padded Double’s soft straps for added comfort
- Phone/sunglasses pocket
Cons
- Cannot carry large water bottles
Style matters just as much as functionality during your college years. The Eastpak Padded Double Backpack merges a fashionable, street-inspired look with lasting comfort, making it ideal for those who want their accessory to reflect their unique vibe.
Its main features include a spacious compartment, elasticized slip pocket, two zipped front pockets, a concealed back pocket, and a cozy phone or sunglasses pocket with soft lining. The padded shoulder straps ensure comfortable carrying, providing more convenience for everyday needs.
The only limitation is the single, relatively small water bottle pocket, which may not fit larger bottles or distribute weight as evenly. Nonetheless, it remains a stylish and practical option in its price range.
↪ Specifications
- Dimensions: 18.5 inches (height) x 11.2 inches (width) x 8.3 inches (depth)
- Weight: 1.18 pounds
- Capacity: 24 liters
- Price: $65.00
5. Herschel Little America Backpack
Best Storage
Pros
- Two internal side pockets for extra storage
- Easily expandable & collapsible
- Padded backside for comfort
- Magnetic strap closures
Cons
- Little overwhelming for shorter back
If you tend to carry a substantial load and prefer to keep everything in one place, the Herschel Little America Backpack is an excellent choice. Its capacious main compartment and extra pockets provide the flexibility to store books, gadgets, and accessories efficiently.
It features dual inner pockets, a dedicated laptop section, and easy-to-use closures. Its tall profile offers ample room; however, those with a shorter torso might find its height slightly overwhelming. Still, the expanded storage is a significant benefit for students who need to bring a lot to campus.
↪ Specifications
- Dimensions: 7 inches (depth) x 11.25 inches (width) x 19.5 inches (height)
- Weight: 2.07 pounds
- Capacity: 25 liters
- Price: $120
6. Carhartt Cargo Series Backpack
Best Feature
Pros
- Hook-N-Haul system for three-can insulated cooler
- Highly durable & water-repellant cordura material
- Optimum organization and accessibility
Cons
- Not aesthetically pleasing
Unpredictable campus days call for a backpack that is ready for anything. The Carhartt Cargo Series Backpack delivers excellent protection against adverse conditions, safeguarding your devices and essentials with its rugged, water-repellent Cordura fabric.
This model features reinforced triple stitching, a Hook-N-Haul system for additional items like an insulated cooler (perfect for your lunch or drinks), and a padded, breathable air-mesh back panel. Its contour-fit shoulder straps and hideaway waist belt ensure comfort, making it a practical, robust choice for students in all climates.
Its exceptional organization and weather-resistant build protect your valuables, making it a top pick for reliability and versatility.
↪ Specifications
Dimensions: 9.5 inches (depth) x 12.25 inches (width) x 18 inches (height)
Cooler: 3 inches (depth) x 9 inches (width) x 5.5 inches (height)
Weight: 1 pound
Capacity: 20 liters
Price: $99
7. Fjällräven Kånken Laptop Backpack
Best Expandable
Pros
- Vintage-influenced with modern updates
- Cushioned straps & padded laptop compartment
- Top handles for extra versatility
Cons
- Not ideal for carrying heavier gear
- Lacks inner compartments for better organization
For those who value both aesthetics and practicality, the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop Backpack is an exceptional choice. Its expandable and compact structure ensures versatility, while the signature rectangular design brings a touch of vintage charm. The double top handles enhance convenience in crowded spaces, making your campus navigation seamless.
While this backpack pairs well with any outfit, it’s worth noting that it offers limited internal compartments. Despite this, it remains a favorite for its timeless style and lightweight build.
↪ Specifications
Dimensions: 6.3 inches (depth) x 11.02 inches (width) x 15.75 inches (height)
Capacity: 18 liters
Weight: 18 ounces
Price: $115
Reviewed by Huzaifa Haroon
