Best Backpack for School Feature Overview
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JanSport Right Pack Backpack
Best for Classic appealCordura® fabric with suede leather bottom
Water-resistant
31 L
Laptop Sleeve
3+ Compartments
20+ Style options
Warranty -
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
Best for Great looks & dirt resistancePolypropylene & Vinylon
Water-resistant
18 L
Laptop sleeve
4+ Compartments
15+ Style options
Warranty -
North Face Recon Backpack
Best for Bicycle mountingPolyester
Water-resistant
30 L
Laptop sleeve
6+ Compartments
31+ Style options
Warranty -
Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
Best for Timeless standardPolyester / Synthetic Leather
Water-resistant
21.5 L
Laptop sleeve
3+ Compartments
41+ Style options
Warranty -
Nike Heritage Backpack
Best for Sleek, sporty lookPolyester
Water-resistant
26 L
Laptop sleeve
4+ Compartments
5+ Style options
Warranty
How We Researched the Best Backpack for School
Best Backpack for School 3 Features to Look For
1. Comfort & Durability
What does this mean? Ideally it should have generously padded shoulder straps that you can adjust to perfectly fit your torso.
In terms of capacity, you might be tempted to think that bigger is better. But really, smaller individuals may feel more comfortable in a backpack that’s more in proportion to their body size. Plus, remember that that bigger backpack will also be a lot heavier once it’s loaded.
In terms of durability, look for backpacks made of tough dirt and fade-resistant material, like polyester. These packs will be easier to simply wipe with a damp cloth.
For durability, also pay attention to the number of straps, zips and other excess details. We’ve found more streamlined backpacks score higher for both their good looks but also because they stand up to being pushed and pulled in and out of school lockers.
2. Great Looking Design
The best backpack for school will be the one you love carrying every single day, perhaps for years. It should reflect your style and personality but also withstand seasonal fashion changes.
Most of the backpacks on our list of best backpacks for school come in many colours and patterns. There truly will be something for every age, style and personality.
That said, it might be worth thinking more medium to long term when choosing the style of your backpack. A neutral colour will adapt to what you’re wearing on any given day. But a bright pattern might clash or you might simply tire of it faster.
But colour is just one design aspect. We also found streamlined, classic backpack shapes were a favourite among all consumer reviews.
3. Laptop Sleeve
Even if you don’t carry a laptop every day now, it’s never a bad thing for a backpack to have a laptop sleeve. All of the backpacks we picked for our top five have laptop sleeves.
The great news with students using laptops is they’ll have fewer papers to carry, which means they can consider a lighter load.
But even if you don’t have a laptop, you probably carry some technology. The laptop sleeve can be a safe place for all your technological bits and bobs. But odds are, you’ll want to use a laptop at some point, so it’s a good idea to choose a backpack that allows you that flexibility.
Best Backpack for School Our top 5 choices
JanSport Right Pack Backpack
The JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack is probably the ultimate “JanSport backpack” and it’s simply perfect for school. Its suede leather bottom and classic design make this an iconic backpack. And it’s a solid choice for daily school life, including commuting.
This is a brand (and a pack) that doesn’t just inspire loyalty – it inspires full on devotion. Just check out this comment:
Literally the best backpack I’ve ever owned for school… If you’re thinking about getting this backpack but are unsure, let me make you sure. Get it. You won’t regret it. After 2 years, my straps are still attached, the bottom is still intact and all the zippers are still functional. (Amazon)
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
The iconic Fjallraven Kanken backpack first went on sale in 1978. This updated version makes room for current technological needs with a 15” laptop sleeve. But it retains all the classic style of the original Kanken backpack.
So many reviewers at all levels of school love the rugged good looks of this pack. One reviewer, Casey, commented
“I am a graphic design student and this bag is the best for carrying a heavy macbook pro and sketchbooks, tools, etc. It is made of tough and materials and honestly is really good at helping me maintain an upright posture while walking and sitting.” (Fjallraven)
North Face Recon Backpack
The sporty-looking and ultra durable, North Face Recon backpack will get you safely from point A to B. This backpack has the biggest capacity of our line up, at 30 liters. This makes it great for those school students who need extra capacity for books and equipment.
This backpack also offers 360 degrees of reflectivity will keep you safe during your commute, making this a great pick for cyclists and commuters or those who are more active.
Reviewer Jen agrees:
I’ve had this backpack for a little over a year and it has been perfect for both school and activities like hiking or flying. There are no issues with tearing or weak points that I’ve noticed from a year of rough use. I highly recommend this backpack, it won’t let you down. (Amazon)
Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
The Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack is a sleek and classic backpack that is a solid and popular choice for many school students. This pack is sleek and streamlined, meaning it won’t cramp your style. At the same time, it comes in 41 colours and patterns, so you’ll still be able to stand apart in a crowd. it’s a hardworking pack that will safely house your laptop and other school books and supplies.
As one reviewer put it:
My daughter picked this blue floral one for school this year and LOVES it. Nice and big, very good quality. In a school where everyone has the same 10 backpacks, she’s never had anyone with one of hers, which is only one of the reasons we love Herschel. All of our Herschel backpacks still look brand new, not A thread out of place! (Herschel)
Nike Heritage Backpack
The Nike Heritage Backpack is a truly well-equipped backpack. Its heavy-duty polyester finish makes it ideal for students who love sports. Plus there’s a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a front zippered pocket, ideal for storing pens, pencils and electronics. The bag’s shoulder straps and back panel are padded, so it will be a comfortable carry throughout your school day.
Best Backpack for School Conclusion
There you have it! Five amazing contenders for best backpack for school. Whether you’re heading to elementary school, middle school, high school, college or beyond, we hope you find your ideal backpack in our selections.
These are all great packs that will appeal to different personalities and needs. If we had to put our money down today, we’d go for the JanSport Right Pack Backpack. Seriously… reading through hundreds of reviews of this pack would convert the most cynical of buyers.
But this is a tight, tight race and any of the other packs will be a best backpack for school for the right person. No matter which you choose, you’ll hit the school year with style!