Best Backpack for College Feature Overview
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Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
Best for Great looks & dirt resistance Polypropylene & Vinylon
Water-resistant
18 L
Laptop Sleeve
4+ Compartments
15+ Style options
Warranty -
North Face Borealis Backpack
Best for Extra back support Polyester
Water-resistant
28 L
Laptop Sleeve
5+ Compartments
40+ Style options
Warranty -
Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
Best for Sleek style Polyester
Water-resistant
21.5 L
Laptop Sleeve
3+ Compartments
20+ Style options
Warranty -
JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack
Best for Classic appeal Cordura® fabric with suede leather bottom
Water-resistant
31 L
Laptop Sleeve
3+ Compartments
20+ Style options
Warranty -
AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack
Best for Affordability Polyester
Water-resistant
Unknown
Laptop Sleeve
7+ Compartments
1 Style option
Warranty
How We Researched the Best Backpack for College
119 Expert Reviews Considered 7,743 Consumer Reviews Considered 12 Hours Researching 89 Products Evaluated
Best Backpack for College 3 Features to Look For
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.
Best Backpack for College Our top 5 choices
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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. It’s easy to see why this great backpack is our Number 1 pick for college students!
- Great looking pack with classic style and colors
- Large main compartment, two side pockets and a zippered pocket in the front.
- Made of durable Vinylon F
- Fits a 15″ laptop
- Consistently excellent reviews from customer
- Lower capacity than some other packs
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North Face Borealis Backpack
The 28 liter North Face Borealis backpack is another great choice for college students. This backpack is worth noting for its large 28 liter capacity. Plus, the front elastic bungee system gives you options for additional external storage. On the downside, it may be a little “outdoorsy” looking for college students for whom style matters.
- Huge variety of 40+ different styles
- Fleece-lined mini-pocket for phone or sunglasses
- 15 inch padded laptop compartment
- Women-specific version available
- Might be too outdoorsy looking for some college students
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Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
The Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack is a great-looking backpack that is a solid and popular choice for many college students. This pack is sleek and streamlined, meaning it won’t cramp your style. At the same time, it’s a hardworking pack that will safely house your laptop and other books and supplies.
- Huge variety of styles, patterns and color combinations
- Signature striped fabric liner
- 15″ laptop sleeve
- Internal media pocket with headphone port
- Fewer compartments than some alternatives
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JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack
The JanSport Right Pack Laptop Backpack is another absolute classic backpack for college students. Its suede leather bottom and streamlined design make this an enduring backpack. And with a laptop sleeve, front utility pocket with organizer, and more, it will be a solid companion for life on campus for college students.
- Timeless design with suede leather bottom
- Internal 15 inch laptop sleeve
- Front utility pocket with organizer
- Excellent value for money
- You might see too many of these around campus to feel distinctive!
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AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack
The AmazonBasics Laptop Computer Backpack is great for students on a budget, i.e. every college student we’ve ever met. This is a quality backpack that will serve all your needs. It measures 13.4 x 7 x 19.3 inches, which means it’s a sizable backpack. It boasts a bigger laptop sleeve than many of the other packs featured. If you’re a no-nonsense college student looking for a no-nonsense backpack, this is your pick.
- Holds up to 17″ notebook computer
- Excellent, affordable option
- Adjustable, heavily padded, shoulder straps
- Not the most stylish backpack
- Only comes in black
- Manufacturer’s warranty must be requested from Amazon customer service
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Best Backpack for College Conclusion
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?
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