10 Best Backpacks for High School Students

Are you looking for a backpack for high school students? There are various options available out there, but not all of them are exactly great.

There are many cheap models that will come apart at the seams in a few months, and nobody wants that. Spending a lot of time choosing and experiencing, I have a lot of experience synthesizing high-quality backpacks that you shouldn’t miss.

Let’s scroll down to look at the list!

Our Top Picks:

Keep reading to see which school backpack is the perfect option for you from among the best models available out there.

1. AmazonBasics Classic School Backpack – Best For Overall

This Amazon backpack is a sturdy, inexpensive, and well-made backpack. This great middle school backpack might be large enough to hold a huge binder, various notebooks, and more.

It is also suitable for college students, as I realized it could fit several textbooks, a MacBook, and a couple of notebooks tucked into a binder in its main compartment. It also features internal pockets, side pockets, and a front pocket for small items.

On the downside, the solid color may not seem too exciting, but I love it.

Today’s best deal:

What I like

• Affordable price.
• Highly durable.
• Suitable for college.
• Provide ample inside space.

Things to consider

• Unattractive appearance.

2. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack – Best For Travel

Its multitude of compartments and pockets is truly one of the bag’s biggest pluses. Matein has done a great job of thinking about each pocket and how to make them functional for everyone, from high school students to travelers.

The polyester fabric used to make this backpack has good quality, which is water-resistant, and durable. If caught in light rain, you can be assured that your electronics and laptop will be safe inside. Remember that it isn’t waterproof!

Also, this bag has a built-in USB charger outside and a charging cable inside, providing a handy way to charge your smartphone while you are on the go.

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What I like.

• Anti-Theft Pockets.
• Multiple Compartments.
• USB Charging Port.
• Durable And Water-Resistant Material.

Things to consider.

• Slightly expensive.

3. JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack – Best For Lightweight

This model stands out among our top-rated models with its great look and is accessible in nearly 30 colors. JanSport backpacks are prevalent at high school schools which is as it should be.

The JanSport backpack is made with tough textures, ties, and zippers. With style and colors that can mirror your character, and space for books, workstations, water bottles, and sports gear, this backpack can go from school to fun as fast as you do.

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What I like.

• Lightweight.
• Durable fabrics.
• Large compartments.
• Different colors and designs.

Things to consider.

• Hand Washes Only.

4. Amazon Clear School Backpack – Best For Budget

Looking for a brilliant backpack to take to high school or start college in style? This unique backpack is an affordable choice with a spacious interior and good-quality construction.

It’s made from water-resistant PVC plastic, so worrying about rain seeping in and clearing your lecture notes is unnecessary. It features pouches and pockets for various items, such as devices, accessories, and school books.

This bag also features excellent shoulder straps that will not fray and pull away from your body, letting you use this bag for years.

Today’s best deal:

What I like.

• Good price.
• Completely resistant to water.
• The study has a durable design.
• Lots of pockets and interior space.

Things to consider.

• Not designed for heavy loads.

5. High Sierra Loop-Backpack – Best For Comfort

This backpack has many compartments for easy organization, making it ideal for teens who typically lose things. It has three large areas for gear and books, and adds to that comfy straps and durable fabric.

One of the other things that I like most about this backpack is the comfort when carrying it. I’ve personally used it when hiking for four to five hours of non-stop carrying, and I did not feel any strain on my back or shoulders.

Today’s best deal:

What I like

• Lightweight.
• Well-padded straps.
• Fabric won’t wear out easily.
• It can easily hold 15 pounds of items.
• Can handle being dropped multiple times.

Things to consider

• Fabric may tear if snagged.

6. Adidas Striker 2 Backpack – Best Looks

The Adidas Striker 2 Backpack is ready for school, practice, and everywhere in between. This lightweight bag is made from durable 600 denier poly, making it great for everyday use.

This model features padded back and shoulder straps, a tricot-lined media pocket, four zippered outside pockets, and one internal valuables pocket, keeping you game-ready and always prepared.

Its padded laptop sleeves fit up to a 15-inch computer. It is built to last and is backed by a lifetime warranty.

Today’s best deal:

What I like

• Extra comfort.
• Lifetime warranty.
• Keep your gear organized.
• Media pocket with zippered closure.

Things to consider

• It may be a bit big for high school students.

7. Adidas Prime 6 Backpack – Most Versatile

This classic backpack is ideal for school, sports, hiking, or camping. It is also ideal for those who want a straightforward well-fitting backpack.

But if you want a colorful backpack, you will be disappointed with this option, as it is only available in shades of black and gray with several lighter choices like linen green or beige.

The back and shoulder straps are thick, well-padded, and adjustable, making it easy for all body types to be comfortable.

There are two smaller pockets and three larger storage ones. There is a pouch for a phone, or any item must be kept in a safe place. The material is effortless to wipe clean if pens mark up the inside or lunch spill.

Today’s best deal:

What I like.

• One-year warranty.
• Highly durable.
• Many pockets.
• Elegant design.

Things to consider.

• The interior lining will wear out after extended use.

8. JanSport Big Student Laptop Backpack – Best for Value

This backpack has a classic style and stands out for its excellent value. It has many storages to carry hefty textbooks, gym clothes, and other essentials.

The additional zippered pockets and separate storage compartments make it easy to keep your stuff organized and easily find that calculator, cell phone, or car keys.

This backpack is designed for students, but its style, size, and versatility make it an excellent option for travelers, commuters, and parents.

Although I love its classic style, it lacks a padded laptop storage compartment, a feature that can be found on many high-end models.

This backpack can safely hold most laptops in one of its storage compartments, but it will be better with a little additional security and padding.

Today’s best deal:

What I like

• Classic style.
• Good volume.
• Carries loads well.
• Lots of convenient storage pockets.

Things to consider

• Somewhat heavy.
• No separate laptop sleeve.

9. Adidas Excel 6 Backpack – Best for Bulk Storage

The Adidas Excel 6 Backpack has a large main compartment, making it ideal for bulk storage. Moreover, it features four outside zip pockets, padded carrying support, and side water bottle pockets.

Regarding carrying comfort, this backpack has some valuable features. For example, it comes with cushioned back support and adjustable shoulder straps.

Apart from being made from sturdy polyester, this bag also has a durable inner nylon lining that protects against wear and tear.

Today’s best deal:

What I like.

• Sufficient storage space.
• Great for value.
• Highly durable.
• Extremely comfortable.

Things to consider.

• The carry handle is thin.

10. The North Face Vault Backpack – Best Commuter Pack

This bag is a seriously epic model. Using it on a long trip will allow you to benefit from the excellent shape and spine support feature.

The FlexVent Suspension system is also an excellent way to reduce and eliminate back or shoulder strap sweat. Most North Face bags have this feature, but it does not make this model less valuable.

It has two water bottle pockets that are also handy, especially when exploring the city jungles or the great outdoors. The sturdy zipper closure is partly why this bag has been named The Vault – Others can’t get into it unless you want to.

Today’s best deal:

What I like

• Repel water
• Ultra-durable polyester design
• Available in about 15 different styles
• Contours to the shape of your spine beautifully.

Things to consider

• Storage is awkward to fit normal gear into.

Buying Guide: Things To Consider

Backpack Size and Capacity

Depending on how much gear you or your child have to carry to school daily, you should buy a perfectly suitable backpack for your needs.

If you typically just carry a tablet, laptop, or notebook, you will be okay with a backpack with a smaller capacity. It is lighter, typically more affordable, and more comfortable to wear.

Just ensure that your chosen model can fit your laptop! Most of the backpacks I mentioned above can fit 15-inch devices with ease.

If you carry around 15 lbs of books daily, you will need a roomy backpack, preferably with some spacious compartments.

Materials and Durability

Backpacks for high school must be exceptionally durable since they are much “tortured” daily, especially if you carry many books and notebooks.

If you typically carry heavy books, you should choose a durable model. I recommend rigid materials, such as reinforced polyester, nylon, and canvas. Those materials will not get torn or apart at the seams after several uses.

This problem may happen with most cheap backpacks, but I did not include any of those in my post. I have only introduced durable backpacks that can handle being tortured daily. Yet, some materials are more durable than others, so it is essential to consider them carefully.

Price Point and Value

Most of the models included in this post are affordable, and some are even pricey. So all you need to do is choose a backpack within your price range.

High schoolers obviously can’t afford to spend a lot of money on a backpack in most cases. I couldn’t, especially without the help of my parents.

But I begged until I got my folks to get me a perfect backpack in my second year of high school. It got me through the rest of high school and college!

That’s why you should spend a bit more on a high-school backpack. You need to choose something high quality and can handle the weight of a laptop and heavy books. Cheap backpacks may be great short-term options, and you will probably have to buy a new one in a few months.

FAQs

Which Material Is Best for School Bags?

Here are popular fabrics for backpacks:

• Cordura.
• Cotton Canvas.
• Nylon.
• Ripstop Nylon.
• Polyester Pack Cloth.
• PVC Fabric.

What size backpack is best for high school?

A school backpack of 21 to 30 liters is the ideal choice for most people.

What Features Are Important on a Backpack?

• Water Bottle Pocket.
• Sternum Strap.
• Padded Shoulder Straps.
• Reflective Tape.
• Padded Laptop Sleeve.
• Organizer Pockets.
• Personal Monogram.

Can School Backpacks Be Used in Other Ways?

Yes, school backpacks can be utilized in so many other ways than just for school.

The Bottom Line

Having trouble choosing one of the above awesome high school backpacks? It is okay. Just go with one of my top three options for the best experience.

If you want a versatile backpack, you can’t go wrong with the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack. It is suitable for students, office workers, or travelers.

The JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack is the way to go if you want a lightweight backpack. Want to save budget? You should choose the Amazon Clear School Backpack.

Thanks for reading!