We know your back-to-school shopping list may be miles long, but replacing a worn-out backpack should be a top priority. Thankfully, the best backpacks on Amazon for high school and college are just a scroll away (you're welcome) and a few of them are already on sale for the early Prime Day 2024 deals.
A good backpack for school will not only ensure you can carry your laptop (we've got cute backpack picks for this, too!) and supplies from your dorm room to class effortlessly, but it will also prevent you from losing the many handouts and important papers you collect. Plus, there are plenty of types to choose from, including laptop backpacks, leather backpacks, and even sling knapsacks that are easy to pop on and off. So, without further ado, find some of the best backpacks on Amazon to make sure your quest to find the right one is a little bit easier. And you can also check out some of the best Amazon Prime Day deals on school supplies, too!
The Best Backpacks on Amazon
- Best Amazon backpack for high school: Jansport Cool Backpack, $59
- Best Amazon backpack for college: Lovevook Laptop Backpack, $36
- Best Amazon backpack for work: Hap Tim Laptop Backpack, $37
- Best affordable backpack on Amazon: Dakine Campus Backpack, $30
- Best lightweight backpack: Herschel Supply Co. Herschel Classic XL Backpack, $65
How we tested
To help you find the best backpacks, we tested several styles to see how much they could hold, how comfortable they felt, their durability, and cool organizational features. If you plan on using a backpack to commute to school or the office, we recommend going for a bag made from a water-resistant fabric with features such as a laptop sleeve, slip pockets, pen holders, and water bottle pockets. Comfort is also key, so we checked out all the padding on the back panels, shoulder straps, and top handles.
Best for High School: Jansport Cool Backpack
Photo courtesy of Brigitt Earley
This is one of those bags that'll easily work its way through all your school years. Durable? Check. Comes in gorgeous colors? Double-check. Plenty of space? Triple check. What more could you ask for? In addition to the laptop pouch, the bag has four exterior pockets of varying sizes: one that rivals the size of the main interior, one medium that’s equipped with a key clip and slots for pens or pencils, and two smaller ones for easy access to items like your phone or wallet. The bag also has a single drink sleeve on the exterior. “The padded straps go a long way in terms of comfort, especially when the bag is at capacity, but we do wish they were a little more flexible—they’re quite stiff,” says Teen Vogue tester, Brigitt Earley.
- Pros: Features a variety of prints; a lot of separate compartments; very durable
- Cons: X Some shoppers noted that their backpacks didn’t arrive as pictured
- Size: 17.5" x 13" x 10"
- Color(s): 18
- Material: 915D Cordura with Premium Suede
Editor Favorite: Fjällräven Kånken Classic Backpack
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Photo courtesy of Stewart Savin
The Fjällräven Kånken is a Swedish staple for a reason. This small but mighty bag was created in 1978 to prevent back problems among students. “It’s thoughtfully designed without being overcomplicated, as is the Scandi way. The fabric is lightweight but highly durable, the compartments are spacious, and it comes in 50+ colors. All while being under $100! There are a few different sizes but I opted for the classic which fits a 13-inch laptop. I carried this bag throughout college and frequently travel with it as well. After almost a decade of use, it could use a good wipe down but functions as well as it did the day I got it. The only complaints I have are that the side pockets can’t fit large water bottles and the straps can dig in if you’re carrying a heavy load (I’ve considered investing in some shoulder pads for this reason),” says Stewart Savin, Teen Vogue tester.
- Pros: X Beautiful colors X High-quality material
- Cons: X Shoppers note the fabric stains easily
- Color(s): 9
- Materials: 100% Vinylon
- Size: 14.96 x 10.63 x 5.12 inches
Best backpack for college: LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack
Photo courtesy of Shauna Beni-Haynes
Just look at how cute this backpack is! You can wear it as a tote or backpack thanks to the dual top handles and padded shoulder straps. We also love the multiple compartments it features, including a front zipper pocket, two side water bottle pockets, and one large main compartment that can fit a laptop up to 15 inches.“I first spotted this cute backpack on the train on my way into the office on another commuter's back. I took a snap of it to look it up later and purchased one for myself," says Shauna. "I love how it can function as a handbag or backpack, and it comes with plenty of space and pockets to store things. The handles and straps feel super soft and have lots of padding, making it extra comfy to carry and hold. It has a wide-open design and a 17-inch laptop compartment that will keep your electronics padded and protected. And if pockets are what you're after, you’ll find plenty of them here."
- Pros: X Affordable Price X Stylish Design
- Cons: X Some customers note that the straps are too narrow
- Color(s): 23
- Materials: Waterproof canvas
- Size: 16 x 11 x 8 inches
Best affordable backpack on Amazon: Dakine Campus Backpack
Photo courtesy of Brigitt Earley
Organization is key when it comes to backpack storage, so we suggest opting for a bag that comes with plenty of pockets, like this functional pick. It has a roomy design that features four compartments, including a large main one with a padded laptop sleeve and room for additional notebooks, and a second interior compartment for even more storage. On the exterior, the bag has three smaller pockets, one of which is made with a fully-wipeable insulated material—perfect for stashing lunch. The backpack also has two drink sleeves on the sides. For comfort, both the back and the straps are padded. But on the downside, our testers found the padding to be unnecessarily stiff. These features do, however, help take the weight off—especially when the bag is at capacity.
- Pros: 24 different colors/patterns, many compartments, padded straps and back for comfort
- Cons: X Straps are a bit stiffer than we’d like
- Color(s): 24
- Materials: Polyester
- Size: 7.09 x 11.02 x 16.14 inches
Best backpack with large compartments: The North Face Jester School Laptop Backpack
Photo courtesy of Aiyana Ishmael
Let's kick things off with a no-fail pick: The North Face's Jester laptop backpack, which has a padded laptop sleeve, lightly cushioned shoulder straps, and a firm back and base so you don't have to worry about sagging from too-many textbooks. "This is hands down one of the best North Face backpacks I've ever tried," says Shauna. “I even take it with me on vacations and camping because it has many pockets and storage spaces (three interior zip pockets, three exterior slip pockets).” There's a large zippered pocket in the front to store easily-lost-items items, plus two water bottle pockets (high five for hydration) and tiny bungee hooks you can clip carabiners or keys onto—all for less than $70, might we add. And while you could get this school bag in classic black, why would you want to when you have this icy beauty?
- Pros: X Machine washable X FlexVent technology for a comfortable fit
- Cons: X There are a lot of compartments that might make it difficult to find small items
- Color(s): 28
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Size: 19.9 x 16.8 x 2.6 inches
Best stylish backpack: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack
Another one of the best backpacks for school? This Vera Bradley select. It's not only the perfect size to get through TSA easily, but it also has enough room to fit a 15-inch laptop and a bunch of school supplies needed for study sessions at the library. "This is one of the cutest backpacks I came across. I love the vibrant floral print motif," says Shauna. My favorite features are the back slip and zip pockets, which make it easy to access items without taking the entire backpack off. The shoulder straps also have light padding and adjustable buckles."
- Pros: X Great for school X Sturdy and reliable
- Cons: X Many wish it was bigger
- Color(s): 61
- Size: 7.5 x 12 x 16.5 inches
- Material: 50% Cotton, 50% Recycled Cotton Fibers
Best backpack with USB: Matein Travel Backpack
For a high-quality backpack you can enjoy beyond campus grounds and fluorescent school halls, grab this one from Matein. There are plenty of compartments for storing valuables—including a 15.6-inch laptop compartment and external USB charging port to leave your phone charger at home—plus small inside pockets to keep errant supplies from vanishing into the abyss. If we're being totally honest, though, it's the reviews that really sold us on this one: One person said it was the only thing they carried on a two-week Europe trip. Another parent got it for their kid and said it was “built like a tank” (um, wow?!). Even the zippers get serious love! The parting line? “It has everything.”
- Pros: X Removable keychain X Lots of pockets
- Cons: X Some said it didn’t last as long as they’d like
- Color(s): 23
- Material: 100% Polyester
- Size: 18 x 12 x 7.8 inches
Best backpack for laptops: Monsdle Travel Laptop Backpack
Prepare to tackle any weather mother nature throws at you with this travel backpack from Monsdle. It comes with tons of extra space, adjustable shoulder straps, and a breathable, water-resistant mesh material so you can survive just about any travel day.
- Pros: X Affordable Price X Reliable X Good for travel
- Cons: X Not anti-theft like others
- Color(s): 5
- Materials: Polyester
- Size: 7.8 x 12.8 x 18.8 inches
Review: “Just got it today, and I already love it! They aren't lying about the smooth zippers. I can't say I've ever seen a zipper this smooth before. It's a darker red than I expected, and that is great. The small zippered pouch in the back is also padded. It is a million times better than my last one,” wrote Amazon reviewer Brina D.
Best backpack for anti-theft with RFID-protected organizer
Hear us out: Not only does this SwissGear backpack fit a 17-inch laptop, but it's also made with a special laptop-in-case scanning so you don't have to remove it every time you go through airport security. It also has multiple zippers and a variety of anti-theft features, which is why it makes the perfect backpack and travel bag.
- Pros: X Great for everyday use X Great for compartmentalization
- Cons: X Some found the straps to be unbalanced
- Color(s): 9
- Material: 100% Ballistic Polyester
- Size: 9 x 19 x 14 inches
Review: “It's [good] quality, and I'm happy with this purchase! This backpack worked great for me as an airline carry-on! I was able to store my 'not so small' Canon R5 camera with lens and case, two hardback books, 60 color pen set with zip case and coloring book, one set of clothing including sandals, car keys, earphones, glasses, and contacts, water bottle, cell phone, documents, and important papers, etc. The compartmentalization was incredible!" wrote an Amazon reviewer.
Best lightweight backpack: Herschel Supply Co. Herschel Classic XL Backpack
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Photo courtesy of Brigtt Earley
Herschel’s XL is another classic choice that closely rivals the Jansport. The backpacks come in a wide range of colors and patterns, so there’s something for everyone. During testing, we appreciated the simplicity of the backpack. It may not be the roomiest we evaluated, but there’s plenty of space for a laptop, a handful of books, and lunch in the bag’s single interior compartment (it includes a dedicated laptop sleeve) and smaller exterior pocket. The backpack also has a drink sleeve on one side.
We like the fact that it’s made from lightweight yet heavy-duty cotton canvas that can withstand all kinds of scuffs and spills. It also has a solid back panel, so your bag doesn't sag when it's loaded to the brim. Like other backpacks we tested, we found the padded straps stiff.
- Pros: 22 colors and patterns, very durable
- Cons: Not as roomy as some other options
- Dimensions: 17.5"x 12.5"x 6"
- Weight: 30L
- Warranty: Lifetime
Best backpack for work: Hap Tim Laptop Backpack
Last but most certainly, not least, this comfortable and convenient HAP Tim Laptop Backpack. The larger design can host all of your documents, clothing, and school supplies, while the adjustable padded sleeve adjusts to protect your shoulders. It also comes with a suitcase strap, so you can throw it over your luggage and take this piece on the road.
- Pros: X Great for travel X Affordable price
- Cons: X Users note that it can feel heavy fast
- Color(s): 10
- Material: N/A
- Size: 13 x 10 x 17 inches
Review: “I bought this bag last year as a carry-on and it hit all my box needs and then some.
There are lots of pockets. One section comes equipped with a few mesh pockets and a spot for a cord to feed through. Above that is another zippered pocket that is pretty big but is a stand-alone pouch. There is also a tiny zipper pocket for a change or lip chap. In the main zipper area, there are three flap pouches you can use for a tablet, laptop, and book. One has a Velcro strap to hold it down," wrote Amazon reviewer SC.
Best leather backpack: Estarer Leather Backpack
Good news! Not all backpacks are made from polyester. You can find some very chic leather bags that can also stow away all your school supplies. This faux leather pick is a customer favorite on Amazon. It has two main compartments, one padded laptop pocket, and a bunch of small pockets on the interior and exterior. Our favorite design detail is the cute tassel on the front flap, which gives it an elevated, feminine touch.
- Pros: X Separate Laptop Compartment X 13 Small Pockets
- Cons: X Some users note the latch falls apart after frequent use.
- Color(s): 4
- Materials: Faux Leather
- Size: 13 x 4 x 15.8 inches
Review: “This bag is so sturdy and durable. It’s super cute and can hold a lot. I had it for months, and it’s held up great. I love it, wrote Amazon reviewer Mason.
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