School backpack quick picks
Backpack for college and school: The North Face 30-Liter Women's Recon Backpack
Backpack for laptops: Herschel 26-Liter Classic Backpack XL
Backpack for kids: L.L.Bean 17-Liter Junior Original Book Pack
Backpack for commuters: Bellroy Transit Workpack
Countless companies claim to sell the absolute best school backpack, but it’s hard to find a top-notch bag that’s comfortable, durable, roomy and stylish. You’re lucky if a travel backpack or laptop backpack meets two of those criteria — if that.
That’s why we spoke to health care experts, current college students and editors to come up with a list of some truly excellent backpacks so you can ace whatever comes your way. While many of these bags will work for students of any age, we’ve further organized our list, catering to kids, teens, college students and recent graduates.
How to pick and pack a student’s backpack
Backpacks that are too heavy or don’t fit well can lead to long-term postural changes, muscle strain and back pain, according to Dr. Nancy Durban, a doctor of physical therapy and spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. That’s why it’s so important that you pick the right backpack and avoid overloading it with school supplies and books, especially when it comes to children’s bags.
For example, Durban recommends that a child’s loaded backpack should weigh no more than 10% of their body weight. “I think that is really a hard thing for people to actually grasp, that kids are putting so much in their backpacks that we actually need to put them on the scale and weigh them,” Durban says.
Size is important too, Durban says, adding that you “can’t put an adult bag on a child.” Instead, make sure the backpack you choose sits a couple of inches below shoulder level and no more than 4 inches beneath the waist. Make use of chest straps and waist belts too so they can keep the backpack closer to their body.
While these rules mostly apply to children’s backpacks — adults have more developed muscles and can carry more weight — Durban still encourages grown-ups to follow best practices, including wearing both shoulder straps, using waist and chest buckles, and considering fit.
Backpacks for college and school
We tapped two CNN Underscored interns and conducted extensive research to come up with this list of top-tier packs. Not only should these backpacks last years but they’ve got everything a student needs to comfortably cross campus.
College student and CNN Underscored intern Nyasha Nyoni loves her North Face backpack, which she's used for two years. It's compact, holds her laptop securely and has plenty of pockets for stationery and snacks. Plus, it's durable, showing few signs of wear after years of use.
You can’t go wrong with this JanSport backpack. With a suede leather bottom and a lifetime warranty, it’s been a classic for decades. It also has a padded pocket to protect your laptop and other tech valuables.
This affordable backpack has lasted CNN Underscored intern Jayna Rohslau since high school, as it holds up well through "rain, storms and college trips." She notes that the front compartment is perfect for those who often misplace their belongings.
A padded sleeve keeps your electronics safe and protected, while load-spring shoulder padding gives added comfort for your back. It has multiple zippered pockets for keeping things organized as well.
Some 93% of reviewers recommend this product, and it’s clear why. Not only is it water-repellant, but it’s durable enough to transition from an everyday bag into a hiking or travel bag with its laptop sleeve, 28-liter capacity and dual water bottle pockets.
The Fjällräven Kånken backpack is known for its style and durability. It fits a 17-inch laptop and has a main compartment plus three extra pockets. It's dirt- and water-resistant with a material that wipes clean easily, and it includes a rain flap for added protection.
Perfect for the student who might also enjoy a weekend hiking adventure, this Patagonia pack has 30 liters of room for all your equipment, including a back panel that can hold your laptop or hydration pack.
Backpacks for laptops
If carrying a laptop is a priority, these backpacks fit at least one device and its accessories, protecting your cargo without sacrificing comfort. Look for editor-favorite picks for laptop bags that even impressed our discerning tech writer as he went about his commute in NYC.
Featuring the diamond logo well known by many, the Heritage Backpack is indisputably classic. Its modern design is one focal point, but it also has a 15-inch laptop sleeve front pocket with a key clip that’s great for school or work.
For a slightly larger Herschel backpack, we like the Classic XL for its clean design and surprisingly large storage space. When we tested it, this bag easily fit a 16-inch laptop, charging brick, headphones, a light jacket and gym essentials.
With its 15-inch padded pocket, breathable and adjustable straps, and a strap on the back that can hook right onto your carry-on, this Kenneth Cole backpack is great for travelers, businesspeople and students as well. It is tear-resistant and has a fully lined interior.
There are a whopping six compartments in this stylish vegan leather backpack with a vintage feel, which means you have a spot for all of your school or work essentials. It features a sleeve that holds laptops up to 14 inches and even a button in the interior that allows you to increase the capacity of the backpack when you need to.
Nike not only makes great athleisure and sneakers but great backpacks. This one is praised for being incredibly durable and lasting for years and years, with an internal sleeve that can hold laptops up to 15 inches.
Easily carry a laptop (or three!) with this unexpectedly roomy 20-liter backpack from Timbuk2. In our testing, it was the best laptop backpack for commuters or students who need to carry more than one device.
Known for their line of luggage, Calpak also makes backpacks that are suitable for travel, whether that be a long-haul flight or just your commute to the office or campus. This Luka backpack holds a 15-inch laptop with lots of interior and exterior pockets and a luggage sleeve to slip over your bag's handle.
Backpacks for kids
Take special care when choosing a kid’s backpack or risk spinal misalignment, back pain, muscle spasms and more. At a minimum, make sure the backpack offers adjustable, padded shoulders, says Dr. Scott Bautch, a chiropractor and spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association. He also urges parents to ensure that the bag, when packed, weighs no more than 10% of the child’s body weight. We’ve made sure the following models fit those criteria — and more — so that your child can carry their books safely and in style.
This backpacks comes in a variety of colors that include a matching lunch bag and pencil case. Padded shoulder straps are an added bonus for comfort.
With its simple, straightforward silhouette, this kind of bag is an ideal backpack for kids. It’s lightweight but can hold plenty of books and supplies. Plus, the fun prints and colors available will help them dream big.
This heavy-duty clear backpack is great for quick checks to make sure you have everything ready to go. It’s also great for quick security checks at games, concerts and even Disney World. Plus, it’s easy to wipe off.
For the Fortnite fans out there, we found your dream backpack. It even has a large compartment for your books and laptop or tablets. A true win for gamers.
This L.L.Bean bag comes in six colors and can be machine washed to help clean unexpected marks or spills. You can also grab it in a variety of fun prints to express your kiddo's personality too.
Backpacks for commuters
If you’re starting an in-person internship or first office job, prepare yourself to haul a packed lunch and your work essentials across town. But don’t fret too much. With their thoughtful compartments, durable designs and laptop sleeves, these packs make commuting to work easy, even if you’re traveling on foot.
CNN Underscored tech expert Henry T. Casey says this is the best laptop bag he's tested for commuting. On top of its durable, water-resistant Baida nylon design, we were impressed by thoughtful touches like a small zippered pocket and built-in carabiner.
This affordable backpack gets all the basics right. Water bottle pockets? Check. Laptop sleeve? Check. And on top of its features and durability, Adventurist Backpack Co. provides 25 meals to those in need for every backpack sold.
Earning points from reviewers for its durability, this backpack is worth its price tag. Designed for on-the-go use, the backpack has a section for sweaty workout clothes and is even water-repellent.
"This is the best backpack I've ever owned," says Underscored associate writer Maxwell Shukuya. He likes that there are a ton of useful pockets and extras, including a laptop sleeve and stashable rain cover. "Since picking it up a few years ago, I've taken it everywhere — from the office to long hikes in the mountains — and it shows little signs of wear," he adds.
This Athleta bag is made of durable water-repellent material and is rated as 50+ UPF, making it a bag you can depend on in the rain or shine.
This bag is one of the best backpacks for school or travel since it features a USB charging port along with an anti-theft pocket to store valuables.
With more than 12,000 rave ratings on Amazon, plus a luggage strap at the back, consider this pick if you’re a frequent traveler or flyer, or if you just want a really great bag at an incredibly affordable price point. Its laptop sleeve can hold a laptop or tablet up to 17.3 inches too, so it’s great for those with larger equipment.
The open-top roll-down style of this pack lets you compress or expand the bag's space whenever you need to. Plus, you can completely customize the colors on this pack to make a bag that totally fits your style.
This tote-style backpack can be slipped over the handles of your carry-on or grab it right by the handles when you need to leave in a rush.
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