I haven't found any search results on this subreddit involving this, so I don't know if this is an inherently stupid question or not but I really felt the need to ask this. With its spacious 25 liters and nicely padded laptop compartment, the pack is made to help you carry everything you need for school while sporting a timeless style. This neoprene backpack is sporty yet stylish, making it perfect for anyone who needs to carry school supplies and gym clothes. The straps are nice and soft, though oriented differently than the typical backpack, and it has two side pouches that can be used to store a water bottle and possibly even an umbrella. All around, the backpack is durable, and its reinforced bottom is an extension of that durability. The sleek look makes this a functional piece as well as a nice addition to almost any outfit. Lab analysts noticed that the neoprene fabric did show some pilling with extensive use. And with its minimalist design and range of colorways, itll look as good in the gym room as it does in the classroom. Its available in a range of colors and features one main compartment and a front accessory pocket. Its sole main compartment includes a 15-inch laptop pocket and tablet slot. Many survey respondents loved how durable and long-lasting this pick is with one saying she "used it for seven years during undergrad and grad school" and it "held up to daily use over many years." 2022 Spy Media, LLC. So I've been looking at bags for college for awhile, but the one thing that always stumps me is liter size. Also for those probably thinking, "Why don't you just look at the backpack and determine if its a good size yourself." If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Pay attention to your back when carrying so many items. It has a luggage sleeve and the minimalistic logo doesn't scream "I love Lululemon." Can fit a MacBook Pro 15 with several textbooks. We love the side water bottle pocket too. If it gets dirty after classes, no worries this pick is machine washable. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. On the outside, it looks chic and simple, but inside, it gives you all the power to be your most organized self. Trust us, anything too eclectic is a no-no with this brand. A good one can keep you from developing back problems, and it can also help you feel more stylish and organized as you head to class. But how big should a school bag actually be? All Rights Reserved. Perhaps you use a tablet or laptop more often. By keeping it casual in 2022, youre keeping it trendy. Inside, theres ample central storage space, a place to store a 15-inch laptop and an info tag, so your bag is easy to identify if you lose it. This model doesnt come in as many fun colors as other bags from Fjallraven, but its a durable and stylish laptop backpack. as well as other partner offers and accept our. Analysts note that it was a bit difficult to put a 15" laptop in the padded sleeve. Made with polyester and nylon, this backpack is designed to hold heavier loads with padded shoulder straps and a padded back panel for extra comfort. What makes the Dawson backpack different from other Herschel bags is that the front features two separate pockets instead of one large front compartment, so youll be able to throw your earbuds and keys in one pocket and your pens in the other. Fit your keys and wallet in the front pouch while sliding your 15-inch laptop and a few notebooks in the larger zipped interiors. Popularized in recent years at concerts and music festivals, clear backpacks are now necessary for many big events. Youll quickly get an idea of what works for you and what doesnt. We know theres a considerable vendetta against rolling backpacks, but hear us out. Plus, it even has a back strap to fit on top of a carry-on suitcase for easy traveling. With tons of organizational pockets, there's an internal and external water bottle compartment, front zippered pockets and internal pouches. It's compact, water repellent, and engineered to hold a medium-size load. Remember to take everything out before you put your backpack in the wash, too! The smart bag also sports an easy-to-carry handle on top, a padlock for security and a built-in USB port for easy charging. Textbooks can get heavy! Most school backpacks have several small pockets. Do you cycle back and forth to school? GH Lab pros appreciate this pick's slim profile and comfortable shoulder straps for all-day wear. In addition, back ventilation is nice to keep your back cool while wearing a heavy backpack. While our pros haven't tested this style yet, it has over 5,000 rave Amazon reviews, including many from college athletes who use this bag every day. While not made of the thickest material, the popular fitness brand's Everyday Backpack is designed with exactly what a college student needs. That said, we love this water-repellent backpack made for any college student. The backside is thoroughly padded for comfortable carrying. This backpack is available in either black or white and features a roll-top main compartment to ensure no raindrops find their way inside. It has more pockets than many others on this list, including a sunglasses pocket and a dedicated laptop pouch that can accommodate a 15-inch laptop. There's also a padded pocket for a 15-inch laptop, a 20L interior to hold other classwork and an easy-access side phone pocket. The main compartment is like a huge pit where you can fit a lot of things: books, snacks, tech, and more. The Fjallraven Raven 28 model is ideal for kids in college. Then choose a school bag with a ventilated back to keep your back cool. Main Campus FX is the ultimate backpack for students when they're in school and even after they graduate. It's available in 10 shades from bright pinks to camo. Surely over 15,000 people cant be wrong? Snag one for any music festival you have coming up this year, or unapologetically show off that 14-cent Lisa Frank notebook you bought from Staples. MATEIN makes a, dare we say, stylish rolling backpack for college students. There are also plenty of small backpacks with a laptop and tablet compartment. If you use a tablet or laptop at school, choose a backpack with a tablet or laptop compartment to prevent scratches. She just had to add a good laptop sleeve/case as she didnt even own a laptop when she got that bag. The bags straps are padded for comfort, and the top pocket features a drawstring to ensure your belongings are always secure inside. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. The North Face is known for making durable and high-quality gear and the Borealis Backpack, one of the brand's most classic styles, is no different. The smart bag also sports an easy-to-carry handle on top, a padlock for security and a built-in USB port for easy charging. And get this, theres a discreet internal zipper laptop sleeve to ensure your MacBook stays safe and sound. PMC Entertainment. Student athletes often have to head straight from practice to class, so they need a backpack that'll hold everything they need for the day. It has enough room for both my 15 inch MacBook Pro, 11 inch iPad Pro, Sony a6000 camera/lens, and a textbook/notebook on days theyre needed. (Our tech experts love the Anker PowerCore charging bank. Although born and raised in Chicago, she went east to study Cognitive Neuroscience and a minor in African American Studies at Harvard. This classic all-black backpack has two large front pockets to keep all your belongings organized with pouches for your phone, pens and even a hook to hold your keys. Since I don't want a backpack that's too small or too bulgy and large, and I'm not entirely sure what classes will be like or what stuff I'll bring day to day. We also surveyed current college students and recent alumni to find what features they look for when backpack shopping and which styles are currently popular. Minimalists will geek over this gorgeously sleek faux-leather backpack designed with water-resistant technology. We only use your feedback to improve the website, we won't respond. This Herschel backpack is ideal for college students who want a more unique backpack design. After our top product picks, keep reading to learn more about how GH fiber scientists test backpacks and what key features to look for when shopping for the best college backpacks. There's also a small but thoughtful feature to appreciate: U-pull zippers that make unzipping any of its pockets 10 times easier. The Herschel Little America backpack is a classic carryall with a deceiving name. The Mancro Laptop Backpack has an impressive number of five-star reviews and sports a simple yet stylish design, which provides a versatility that few other bags can achieve. Senior Textiles Lab Analyst, Emma Seymour, loading samples into an abrasion tester to evaluate fabric durability. You can never go wrong with the Classic Fjallraven backpack, today, tomorrow or ever. Im sure most of the trendy/fancy bags discussed here can also be shipped right to your campus address. This backpack gets the job done with no frills or upgrades. Spy is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Then backpacks larger than 31 liters are suitable. Herschel Supply Co. backpacks. Replacement for Oneplus Travel Backpack Luna Dust. Amanda Constantine, Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst, evaluates a backpack's shape, organizational components and laptop compartment to score the bag's overall design features. Thats why we love this spacious option from North Face. review process. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. SPY's Favorite Travel Backpacks Will Fit Under Tiny Airplane Seats. We love that this is a women-owned, AAPI-owned brand too. Build that's tall and narrow. Best of all, there's a built-in USB port that makes it easy to charge your phone on the go just add a portable battery! We welcome your feedback. It zips smoothly, has comfortable straps ergonomically designed for women and a luggage handle on the back. Its safe to say were obsessed with Carhartt. The small exterior pocket in the front is perfect for easy-to-grab essentials like lip balms or pens. It might not be the most stylish backpack for college students on the list, but its minimalist look is still pretty cool. These backpacks are compact, but often have extra compartments to store a calculator, pens, and keys. It's the perfect mix of casual and professional, thanks to its simple colorblock design. Straps that are curved and padded for comfort and support. With a degree in Fiber Science and Apparel Design from Cornell University, she has extensive research experience, particularly focused on athletic wear. Available in 20 colors and patterns including stripes and neon yellow, this backpack is made from water-resistant canvas and nylon materials. If you pick this one up, your back will thank us later. TikTok's "Product Overload" Trend Is Dangerous, The Best Spanish-Language Shows on Netflix, Best College Backpack for Student Athletes, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. At just $30, this top-rated backpack can actually be packed into its own pocket. It comes in an all-black coloration, has all of the bells and whistles you can ask for in a backpack and can even be worn as a regular backpack in case you dont want to use its rolling powers in front of others. With a 25L capacity, reviewers rave that this backpack can hold a ton, so it's perfect for weekends away, too. If your backpack is heavy, it's important that your backpack is comfortable. With a unique design and neutral charcoal color, Everlanes ReNew Transit Backpack is a trendy, compact sack made from 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant finish. A week or two of classes will give you an excellent idea of what you personally will want in a bag. Two exterior pockets can carry your water bottle and a stash of snacks. Learn more. The JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack is the right choice if you are after a classic college backpack. Good Housekeeping participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Colors are limited to neutrals, but thats all you need regarding Carhartt. It has the standard features: a nicely padded laptop pocket, a spacious main compartment, side pockets for water bottles, a small fleece-lined outer pocket, and a bigger outer pocket with pockets and places for pens. My daughter will soon be a junior in college, and she is still using her backpack from junior high. Designed to be both an athletic bag and a stellar backpack for college students, youre getting the best of both worlds without sacrificing either. Grace Wu, Textiles Product Analyst, raves that "it has so many unique or convenient features like a removable clutch and shoe compartment while looking more stylish than you would expect of something so utilitarian." Once you open its pockets, you get a pop of paisley pattern and personality. It has plenty of padding, so you won't feel like its constantly digging into your skin. Might need bigger if carrying workout clothes. The rolltop closure evokes that old-school style bag while incorporating modern features like a waterproof outer and space to keep your laptop. Not only is it built perfectly for carrying books and laptops, but it's also versatile, making it easy to use for everything from classes to road trips to the gym. What is a good internet speed for daytrading? This is a fantastic question. Shes been at Good Housekeeping for over three years, overseeing Lab and consumer tests for walking shoes, luggage, tampons, pillows, sheets, period underwear and more. It even has a nearly-invisible slip pocket by the handle where you can keep small items like a snack or headphones. The brand is just too damn cool. Perfect for stashing laptops, gym clothes and more. Theyre as popular as it gets. You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here. ", This popular backpack boasts over 62,000 rave reviews, so it's clearly earned its place as Amazon's choice college backpack. Patagonia is never shy about where it stands on environmental issues, so it only makes sense that this wonderfully structured backpack is crafted with recycled nylon. There's a USB charging port (battery not included) for easy charging on the go. That's why a good backpack is essential you need somewhere to stash your notebooks, pens, textbooks and laptop. Never throw your backpack in the dryer instead, we suggest you hang dry. Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SPY.com may receive an affiliate commission. If you're a college student, then you already know what a big difference a backpack can make. We love Day Owl so much that we named it one of the best products in the 2021 Man, SPYs end-of-year product awards. With a new agenda and just finished books you start fresh on the new school year. Your bag should be able to fit everything you need in a neat manner while being able to match your personal style every day. Interestingly, the 17-inch laptop compartment is accessible via a side pocket and not the standard zip-around top. This baby has one large opening and an outside front bottom zip for extra stuff youre bringing to class. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. Right now, you can only pre-order this bad boy, but we suggest you do it quickly before the limited quantity available begins to diminish. A chest strap and padded shoulder straps ensure that you carry the backpack comfortably. Hauling around a heavy bag usually takes a nasty toll on your back, especially if you do it daily. ), This Calpak backpack has a chic design without compromising on innovative features. The backpack also features three outer zip pockets that are waterproof and ideal for smartphones or other small essentials. The interior is an organizational dream with labeled compartments, too. Take your folders, a laptop and an extra thick dictionary and there is also 2 hours of gym on the grid? Youll also find several options from these companies on this list for the simple reason that these companies make great backpacks for college students. The sleek shape and neutral colorways also mean it can go with lots of different looks. The Mancro Laptop Backpack has an impressive number of five-star reviews and sports a simple yet stylish design, which provides a versatility that few other bags can achieve. The second main compartment can fit a notebook or three and has a fleece-lined pocket for storing things like pens, note cards, and chargers. A school backpack with a capacity between 15 and 20 liters is large enough. If you want something a bit more intense in terms of size and pockets, try the Legacy Standard Work Pack. There's a main compartment with a laptop pocket as well as a second compartment with an organizer for pencils. After analyzing tons of feedback from our panel and conducting extensive Lab testing, our pros found the most important features to look out for before buying: Laptop sleeves to keep your laptop protected on the go. Wide backpacks can cause back pain. The single outer pocket is perfect for storing quick things you may need throughout your day. Designed specifically for students, this backpack comes with a pocket for 15 laptops and extra compartments for textbooks, snacks and anything else you need during a long day on campus. Our Textiles experts have been impressed with this North Face backpack for over 10 years. Out of everything on this list, Jansport's Main Campus FX is my favorite for college. With over 20 color combinations to choose from, the Herschel Little America Mid-Volume Backpack allows the wearer to express their personality through their backpack. Some backpacks will say you should spot clean, so be sure to check your backpack's tag before you do anything. A good school backpack is indispensable. is this a replica or a scam? The JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack is the right choice if you are after a classic college backpack. Furthermore, the bags straps are padded for comfort, and theres a top-mounted carry handle for alternative carrying options. The 28-liter size can fit just about everything you need for class and then some. This water-repellent bag is built to battle with you all through college and after. If the information isnt available just measure its hight, width, and depth and use those numbers for comparison while shopping around online. The bag has a 23-liter capacity and a padded laptop pocket that fits a 16-inch device. It's perfect for a student who's carrying a 15-inch laptop with a nice load of books and random accessories like headphones, a water bottle, beauty products, and assorted highlighters. On the front pocket, theres a Herschel brand patch for a classy finish. 1 best seller on Amazon with almost 25,000 five-star reviews. Best of luck to you! Since your high school backpack is probably due for an upgrade, it's time to invest in something more durable this back-to-school season. With over 20 color combinations to choose from, the Herschel Little America Mid-Volume Backpack allows the wearer to express their personality through their backpack. These college backpacks also sport buckled top straps and front-facing pockets to add to the bags impressive rucksack style. It's super durable, meaning it held up to abrasion, water-resistance and drop tests in our Lab. Patagonia has long been known for its commitment to durable, high-quality and environmentally-friendly bags, and that tradition is alive and well in the Black Hole Backpack. I would suggest anything between about 28 to 32 liters for any bag that you need for college, especially one that can fit a laptop in it, Alright, that sounds pretty good. The small brand tag is monochromatic and located on the side, so it blends in with the rest of the backpack. It's water-resistant, shock-absorbent, and has sleek straps. Receive the best promotions and personal advice. Inside, theres ample central storage space, a place to store a 15-inch laptop and an info tag, so your bag is easy to identify if you lose it. As a college student, there's a good chance you'll be stuck running to and from classes all day long. It's really up to you, but please don't show up to class with nothing to take notes on. To me, one of the best parts is the utility combined with the minimalistic look. It has three pockets: a laptop pocket, main compartment, and outer pouch. Although advertised for men, people of all genders recommended this backpack for having "lots of compartments" and "comfortable cushioned shoulder straps." As a lifetime sewer with previous product development experience, she has a strong fashion background with expertise in proper fit and construction. The name doesn't lie. Our pros evaluate backpacks in Lab and have real students try them out to rate how comfortable they are to wear. I see this backpack all the time on my college campus, and here's why: The compact rectangular design can be expanded, making it especially versatile. The spacious main compartment has a handy tablet/tech pocket. However, its also an unpretentious backpack, perfect as an everyday carryall for class. With over 8,000 Amazon reviews, this backpack is popular for having easy-access front pockets and a durable leather base. Designed specifically to withstand the elements, this backpack from Patagonia is made with nylon with a durable water repellent finish to keep your belongings safe from rain, snow and sleet. Bare it all in a clear pack that shows you dont give a crap if people know what youre lugging around. Analysts appreciate that it has chest and waist straps to help keep the pack's weight evenly distributed. Analysts appreciated how easy the material was to clean while staying in great shape after continued use. And, as with all college backpacks, there are plenty of pockets for storing all your various items. If you like a minimalistic design with ample space and clever compartments, this neoprene bag will be your saving grace. The padded straps make carrying its weight a bit breezier. This nylon and polyester backpack features adjustable shoulder straps that boast an extra foam layer. It also has a keychain in the front pocket to keep your dorm or apartment keys handy. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. Of course you want a hip copy, but it is also important that a book bag has the right format. A school backpack of 21 to 30 liters is suitable for this. She looks around every one in awhile, but says cant find one she she likes as well. We then checked out these styles for ourselves, wearing them on our commutes and evaluating them in the Lab before making these selections. One of my favorite features is the luggage handle sleeve that allows you to slide the backpack onto any suitcase you're wheeling around. In that case, this City Adventurer backpack from Lululemon will be a great companion. The main pocket is made to carry essentials, while two front pockets make it easy to store smaller things. It has an enormous main compartment with room for a 15-inch laptop and two front pockets. The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab reviews all kinds of back-to-school essentials like laptop bags and backpacks (including backpacks for kids, travel backpacks and more) to find the styles that'll hold everything you need while keeping their shape use after use. Suppose youre just as concerned with setting a personal record on your bench press as you are setting a personal record in class. Its toned-down, all-green design is excellent for those that arent into super bold colors. Surely over 15,000 people cant be wrong? This is the most common size for backpacks. It also has a small outer pocket that's in the perfect spot for quickly grabbing something like a sweater or snacks. The bag also has a padded back panel with a spine channel thats even been endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association. Learn more about our By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider Notebooks, laptop, pens, pencils, a water bottle, a snack if it's a long day the list goes on. This style is perfect for college students because it has a mesh laptop pouch, a hidden back pocket for valuables and three pen holders. Fabric made of high-denier polyester or nylon for durability. To find the best features for college students, GH Lab analysts surveyed current students and recent alumni to learn more about what they specifically look for when shopping as well as their recommendations for current popular picks. But its got to be able to carry the essential supplies for class, which it does with ease. Look around your campus right now youll spot at least three of these passing by. It has a spacious 30-liter capacity but not an extravagance of pockets. Here are the best backpacks for college students in 2022. This style is available in seven shades with two size options: Everyday or weekender. Youll also find several options from these companies on this list for the simple reason that these companies make great backpacks for college students. Youll look great, and your back will thank you for carrying less. Made with a chest belt, hip belt, and padded straps, this bag is meant to last a while, going between school and other activities. Going to college today usually means you're carrying a laptop, tablet, or potentially both while lugging around books, notebooks, snacks, hand sanitizer, and an assortment of other things. To prevent shoulder pain, the back has a padded back panel along with comfortable straps. You can also check places like Target, Walmart and other large department stores. Inside, there are pockets galore, and no space is wasted! I use a 20L backpack (peak design everyday to be exact). Available in a variety of sizes and colors, the Dakota backpack has tons of interior and exterior pockets to keep you organized and even a hidden one on top to stash your phone! There's a zippered laptop compartment that can hold a 15-inch device. Of course, you want to look stylish, but youll also be using the bag for at least a year and possibly beyond, depending on how well you get on with it. My advice is to stick with whatever you used for high school for a while. The Kanken is a must-have backpack for college students. I've been looking online and none of the bags that I am interested in are sold in stores nearby, so I can't just go and look at them myself. Just because it isnt your standard gym bagdoesnt mean it wont work for workouts. It's made from 100% cotton for a soft feel and cute tufted look, but it's not waterproof. Finally Press J to jump to the feed. So you never have to look for a pen or your keys for a long time. The bags straps are padded for comfort, and the top pocket features a drawstring to ensure your belongings are always secure inside. Or do take just a few classes a day? Lab analysts were impressed with just how much this pick can hold while keeping a slim, easy-to-carry shape. We operate independently from our advertising team. The bungee cords on the front are also a perfect place to hold one last thing, like a light jacket or shirt. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io, 50 Brilliant Back-to-School Organization Ideas, The Ultimate Back-to-School Supplies List, 40 Creative Back-to-School Activities for Teachers, 50 Back-to-School Quotes to Share With Your Kids, What School Looked Like Through the Years, 20 Easy Nail Designs to Get in the School Spirit, Weve been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. Discussion about backpacks, onebag, one bagging, travel, packing, and EDC. On such days you will soon carry more than you think. She is also a published poet and Forbes contributor who covers music, especially, hip-hop and r&b. Available in 18 colors, survey respondents love how versatile The North Face backpacks are, wearing them "hiking, traveling, going to classes and teaching. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. There's a padded laptop sleeve and tablet pocket for easy access to your electronics during class. Most backpacks that are made from cloth-like materials such as cotton, polyester and canvas can go directly into the washing machine. It's made with a water repellent fabric, two side pockets for water bottles, inner mesh pockets, and a small outer pocket. A, If your college is located somewhere more prone to rain than shine, its worth investing in this. With thousands of rave Amazon reviews, users are impressed by just how much this top-loading backpack can fit. Is your locker stacked with books you don't need? :-). Its also available in several colors, including black, green, blue and gray nylon finishes, and brown, tan and ivory vegan leather exteriors. GH pros love the classic look of Fjallraven Kanken backpacks with a versatile design but note that the straps are on the thinner side and don't have any padding. Ultimaxx Professional Deluxe camera backpack. It's built with a chest and hip belt, making it useful for hikes too. It has a sizable 25-liter main compartment containing two mesh slip pockets and outer pockets to store smaller items. However, its also an unpretentious backpack, perfect as an everyday carryall for class. The main compartment holds up to 20 liters and has a mesh tablet pocket, five medium-sized pockets, and a convenient detachable pouch. I use a Paxat 32L from Patagonia for college, and its not crazy big, but still has enough room for my laptop, books, notebooks, chargers, accessories, and more. And an amazon prime student account can bring lots of things to you directly on your campus.