The 14 Best Backpacks for High School and College Students, Tested by Teens

Best Overall

The North Face Vault Backpack

5

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Our Ratings

• Design
  5 /5
• Capacity
  5 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  5 /5
• Comfort
  5 /5

One of our editors had her 16-year-old daughter test this backpack by wearing it to high school for the second half of the school year. Since she only visited her locker once a day, she needed a backpack that would fit all of her textbooks and school supplies—and the Vault definitely lived up to its name.

Although it looks slim from the outside, this backpack has three zippered pockets and one laptop sleeve, allowing her to carry everything she needs. Her only complaint is that she wished it had one more zippered pocket to house her valuables.

The Vault is designed to be comfortable yet sturdy. The zippers are easy to maneuver, and the shoulder straps are padded and comfy. Thomas Dinh, PT, DPT, Clinical Manager at Southland Physical Therapy, recommends it because its wide shoulder straps are good for pressure distribution.

We also like that it has a sternum strap and two water bottle pockets, which offer plenty of room for our teen’s Hydro Flask. As a bonus, this backpack stands on its own while loading and unloading and has a durable water-repellent finish, which makes it ideal for teens who spend a lot of time outdoors.

为65美元,穹窿成本低于中位数的价格of all the backpacks we tested. It is sleek, stylish, and seems like it will last at least several years. Best of all, its suspension system is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), which means it was thoroughly reviewed, tested, and evaluated by a board of doctors of chiropractic and approved by the ACA Board of Governors.

Price at time of publication: $65

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:11 x 8.5 x 18 in |Weight:1 lb 11 oz |Water Bottle Holders:2 |Pockets:3 |Storage Capacity:27 liters, holds 15-inch laptop}

Best for High School

JanSport Main Campus

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Design
  4.2 /5
• Capacity
  4.5 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  5 /5
• Comfort
  5 /5

JanSport’s Main Campus backpack comes in 24 colors and patterns and has plenty of storage, including a padded laptop sleeve and three separate compartments to house all kinds of school supplies. One of the teens who tested this backpack said that all the pockets were pretty useful and helped keep his laptop, folders, and electronic accessories organized.

Although the middle pocket on this backpack is pretty slim, we found it useful for storing paper and other small items. A second water bottle holder would be a great addition, especially for kids who play after-school sports and require extra fluids. However, kids should get plenty of use out of the side buckles, which are designed to help compress and contain large loads.

This backpack is also pretty comfortable, and we found that it doesn't feel heavy or weigh kids down. The weight is distributed evenly so as not to strain their back, and its padded straps feel comfortable on their shoulders. Although two hands are needed to adjust the straps and open the zippers, we like that the bottom panel is strong enough to maintain the bag's structure and wide enough to house several textbooks.

After lots of use, this backpack’s color still hasn’t faded, even after being dragged through the dirt. It’s made from 100% recycled polyester, which feels very durable and kept our kids' school supplies dry when it was drizzling outside. We especially like that this backpack comes with a lifetime warranty that covers the repair or replacement of manufacturing defects. After owning several other JanSport backpacks, we're pretty confident that this one will work for your student throughout their entire high school or college journey.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:17 x 12.5 x 7 in |Weight:1 lb 5.5 oz |Water Bottle Holders:1 |Pockets:3 |Storage Capacity:32 liters, holds 16 x 12.5-inch laptop sleeve}

Best for College

Nordace Aerial Infinity Backpack

4.9

View On Nordace.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  5 /5
• Capacity
  5 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  4.5 /5
• Comfort
  5 /5

With college being the first time many kids are away from home, parents will be relieved to know that the Nordace Aerial Infinity Backpack can help protect their kids' identity. Specifically, this backpack contains card-blocking pockets that prevent Radio Frequency ID (RFID) readers from obtaining credit card information. There's also a secret zippered pocket where students can hide their valuables.

When it comes to design, this backpack has the ultimate features. It has a stylish silhouette and an ergonomic back plate made from ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) foam, which is known for being soft and resilient. During testing, our students never felt weighed down while wearing it, and its padded straps were thick, comfortable, and easy to adjust. They could also open the backpack with one hand, and its zippers were sturdy and would never get stuck on the fabric. However, they had to be careful when placing binders inside, as the small internal pockets often got snagged.

With six external and many internal pockets, it feels like this backpack has room for anything and everything. This will be especially helpful when your kid spends hours on campus before returning to their dorm room. It even has a 3-in-1 USB charging port to keep their electronics up and running all day.

Although this backpack has a higher price tag, we think the quality and features are worth the extra expense, especially since they can help keep your kid safe while they're away at school.

Price at time of publication: $130

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:18.5 x 11.25 x 6.5 in |Weight:2.2 lb |Water Bottle Holders:1 |Pockets:6 |Storage Capacity:20 liters, holds 15-inch laptop}

Best Back Support

The North Face Borealis Backpack

5

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Our Ratings

• Design
  5 /5
• Capacity
  5 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  5 /5
• Comfort
  5 /5

To test the North Face Borealis backpack, we had an editor's teenage son use it for the entire school year. He loves that it has plenty of room for his notebooks, three textbooks, an iPad, and a change of clothes, and it never feels heavy or overstuffed. It comes equipped with a water bottle holder and has lots of little compartments—including a fleece one for electronics—that help him stay organized throughout the day.

This backpack provides the right amount of support. The thick, comfortable straps make it easier to carry his items and help it stay in place when he runs to the bus each day. Although it took him some time to get used to the chest strap, we could tell it made the backpack even more comfortable to wear since it helped disperse the weight. We really like that it's certified by the American Chiropractic Association, though this backpack shouldn't be used by kids younger than 12 years old.

Another great aspect of this backpack is its durability. It's made from recycled polyester and has a water-repellent finish. After using it for the entire school year, there aren't any frays and it legitimately still looks new. To top it off, our student got lots of compliments while wearing it, which we know means everything to kids at this age.

Price at time of publication: $99

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:11 x 5.75 x 18.75 in |Weight:2 lb |Water Bottle Holders:2 |Pockets:4 |Storage Capacity:27 liters, holds 15-inch laptop}

Best Budget

JanSport Cool Student Backpack

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Design
  5 /5
• Capacity
  5 /5
• Durability
  4.7 /5
• Value
  5 /5
• Comfort
  5 /5

The JanSport Cool Student backpack has a ton of great features. It has amazing storage capacity and can easily fit a laptop, lunch bag, and folders inside its main compartment. It has plenty of pockets to store your supplies, which helps prevent smaller items from getting lost at the bottom of the bag.

We also like the design of this backpack. It's made from 100% recycled materials and has synthetic leather accents, which make it durable and stylish. It also has ergonomic s-curve shoulder straps, which one student in particular really liked and found easy to adjust on his own. The adjustable straps also help make this backpack ideal for students who have to walk—or run—long distances between classes because it doesn't flop around when they walk.

Although the outer material feels a bit thin and isn't water resistant, this backpack is quite durable. It has strong, reinforced stitching and withstands the force of teenagers cramming their books and all their stuff into it. And while it may not have all the bells and whistles that other backpacks do, the Cool Student is functional, spacious, and reasonably priced.

Price at time of publication: $55

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:17 x 12 x 8 in |Weight:1 lb 5 oz |Water Bottle Holders:1 |Pockets:5 |Storage Capacity:34 liters, holds 15-inch laptop}

Best for Laptop

L.L.Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Backpack

4.8

View On L.L.Bean View On Zappos

Our Ratings

• Design
  5 /5
• Capacity
  5 /5
• Durability
  4.8 /5
• Value
  4.8 /5
• Comfort
  5 /5

While some backpacks can feel crammed with a laptop inside, the L.L.Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Backpack has plenty of room to spare. In addition to a dedicated sleeve that can house a 15-inch laptop, it has three large pockets where students can place binders, books, and supplies for after-school activities.

Our editor who tested this backpack with her teenager said it has the perfect amount of pockets and getting things in and out is a breeze. It also cut down on the time (and frustration) of trying to fit everything in her bag each day, which every parent knows is half the battle of getting to school on time.

In terms of comfort, this backpack has the ergonomic support of a hiking pack, including breathable mesh straps and an extra-padded back. We like that the sternum and waist straps are adjustable and help stabilize heavy loads. One student described it as "very comfy," which is especially important for her mile-long walk to school.

If your student is an outdoor enthusiast, they'll love the design of this backpack. Although it's not water resistant, it did keep our items dry while we walked in the rain. We especially like that the zippers were easy to use and never got caught on the fabric. It's also really durable because it's made from 1,000 denier nylon, which is known for being resistant to wear and is often used to make items like raincoats and luggage. Given how well constructed it is, we'd feel confident with our older kids carrying an expensive laptop in this bag.

Price at time of publication: $89

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:18.75 x 11.75 x 10 in |Weight:1.85 lb |Water Bottle Holders:2 |Pockets:3 |Storage Capacity:30 liters, holds 15-inch laptop}

Best for Tech

Dagne Dover Small Dakota Neoprene Backpack

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In addition to having dedicated spots to store your electronics, the Dagne Dakota Backpack will also protect them, thanks to its neoprene fabric. Neoprene is a type of rubber known for its ability to insulate against hot and cold and protect against the elements—which is why it's used to make wetsuits.Neoprene is flexible, durable, and strong, making it an ideal fabric to protect your teen's technology.

Another great aspect of this backpack is its design. When testing the medium version, we found that it was a great fit not only for our high schoolers but also for our editor's 10-year-old daughter. We also like that it's equipped with a 13-inch sleeve to keep laptops locked away between classes. To top it off, this backpack's lining, shoe bag, and dust bag are made from recycled polyester derived from plastic bottles.

In terms of comfort, we found that this backpack is well padded and our testers' shoulders never hurt while using it. We also like that the straps are easy to adjust and the fabric feels soft to the touch. However, we found that it stained easily and wasn't waterproof, which made us feel cautious about wearing this backpack in the rain.

At nearly $200, the Dagne Dakota is the most expensive backpack on our list. However, the fact that it will insulate and protect your student's laptop due to its durable neoprene exterior makes it well worth the cost.

Price at time of publication: $195

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:11.5 x 5 x 17 in |Weight:2 lb|Water Bottle Holders:2 |Pockets:4 |Storage Capacity:16 liters, holds 13-inch laptop}

Best Waterproof

lululemon City Adventurer Backpack

4.8

View On Lululemon

在雨中走路去上课,我们的编辑的college freshman reported that her books and papers stayed perfectly dry inside the lululemon City Adventurer Pack. Its 100% nylon body is water repellent, which means it is unlikely that water will penetrate the material. Instead, water will bead up on the outside, similar to how water would with oil. This also helped the backpack repel dirt, even when we stuffed it underneath a seat in an airplane.

True to all lululemon products, this backpack is made for movement. Our editor’s daughter found it “surprisingly comfortable” to wear while sprinting across the airport and said the straps stayed in place no matter how active she was. We also like the adjustable padded straps and how stylish and lightweight this backpack is, even when carrying heavy loads.

When it came to storage, our college freshman was disappointed that this backpack couldn’t hold more than what she needed for class. While there’s space for a 16-inch laptop, it lacks extra pockets to hold a wallet, keys, or snacks. Instead, everything must go in the main compartment, which is a recipe for disorganization. Another major flaw with this backpack is that the water bottle pocket is too small and can't even hold a small reusable bottle.

For a backpack that costs $128, we hoped that it would have more storage space and pockets to keep things organized. However, we still recommend this backpack and think it’s a comfortable, stylish option for students who don't need to carry a lot of stuff and those who may encounter rain or snow.

Price at time of publication: $128

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:11.4 x 7.1 x 16.1 in |Weight:1.61 lb|Water Bottle Holders:2 |Pockets:4 |Storage Capacity:20 liters, holds 16-inch laptop}

Best Organization

Swissgear 3760 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Design
  4 /5
• Capacity
  5 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  4 /5
• Comfort
  4.5 /5

If organization is not your teen’s forte, we recommend the Swissgear 3760 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack. It has four main pockets and is large enough to hold a laptop, tablet, textbooks, and binders. It has lots of little pockets and slots to house various items and even has a designated “crush-resistant” spot for sunglasses.

Aside from being organized, this backpack is really durable. It’s made from abrasion-resistant polyester and comes with a 10-year extended warranty. After several months of testing, it also showed no signs of fading or wear and tear.

We like that this backpack has padded ergonomic straps made from a breathable material, which we found very comfortable to wear during testing. Our editor’s teen son, who’s 5 feet 11 inches tall, said the straps were easy to adjust and he had no trouble running with this backpack on. However, at nearly 3 pounds, it is on the heavier side and may not be ideal for everyone.

Although we didn’t test this feature, it’s worth mentioning that this backpack has a lay-flat electronics compartment that allows you to go through airport security without removing your laptop. Combined with the collection of pockets and compartments, we think this feature makes the Swissgear 3760 a great backpack for travel, too.

Price at time of publication: $84

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:18.5 x 12.5 x 8.75 in |Weight:2.6 lb|Water Bottle Holders:1 |Pockets:4 |Storage Capacity:26 liters, holds 16-inch laptop and 10-inch tablet}

Best for Travel

lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L

4.4

View On Lululemon

Our Ratings

• Design
  4 /5
• Capacity
  4 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  4 /5
• Comfort
  5 /5

If your teen is bound for an out-of-town college, the lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 is a must-have for their commute. Our editor’s daughter loved how many places there were to store her essentials, including a water bottle and a 16-inch laptop, and said that it would be an “amazing” travel bag. We also like that it has a built-in luggage sleeve to keep it securely attached to a suitcase, which would be especially useful when traveling back home for the holidays.

In terms of durability, this backpack is made from a water-repellant, 100% recycled polyester fabric. We think it is well made and its high-end craftsmanship is worth the cost. The one feature we're not sure about is a security flap that covers the zipper on the front pocket. While it looks sleek and we were able to unzip it with one hand, we found that sometimes it sticks on the fabric.

Even after overstuffing this bag, our editor’s daughter found it comfortable to wear. She especially liked the lightly padded straps; however, they felt quite stiff at first and were difficult to adjust. Even so, she reported that she could comfortably run while wearing it, which will be especially helpful if your teen is late to class or attempting to catch a flight.

Price at time of publication: $98

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:11.4 x 5.9 x 16.5 in |Weight:1.4 lb|Water Bottle Holders:2 |Pockets:2 |Storage Capacity:23 liters, holds 16-inch laptop}

Best Trendy

Fjallraven Kanken 15-inch Laptop Backpack

4.2

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Our Ratings

• Design
  4 /5
• Capacity
  3.5 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  3.5 /5
• Comfort
  3 /5

Our editor’s daughter has owned a Fjallraven Kånken backpack for four years and used it throughout high school. Although it’s become her secondary backpack now that she’s in college, she still uses it often because she loves the aesthetic, compact size, and five accessible pockets.

外表有时是会骗人的时候Kankenbackpack. While small, we found it had enough room for school essentials, including a laptop, lunchbox, books, and notebooks. We are drawn to its stylish, boxy design and love that it is available in three sizes and 10 colors, ranging from terracotta brown to foliage green. Plus, it’s durable, easy to clean (just use warm water and a soft brush), and still appears to be in great shape after years of use.

Although the straps on this backpack could use more padding, they stayed firmly in place while our editor’s high schooler hiked and ran. Even so, she reported that the straps didn’t cause her discomfort or impact her ability to carry everything she needed. However, it has no inner compartments to house smaller items, which isn’t ideal if your kid needs help staying organized.

Overall, we think this backpack is worth every penny. It’s stylish, easy to clean, and has enough room for the essentials. Best of all, our editor reported that it has no rips or tears after years of use and remains in “perfect shape.”

Price at time of publication: $115

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:15.7 x 6.3 x 11 in |Weight:1.01 lb|Water Bottle Holders:2 |Pockets:5 |Storage Capacity:18 liters, holds 15-inch laptop}

Best Basic

Herschel Settlement Backpack

4.2

View On Amazon View On Herschel.com View On Tillys.com

Our Ratings

• Design
  5 /5
• Capacity
  4 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  3.5 /5
• Comfort
  5 /5

If your high schooler or college-bound kiddo prefers a simple backpack with a sleek, modern design, we recommend the Herschel Supply Settlement Backpack. It's available in 12 different colors and is equipped with two pockets and a laptop sleeve. Although it doesn't have all the bells and whistles that others do, it has enough room for everything they needed for school plus a few extras, like PE clothes and a lunchbox.

To prevent the backpack from digging into your shoulders, its straps are padded with EVA foam, which feels a lot like a gym or yoga mat. Our editor's daughter reported that it was easy to run while wearing this backpack and that it didn't bounce on her back when doing so. In fact, she thought it was so comfortable to wear that she has continued to wear it in place of her old one.

Although she loved this backpack, her one complaint was that it didn't have a water bottle holder. However, in June 2023, Herschel released a new version of this backpack, which is equipped with a water bottle holder and laptop holder. To ensure your backpack has the latest features, we recommend purchasing yours directly from theHerschel website.

Despite its basic design, this backpack is incredibly durable. Plus, it's environmentally friendly since its thick exterior is made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles. Best of all, this backpack will last a long time—one of our editors has owned one for years and says that it still looks brand new.

Price at time of publication: $65

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:17.75 x 12.25 x 5.75 in |Weight:2.6 lb|Water Bottle Holders:1 |Pockets:2 |Storage Capacity:23 liters, holds 16-inch laptop}

Best Large

Columbia Zigzag 30L Backpack

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Design
  4 /5
• Capacity
  5 /5
• Durability
  5 /5
• Value
  4.5 /5
• Comfort
  4.5 /5

According to the high school senior who tested this backpack, the Columbia ZigZag has an "insane" amount of space and is good for days when you need to carry a lot of stuff to school. It has two main compartments, a small front pocket, a fleece-lined laptop sleeve, and two water bottle pockets. All in all, this backpack can hold up to 30 liters, which is as much as an 8-gallon trash can.

乍一看,这个背包里出现of thin material, but in reality, it's anything but flimsy. It's made entirely from polyester and is coated in polyurethane, making it durable and extremely water-resistant. We even filled it to its capacity while camping and traveling in an airplane and were pleasantly surprised to see how tough it was and how much it could hold.

Weighing just slightly more than a pound, the ZigZag is comfortable to carry and doesn't weigh you down. We like that it has thick, padded shoulder straps; however, they aren't very breathable and may cause you to sweat. If we could change anything about this backpack, it would be to add some ventilation to make it comfortable to wear in warm climates.

Price at time of publication: $55-$65

^{Key Specs:
Dimensions:18.1 x 11.8 x 10.6 in |Weight:1 lb 3 oz |Water Bottle Holders:2 |Pockets:4 |Storage Capacity:30 liters, holds 15-inch laptop}