The best backpacks for college are light enough to carry around all day, yet large enough to store everything from your laptop to activewear. As students across the country enjoy their summer vacation, retailers are launching back-to-school sales with discounts on all types of college backpacks.
Unlike kids’ backpacks, the best college backpacks are made from a sturdy material for durability. They should also have laptop sleeves to protect your laptop or tablet. Some of the best backpacks may even include multiple compartments designed specifically for certain devices.
As we move into the first back-to-school season, we’re putting together the best college backpacks you can buy right now. (Be sure to check out our ultimate back-to-school guide for more back-to-school essentials).
The best backpacks for college
Less than $ 50
Trail Maker Backpack: $ 9 on Amazon
Need a college backpack but don’t want to invest too much? The Trail Maker Backpack is exactly what you are looking for. At under $ 10, it’s inexpensive but includes everything you could want in a budget backpack, such as a roomy main compartment, double zippers, and an exterior front pocket. See the offer
Vans long distance backpack: was $ 48 now $ 32 @ Zappos
The Vans Long Haul Backpack has everything you need from a back to school backpack. It includes two zipped compartments on the front, adjustable padded shoulder straps and an interior compartment for your laptop. (It is suitable for laptops up to 15 inch). This is one of the best college backpacks we’ve seen at this price point. See the offer
Eastsport Valedictorian Backpack: $ 19 at Walmart
The Eastsport Valedictorian Backpack has room for all your college gear. Its built-in laptop sleeve can hold a 15-inch laptop, while its exterior side pockets are perfect for stashing anything from water bottles to small umbrellas. Meanwhile, its cheap price makes it one of the best backpacks for college students on a budget. See the offer
Nike Youth Sports Bag: $ 21 at Amazon
Small and light, the Nike Gymsack is ideal for times when you need to carry clothes or large items. There are no special compartments or zippers. Instead, the backpack has a drawstring for easy access to your items. See the offer
Adidas 3-Stripes Backpack: $ 45 now $ 32 @ adidas
This everyday backpack is designed for all your tech needs. It has a laptop sleeve, media compartment and side pockets to store items such as backup batteries and cables. See the offer
Osprey UL Stuff Travel Bag: was $ 39 now $ 33 @ Amazon
The Osprey UL Stuff Duffel is the type of bag that is small when folded up, but huge when fully opened / deployed. It has a padded shoulder strap, has a capacity of 30 L and can be stowed in its own integrated storage pocket. See the offer
Targus Octave backpack: $ 34 @ Best Buy
This Targus Octave 15.6 “Laptop Backpack is sturdy and has everything you need. Features include padded shoulder straps, two mesh bottle holders and a front storage pocket. See The Offer
Jester backpack for women: was $ 64 now $ 40 @ Moosejaw
This contoured North Face Jester women’s backpack features a 28-liter capacity, padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, front storage pocket and mesh bottle holders. See the offer
Nike USA backpack for women: was $ 50 now $ 44 @ Amazon
Show your support for the Women’s National Football Team with the Nike USA Women’s Backpack. It includes a laptop sleeve, main compartment and padded shoulder straps, making it one of the best backpacks for college. See the offer
Amazon Basics Backpack: $ 46 on Amazon
The Amazon Basics Backpack is made of durable polyester and features an internal zippered laptop sleeve. It also had padded shoulder straps, a belt and easy to access front / top pockets. This is one of the best college backpacks you’ll find at this price point. See the offer
Tibuk2 bags: 70% off a selection of @ REI bags
For a limited time, REI benefits from a 70% reduction on a selection of Tibuk2 bags. After discount, offers start from $ 43. The sale features some of the best college backpacks we’ve seen from Tibuk2, including tote bags, backpacks, messenger bags, briefcases, and more. See the offer
Nike Tanjun Backpack: $ 49 on Amazon
The Tanjun line takes its name from the Japanese word for simplicity. The stylish backpack has multiple handles for different carrying options. This is one of the best backpacks for college if you prefer small, simple bags. See the offer
The North Face Jester Backpack: now $ 56 @ Amazon
The North Face Jester backpack is the perfect backpack for the campus. It has a capacity of 30 liters, a padded 15 inch laptop sleeve and a front storage pocket with mesh bottle holders. See the offer
$ 50 to $ 100
Adidas VFA Premium Backpack for Women: $ 53 on Amazon
Perfect for just about any scenario, this backpack features a padded laptop sleeve, exterior mesh compartment, and two water bottle pockets. This is one of the best backpacks for school if you are a fan of adidas. See the offer
Adidas Utility Team Backpack: $ 56 at Amazon
From game day to the classroom, the adidas Utility Team Backpack is perfect for students who play sports. The large backpack offers plenty of space for books, clothes and more.See the offer
Nike Vapor Power: $ 58 at Amazon
The Vapor Power Backpack features a dual exterior to protect your items from the elements. It has a padded laptop sleeve and a display compartment for additional items. See the offer
Pro Slim Laptop Backpack: was $ 140 now $ 69 @ eBags
For a limited time, eBags is offering 50% off the Pro Slim Laptop Backpack. The backpack offers excellent organization with a diagonal storage pocket inside the center compartment, a padded laptop sleeve that can hold up to a 17 inch laptop and a front organization panel with internal pockets . See the offer
The North Face Pivoter Backpack: $ 78 @ Amazon
The North Face Pivoter 27 liter backpack features a spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeping area. The front compartment has a padded tablet pocket as well as additional organization pockets. It is available in various colors on Amazon.See the offer
The North Face Isabella Backpack: $ 85 @ Nordstrom
The North Face Women’s Isabella Backpack is a women’s backpack with a capacity of 21 liters. It offers a zippered front panel and a dedicated 12-inch tablet / laptop sleeve in the main compartment. See the offer
The North Face Borealis backpack: $ 88 on Amazon
The classic 28-liter North Face Borealis backpack features an updated suspension system. There’s also a padded main compartment, tablet sleeve, and dedicated 17-inch laptop sleeve to protect your gear. It’s now 40% off. See the offer
Lululemon Crew 22L Backpack: $ 98 @ Lululemon
Available in four colors, the Lululemon Crew Backpack 22L is as stylish as backpacks. It’s made from water-repellent fabric and has compartments for your laptop, workout gear, water bottle, and more. It’s not cheap at $ 98, but it’s one of the best college backpacks we’ve seen. See the offer
Recognition backpack: $ 98 @ Zappos
The North Face Recon 30-liter backpack is ultra-durable and offers improved suspension for all-day comfort. It has many compartments and pockets to store your gear. Mesh water bottle pockets help you stay hydrated when you’re on the go. Large, but comfortable, this is one of the best backpacks for college. See the offer
Brenthaven Prostyle Laptop Backpack: $ 99 on Amazon
They might be more expensive than most backpacks, but Brenthaven bags are made to last. The Prostyle Laptop Backpack can accommodate any laptop up to 17 inches. It is made with a ballistic nylon exterior and features ergonomic padded bag straps and a back panel that distribute weight comfortably. It is one of the best backpacks for students who are always on the go. See the offer
The North Face Kaban backpack: $ 149 @ The North Face
Made from ultra-durable, water-resistant 900D polyester, the North Face Kaban backpack is virtually indestructible. It has a capacity of 26 liters and a dedicated case to protect laptops up to 15 inches. See the offer
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