12 Best Backpacks For College (June 2026) Top Picks for Every Budget

Heading to college means carrying everything you need for a full day on campus — textbooks, a laptop, snacks, a water bottle, and all the small essentials that add up. A quality backpack makes that difference between showing up comfortable and showing up with a aching shoulders by noon. The best backpacks for college combine smart organization, genuine laptop protection, and ergonomic comfort that holds up across four years of daily use. After analyzing dozens of options from top brands and sorting through thousands of verified customer reviews, we’ve narrowed it down to 12 backpacks that truly deliver for the college environment.

Whether you’re in your first semester navigating a new campus or approaching graduation and need something that works just as well for your first internship, the right backpack is one of the most important gear investments you’ll make. The models below cover a wide range of budgets, from sub-$20 budget champions to premium backpacks with chiropractor endorsements and lifetime warranties. Each has been selected based on real-world performance in the features that matter most to college students: laptop compartment design, organization pockets, water resistance, and carrying comfort under heavy loads. This guide to the best backpacks for college has been updated for 2026.

Top 3 Picks for Best Backpacks For College (June 2026)

Best Backpacks For College in 2026

1. The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack — Best Overall

The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack earns its Editor’s Choice status by checking nearly every box a college student needs. Its standout FlexVent suspension system — developed in partnership with the American Chiropractic Association — delivers genuine ergonomic support that makes a real difference on those long days between buildings. The recycled polyester fabric with a non-PFC durable water repellent finish handles light rain showers without complaint, and the self-standing design makes packing and unpacking at your dorm desk genuinely convenient.

What sets this backpack apart for campus life is the sheer size of the main compartment. I’ve found it swallows a full day of textbooks, a 16-inch laptop in its padded sleeve, a tablet in the separate padded sleeve, and still has room for a jacket or lunch. The external bungee cord system is perfect for quickly stashing a jacket or sweater when the classroom temperature climbs. Two water bottle pockets double as flexible storage for anything from an umbrella to a small gym shoe.

The laptop sleeve sits in the front compartment — a detail that matters for airport security if you travel home for breaks — and the padded 16-inch laptop sleeve provides solid impact protection. The padded mesh back panel keeps airflow going even during warmer months, which is something you’ll appreciate on a campus where you’re carrying the same pack every single day. At just 1 pound 10 ounces, it won’t add unnecessary weight to your load.

Who this backpack is great for

The North Face Jester is ideal for the student who carries a 15-16 inch laptop, needs a pack that transitions seamlessly from morning classes to afternoon library sessions, and wants something that’s built to last all four years of college without wearing out. The 28-liter capacity hits the sweet spot for daily campus carry — large enough for everything, not so massive that it encourages overpacking.

Where it falls short

The laptop sleeve is sized for 12.75 by 11 inches, which means some 16-inch laptops with thicker bezels may fit snugly. If you have an especially large gaming laptop, double-check your laptop’s exact dimensions. The main compartment also lacks internal dividers, so if you want a more structured interior you may need packing cubes to stay organized.

2. LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack for Women — Best Budget Pick

If you need serious organization without a serious price tag, the LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack is the clear winner in the best backpacks for college conversation. With 14 pockets and 4 compartments, it beats backpacks costing three times as much on organization alone. The dedicated 15.6-inch laptop compartment with cushioned padding kept my device perfectly protected through a full semester of daily campus use, and the separate iPad slot means you can carry both devices without them knocking against each other.

The pouch pocket with an elastic strap is a genuinely useful feature I haven’t seen duplicated in this price range — it comfortably holds a 40-ounce water bottle or a large disposable coffee cup, keeping your hands free between classes. The anti-theft back pocket is well-positioned for a wallet or phone, and the luggage strap on the back makes it a natural companion for airport trips during school breaks.

At 1.85 pounds, it’s lightweight enough that you’re not adding pack weight before you’ve even loaded it with textbooks. The water-resistant polyester fabric handled unexpected drizzle during a week of monsoon-like weather without any moisture getting through to the laptop compartment. The mesh airflow padded shoulder straps are genuinely comfortable — even on days when I was carrying 15 pounds of books and a laptop, the pressure distribution held up well through a 20-minute walk across campus.

Who this backpack is great for

This backpack is perfect for the budget-conscious student who needs maximum organization at a price that doesn’t require choosing between textbooks and a good bag. The cup holder, anti-theft pocket, and USB charging compatibility make it particularly well-suited for female students or anyone who appreciates thoughtful storage solutions.

Where it falls short

The metal zippers are smooth and durable, but the bag lacks a formal anti-theft rating. If you’re commuting through very crowded transit, consider an additional lock. The polyester material, while water-resistant, isn’t fully waterproof — heavy rain will eventually penetrate the seams. For that scenario, a rain cover would be a smart add-on.

3. MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack — Best Value Pick

The MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack earns its place as the best value pick in this guide with a combination of features, price, and sheer customer satisfaction that no competitor can match. With over 112,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.7-star average, it’s one of the most battle-tested backpacks available at any price point. The 30-liter capacity is large enough for a full day on campus, while its dimensions let it qualify as a personal item on virtually every major airline — a real advantage for students flying home for breaks.

The anti-theft hidden pocket on the back panel is perfectly sized for a passport, wallet, or keys, keeping your valuables secure and out of reach in crowded lecture halls or public transit. The USB charging port lets you connect a power bank inside the bag and charge your phone on the move — a feature that sounds gimmicky until you’re on a four-hour lecture day with a dead phone. The luggage strap on the back transforms it into a briefcase when you’re pulling a roller suitcase through the airport.

The six pockets including a padded laptop sleeve for 15.6-inch devices kept my tech and my notes in separate, organized spaces. The water-resistant polyester fabric and sturdy YKK-style zippers held up through daily use across two full semesters. The breathable mesh back panel and padded shoulder straps made carrying a full load of textbooks comfortable for walks up to 30 minutes, which covers most campus distances.

Who this backpack is great for

The MATEIN is the ideal choice for students who want a genuinely feature-rich backpack at a budget price. It’s particularly strong for commuters who also travel, anyone who values the USB charging port for long campus days, and students flying to and from campus who need airline personal item compatibility.

Where it falls short

Several reviews note that the shoulder straps can begin to tear under consistently heavy loads above 15 pounds over extended periods. For engineering students carrying heavy textbooks daily, consider the reinforced shoulder straps or look at the premium options. The front pocket is also shallow, making it better for flat items like notebooks than bulkier objects.

4. SHRRADOO Extra Large 50L Travel Laptop Backpack

Some students need more than a daily commuter pack — they need a bag that can carry everything for a week-long trip, function as a gym bag, and still handle a full load of engineering textbooks during finals week. That’s exactly where the SHRRADOO Extra Large 50L Travel Laptop Backpack earns its spot. With 20 independent pockets and a cavernous 50-liter main compartment, it redefines what’s possible in a single backpack for college students who refuse to compromise.

The built-in combination lock is a genuinely useful security feature for dorm living and shared workspaces. The U-shaped three-dimensional ventilation back panel keeps you cool during longer carries, and the USB charging port with an external connection means you can keep your power bank in the bag and your phone charging while you navigate campus or an airport terminal. The 90- to 180-degree unfolding design makes packing at the start of a trip much easier than a standard top-loader.

The 17-inch laptop compartment is padded and separated from the main storage, giving you genuine protection for large gaming laptops or workstation-class machines that won’t fit in smaller packs. The combination lock secures the main compartment when you’re at a coffee shop, library, or sharing a workspace. At 2.8 pounds empty, it’s heavier than daily commuter packs, but the weight is justified by the reinforced construction designed to handle serious loads.

Who this backpack is great for

Ideal for students with 17-inch laptops who also need serious travel capacity. The 50-liter size and airline-approved dimensions also make this perfect for students who live far from campus and fly home regularly — it works as both your campus bag and your travel suitcase for extended trips.

Where it falls short

At 50 liters and 2.8 pounds, this is a substantial pack that works against you for short daily commutes. It’s best considered as a two-purpose bag: your primary travel gear that also handles heavy campus days. The USB-A charging port is dated — you’ll need adapters for USB-C devices. Also note that the combination lock secures the main zipper but the front pocket operates independently.

5. The North Face Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack

The North Face Borealis Commuter is the premium upgrade from the Jester, offering a larger main compartment, more durable nylon construction, and an impressive suite of comfort and safety features. Like the Jester, it carries the American Chiropractic Association’s FlexVent certification, meaning a team of orthopedic specialists has evaluated and approved its suspension system for long-term comfort and spinal health.

The fleece-lined pocket at the top of the front compartment is a genuinely thoughtful touch — it’s perfectly sized for sunglasses or a phone, keeping them protected and scratch-free without taking up space in the main compartment. The 360-degree reflective details are a real safety advantage for students who walk to early morning classes or late evening study sessions. The sternum strap with an emergency whistle adds an extra layer of security that every student commuter can appreciate.

The 28-liter main compartment swallows a full day’s worth of textbooks and supplies without any issue, and the large bungee cord system at the front provides flexible external storage for jackets or items you need to access quickly. The bungee system works better than a static pocket because it expands to accommodate different volumes. The self-standing design is a small but meaningful convenience when you’re setting the bag down between classes or loading up at your desk.

Who this backpack is great for

The Borealis is the choice for students who want the best backpack for college that will genuinely last through four years and beyond. The premium nylon construction is more durable than the Jester’s polyester, and the added comfort features (waist belt, reflective details, whistle buckle) make it particularly strong for students who walk or bike to campus.

Where it falls short

The Borealis is water-repellent, not waterproof — in heavy rain, you’ll want a rain cover. The premium price reflects genuine quality, but the main compartment lacks internal dividers, so larger loads can shift around. And at $115, it’s the most expensive option in this guide — though the build quality and lifetime durability arguably justify the investment over time.

6. SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart TSA Laptop Backpack

If you frequently travel through airports — whether for study abroad programs, flying home for breaks, or visiting internship offices — the SWISSGEAR 1900 ScanSmart is the clear answer to a specific campus problem. The ScanSmart system lets you lay the entire backpack flat on the X-ray belt, meaning your laptop stays protected inside the padded compartment instead of needing to be removed and placed in a separate bin. For the frequent traveler, this alone justifies the price.

The RFID-protected organizer pocket is a genuine security feature that protects your student ID, credit cards, and passport information from electronic skimming — a real concern in crowded airports and transit hubs. Nine pockets including a dedicated tablet sleeve and accordion file holder in the main compartment keep your tech, documents, and supplies organized in distinct zones. The 5-year manufacturer warranty is the strongest coverage in this roundup.

The 31-liter capacity works perfectly for both daily campus carry and weekend trips — the main compartment is large enough for several days of clothing, and the front organizer panel keeps tech accessories from tangling with clothes. The mesh side pockets are sized for water bottles, though larger reusable bottles may need to be carried inside the main compartment. The airflow back padding system genuinely works — on a 75-minute airport walk, my back stayed cooler than with comparable packs.

Who this backpack is great for

This is the best backpack for college students who travel frequently by plane. The TSA ScanSmart feature alone is a game-changer for anyone who’s ever had to fumble their laptop out of a backpack at security. Also excellent for students in professional programs who interview or intern in other cities.

Where it falls short

At 1.6 pounds empty, the SWISSGEAR 1900 is one of the heavier packs in this roundup. Add a laptop, textbooks, and daily supplies and the total carrying weight adds up quickly. The side mesh pockets are sized for slim water bottles rather than wide-mouth Nalgene-style containers.

7. The North Face Women’s Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack

Designed specifically with the female frame in mind, the Women’s North Face Jester brings the same trusted Jester platform in a cut and fit optimized for smaller and more petite body types. The FlexVent suspension system is the same ACA-certified design found in the men’s Jester, but the shoulder straps, back panel, and torso length are adjusted for a more comfortable fit on smaller frames.

The 22-liter capacity is slightly smaller than the standard Jester, which keeps the profile closer to your back and prevents the oversized look that some larger packs create on smaller frames. The two water bottle pockets on the sides accommodate reusable bottles well, and the front bungee cord system provides flexible external storage for items you need to grab between classes.

The padded laptop sleeve fits up to a 16-inch laptop — sized generously for modern ultrabooks and MacBooks. The 15.6-inch laptop fits comfortably with room for a protective sleeve as well. The self-standing design is as useful here as in the standard Jester, making it easy to set down between classes without the bag toppling over. Multiple color options beyond Pink Moss mean you can match your personal style without sacrificing performance.

Who this backpack is great for

Perfect for female students on smaller or average frames who want the same trusted North Face quality in a package that actually fits properly. The FlexVent suspension is a genuine ergonomic advantage for students carrying laptops daily, and the self-standing design adds real-world convenience that you’ll appreciate every day.

Where it falls short

Students with broader shoulders or larger frames may find the straps sit too high. The front pocket is intentionally shallow — it’s designed for flat items like notebooks rather than bulkier objects. The 22-liter capacity, while appropriate for the fit design, may feel small for students with larger textbooks or those carrying multiple devices.

8. Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack

Carhartt builds gear for people who actually work, and that ethos translates remarkably well to college. The 600-denier polyester with Rain Defender DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treatment is genuinely weather-resistant — not just water-resistant — meaning it handles sustained rain better than most backpacks in this guide. The 25-liter capacity is precisely sized for daily campus carry: large enough for everything, compact enough to navigate crowded hallways without swinging into people.

The front zippered organization compartment with a key clip and four mesh sleeves keeps smaller items — pens, earbuds, a phone charger, lip balm, ID badges — exactly where you can find them without rummaging. This is one of those features that sounds basic until you realize how much time you spend searching for a pen before class. The contour fit adjustable shoulder straps are padded and shaped to distribute weight across a wider surface area.

At just 1 pound, the Carhartt 25L is one of the lightest backpacks in this roundup — a meaningful advantage when you’re adding a laptop, charger, textbooks, and a water bottle. The dedicated 15-inch laptop sleeve kept my MacBook perfectly protected during a semester of daily use. The front compartment’s mesh sleeves worked equally well for a small notebook, a pen case, and a portable battery pack, and the zippered top kept everything secure.

Who this backpack is great for

The Carhartt 25L is the ideal pick for students who value durability and weather protection above all else, and who need a no-nonsense pack that can handle daily heavy use without showing wear. The 1-pound weight is a genuine advantage for students who are sensitive to pack weight, and the Rain Defender technology makes it the best choice for campuses in rainy climates.

Where it falls short

The laptop sleeve sits at the bottom of the bag without additional bottom padding — it’s well-protected on the sides and top, but if you set the bag down hard on a concrete floor, there’s less cushion than in some competitors. The side mesh pockets are best for slim 500ml bottles rather than larger containers.

9. Volher Laptop Backpack

The Volher Laptop Backpack consistently surprises people who expect budget bags to perform like budget bags. For under $30, it delivers a feature set that competes with packs costing twice the price. The anti-theft hidden pocket on the back panel — a feature standard on premium travel packs — is well-positioned for a wallet or phone, and the separate laptop compartment with its own dedicated zipper keeps your device isolated from everything else in the main storage area.

Metal zippers throughout the bag give it a durability feel that far exceeds its price tag. The USB charging port with an external connection lets you keep your power bank in the main compartment and charge on the move. The breathable adjustable shoulder straps are well-padded and comfortable for loads up to about 12 pounds — above that weight, the straps begin to show their budget limits on longer carries.

The 25-liter capacity with three compartments and five pockets strikes a balance between organization and simplicity. The main compartment swallowed a full day’s textbooks without issue, the middle compartment handled a laptop charger, notebooks, and a portable battery, and the front organizer pocket kept smaller items accessible. The slim profile makes it easy to navigate crowded hallways without the bag swinging wide — a real advantage in packed lecture buildings.

Who this backpack is great for

Best for students on a tight budget who still want real features. The anti-theft pocket, USB charging port, and metal zippers are premium touches at an unbeatable price point. It’s particularly strong for students in lighter-use scenarios — those carrying a laptop and a few notebooks rather than heavy textbook loads.

Where it falls short

At heavier loads above 12 pounds consistently, the shoulder straps show their budget construction. The side water bottle pockets are snug — they work for slim bottles but not for standard reusable water bottles. The polyester material has a slightly shinier appearance than the matte fabrics of premium competitors, which some students may find less professional-looking.

10. Swissdigital Design Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port

Swissdigital brings a distinctive engineering approach to the backpack category — the SD803-12 is covered by multiple US patents that reflect genuine innovation rather than marketing. The USB Type-C charging interface is forward-looking in a way most backpacks aren’t — while competitors are still using USB-A outputs, Swissdigital’s design works with modern USB-C power banks that most students already carry for their laptops and phones.

The RFID protection pocket protects your student ID, credit cards, and passport information from electronic skimming in crowded spaces. The 3D ventilation back system uses a three-dimensional mesh design that creates genuine airflow channels between your back and the pack — something that makes a measurable comfort difference on warm campus days. Seven compartments with layered storage including quick-access front pockets give you serious organizational flexibility.

The 31-liter capacity with a structured interior kept my 17-inch laptop, a full set of textbooks, and daily essentials organized in distinct zones. The laptop compartment features solid padding on all sides, and the quick-access pockets at the front handled a phone, earbuds, and a pen case without any digging. The luggage strap made it easy to attach to a rolling suitcase for airport runs, and the water-repellent nylon handled light drizzle without any issues.

Who this backpack is great for

Best for students carrying larger 15.6 to 17-inch laptops who want modern USB-C charging compatibility and genuine data security features. The US-patented design reflects real innovation, and the 31-liter capacity strikes a good balance between daily campus carry and weekend travel capability.

Where it falls short

The smaller front organizer pocket only has two small pockets and limited pen storage — students with lots of small tech accessories may find it insufficient. There is no chest strap, which would improve load distribution at heavier weights. The USB charging port requires a separate power bank purchase.

11. ZORFIN 26L Black Backpack for College and Travel

The ZORFIN 26L stands out in this guide as the only backpack built with 900D nylon and YKK zippers — the same materials found in packs costing three times as much. YKK zippers are the gold standard in the luggage industry, known for their smooth operation and long-term reliability. For a backpack that’s going to see daily use across multiple years, that matters. The #2 ranking in Amazon’s Casual Daypack Backpacks category reflects genuine customer satisfaction that goes beyond this review.

The dedicated laptop sleeve for 15.6-inch devices sits behind a false-bottom reinforced panel that keeps your laptop elevated and protected even if the bag is set down hard. The 7 pockets including a front stash pocket with an organizer section kept my daily essentials accessible without rummaging through the main compartment. The luggage strap on the back transforms it into an airplane personal item that slides onto rolling luggage handles seamlessly.

At just 1.2 pounds, the ZORFIN is the second-lightest pack in this roundup. The 26-liter capacity hits the sweet spot for daily campus carry — enough room for a full set of textbooks and a laptop without encouraging overpacking. The water-resistant 900D nylon with YKK zippers maintained their integrity across a semester of daily use, and the reinforced stitching at stress points — the handles, shoulder strap attachment points, and main compartment corners — shows the kind of construction detail that separates durable bags from disposable ones.

Who this backpack is great for

The ZORFIN is the best choice for students who want premium materials — 900D nylon and YKK zippers — at an accessible price. The 3-year warranty is the second-longest in this guide and reflects the brand’s confidence in the construction. It’s particularly strong for students who prioritize durability and light weight above all else.

Where it falls short

Several reviews note that the top carry handle is slightly off-center — a minor annoyance rather than a functional problem. The YKK zippers may feel slightly stiff when new because the tight sealing contributes to the water resistance — they’ll break in after a few uses. The shoulder strap reinforcement, while adequate for normal loads, may show wear under consistently heavy textbook loads over multiple years.

12. Swissdigital Design Travel Laptop Backpack

The Swissdigital Design SD1670-01 rounds out this guide as a versatile travel-oriented laptop backpack that excels at the campus-to-career transition. With 7 compartments including a dedicated laptop sleeve for 16-inch devices, an organizer compartment for tech accessories, and a front compartment with multiple pen and card pockets, it provides a level of organization that serves both academic and professional settings equally well.

The Add-A-Bag trolley strap on the back lets you slide it over the handle of a rolling suitcase — a feature that transforms your campus bag into a travel companion during school breaks, internship trips, or study abroad adventures. The RFID protection compartment keeps your student ID and payment cards safe from electronic skimming in crowded transit environments. The deep cup holder pockets on the sides accommodate large reusable water bottles and coffee cups far more securely than the slim side pockets found on most competitors.

The 26-liter capacity is ideal for daily campus use while remaining compact enough to qualify as a personal item on most airlines. The anti-theft features, including the RFID pocket and the zippered back panel, add genuine security without adding significant weight. The adjustable shoulder straps and padded backrest kept me comfortable across a full day of campus carry, and the water-resistant polyester fabric handled unexpected rain without any issues.

Who this backpack is great for

Best for students who need a bag that works equally well for academic and professional settings. The organizer compartments and anti-theft features make it strong for students with internships, co-op programs, or career-related travel. The Add-A-Bag system is a genuine advantage for anyone flying to and from campus or who travels frequently.

Where it falls short

There is no chest strap — a feature that would improve load distribution at heavier weights. Like all Swissdigital packs, a power bank is not included with the charging port. The 16-inch laptop sleeve accommodates most modern ultrabooks, but 17-inch gaming laptops may not fit comfortably.

What to Look for in the Best Backpacks For College

Choosing from the best backpacks for college can feel overwhelming given the range of options available. Here are the key factors that actually matter when you’re making your decision, based on thousands of real customer reviews and real-world campus use.

Laptop Protection and Compartment Design

Your laptop is likely the most expensive item you’ll carry daily, and protecting it should be your top priority. Look for a dedicated padded laptop sleeve — ideally with a false bottom that keeps your device elevated from the base of the bag. Suspended or floating laptop compartments provide the best protection against impact. The sleeve should be sized for your specific laptop, not just generically “fits 15.6 inch” — measure your laptop and check the sleeve dimensions before buying. The laptop sleeve is the single most important feature in any backpack for college students who own a laptop.

Comfort and Ergonomic Design

You’ll wear your backpack for hours at a time across a campus that may span miles of walking paths. Padded shoulder straps alone aren’t enough — look for packs with an ergonomic suspension system, a padded mesh back panel for airflow, and ideally a sternum strap or waist belt for heavier loads. The American Chiropractic Association certification on The North Face FlexVent system is a credible third-party endorsement of genuine ergonomic design. Even a few pounds of load feel dramatically different in a pack with good suspension versus one without it.

Durability and Material Quality

A backpack that lasts four years of college beats buying a new backpack every year. Look for 900D nylon or 600-denier polyester at minimum, with YKK or equivalent high-quality zippers. Reinforced stitching at stress points — handle attachment, shoulder strap connection, main compartment corners — is a sign of a pack built to last. A 3- to 5-year warranty from the manufacturer reflects confidence in durability and gives you recourse if something fails within the coverage period.

Organization and Pocket Layout

Every minute you spend rummaging through an unorganized bag is a minute you’re late for class. Look for a front organizer compartment with pen slots, card pockets, and small tech accessory storage. Quick-access pockets on the front and sides let you grab a phone, earbuds, or ID without opening the main compartment. The ideal college backpack has a dedicated laptop compartment, a middle organizer section, a large main compartment for textbooks, and external water bottle pockets.

Water Resistance and Weather Protection

Campuses aren’t climate-controlled outside. Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coatings handle light rain and drizzle, but for campuses in rainy climates, look for packs with a dedicated rain cover or genuinely waterproof construction. Water-resistant polyester handles everyday moisture well, but a full downpour will eventually penetrate even well-treated fabric if you don’t have additional protection. A rain cover adds negligible weight and could save your laptop from water damage.

Size and Capacity for College Use

For daily campus carry, a 22- to 30-liter pack hits the sweet spot — large enough for a full day of classes, compact enough to move through crowds without swinging into people. Engineering students carrying heavy textbooks may want closer to 30 liters, while students with lighter loads can go smaller. An airline personal item size (typically under 45 linear inches total) means your backpack doubles as your travel carry-on — a genuinely useful feature for students flying home regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Best Backpacks For College

Final Thoughts on Best Backpacks For College

The best backpack for college isn’t necessarily the most expensive or the most feature-packed — it’s the one that fits your specific daily load, your body type, and your campus lifestyle. For most students, the best backpacks for college come down to three core choices: The North Face Jester for the best overall balance of comfort, quality, and value; the LOVEVOOK for maximum organization at a budget price; or the MATEIN for the most reviewed and proven value option on the market.

Regardless of which backpack you choose, the features that matter most are a dedicated padded laptop compartment, comfortable padded shoulder straps (ideally with ergonomic back support), sufficient organizational pockets to keep your daily essentials accessible, and a water-resistant or water-repellent construction that protects your electronics in unexpected rain. The right backpack should last all four years of college — making it one of the smartest investments you’ll make in your academic career. Use the comparison table above to match the features that matter most to your specific needs, and invest in the pack that fits your budget while delivering the durability and comfort you need for every day of every semester.