Morgan Scott February 5, 2021 School, Women

23 Best Backpacks for Grad School – Find a Mature Grad School Backpack

Morgan Scott February 5, 2021 School, Women

Looking for the best backpack for grad school that is mature, stylish and campus ready? We did the research to find the best backpacks that will fit the needs of even the busiest grad student.

In addition to our favorite backpacks, we also list a few brands that offer great grad school backpack options – including some top budget picks!

Best Backpacks for Grad School

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

Public Rec

Designed for working professionals and those who appreciated a polished look, the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus is ready to handle even your busiest class days on campus. The sleek minimalist design and upscale fabrics makes it the perfect grad school backpack for those who need something functional yet refined.

Public Rec also offers a smaller version of this backpack with the original Pro Pack but we like the Pro Pack Plus for its larger main compartment and secret bottom compartment. The bottom compartment is great for carrying shoes, extra clothes or a lunch while the roomy 26.5 liter main compartment is large enough for accommodating school books and binders.

Read more about the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

Backpack Specs:

• Capacity: 26.5L

• Dimensions: 18” x 12” x 7.5”

• Weight: 2.7lbs

• Materials: Water resistant poly-twill fabric

• 15” laptop sleeve

What makes the Pro Pack Plus great grad school backpack:

• Sleek minimalist design

• 26.5 liter main compartment is large enough for multiple college books, binders and notebooks

• Separate 15” laptop compartment with admin organizer

• Bottom zipper compartment for shoes/clothing

Great Organization

The Public Rec Pro Pack Plus is one of the best backpacks for grad school thanks to its variety of pockets. On the outside you’ll find a top phone pocket and two side water bottle pockets that blend in with the backpack when not in use. Grad school students will love the laptop compartment which features an organization panel with pockets for items like pens and documents. The padded laptop sleeve can fit a laptop or tablet up to 15-inches.

The Pro Pack Plus has long been one of our favorite backpacks with shoe compartment thanks to its hidden bottom zipper compartment. Large enough to fit a men’s pair of shoes, this compartment can also be used to keep a change of clothes or even your lunch. A separate compartment like this really comes in handy on long campus days where keeping certain items separate from your books is a must.

Refined Design

Although the Pro Pack Plus is aimed at working professionals, we think its a great option for grad students who want a more refined look that sets them apart from the undergrads. The Pro Pack Plus does at great job at keeping its shape even when empty – giving you a more polished look on campus.

Each Pro Pack Plus is made of poly-twill fabric which is a highly durable and water resistant material. When paired with its moisture resistant zippers you have a backpack that can survive a gloomy day on campus while keeping your most valuable items in tact.

Knack Pack Series 2

Knack Bags

The Knack Pack Series 2 the backpack that can do it all. In addition to an amazing array of everyday carry pockets and compartments, the Knack Pack also transforms into a travel bag thanks to its ability expand when you need it.

One feature we love about the Knack Pack Series 2 is the use of lux materials that elevates it from your standard backpack. If you are looking for a great graduate school bag that can also be used for work and travel then we highly recommend taking a closer look at the Knack Pack Series 2.

Read more about the Knack Pack Series 2

Specs:

• Capacity: 24-35L (expandable)

• Dimensions: 19” X 12” X 4.5” (unexpanded)

• Weight: 3lbs

• Materials: Water resistant Nylon woven fabric, full-grain Napa leather

• 15” laptop compartment

What makes the Knack Pack Series 2 a great grad school backpack:

• Insane organizer compartment that’s perfect for smaller items (pens, cables, chargers and more)

• One bag solutions for grad school, work and travel

• Hidden water bottle pocket for a streamlined look

• Can be carried like a briefcase thanks to stowable shoulder straps.

• Amazing quality! Mature design with high end materials

Carry Everything You Need

If there is one thing that the Knack Pack Series 2 does right it’s with their pockets and organizers. The backpack features a huge front organizer compartment complete with almost a dozen pockets for smaller items.

Other awesome pockets include a hidden water bottle pocket to keep the outside looking clean and sharp, larger zippered pockets that line the inside of the main compartment and a separate padded compartment for a laptop up to 15-inches.

A Mature Backpack for Grad School

While the original Knack Pack Series 1 features a more casual design, Knack decided to really upgrade the Series 2 with materials that rival many luxury backpacks. This translates to a mature backpack that can be used beyond graduate school and into the office or for traveling in style.

The fabrics used on the Series 2 include two-tone polyester ottoman fabric and high density nylon woven with high-twist yarn. Both materials are incredibly durable and feel amazing to the touch. These fabrics are also treated with PU for a water resistant finish.

The biggest Series 2 upgrade is the use of full grain Napa leather on the bottom panel and all touch points. This incredibly soft and supple leather gives the Knack Pack Series 2 a touch of sophistication unlike any of the other grad school backpacks on this list.

Expandable Design Done Right

A huge turn-off of many “jack-of-all-trades” expandable backpacks is that the main compartment and the travel compartment are often shared. As a result you feel like you are using a luggage backpack even when unexpanded.

The Knack Pack Series 2 is different in that there is a real 24 liter main compartment for daily use and a separate expandable luggage compartment stays hidden until you need to use it. This translates into a backpack that looks and feels like a regular backpack for grad school. Trust us, it won’t look like you are getting ready to board an airplane on campus.

The expandable compartment adds an additional 11 liters of packing space which is enough for 2-3 outfits. This compartment opens up like a suitcase and has travel-ready features like a zippered mesh compartment and compression buckle.

Db The Ramverk

Db Journey

The Db Ramverk is a step up from your average school bag thanks to its refined PU leather exterior, lux zippers and a slim profile. Designed around style and utility, Db does a great job at offering a sleek backpack that’s loaded with features.

Inside you’ll find some great college essentials like a roomy 21-liter main compartment, a separate padded 15” laptop compartment and plenty of zippered pockets for organization.

Read More about the Db Ramverk

Specs:

• Capacity: 21L 

• Materials: Water resistant PU leather

• Padded laptop compartment (fits up to 15” Macbook)

• Open flat clamshell main compartment

What makes the Db Ramverk a great grad school backpack:

• Slim profile for those who want to avoid large bulky backpacks

• Minimalist design. PU leather exterior adds a touch of sophistication.

• Plenty of smaller pockets for organization of tech, personal and school items.

• Keep it light. Lightweight design and 21L main compartment is perfect for carrying a few binders, notebooks and textbooks.

The “Nice But Not Boring” Grad School Backpack

With a 21 liter main compartment capacity, the Db Ramverk backpack is large enough for hauling a few large books and binders while still keeping a sleek profile. Students who want simplicity will appreciate the stripped-down design of the Ramverk. A zippered top pocket keeps your most important items within reach while the interior mesh pockets keep your smaller daily essentials organized. What you don’t get is a maze of pockets and half a dozen dangling straps. Db keeps the design of the Ramverk minimalist yet functional.

We recommend the Ramverk to grad students who want to graduate from the Jansport and Herschel crowd to something less common yet just functional. With multiple fun colors to choose from – the Db Ramverk gives students a best-of-both-worlds backpack that still elevates their daily look.

The North Face Surge

Buy on Amazon

The North Face Surge is one of our favorite backpacks for grad school and it’s easy to see why. The massive 31-liter main compartment is perfect for multiple large binders and textbooks while the front organizer compartment gives you easy-access to your smaller items. We also are big fans of the large laptop compartment that has a separate section for important paperwork or notebooks.

The Surge is available in both men’s and women’s versions so that you can find the perfect fit.

Read more about the North Face Surge

Specs:

• Capacity: 31L

• Dimensions: 20″ X 13.25″ X 10.5”

• Weight: 3lbs 2oz

• Materials: Nylon and Cordura Nylon Ripstop

• 15” laptop compartment

What makes The North Face Surge a great grad school backpack:

• Large main compartment with lots of packing space

• Great organization for tech and college essentials

• Amazing extra large laptop compartment with room for a tablet and notebooks/documents

• Comfortable back panel and shoulder strap design with adjustable sternum strap and waist belt.

The Best Backpack for Grad School?

We have always been big fans of North Face backpacks thanks to their secure laptop compartments, great pockets and tough-as-nails construction. The North Face Surge has exactly what you need for a long day on campus without the outdoorsy look that many North Face backpacks have.

Instead of a bungee system on the front, the North Face Surge has two side zippered pockets for quick-access to items. The pocket on the left is even fleece lined to keep electronics and other delicate items safe from scratches.

Speaking of fleece lined pockets, the North Face Surge has a ton of them. In addition to the front fleece lined pocket you can also find a separate fleece lined sunglasses pocket as well as fleece lined phone pocket.

Our favorite feature on the North Face Surge has to be its massive laptop compartment. This laptop compartment can fit a laptop up to 15-inches and features a separate tablet pocket and a partition so that you can store special documents and books. We have tested this compartment and found that the Surge can also be used as a dual laptop backpack thanks to the extra room in the laptop compartment.

If you are interested in a North Face backpack for grad school and need help choosing then make sure to check out our North Face Recon vs Surge comparison. The Recon has a lot of the same features but in a smaller footprint.

Finally, a Comfortable Grad School Bag

In line with their outdoor-oriented backpacks, the North Face uses the Flex Vent Suspension system on the Surge. The Flex Vent Suspension System is North Face’s very own back panel and shoulder strap design that helps redistribute the bag’s weight when worn. This ergonomic design also helps promotes air circulation to keep you cool and comfy. This translates to a more comfortable backpack experience when the backpack is filled with heavy books and binders.

What we have always liked about North Face bags is that they come in both men’s and women’s fits. This allows you to choose the right backpack size for your body. The men’s version of the Surge is better suited for people with longer torsos and wider shoulders. While the women’s version is great for those who have a shorter torso and slimmer shoulders.

Both the men’s and women’s Surge is equipped with an adjustable sternum strap and a removable waist belt. These straps greatly help redistribute the bag’s weight when honed in. When you add up the Flexvent Suspension System, gender-specific fit, sternum strap and waist belt you are left with a very capable backpack that feels as great as it looks.

Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter

Everyman

Can’t choose between a messenger bag or a backpack for grad school? Why not both? Or better yet, why not choose a bag that can also be worn carried as a briefcase or sling pack? Everyone, meet the Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter.

The Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter is a convertible bag that gives you the versatility you need for grad school. The 18 liter main compartment is great for carrying books and notebooks while the separate laptop compartment keeps your tech safe and sound. Great for weekend getaways, long days on campus or even day out in the city – the Hideout Commuter is here to make it all happen.

Read more about the Everyman Hideout Commuter

Specs:

• Capacity: 18L

• Dimensions: 18″ X 12″ X 6”

• Weight: 2.62lbs

• Materials: Water resistant 1680D Ballistic Nylon, Felted Wool laptop sleeve, waterproof zippers

• Laptop Sleeve

What makes Everyman Hideout Commuter a great grad school backpack:

• The 5-in-one design is versatile enough to fit any situation

• Doubles as a travel bag

• Minimalist design and slim backpack profile gives you a more refined look

• Great separate laptop compartment with plenty of pockets for tech and accessories

Unparalleled Versatility

Designed as a one-bag solution, the Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter gives you the option to carry it as a backpack, messenger bag, sling pack, briefcase or clutch thanks to it’s smart strap system that allows you to convert the bag as you see fit.

This versatility makes the Hideout Commuter perfect for those looking for good grad school bag that can also double as a travel bag when needed. Wear it like a college backpack on busy class days or switch to messenger bag mode when you want a more professional look.

The 18-liter main compartment is large enough for packing a few larger college textbooks and binders. It features a suitcase-style opening that allows for easy packing and unpacking. For travel, the main compartment can fit a few days worth of clothing for short trips.

The laptop compartment also has a clamshell opening for easy-TSA screening. The inside of the laptop compartment is made of a really nice Wooltech fleece which is great for protecting expensive electronics and has spots for your laptop, tablet and accessories for easy access on the move.

Stubble & Co The Commuter

Stubble & Co

The Stubble & Co Commuter is a laptop backpack for graduate school students who are looking for something practical yet refined enough to set them apart from the undergrads on campus.

The Commuter is constructed with premium waterproofed canvas and natural full grain leather – two durable materials that only look better as they age. The clean and understated design is perfect for anyone looking for a mature backpack for graduate school made with materials that will last for years to come.

Read more about the Stubble & Co The Commuter

Specs:

• Capacity: 22L

• Dimensions: 17.71” x 11.8” x 8.6”

• Materials: Premium waterproof canvas, full grain leather

• 16” laptop compartment and iPad sleeve

What makes the Stubble & Co Commuter a great grad school backpack:

• 22 liter main compartment is perfect for items like clothes, books and binders without adding too much bulk

• Separate access padded laptop compartment with additional tablet sleeve

• Made of durable natural materials that only look better as they age

• Simple and sophisticated design that is perfect for grad students

Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Backpack

Buy on Amazon

Part of Samsonite’s Business Collection, the Xenon 3.0 is a mobile office solution for those who want a more professional look. As a grad school backpack, the Xenon 3.0 offers great features such as roomy main compartment for books, separate laptop compartment and a smart organizer pocket for smaller items like pens, chargers and a tablet.

Read more about the Samsonite Xenon 3.

Specs:

Dimensions: 17.5” X 12″ X 8” (Large)

Weight: 2.8lbs (Large)

Materials: Super tough 1680D Ballistic Poly

Separate protected laptop compartment for 15.6” Laptop (Large) or 13” Laptop (Small)

What makes the Samsonite Xenon 3.0 a great grad school backpack:

• Mature professional look that doesn’t scream “undergrad”

• Mobile office design that includes an admin organizer compartment and plenty of pockets to keep paperwork and folders organized.

• Great construction: Made of tough 1680D Ballistic Poly

Choose the perfect size backpack for grad school

The Samsonite Xenon is currently offered in 3 different sizes (small/slim, medium and large) to best match your daily carry. The large version gives you a 15.6-inch laptop sleeve and an oversized main compartment while the small backpack allows for a 13-inch laptop compartment and a sleeker profile.

Luckily, all versions feature Samsonite’s great organizer compartments that give it it’s “mobile office” label. You can also expect the same ballistic poly construction that is tough enough to survive even the busiest of semesters.

Day Owl Backpack

Day Owl

Who said your backpack for grad school had to be boring? The Day Owl is a unisex backpack packed with features to make your daily carry a breeze. Plus this bag is available in a ton of fun colors while still keeping a sleek and mature profile.

One of our favorite features is that every Day Owl is made from recycled and eco-responsible materials. The brand stands behind their product so much that they even offer free repairs for life!

Read More about the Day Owl Backpack

Specs:

• Capacity: 16L (Smaller) or 21L (Larger)

• Dimensions: 15.5” X 11.5” X 5.5” (Smaller)

• Weight: 2lbs

• Materials: First Mile Wax Canvas, recycled polyester lining and trim, LWG Certified leather detailing, metal YKK zippers

• Separate 14” or 16” laptop sleeve (depending on the size)

• Free repairs for life

What makes the Day Owl a great grad school backpack:

• Two different sizes and multiple colors to choose from for the perfect match

• A grad school bag that will last: Day Owl offers free repairs for the life of the backpack

• Great pockets for both school and personal items

If you want to see the Day Owl action we encourage you to check out our full Day Owl backpack review for a closer look!

Day Owl Helps Make the World A Better Place

Day Owl’s commitment to eco-friendly materials ethical sourcing is one that should be highlighted. While other backpack brands market fancy materials, Day Owl brings it back to basics with a bag made of natural materials such as canvas, cotton and leather.

Every material used on the Day Owl backpack is either recycled or ethically sourced. The body is made out of First Mile waxed canvas that is made from 100% post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. Waxed canvas is a great durable material that actually looks better over time as it develops character from everyday use. Naturally water resistant, you can also expect the Day Owl to survive light rains on campus while keeping your important items safe.

The backpack is also lined with 100% recycled polyester lining and trim. The leather detailing on the handles and zipper pulls are made out of LWG-Certified leather. LWG is a group that focuses on compliance for eco-friendly and ethical sourcing of leather materials. Lastly, the YKK zippers and hardware used are made entirely out of metal to reduce plastic waste.

In addition to taking great care in their sourcing, Day Owl also offers free repairs for the life of the bag. This means if you Day Owl backpack ever gets ripped, torn or damaged you can contact Day Owl for a complimentary repair. This translates to less waste over time and a grad school bag you can really depend on! 

Hidden Pockets for a More Put Together Look

Along with great materials and construction, the Day Owl is a real joy to use as a daily backpack. It’s best features include sneaky pockets and compartments that are hidden on the outside but offer great organization.

Our favorite pocket is the hidden “chimney pocket” for water bottles on the side. Large enough to fit an entire wine bottle, this pocket is lined with neoprene material that prevents spills from reach the other parts of the bag. Keep your grad school papers and laptop safe from a water bottle disaster!

In addition to the chimney pocket, the Day Owl includes a larger front zippered pocket for easy access to things like a small notebook or wallet and a top zip pocket for easy access to sunglasses or a phone.

The roomy main compartment features a clamshell zipper design for easy loading and unloading. These main compartments are incredibly roomy and although the smaller backpack only offers 16 liters of space – we found that the main compartment design is open enough to fit multiple large binders and books. Day Owl really does a great job maximizing the main compartment space.

Finally a separate laptop compartment rests agains the back for easy access to your tech when you need it most! The Day Owl comes in both larger and slim sizes so that you can find the best fit for you!

Osprey Apogee Backpack

Osprey

With the Apogee, Osprey offers the best comfort features and light weight of their hiking backpacks in a more streamlined look that’s perfect for grad school!

Osprey offers this backpack design in two different fits: the men’s Osprey Apogee and the women’s Osprey Aphelia. Both backpacks have the same great features such as multiple organization pockets, document sleeves and a padded 15” laptop and tablet sleeve.

Read more about the Osprey Apogee

Specs:

• Capacity: 28L

• Dimensions: 19.7” X 11.43” X 9.46”

• Weight: 1.8lbs

• Materials: Nylon Dobby and Nylon Packcloth

• 15” Laptop Sleeve

• Includes sternum strap and waist belt

What makes the Osprey Apogee a great grad school backpack:

• Large 28 liter main compartment is perfect for grad school books, notebooks and more

• Super lightweight at only 1.8 pounds

• Keep a streamlined look: Secret stretchy side pocket for water bottles that disappears when not in use

• Plenty of smaller pockets for phones, sunglasses pens and more

The Best Lightweight Backpack for Grad School

At less than 2lbs, Osprey does a great job at offering a light backpack with some killer comfort features with their Apogee daily backpack. In addition to a sternum strap and waist belt, the Osprey Apogee features a mesh back panel and shoulder straps that will keep you cool and comfortable while roaming campus.

As a grad school backpack, the Apogee features a large 28 liter main compartment that can be filled with larger college textbooks, binders and notebooks. The backpack even features a document sleeve to keep important paperwork safe. The front zipper compartment is filled with organizer pockets for smaller items like keys, phone and charging cables and allow for easy access when you are on the move.

One of our favorite features is the discreet water bottle pockets on the sides of the backpack. The water bottle pockets are made of a super stretchy mesh and snap back in place and blend in with the sides when not in use. This allows for a more refined profile when needed. Few backpacks with water bottle pockets offer this kind of clever design.

Osprey Offers the Perfect Fit

Alongside the men’s Apogee, Osprey also offers the women’s Aphelia backpack that gives you the same carry features in a women’s fit. Along with a gender-specific shoulder straps and back panel, the Aphelia weighs even less at only 1.54 pounds! We highly recommend giving the Osprey Aphelia a closer look if you are looking for a reliable women’s backpack for grad school.

Nomatic Backpack

Nomatic

The Nomatic Backpack has been one of the most standout backpacks in recent years thanks to its innovative design, sleek exterior and an endless number of internal pockets. As a grad school backpack you’ll love Nomatic’s commitment to organization while giving you a look that’s a step-up from your average college backpack.

Read more about the Nomatic Backpack

Specs:

• Capacity: 20-24L (Expandable)

• Dimensions: 18.5” X 12” X 5”

• Weight: 4lbs

• Water resistant exterior

• Laptop and tablet sleeves

What makes the Nomatic Backpack a great grad school backpack:

• Expandable main compartment gives you more packing room when you need it

• Best organization in class – dozens of internal compartments for everything from sunglasses, keys, tech and accessories

• Can be converted into a briefcase in seconds

• Keeps it’s shape even when empty for a sleek professional look

Backpack to Briefcase in seconds

Did you know that the Nomatic backpack can also double as a briefcase? The shoulder straps on the Nomatic backpack can be unclipped and tucked away in seconds thanks to the included handles that allow for easy side-carry when needed.

Many grad students worry that a backpack may be too immature but Nomatic solves this problem by giving you a sleek backpack with the option to turn it into a briefcase when you want a more professional look. If you are wondering what an “adult backpack” looks like then this is it!

Expandable Main Compartment When You Need It

The main compartment of the Nomatic Backpack is expandable from 20 liters to 24 liters with the help of Nomatic’s expanding zipper design. This allows for sleek look on light days and more room for busier days on campus. It’s little features like these that make the Nomatic such a great grad school backpack.

The Nomatic Backpack Includes A Pocket for Everything… Seriously

In addition to its expandable main compartment, the Nomatic Backpack has some of the most versatile internal organization we have seen to date. Outside you’ll find magnetic water bottle pockets that stay hidden when not in use. There is also a top pocket for easy access to a phone or other small items. In fact, you can even route a charging cable from the inside of the main compartment and turn the Nomatic into a mobile charging backpack.

Inside is where all of the magic is. Every panel is lined with pockets. The smaller compartment features plenty of mesh pockets for storing small items you need quick access to while the main compartment gives you full clamshell access to even more pockets that line the main compartment. A cool little bonus that Nomatic includes is a sunglasses pocket with a hardshell glasses case. This means your glasses will stay protected from the start.

The tech pocket panel inside the main compartment is cleverly designed to keep all of your tech and accessories in one place. Here you will find a fully padded laptop sleeve and a separate sleeve for a tablet, documents or even a smaller second laptop! More pockets line this panel for an easy way to keep your chargers and cables all together.

Targus Cypress Hero Backpack

Buy on Amazon

At under $100, the Targus Cypress Hero offers an affordable grad school bag that doesn’t skimp on quality or features. Equipped with a generous main compartment, separate laptop sleeve and plenty of smaller pockets this backpack is ready to take on a busy day on campus.

We love this backpack for its sleek business-inspired design and understated colors – proving that backpacks aren’t just for undergrads.

Read more about the Targus Cypress Hero

Specs:

• Capacity: 20L

• Dimensions: 19.69” X 12” X 5.3”

• Weight: 2.31lbs

• Materials: EcoSmart materials made from recycled plastic bottles

• Padded 16” Laptop Sleeve

What makes the Targus Cypress Hero a great grad school backpack:

• Affordable price ($89.99) without scarfing quality and functionality

• 20 liter mid-size main compartment is perfect for students who don’t need massive main compartments but like lots of organization

• Serious about laptop protection – Targus is known for their great protective laptop sleeves and the Cypress Hero is no exception.

• Mature design and color-ways make for a great upgrade from casual student bookbags

A Mature and Eco-Friendly Design

Targus does a great job at offering a sleek and minimalist backpack design with the Cypress Hero. Clean lines and understated colors allow it to blend in nicely at the office or on a grad school campus.

Each Cypress Hero backpack was made with the environment in mind thanks to Targus’ recent commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing. Every backpack equals about 26 plastic bottles that would have otherwise ended up in landfills and waterways. These recycled materials are part of Targus’ EcoSmart technology that can be found throughout all the EcoSmart line of backpacks and bags. If a grad school briefcase is more your style then you’ll be glad to learn that Targus also offers a few designs with EcoSmart materials as well.

Grad School Approved Organization

The Targus Cypress Hero is comprised of three sections; the front organizer compartment, the main compartment and the rear laptop compartment. The front organizer compartment features a huge panel with plenty of pockets to keep all of your smaller items near and organized. The main compartment has a generous capacity of 20 liters and is large enough to hold a few larger textbooks and binders. Lastly, the rear laptop compartment can fit up to a 16-inch laptop and does a great job at offering shock and drop protection from everyday use.

If you are looking for a more mature backpack for grad school then you’ll love how the Cypress Hero keeps it’s shape even when empty. This is thanks to its structured design that keeps you looking neat and professional when on the move.

Solo Duane Hybrid Briefcase Backpack

Buy on Amazon

The Duane Hybrid by Solo is a two-in-one briefcase backpack that can be as versatile as you are. It’s sophisticated slim profile, clever pocket placement and multiple tech compartments makes it perfect for students looking for a grad school bag on a budget. At only $54.99 there are few bags that offer this much value for the price.

Read more about the Solo Duane Hybrid

Specs:

• Dimensions: 17” X 12.5” X 5”

• Weight: 2.1lbs

• Materials: Polyester

• Padded 15.6” laptop sleeve and tablet pocket

What makes the Solo Duane Hybrid a great grad school backpack:

• Converts from backpack to briefcase in seconds

• Fully padded laptop sleeve with additional tablet and phone pockets

• Slim design looks sleek and professional

• Affordable price that doesn’t compromise on style or functionality

For the Tech-centric Grad Student

The Solo Duane Hybrid is a great choice for tech-focused grad students who like to keep their campus carry light. The fully padded 15.6 inch laptop compartment and internal tablet pocket keeps your tech save while an easy-access phone pocket allows you to quickly stash away you device before class. 

Although the main compartment capacity is less than many of the grad student backpack picks on this list the Duane still have enough room to fit a few notebooks and files. Two smaller exterior pockets also help with fast access to smaller items. The slim design looks great both on both backpack and briefcase mode for a look that is professional without being too boring.

Sherpani Soleil AT Convertible Backpack

Buy on Amazon

The Sherpani Soleil is a convertible bag that can be switched from tote bag to a backpack when you need it! At 16 liters the Soleil is roomy enough for your grad school essentials (including a 15-inch laptop) while the numerous pockets throughout are great for keeping smaller items organized. As a women’s grad school backpack we love the female-specific fit that allows for comfortable carry no matter how long your days are. 

Read more about the Sherpani Soleil AT

Specs:

• Capacity: 16L

• Dimensions: 15.5” X 11” X 4.5”

• Weight: 1.6lbs

• Fits up to 15” laptop

What makes the Sherpani Soleil a great grad school backpack:

• Converts from backpack to tote bag in seconds

• Packed with anti-theft features like a chair loop lock and lockable zippers

• Mature yet fun design that can be dressed up or down

• Plenty of pockets for easy organization of grad school essentials!

Clever Anti-Theft Design

Along with being a great women’s backpack for grad school – the Sherpani was designed to be a one bag solution for travel, work and weekends. And you can see this in Sherpani’s anti-theft design that includes a myriad of features focused on keeping your most important items safe. 

The Soleil’s anti-theft features include RFID protection, the ability to lock all zippered compartments and a loop lock system that allows you to lock the bag down to a chair or table leg.

Able Carry Max Backpack

Able Carry

The Able Carry Max is perfect for anyone looking for a larger backpack that can take on long grad school days with room to spare! At 30 liters, the roomy main compartment is great for large college textbook, binders or even your gym gear. A separate admin compartment has pockets for everything from a laptop, chargers, pens and notebooks. It’s these features and more that makes the Able Carry Max a great choice if you are looking for the perfect grad school bag that can also be used for work or travel.

Read more about the Able Carry Max

Specs:

• Capacity: 30L

• Dimensions: 20.5” X 12.5” X 8”

• Weight: 3.79lbs

• Materials: XPAC, Cordura Nylon

• 16” laptop sleeve

What makes the Able Carry Max a great grad school backpack:

• Roomy 30 liter main compartment for multiple large binders, books and folders

• Separate rear admin compartment for a laptop and accessories

• Hidden water bottle pocket for a streamlined look

• Great backpack for grad students who need a versatile bag for school, work and travel

The Able Carry Max = Jack of All Trades

Able Carry is known for their great quality daypacks – namely the Able Carry Daily and Thirteen Daypack which are two smaller bags made for hauling just the essentials. With the Max, Able Carry has set out to offer a larger capacity backpack with the versatility to be used for travel, work, school or even the gym!

The large main compartment features a clamshell zipper design for full access to contents inside. This allows for easy packing and unpacking of clothing while traveling as well as simple loading of books, binders and notebooks for grad school. 

One of our favorite features is the admin compartment that is located in the back of the bag. This compartment is your mobile office – ready to store a laptop, pens, chargers and small notebooks. 

Even though the Able Carry Max looks like it has a minimalist exterior the outside of the bag is actually filled with sneaky pockets for easy access to frequented items. On the side of the backpack you’ll find a hidden water bottle pocket that keeps the outside of the bag looking sleek while you stay hydrated. Other outside pockets include a large front quick-access pocket and a side pocket for sunglasses or a phone.

A backpack that will last beyond grad school

If there is one thing that the Able Carry brand is known for it’s their great quality and construction. The body of the Able Carry Max is made of XPAC – a tough fabric that is known for its tear resistance. XPAC is also very lightweight which comes in handy with a larger backpack like the Max.

The bottom, shoulder straps and back all made of Cordura Nylon which is a fabric known for its toughness and durability. Using Cordura Nylon in these high impact areas are a great peace-of-mind for backpack you’ll be using day in and day out.

Each Max backpack is also reinforced with Able Carry’s signature nylon webbing along the bottom. This webbing helps gives the backpack structure and adds strength when carrying heavy loads.

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More Brands That Offer Great Grad School Backpacks

Bellroy

Bellroy is a brand offering stylish yet functional bags for work, travel and commuting. We think their bags are worth checking out if you are looking for bags with modern designs with an emphasis on high grade materials and construction.

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Samsonite

Samsonite is best know for their travel luggage but we highly recommend looking at their business backpacks if you need a mature grad school backpack that is also office-ready. The prices are reasonable and the bags are great quality.

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Shieldon

We recommend the brand Sheildon to grad students looking for more affordable backpack options. Their backpacks hit a sweet spot between good quality construction and budget-friendly prices. Shieldon currently offers a nice selection of tech-carry and business models that all make great backpacks for graduate school.

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How to Choose the Best Grad School Bacpack

Here we list some of the top features to look out for when shopping for a new backpack for grad school. Not sure how to choose a good backpack for your needs? Start here.

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Choosing the right carrying capacity (size)

A backpack’s carrying capacity not only determines the size of a backpack but how much you can carry. The carrying capacity is usually measured in Liters (L) and this determines how large the main carrying compartment is. If you plan on carrying only a laptop and a few notebooks then you might be better off with a smaller backpack in the 15-25 liter range. But if you are a grad student that will be carrying plenty of binders and books than a larger backpack in the 25+ liter range would make sure to accommodate everything you need.

We recently did a visual backpack size guide that can help you choose the right backpack for grad school. It’s worth checking out if you need clear examples on what can fit in different size backpacks!

Make sure your grad school backpack has the organization you need!

The best backpack for grad school is not only the right size but has plenty of pockets for your college essentials and personal items.

In this list we went hand-picked backpacks that have great organizer compartments and pockets. An organizer compartment (also called an admin compartment) is often zippered compartment separate from the larger main compartment. This compartment will be lined with smaller pockets for items like a wallet, phone, pens and tech accessories.

If you are looking for a great grad school backpack, make sure to choose one with an organizer compartment. Trust us, these compartments make the small items you need frequent access to much easier to find!

Pick a bag with secure laptop and tech compartments

In the modern classroom having a laptop or tablet is a must! Unfortunately not all laptop compartments are made equal. Many brands skimp on a padded laptop compartment which can cause trouble the moment you accidentally drop your bag. 

Choose a grad school backpack with a quality laptop compartment for security and some peace of mind. Good laptop compartments should be padded on all side and have false-bottoms. False-bottoms are when the bottom of the laptop sleeve or compartment is suspended and doesn’t touch the bottom of the bag. With false-bottoms you’ll have some extra reassurance that dropped your bag won’t cause your expensive laptop to hit the ground on impact.

Another great idea is to have tablet specific pockets if you carry both a laptop and a tablet. Tablet pockets can be padded or fleece lined and should be easy to access on the go.

Other tech pocket recommendations are fleece lined pockets for a phone and special pockets for headphones, external hard drives and cable management.

Choose a Bag With Water Resistant Fabrics

If you are likely to be walking around an open campus or commuting to grad school then it’s a good idea choose a grad school backpack made out water resistant materials.

Examples of water resistant materials include natural water resistant materials such as leather and waxed canvas and synthetic materials such as high denier nylon or polyester.

Many brands use a treatment to make their fabrics water resistant. Examples include a PU coating and DWR finishes. These treatments actively repel moisture away from the fabric causing water to roll off instead of soak in.

If getting caught in bad weather is often a concern of yours then we recommend checking out our best waterproof backpacks for college list where we rank the best waterproof backpacks that are perfect for both grads and undergrads alike.

A backpack with a good fit goes a long way!

When you are carrying a heavy backpack for college it’s important that your backpack fits your properly! Ill fitting backpacks can lead to sore shoulders and aching backs which can really put a damper on your busy schedule. 

When choosing a new backpack, pay attention to the overall dimensions. This can lead to clues on how large or small a backpack is. For more info on this please refer to our guide on how a backpack should fit for some tips when picking out a new bag!

Gender specific fits are helpful when unisex fits are usually too large or too small. Brands like The North Face, Patagonia and Osprey all do a great job at offering men’s and women’s versions of the same bag.

Along with overall fit you are going to want to stick with backpacks with a good reputation for comfort. An example is the North Face with their FlexVent Suspension system which uses a proprietary shoulder strap and back panel design to help distribute weight more comfortably. In addition, sternum straps and waist belts are also features that help with overall comfort as they help redistribute weight from your shoulder unto your chest or waist respectively. 

Tips for Finding a Mature Backpack

If you are not sure about wearing that old backpack you’ve had since high school then you’re not alone. Grad school is a great time to upgrade to something a little more mature. Here are some tips to help you pick a mature grad school backpack.

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Materials

Materials are an incredibly important part of choosing a more mature and grown-up backpack for grad school. High quality natural materials such as waxed canvas and leather are both great choices that look great new and wear nicely overtime. Backpacks made of these materials tend to develop a patina over time that adds character to bag while not making it look to raggedy or run down.

If you are going with a leather backpack make sure that it’s a high quality leather that can stand the test of time. Well-crafted leather goods last a lifetime and so should your leather backpack. Avoid brands that do not state what kind of leather they are using since the chances are good that they are using an inferior leather. Stick to full grain leather for a nice reliable leather that can afford to get scuffed and still look great.

Waxed canvas is a reliable natural material that is water resistant and incredibly tough. Although less formal than leather, backpacks made out of canvas still develop an attractive character over time for a more rugged look. 

Other good quality materials include Cordura nylon, XPAC, ballistic nylon and high denier polyester. These are all synthetic fabrics with some water resistance and incredible durability. Cordura nylon is often touted as the gold standard of backpack fabrics. Cordura is incredibly tough and can combat tears and punctures much better than cheaper fabrics such as cheap polyester.

Choose a backpack with great quality materials and you are less likely to experience tears, rips and a worn down look. The materials mentioned above will help your backpack look better longer which is a key to having a mature grad school backpack that will look professional for years to come.

Structure

An oftentimes overlooked design feature when picking out a mature grad school bag is its structure. Structure refers to how a backpack keeps its shape when empty. 

Unstructured canvas backpacks are what we often think of when we think of school backpacks. Examples include classic Jansport backpacks that collapse in on itself when worn. While these backpacks may have done just fine in high school and college, it’s always a good idea to step up to a more professional looking bag for graduate school.

The best business backpacks are almost always structured in some way. In this list we have made sure to take this into consideration when recommending our favorite grad school backpacks.

Colors

Although brightly colors and patterned fabric are fun, avoid them when choosing a new backpack for grad school. Colorful and patterned backpacks are often used by high school and undergrad students and their designs often reflect that.

A quick way to make just about any backpack look more mature is to stick with basic low-key colors. Black, gray, navy and maroon are all great colors to choose for a grad school backpack.

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