Best Backpack for College [2019]

The Incase ICON Backpack is a well-designed backpack, this model from Incase has lots to offer. You get plenty of comfort and options to customize your fit. Everything you need will find a place in this pack that has lots of pockets and compartments. The look is sleek and modern, which means it transitions to the office or work well, too.

Coming in at an exceptionally low price, the Modaker Vintage Laptop Backpack still packs plenty of style and features into a budget product. You can enjoy a retro look that is still durable and flexible, and with an external USB charging port, you can charge your phone on the go, too.

For the student with lots of tech needs, the North Face Access Pack is a great choice. You get plenty of protection for your laptop, lots of pockets for tablets, phones, chargers, and other accessories, plus plenty of room for books, folders, and anything else you may need for class.

How We Picked

Backpacks are ubiquitous on the college campus, and for a good reason. Classes and studying require a lot of stuff, including heavy gear like books, computers, tablets, and more. Carting all that around can get tiring, unless you have the right bag to lighten your load. Good backpacks should help protect your back and shoulders from the weight of your learning tools while also helping keep you organized.

The best college backpack for you will be the one that meets your needs, so there are many things you will need to consider. Do you commute via bike, walking, or public transit? Are you on campus for long hours each day? Do you frequent the gym or engage in sports while on campus? How much is water resistance a factor for you?

The packs on our list represent a wide variety of options depending on your needs. All are designed with comfort in mind, and each has unique features that could be precisely what you are looking for. We have evaluated various industry tests, examined the manufacturer’s specs, and read tons of user reviews while also considering the various needs of the modern student. After a careful and exhaustive investigation, we have created this, our list of the best backpacks for college for 2019.

Incase ICON Backpack

Specs:

• 17-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 15â€?
• Padded shoulder straps and molded foam back panel

The Incase ICON backpack may be the only backpack you will need for all your years at college.

This rugged but smartly designed backpack has many features that make it a durable option that can accommodate you throughout all your years in school. The design is sleek and minimalist, but it has tons of options and compartments that make it anything but basic.

You have plenty of room inside this 17-liter pack, and it is organized well to keep everything where it is easy to find. This backpack will handle most laptops up to 15 inches, and it also has a dedicated slot for a tablet, too.

The two large, main compartments are well designed, giving you plenty of pockets, holders, and sleeves to keep all your school things in place and easy to access.

What We Like

The laptop compartment is well-padded, giving you peace of mind about carrying around your delicate electronics. One thing that you may really like about this bag is that it will stand up on its own, using the sturdy square base, even when it is not full. That is a real lifesaver in classrooms, on the bus, or just about anywhere you need to go.

While it claims to be water-resistant, tests have shown it to be even more so, standing up to light showers with ease. Because backpacks are meant to make carrying heavy loads more comfortable, though, what we appreciate most about this pack is the ease with which you can adjust all three sets of straps to make carrying your bag comfortable, no matter who you are or what you are carrying.

This stylish bag looks great and comes in five different color options. Those with internships, office jobs, or other professional obligations in addition to school will not mind carrying this backpack everywhere you need to be.

Overall

For us, the Incase ICON Backpack hit all the necessary components, including fit, durability, organization, and aesthetics. For a moderate price, you get a comfortable, well-designed backpack that will take you through your college years. It has many thoughtful and well-placed pockets that make finding what you need easy. And it is built to last with a design you will not get tired of looking at.

JanSport Hatchet Backpack

Specs:

• 28-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 15â€?
• Padded shoulder straps and back panel

JanSport is one of the leading names in school backpacks, so it is no surprise to find them on this list.

They have created a laptop backpack that is ideal for campus life or for taking out with you on the trail with their Hatchet model. If you are an outdoor enthusiast, spend a lot of time at the gym, or need a multi-purpose bag, this is an excellent option for you.

The Hatchet is an appropriate size, giving you 28 liters of storage space. With a large main compartment that comes with a padded sleeve for your laptop, you will be able to carry everything you need for school, work, or play.

You can easily access everything inside this u-shaped bag using the large flap that covers the top and secures your belongings.

What We Like

This pack features two exterior pockets perfect for carrying water bottles, travel mugs, and other items you need easy access to on your commute. You can adjust the size of this bag using the side compression straps, so it is flexible to your load.

While the large main pocket is perfect for your laptop, tablet, books, notebooks, and other larger items, you can still keep your chargers, pens, and other smaller tools organized in the five zippered pockets and additional pouches that are included in this handsome bag.

This bag is a good cross between casual, outdoorsy, and every day, and it is a nice option for those who need a bag that will adjust to their needs. With padded shoulder straps and back panel plus an adjustable sternum strap, this is not your high school JanSport backpack anymore.

Overall

The Hatchet Backpack by JanSport is a nice option for your college backpack. While it may not be as weather-resistant as others, it does just fine for those going from class to class or taking a day hike. It is a comfortable pack with plenty of room and options for keeping your things organized. It is stylish, available in many assorted colors, and will serve you well while on campus or the trail.

North Face Access Pack

Specs:

• 28-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 15â€?
• Padded shoulder straps and back panel

From a brand who knows a thing or two about backpacks, the North Face Access is an outstanding choice for your college pack needs.

This model is our premium pick for several reasons, including the fact that it comes from North Face, which has a long history of creating lasting, quality products. While you may spend a little more on this than other models, it will last for many years, and the abundant features it has makes it easy to see why it is a little more expensive.

This is not your typical, floppy backpack. It has a rigid shell, which protects what’s inside with ease. You get plenty of comfort and adjustability with this bag, though, as the padded straps and bag make carrying heavy loads feel lighter, and the straps are fully adjustable to help you find the perfect fit for you. You have plenty of capacity with this 28-liter bag, ensuring you can be gone all day and still have everything you need.

What We Like

Unlike most backpacks that use zipper closures, the Access pack has a unique, quick-release latch to keep your items secure. The bag then folds open to give you access to the large main compartment, which includes several organizer pockets and pouches to keep everything in its place. You even have a hard-sided pocket for keeping your glasses safe from crushing or scratches.

Your laptop is protected in multiple ways with this bag. The back panel zips fully down on both sides to reveal the padded laptop sleeve, which is surrounded by waterproof materials. One of the features that raise this pack to the level of premium is the pull tabs within the laptop pocket that help to lift your heavy machine easily out of the backpack with less effort and wear on your laptop, backpack, or back.

You also get a tablet pouch and phone pocket with similar pull tabs, plus plenty of smaller pockets and zipped areas to organize your smaller items, phones, chargers, and other accessories.

Overall

With lots of pockets, pouches, and various compartments, the North Face Access Pack will have no trouble keeping you organized while on campus. From a trusted name in outdoor gear, you can rest assured that this bag will last a long time and adapt to your changing needs. This is the perfect choice for those with lots of technology to cart around or anyone looking for safe transport for your laptop or tablet.

Hershel Supply Co. Retreat Backpack

Specs:

• 19.5-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 15â€?
• Padded shoulder straps and back panel

Hershel Supply Co. is known for the retro designs, and this, the Retreat Backpack, is reminiscent of old-fashioned mountaineering packs, complete with the top flap and drawcord cinch.

But they have updated this vintage look with modern details and features that make this a fun and stylish option for use on your college campus.

The Retreat pack has almost 20 liters of capacity with one large main compartment. You will have plenty of space for your books, folders, and other gear inside here, and your laptop can slide easily into the padded sleep at the back of the pack.

For those who hate zippers, you will not have to worry about those here, as this bag opens using an outer magnetic latch and a drawstring to close the larger top opening.

What We Like

The look of this bag is decidedly different, so it is perfect for anyone wanting to make a statement wherever they go. The padded back and shoulder straps, though, mean you will not sacrifice comfort for style when you choose this option.

For music or podcast lovers, you will enjoy the internal phone pocket that leads to a media port, through which you can run your headphones easily. Not only will the large, central cavity hold lots of stuff, but you can stash smaller and more frequently accessed items in the front, external pocket, too. This bag is easy to load and unload, and the wide top opening makes it simple to locate whatever you are looking for.

The Retreat backpack is available in a wide variety of colors that include various striped and faux-leather accents. Its slim and uncluttered design make it perfect for those who commute via public transportation or bike, as you will not have extra straps or flaps getting hung up, either.

Overall

The Hershel Supply Co. Retreat Backpack makes the perfect accompaniment to your college experience, giving you the ability to carry everything you need with comfort and style. This retro-looking backpack is roomy enough for most students’ needs, versatile, and well-appointed, giving you years of use for a moderate price.

Osprey Metron Bike Commuter Backpack

Specs:

• 26-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 15â€?
• Padded shoulder straps and back panel

For the college student who commutes via bike or spends a lot of time pedaling around campus, the Osprey Metron Bike Commuter Backpack is a great option for protecting your gear as well as being comfortable while on campus.

Designed with bike riders in mind, this backpack contains some unique features that cyclists and other athletes will appreciate, including a high-visibility rain cover to protect its contents from the elements as well as reflective print and zippers that help keep you safe, too.

You have lots of storage in this backpack, and the straitjacket compression straps allow you to cinch this pack down to a smaller size, and the waist belt keeps it close to your body while riding, too.

Unlike other bike-commuting packs that are not very comfortable for all-day use, though, this bag from Osprey, a leader in backpack technology, is comfortable and helps distribute your load well.

 

What We Like

Bicyclists will appreciate the helmet carrying feature that keeps your protective gear safe while you are not riding, plus the attachment point for a blinker light to increase your visibility. You also can stash your bike lock or other quick-access items in the stretchy front, outside pocket. There is a separate pocket for keeping your riding shoes or dirty clothes away from your books and computer, which is why this bag is also nice for athletes or those who work out on campus.

Inside the main compartment is also everything you’ll need while at school, including a sleeve to stash your laptop, a side panel to store your water bottle or travel mug, plenty of pockets and compartments to organize everything, and a scratch-free pocket for glasses and other sensitive items.

Even when you pack this bag full, it is still comfortable to carry, thanks to the padded shoulder straps, ventilated back panel, and adjustable waist and shoulder straps. Those who walk or ride the bus will also appreciate being able to compress this bag down to the exact right size for your load.

Overall

While this backpack was designed with bike commuters in mind, it has many touches that make it a worthy option for anyone heading to college. With a weatherproof rainfly, lots of pockets to stash your tools and gear, safety features that enhance your visibility, and a generous size, the Metron Bike Commuter Backpack by Osprey has much to offer any college student, especially those who travel via pedal power.

Modaker Vintage Laptop Backpack

Specs:

• 25-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 15.6â€?
• Padded shoulder straps

Another retro-looking design on our list, this backpack from Modaker is our budget choice because it offers many critical features at a very reasonable price.

This bag has become quite popular for its stylish vintage look but has remained so because it is not only durable but also meets many needs.

The Modaker pack features two zippered outside pockets of varying sizes, an extensive main pocket that includes a padded laptop sleeve, and two external side pockets for carrying beverages, glasses cases, or other smaller items you need to reach on the go. You have plenty of storage capacity with this 25-liter bag that manages to look smaller with its rectangular, sleek design.

What We Like

One of the most exciting features of this backpack is its USB charging port. You can connect your own portable battery on the inside of your pack to this passthrough port, to which you can connect your phone or other device. This allows you to charge and use your phone at the same time while on the move.

This lightweight pack is great for carrying around campus, around town, or for short trips. The many zippered compartments help you keep everything organized while the soft-sided structure means it does not remain overly bulky when you are carrying less stuff.

At such a low price, you would not expect durable craftsmanship, but that is what you get with this backpack. The fabric is heavy-duty, the stitching is rugged, and the overall design is built to last. If you have trouble, though, the Modaker customer service is also excellent.

Overall

For a budget price, you get an excellent product with the Modaker Vintage Laptop Backpack. With the ability to carry your laptop and books, charge your phone, and still look great no matter how heavy your load, you will not be disappointed in this stylish but practical choice.

Thule Unisex Vea Backpack

Specs:

• 25-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 15â€?
• Padded shoulder straps and back panel channels to promote airflow

This backpack from Thule, another leader in outdoor gear, is the perfect option for those whose days on campus include time at the gym, sports practice, or other sweat-producing activities.

This bag has two separate sections, one for professional/study tools and the other for active/sports gear, which will keep your books from smelling like a locker room.

This Thule pack is large enough to carry your laptop, books, extra shoes, and clothes, plus anything else you might need.

And it is wrapped in a sleek, contemporary exterior that allows you to go seamlessly from campus to work or anywhere else with ease.

What We Like

There is a lot to like with the Vea backpack. The separate gear compartment allows you to keep running shoes and sweaty clothes completely apart, including an expanding pocket for your gym togs. The shoe compartment is wholly independent and accessible from the outside, too. Because you will still have plenty of room for your study tools, your excuses not to workout while on campus just got fewer.

You can easily access your phone from the plush-lined exterior pocket designed to store small devices. The professional side of this pack features padded sleeves for your laptop, tablet, and other electronics plus plenty of pockets for folders, papers, and other tools. Over the top of the pack is a flap opening that is perfect for carrying a yoga mat, a bulky jacket, or other gear that will not fit inside, too.

While the active compartment can eat into the storage space of your professional side if you are not careful, having two separate sections makes it easy to keep electronics safe and to stay away from messy or moist gear when needed. Because Thule offers a limited lifetime warranty, you will not have to worry about the materials or workmanship on this backpack, either.

Overall

The Thule Vea Unisex Backpack is an excellent option for those whose time on campus includes sports, working out, or other physical pursuits. With two separate compartments for school and active needs, you will be able to carry all you require for a full day at college with this one bag. With plenty of storage and rugged construction, this is a great, versatile backpack for the active college student.

eBags Professional Slim Laptop Backpack

Specs:

• 21-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 17â€?
• Wide, padded shoulder straps and back padding

For students who also have office jobs, internships, or other professional obligations, this backpack from eBags is an excellent option because it looks great and will keep all your electronics safe and secure.

The Professional Slim Laptop Backpack is also an excellent choice for those with lots of gadgets and devices that they need wherever they may go.

With 21 liters of capacity, you have tons of room to store whatever you may need. There are multiple zippered compartments to keep everything organized.

For students who require many devices for their coursework or just like having their tech gear with them at all times, you cannot go wrong with this pack.

What We Like

There are several ingenious compartments on this backpack that make it a really good choice. You can keep your chargers separate and easily accessible in the lowermost pocket. The large, side-open compartment on the front of the pack gives you full access to the pouches and pockets that will keep all your small items close at hand and easily organized. There is a pocket for your phone or media player, sleeves for your laptop and tablet, and so many other compartments and hiding places that you may find yourself looking for ways to fill them.

Even loaded down with every device or book you own, this pack is still comfortable on the back. It has wide, padded straps that distribute the weight, and your back will stay ventilated while wearing this bag. Perhaps the most significant advantage of this over other backpacks is that it can handle larger laptops, including those up to 17 inches, which is much bigger than most of the competition.

Overall

The Professional Slim Laptop Backpack from eBags may not be right for everyone, but the tech-savvy gear junkies among us will love this option. When you consider all the ways this bag makes storing and accessing your various devices, cables, adapters, dongles, batteries, and other tools, you will wonder what you did before you bought it. With plenty of storage capacity for books and non-tech gear, too, it is the perfect companion for the tech-oriented college student.

Targus Drifter II Commuter Backpack

Specs:

• 30-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 17â€?
• Padded shoulder straps and back ventilation

Perhaps one of the most traditional of all the choices on our list, the Drifter II Commuter Backpack from Targus is a large-capacity, moderately priced option for today’s college students.

This monster bag can carry laptops up to 17 inches in the padded compartment, plus all the accouterments of modern college life.

This may not be the most stylish or sleek backpack on this list, but it is highly functional, durable, and versatile.

And your back and shoulders will appreciate the extra padding in the shoulders and back panel, plus the lumbar support features that this bag offers.

What We Like

Made from durable nylon materials that resist scratching, water, and other elements, this backpack will be able to withstand your daily commute as well as many hours on campus. Because it can fit some of the biggest laptops available today, you will not need to skimp on your tech just because you are headed to class or the library. And the many compartments, pockets, and pouches of this backpack make it easy to keep all your tools organized and in plain view.

This bag has a water-resistant bottom to protect your gear and papers. It also has durable zippers and pulls, which slide easily and prevent snags. Carrying this bag feels comfortable, thanks to extra padding in the shoulders and a back panel that is designed to enhance weight distribution and ventilation.

Anyone who has hoisted a heavy pack up from the floor onto their back will realize the significance of the comfort-grip top handle, which makes doing just that an easy task. You will not have to pick your bag up by the shoulder strap and sling it over your shoulder anymore, and you can even carry your bag by this handle if you like.

Overall

Those looking for a traditional looking but highly functional bag would do well to opt for the Targus Drifter II Commuter Backpack. You get tons of storage, including for larger laptops, plenty of compartments for organizing your things, and lots of padding to make carrying this big pack more comfortable. All this at a reasonable price makes this an excellent option.

Mancro College Backpack

Specs:

• 35-liter capacity
• Accommodates laptops up to 15.6â€?
• Padded shoulder straps

Our final pick of the list is a good combination of many other designs, offering you a full-feature backpack that will not break the bank.

From Mancro, this college backpack can hold a lot inside its 35-liter interior, including smaller laptops inside its included protective sleeve. You will get plenty of pockets that are well-sized to house your chargers, headphones, pens, and other tools, with plenty of room in the main compartment for books, papers, and folders.

While you get standard things like an exterior pocket for your water bottle, you also get lots of little extras and nice touches with this backpack. Among these are the ability to lock your bag using the provided lock, ensuring no one can snag your valuables without your knowing.

What We Like

This backpack contains numerous pockets that are good for keeping your chaos tamed, including three main compartments plus nine smaller inner pockets and two zippered side pockets. The frontmost of these is great for storing your tablet, phone, and other smaller devices, while the others have plenty of choices for keeping chargers, cables, and everything else under control.

This pack also has an external USB charging port with a built-in cable, ready to hook up to your portable power bank and phone or other small device for charging on the go. Everything inside your bag will remain safe thanks to the water-resistant nylon covering and the weather-tight zippers that keep the rain out.

Overall

You will be able to carry everything from your water bottle to your lunch, plus your books, computer, and much more with this amply sized backpack. The Mancro College Backpack is a wonderful choice for the college student on a budget or for those with basic needs, including lots of storage space, plus a few extra bonus features that are genuinely nice to have.

Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Best Backpack for College

Laptop Size

Going to class without a computer these days is exceedingly rare, so having the ability to carry your laptop comfortably and safely with you everywhere is vital. Knowing the size of your computer will help you determine what size sleeve you will need inside your backpack. The sleeve should be well-padded, lined with a soft fabric, and protected from the elements in some way. If the laptop portion of the bag is near the back of your pack, you also want to ensure there is some sort of rigidity in this area to protect your electronics from any type of accident or impact.

Comfort and Support

A close second, when it comes to necessities for a backpack, is how easy it is to carry heavy loads. Bags of this design are meant to distribute weight across your shoulders and back so that you can comfortably carry weight for longer periods. Look for backpacks with padding on the shoulder and the back. Being able to adjust the straps to customize your fit is also crucial. If you plan to walk or bike to campus, be sure your backpack comes with a hip belt or sternum strap to secure your bag close to your body.

For women, ensuring that the bag fits you correctly will be especially important. Try on any backpack before you buy it to be sure it can be adjusted to fit your size and frame. Those bags with chest and hip straps may not all fit every body type well.

Compartments and Pockets

Having just one cavernous hole is not easy to keep things organized or conducive to finding what you need quickly. Look for a backpack with compartments, pouches, pockets, and other organizational tools that will help you keep everything you need in its place. What you need to carry will be unique to you, so consider your essential needs when choosing a bag.

Your Needs

Every college student is different, and your backpack needs to meet your individual needs. If you are active in sports, if you ride your bike every day, if you need a pack that can also go hiking on the weekends, or if you will be going straight from school to your job may all play into the type of bag you need. Do not just look at other people’s reviews. Instead, consider your routine and needs and ask whether this bag will complement those or not.

Materials

Look at the fabric of the backpack as well as the zippers and other components. You may need waterproof or water-resistant materials, your lifestyle may benefit from more reflective details, or you may be just fine with canvass or other less durable options. The more durable fabrics will last longer, meaning your backpack can make it with you all the way to graduation. Handles and stitching that are durable and well-anchored will contribute to its ability to last, too.

Other Features

If technology is more important to you, you may want to look for bags designed to carry devices and gear or that are set up for on-the-go charging. Many bags today include special compartments for electronic devices and chargers or even individual pockets for cables, headphones, and other easily tangled accessories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if a backpack is good for my back?

A: While all backpacks are designed to carry a load on your shoulders, not all do a fantastic job of distributing the weight or helping take the pressure off your back. If you want to ensure that your pack is capable of keeping your back healthy, look for one that has padded shoulders, some kind of frame or padding in the back that keeps the form more rigged, and a chest strap to help keep the load closer to your body.

Q: What about messenger bags and other types of bags for carrying books?

A: There are many options for carrying gear, tools, and materials to campus. The one that works best for your needs will be the right choice for you. Backpacks help to distribute the load across both shoulders and evenly down your spine while messenger and other styles of bags are carried only on one side, forcing one shoulder to carry the weight.

Q: Can I wash my backpack?

A: All packs have different instructions regarding cleaning and washing. Be sure to refer to your manufacturer’s recommendations. Some may be hand-washed and dried while others may be laundered in a machine. It is best to use the gentlest method possible to preserve the materials and stitching of your backpack.

Q: How do I know if a backpack is the right size for me?

A: Just because you can carry a pack does not mean it fits you well. Your backpack should match your torso length, or you will be carrying the weight incorrectly, which can result in back problems. Your pack should not fall below your hips, and the straps should be able to be adjusted so they do not rub or pinch any of your skin. Many manufacturers make specific versions of each of their packs for men and women, as well.

Conclusion

Your backpack becomes your constant companion, your right-hand partner while you are in college, so making the right choice in the beginning can save you hours of heartache and back pain later. Choosing the right backpack depends on your needs, your activities, your load, and your style, but there are many options from which you can successfully select one that works best for you. All it takes is knowing yourself and your habits and routines a little better.

Our top ten list of the best backpacks for college includes something for everyone, including those who walk or bike to campus, the tech-savvy students, those who like to workout while at school, and various storage and feature needs, as well. Hopefully, you have seen a backpack here that tickles your fancy and meets your budget, as we have worked hard to curate an eclectic list with quality options.

Product Boxes: Last updated on 2021-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API