The Most Reliable Backpacks According to College Students (2024)

The best backpack for college will have to pull a lot of weight. It has to protect your delicate laptop on the way to class, house gym clothes, and even double as a carry-on for trips back home during school breaks.

So it’s essential to find a backpack for school that can help you do the heavy lifting comfortably and stylishly (of course!). We suggest looking for a roomy bag with plenty of organizational compartments, including a dedicated laptop sleeve (we’ve also got cool laptop backpacks if you’re looking for some). Wide, cushioned straps and back panel padding can help distribute the weight evenly and provide ample back support. Depending on where you live, you may also want to opt for a backpack constructed with water-resistant materials to keep all your school gear safe.

You won’t have to worry about finding the right pick, though, because there are plenty of styles, colors, and types to choose from. And we selected the most popular backpacks according to customer reviews and student-loved picks on TikTok. Yes, there are the same good old classics—like Jansport and North Face—you relied on in your younger years. But some fashion brands—like Patagonia and MZ Wallace—are also creating plenty of ultra-cool, luxe options that still happen to be highly functional. There are also tons of budget-friendly backpacks on Amazon.

Whether you prefer a sophisticated leather backpack, a solid black quilted number, or a more durable water-resistant canvas, these are the 23 best backpacks for college students.

Our top picks:

• Best overall college backpack: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack, $75
• Best backpack for college students with laptops: Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack, $138
• Best North Face backpack: The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack, $75
• Best backpacks for college guys: Jansport The Rightpack, $64
• Best backpacks for college girls: Longchamp Le Pliage Backpack, $140

This backpack has one of the broadest ranges of colors and designs on our list, and you can’t go wrong with any. You’ll also find multiple compartments, including two mesh tech sleeves for laptops and tablets and a zippered front pocket for easy access to essentials like your dorm key card. Best of all? You can toss the whole thing in the washing machine for a quick refresh.

Pros:✓Available in many colors and prints ✓ Machine washable

Cons: ✓ Some wish it was bigger

Color(s): 61 (varies by retailer)

Size: 7.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches

Materials: 100% Cotton

Review: “This bag is great! You have pockets upon pockets! You will not run out of room with this one. It’s very sturdily made and has held up with my heavy water bottles, too! I love having the option to carry so many different items such as a laptop/tablet, but the pocket is flat enough that you wouldn’t be burdened by the extra fabric/weight if you aren’t using it.”

Need one of the best North Face backpacks? Step right up and reach for this campus-ready choice. Perfect for those needing ample storage, this roomy 28L backpack includes two external water bottle pockets, a padded internal laptop sleeve (up to 15 inches), and extra zippered pockets inside. It stands upright on its own, so you can effortlessly load and unload it. It’s also endorsed as ergonomic by the American Chiropractic Association. (That means it’s extra comfortable to carry.)

Pros: ✓Two-webbing top handles for easy movement ✓ Fits up to a 15-inch laptop ✓ Straps remain comfortable with long periods of use

Cons: ✓ Some say the padded laptop sleeve lacked adequate protection

Color(s): 19 (varies by retailer)

Size: 8.25 x 11 x 18.13 inches

Materials: 600D Recycled Polyester

Review: “This backpack is a great size for fitting many school books, laptops, or iPads. It has several pockets for storing your smaller items. Great color combo and price! It was cheaper than purchasing it at a big box store.”

Fashion meets function with this LOVEOOK laptop backpack. It has a wide-open design, and a 17-inch laptop compartment that will keep your electronics padded and protected. And if pockets are what you're after, you’ll find plenty of them here. This backpack has two front-zip pockets, two side pockets for a water bottle (or two!), and best of all? There is a USB charging port to keep you powered up no matter where you go.

Pros: ✓Durable fabric ✓Multi-pocket design ✓Mesh shoulder strap promotes circulation

Cons: ✓ Many had issues with the compartments not being large enough

Color(s): 30+

Size: 7.48 x 11.81 x 16.14 inches

Materials: Nylon

Review: “[I] purchased this for travel for my tween; she loves it and has raved about all the pockets and space for organizing her items when we travel. She loves that it has the strap for her luggage because sometimes that’s easier than having it on your back. Imagine our surprise when we flew across the Atlantic and landed at Charles De Gaul airport and saw at least 10 of the same bags being carried by ladies of all ages and in all colors. Think I will get one for myself.”

Love thrifting at vintage stores? You’ll adore this laptop backpack! It’s made from nylon and features leather closure straps on the front exterior pocket. The shoulder straps are padded and breathable and you can switch up how you hold the bag thanks to the dual top handles.

Pros: ✓ The leather looks so expensive ✓ Extremely sturdy straps ✓ 30-Day Returns

Cons: ✓ Some reviewers said it didn’t last as long as they’d like

Color(s): 20

Size: 15 x 11 x 6 inches

Materials: ‎ Nylon and Leather

Review: “This backpack is great quality, looks very nice, and comes in many nice colors. It’s water resistant and has a convenient size for school or as a handbag for traveling.”

Best backpack for college students with laptops

Sure, this backpack is on the expensive side, but trust us, it’s worth every penny. It's constructed from faux leather and features gorgeous exposed stitching and gold-tone construction hardware. On one side, you'll find a padded laptop sleeve and a phone pouch. We also love that it comes with a luggage trolley sleeve on the back that can slip right over the handle of your carry-on.

Pros: ✓ Great for those who need extra room ✓ Looks expensive ✓ Lots of pockets

Cons: ✓ It didn’t last long for some

Color(s): 2

Size: 15 ½ x 11 ½ x 4 ½ inches

Materials: 100% Faux Leather

Review: “I love this laptop bag. [I] was looking for something cute and good quality, and this is that. I have dragonfruit pink, and I am so in love with the bright pink color. The quality is amazing and has a lot of room for what I need. I am trying to justify buying a second one just because of how much I love this bag. If you’re contemplating due to the price, it’s worth every penny! But it! You won’t regret it!”

This backpack comes with everything you need to carry all your school supplies. There’s an internal laptop sleeve pocket, a zippered pouch to hold tiny tech accessories like headphones or adapters, and an exterior front pouch that can store credit cards and keys. It’s made from eco-friendly, sustainable materials, meaning this bag doesn’t just look good but also does some good for the planet, too.

Pros:✓ Perfect size to hold all your essentials ✓ Made from sustainable materials ✓ Fashionable and sturdy

Cons: ✓ Many wish the side of the backpack had some sort of padding

Color(s): 32+

Size: 16.93 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches

Materials: Recycled Polyester

Review: “This is the perfect bag for all different needs. I use this for school, and it has plenty of pockets for my laptop, books, and notebooks while keeping all those things separate. Has plenty of padding that makes it comfortable to wear even for long periods of time.”

Best backpacks for college girls

You may already be familiar with Longchamp's tote bag, but don't sleep on the Le Pliage backpack. It's crafted from a water-resistant nylon and has a dark brown textured leather trim that gives off an elevated chic touch.

Pros:✓ A great bag for travel ✓Water-resistant

Cons: ✓No pockets

Color(s): 5 (varies by retailer)

Size: 7.48 x 5.98 x 1.73 inches

Materials: 100% Nylon

Review: “This is the perfect size for travel. It folds up to envelope size in the suitcase, is small enough that you do not have to check it in the museums, holds as much as a purse, is lightweight, and distributes weight evenly so one shoulder isn’t carrying the weight, pickpocket-proof, and you can toss it into the washing machine. Best of all: it is highly water resistant and will keep your things dry in a downpour.”

Are you having trouble breaking up with your beloved tote bag? Don’t—or at least you won’t when you reach for this choice from Kreya. The Aurora easily transitions between both a tote bag and backpack with a few minor adjustments; a quick tug will have you moving this piece from one shoulder to two. Dubbed “the perfect all-day bag,” the superior cow leather looks sleek and sophisticated and can fit a 14-inch laptop, school supplies, and more. Plus, the metal snaps expand when you need some extra space!

Pros: ✓Fits a 14-inch laptop ✓Both a tote bag and backpack ✓Made from sleek leather

Cons: ✓ N/A

Color(s): 1

Size: 14 x 13 x 3 inches

Materials: 100% Cow Leather

Review: N/A

This Cole Haan leather backpack can fit a ton of items. It has a laptop sleeve that can hold any tech gadget that's 16 inches or smaller, and tech pockets for any additional accessories like chargers or cell phones. For added support and comfort, this backpack also has a breathable mesh back and wide padded straps.

**Pros:✓**Beautiful leather material ✓Fits a 15-inch laptop ✓Padded shoulder straps for added comfort

**Cons: ✓**Some say the quality isn’t as good as it should be for the price

Color(s): 2 or 3 (varies by retailer)

Size: 11 x 18 x 6 inches

Materials: Leather/Textile

Review: “Style, comfort, versatility, and security in an understated package. Must have! It has all of my needs in mind as well as security. I would have preferred a tan version, but I’m exceedingly happy with this version.”

Perfect for commuting on rainy days, this waterproof backpack will keep your school valuables safe and sound. It’s available in a sleek black shade and has smooth adjustable shoulder straps that won’t dig into your skin.

Pros:✓Waterproof ✓Fits laptops up to 15-inches ✓ Versatile color

Cons: ✓Higher priced

Color(s): Varies by retailer

Size: 11.4 x 15.7 x 3.9 inches

Materials: 100% Polyurethane

Review: “This backpack is great! The soft touch, water-resistant material feels very premium and the matte hardware feels sturdy. Straps are on the shorter side but that’s okay as I’m a thinner build, so it fits me well. The minimalist style of this backpack makes it look much more expensive than it is. It’s well worth every penny. I’d easily pay twice for this backpack as I feel it’s worth it. I appreciate that I can dress this up for business or dress it down for flights.”

If you’re looking for a lightweight, casual backpack that can pair with many outfits, look no further! This Coofay pick will feel light on your shoulders (thanks to the low-density polyethylene) and can be used for all types of outdoor activities. Inside, you’ll find a separate sleeve that can hold a 14-inch laptop and an inner zipper pocket to keep your smaller items organized.

Pros:✓Lifetime warranty (depends on retailer) ✓Has thicker shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ Some said the backpack they ordered didn’t look like the picture

Color(s): 16

Size: 15 x 9.57 x 3.62 inches

Materials: Polyethylene

Review: “This backpack is water resistant with many pockets to keep your stuff organized. It doesn’t weigh anything, so your load is always lighter. It has comfortable straps for carrying and is sleek enough to be used for any occasion. This is a great product!!”

This classic Herschel backpack features a sleek silhouette, adjustable padded shoulder straps, an exterior front zip pocket, and a top handle. It's also made from 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles!

Pros:✓Very durable ✓Front pockets for easy access ✓Two zipper pulls to lock in valuables

Cons: ✓ Some reviewers say the pictures didn’t match up to the item they received

Color(s): 1

Size: 5.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches

Materials: 100% recycled post-consumer water bottles

Review: “Great quality. I find the weight distribution between the straps to be much better than any other knapsack I have/had. This size is perfect for my everyday needs."

Your walks to class will feel light and breezy with this Fjallraven backpack. The feather-weight construction is crafted from vinylon-F, which is moisture-repellant, so your valuables inside will avoid any (or all) of Mother Nature’s wrath. The design features also include a full front zipper pouch and a laptop sleeve that can fit devices up to 15 inches.

Pros:✓Extremely durable ✓Ample space ✓ Wide range of colors

Cons: ✓Some didn’t like how their water bottles wouldn’t fit inside

Color(s): 10

Size: 15.79 x 11.54 x 2.68 inches

Materials: 100% Vinylal

Nordstrom Customer Review: “The bag is cute and durable. It’s a really good backpack for college, especially if you commute to campus. It can fit a lot due to the boxy shape and how it opens. The straps are comfortable and it distributes the weight evenly. I love how there are separate compartments. I especially love that I can keep my electronics separate from my lunch and my water bottle! I keep my 13” Macbook, iPad, and the cases/accessories in the padded section and still have room for more! I can fit most of my textbooks in the middle compartment and keep my personal stuff in the pouch. The side pockets are perfect for carrying an umbrella and a water bottle. However, this bag picks up a lot of lint and looks dusty very easily.”

College students who spend a decent amount of time at sports practice or in the gym should reach for this backpack. It has a spacious interior and is crafted from a water-repellent material to keep your valuables safe. You’ll have enough room to store workout clothes, sneakers, and class essentials. We also love the built-in exterior padded laptop sleeve. Plus, it doubles as a carry-on backpack; the luggage trolley sleeve will make the TSA check-in process much smoother.

Pros:✓Extremely sturdy ✓Water-repellent fabric ✓ Great for travel

Cons: ✓ Some users noted that the overall size of the backpack is small

Color(s): 3

Size: 11.4 x 7.3 x 16.5 inches

Materials: Body: 100% Nylon

Review: “I’ve used this bookbag for all four years of high school and I’d recommend it to anyone. I absolutely love it and will be buying a new one for college!! It fits every book I ever needed and has a laptop compartment!”

This fashion-forward backpack has a stylish chevron quilted design with contrasting gold hardware. It feels lightweight and has plenty of room for laptops and textbooks (and dedicated pockets for each). Factor in the trolly strap that fits over luggage, and consider this your new best friend.

Pros:✓Gorgeous chevron pattern ✓Two open-top pockets for easy access ✓ Stylish and sophisticated

Cons: ✓ The seams didn’t hold up for some

Color(s): 2

Size: 16 x 10 x 7.5 inches

Materials: 100% Quilted Polyester

Review: “The bag is luxurious, sturdy, and spacious. I keep a 15-inch laptop, an iPad, and a full purse in it as needed. It’s great for my busy life as a college student. The many zip pockets are helpful. The price was great. It arrived quickly.”

This isn’t just one of the best backpacks for college students. It’s one of the best laptop backpacks on the market. With more than 83,000 positive Amazon reviews, you can rest assured that this bag is worth every penny. You can choose from 23 colors and patterns, and it has a spacious interior to store school essentials. It also has a soft padded back panel and comes with a built-in USB port that can be used to charge all your tech gadgets.

Pros:✓Has a removable keychain ✓Lots of pockets ✓ Extremely affordable

Cons: ✓The zippers can be difficult

Color(s): 22+

Size: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches

Materials: 100% Polyester

Review: “So for the three years I’ve been in university, I’ve been searching for the perfect backpack and I think I finally found it. This backpack has space for everything that I need. I was initially looking at Northface bags, but [I] saw this one on TikTok tok and this one is so much better — for a fraction of the price. I’m in nursing school and am required to carry around a lot of equipment, plus all my school supplies and my previous bags were always too full and bulking. But this bag has two big main pockets. The first fits my laptop, tablet, notebooks, and folders, and the second is perfect for my stethoscope case, BP cuff, and pencil case with room for more!”

An oldie but a goodie, the JanSport Superbreak has been a fan-favorite backpack for years. Its unisex design can fit all styles (or needs). It’s made from a water-repellent material and has a front zipper pocket on the exterior. Reliable and lightweight, you can store all your school supplies—from laptops to pencils—and there is still room for some snacks. Do yourself a favor and cop your favorite color!

Pros:✓ Classic “old school” style ✓Many colors available ✓ Great for everyday use

Cons: ✓ Doesn’t have a laptop pocket or pocket for water bottle(s)

Color(s): 33 (varies by retailer)

Size: 17 x 12.5 x 6 inches

Materials: 100% Recycled 600d Polyester

Review: “I was starting freshman year of high school when I first went to a store and bought this black Jansport. It survived all of high school, various vacations, moving from place to place, camping trips, hiking, work bag, beach bag, etc. That bag went through it all, 10 years. It took 10 years for it to finally kick the bucket and stop zipping properly. Comfort and reliability, this bag will NEVER let you down! It even got attacked by a vacuum cleaner and still served its purpose and did its job well.”

Consider this a budget-friendly dupe of the Herschel bag. Its got the same classic silhouette, canvas fabric with contrasting buckles, and exterior pockets. The main compartment is roomy enough for textbooks and features a laptop pocket. On the outside, you'll find a front zipper pocket for smaller accessories, tech gadgets, and two side pockets for water bottles.

Pros: ✓Comfortable rucksack ✓Has a total of six pockets ✓Includes an external USB charging port

Cons: ✓ The side pockets don’t have a lot of stretch

Color(s): 4

Size: 11.8 x 16.5 x 5.1 inches

Materials: Lightweight 600D Polyester, Leather Trim Exterior

Review: “I ordered this for my daughter’s first year away at college. She took that bag everywhere, to every class and club meeting and the dining hall and in between, and now at the end of the year it looks brand new. It’s big enough to hold her notebooks, textbooks, and laptop and isn’t bulky. I highly recommend this backpack! I might even order a second one in case this one ever wears out so we have a backup.”

This trendy backpack has been spotted all over TikTok, and for good reason. Aside from its sleek exterior, customers also love its spacious interior. The main compartment features an internal coated mesh organizer pocket, a key clip, and a laptop sleeve. The shoulder straps are also padded and you’ll find dual exterior pockets to store water bottles.

Pros: ✓Made from recycled materials ✓ It’s water-resistant ✓ Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ On the expensive side

Color(s): 7 (varies by retailer)

Size: 11.5 x 16.25 x 5.5 inches

Materials: 100% Polyester

Review: “My favorite, inside out! I think it’s a backpack that stands out with its distinctive style. I love the matte texture and while it might get a little sweaty on a hot summer day, it’s perfect in a city where it rains a lot. It’s optimal in size, has enough space for a laptop, and looks good on the back of an adult.”

Want something that looks and feels oh-so-luxurious? Reach for this Kate Spade Thompson Backpack. The medium bookbag is crafted from smooth pebble leather, giving it a sophisticated look. It also has thin shoulder straps and a removable top handle.

Pros: ✓Has a magnetic strap closure ✓Triple compartments ✓ The pebbled leather looks so sleek

Cons: ✓The strap broke for some easily

Color(s): 2

Size: 11.25 x 11.25 x 5 inches

Materials: Pebbled Leather

Review: “It is a must-have for backpack lovers; I highly recommend it. The compartments are well thought out and the zip in the middle keeps the wallet safe! The front lock is pushed up to open. I love everything about this backpack. Thanks to the designer!!! It comes with a pink color dust tote!”

Another JanSport favorite, this Rightpack is exactly as the name sounds…it’s just right! It has the brand's iconic suede leather bottom for extra durability, a side water bottle pocket, and an internal laptop sleeve. The large main compartment can also hold plenty of the big stuff—textbooks, binders, and more. You can also store smaller items in the front zipper pocket.

Pros:✓Lifetime warranty ✓Classic design ✓Affordable

Cons: ✓ Not as sturdy as previous versions were

Color(s): Up to 26 (varies by retailer)

Size: 10 x 3 x 8 inches

Materials: 915D Cordura with Premium Suede

Review: “Jansport makes great products. This backpack holds a lot of weight. The side pocket can fit a standard-size water bottle (does not hold a 32 wide-mouth Hydroflask) zipper, pockets, and straps are functioning as I hoped!”

Need to hop on a plane to make your way to college? You’ll love this 100% recycled polyester travel backpack. The water-resistant pick comes in five sophisticated colors, and in addition to the roomy interior that’s perfect for school, is built to make travel easier. Think: a pass-through strap that attaches to a rolling suitcase and a front laptop pocket to simplify the TSA screening process.

Pros: ✓ Travel-friendly ✓ Water-resistant finish

Cons: X Some customers would like the laptop sleeve to come with padding

Dimensions: ‎‎17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches

Color(s): 5

Size: 17.5 x 7.25 x 12

Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester

Review: “I bought this backpack for school and it carries a lot. It has smart pockets. Looks super sleek, very happy with the backpack.”

L.L.Bean’s super durable backpack is ergonomically designed with a rigid back panel, an adjustable sternum strap, a tuck-away waist belt, extra foam padding, and breathable mesh straps to minimize strain on your body, and that doesn’t change no matter how much (or little) you have inside. Perfect for the organizational lover, there are compartments for all your must-haves, like a top pocket for phone access, a water bottle pocket to stay hydrated (up to 32 ounces), and a laptop sleeve for 15 inches or smaller.

Pros:✓ Versatile ✓Multiple zippered pockets ✓Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons: ✓ Many say the material didn’t hold up over time

Color(s): Up to 5 (varies by retailers)

Size: 18.75 x 11.75 x 10 inches

Materials: 200-Denier Ripstop Polyester, 420-Denier Ripstop Nylon

Review: “This is a wonderful backpack. It’s a perfect size, is very comfortable, sturdy, and efficient storage.”