10 Best School Backpacks

A school backpack is an indispensable accessory for going to the library, self-study room, or gym. Because of heavy use, you will need high-durability and comfort items. In addition, style and design are also issues you need to keep in mind when choosing a backpack for school.

If you have yet to find a suitable product, check out the list below for helpful information. With the diverse products available, you are sure to find the right one for your needs.

Our Top Picks:

I have had the opportunity to experience quite many school backpack models. After a long review, here are the 10 best backpacks I always recommend to you. Let’s get right into the details right now.

1. AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack – Best for Overall

Important Specifications

• Size: 13.4 x 7 x 19.3 inches
• Material: Denier Polyester.
• Weight: 1.98 pounds

Product Highlights

The AmazonBasics Backpack has all the features a student would ask for in a backpack. Its external dimensions are 13.4 x 7 x 19.3 inches, respectively, while the internal parameters are 12 x 4.5 x 17.5 inches respectively. So, it has enough space for me to keep my books and laptop.

This backpack also has many extra compartments to hold pens, keys, water bottles, and other small items. It will be a backpack model that meets all the needs of carrying all your belongings and books throughout the day at school.

I highly appreciate this backpack model. This one includes protective padded sleeves and an ergonomic design. It is also light enough to carry daily to school or use on short trips.

However, AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack has some disadvantages. For example, its zipper could be of better quality, and I had to replace it after a while.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Lightweight.
• Many extra compartments.
• Large enough to hold a 17-inch laptop.
• Comfortable protective padded armrest.
• Be available to go to school and take short trips.

Things To Consider

• Need to improve zipper quality.

2. The North Face Vault Backpack – Best for Modern Style

Important Specifications

• Size: 11 x 8.5 x 18 inches
• Material: Polyester.
• Weight: 1 pound

Product Highlights

At first sight, The North Face Vault Backpack caught my attention because its color is rather prominent. Yet, I love its modern design. For young people, its minimalist and modern design is a big plus.

The North Face Vault Backpack is more than a highly aesthetic option. It also impresses me with its waterproof, smoothness, and ventilation support for the most comfortable user experience.

I also appreciate the backpack’s internal organization design. I can keep all the books and notebooks for a school day in the main compartment and study accessories in the other cases.

However, having too many extra compartments is a drawback of The North Face Vault Backpack. This backpack model has several additional rooms that could be more functional. I couldn’t even zip it up in the tiniest cases.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Good waterproof.
• Spacious main compartment.
• Smooth and supportive ventilation.
• The organization inside is pretty neat.
• Simple modern design, suitable for young people.

Things To Consider

• Some sub-compartments need to be more highly functional.

3. PUMA Evercat Contender Backpack – Best for Durability

Important Specifications

• Size: 7.48 x 4.72 x 0.39 inches
• Material: Denier Polyester.
• Weight: 1.16 pounds

Product Highlights

I have been with PUMA Unisex Adult Evercat Contender Backpack for a long time. Up to now, this backpack model still meets my needs well.

Durable material is the advantage that this backpack model can accompany me in every activity for many years. Even after a while, the seams and zippers remain undamaged.

I also appreciate the lightweight yet the impressive design of the PUMA backpack. I not only store books and laptops when going to school, but I also use this backpack to store gym equipment at the stadium.

I am still looking for a backpack with the same price but excellent durability as the Puma. The only thing the manufacturer can do better is to add an extra pocket for this backpack model.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Lightweight.
• Durable material.
• Easy to use a zipper.
• Impressive storage capacity.
• Be available to store exercise equipment.

Things To Consider

• Missing extra pocket.

4. JanSport Big Student Backpack – Best for Comfort

Important Specifications

• Size: 13 x 17.5 x 10 inches
• Material: Polyester.
• Weight: 1 pound

Product Highlights

I always focus on comfort when looking for the best school backpacks. And the JanSport Big Student is a model that offers all-day comfort.

I was particularly impressed with its S-shaped shoulder straps. The JanSport Big Student provides a comfortable experience even for extended periods when combined with the fully padded back panel.

The JanSport backpack is an option you should take advantage of, with enough space to carry everything you need. I usually use one large main compartment to hold a 15-inch laptop and the other to keep books and other school supplies.

Finally, I also appreciate its durability. Although my frequency of use is quite frequent, this school backpack model is still durable and sturdy.

In short, I am satisfied with the comfort and convenience of JanSport. Yet, I don’t like its stain-prone material.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Spacious storage space.
• Durable and multi-heavy
• There are two main compartments.
• User-friendly S-shaped shoulder strap.
• The fully padded back panel is comfortable.

Things To Consider

• The material is easy to get dirty.

5. Adidas Striker 2 Backpack – Best for Compactness

Important Specifications

• Size: 11 x 17 x 13 inches
• Material: 100% Polyester.
• Weight: 1.08 pounds

Product Highlights

The Adidas Striker 2 is the most versatile backpack. In addition to school use, you can also take it to the game field and picnic. Its convenient design with side zippers and versatility make it able to stay with me all day long.

I was also particularly impressed with the media bag that comes with the Adidas backpack. This addition helps me better store valuables.

I always encourage high school students or college students who spend their time at school to use this backpack. Yet, before choosing the Adidas Striker 2, ensure its straps are adjustable to suit your height.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Versatile.
• Comfortable.
• Convenient design.
• Accompany users throughout the day.
• The media bag helps to store valuables.

Things To Consider

• The problem of adjusting the belt length.

6. JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack – Best for Waterproof

Important Specifications

• Size: 16.7 x 13 x 8.5 inches
• Material: 100% Polyester.
• Weight: 12 Ounces.

Product Highlights

I’m impressed with the JanSport SuperBreak One’s 600-denier fabric. I tested this material’s abrasion and water resistance and got impressive results.

Besides its high-quality material, its sturdy zipper, and waterproof lining. All the above advantages have brought a backpack model that is always ready to accompany users in all weather conditions.

I am also satisfied with its full size. It’s not too big to put unnecessary pressure on my shoulders. Meanwhile, it’s just enough for me to hold books, notebooks, and many other school supplies.

The JanSport SuperBreak One is a beautiful and sturdy backpack that I am impressed with. My only complaint is its weird zipper. Yet, I got used to it after a while and am delighted with this backpack.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Fit size.
• Lightweight
• Tough and durable.
• High-quality waterproof material.
• Shockproof inner thick lining.

Things To Consider

• The zipper location is hard to reach.

7. Adidas Prime 6 Backpack – Best for Eco-Friendly Design

Important Specifications

• Size: 12.5 x 11 x 20.25 inches
• Material: Recycled Polyester.
• Weight: 1.73 pounds

Product Highlights

Unlike the backpacks I introduced, the Adidas Prime 6 uses recycled polyester.

Adidas’ ambition when researching this product is to end plastic waste. It has made Prime 6 the first choice for any environmentally conscious young person.

The above unique material impresses with its environmental friendliness. It also conquers me with its stain resistance, which is easy to clean.

The Adidas Prime 6 possesses many other advantages, such as weight-reducing shoulder straps, multiple exterior zippered pockets, and spacious and organized interior space.

The only point I am not satisfied with is its bottom has no support. Therefore, I do not recommend storing your laptop in this slightly thin-bottom backpack.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Easy to clean.
• Spacious storage space.
• Multiple outside pockets.
• Comfortable shoulder strap.
• Environmentally friendly recycled materials.

Things To Consider

• Thin bottom.

8. High Sierra Loop-Backpack – Best for Tablet Storage

Important Specifications

• Size: 19 x 13.5 x 8.5 inches.
• Material: Polyester.
• Weight: 1.3 pounds

Product Highlights

Need to bring a tablet or laptop to school but don’t trust the shockproof backpacks? High Sierra is the backpack for you.

High Sierra designed a dedicated tablet compartment with thick lining. Plus, you get extra large compartments, attachment clips, and a pouch for drinks.

I was also quite impressed with its comfort. Specifically, its mesh padded shoulder strap does not make me uncomfortable even when wearing it continuously for a long time.

The High Sierra is a comfortable and stylish backpack. Yet, its size is insufficient to hold a laptop and many books. You’ll have to use your locker regularly if you have to bring files and textbooks to school.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Comfortable.
• High-quality shoulder strap.
• Compact and fashionable design.
• There is a separate tablet compartment.
• Many cases to organize your belongings neatly.

Things To Consider

• Small size

9. JanSport Cool Student Backpack – Best for Boys

Important Specifications

• Size: 17.5 x 13 x 10 inches.
• Material: Polyester 600 Denier.
• Weight: 1.31 pounds

Product Highlights

JanSport Cool is introduced as a backpack model for men, women, and teenagers. However, this stylish backpack is the first choice for male students.

As the name suggests, JanSport Cool has a unique and eye-catching design style. It will attract all the eyes of the opposite person and partly show your style.

But JanSport Cool is not simply a revolutionary backpack. It also meets all of my requirements for durability or storage space. I always trust JanSport because of the advantages in fabric quality and spacious storage.

My only regret is the poor-quality zipper. During use, the backpack’s zippers often get stuck in the fabric, potentially causing damage.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Suitable for boys.
• Ample storage space.
• Distinctive, unique design.
• High-quality fabric, durable.
• Comfortable shoulder strap.

Things To Consider

• Poor quality zipper.

10. Champion Manuscript Backpack – Best for Sports Students

Important Specifications

• Size: 17.5 x 11.5 x 17.5 inches.
• Material: Polyester.
• Weight: 1.04 pounds

Product Highlights

A student can use Champion Manuscript as a backpack for books and supplies when going to school. Boys who participate in sports activities at school can also use this backpack model when going to the gym or the field.

Its flexibility is especially suitable and optimal for athletes. Therefore, you can easily recognize every detail’s sporty, solid style.

Any sports enthusiast will love this backpack’s padded strap, back, front zip pocket, and internal organization. The minus point is that the side water bottle pocket is tight. I need help fitting a full-size water bottle while using this bag.

Today’s Best Deals:

What We Like

• Optimal design for athletes.
• Sporty and dynamic style.
• Comfortable back and strap padding.
• Neat and scientific internal organization.
• It can be used in schools and training grounds.

Things To Consider

• Tight side water bottle pocket.

Buying Guide

Do you want to know the secret to select the best backpack models that meet your needs? Take a look at some of the criteria below:

Size

Size is the first criterion you need to consider when choosing a backpack for school. A large-sized backpack will support you in holding many books and school supplies. Yet, you will not have a comfortable experience when using it.

Meanwhile, a more compact model will not put pressure on the shoulder, but you need more space to carry essential books.

Feature

Some essential features you need to consider when choosing a backpack include a dedicated laptop compartment, a front pocket for keys or other small items, and a side pocket for a water bottle.

Padded straps and back

The comfort of using a backpack depends mainly on the padded straps and back design. When choosing a backpack for school, I always prefer models that have padded straps, full back cushions, and provide lumbar support.

Colors and patterns

Colors and patterns will depend on your taste and style. A basic backpack pattern usually has few patterns and uses simple colors. Meanwhile, the most prominent backpack models will have novel designs, attracting attention.

Price

The backpage price is quite diverse based on processing, design, and materials.

The most high-end products can cost hundreds of dollars. However, with regular school usage needs, a spin-off from 50-70 dollars can meet your needs well.

FAQs

What color backpack is best?

The color of the backpack should match your outfit. If your clothes are white, gray, or simple blue, prefer black and navy models to synchronize your outfit.

What size backpack is best?

If you use the backpack daily, the best size will be 25 – 30 liters. If you are looking for the gear for long trips, the 30 – 45 liter size is worth considering.

Should my backpack be high or low?

The backpack should be at a reasonable height. Because the wrong position can put your body under unnecessary pressure, you also do not have the most comfortable feeling when using it.

Is it better to have a backpack higher or lower?

You should adjust the backpack position when wearing it. So, it is located 2 inches from the shoulder and 1 inch above the hip.

Final Thoughts

I’ve spent some time searching and trying out suitable backpacks for school use.

I’m especially satisfied with the AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack and The North Face Vault Backpack. They have a modern design, are versatile, highly applicable, and quite suitable for everyday use.

Besides, you have other value-for-money options on this list. Whatever your final choice, check out my buying guide above for details.

Let’s again review the top ten backpacks and soon have yourself the suitable choice. Thank you for reading!