College—the final frontier! Well, unless you’re headed back to college to grab another degree (we see you, over-achievers). Regardless of where you are in your educational journey, there’s no doubt that the right gear can set you up for success. And whether you’re hauling textbooks, sports equipment, or art supplies, a backpack will keep you organized and, most importantly, save your precious back from unnecessary strain and pain.
Luckily, we found some of the best backpacks for college that will help you keep your ish together on campus. Below are 10 options in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials—because obviously your backpack should be a reflection of your style, too. And if your college days are far behind you, no worries. These packs double as excellent work bags, or make a great gift for the student in your life. Happy shopping!
Best retro: JanSport Main Campus FX Backpack, $46
Best depth: Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic, $99
Best interior pockets: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack (Medium), $195
Best budget-friendly: Roynes Vintage Laptop Bag, $26
Best classic design: Herschel Classic XL Backpack, $65
Best expandable: Béis The Expandable Backpack, $98
Best color options: Calpak Luka 15 Inch Laptop Backpack, $115
Best for organization: Away Everywhere Zip Backpack, $195
Best leather: Portland Leather Goods Almost Perfect Laptop Backpack, $129
Best vegan leather: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack, $138
What to look for in a backpack for college
Storage: College days can be long and packed with different activities. So, you’ll want to prioritize a backpack that can accommodate all of your stuff—ideally in an organized manner (school is hard enough without digging around in a bottomless pit for your keys). Keep your eyes peeled for water bottle holders, interior compartments, key hooks, expandable panels, and designated laptop pockets.
Style: Oh, did you think backpacks were dorky? Wrong. In addition to being way better for your spinal health, backpacks have come a long way in the style department. On our list you’ll find everything from retro designs to sleek and innovative expandable packs. After all, if you’re going to be carrying it around everywhere, you might as well love the way it looks!
Durability: Thrown on the floor, slung over a chair, zipped and unzipped and zipped again—your backpack is going to get a ton of action. We made sure to pick durable designs from brands we trust, but some materials will hold up against water and dirt better than others, so keep that in mind.
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Shop 10 of the best backpacks for college (or work!)
Best retro: JanSport Main Campus FX Backpack — $43.00
Sizes: One size
Colors: 24
There’s a reason JanSport has stood the test of time—they make a darn good backpack. If you like a more nostalgic design, the Main Campus FX pack is a great pick. It features two large internal pockets, a padded laptop sleeve that can hold up to 15-inch computers, two front zip pockets with organization sleeves, and a large mesh water bottle pocket. Added perk: the interior liner is made from 100% recycled materials.
- Four external zippers, plus a laptop sleeve for maximum organization
- Lots of color options & cool retro look
- Padded ergonomic straps and side buckles to compress your pack’s footprint
- Might be wider than some folks need
Best depth: Topo Designs Rover Pack Classic — $99.00
Sizes: One size
Colors: 22
I’ve had this Topo backpack for over five years and I love it. It’s really deep, which is actually kind of hilarious because I’m a small gal—I definitely look like the kid from Up when I wear it, but I don’t care. The Rover Pack Classic has an interior laptop pocket for computers up to 15 inches, adjustable side pockets for water bottles, and exterior zip pockets on the front and top flap. Those are the only zippers, though—this design relies more on buckles and a drawstring for the main compartment. As far as organization goes, it doesn’t have as many spaces as other packs on this list, but if you’re hoping for something deep that you can stuff a lot into (that’s also water-resistant, made with 100% recycled nylon, and looks cool), it’s a great option.
- Unique design with less zippers
- Lots of color options
- Made with 100% recycled nylon
- Two adjustable water bottle holders
- Less pockets than some other picks on this list
- Longer design might not be for everyone
Best interior pockets: Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack (Medium) — $195.00
Sizes: 3
Colors: 10
I like a bag that has a spot for every little thing, which is why Dagne Dover’s über organizable gear has had my heart for years. The Dakota backpack is no exception—with a laptop sleeve, two interior mesh pockets, a neoprene pouch for keys and smaller stuff, zippered pockets on the front panel, two side water bottle holders, an exterior pocket with a key loop, and an included shoe bag, you’ll have zero issue stashing (and finding) everything you need. The Dakota comes in three sizes (the medium holds laptops up to 13 inches, while the large holds up to 16 inches), and is also available in this cool neoprene or a sporty mesh.
- So. Many. Pockets.
- 3 size options to choose from
- Little details like a shoe bag, key clip, and interior pouch help make this bag feel worth the higher price tag
- The (aforementioned) higher price tag
Best budget-friendly: Roynes Vintage Laptop Bag — $26.00
Sizes: One size
Colors: 8
With cute faux buckles and sleek metal zippers, this old-school-style book bag definitely looks more expensive than it is. The exterior has two front zip pockets and side pockets for water bottles, and the main compartment has a laptop sleeve that holds up to 17-inch computers. There’s even a little slot where you can stow a portable USB charger (it doesn’t come included with the bag, though) for juice on the go. It’s made from dense Oxford fabric, which will help resist water and keep things looking clean.
- Affordable price
- Sleek old-school satchel design
- Slot for portable USB charger (sold separately)
- Low price might lead to less durability over time
Best classic design: Herschel Classic XL Backpack — $65.00
Sizes: One size
Colors: 14
When you think “backpack” do you think “Herschel?” Same. The brand’s classic design doesn’t have a ton of frills, but if your goal is hauling a bunch of stuff in a sleek, understated bag, the Herschel Classic XL Backpack will do the job. It’s available in a variety of muted colors, like maroon, beige, and forest green, and uses fabric made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles (yay!). There’s an exterior zip pocket, two water bottle holders, and an interior sleeve that holds laptops up to 16 inches. Again, not a ton of surprises with this pack, but it gets mega points for its large size, durability, and timelessness.
- Sleek, classic design
- Cavernous interior holds a lot of stuff (and larger laptops)
- Made with eco-friendly materials
- Not a lot of added organization features
- Colors are on the safe side (which might not be a con for everyone)
Best expandable: Béis The Expandable Backpack — $98.00
Sizes: One size
Colors: 5
Too much stuff? Just un-zip the expansion panel on this Béis bag to fit in everything you need. It also has two zippered front pockets (one has a key leash), multiple interior pockets in the main compartment, a separate zippered laptop compartment that holds computers up to 13 inches, and a trolley pass-through strap so you can slide your backpack over luggage with ease. Not seeing a water bottle pocket? It’s on the inside of the bag, which helps keep the aesthetic of this bag super sleek. And while it doesn’t come in as many colors as other bags on our list, the five options on the site are all ca-ute and are made with 100% recycled polyester and faux leather.
- Zipper panels expand for larger loads
- Back loop slides over luggage handles for easy travel
- Lots of pockets and a key loop for organization
- Made with recycled materials
- Less color options than other picks on this list
- Water bottle pocket on the inside may not be ideal for some
Best color options: Calpak Luka 15 Inch Laptop Backpack — $115.00
Sizes: 3
Colors: 20
Want a pop of color to kick off the school year? Look no further than the Luka backpack from Calpak. It comes in 20 colors, including this bright, happy lilac, a vibrant green apple, and a shiny metallic gold. The Luka features a deep front zip pocket, a shoe compartment, a water bottle pocket, a separate laptop compartment that holds computers up to 15 inches, a luggage trolly sleeve, and a large interior pocket with zippered organization slots. It’s made from durable, scratch-resistant polyester that wipes clean and it also comes in a smaller size (not ideal for college, but cute!) and a larger size that fits laptops up to 17 inches.
- Lots of vibrant colors to choose from
- Plenty of pockets for maximum organization
- Includes a shoe compartment and a luggage trolly strap
- Water bottle pocket is on the slimmer side
Best for organization: Away Everywhere Zip Backpack — $195.00
Sizes: One size
Colors: 6
An organizer’s dream, the Away Everywhere Zip Backpack has a pocket for just about everything. The main compartment has plenty of zip and slip pockets, a water bottle pocket, and a key clip to keep things in order. And, if you’re someone who hates digging around in a bag without visibility, you’ll love that this pack zips alllll the way open so you can see what the heck you’re doing. It’s made with water-resistant nylon and features a snazzy leather trim and a breathable mesh back panel. And, if you’re traveling abroad for college, you’ll also appreciate that you can also slide it over your suitcase with the trolley sleeve and stow your passport in a sneaky back zip pocket.
- Pockets for just about everything
- Zips open wide so you can find your stuff easily
- Nylon and leather design is sleek and easy to clean
- Pricier option
- Less color options than other picks on our list
Best leather: Portland Leather Goods Almost Perfect Laptop Backpack — $129.00
Sizes: 2
Colors: 8
If style is the focus, check out this leather laptop backpack from Portland Leather Goods. The brand’s “Almost Perfect” series uses hides with “more natural character marks” or slight imperfections, which means they can’t be sold at full price. Lucky us, because these leather bags are still gorgeous. The Laptop Backpack fits computers up to 13 inches and includes a large front zip pocket and a smaller interior pocket. You can even adjust the buckle straps to customize your fit. Sure, it’s not the most tricked-out bag on this list, but if you don’t need to hold a ton (and want your backpack to actually *enhance* your outfit for a change) it’s a great option.
- “Almost Perfect” line offers high-quality leather at a lower price
- 8 pretty colors to choose from
- Fits laptops up to 13 inches
- Not many organizational features
- Doesn’t have a water bottle pocket
Best vegan leather: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack — $138.00
Sizes: 3
Colors: 34
I saw someone walking with this backpack in New York the other day and (creepily) snuck up behind them so I could see the label. Honestly, it looks designer IRL, so I was relieved to learn it was vegan leather from Calpak! If you liked the aesthetic of the above leather option but need more space and storage features, this faux leather alternative is for you. With a zippered front compartment (which includes both a zip and a slip pocket), a separate laptop compartment for computers up to 15 inches, and a luggage trolley sleeve for travel ease. The braiding detail on the front and cute tasseled zippers are a nice touch, too. And, because it’s not real leather, you’ll find this bag in both classic colors (brown, black) and more adventurous tones (papaya, dragonfruit).
- Sleek leather aesthetic with plenty of functionality
- Massive variety of colors to choose from
- Vegan
- Still less capacity than other bags on this list
- No water bottle pocket or easy-grab exterior pockets
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