Off to school! You’ll need your books, notebooks, pens, pencils, probably a calculator, and maybe a laptop or tablet. Aren’t backpacks a great invention? Imagine carrying all that stuff on its own, or in a cumbersome tote bag! Backpacks make life easy for students while they either hop on the bus, walk the halls between classes, or bravely bear the elements as they traipse across a college campus.
Since backpacks have been around for a while, manufacturers keep finding new ways to make them even better. Today’s backpacks have a variety of features that facilitate any student’s learning experience by organizing and protecting their stuff in creative ways, with new technologies and construction techniques. See our buying guide below for more information about what to look for in the perfect school backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a regular-sized backpack fit a laptop?
The most common size for standard school backpacks is about 15 to 17 inches tall, so this mid size backpack should easily accommodate a 13-inch laptop. Backpacks that are over 16 inches tall will likely fit a 15-inch laptop, but you need to take the laptop case into consideration to be sure. In addition, many school backpacks come with an interior laptop sleeve, which may or may not be padded. A laptop sleeve or separate compartment is ideal if you’ll be carrying a laptop so that it stays securely in place with movement.
Do some backpacks come with a USB charger?
One feature touted by some backpack makers is an external USB charger. However, these chargers often consist of a port only, which may or may not have a USB cable attached. An actual charger is usually NOT included with a backpack that advertises a USB charger. In order to use the backpack’s charging capability, you’ll need to provide your own charger (or purchase one) that goes inside the bag and connects to the external port, allowing you to charge your phone or device from the backpack.
Buying Guide
A backpack is a backpack, right? If only it were that simple! When you start delving into the world of school backpacks, the chances that you’ll feel overwhelmed are pretty high. In order to make the best decision, consider the following while you shop for the best school backpack to suit your needs:
- Durability: Unless you don’t mind replacing your backpack, durability is imperative when it comes to school backpacks. Students use backpacks daily, and pick them up, carry them, and open and close them many times each day. So, a quality backpack must have highly durable construction to withstand heavy regular use. Markers of durability include reinforced seams, sturdy, easy-moving zippers, and heavy duty polyester fabric.
- Water Resistance: Most students carry some sort of electronics, such as a phone, laptop or tablet. If you’re going to school every day, it’s nearly impossible to never get caught in the rain. Therefore, water resistant material plays an important role in keeping your valuable electronic items safe and dry. Look for backpacks with not only water resistant material, but also general water resistant construction that keeps rain from coming in the zippers.
- Comfort: There are a couple features in backpacks that add to its comfort, especially while carrying heavy loads of books. First, thick padding on straps serves to soften some of the pressure weighing down on your shoulders. The shape of the straps, too, can contribute to overall comfort. Look for shoulder straps that are contoured to naturally fit the shape of your body. Finally, a padded back panel is another feature that feels good to carry. Imagine if you’re walking with a hard laptop or hardcover book right against your back; it’s more comfortable if there’s a little cushioning between you and the hard surface inside your pack.
- Extra Features: The most basic backpacks have one large main compartment and a smaller front zipper pocket (and not much else). However, extras that some backpack manufacturers offer include laptop sleeves, multiple organizer pockets, side mesh pockets for water bottles, places for keys and pens, and even USB charging ports.
The decision of your new backpack is an important one. It’s something you’ll be living with every day, and its functionality can make or break the flow of your school experience. We’ve taken a look at many of the school backpacks on the market, and we’ve come up with a ranked list of our favorites, below:
Matein Laptop Backpack with Charging Port
Best Overall
Fits Up to 15-Inch Laptop
This water resistant bag from Matein is a great fit for students from middle school to college because of its many organizer pockets and built-in USB charging port with cord. With a separate pocket for your laptop and several neat compartments and side bottle pockets, you’ll easily find places for everything you want to carry.
Pros:
- Separate compartment with sleeve fits up to 15-inch laptop
- External USB port with built-in charging cord
- Made of water resistant polyester with metal zippers
- Interior organizer pockets for phone, keys, and pens/pencils
- Side pockets for water bottle
- In 10 solid colors
Cons:
- Laptop sleeve lacks padding
- 15-inch laptop barely fits
- USB charger not included
Matein’s laptop backpack is popular for a reason. It has all the features that students need to support their education on the go.
Amazon Basics Classic School Backpack
Runner-up
Quality at a Value Price
This practical backpack from Amazon Basics is a simple mid size backpack for an affordable price. Its spacious main compartment is large enough to hold a 13-inch laptop, and you’ll love the handy side pockets for water bottles, too.
Pros:
- Lightweight, durable 16-inch backpack
- Large main compartment with small front zip pocket
- Side pockets for water bottles or pens/pencils
- Interior zipper pocket
- Padded adjustable shoulder straps
- Choice of black or blue
Cons:
- Shaped oddly
- Light colors difficult to clean
Amazon Basics knows how to make quality, no-frills products for a low price, and this classic school backpack is no exception.
JanSport Cool Student Backpack
Most Iconic
Durable Faux Leather Bottom
JanSport is a trusted name in the world of backpacks, and this Cool Student Backpack comes with the faux leather bottom that JanSport is known for. You can’t go wrong with this classic backpack from an established and time-honored company.
Pros:
- Nicely padded S-curve shoulder straps for comfort
- Interior sleeve fits 15-inch laptop
- 2 large main compartments
- 2 additional front zipper pockets
- Side pockets for water bottles
- In 9 colors and patterns
- Made of strong polyester
Cons:
- Zippers may not glide easily
- Shoulder straps may be too small for some adults
Pick your favorite color and let this quality backpack from JanSport add convenience and functionality to your school experience.
High Sierra Loop Backpack
Top Contender
Classic Quality Backpack
From a well-established maker of active gear, this Loop backpack from High Sierra is super functional and extremely durable. Its 19-inch size is on the larger side while not being too cumbersome. Bottom compression straps hold extra school gear or a sleeping bag for hiking.
Pros:
- Large backpack with inner laptop sleeve
- Multiple handy front zippered pockets
- Side water bottle pockets
- Adjustable side straps to accommodate less or more
- Choose from 30 colors and patterns
Cons:
- Not very waterproof
- Narrow width
This practical Loop backpack from High Sierra offers a lot of features for the price, and it’s available in a large selection of colors, too.
VASCHY Lightweight School Backpack
Honorable Mention
Lots of Colors and Patterns
VASCHY brings you a practical, classic backpack in a wide selection of vivid solid colors, as well as some beautiful eye-catching patterns, too. It’s padded back panel will protect your laptop and add a cushion against your back,
Pros:
- Water resistant polyester protects electronics
- 17-inch backpack with 20L capacity
- Made of water resistant polyester
- Side water bottle pockets
- 17-inch backpack with 20L capacity
Cons:
- Light colors may show dye bleeding from dark parts
- May not last for an entire school year with heavy use
If it rains while you’re out and about, there is no need to worry about your laptop getting wet with this classic backpack from VASCHY.
