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When gearing up for a new school year, you need a high-quality backpack to keep up with all your classes and extracurriculars. Following you to clubs, sporting events and internships, your backpack not only needs to hold everything you need for the day, including your laptop, textbooks and notepads, but must also be cute and comfy to wear. It's important to find one that's long-lasting, so the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab tested 34 backpacks to find the best buys for college and high school students.
When testing backpacks, we evaluate the bags in our Lab and have real students try them to rate how comfortable they are to wear. We considered each pack's storage capacity, comfort when fully loaded, accessibility of pockets and organizational features. We also surveyed current college students and recent alumni to learn more about the features they look for when backpack shopping and which styles are currently popular.
Pros
Comfortable, with a sternum strap and detachable waist belt- Top-tested durability
- Fits up to 15-inch laptops
Cons
- Some reviewers say it does not stand vertically on its own, making unloading harder
We first tested this popular backpack more than 10 years ago — it was a top performer then, and it continues to impress us.
It's super durable, holding up to abrasion, water-resistance and drop tests in our Lab. On top of that, it's comfortable, with lots of padding and straps at both the waist and sternum. Plus, its larger size and separate laptop compartment mean it can hold everything you need for a full day of classes. We're also impressed with the thoughtful features, like a fleece-lined zipper pocket for glasses and a front bungee system that can hold a jacket as the weather changes.
Available in 18 colors, it also touts reflective features and a whistle for safety. Our survey respondents say they love how versatile North Face backpacks are too, wearing them "hiking, traveling, going to classes and teaching."
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| Dimensions | 12" x 6.5" x 19.5" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.3 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 15" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Built-in USB port
- Lots of padding
- Fits up to 15-inch laptops
Cons
- Battery not included
Most quality backpacks run $100 or more, but this popular style is currently on sale for $22 — and boasts over 70,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, so it's clearly earned its best-seller rating.
Plenty of padding prevents this pack from feeling like it's constantly digging into your shoulders, plus it includes plenty of useful features like an anti-theft lock, a padded laptop compartment and a built-in USB port that makes it easy to charge your phone on the go — just note that you'll need to add your own portable battery. (Our tech experts love the Anker PowerCore charging bank.)
| Dimensions | 18" x 12" x 7.8" |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not listed |
| Maximum laptop size | 15.6" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Adaptive design allows it to fit a variety of mobility devices
- Shortened height improves access to items on the bottom of the pack
- Holds a 15-inch laptop
Cons
- Laptop sleeve isn't padded
A standard backpack doesn't always work for everyone, especially if you have a disability or limited mobility that prevents you from carrying something on your back. With JanSport's newest line of adaptive backpacks, you can adjust the packs to fit your needs, thanks to their tangle-proof shoulder straps that can be aligned to fit a variety of mobility devices.
Not only can this backpack hold a 15-inch laptop in the laptop sleeve, but it also features two dedicated pockets for water bottles, easy-grab zippers and a haul handle that easily secures to a headrest. We also love that it's designed to make it easier to access items at the bottom of the bag thanks to its short height.
"I use the backpack to carry a variety of things that are useful throughout my busy day," wrote one reviewer. "It has plenty of room and pockets. It straps easily and securely to my chair, so I can carry on with my daily activities hassle-free." We have just sent this backpack to testers and cannot wait to hear their feedback.
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| Dimensions | 16" x 13" x 6" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 15" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
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4
Best Storage
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack Deluxe
Pros
- Excellent padding on the back and straps
- Removable chest strap
- Tons of organizational pockets and compartments
Cons
- Only available in three dark colors
Keep everything you need perfectly organized with this well-designed pack from Timbuk2. This backpack has smart features to make this bag easier to carry with ample padding on the back, padded straps and an optional chest strap for ergonomic support. We were especially impressed with the number of pockets this backpack has, including convenient front-zippered stash pockets, internal organizational compartments, compression straps and a padded laptop sleeve. Note this pick is available in limited dark colors.
One GH analyst uses this backpack daily, carrying his laptop, gym clothes and everything he needs for the workday. He especially appreciates the built-in luggage sleeve, so the backpack can sit on top of his carry-on suitcase when traveling.
| Dimensions | 11.42" x 18.9" x 5.31" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.4 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 17" |
| Water bottle pockets | 1 |
Pros
- Adjustable chest strap
- Roomy 26L interior
- Removable laptop sleeve included
Cons
- No organizational features in the main compartment
Carrying too heavy of a load can put intense strain on your shoulders and back, leading to chronic pain over time, but you can distribute the weight better with a chest strap and padded shoulder straps, like those included on this Patagonia backpack. The straps and back of the pack feature mesh for improved ventilation. This pack has an impressive 26L interior with a sleek look that doesn't appear bulky. It includes a padded laptop sleeve that's removable from the pack to use elsewhere too.
"This backpack has saved my back," reported one tester with chronic back pain. She said this was the only backpack she could wear comfortably for hours because of the adjustable chest strap for support. In our tests, we appreciated all of the convenient pockets and the stretchy water bottle side pockets to accommodate larger bottles, but there was less internal organization.
| Dimensions | 18" x 12" x 6.5" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.6 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 15" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Durable materials
- Front stash pocket and side water bottle holder
- 22 color options
Cons
- No luggage sleeve
Avoid all the frills with this simple pack from Herschel. It has a classic design and shape that's versatile for any occasion. It features one large compartment with a laptop sleeve, a front zippered pocket for items you need on the go and a side water bottle holder. It's sold in 22 colors, including both neutrals and bold hues to showcase your personality. The durable exterior proved to be abrasion-resistant in our tests. Many testers reported that their Herschel backpacks stayed in great condition for years!
| Dimensions | 17.75" x 12.75" x 6.50" |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not listed |
| Maximum laptop size | 16" |
| Water bottle pockets | 1 |
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Pros
- Spacious interior with compression straps to keep sneakers separate
- Chest and hip straps
- Mesh for better airflow
Cons
- Hand wash only, not machine washable
When heading to a gym on campus, carry everything you need with this lightweight pack from Osprey. It's spacious enough to hold workout clothes, water bottles in the side pockets and even some schoolwork with the built-in laptop sleeve. It features compression straps that can hold sneakers or a sweatshirt in the front of the backpack, separate from the rest of the interior.
You can also easily take this pack on the trails thanks to a chest and hip strap that add support when walking longer distances. There's mesh in the straps and back to prevent overheating, even after an intense gym sesh. If you're a student-athlete and need something bigger than a backpack, we recommend checking out our gym bag round-up for larger options. We like that you can hand-wash this pick, but we wish it were machine-washable for easier cleaning.
| Dimensions | 7.87" x 10.24" x 16.93" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.1 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 14" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Simple design
- Roomy interior to hold bulky items
- Compresses flat when not in use
Cons
- No luggage sleeve
Whether you're headed to class or the gym, this sporty pack from Lululemon was a favorite among testers for its lightweight feel and simple design. It has a roomy interior with a laptop sleeve, a front zippered pocket and two side water bottle or umbrella holders, but it doesn't have a luggage sleeve. Testers liked its sleek materials that some said "looked cuter than other backpacks."
While it lacks organizational features, the spacious interior allows you to carry bulky items like sneakers and other fitness gear easily. When not in use, this pack easily compresses flat for easy storage. It's currently available in seven colors, including bright pink, dark green and black.
| Dimensions | 11.4" x 5.9'" x 16.9" |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not listed |
| Maximum laptop size | 16" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Sleek, attractive materials
- Removable organizational insert
- Great to bring to internships and job interviews
Cons
- Over $300
Get two bags in one with this convertible backpack from Lo & Sons. The backpack straps tuck away, so you can carry it by its top handles for a more professional look. The bag includes an organizational insert with pockets and compartments, great for keeping smaller items organized and accessible, that's removable too in case you need to carry larger items. This bag is great to bring to internships and job interviews with the straps tucked away and then you can convert it to a backpack to tote to class. The sleek material was also easy to wipe clean in our evaluations. This bag is the most expensive pick in our round-up.
| Dimensions | 11.5" x 6.75" x 16.5" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3.2 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 15" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
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Pros
- Comes in fun colors
- Plenty of pockets
- Fits up to 15-inch laptops
Cons
- Fabric showed some pilling over time
This neoprene backpack is sporty yet stylish, making it perfect for anyone who needs to carry school supplies and gym clothes — the included shoe bag even keeps your stinky sneakers separate. We love Dagne Dover because the brand offers trendy purses, totes and carry-on bags that are both cute and functional.
Available in a variety of sizes and colors, the Dakota backpack has tons of interior and exterior pockets to keep you organized – and even a hidden one on top to stash your phone! In our testing, we noticed that the neoprene fabric did show some pilling with extensive use.
| Dimensions | 17.5" x 13.25" x 5.25" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 2.75 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 16" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Under $100
- 20+ color options
- Helpful front pocket to keep must-have items organized
Cons
- Laptop sleeve isn't padded
Taking many students from high school to college, this reliable backpack from Jansport costs just $70 with some colorways on sale for $45 right now. It's popular for its classic design and wide range of color and fabric options, including corduroy materials, floral prints and embroidered designs. It features a reinforced suede bottom to prevent tears and snags. Testers liked the roomy front pocket to hold their keys (with a key ring!), sunglasses, pens and calculator to grab must-have items in class easily. There is a laptop sleeve but it is not padded.
| Dimensions | 17.5" x 12.5" x 5.5" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 15" |
| Water bottle pockets | 1 |
Pros
- Impressive range of color options
- Organizational compartments like an umbrella pocket
- Padded laptop sleeve
Cons
- Straps have minimal padding
Showcase your personality on campus with this trendy backpack from Calpak. Available in 23 colors, including shiny metallics, classic neutrals and bright neons, this backpack has a look for everyone. This bag is not just a pretty face — it has a thoughtful design, ideal for students. It has a separate, padded laptop compartment, a side zippered pocket for an umbrella, a water bottle holder and plenty of zippered organizational pockets. Testers also liked the luggage trolley sleeve to take this bag on the go. This bag can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, but the brand offers a 17-inch version for $138 (note this style is available in fewer colors). We wish the straps were a bit more padded.
Complete the set with a matching Luka Duffel and Luka Belt Bag.
| Dimensions | 16" x 12" x 7" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.8 lbs |
| Maximum laptop size | 15" |
| Water bottle pockets | 1 |
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Pros
- 100% recycled polyester fabric
- Internal and external water bottle pockets
- Ideal for travel
Cons
- Only four color options
This stylish backpack from Everlane is made of 100% recycled polyester with a water-repellent finish in four color options. There's a zippered laptop compartment that can hold a 15-inch device, and the main compartment zippers shut with a magnetic flap over the top to keep everything secure. Its organizational pockets include an internal and external water bottle compartment, front zippered pockets and internal pouches. Plus, it even has a back strap to fit on top of a carry-on suitcase for easy traveling. The zipper teeth are the only element of this bag that's not made from recycled materials.
| Dimensions | 17.5” x 12” x 7.25” |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not listed |
| Maximum laptop size | 15" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
Pros
- Simple, classic design in bold colorways
- Added laptop compartment compared to the original style
- Easy to pack and unload in our tests
Cons
- Minimal padding on the straps
Swedish brand Fjallraven's simple backpack style has been around since 1978, and this version makes the classic even better with an added laptop pocket. We love the classic look and versatile design but note that the straps have less padding than other picks. The original style is a tad smaller and doesn't have a designated tech area. We liked that the top unzips fully around the sides for easier packing and unpacking. When your back needs a break, you can carry this backpack by the handles on top, which also snap together for easier toting. This pick is sold in eight fun color options such as yellow, teal, red and grey.
| Dimensions | 10.25" x 10" x 10" |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1 lb |
| Maximum laptop size | 17" |
| Water bottle pockets | 2 |
How we test college backpacks
When testing backpacks for students, we evaluate abrasion resistance, strap strength and tear strength as well as the amount of padding on the straps and weight when empty. We pack each backpack with standard packing loads for different age groups to ensure each bag will fit everything they need. In our most recent test, we evaluated 34 different backpacks to make these selections.
To find the best features for college students, we surveyed current students and recent alumni to learn more about what they specifically look for when shopping as well as their recommendations for current popular picks.
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Here, Senior Textiles Lab Analyst Emma Seymour, loads samples into an abrasion tester to evaluate fabric durability.
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine evaluates a backpack's shape, organizational components and laptop compartment to score the bag's overall design features.
What to look for when shopping for college backpacks
After analyzing tons of feedback from our panel and conducting extensive Lab testing, we determined the most important features to look out for before buying:
✔️ Laptop sleeves keep your laptop protected on the go. Confirm the bag can fit your laptop's dimensions before purchasing.
✔️ Organization systems such as zippered pouches or pen pockets are nice to have. Testers especially liked water bottle holders (stretchy ones can fit larger bottles!).
✔️ Straps that are curved and padded for comfort and support keep things comfortable. Chest and hip straps can offer better weight distribution for improved comfort.
✔️ Fabric made of high-denier polyester or nylon have better durability. They are also more abrasion-resistant.
✔️ A build that's tall and narrow helps evenly distribute weight. Wide backpacks can cause back pain.
✔️ Function is essential. Of course, a stylish backpack is fun, but it's better to choose one that will work well with your routine rather than for how it looks.
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Why you can trust Good Housekeeping
Emma Seymour is a senior textiles product analyst in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab where she oversees Lab and consumer tests for all types of backpacks. She evaluated the above backpacks in Lab and coordinated consumer testing. When she attended Cornell University to study fiber science, she always carried a Herschel backpack to class.
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Emma Seymour
Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Senior Analyst
Emma Seymour (she/her) is a senior product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab, where she has led testing for luggage, pillows, towels, tampons and more since 2018. She graduated from Cornell University with a bachelor of science in fiber science and apparel design and a minor in gerontology, completing research in the Body Scanner Lab on optimizing activewear for athletic performance.
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