Key Takeaway
As you prepare for college, you’ll want to make sure you have a good backpack to get you through the years ahead. Below, we’ve found the 10 best backpacks on Amazon:
- Best Travel Approved
- Best for Long-Term Durability
- Best for Everyday Use
- Best Organization
- Best Comfort On the Go
- Best Storage
- Best Wheeled Option
- Best Versatile Style
- Best Affordability
- Best Color Options
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If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with school, it’s a backpack. Apart from carrying your school supplies, it should also fit your lifestyle, meaning it needs to be durable, stylish, and secure. Want an upgrade for trekking across campus this semester? Check out the 10 best backpacks for college students available on Amazon right now.
The 10 Best Backpacks on Amazon
1. BANGE LAPTOP BACKPACK
Great for: Students who travel often or need lots of space
★ Best Travel Approved
Looking for a backpack you can use even outside of school? The BANGE Laptop Backpack is a strong, all-purpose option with plenty of room for your everyday essentials and travel gear. It’s made with durable, waterproof PVC material and features an internal waterproof pouch. Whether you have a busy day or weekend trip home planned, this backpack’s structured design is there for you.
2. MASA KAWA VINTAGE LEATHER BACKPACK
Great for: Students looking for a stylish bag that will last all four years—and then some!
★ Best Long-Term Durability
This backpack has it all: quality, style, and functionality. It’s made of genuine full-grain leather and comes with reinforced lining for added durability. Not only is it stylish, but it also includes padded mesh on the back panels to help reduce sweat and improve comfort. This backpack comes with plenty of compartments, including an elastic side pocket for a water bottle and a padded compartment for a laptop up to 15.6”.
3.MODOKER VINTAGE LAPTOP BACKPACK
Great for: Students looking for style without sacrificing function
★ Best Everyday Use
With its tasteful, vintage styling and external charging port for any USB device, Modoker’s Vintage Laptop Backpack is as fashionable as it is functional. It has six pockets and a pair of magnetic locking flaps so that your belongings stay safe and secure at all times. The honeycomb-weave straps provide comfort and support for your back, and the middle compartment is roomy enough for clothing and books. It can fit a laptop up to 17”.
4. Z-MGKISS EXTRA LARGE TRAVEL BACKPACK
Great for: Students with packed schedules
★ Best Organization
The Z-MGKISS Extra Large Travel Backpack is a TSA-friendly, travel-ready option that isn’t just confined to campus. With over 18 compartments, a USB charging port, and a built-in headphone jack, it’s built to go everywhere you go. This extra-large model can accommodate a laptop up to 17.3” and offers plenty of room for books, supplies, and more. This is a great choice if you are looking for a backpack that you can use beyond graduation day. As a bonus, it comes in a variety of fashionable colors.
5. PROETRADE BOOKBAG FOR COLLEGE STUDENTS
Great for: Students looking for a lightweight backpack
★ Best Comfort On the Go
This lightweight, multi-compartment, waterproof wonder can accommodate your laptop, books, and more. It also features a USB charging port for your phone or other devices. Trendy colors include purple, orange, navy blue, and black. The ProEtrade backpack also has ergonomically designed shoulder straps so your spine won’t suffer, whether you’re trekking up a trail or walking across campus to your chem lab.
6. AUGUR CANVAS LAPTOP BACKPACK
Great for: Students who love vintage style and are looking for lots of storage
★ Best Storage
This stylish backpack blends vintage detailing with modern day function. It has ample storage space with a separate laptop compartment that fits a screen up to 17”. If you like to carry it all—laptop, notebooks, books, iPads, snacks, clothes—this is the backpack for you. It even has an anti-theft pocket for storing your wallet, phone, and cash safely. This vintage style backpack comes in neutral tones that match just about anything.
7. MATEIN ROLLING BACKPACK
Great for: Students who can’t (or don’t want to) wear their backpack
★ Best Wheeled Option
Not interested in wearing your backpack? Try opting for one that rolls instead. This rolling backpack is made to last with rubber wheels for smooth rolling and a kick plate on the bottom to prevent wear and tear. Don’t feel like rolling it around every day? It also has straps so you can wear it like a normal backpack. This backpack holds a laptop up to 17”, has mesh water bottle holders, and a front organizer pocket for smaller items.
8. GOLF QUALITY CONVERTIBLE BACKPACK
Great for: Students who want a wearable backpack, but also a fashionable tote
★ Best Versatile Style
Wear this as a backpack, a tote, or slide it over your luggage handle for a travel day! This backpack is lightweight and has multiple pockets, including one for a water bottle, a laptop, a front zipper pocket, inner pockets, and an anti-theft pocket. It’s made from water-resistant nylon and comes in four different neutral color schemes.
9. BAGSMART DAILY BACKPACK
Great for: Students looking for a durable, yet affordable backpack
★ Best Affordability
This backpack was made to store it all—without breaking the bank. You’ll find two main compartments for books and larger items, plus a padded laptop sleeve for laptops up to 15.6”. Adjust the straps for a more personalized fit and experience comfort all day from the breathable mesh on the back panel. It checks both the practical and budget-friendly boxes.
Great for: Students looking for a casual backpack with bright colors
★ Best Color Options
This backpack does it all and looks good doing it. Weighing less than two pounds, it offers a comfortable carry and comes in a variety of color options, ranging from pastels to bold tones. You’ll find this backpack has a roomy main compartment with a laptop sleeve, as well as multiple front and side pockets to keep small items (like chargers, pens, and wallet) easily organized.
Tips for Choosing the Best School Backpack
Your backpack can make a big difference during your school day. The right one is going to organize everything effectively while also keeping you comfortable when you’re walking all over campus every day. So, how do you pick the best fit? Here’s what to consider:
Know Your Backpack Types
You can start narrowing down your picks by first deciding what type of backpack you want. It’s important to choose one that fits your lifestyle, but also helps prevent back pain and injuries. Remember, you’ll be carrying this everywhere!
- Traditional: This is the classic, two-strap backpack. You’ll find ample options of this style to choose from.
- Sling/Tote: These one-strap or over-the-shoulder bags are great for light packers or those looking for a more fashionable option.
- Rolling: If you want to take the weight off your shoulders—literally—a wheeled option may be the way to go.
Look for Key Features
Once you’ve decided on style, look for the features that matter to you:
- For comfort? Go for bags with additional padding on the back or straps.
- Need storage? Look for larger options with lots of compartments.
- Want durability? Choose options made of strong leather or tough canvas that can handle daily wear and tear.
Choose the Right Material
Your backpack’s material matters—not just for durability but also for how easy it is to keep clean. Common options include:
- Canvas: It is a thick, woven material that is known for being durable, with a classic, rugged look. The one downside is that it can get dirty easily.
- Nylon: This is a lightweight, synthetic fabric that is known for being water-resistant and easy to keep clean. It is a great choice for those attending school in a location with all types of weather.
- Polyester: This is one of the most common fabrics used in backpacks—it is lightweight, affordable, and holds colors well. It’s great for daily use and easy to clean.
If there’s one thing you’re going to need in college, it’s a dependable backpack. Whether you’re looking for an option with lots of storage, one that matches your style, or one that will stand the test of time, there is a backpack out there that will be the perfect fit for you. Start by checking out the 10 on this list and see what stands out to you!
And speaking of a perfect fit? College Raptor’s College Match tool will show you schools that fit you, with personalized matches, cost breakdowns, acceptance odds, and potential financial aid.
