Tested: The Best Backpacks For College Students

Even when you take into account the negative sides of the collegiate system, the pursuit of higher education is a noble one that has the potential to send you down a promising career path. But embarking on that journey isn’t as simple as just showing up to class. You also need to make sure that you’re prepared, mentally and physically — the latter of which is our concern today.

Of all the things you should be bringing with you to class, a bag might actually be the most important, as they give you the ability to actually haul all your other gear — be that a stack of books, your laptop, school supplies, or all of the above. Of course, it would help if that bag is well-suited to the unique challenges of academia. It’s with this in mind that we’ve tested the best college-ready backpacks for men. Pick one of these up and get to studying!

How We Tested

You could just head to Walmart and pick up the first, cheapest backpack you come across, but chances are it won’t have the same build quality or meticulous design structure as the best options out on the market today. For this guide, we used our extensive experience in the backpack sphere to find the best options for heading back to school. We looked at our favorite brands and their flagship products, looking at attributes such as materials, strap options, capacity, laptop and tech storage, organization options, and aesthetics.

From there, we sourced our units for testing and got hands-on with these bags (well, everything short of literally going to class ourselves). We saw how easily they operated as intended and checked out how comfortable they felt on our backs, especially when full. Our results are detailed below.

What to Look For

Size: Whether of the outdoor, EDC, or travel variety, backpacks can massively vary in terms of sizing. Typically measured in liters, the amount of storage space offered will directly determine how much you’ll be able to carry. And while it’s easy to think that bigger is better, the reality is that anything north of 15 liters should be sufficient for college use.

Materials: The single biggest factor that determines a backpack’s durability and overall quality is undoubtedly the material(s) used to craft its shell. Most of the packs on our list boast constructions comprised of high-denier — often ballistic-grade — nylons and poly blends, though it’s also common to see bags made from more traditional materials like waxed canvas, or more modern proprietary constructions like Dyneema or CORDURA. It’s also not uncommon to see a shell’s primary construction supplemented with reinforced sections — such as for the bottom of the pack. We’d also recommend reviewing secondary materials such as a bag’s liner.

Hardware: Another factor that separates the more premium packs on the market from their cheaper counterparts is the former’s use of more high-end hardware. This includes everything from buckles and attachment points to the backpack’s zipper tracks.

Laptop & Device Storage: Laptops and tablets have increasingly become vital devices for college students. As such, you’ll almost certainly want to opt for a pack that features a dedicated laptop sleeve or compartment. In addition to often being padded or suspended to better fortify devices, some laptop sleeves are also supplemented by secondary compartments for housing a tablet or second notebook.

Organizational Amenities: A major advantage of college-specific backpacks is that they tend to feature organizational amenities designed specifically for accommodating the day-to-day items and gear carried by students. This includes slips and holders for pens and notebooks, as well as sleeves for textbooks and special pockets for housing small pieces of tech. Quite a few college backpacks also sport slips and loops for accommodating cords and charging cables.

Weather-Resistance: Primarily owed to a backpack’s shell material and zippers, a bag’s ability to stand up to the weather can be of monumental importance — especially if you’re going to school in a region that receives ample snow or rain. Getting a weatherproof pack does typically come at a premium, though we’d argue that it’s worth paying this amount as it practically guarantees that your laptop and textbooks will remain dry even in a heavy downpour.

Style: Modern college backpacks come in an enormous variety of different shapes, sizes, and styles. No matter your personal taste, there’s almost certainly a backpack on the market that will resonate with you. This includes everything from modern vintage reissues to sleek and ultra-minimalistic contemporary designs. What’s more, quite a few of our favorite college packs are also offered in multiple color options — with some even being produced in multiple shell constructions as well.

Jansport Suede Campus Backpack

Best Budget Backpack: A JanSport is about as classic as school bags get, but this Suede Campus model takes the brand’s flagship backpacks to another level, and for just $65. While the standard JanSport bag eschews features such as a water bottle pocket and a dedicated laptop sleeve, the 32-liter Suede Campus has these and more, including two main compartments for organizing and a compression strap for saving space. If that’s not enough, the main shell is made from 100% recycled 600D polyester with a suede leather base and, as always, JanSport stands by its product with a limited lifetime warranty. If you’re looking for an iconic, classic option, you definitely can’t go wrong with this budget-friendly find.

The Good

I remember how awesome my classic JanSport bag was as a kid. I literally used it from 2nd grade all through high school. However, I do remember how the zippers came nearly all the way down on the sides, making it fall open at times if the interior contents were too heavy. But with the Suede Campus Backpack, this gets corrected with both the side compression strap as well as the more structured pockets and higher zippers. That’s not to say this is difficult to open. On the contrary, it’s incredibly easy to see inside and the white lining helps reflect light so you’re not just peering down into darkness. The main compartment in front is structured as though it were tailor-made for books. And it was tall enough to put my long iHome keyboard inside as well. Meanwhile, the back laptop compartment isn’t too small that you can’t also throw your charger inside as well.

Like my old JanSport, this Suede Campus has comfortable straps that are incredibly easy to adjust up or down. It’s also quite simple in terms of pocket selection. When heading to school, you don’t always want to be scratching your head to remember which one of the myriad interior pockets you put your charger or pencil sharpener in.

The Not So Good

There were really only two complaints I had with the Suede Campus. For one, the mesh water pocket on the side was only useful for plastic water bottles. My 32-ounce metal flask didn’t fit at all. Also, the topmost of the two exterior pockets could go slightly deeper. As it stands, this was only really useful for smaller tech gear or maybe sunglasses.

Verdict: Simple and affordable, the JanSport Suede Campus Backpack doesn’t overcomplicate things and has enough features that you won’t be longing for much else. We do wish its water bottle pouch were larger but this bag showcases why JanSport has been a ubiquitous mainstay in school bags for decades.

Incase ICON Lite Backpack

Best Minimalist Backpack: The Incase ICON is one of the best all-around backpacks on the market, especially for those who like to travel — thanks in part to its rigid structure and compartmental organizational scheme. However, for school usage, it can be a bit cumbersome. That’s why we like the ICON Lite you see here, which has many of the same features in a pared-down 20L capacity. Of course, it still has a generous 16″ padded laptop pocket, a weatherproof exterior, and plenty of pockets and pouches inside and out.

The Good

Admittedly, I didn’t think the Incase ICON Lite would be as capacious as it is. It looks rather small from the outside but this backpack certainly carries a lot, especially in its main compartment. Very sturdy so as to not fall over if you have it on the ground when looking through it, the bag also has a pair of deep exterior pockets as well. While most backpacks we tested had dedicated laptop compartments, not all of them were soft-lined like this one was. Likewise, the topmost outside pocket was lined too. I usually don’t like putting my sunglasses in backpack pouches but I wasn’t worried about it here, especially considering the relative sturdiness of the shell.

While the external pockets weren’t great for organization, the main compartment had a trio of smaller pouches to separate smaller items. I also loved how it was able to stand up by itself, even with books or gear inside.

The Not So Good

Seeing as this is a minimalist backpack, I didn’t really expect there to be a water bottle pocket (there isn’t one) but I will say I was somewhat disappointed in the narrowness of the two pockets on the outside. It wasn’t just nearly impossible to see inside but my smaller items kept getting lost. As a whole, the backpack’s dark interior lining makes it difficult to see inside most compartments. Comfortable on the back despite the thin shoulder straps, I found the backpack a bit rigid when it wasn’t being weighed down. This caused it to sit high up on my back when I didn’t want it to. And to make matters worse, the straps aren’t the easiest to adjust.

Verdict: Low-profile and rigid in structure, the Incase ICON Lite is a great minimalist backpack for those who want a bag that will keep your tech protected with soft-lined interiors. While its rigidity might make it sit high on your back, this bag can stand up on its own and is deceptively spacious for everything you need to bring along with you.

Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech

Best for Organization: Topo Designs offers a truly impressive range of gear and apparel, much of which is centered around outdoor exploration. However, some of their offerings are remarkably well-suited to urban living, as well. Case in point: the Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech you see here, a take on their standard Rover Pack, and with a monochromatic color scheme. Designed specifically as a technical option for city living, this bag is marked by a recycled 1,000-denier nylon exterior (making it both lightweight and weatherproof), a 15″ laptop compartment, a topside flap closure over a drawstring mouth, and a deceptively expansive 24.3L capacity.

The Good

While not as colorful as some of Topo Designs’ other bags, the Rover Pack Tech gets by on a monochromatic aesthetic, proving just how effective their visual design language actually is. Combining a drawstring bag on the topside with a classic tech bag, the backpack has a clipped top flap that helps combat any moisture you might incur along the way. I used the built-in zippered pocket on the top flap, which opened wide enough for me to see inside and featured a coated weatherproof zipper –– as did the one on the small outside pocket on the bottom.

I’m a fan of the hidden side laptop entry pockets, which keep your computer as segmented as possible while also making it more “thief-resistant.” However, this closure doesn’t have the coated weatherproof zippers of the other two zippered compartments.

The Rover Peak Tech was also the most comfortable to wear. I love the way the RidgeBack panel feels against my back, while the straps on these Topo bags always do well not to get too twisted. Twisted straps can be a nuisance when you have a fully-loaded backpack.

The Not So Good

As brilliant as the design of the Rover Pack Tech is for organization with its gear loops and intuitive pockets, the main compartment only has one, large elastic pocket. I do wish there were more options inside here, and I’m honestly not sure why there aren’t. While I loved the lack of twisting I experienced with the shoulder straps, I couldn’t help but notice that their rigidness put strange pressure on my traps towards my neck, which was

As for the water bottle pouch on the outside, I felt like it could be a smidge larger. It fit my 32-ounce bottle, but not with some struggling first. On the other hand, there are two of these pockets so that’s useful if you’re working with smaller bottles.

Verdict: Highly stylish with a monochromatic design, the Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech has lots of options for storage and add-ons, with a separate laptop compartment and weatherproof features for those rainy days of the year. We didn’t love the singular pocket in the main compartment or the lack of comfort of the shoulder straps but this is another deceptively capacious backpack made from rugged materials.

The North Face Kaban 2.0 Backpack

Best for Biking to School: A streamlined second-generation 27-liter pack that offers just enough room to accommodate a student’s daily essentials for class, The North Face Kaban 2.0 Backpack is a decidedly modern design that features a recycled 300-denier recycled polyester shell that’s been TPU-laminated and DWR-coated before being reinforced with an ultra-rugged 1,680-denier ballistic nylon bottom. Solid weather resistance, a 15” laptop sleeve, dual water bottle sleeves, and a plethora of internal slips and pockets for stashing books, notebooks, and pens, collectively make the Kaban 2.0 a stellar choice for any student.

The Good

Leave it to The North Face to make a backpack that’s so sleek and casual, yet so utilitarian. The Kaban 2.0 has a highly-attractive design –– perhaps my favorite on this list –– but also sports my favorite pocket configuration of the bunch. I kinda love how all three compartments are accessed by topside zippers. Plus there are two hidden small zippered pockets that I didn’t even notice at first, thus serving their surreptitious purpose. It’s also highly comfortable and lightweight on the back. And there’s also a sternum strap for extra support –– the only bag here that has this.

My favorite of the three main compartments is the one in front. It’s the one used for storing smaller gear. On any other bag, this type of pocket is usually situated on the exterior bottom, but here it’s on top and super easy to access. If that’s not enough, there’s actually a lower portion to this pocket that goes all the way to the bottom of the bag. However, you might not even notice it at first since the unique design acts in a way to “cut off” the lower portion, turning the lid into a sort of flap that opens all the way up while the gear in the lower compartment stays put.

While the middle “book” compartment sports a slanted lid and boxy base that helps it stand up on its own when full, the back laptop compartment has three slots. I was able to fit my laptop, iPad, and keyboard inside without any of them touching the other. I should also mention that the water bottle pockets were the most useful of the backpacks we tested, especially with my large 32-ounce flask.

The Not So Good

There’s honestly not a lot to complain about with the Kaban 2.0. However, I did notice the shell got a bit dirtier than others, likely due to the sheen coating on the outside. Nonetheless, this is a minor quibble greatly overshadowed by the brilliance of the bag’s design.

Verdict: Perfectly blending form and function, this purpose-built backpack for commuters is weather-resistant and also happens to look fantastic. Meticulously designed for organization, the bag has some of our favorite pocket options and lots of room for separation. Honestly, this is just a great school bag whether or not you’re commuting.

Bellroy Transit Workpack

Best for Student Interns: Always utilizing sustainable manufacturing , Bellroy makes some of the best everyday carry gear, period. So it should come as no surprise that, when we were hunting for the best college backpacks, this Aussie brand made the cut. And that will make even more sense when you see just how great the Transit Workpack is with its recycled weatherproof exterior, serviceable 20L capacity, externally accessible 16″ laptop pocket, full clamshell opening, ventilated back padding system, etc. This is less a backpack and more an office you can carry around with you.

The Good

If you land a golden internship position, you’ll want to look the part. And this Bellroy bag has a mature, smart design that makes you look like you can play the part. Sporting some weatherproofing on the zippers, this bag’s handsome shell opens up in several different ways. Lie it flat on its back to better access its front pocket (but make sure it’s zipped before heading out). The topside pocket is perfect for chargers, sunglasses, pens, and the like. Meanwhile, there are two very hidden secret pockets that zip up on either side.

On the back, the Transit Workpack feels the lightest of the bags we tested. While the shoulder straps tangled rather easily, they were easy to adjust. Also, I thought they were going to be uncomfortable due to their thinness and stiffness. However, they lessened the load quite a bit without giving me any issues.

Something else I noticed is how comfortable this backpack was when I was sitting on a chair or bench. If you’re taking a bus to school (or work), this allows you to keep the bag strapped on for shorter distances.

The Not So Good

I could complain about the lack of water bottle pouches but if you’re using this for your internship, chances are you’ll be in your car quite often rather than walking to and from your classes. However, if you’re looking for a water bottle pocket, you should keep in mind that this doesn’t have one. I should also mention that the unspecified shell material feels a little lackluster. If you’re a material snob (as we are here), you might want to consider something else.

Verdict: We loved the strategic pocket designs and hidden pockets of the Bellroy Transit Workpack, along with the low-profile construction. What’s more is you can easily wear this on your back when sitting in a chair without any discomfort. The unspecified shell material could be a bit more rugged but this Transit Workpack from Bellroy nevertheless sports a handsome exterior that will help your transition to any student internship even smoother.

Aer Tech Pack 3

Best Small-Capacity Backpack: A third-generation version of an already stellar commuter bag, the Aer Tech Pack 3 was engineered from the ground up to meet the needs of modern students and workers, with a wealth of organizational features including a soft woven recycled nylon-lined tech pocket and a quick-access laptop compartment for up to 16″. Boasting a structured design, an 840-denier nylon face with a weather-resistant coating, and a 1,680-denier CORDURA shell, Duraflex hardware, and YKK zippers, the Tech Pack 3 acts as a bulletproof vessel for transporting all of one’s daily essentials. Several reinforced grab handles, a luggage handle pass-through, and an exterior water bottle pocket collectively afford the pack pretty remarkable levels of versatility, with the Tech Pack V3 lending itself to everything from travel to EDC use.

The Good

The Aer Tech Pack 3 is pricy but at least it looks like an upgrade option as well. Very similar to the backpack from The North Face above, this bag has strategic pocket configuration and design, including a frontside compartment that can open all the way like the Bellroy above (however, there are no secret pockets on this one; just the main three). I do wish there were some bonus pockets like even the cheaper options have, but in turn, you’ll get premium CORDURA and nylon material construction, which is nothing to sneeze at and will ensure that this lasts for a long, long time.

I love shoulder straps that can loosen and tighten with ease, and the ones on this Aer bag do so better than any on this list, including the accessible JanSport above. It’s also important to note that this bag features a support strap across the torso (not quite the sternum or waist), which helps mitigate the heft –– as do the multiple grab handles around the bag.

The Not So Good

As the most expensive backpack on this list, the Aer Tech Pack has a lot to live up to, and mostly does. You’ll notice, however, that it’s quite heavy, even when empty, which the multiple grab handles help out with considerably. Though, at 16L, you’d expect this to be much lighter than it is. I should also mention that I kept forgetting this was only 16L large since it took up more room than most of the 20-plus-liter packs I tested. Also, like The North Face’s Kaban, the coated shell attracts dirt pretty easily here as well.

Verdict: Holding just 16L of books and gear, the Aer Tech Pack 3 might be heavy but can still do a whole lot. The only bag we tested over $200, the bag was also one of the most attractive and had the best use of materials with a 1,680D CORDURA shell. The pocket design wasn’t quite as good as one or two other backpacks on this list but they still offer fantastic organization options. If you want a school bag that will last you for years after you’ve graduated, this one is it.

College Backpacks Comparison Chart

Honorable Mentions

Fjallraven is having a bit of a moment right now, thanks largely to the brand’s Kånken backpack lineup — which can be seen on the backs of students, explorers, and EDC enthusiasts around the world. And while any version of the Kånken is certainly going to serve you well, we prefer this one for collegiate usage for its unique style and budget-friendly angle.

If you’re the type of person who carries EVERYTHING in your backpack, this large 36-liter Brain Bag from Tom Bihn can fit upwards of two laptops and/or tablets, is made with high-quality materials, and comes in a ton of colorways. 

Another budget-friendly backpack is Everlane’s The ReNew Transit Bag, which is a solid choice for the new school year and one that you can wear on the weekends as well.

The Travel Pack 34L from Heimplanet’s Transit Line is one of our favorite bags for its deceptively spacious capacity and meticulous pocket organization. However, seeing as it’s more of a “travel” bag, we thought it served as a better pick for our Honorable Mentions.

Herschel offers stylish, affordable bags with classy design language. Case in point is this Classic Backpack, which is another solid budget option, albeit one that we couldn’t justify including over the JanSport above.

GORUCK’s GR1 is a rad backpack and one of our favorites for EDC. On the other hand, it doesn’t really scream “back to school” like the others here, plus it costs way more than what most broke students are gonna want to pay for a backpack.

We do love Mission Workshop’s The Fraction Backpack, even if it’s insanely expensive for back-to-school purposes. Paired with availability issues, we held it down here.

Peak Design’s Everyday Backpack is a superb carry option but it’s more of a camera bag than a school bag. However, if you’re a budding photographer, it might be the one for you.

Tested: The Best Work Backpacks To Carry Daily

Haven’t found the bag you were looking for on this list? Well, then be sure to head over to our guide to the best backpacks for work for an additional handpicked selection of carry solutions that are brimming with modern organizational amenities.