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We know your back-to-school shopping list may be miles long, but replacing a worn-out backpack should be a top priority. Thankfully, the best backpacks on Amazon for high school and college are just a scroll away (you're welcome). A good backpack for school will not only ensure you can carry your laptop (we've got cute backpack picks for this, too!) and supplies from your dorm room to class effortlessly, but it will also prevent you from losing the many handouts and important papers you collect.
Although often looked over, you'll carry your backpack with you practically every day during the school year. A backpack houses all your necessary supplies and helps you make it through the crowded hallway and campus shuffle without losing (or breaking) anything or hurting your back, which is why choosing one of the best is key. Bonus points if you find a cool backpack that's functional and stylish!
Plus, there are plenty of types to choose from including laptop backpacks, leather backpacks, and even sling knapsacks that are easy to pop on and off. So without further ado, find some of the best backpacks on Amazon to make sure your quest to find the right one is a little bit easier.
Our top picks:
- Best overall backpack on Amazon: OGIO Renegade Backpack, $134
- Best Amazon backpack for school: THE NORTH FACE Jester Everyday Backpack, $75
- Best Amazon backpack for college: SwissGear 1900 17-Inch Laptop Backpack, $90
- Best Amazon backpack for work: Herschel Settlement Backpack, $68
- Best affordable backpack on Amazon: MATEIN Travel Backpack, $32
For a high-quality backpack you can enjoy beyond campus grounds and fluorescent school halls, grab this one from Matein. There are plenty of compartments for storing valuables—including a 15.6-inch laptop compartment and external USB charging port to leave your phone charger at home—plus small inside pockets to keep errant supplies from vanishing into the abyss. If we're being totally honest, though, it's the reviews that really sold us on this one: One person said it was the only thing they carried on a two-week Europe trip. Another parent got it for their kid and said it was “built like a tank” (um, wow?!). Even the zippers get serious love! The parting line? “It has everything.”
Pros: X Removable keychain X Lots of pockets
Cons: X Some said it didn’t last as long as they’d like
Color(s): 23
Material: 100% Polyester
Size: 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches
Customer Review: “A terrific bag that is easy to use and has many pockets for storage. It feels nice and comfortable on your back, as the material is not irritating. The adjustable straps can easily loosen or tighten the bag to your desire. Not only is it good for school, but it is great for commuting or touring certain areas.”
Prepare to tackle any weather mother nature throws at you with this travel backpack from Monsdle. It comes with tons of extra space, adjustable shoulder straps, and a breathable, water-resistant mesh material so you can survive just about any travel day.
Pros: X Affordable Price X Reliable X Good for travel
Cons: X Not anti-theft like others
Color(s): 5
Materials: Polyester
Size: 7.8 x 12.8 x 18.8 inches
Customer Review: “Just got it today, and I already love it! They aren't lying about the smooth zippers. I can't say I've ever seen a zipper this smooth before. It's a darker red than I expected, and that is great. The small zippered pouch in the back is also padded. It is a million times better than my last one.”
Hear us out: Not only does this SwissGear backpack fit a 17-inch laptop, but it's also made with a special laptop-in-case scanning so you don't have to remove it every time you go through airport security. It also has multiple zippers and a variety of anti-theft features, which is why it makes the perfect backpack and travel bag.
Pros: X Great for everyday use X Great for compartmentalization
Cons: X Some found the straps to be unbalanced
Color(s): 9
Material: 100% Ballistic Polyester
Size: 9 x 19 x 14 inches
Customer Review: “It's [good] quality, and I'm happy with this purchase! This backpack worked great for me as an airline carry-on! I was able to store my 'not so small' Canon R5 camera with lens and case, two hardback books, 60 color pen set with zip case and coloring book, one set of clothing including sandals, car keys, earphones, glasses, and contacts, water bottle, cell phone, documents, and important papers, etc. The compartmentalization was incredible!
This is one of those bags that'll easily work its way through both high school and college with you. Durable? Check. Comes in gorgeous colors? Double-check. Plenty of space? Triple check. What more could you ask for?
Pros: X Lasts for years X Sturdy
Cons: X Some shoppers noted that their backpacks didn’t arrive as pictured
Color(s): 18
Material: 915D Cordura with Premium Suede
Size: 5.5 x 12.5 x 17.5 inches
Customer Review: “This backpack is sturdy and seems to survive my son!!! Previously this school year, he had gone through three backpacks. He is tough on things!! So I took a chance and bought this Jansport, knowing of their promise to repair/replace it for the lifetime of the backpack. So far, so good. It looks brand new, and he has had it for two months.”
Regardless of whether you're in college or high school, never underestimate the importance of carrying your laptop safely. Seriously, just think about how many times you've almost accidentally dropped it or maybe even actually dropped it. With the amount of money you'll have to spend to replace it, your best bet is to invest in a laptop backpack that will protect it from the hustle and bustle of busy hallways. This Herschel backpack, for instance, looks cute but also has a 13-inch laptop sleeve built inside the main compartment to make sure your precious cargo is as safe as possible. Sold.
Pros: X Many love the smaller design X Lasts for years
Cons: X Not great for holding books or binders
Color(s): 16
Materials: 100% Recycled Post-Consumer Water Bottles
Size: 4.5 x 11.25 x 16.25 inches
Customer Review: “This backpack is really for those looking for a simple backpack. The material feels sturdy and seems to hold its shape well when carrying heavy stuff like textbooks and laptops. The front pocket has just enough space for small things like your phone, calculator, etc.”
Let's kick things off with a no-fail pick: The North Face's Jester laptop backpack, which has a padded laptop sleeve, lightly cushioned shoulder straps, and a firm back and base so you don't have to worry about sagging from too-many textbooks. There's a large zippered pocket in the front to store easily-lost-items items, plus two water bottle pockets (high five for hydration) and tiny bungee hooks you can clip carabiners or keys onto—all for less than $70, might we add. And while you could get this school bag in classic black, why would you want to when you have this icy beauty?
Pros: X Machine washable X FlexVent technology for a comfortable fit
Cons: X There are a lot of compartments that might make it difficult to find small items
Color(s): 28
Material: 100% Polyester
Size: 19.9 x 16.8 x 2.6 inches
Customer Review: "This backpack is a great size for fitting many school books, laptops, or iPad. 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."
JanSport's daypack needs no introduction—which is why we'll keep it short and sweet. This lightweight backpack can go just about anywhere: Under your plane seat, in your locker, or strapped onto your bike rack. It's flexible but heavy-duty, which is why so many people (from high school to graduate students) swear by it. The bag fits a ton, and the padded shoulder straps throughout help make it strong enough to hold all your textbooks.
Pros: X Made from eco-friendly materials X Padded shoulder straps
Cons: X Very large in size
Color(s): 20
Material: 100% Recycled, 200D Polyester
Size: 16.5 x 12.5 x 5.5 inches
Customer Review: “The design on this backpack is adorable. And Jansport makes the best backpacks. I bought it as a carry on bag for a recent trip our family took. It's the right size to fit the rules for the airline guidelines. Also has many pockets and areas to store things. Very happy with the purchase!"
If you live off-campus or take the bus to school, grabbing this commuter-friendly school backpack will make the journey more manageable. It's compact enough to fit in small spaces – like under the seat on the bus – but also has ample space to store all your necessities and is light enough to carry around with you all day. Enter: The Fjallraven Kanken backpack. It's a perfect combination of all of these things, works as a great carry-on, and comes in more than 30 different color options.
Pros: X Beautiful colors X High-quality material
Cons: X Shoppers note the fabric stains easily
Color(s): 9
Materials: 100% Vinylon
Size: 14.96 x 10.63 x 5.12 inches
Customer Review: “I use this backpack everyday. I put it through so much and yet nothing is falling apart. This is one of the sturdiest backpacks for its size and I absolutely love this as it is so good for my back. I can carry more in weight than I can in my Herschel which is significantly bigger. I highly recommend this industrial strength backpack even though it has become somewhat basic because everyone has one in NY. The only thing I dislike is the lack of pockets (which Jansport does great with) but other than that, no complaints whatsoever."
You can never go wrong with a Herschel backpack. Not only is it made with a multitude of compartments for all your high-school essentials, but it's also available in a wide range of colors and patterns, too. Choose your favorite and you're GTG! Also nice: It has a 15-inch laptop or iPad sleeve, a key clip, sunglasses compartment, and more.
Pros: X Stylish X Good size for school
Cons: X Shoppers note that the zippers are difficult to use
Color(s): 10
Materials: 100% Recycled EcoSystem Fabric
Size: 6 x 11.75 x 17.5 inches
Customer Review: “I couldn't love this bag anymore than I do. I'm honestly surprised that such a popular name brand could hold up this well but it has exceeded my expectations in every way possible. I used it all four years of college (LOTS of books, lots of walking, and a semester abroad), traveled throughout the U.S. and internationally (Europe and Asia) using this bag as my personal item for flights, used it for day trips and mini-vacations, and now on my day-to-day throughout the city."
Another one of the best travel backpacks? This Vera Bradley one. It's not only the perfect size to get through TSA easily, but it also has enough room to fit a 15-inch laptop and a whole slew of wardrobe options for those last-minute weekend getaways.
Pros: X Great for travel X Sturdy and reliable
Cons: X Many wish it was bigger
Color(s): 61
Size: 7.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches
Material: 50% Cotton, 50% Recycled Cotton Fibers
Customer Review: "Vera Bradley is usually my go-to for quality-made travel bags, and this backpack is no exception. I purchased the black bandana medallion pattern, which is gorgeous but subtle. [When] I am not in school, I use this bag for international travel. It fits perfectly underneath the airplane seat. The straps are very comfortable, and I wore this backpack while hiking for hours without discomfort.
If you're really just worried about your phone dying during school (or worse, during your travels), this no-frills Mancio backpack is for you. It features a USB-charging port, so you can keep all your devices fully powered up wherever you go.
Pros: X Has a charging port X Carries a lot of items
Cons: X On the smaller side
Color(s): 5
Material: Tear Resistant Oxford, Quilted Polyester
Size: 11.8 x 16.5 x 5.1 inches
Customer Review: “I use my backpack for college and it is one sturdy bag. I get compliments all the time on how pretty it is. I have not yet utilized the charging port, but I took that into consideration when buying it. I'm just not as tech-forward as I most. But it is a cool feature and I love my backpack."
If you're one who travels a lot or has to fly back to school, this stylish backpack is for you. It will not only fit underneath the seat on the plane effortlessly but will also provide plenty of space to hold your snacks, laptop, school supplies, and any other random items that you need to throw in at the last minute. This carry-on backpack is also TSA-approved so don't worry about the airline asking you to check your bag at the gate. Plus, it's extremely functional, chic, and made with an easy-to-grab handle.
Pros: X Lots of security features X Good for organization
Cons: X Some shoppers said the straps are too long
Color(s): 7
Material: 100% Nylon
Size: 6.5 x 10.63 x 15.94 inches
Customer Review: “I like how well it is made. The zippers feel like they are quality zippers. The size is perfect. My only complaint is I wish it had a little padding on the straps."
Gear up for class, day trips, and more with the help of this unisex Adidas backpack. With five outside zippered pockets, you can throw everything from books to soccer cleats in here and still have room for a water bottle, laptop, and more. Factor in the padded adjustable shoulder straps, and this backpack will remain comfortable with each and every use.
Pros: X Very comfy X Extremely spacious
Cons: X Some shoppers said the quality isn’t too great
Color(s): 25
Material: 100% Polyester
Size: 11 x 12.5 x 20.25 inches
Customer Review: “This backpack was perfect for my high schooler who carries all her stuff all day long. (She says no one gets lockers anymore). She had looked everywhere, but this was the only one big enough with enough pockets and zippers.”
Last but most certainly, not least, this comfortable and convenient HAP Tim Laptop Backpack. The larger design can host all of your documents, clothing, and school supplies, while the adjustable padded sleeve adjusts to protect your shoulders. It also comes with a suitcase strap, so you can throw it over your luggage and take this piece on the road.
Pros: X Great for travel X Affordable price
Cons: X Users note that it can feel heavy fast
Color(s): 10
Material: N/A
Size: 13 x 10 x 17 inches
Customer Review: “I wanted a bag that would stand alone (this one does as long as the top outer pocket is empty), look professional, and have a wide opening for my water jug. The exterior pockets are perfect for my planner, book, and money/keys/pens. The side beverage holders are great because they expand to fit the size of your drink.”
Looking for a bag that's both sporty and cute? Snag this one from Nike. Its main zippered compartment is great for storing all your class essentials (think: laptops, notebooks, pens, and pencils) and has ample space (plus easy access) for anything else you need.
Pros: X Spacious X Adjustable padded shoulder straps
Cons: X Some shoppers have noticed the color fades quickly
Color(s): 5
Materials: 80% Polyester, 11% Polyurethane
Size: 17.72 x 5.91 x 11.81 inches
Customer Review: “I absolutely love this backpack, really great for holding heavy textbooks and such. [The] only problem is there were a couple of loose threads inside of the backpack and due to too many items inside the backpack, a water bottle won’t fit in the water bottle pocket. Overall the backpack is amazing and I do not regret my purchase."
Just look at how cute this backpack is! You can wear it as a tote or backpack thanks to the dual top handles and padded shoulder straps. We also love the multiple compartments it features, including a front zipper pocket, two side water bottle pockets, and one large main compartment that can fit a laptop up to 15.6”.
Pros: X Affordable Price X Stylish Design
Cons: X Some customers note that the straps are too narrow
Color(s): 23
Materials: Waterproof canvas
Size: 16 x 11 x 8 inches
Customer Review: “I’m using this during college and my first semester with it was great and I enjoyed this bag a lot for its price it holds my 15-inch laptop with ease and I love that.”
Organization is key when it comes to backpack storage, so we suggest opting for a bag that comes with plenty of pockets, like this gorgeous pick. It comes complete with a bunch of unique features, including a USB port, a PVC toiletry pocket, top handles, and a separate laptop compartment.
Pros: X Separate Laptop Compartment X 13 Small Pockets
Cons: X Some users note that the fabric is not waterproof.
Color(s): 5
Materials: Polyester
Size: 16 x 11.5 x 6 inches
Customer Review: “Omg, this bag is even better than what I expected! I just needed a good bag that wasn’t too big for college and this is perfect! It has all these cool pockets and compartments and even hidden pockets on the inside, too! What’s even better is that it had a charging port that came with it! It’s super comfortable and the straps are easy to adjust as well! If you’re looking for a school bag or just a carry-on that’s not too big or not too small, this is definitely one I would recommend 100%!”
Good news! Not all backpacks are made from polyester. You can find some very chic leather bags that can also stow away all your school supplies. And this faux leather pick is a customer favorite on Amazon. There are two main compartments, one padded laptop pocket, and a bunch of small pockets on the interior and exterior. Our favorite design detail is the cute tassel on the front flap, which gives it an elevated, feminine touch.
Pros: X Separate Laptop Compartment X 13 Small Pockets
Cons: X Some users note the latch falls apart after frequent use.
Color(s): 4
Materials: Faux Leather
Size: 13 x 4 x 15.8 inches
Customer Review: "This bag is so sturdy and durable. It’s super cute and can hold a lot. Had it for months and it’s held up great. I love it!"
Strut down the hallways on your way to class with this unique backpack. It's made from corduroy and comes with multiple compartments to store notebooks, laptops, pencils, cell phones, and more. The best part? Its durable enough to use for any occasion, including trips to the beach, park, festivals, you name it!
Pros: X Durable fabric X Spacious interior
Cons: X Some users note that the fabric is not waterproof.
Color(s): 3
Materials: Corduroy
Size: 3 x 14.5 x 9 inches
Customer Review: "After reading many backpack reviews about backpacks falling apart after minimal use, my daughter decided to go with this backpack because we felt like the OP brand would be quality. It is!!! The corduroy is thick as well as soft, and the construction is solid. My daughter is so excited to start school with this bag. Oh, and it is CUTE! She honestly loves everything about it!"
For those who prefer carrying smaller bags, opt for this cool crossbody sling. It has a versatile design that features an adjustable rope shoulder strap and a side release buckle for a custom fit. You'll also find two exterior zip compartments, and multiple interior pockets to keep all your essentials organized.
Pros: X Multiple Internal Zip Pockets X Crossbody Strap
Cons: X Some users note that the exterior pockets are too small.
Color(s): 20+
Materials: Canvas & Cotton
Size: 16 x 9 x 4 inches
Customer Review: “This bag is the perfect size for every day use. It holds my wallet, small makeup pouch, sunglasses case and phone. I love being able to wear it on my back instead of on one shoulder. I’ve received multiple compliments on the pattern. Would highly recommend and will definitely purchase another in the future.”
