Best Backpack for College

1. Style

Let’s face it, college isn’t just about books and studying. It’s a time when you’re discovering and developing a style of your own. This means that college students often don’t just want a pack that is functional — they want something that looks the part too.

We’ve chosen backpacks that will appeal to different style sensibilities, from classic to cool, outdoorsy to no-nonsense. With a huge variety of style choices for most of these backpacks, there’s sure to be one that complements your aesthetic!

2. Ergonomics

On the opposite end from style, we also considered comfort and support. This is the stuff your parents probably care about and you couldn’t care less about. But trust us, if you’re hauling a pack of heavy textbooks, laptop you’ll need a pack that is comfortable to carry.

Some features to look for include padded and adjustable shoulder straps. If your commute is even longer you might want a backpack with a waist or chest strap to give you an extra snug and secure fit.

3. Pockets and Compartments

College students carry a lot of stuff. Yes, there’s all the stuff you need for class; laptop, textbooks, notebooks and stationery. But there’s often also clothes and toiletries… after all you might end up crashing at a friend’s pad tonight! Don’t overdo it though, American Academy of Pediatrics recommends to keep the weigh of your backpack no more than 10% to 20% of your body weight.

You definitely want a pack that helps you carry a full load. And preferably one that helps you keep all those things organized. After all you don’t want a pen leaking on a textbook (or worse still, your change of clothes). So look for packs that have a few separate compartments and organizers to keep those smaller items sorted.

So, there you have it: Five of best options for best backpack for college students. Having spent countless hours doing extensive research, reading many expert reviews and hundreds of consumer reviews, these are the best of the best.

Our top pick has got to be the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack. There’s a good reason the Kanken has been an enduring design since 1978… Simply put, this backpack is too cool for school 😉

But there truly is a solid choice for every style here, whether you prefer a no-nonsense backpack or a colorful expression of your individual style. Plus, these backpacks for college also offer practical storage and superb comfort. Which backpack for college will you choose?