Best One Strap Backpack for School

While carrying a traditional two-strap backpack on one shoulder may look cool, it can lead to back and shoulder pain if it’s done for too long. Fortunately, single strap backpacks are designed to look cool and be comfortable. We’ve searched far and wide for the best one strap backpack for school, and we think you’ll like what we’ve found.

Whether you’re a high school or college student shopping for your own bag, or a parent looking for a backpack for your child, you’ll find the perfect one strap backpack for school on this list.

How We Researched the Best One Strap Backpack for Girls

37 Expert Reviews Considered
4,592 Consumer Reviews Considered
3.5 Hours Researching
13 Products Evaluated

Best One Strap Backpack for School 3 Features That Make One Strap Backpacks for School Special

1. Ergonomic Single Strap Design

Unlike traditional two strap backpacks, sling backpacks are only made with one strap. They’re crafted with ergonomics in mind to reduce back and shoulder discomfort. One strap backpacks are engineered to evenly distribute their load so that the bag sits comfortably on the wearer’s body. They are also designed with back and strap padding for an easy carrying experience.

2. Laptop Sleeve

Most sling bags are too small to fit large electronics. In order for a one strap backpack to be useful to students, it must be able to fit a laptop (or large textbooks and binders, which are similar in size to a laptop). All of the backpacks on this list have dedicated laptop sleeves that protect students’ valuable electronics.

3. Strategic Pockets

Because sling backpacks are smaller than two-strap backpacks, they have to make the most of their capacity. The best one strap backpacks for school have many strategic pockets and compartments. The bags on this list have clever features like strap cell phone pockets, hidden back pockets, earbud holes, and plenty of internal compartments.

Best One Strap Backpack for School Top 5: Best One Strap Backpacks for School

Under Armour Compel Sling 2.0

Product place
Our Top Pick
Product rating

Convenience and comfort are the name of the game of the best one strap backpack for school. Under Armour’s ergonomic Compel Sling 2.0 is crafted with UA Storm technology that repels water and a HeatGear strap that keeps the wearer cool year-round. Thanks to its 15” laptop sleeve, this bag can fit larger laptops than any other one strap backpack on our list.

  • 15” laptop sleeve
  • HeatGear strap 
  • Water-repelling UA Storm technology
  • Machine washable
  • Only one style option

SEEU Plus Oversized Sling Backpack

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Runner Up
Product rating

With a 28 L capacity, this single strap school bag by SEEU can hold more gear than any other backpack on our list. That’s plenty of space for textbooks and notebooks, and even a 14” laptop. High schoolers and college students will love the bag’s earbud hole and front strap cell phone pocket.

  • Spacious 28 L capacity
  • 14” laptop sleeve 
  • Hole for headphones
  • Front strap cell phone pocket
  • Not waterproof

DDDH Large Sling Backpack

Product place
3rd Place
Product rating

This sporty sling bag is perfect for high school students who want to stand out from the crowd. Thanks to its 25 L capacity, this bag can fit everything you need to get through classes, including a 14” laptop. The DDDH Large Sling Backpack’s ambidextrous strap makes switching shoulders a breeze.

  • Ambidextrous strap
  • Hidden back pocket
  • Large 25 L capacity
  • 14” laptop sleeve
  • Not waterproof
  • No warranty

7Senses Sling Bag Crossbody Backpack

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4th Place
Product rating

This bag’s petite frame is perfect for elementary and middle school students. Its 13.3” laptop sleeve is good for holding small laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets. Parents will love the backpack’s safety features, which include reflective strips on the back of the bag and a cell phone pocket on the strap.

  • Water bottle pocket
  • 13.3” laptop sleeve
  • Cell phone pocket on front of strap
  • Reflective strips for nighttime safety
  • Few style options

Leaper Retro Messenger Bag

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5th Place
Product rating

Students who want a vintage look will enjoy wearing this retro-inspired messenger sling backpack from Leaper. This bag is all about versatility, as it comes in 10 chic colors and has an ambidextrous strap. While this backpack’s electronics sleeve is only large enough to hold a tablet, its main compartment can fit a 13” laptop.

  • Comes in 10 colors
  • Water bottle pocket
  • Main compartment fits 13” laptop
  • Ambidextrous strap
  • Not waterproof
  • Has protective electronics sleeve that fits tablet and not laptop

Best One Strap Backpack for School Conclusion: The Best One Strap Backpack for School

The Under Armour Compel Sling 2.0 takes the cake as the best one strap backpack for school according to our customer-based research. This impressive sling bag can fit a 15” laptop, textbooks, notebooks, and a lot more.

At the end of the day, all of the options in our guide are category leaders. We’re sure you’ll find a one strap backpack for school on our list that you or your child will love.