Congrats on starting, resuming, or going back to college! Getting to class, participating in extracurriculars, or jumping between your classwork and job is a lot easier when you don’t have to worry about how to get your gear from one place to the next. We’re here to help!
Before we dive into the list, you must decide what you want from college backpacks. Are you going to be carrying a laptop? If so, how many inches is it? You’ll need a pack with a compartment that can accommodate that. Will you have books, and if so, are they thick or heavy? This will dictate how big your bag needs to be. Will you use this pack exclusively for class, or do you want to use it for the gym, intramurals, and work, too? This may change what features you look for when making a purchase.
It’s also important to know what you want out of your backpack. Do you want something that gets the job done, or do you want it to match your style, too? Maybe you’re looking for something to take to an interview or a student conference—the options are endless.
Why You Should Trust Us
Two weeks isn’t exactly a full semester in college, though fond memories of those times certainly make them feel that short in hindsight. Nevertheless, all the backpacks we’ve listed here have been tested for at least that long, and our daily commutes to the office require many of the same things a college student carries, including a laptop, tech pouch, lunch, and more.
Additionally, we’ve reviewed hundreds of backpacks, ranging from daypacks designed for day-to-day commutes to travel backpacks with harness systems that can handle the weight of a week’s worth of gear. Rest assured, we’re not trying to saddle you with a backpack that’s too small or too big, as we’ve filtered all that testing experience into a select few that have the necessary features for college use.
How We Tested It
So, what exactly are we looking for in a college backpack? We’ve narrowed it down to the three aspects below. Keep in mind that these aren’t the be-all and end-all of what makes a backpack great for college, but we consider them priorities.
Laptop storage: Laptops are a staple tool of the typical college student, so we’d be remiss to recommend backpacks without a way to accommodate them. While plenty of backpacks do offer a laptop sleeve of some kind, we prefer a laptop compartment separate from the main compartment for easier access at a desk in a small, confined space. In terms of size, we’ve picked bags with laptop compartments that fit 13-inch to 16-inch devices, specifically the 13-inch MacBook Air and 16-inch MacBook Pro models.
Admin panel: As good as digital solutions might be, their analog equivalents—pen, pencil, and paper—still deserve a spot on a student’s toolkit. As such, backpacks with an admin panel prove very convenient when it’s time to take down notes. What is an admin panel, though? It’s usually a front compartment that is chock-full of a variety of pockets, though it’s sometimes in the main compartment and attached to the laptop sleeve. Slip pockets, mesh pockets, pen slots, key leashes, and document sleeves—these are all useful for keeping track of sticky notes, highlighters, pens, erasers, correction fluid, and whatever other stationeries you’re planning on bringing to lectures.
Carry Comfort: The college campus may not look that big, though shuffling across all of that multiple times a day can take its toll on your shoulders unless you pick a bag with a comfy harness system—just like the backpacks we’ve chosen. More than just a question of how much padding there is, we’re also mindful of how the straps are shaped, how they fit on a person with a small or large frame, and how easy it is to adjust the straps’ fit.
Durability: College may not be the toughest environment that comes to mind (unless you’ve signed up for that one class that frequently takes field trips), but some toughness is in order if you want your backpack to survive until graduation. That’s why we consider fabrics, zippers, and good stitching and suggest budget as well as splurge options that we’re sure will last for years.
Hopefully, you have thought about what you will use this backpack for. Let’s dive into the list!
- Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack
- Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus (Second Edition)
- Topo Designs Daypack
- Cotopaxi Batac 16L Daypack
- Aer City Pack
- Able Carry Daily Backpack
- TOM BIHN Daylight Backpack
- Boundary Supply Rennen Recycled Daypack
- Osprey Arcane Large Day Pack (V2)
- The North Face Jester Backpack
- The North Face Borealis Backpack
- Osprey Flare 27
- Trakke Canna Backpack (V2)
- Fjallraven Vardag 25
- Tortuga Laptop Backpack
- Carhartt Single-Compartment Backpack (27L)
The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack is the perfect mixture of comfort and cuteness; plus, it was designed to carry a laptop, which makes it ideal for heading to class. The shoulder straps are comfortable, the laptop compartment is easily accessible, and the handles on the top of the pack make it easy to hop from table to table at the library.
In testing, the materials have faded over time. They're still just as durable, and it took three years of use to happen, but if you're an incoming freshman looking for a four-year companion, it's worth noting.
The laptop compartment can hold up to a 13" inch computer, which is all most students need. However, if you have a larger size device, they make bigger sizes of this same exact style backpack. We think it’s a cute way to get your gear from point A to point B comfortably, making it one of the best college backpacks on the market.
Why We Like It- It blends cuteness with comfort
- Has a dedicated laptop compartment
- The material will fade over time
- Side pockets are very small
If you're looking for one of the best college backpacks on the market that also has a sleek design, look no further than the Bellroy Classic Backpack Plus. The design is top-notch, the pack utilizes rugged recycled materials, and the harness system is comfortable, even with a load of books inside.
With odd-sized tech pockets and no false bottom on the laptop compartment, the organization isn't our favorite; however, there's enough space to fit all of your gear, and that's what matters. At 24 liters, you can fit your laptop, a few books and notebooks, and some workout clothing to hit the gym on the way home. No matter where you take this pack, it'll fit the bill.
At the time of writing, this pack comes in six colorways, so you can get one that matches your style or school colors. If you're looking for something smaller, go with the Classic Backpack (20L) or the Classic Backpack Compact (16L).
Why We Like It- It has a sleek design
- There are three sizes to meet different needs
- Sizing of the internal pockets feels off
- It isn’t the cheapest pack on this list
If you're looking for a pack that you can get into the nitty gritty of your gear organization and segmentation but don't want to get one of the college backpacks that comes in a bland color, we've got you covered. The Topo Designs Daypack has intuitive organizational details you can use for college and comes in colorful, heritage styling. Plus, it's easy to attach gear to the exterior.
At the time of writing, there are four colorways to choose from. The color choices have a heritage style, and the pig nose and loop on the front make attaching gear easy. Whether you want to bring an umbrella or gym shoes to class, this pack has you covered.
The materials are thick, and there isn't any mesh on the back panel, so things can get warm, especially on sunny days, if you choose a darker colorway. This isn't uncommon for backpacks for college, but the lack of breathable mesh exacerbates this. However, in most conditions, this isn't an issue.
Considering the neat colorways and intuitive organization, we think this is one of the best backpacks for college.
Why We Like It- Heritage styling with good interior organization
- You can attach gear to the exterior
- The water bottle pockets aren’t very stretchy
- No ventilation on the back panel
There are a lot of colorful packs out there, but none quite as unique as the Cotopaxi Batac 16L. By choosing the Del Día option, you give bag makers in the Phillippines creative control over what your pack looks like, including which vibrant colors are chosen to construct it. How fun is that?
Before we get too far, we should mention that this pack doesn't have a dedicated laptop sleeve. However, you can combat this by buying and carrying one separately. This pack is lightweight, making it good for various uses if you’re looking for something to take you from days on campus to a weekend hike. However, if laptop protection is your top priority, this won't be one of the best school backpacks for you.
The shoulder straps are lightweight and breathable, which we dig. This isn't common for most college backpacks. If you can overcome the lack of a dedicated laptop sleeve, this might be one of the best backpacks for college out there.
Why We Like It- The colorways are vibrant and fun
- Shoulder straps and back panel are comfortable
- No dedicated laptop compartment
- Side pockets aren’t very structured
If you've been looking at college backpacks for ages and haven't found one that matches the professional look you're trying to emit throughout your collegiate career, we've got the pack for you. The Aer City Pack is sleek, professional, and has some of the best internal organization of any pack that we've tested here at Pack Hacker.
In addition to working on trips to, from, and around campus, you can use this pack to go to the gym or on trips back home. We don't love how the water bottle pockets eat into the main compartment; however, having a dedicated spot to hold a bottle is a nice inclusion.
For those wanting to look the part and have a functional pack that can do it all, the Aer City Pack might be one of the best backpacks for school, life, and travel.
Plus, at the time of posting, Pack Hacker Pro Members get an exclusive Aer discount code!
Why We Like It- It’s sleek enough for a job interview
- There’s a dedicated spot for an AirTag or Tile
- The water bottle pocket eats into the main compartment
- We don’t love the sternum strap
We've all heard the tale of Goldilocks and her pursuit of things that are 'just right.' The Able Carry Daily Backpack is just right in numerous cases, including the harness system and amount of organization. It features a comfortable carry, just enough organization, and a sleek design, making it one of the best backpacks for college.
Some of the pockets feel flimsier than we'd like them to be; however, that's more personal preference and doesn't affect usage. At 20 liters, it's a good size for walking around campus and can be used to go to the gym or take an overnight trip with friends for a sports game or conference.
The look of this pack will make you blend in with the pack but impresses on further inspection, which we dig. This presence makes it one of our favorite college backpacks, and you'll be sure to keep using it after graduation, too.
Why We Like It- The harness system is very comfortable
- Just enough organization to fit your daily essentials
- Some of the pockets on the inside feel too flimsy
- The laptop compartment isn’t raised very high from the bottom of the pack
TOM BIHN Daylight Backpack If you're a fan of modular backpacks and want something lightweight to ensure you can fly across campus, look no further than the TOM BIHN Daylight Backpack. It comes in at just 15.4 ounces (or 436.6 grams) for the 525D ballistic nylon model and a meager 12.3 ounces (or 348.7 grams) for the 400D Halcyon model. Plus, TOM BIHN gear works in tandem with its other products, so you're investing in an ecosystem.
The laptop isn't suspended (sometimes called a false bottom), so it hits the floor when you set the pack down. You'll get used to this and get around it by hangingit over a seat, setting it on a hook, holding onto it, or setting it down gently. Who wants all those floor germs anyways?
Considering how lightweight this pack is (for its durability), the modularity TOM BIHN offers, and how many rad colorways it comes in, this might be one of our favorite backpacks for college.
Why We Like It- Lightweight for how durable it is
- Has trademark TOM BIHN modularity options
- No false bottom or padding on the laptop sleeve
- The back panel can be uncomfortable depending on the load
If you're looking for a backpack crafted from recycled materials that still has a modern look and feel, check out the Boundary Supply Rennen Recycled Daypack. As the name suggests, it utilizes recycled materials to create a stylish daypack that will look great on campus, on a long weekend trip, or over the holidays back home.
This pack isn't very structured, which some folks aren't into. However, this isn't much of an issue if you plan to fill it up with school gear daily. If you only plan to throw a laptop inside, it might look slightly saggy.
At the time of writing, the Rennen comes in three colorways, all of which utilize RE-3, a material designed for Boundary Supply. It's durable, feels nice to hold, and looks sleek. For those who want to keep the environment in mind when shopping for the best backpacks for college, look no further!
Why We Like It- It utilizes recycled materials
- The design looks sleek and streamlined
- The materials don’t hold their weight
- Water bottle pocket can’t grip onto bottles
If you want a backpack that can go on a hike, tackle a weekend trip, and carry your crap across campus, we've got the backpack for you. The Osprey Arcane Large Day comes in numerous colorways, is a comfortable fit, and is versatile enough to be used for various activities, from campus to the canyon.
It might get dirty easily depending on your chosen colorway, which isn't ideal. However, we've found other products in the arcane line easy to clean, and there are darker options if you want to avoid it altogether.
Many people think of hiking when they think of Osprey. This pack can handle the trail fairly well, but the intuitive organization, laptop sleeve, and sleek design make it effective on campus. Everything considered, this is one of the Pack Hacker team's favorite college backpacks.
Why We Like It- A pack that can do it all, from the trail back to campus
- Laptop and tablet sleeves are suspended for protection
- Lighter colorways are easy to get dirty
- No strap keepers on the pack
The North Face Jester is a popular backpack for all ages that comes at a budget price. Why is it so popular? Well, it packs a lot of features into a sleek pack that will last you ages. What else is there to say?
(Considering we're a company that reviews travel backpacks, we have a few more things to say.)
The zippers open a smidge too easily for some users; however, once you're used to that, there is little else to complain about here. The bungee cord on the front of the pack is great for late fall and early spring coats when you'll be on campus all day, the back panel and shoulder straps are pretty comfortable, the top handle makes it easy to hop from seat to seat to sit by your friends in a large lecture hall, and it has water bottle pockets so you can stay hydrated.
Did we mention this is one of the cheaper college backpacks on this list? What's not to love?
Why We Like It- Great price for what you get
- Back panel and shoulder straps are comfortable
- The zippers open a little too easily
- Water bottle pockets aren’t perfect
If you like the North Face Jester Backpack, you'll be into their Borealis Backpack. It has premium materials, features, and high-quality hardware that still comes at a more-than-fair price tag.
The Borealis harness system is comfortable, has convenient external storage for your school gear, and comes in numerous colorways, so you can find a model that fits your vibe. It doesn't have any strap keepers, so there are some extra materials to work with; however, you can fix that yourself or go with the flow.
The bungee system on the front of the Borealis is large and easy to work with, so you can attach larger gear here. The sternum strap has an emergency whistle when you need to be heard on campus, and we dig the internal organization. For those looking for one of the best backpacks for college from a brand they've heard of, look no further than the Borealis!
Why We Like It- A comfortable and durable harness system
- Lots of external storage that’s easy to use
- No strap keepers on the pack
- The false bottom isn’t raised very high
The Osprey Flare 27 offers quality materials at a fair price with large water bottle pockets. The recycled polyester looks sleek, and you can trust the YKK zippers to hang onto the gear you stow inside.
The main compartment is quite large, so you can stow a lot of gear inside; however, reaching the bottom can be problematic because you've got to reach in blind. You can make it easier to find your gear by using organizers and a tech pouch.
The laptop compartment holds up to a 17-inch laptop, so it covers a wider range of student needs. However, there are only a few colorways available, which will be a bummer for those who like vibrant colors. However, the sleek look of these college backpacks will help you blend into your 8 AM chemistry lecture, so the professor is less likely to call on you!
Why We Like It- Quality materials from top to bottom
- Lots of pockets for organization and segmentation
- Can be hard to access gear at the bottom of the main compartment
- Feels a little outdoorsy
Are you searching for cute little backpacks for college that will match the aura you're trying to give off? We've got you covered. The second iteration of Trakke's Canna Backpack has a unique rectangular design, is crafted from waxed canvas, and is handmade in Scotland. How's that for a conversation starter?
The pockets inside the main compartment could be more intuitive, but they work well once you get used to them and their quirks. The orange lining makes it easier to find your gear inside unless all your gear is a vibrant orange color. Then, you might be out of luck!
The pack has a comfortable harness system and two handles on the top, which look unique and make it easy to carry your pack from one table to the next at the library once you realize that the plug at yours isn't working. You'd think with all that tuition you pay…
If you're looking for something unique, this is one of the best backpacks for college.
Why We Like It- The rectangular size is easy to load books into
- We dig the handles on the top
- The internal organization takes some getting used to
- It can be hard to use the metal strap adjustors
The Fjallraven Vardag 25 has a subdued look and is super weather resistant, so if you're hoping to go under the radar or are worried about the Doppler radar, it's got you covered.
There is only a little segmentation inside for your school supplies, but you can use pouches and other organizers to make it easier to stow and find your gear. We dig the simple design—with two pockets, there isn't anywhere to lose your equipment or misplace your sunglasses for those early Friday morning classes. Who expects you not to go out dancing on Throwback Thursday Karaoke Night?
This pack comes in at a budget-friendly price, can be used for weekend trips or outings to the gym, and will ensure your gear stays dry. If any of that matters to you, this might be one of the college backpacks to consider!
Why We Like It- It has a subdued look
- No issues with water resistance
- Not much organization inside
- Can be difficult to access the laptop compartment
Tortuga’s SHELL200 fabric is front and center among the brand’s lineup for two reasons: it’s light, and the multi-layered shell offers great weather resistance. It’s a really solidly built backpack without feeling too heavy to carry, which is essential since you’ll be filling it up with books.
Where the SHELL200 fabric begins to show weakness is in its structure. More specifically, the bag’s front starts to look floppy if you pack any of the pockets located near that area. It’s most obvious when the main compartment is empty and there’s room for the fabric to cave in. Of course, this is really more of an aesthetic nitpick than an outright deal-breaker.
We also find the harness system to be more than capable of carrying heavy loads. Using the sternum strap does make the shoulder straps dig in too much for our liking, so we recommend sticking to just using the shoulder straps to avoid that constricting feel—though, unfortunately, they’re not removable.
In terms of storage, the Tortuga Laptop Backpack is pretty generous. The bottle pockets at the sides are big enough for 20-something-ounce bottles, andthe top pocket is similarly roomy for your quick-access items like pens, a field notebook, or some toiletry. However, we’re more impressed by how it can be accessed from the inside the main compartment, which is also quite spacious and easily navigable thanks to its wide opening. That said, it also houses the bag’s admin panel located at the far back, making it tricky to access when other gear is blocking it. Thankfully, the laptop compartment is still a separate one, so access to your device remains convenient.
Why We Like It- SHELL200 brings a good balance of weather resistance and lightness
- Easy access to all its roomy compartments for quick gear grabs
- Admin panel is within the main compartment where gear can block it
- Front can be floppy when the pockets are filled
The Carhartt Single-Compartment Backpack is an excellent choice for college backpacks because it has numerous extra pockets to organize your school gear, pack extra goodies for extracurricular activities, and pack gym or intramural sports clothing.
The laptop sleeve feels harder to access than it should be; however, knowing it's safely tucked away in your pack is nice. Plus, it can accommodate up to a 15-inch computer.
The external compartments on the front and sides of the pack don't eat into the main compartment, either, so your extra goodies won't take up space you're storing other gear in. The pack has the classic Carhartt look we've all grown to recognize, too, which we dig.
If you're looking for a hardy backpack to get all your gear to class, the gym, and home on the weekend, this might be the pack for you!
Why We Like It- The pack has large extra pockets to stow and organize more gear
- It has a classic look that matches other Carhartt gear
- The laptop compartment can be hard to reach
- Not a ton of colorway options available
So there you have it! Some of the best college backpacks on the market. Hopefully, you’ve found the pack to help you through the next two, four, or six years of your collegiate career. Good luck!
