Best Backpack for Law School

Whether you’re already a law student or you’re about to begin law school, it’s worth spending some time considering the best backpack for law school.

Your workload at law school is notoriously heavy and this is reflected in the number of heavy textbooks and casebooks you’ll need to carry.

Add on top of that your technology and personal needs and it’s clear you truly need to find the ultimate best backpack for law school. We’ve done the heavy lifting (wink) for you!

How We Researched the Best Backpack for Law School

51 Expert Reviews Considered
8,337 Consumer Reviews Considered
9 Hours Researching
29 Products Evaluated

Best Backpack for Law School 3 Features to Look For

1. Size  / Storage Capacity

Size and storage capacity should be your first consideration when looking for the best backpack for law school. Generally, you’ll need to be able to carry 2-3 casebooks, your laptop, other files and notes, and all your other personal paraphernalia.

With that size must come strength. Law School students carry a big and a heavy load. So make sure the back is well-built and gives you the support you need (padded shoulder straps etc.) to carry your heavy load.

2. Organization and Compartments

If it’s not clear already, you’ll be carrying a lot of gear for law school. And your workload will be just as heavy as your backpack load. So look for a laptop that sets you up for daily success. This means great organization.

You want to be able to reach into your laptop and easily find what you’re looking for, whip your laptop out easily. You’ll be on the move between classes and library very often, so you want something that makes it a cinch to pack up and go, while still staying organized.

3. Style

With all these practical needs at the forefront, it’s easy to think that the best backpack for law school is all about build and durability.

But we’ve talked to enough law students to know that style is just as important. After all, you’re a future professional and you want to look sleek, stylish and smart from day 1 of Law School. Our advice? Choose something classic that won’t overwhelm your personal style. Stay neutral, chic and sleek.

Best Backpack for Law School Our top 5 choices

SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Laptop Backpack

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Our Top Pick
Product rating

The SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Laptop Backpack has almost too many features to list. This is a truly impressive backpack that offers supreme value for money. Organized compartments, superior ergonomics, airport security convenience and a 17-inches laptop compartment are just some of the features that make this backpack our Number 1 best backpack for law school.

  • Go through TSA airport scans without removing your devices
  • Large main compartment with sturdy oversized zippers
  • Accordion file holder 
  • Padded media pocket with an external headphone-cord port
  • Laptop sleeve for laptops up to 17 inches
  • Ergonomic, contour-padded shoulder straps
  • A few customer reviews complained about zipper quality

Timbuk2 Parkside Laptop Backpack

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Runner Up
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The Timbuk2 Parkside laptop backpack is another great option for busy law school students. This sleek and minimal backpack certainly checks all the boxes for style and with a 25 liter capacity it can carry a big load, including laptop too. You can invest in a waterproof cover if you deal with more precipitation.

  • Large main compartment fits books, files etc.
  • Ventilated back panel to give your back breathing room
  • Padded laptop sleeves carries up to a 15” laptop
  • Sleek minimal style
  • Not enough pockets for some reviewers

Tumi Alpha 3 Brief Pack

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3rd Place
Product rating

The Tumi Alpha 3 Brief Pack is designed for busy business professionals. This makes it a really great pack for law school students. It will last through law school and beyond, making it a sound investment. Made of Tumi’s renowned “Ballistic Nylon” this backpack is built to last as long as its timeless looks.

  • Zip entry to padded laptop compartment (fits 15” screens)
  • Many compartments
  • Gusseted front straight-zip pocket
  • Timeless business / professional look 
  • Made of ultra-durable Ballistic Nylon
  • Significantly more expensive option

Jumo Anti-Theft Backpack

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4th Place
Product rating

The Jumo Anti Theft Backpack offers many features and details that make it ideal for law school students. Of course, it also covers the basics, with a laptop sleeve, durable materials and sleek style. But it also offers extras you don’t often find, like USB charging and a hidden anti theft zipper pocket.

  • Hidden anti theft zipper pocket on the back protect your valuable items
  • Separate laptop compartment holds 15 inch laptop
  • Built in USB charger outside and built in charging cable inside
  • Laptop backpack doesn’t power itself – you need a power bank.
  • Some customers complained about zipper quality

Matein Laptop Backpack

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5th Place
Product rating

The Matein Laptop Backpack offers many of the features that a law school student wants and needs. With supreme organizational compartments and convenience for travelling with technology, this backpack is great for campus and beyond. Even though it only comes in one style, it still makes the cut as a great-looking backpack for law school.

  • TSA friendly backpack
  • USB charging port
  • Laptop sleeve for 17 inch laptop
  • Limited style options
  • You need to buy a portable battery for use with this backpack

Best Backpack for Law School Conclusion

Many law school students swear they won’t use a backpack. They choose traditional briefcases and tote bags instead. But the best backpack for law school doesn’t have to mean a compromise on professional style.

Our top pick for the best backpack for law school has got to be the SwissGear Travel Gear 1900 Laptop Backpack. This is a reputable brand that builds backpacks built to go the distance.

As a law school student, you have a huge workload (and possibly a significant debt load too). So make sure you choose a backpack that takes some of the load off you. Ultimately, the best backpack for law school is the one that helps you stay organized to get through law school!