Believe it or not, we’re almost in the throes of that magical season that we shopping enthusiasts refer to as “back to school.” Sure, we’re still a little ways off from the changing of the leaves, the dropping of the mercury, and the unearthing of the knitwear, but here in the land of fashion we’re always on the lookout for that upcoming shift that will dictate a new mode of dressing. And returning to school — or work — brings the need for a let’s-get-down-to-business bag to carry it all. To help, we’ve curated some of the best backpacks for school, and more specifically, college backpacks that store all of your essentials and supplies for whether you’re living on campus or commuting between classes.
If you’re someone who is returning to —or beginning their journey in — a scholarly milieu of any kind, your satchel needs are unique. What you need is the best college backpack, and it can’t be just any backpack. It has to have room for digital and analog learning devices (in other words, a laptop, textbooks, and notebooks) and maybe even snacks, water, and gym clothes. It should also be stylish and polished, as you may find yourself toting it to a networking event, internship, or (fingers crossed) a job interview. Click through to see cute backpacks for college (that can also double as work bags or travel backpacks) that deliver equally on style and functionality, and will hopefully keep you in a state of togetherness while you balance your grade point average with a healthy amount of… um, socializing.
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JanSport Main Campus Backpack 32L
Looking for a JanSport backpack to use throughout your college career, then in years to come? You’re in luck (thanks to the brand’s lifetime warranty) with this 32-liter style from the campus collection. With multiple compartments and ample space, you’ll be able to hold your day-to-day basics to take you from class to work to home and back.
Shop JanSport
JanSport Main Campus Backpack 32L, $, available at JanSport
North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack
Is it finally time to join the North Face gang? If you’re one of many college students trekking to class with ten pounds of books, an impressive collection of pens, and a filled-to-the-brim Hydroflask then yes, it’s time to invest. This North Face backpack is famous amongst college campuses for its American Chiropractic Association-approved shoulder straps and curved back panel, its 27-liter interior, and its bungee cord exterior.
Shop North Face
North Face Women’s Borealis Backpack 27L, $, available at North Face
CYUREAY Convertible Daypack with USB Charging Port
With an extra-long strap that can convert from a shoulder-sling to a backpack strap with a few small adjustments, the potential of this interchangeable tote bag is endless. The trendy backpack is also roomy enough for travel, so you can tote it to class on Friday before heading home for the weekend. You can even charge your phone while on the go with the bag’s external USB port.
Shop Amazon
CYUREAY Convertible Daypack with USB Charging Port, $, available at Amazon
Herschel Heritage Classic Backpack
For those in search of the fewest frills and the most classic collegiate design, we present the tried-and-true silhouette of a Herschel backpack. With every single detail that you remember from elementary school — including a top carrying loop, roomy exterior pockets, and a key clip — it boasts the perfect combination of nostalgia and function.
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Herschel Heritage Classic Backpack 21.5L, $, available at Amazon
Patagonia Fieldsmith Roll-Top Pack
Pack 30 liters worth of books, tech, and snacks in this Patagonia backpack. Roll down the top as far as needed for secure storage. The water-repellent bag has handy exterior and side pockets, including one that sits flat against your back where your laptop can sit.
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Patagonia Fieldsmith Roll-Top Pack 30L, $, available at Patagonia
Dagne Dover Large Dakota Air Mesh Backpack
Dagne Dover is known for stylish, high-capacity bags that boast tech-friendly, down-to-the-item interior organization for those who have a lot to keep track of. The lightweight, recycled backpack comes in several sizes, with this large one holding up to 20 liters of essentials. It also has a laptop sleeve and comes with bonus shoe and dust bags.
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Dagne Dover Large Dakota Air Mesh Backpack 20L, $, available at Dagne Dover
Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack
Calpak handles all your travel bag needs, but the brand also has you covered for school too, especially if you’re a commuter student. Make this style your new everyday backpack thanks to its lightweight construction and scratch-resistant matte material. Plus, beyond its many compartments, this backpack has pockets for your laptop, shoes, and water bottles (and yep, you guessed it, a luggage trolley sleeve).
Shop Calpak
Calpak Luka Laptop Backpack 22L, $, available at Calpak
Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0
You know about the Everywhere Belt Bag, but did you know about the Everyday Backpack? Lululemon’s roomy, water-repellant backpack will accommodate books, extra clothes, or whatever else you find yourself needing to bring to class. There are separate compartments for your laptop and water bottle, in addition to an exterior pocket for anything else you might need to keep close at hand.
Shop Lululemon
Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 23L, $, available at Lululemon
VANKEAN Laptop Backpack with USB Port
Stylish and innovative, this highly-rated Amazon backpack will become your go-to for class days. The sleek fabric is waterproof and scratch-resistant, and the shape is spacious with several compartments, pockets, and sleeves. Utilize its organization features, external charging port, and then go on with your day knowing your backpack is doing all the heavy lifting.
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VANKEAN Laptop Backpack with USB Port, $, available at Amazon
Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
Everlane’s 27-liter rucksack is intended for travel with several easy-access pockets and sleeves, but we think it would make a good college backpack too. It features a 15″ exterior laptop pocket, several interior pockets, and two water bottle holders. Close it up with the handy magnetic closures, and if you’re planning on studying abroad, be thankful for the pass-through sleeve on the back to slip through your luggage handle.
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Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack 27L, $, available at Everlane
Carhartt Classic Laptop Daypack
The heritage workwear brand does not disappoint with this super-sturdy backpack in the brand’s beloved signature orange-brown shade. It boasts a water-repellant exterior for when you get caught in the rain. The sleek and simple backpack also has a 15″ padded laptop sleeve.
Shop Zappos
Carhartt 21L Classic Laptop Daypack, $, available at Zappos
Topo Designs Daypack Classic
This cultishly beloved outdoor brand got our attention by combining a nostalgic color palette with thoughtful functionality. The brand’s lightweight backpack boasts an eye-catching design, along with an external laptop sleeve and generously padded straps — helpful whether you’re hauling supplies on a camping trip or toting multiple math textbooks across the quad.
Shop Madewell
Topo Designs Daypack Classic, $, available at Madewell
Fjällräven Raven 20 Backpack
Fjallraven’s retro Nordic styling presents a perfect option if you’re looking for a workhorse rucksack that doesn’t appear too heavy-duty. More spacious than the iconic Kånken style, this style also has plenty of pockets and a padded laptop sleeve. It will keep you feeling organized and looking stylish.
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Fjällräven Raven 20 Backpack, $, available at Zappos
Quince Organic Cotton Canvas Convertible Backpack
A modern interpretation of a classic canvas backpack — sign us up. Quince delivers polished, high-quality goods, and this backpack is no exception. The sleek yet rustic design is convertible with its long shoulder strap, shapeshifting between a top handle or crossbody to a tote or backpack.
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Quince Organic Cotton Canvas Convertible Backpack 19L, $, available at Quince
Bellroy Transit Workpack
If you’re looking for a classic and minimalist backpack that’ll grow with your changing priorities and evolving style, look to this one. And while it looks to be no frills and very sleek, there are tons of internal and external pockets for all of your supplies, including a soft top pouch for your sunglasses. It’s also backed by a three-year warranty.
Shop Bellroy
Bellroy Transit Workpack 20L, $, available at Bellroy
Himawari Travel Backpack with USB Charging Port
Durable, waterproof, and lightweight, this bright Amazon backpack screams “Pick me, pick me!” The top wrap-around zipper makes it easy to access your supplies in the roomy interior without clumsily rummaging around. The functional design is also capable of holding a 15″ laptop.
Shop Amazon
Himawari Travel Backpack with USB Charging Port, $, available at Amazon
STATE Kane Double Pocket Large Backpack
We love STATE’s simple and sturdy backpacks for their classic design and high capacity, as well as for their mission of social good — for every handbag purchased, the company donates a fully-stocked backpack to students or makes a donation to partner charities. The coated cotton design is sleek, and the dual compartments make for a spacious and organized style.
Shop STATE
State Kane Double Pocket Large Backpack, $, available at STATE
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