13 Best Backpacks for School 2023: Affordable Picks from Nike, Jansport, and More

Nov 12, 2023

By Shauna Beni-Haynes and Talia Abbas

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If you want to prevent shoulder, neck, or back pain in the near future, we recommend investing in one of the best backpacks for school.

After all, your designated tote, backpack, or laptop bag will be your go-to accessory — the one thing you’ll be carrying day-in and day-out — so you want to make sure it vibes with your ‘fit and ticks off all the functionality boxes you need it to (like padded shoulder straps for comfort, laptop compartments, and plenty of storage pockets for all your stuff). Plus, research has shown that heavy weight on the shoulders can develop pain in several parts of the body, so it's beneficial to get a backpack that is stylish and comfortable.

Sure, you can find plenty of the best backpacks on Amazon, but with so many options to choose from, it can easily get overwhelming. So if you are looking for something cute yet functional for traveling through school halls, that's where we come in. We rounded up top-rated backpack designs that will fulfill all your middle, high school, and even college class needs, including picks from the most popular backpack brands like Jansport, Herschel, and the North Face.

Below, shop the best backpacks for school and college to keep your daily essentials (and back-to-school supplies) secure and readily accessible.

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There's so much to love about this found-on-Amazon backpack besides its cool camo print looks and water-proofing material that will probably outlast an unexpected downpour. We’re talking plenty of compartments for valuables and school essentials, including storage for a 13-, 14-, or 15-inch laptop, an external USB charging port (just be ready for all your friends to ask you to juice up their phones), and small inside pockets to keep your pens and bike keys from disappearing into a bottomless pit.

Pros: Comes with USB charging port, Made with durable anti-scratch fabric

Cons: Some shoppers note that the computer sleeve could use more padding.

Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches

Weight: 1.56 pounds

Storage: One separate compartment holds a 15.6-inch laptop, one spacious compartment for books, one compartment with several for pockets, pens, pencils, and a key fob hook

Warranty: You'll need to contact the seller directly for warranty information.

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Some backpacks are meant to blend in, this flaming hot red one is not. It's helpful, though, since no one will ever mistake theirs for yours. Finding it last-minute under a pile of clothes will be infinitely easier than a grey backpack masquerading as your carpet. Jansport's Right Pack is more basic than some other designs on this list since it only has one main compartment with an internal sleeve for a 15-inch laptop. The padded shoulder straps are a plus if you find yourself carrying your weight in textbooks on the regular.

Pros: Padded shoulder straps, Easy-to-clean suede leather bottom

Cons: Some reviewers note that there is no padding on the back to provide comfort.

Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 8.5 inches

Weight: 1.4 pounds

Storage: Internal 15-inch laptop sleeve, one large main compartment, one front organizer pocket

Warranty: You'll need to contact the seller directly for warranty information.

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You probably already know that the Fjällräven Kanken comes in a ton of colors and sizes, including a 17-inch laptop backpack in case you need the extra space. In addition to being a campus mainstay, it's also a regular at airports and train stations. Its compact design makes it a convenient travel companion for any post-grad road trips you have planned.

Pros: Water-resistant fabric, Available in 30+ colors

Cons: Some reviewers note the bag is too small to fit school books.

Dimensions: 10.63 x 5.12 x 14.96 inches

Weight: 0.2 ounces

Storage: One main zippered compartment, one front zippered pocket, two open side pockets

Warranty: You'll need to contact the seller directly for warranty information.

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Herschel backpacks are statement pieces that somehow always go well with whatever you're wearing. The Settlement model is one of the brand's most popular ones: It is made from a lightweight yet heavy-duty cotton canvas that can take on all kinds of scuffs and spills, with zipper pockets and a solid back panel so your bag doesn't sag when it's loaded to the brim. We're into the versatility of this birch school backpack, but there are over 20 colors and patterns (and adorable sizes) that would look right at home whatever your personal style may be.

Pros: Crafted from a durable polyester fabric, Pebbled zipper pulls

Cons: Some shoppers note that there are no external side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas.

Dimensions: 5.75 x 12.25 x 17.75 inches

Weight: 1.33 pounds

Storage: Internal tech-safe sleeve is padded and lined with fleece, fits laptops up to 15-inches, has multiple front pockets with a key clip, one internal media pocket for your smartphone, one internal headphone port

Warranty: You'll need to contact the seller directly for warranty information.

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The brand behind some of your (and Emma Chamberlain's and Selena Gomez's) favorite leggings also makes really good backpacks. This water-repellent backpack may be on the smaller side, but it is thoughtfully designed to let you fit more with less (hi, dual front pockets!), making it a winner for daily commuters. The best part? Not only does it slide perfectly underneath any kind of seat, but it also has a carry-on-compatible sleeve should you bring it along on a trip this summer.

Pros: Designed for on-the-move, Water-resistant fabric

Cons: Users note that the straps could use more padding.

Dimensions: 11.4 x 5.9 x 16.5 inches

Weight: 23L

Storage: Exterior padded pocket fits a 16-inch laptop, exterior water bottle pocket for quick access, several interior pockets, exterior trolley-compatible sleeve

By Kara Nesvig

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

Warranty: N/A

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Don't let this slim 28-liter daypack fool you, there's plenty of storage space to house your lunch box, laptop, and books. The sturdy design is also more than capable of protecting your gear, whether you're walking shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowded hallway or accidentally knock your bag off a chair. External mesh water bottle pockets provide easy access to beverages in between classes, and there's even a sternum strap for added security and comfort!

Pros: Unique FlexVent suspension system for comfort, Padded back panels

Cons: Some shoppers note that the backpack is too small for school use.

Dimensions: 11 x 8.25 x 18.13 inches

Weight: 1 pound

Storage: Interior padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, one large main compartment to hold books and binders, one front compartment

Warranty: The brand claims that products have a lifetime guarantee warranty when purchased directly on the site.

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Embracing uniform dressing as you figure out your life post-college? You'll want a classic backpack that doesn't distract. This Everlane one is a bestseller for a reason: People love its timeless, minimalist design, which can hold a lot without looking bulky. Shoutout to the outer zip pockets which you'll love for stashing small items (keys, wallet, wired headphones), as well as passports and tickets on an inaugural work trip.

Pros: Travel-friendly backpack, Made with 100% recycled polyester

Cons: Some shoppers wish it came with smaller pockets on the front and top flap.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches

Weight: 27L

Storage: One exterior 15-inch laptop zip pocket, two zip-closure pockets, one external water bottle pocket, one internal water bottle pocket, two internal slip pockets

Warranty: N/A

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L.L.Bean's ripstop-nylon laptop pack looks like it can weather just about anything — and that's because it can. (The water-repellent fabric is machine-washable, so do your worst.) Its 30-liter size is generously sized to fit textbooks, study notes, and gym clothes, with a padded laptop sleeve allowing you to pack your tech painlessly after class.

Pros: Built-in extra foam padding, Breathable mesh straps

Cons: Some customers note the fabric quality is not well-made.

Dimensions: 18.75 x 11.75 x 10 inches

Weight: 30L

Storage: Built-in organizer panel with multiple zippered pockets, padded laptop sleeve to fit laptops up to 15-inches, one large interior compartment, one exterior top pocket for each access to cell phone

Warranty: No warranty info is provided, but returns are accepted on unused products within 30 days of shipment for orders shipped within the US.

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This backpack set is a must-have for high school students. It comes with a matching backpack, pencil case, and cross-body bag that can be used to store lunch or gym clothes. It also comes in various colorways and prints, you can mix and match with all your outfits. The best part? It's only $35!

Pros: Padded shoulder straps, Water-resistant fabric

Cons: Some users noted that after two months of use, the shoulder straps started falling apart.

By Kara Nesvig

By Ashleigh Carter

By Kara Nesvig

Dimensions: 16.9 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches

Weight: 1.76 pounds

Storage: One internal pocket sleeve that fits laptops and tablets that are up to 14-inches, several interior pockets to store supplies, two external side pockets, one front exterior flap pocket

Warranty: You'll need to contact the seller directly for warranty information.

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There's a reason why college students and recent grads gravitate towards Dagne Dover's durable neoprene bags. They're spill-proof, highly giftable, and professional-looking without being fussy. Did we mention they have a special side pocket for your phone and your phone only?

Pros: 100% crafted from vegan materials, Water-resistant

Cons: Some shoppers note that the cupholder pockets are too small for water bottles.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 13 inches

Weight: 1.8 pounds

Storage: One air mesh tablet sleeve, two air mesh interior pockets, two zipper exterior pockets, one signature key leash

Warranty: No warranty info is provided, but returns are accepted on unused products within 30 days of shipment for orders shipped within the US.

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This may not be the college backpack you had in mind, but it's so small and cute that we couldn't let you venture into a new school year without sharing. It folds up into a tiny square so you can actually leave it in the car or in your gym locker — clutch for days when you need to bring PE clothes home but your main backpack is already bursting at the seams with stuff.

Pros: Great for daily commutes, Folds up completely flat into a pouch

Cons: Customers note that it will not fit a laptop or large books.

Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 6 inches

Weight: .44 pounds

Storage: One small exterior zipper pocket, one large interior compartment

Warranty: No warranty info is provided, but returns are accepted on unused products within 30 days of shipment for orders shipped within the US.

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Stoney Clover Lane's candy-colored backpack fits right in with #ProductivityTok's penchant for cheerful school and desk supplies to stay on top of your class load. The pastel tie-dye alone will deliver you the energy boost you need to make it through a full day of school — even if you spent the majority of the night before scrolling through your FYP.

Pros: Polished gold-tone hardware, The fabric feels silky-soft

Cons: No separate laptop sleeve

Dimensions: 16.5 x 13 x 4.75 inches

Weight: 22oz

Storage: One small exterior zipper pocket, one large interior compartment

Warranty: You'll need to contact the seller directly for warranty information.

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The adventurer looking for a does-it-all bag will probably love this high-quality travel laptop backpack, complete with padded shoulder straps, a wraparound zip opening, and a breathable mesh back panel. There's enough room for a 15-inch laptop to slide into its own zippered back compartment, and there's a detachable key clip in the front pocket to hang your dorm room keys.

Pros: Made with water-resistant nylon, Padded shoulder straps

Cons: Some shoppers note that the interior compartment fills up fast.

Dimensions: 11.8 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches

Weight: 2.2 pounds

Storage: Interior organization system with zipper and slip pockets, water bottle pocket, and detachable key clip, padded zip laptop compartment with iPad slip pocket that fits up to a 15-inch laptop with magnetic locking zipper, external secure front zip pocket, external back hidden zip pocket

Warranty: Away bags and accessories are protected by a limited one-year warranty, which means that if anything breaks in your first year, they’ll fix or replace it.