A flap backpack is any backpack that has a “lid” on top that covers the main compartment opening. This design was made popular by the canvas rucksack – a classic barebones bag that predates the modern backpack.
Today, many backpack brands today offer their own version of the classic canvas rucksack with updated features such as laptop compartments, special pockets and unique colors.
In this list we will help you find the best flap backpack for school and introduce you to some of our favorite brands.
Best Flap Backpacks for School
Topo Designs Rover Pack
Topo DesignsEquipped with a padded 15” laptop sleeve, plenty of storage pockets and a 20-liter main compartment for books and binders, the Topo Designs Rover Pack is one of the best school backpacks for those looking for a tough and reliable bag to lug around on campus. This buckle flap backpack even comes in dozens of different colors so you are bound to find one you absolutely love!
Fjallraven Foldsack No. 1 Backpack
The Fjallraven Foldsack No. 1 is a top flap backpack that keeps things simple yet stylish. Its highly water resistant design makes it a great choice if you are looking for a bag that can survive rainy days on campus. This is thanks to the Foldsack’s top flap construction made out of G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco water resistant fabric.
Vera Bradley Utility Backpack
The Vera Bradley Utility Backpack is the perfect option for anyone looking for a compact drawstring flap backpack for school, weekends and travel. With a 15-liter internal capacity, the Utility Backpack is large enough for light school loads such as a laptop and a few notebooks and binders. Plenty of pockets line the outside for quick access to pens, calculators and smaller personal items.
Kavu Timaru Backpack
Made to thrive both outdoors and on campus, the Kavu Timaru backpack isn’t your average school book bag. Not only can you expect fun Kavu aesthetics but its design really sets it apart from other canvas flap backpacks by offering quick side zipper access to the main compartment so that you don’t need to “unflap” the flap every time. Other great features include side water bottle pockets, multiple external stash pockets and a roomy and comfy contoured shoulder straps for all day wear.
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Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack
Modoker offers an affordable flap backpack for school that doesn’t skimp on features with their Vintage Laptop Backpack. Awesome features include an external USB charging port for your phone, a 15.6” laptop pocket and cushioned shoulder strap for extra comfort when the bag gets heavy.
Gearonic Vintage Canvas Flap Backpack
At 21 liters, the Gearonic Vintage Canvas Flap Backpack is the goldilocks of school bags. It manages to retain the look and feel of a classic rucksack without the bulk. The roomy main compartment is large enough for items like a laptop, books and notebooks and the various pockets are perfect for smaller items. If an authentic canvas buckle flap backpack is what you are looking for – this Gearonic bag will definitely check all the right boxes.
Burton Tinder Backpack
Buy on AmazonThe Burton Tinder is the ideal large flap backpack for school thanks to its roomy 30 liter main compartment that allows you to pack everything you need for a long day of class and after school activities. The buckle flap enclosure gives you great rain and snow protection while the internal laptop compartment and multiple accessory pockets protect your important gear inside.
Topo Designs Y-Pack
Topo DesignsThe Y-Pack is Topo Design’s take on the classic drawstring flap backpack. Don’t let the Y-Pack’s simple design fool you – this backpack is equipped with a 15” padded laptop sleeve, a spacious 23.8L main compartment and plenty of pockets for water bottles and accessories. One thing we will say about Topo bags is that they are built to last. Each Y-Pack is made from 1000D Nylon with heavy duty YKK zippers for a rugged bag that can do double duty on campus and on the hiking trail.
Bluboon Canvas School Backpack
Bluboon offers a canvas buckle flap backpack for school at an affordable price that doesn’t skimp on features. In addition to the various pockets that line the outside, the main compartment offers even more organization inside with pockets for a laptop, tablet, phone, pens and more. This is the backpack to grab if you are looking for an affordable backpack with lots of pockets.
Herschel Little America
Buy on AmazonThe Little America by Herschel Supply is one of the most popular rucksacks for school, travel and outdoor adventures thanks to its vintage flap top drawstring design. As a school backpack you’ll love the padded laptop compartment that is lined with a soft felt to keep your tech safe. The large open main compartment is also the perfect size for a full day of books, notebooks, lunch and extra clothing.
Best Backpacks for School Under $50
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SUVOM Canvas Backpack
The SUVOM Canvas Backpack mixes vintage style with modern features for best of both world’s carry. Although this backpack looks like it features a belt buckle top, the lid is really held together by metal buttons for fast and easy access to your gear inside. SUVOM also offers a padded 15.6” laptop sleeve and separate tablet and phone pockets to keep your modern tech organized and ready to go.
Fjallraven Greenland Top Backpack
Buy on BackcountryThe Fjallraven Greenland Top proves that less is better with its classic drawstring flap rucksack design made from hardwearing premium materials. The Greenland Top keeps it simple with a 20 liter main compartment, internal 15” laptop sleeve and snap-button side pockets. If a waxed canvas backpack for school is the look you are going for then you’ll love Fjallraven’s G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S fabric that is waxed for great weather protection and durability.
Everlane Renew Transit
EverlaneThe Everlane Renew Transit takes the classic flap backpack design and gives it a new modern twist. This unisex backpack offers a flap closure with zippered main compartment access and plenty of pockets for organizing your school gear. Available in multiple modern colors, you’ll love the clean design and practical features the Everlane Renew Transit backpack has to offer.
Modoker Vintage Rucksack
The Modoker Vintage Rucksack is perfect for anyone looking for a canvas buckle flap backpack on a budget. But don’t let the low price fool you – this backpack is full of features that are perfect for busy students on the move. The outside of this backpack is filled with pockets for quick access to smaller items and it even comes equipped with a USB port to charge your phone on the go. Inside you’ll be greeted with an extra large 35 liter main compartment and a large 17” laptop sleeve. If you are looking for a large canvas flap backpack for school then the Modoker Vintage Rucksack definitely deserves a closer look.
What is a flap backpack?
A backpack with a flap is traditionally called a rucksack. Rucksacks were originally used in the military and for outdoor recreation as a way to haul large amounts of gear while still keeping your hands free for important tasks. These bags are usually made out of canvas and feature a large main compartment with few pockets.
The top “flap” on a backpack is also known as a lid. A lid provides an efficient way to close the main compartment while protecting the gear inside the bag from the elements.
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Today you can find a “flap backpack” design in a variety of styles including backpacks made specifically for laptop carry, photography, travel and school. We’ve come a long way from the days of big old canvas rucksacks and most brands now use new fabric technology and construction methods to add modern day features such as extra pockets, laptop sleeves and tech compartments.
What’S underneath the flap?
Backpacks with lids usually have 2 different types on enclosures underneath them: drawstrings or zippers.
Drawstring (Filson Ripstop Nylon Backpack) vs Zipper opening (Filson Rugged Twill Rucksack)
Flap backpack with drawstring
The most common type of flap backpack is one with a drawstring closure underneath the lid. These backpacks give you double protection as the drawstring cinches the main compartment shut and prevents your items from spilling out while the buckled lid adds another layer of protection and water resistance.
Most backpacks with a flap closure have a variety of this lid and drawstring combination.
Flap backpack with zipper
Some modern backpacks with lids use zippers instead of a drawstring closure. In this case the lid protects the zippers from getting wet which increases the water resistance of the backpack significantly. It’s also common to see pockets on the lid for extra storage.
Let’s talk about buckles
Not all flap backpacks are created equal. When picking out a new backpack you should pay attention to how the lid is secured to the backpack’s body as this determines how easy it is to get inside the main compartment.
Belt buckles – Some brands use traditional belt buckles to secure down the lid. Although these buckles look awesome, they can get very cumbersome to undo every-time you want to access the inside of your backpack.
Metal buckles – Brands like Fjallraven like to use metal hook buckles to secure their lids down to the bag. We like these because they are easy to use and incredibly durable.
Plastic buckles – Although it has become very common to use plastic buckles in flap backpack designs they do have their pros and cons. One hand they are very easy to use and allow quick access to your stuff. On the other hand they aren’t as durable or nice looking as a metal buckle.
Magnets – Lastly, we have flap backpacks that look like they have complicated belt buckles but use magnets instead to secure the lid in place. The best example of this is the Herschel Little America backpack. This design allows you to get a cool vintage buckle look without the hassle.
The good news? Magnets are the easiest to use as you can open your bag in seconds with just a pull. The bad news? Magnets don’t secure the lid as well as a mechanical buckle and are very easy to pull apart.
Can You Use a Flap Backpack for School?
Yes! Many flap backpacks are perfect for school thanks to their large open main compartments and rugged construction. Here are some features that are worth looking out for if you are looking for a school backpack.
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Large main compartment
Rucksacks have the advantage of having large main compartments that are great for storing large school books, binders, clothing and a lunch. You can take advantage of a flap backpack for school with a large open main compartment if find yourself lugging around lots of stuff and could use the room.
If you are not sure if a backpack is going to be too big or too small for your needs check out our backpack size guide for a better look at what can fit inside 20L, 25L and 30L size backpacks.
Laptop and Tech Compartment
Today’s modern student needs a modern backpack that can protect their laptop, tablet and tech accessories. Most flap backpacks today have special laptop compartments or padded sleeves for your laptop and tablet. When choosing a vintage style flap backpack, make sure that the pockets are updated to carry your tech with confidence.
Water resistant
One major advantage of a flap backpack over a regular zippered backpack is that the lid offers additional protection from the elements since it covers the main compartment opening. If you want additional water resistance you can go with a canvas flap backpack since canvas is naturally water resistant. Other great materials are leather, nylon and fabrics that have a special coating on them to actively repel water.
We have an entire list of the best waterproof backpacks for college that you can take a look at if owning a highly water resistance school backpack is a priority.
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