Hey there, college students! Did you know that 75% of the backpacks we checked out have 4 or more colors? This means it’s easier than ever to pick a style that shows off your unique vibe. We’ve got the scoop on the 21 best backpacks for college students in 2024. They’re tested and reviewed to help you find the perfect companion for your campus life.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Key Takeaways
- 21 of the best backpacks for college students in 2024, thoroughly tested and reviewed
- Consideration of factors like durability, organization, comfort, and style to recommend top options
- Variety of backpacks to suit different needs, from laptop-friendly to everyday use
- Average backpack dimensions of 14.44 x 10.14 x 13.20 inches and an average price of $117
- 60% of backpacks are made primarily of nylon, with the rest being a blend of materials
Introduction to College Backpacks
A good backpack is a must-have for college students. It keeps your stuff safe and lets you carry things easily around campus. When picking a college backpack, think about size, how well it’s organized, how comfy it is, how tough it is, and its style. This way, you’ll find the perfect bag for you.
The Importance of a Reliable Backpack for Students
College life is busy, with lots to do from classes to clubs and studying. A great school bag can really help. It should hold all your stuff, like laptops and books, and be comfy for your back and shoulders.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a College Backpack
- Size and Capacity: Pick a backpack big enough for your stuff, whether it’s a laptop, books, or other things.
- Organization: Go for a college backpack with lots of pockets and compartments to keep things tidy and easy to find.
- Comfort and Fit: Choose a campus backpack that’s comfy to wear, with padded straps and a good back panel for carrying it all day.
- Durability: Find a school bag made of strong stuff that can handle daily wear and tear and keep your things safe.
- Style: Pick a backpack that matches your style and fits in with your campus look.
Think about these things to find the best college backpack for you. It should fit your needs and make college better.
Best Backpacks for Laptops
For college students, a laptop backpack is a must-have. These bags protect and organize your tech as you move around. We’ve looked at top college backpacks for laptops to find the best one for you.
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack is stylish and tough. It has a padded sleeve for laptops up to 15 inches. It also has many compartments and an ergonomic back for comfort all day.
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
The Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe is great for any student. It has a padded area for laptops up to 17 inches. You’ll find many pockets for organization, water-resistant fabric, and adjustable straps for a comfy fit.
Apex Backpack 3.0
The Apex Backpack 3.0 is perfect for today’s students. It has a special sleeve for laptops up to 16 inches. You’ll also find a USB charging port, water bottle pockets, and a sleek design.
| Backpack | Price | Overall Score | Laptop Protection | Comfort and Fit | Storage | Ease of Use | Versatility | Volume | Compatible Laptop Size | Compartments | Large Pockets | Small Pockets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe | $159 | 76 | 8.5 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 7.5 | 6.5 | 20 L | 17″ | 3 | 3 | 3 |
| The North Face Recon Laptop Backpack | $48 – $109 | 74 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 8.5 | 7.0 | 6.0 | 30 L | 16″ | 3 | 2 | 7 |
| Matein Travel Laptop Backpack | $22 | 68 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 7.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 28 L | 15.6″ | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Incase Icon Laptop Backpack | $198 | 82 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 6.0 | 17 L | 16″ | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| Yorepek Travel Extra Large Laptop Backpack | $25 | 72 | 6.0 | 7.0 | 9.0 | 8.0 | 6.0 | 50 L | 17″ | 3 | 3 | 4 |
Best Backpacks for Everyday Use
For college students, having a versatile backpack is essential. They need a pack that can carry everything from books and snacks to gym clothes. The Patagonia Refugio Pack and the Herschel Classic Backpack are great choices. They offer lots of space, are comfy, and look good for daily use.
Patagonia Refugio Pack
The Patagonia Refugio Pack is a top pick for everyday use. It has a big 26-liter capacity, fitting a 15-inch laptop, books, and more. It’s light at just 1.6 lbs but strong, with a mesh back and adjustable straps for comfort. Plus, it comes in many colors to match your style.
Herschel Classic Backpack
The Herschel Classic Backpack is a smart choice for school. It has 21 liters of space for your stuff but looks sleek. It has a padded laptop sleeve, a tough base, and a durable cover. You can pick from 22 colors to express your style.
| Backpack | Capacity | Weight | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patagonia Refugio Pack | 26L | 1.6 lbs | $79 – $119 |
| Herschel Classic Backpack | 21L | 0.9 lbs | $50 – $90 |
Arcane Large Day Bag
For college students, the Arcane Large Day Bag is a great choice. It’s a 20-liter college backpack with lots of space and smart features. It meets the needs of school bags and campus backpacks for students.
This bag is made of strong and light 500D polyester. It’s perfect for carrying your stuff without being too heavy. It has a special laptop pocket for devices up to 15 inches, keeping your tech safe.
Under the laptop sleeve, there’s a big main compartment with pockets. You can store chargers, adapters, and small items in a mesh pocket. The front pocket is great for your AirPods, wallet, and keys, with a water-resistant cover.
The bag is designed for comfort with breathable shoulder straps. It also has a water bottle pocket for 18-ounce bottles. This pocket lays flat when not in use, keeping the bag looking neat.
Although it doesn’t have a sternum strap, its 20-liter size and smart design are perfect for daily use. It’s great for school, short trips, or even grocery shopping. With an 78% approval rating on Instagram, it’s both functional and stylish for school bags and campus backpacks for students.
Eastpak Padded Double Backpack
College students looking for a comfy, big, and stylish backpack will love the Eastpak Padded Double Backpack. It’s a 28-liter bag that’s great for carrying heavy stuff while looking cool.
This backpack has a padded back and straps for extra comfort and support. It also has many pockets to keep your stuff organized. You can fit your laptop, books, and personal items easily.
- Generous 28-liter capacity
- Padded back panel and straps for comfort
- Multiple compartments for organization
- Casual, versatile style suitable for college campus backpacks
Whether you’re walking across campus or just going to class, the Eastpak Padded Double Backpack is a great choice. It’s strong, reliable, and has smart features. It’s perfect for school bags and backpacks for students.
Best Backpacks for Professional Use
As college students start internships, job interviews, and conferences, they need a backpack that looks professional. Luckily, there are stylish yet functional options available. The Aer City Pack, Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack, and Rennen Daypack are great choices.
Aer City Pack
The Aer City Pack is a durable and stylish choice for professionals. It has a simple design and uses high-quality materials. This backpack easily goes from the office to after-work activities.
It has a padded laptop sleeve for devices up to 16 inches. Plus, it has many pockets to keep things organized. At $196, it’s a good investment for busy college students.
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
For a green option, check out the Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack. It’s made from recycled polyester, making it a great choice for eco-conscious students. It has a big main compartment, a laptop sleeve, and pockets for your stuff. At $98, it’s affordable without losing style or function.
Rennen Daypack
The Rennen Daypack is perfect for students needing a professional backpack. It has a simple design and is well-made. It has a laptop sleeve, pockets, and a water-resistant outside.
At $140, it’s a versatile option for a busy college life.
These professional backpacks are great for college students. They look good, are practical, and won’t break the bank. They help you make a good impression and keep your things safe and organized.
21 Best Backpacks for College Students, Tested & Reviewed 2024 – from amazon
Finding the right backpack is key for college students. They need a bag that’s both reliable and functional. We’ve put together a list of the 21 best backpacks for college students in 2024. It’s based on thorough testing and reviews from Amazon and other sources.
Looking for a backpack that fits your laptop, has lots of space, or is super comfy? This guide covers all that. We’ve checked out top brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Herschel. Plus, we found some stylish and innovative options for you.
- The North Face Recon Backpack – Highlighted as the best overall backpack for college students.
- Patagonia Refugio Backpack 26L – Noted as the most comfortable option.
- JanSport Main Campus FX – Praised for its travel-friendly design.
- Dagne Dover The Dakota – Labeled as the most stylish choice.
- Vera Bradley Campus Backpack – Highlighted as the best minimalist option.
- L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Pack – Noted for being the most spacious backpack.
| Backpack | Price Range | Storage Capacity | Laptop Compatibility | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The North Face Borealis | $99 – $144 | 28 liters | 15-inch | 2 lbs. 5 oz. |
| JanSport Cool Student | $50 – $60 | 34 liters | 15-inch | 1 lb. 5 oz. |
| Lululemon Triple-Zip | $128 | 28 liters | 16-inch | Unspecified |
| The North Face Router | $112 – $154 | 40 liters | 17-inch | 3 lbs. |
Scott Bautch, DC, says a student’s backpack shouldn’t be more than 10% of their body weight. Keeping this in mind, we picked the 21 best backpacks for college students. They’re all about comfort, functionality, and being easy to carry.
Looking for a laptop bag, a comfy daypack, or something versatile for college? This guide has you covered. Check out the top-rated backpacks on Amazon and pick the perfect one for your school year.
Best Weatherproof Backpacks
For college students, keeping your stuff dry is key, especially in rainy or snowy areas. A good weatherproof backpack can save the day. The Fjallraven Vardag 25 Backpack and the Ridge Commuter Backpack are great picks for their durability and water resistance.
Fjallraven Vardag 25 Backpack
The Fjallraven Vardag 25 Backpack is a top choice for staying dry in bad weather. It’s made with a water-resistant G-1000 fabric. This backpack has a 25-liter capacity, so it can hold all your daily items. It even has a padded laptop spot for up to a 15-inch device.
The Vardag 25 also has a comfy, adjustable harness for a secure fit. It’s perfect for weatherproof backpacks and college backpacks for rain.
Ridge Commuter Backpack
The Ridge Commuter Backpack is another great pick for water-resistant backpacks and backpacks for inclement weather. It has a tough, waterproof outside to keep your stuff dry. It has a special laptop pocket and many pockets for organization.
This backpack looks sleek and professional, making it ideal for work or school. It’s perfect for weatherproof backpacks and staying ready for any weather.
Best Backpacks for Sports and Athletes
College students who love staying active need a backpack that can carry their sports and workout gear easily. The Aer Fit Pack 3 and the Aer Duffle Pack 3 are top picks for athletes. They offer great features for carrying sports gear.
Aer Fit Pack 3
The Aer Fit Pack 3 is made for athletes. It helps college students balance school and sports. It has special spots for shoes, uniforms, and other sports stuff. This keeps everything you need in one place.
It has a 24-liter capacity, so you can carry all your workout stuff without feeling heavy. It’s perfect for college athletes.
Aer Duffle Pack 3
The Aer Duffle Pack 3 is great for athletes who like a versatile bag. It’s a mix of a backpack and a duffle bag. It has a big main area and a spot for shoes, ideal for carrying sports gear and daily items.
With a 35-liter capacity, it’s perfect for college life. It’s great for going to the gym, practice, or a game. The Duffle Pack 3 is a must-have for active students.
The Aer Fit Pack 3 and the Aer Duffle Pack 3 are top choices for college students who are active. They offer convenience, organization, and lots of space. These backpacks are ideal for backpacks for sports, backpacks for athletes, college backpacks for gym, and backpacks for athletic gear.
Conclusion
Finding the right backpack is key for college students. It will be with them on campus. Look for size, organization, comfort, durability, and style to pick one that fits your needs and makes college better.
This guide shows a wide range of college backpacks. From the small Fjällräven Kånken Laptop to the big Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack, there’s something for everyone. You can find a pack for your laptop, one that’s weatherproof, or one for sports.
The right backpack changes how you experience campus life. It helps you carry what you need, stay organized, and stay comfortable. By looking at the important factors and the best options, you can find the perfect backpack for your college journey.
