The right backpack can really make or break your school year. Whether you’re dealing with high school hallways or a huge college campus, your backpack is like your personal mobile base, holding everything from books and laptops to snacks and pens.
In 2025, backpacks aren’t just for carrying books anymore. The best ones now have cool stuff like padded spots for laptops, USB ports for charging, zippers that keep thieves out, and designs that are easy on your back when you’re hauling heavy stuff all day.
What Makes a Good Student Backpack in 2025?
Before we get to our top picks, let’s talk about what makes a student backpack great:
Must-Have Stuff for Students Today
Laptop Safety: Since everyone uses computers for school now, you need a backpack with a padded laptop spot. Make sure it fits a 13-17 inch laptop and maybe a tablet too.
Staying Organized: Lots of pockets, pen holders, key clips, and inside spots help you keep your stuff where it needs to be, so you can easily grab what you need between classes.
Built to Last: Good materials like ripstop nylon, strong stitching, and tough zippers will make sure your backpack lasts for years of everyday use.
Comfort First: Padded straps, a back that lets air flow, and good weight balance will keep you from getting tired or hurting your back during long school days.
Keep it Safe: Zippers you can lock, hidden pockets, and compartments that block RFID scanners keep your important stuff and personal info safe.
What to Consider Based on Age
High School: You want a backpack that looks good but is still useful. It needs to have space for books, binders, and all your tech.
College: You’ll need a bigger backpack that looks good for internships and interviews, and that will keep your expensive laptop safe.
Grad School: Look for a backpack that works for both school and work, with a nice design and good materials that make you look professional.
15 of the Best Student Backpacks for 2025
1. JanSport SuperBreak Plus – Best All-Around for High School
Price: $35-45 | Size: 25L | Laptop: 15
The JanSport SuperBreak Plus is an updated version of the classic SuperBreak with the features students need today. It has a laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, and JanSport’s great lifetime promise.
Top Features:
- Strong 600-denier polyester
- Padded laptop spot for most 15 laptops
- Classic look in 20+ colors
- Comfortable S-shaped shoulder straps
- Front pocket with places to keep stuff
Great For: High schoolers who want a backpack that’s dependable, affordable, and keeps their stuff safe.
2. North Face Recon Backpack – Best All-Around for College
Price: $99-119 | Size: 30L | Laptop: 17
The North Face Recon is both tough enough for the outdoors and useful for school. It has a FlexVent system for comfort and lots of room for your books.
Top Features:
- FlexVent system with a padded mesh back
- Laptop spot with soft fleece for a 17 laptop
- Front area for organizing stuff
- Place to clip a bike light and bungee cords on the outside
- North Face quality with a lifetime promise
Great For: College students who want a backpack that can handle anything, from school to outdoor fun.
3. Herschel Little America Backpack – Most Stylish
Price: $110-130 | Size: 25L | Laptop: 15
The Herschel Little America combines the look of old-school hiking gear with what students need today. It’s a stylish and useful backpack.
Top Features:
- Cool striped fabric inside
- Padded and fleece-lined spot for a 15 laptop
- Drawstring close with magnetic straps
- Shaped shoulder straps with air mesh padding
- Front pocket with a key clip
Great For: Students who care about style and usefulness, like art students and anyone who wants to look good.
4. Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L – Best Eco-Friendly
Price: $79-99 | Size: 28L | Laptop: 15
Patagonia cares about the environment, and the Refugio shows it. It’s made from recycled stuff but is still strong and has the features students need.
Top Features:
- Made from 100% recycled polyester with a water-resistant coating
- Padded spot for a 15 laptop
- Front area with lots of pockets
- Comfortable shoulder straps and back
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory
Great For: Students who care about the environment and want gear that’s made in a good way.
5. Osprey Nebula Backpack – Best for Carrying Heavy Stuff
Price: $80-100 | Size: 34L | Laptop: 17
If you have to carry a lot of heavy books and tech, the Osprey Nebula is your friend. It has a great suspension system and lots of room to make those long walks across campus easier.
Top Features:
- AirScape back with foam for air flow
- Big main area with a spot for a water pack
- Padded spots for a laptop and tablet
- Front area with lots of pockets
- Place to attach hiking poles
Great For: Grad students and anyone who carries a lot and wants to be comfortable.
6. SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack – Best for Travel
Price: $60-80 | Size: 31L | Laptop: 17
If you’re studying in another country or flying a lot, the SwissGear 1900 is great. It lets you get through airport security easily and is made with Swiss quality.
Top Features:
- Lays flat so you can go through airport security without taking out your laptop
- Lots of areas, including one that blocks RFID scanners
- Made of tough ballistic polyester
- Padded back with fabric that keeps you from sweating
- Lifetime promise on materials and build
Great For: Students who travel a lot or need to get through airport security quickly.
7. Under Armour Scrimmage 2.0 Backpack – Best for Athletes
Price: $45-65 | Size: 29L | Laptop: 15
If you’re an athlete, you need a backpack that works for both school and the gym. The Under Armour Scrimmage 2.0 is water-resistant and has features for sports.
Top Features:
- Water-resistant fabric that still lets air flow
- Soft laptop sleeve for laptops up to 15
- Big main area with places to keep stuff
- Water bottle pocket and front pocket for valuables
- Straps for attaching extra gear
Great For: Athletes and active students who need gear that can keep up with their busy lives.
8. Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack – Best Simple Design
Price: $78-98 | Size: 22L | Laptop: 15
The Everlane ReNew Transit has a clean look and is made from sustainable materials. It’s great for students who like things simple and made in an ethical way.
Top Features:
- Made from recycled plastic bottles
- Clean, professional look for internships
- Padded laptop area that’s easy to get to
- Inside pockets for organizing
- Comfortable padded straps
Great For: Students who care about design and those getting ready for the working world.
9. Nike Brasilia Backpack – Best Budget Option
Price: $25-35 | Size: 24L | Laptop: 13
The Nike Brasilia shows that you don’t have to spend a lot to get a good backpack. It has the basics that students need at a great price.
Top Features:
- Strong polyester
- Big main area with a spot inside
- Front pocket for things you need fast
- Loop for carrying easily
- Comes in different colors
Great For: Students who don’t want to spend a lot but still need a backpack that works.
10. Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack – Best for City Commuters
Price: $149-169 | Size: 28L | Laptop: 17
The Timbuk2 Authority is made for students in the city who bike, walk, or take the bus. It’s tough and useful for school.
Top Features:
- Weatherproof outside
- Laptop area that’s easy to get to
- Places inside to keep stuff organized, plus a key leash
- Reflective details to help you be seen
- Lifetime promise
Great For: Students who travel around the city every day and need a backpack that can handle all kinds of weather.
11. Adidas Classic 3-Stripes Backpack – Best Sports Brand
Price: $30-50 | Size: 26L | Laptop: 15
The famous three stripes meet a useful student backpack. It’s a good mix of sports style and school needs.
Top Features:
- Strong ripstop polyester
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Front zip pocket with organizing spots inside
- Adjustable padded shoulder straps
- Classic Adidas look
Great For: Students who want a well-known brand that also works well.
12. Bellroy Classic Backpack – Best Leather Option
Price: $195-225 | Size: 20L | Laptop: 16
If you want a backpack that will last for a long time, the Bellroy Classic is a good choice. It’s made of nice leather and has good organization.
Top Features:
- Nice vegetable-tanned leather
- Laptop area with soft lining
- Inside pockets for organizing
- Magnetic close
- Looks good in any setting
Great For: Grad students and anyone who wants a backpack that will work in a professional setting.
13. Matein Travel Laptop Backpack – Best Tech Features
Price: $40-60 | Size: 30L | Laptop: 17
The Matein Travel has cool features like USB charging ports and anti-theft spots. It’s great for students who love tech.
Top Features:
- USB charging port with a cable
- Hidden zippers to keep thieves out
- Water-resistant fabric
- Lots of areas for organizing
- Strap for attaching to luggage
Great For: Students who want a backpack with the latest tech and security.
14. L.L.Bean Quad Pack – Best for Outdoor Programs
Price: $89-109 | Size: 28L | Laptop: 15
The L.L.Bean Quad Pack combines the brand’s outdoor know-how with what students need. It’s great for students studying nature or doing outdoor programs.
Top Features:
- Tough Cordura nylon
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Lots of outside pockets
- Comfortable padded straps
- Lifetime promise
Great For: Students in outdoor programs or those who study in tough places.
15. Kipling Seoul Go Backpack – Best Lightweight Option
Price: $79-99 | Size: 27L | Laptop: 15
The Kipling Seoul Go is very light but still has lots of space. It shows that you don’t have to give up comfort for size.
Top Features:
- Light crinkle nylon
- Big main area with a laptop sleeve
- Lots of outside pockets
- Kipling monkey keychain
- Can be washed in a machine
Great For: Students who want a backpack that’s easy to carry for a long time.
How to Buy a Student Backpack Based on School Level
What High School Students Need
High school students have their own needs when it comes to backpacks. They need to carry heavy books, go to their lockers a lot, and have space for their tech.
Size: 20-30 liters should be enough for high school, with room for 4-6 books, binders, and a laptop or tablet.
Style: It’s important to look good in high school, so style and brand matter along with usefulness.
Price: Most high school backpacks are between $30-80.
Look For:
- Laptop area for school computers
- Lots of pockets to keep stuff organized
- Strong build to handle being stuffed in lockers
- Comfortable straps for walking between classes
- Style that shows who you are
College Backpack Needs
College students need more from their backpacks. They have to walk farther, carry expensive tech, and deal with all kinds of weather.
Size: 25-35 liters for bigger books, a laptop, research stuff, and everyday items.
Look Professional: You want your backpack to look good for internships and job interviews.
Protect Your Stuff: Keep your expensive laptops and tablets safe with good padding and weather protection.
Look For:
- Padded laptop spots for 15-17 inch laptops
- Water-resistant fabric for walking around campus
- Professional style for career events
- Good organization for busy schedules
- Comfortable straps for long walks
Grad School and Work
Grad students often have to balance school and work, so they need a backpack that works for both.
Size and Organization: 30+ liters with good organization for research, work papers, and tech.
Versatile Look: Backpacks need to look good at conferences, meetings, and research places.
Long-Term: Grad school takes years, so you want something that will last and has a good promise.
Look For:
- Good materials and build
- Good organization
- Professional look
- Protection for laptops and tech
- A good promise that covers you for years
How to Take Care of Your Backpack
Taking care of your backpack will make it last longer.
Everyday Tips
Empty It: Take out your books and stuff every week to keep it from getting stretched out.
Clean Spills: Clean up spills fast so they don’t stain.
Balance Weight: Change which areas you put heavy stuff in so one part doesn’t wear out faster than others.
Cleaning Tips
Check the Tag: Always read the cleaning tag before you start.
Machine Wash: You can wash many backpacks in a machine on a gentle cycle with light soap.
Hand Wash: For leather or nice materials, use the right cleaners and soft cloths.
Drying: Let it air dry completely before you store it so it doesn’t get moldy.
Storage Tips
End of Year: Clean it well and keep it in a cool, dry spot with air flow.
Stuff It: Keep its shape by stuffing it with paper.
Avoid Heat: Heat and cold can hurt the materials.
Tech in Backpacks
Tech is changing how backpacks are made.
Charging
USB Ports: Many backpacks now have USB ports on the outside that connect to a battery inside.
Cable Management: Cables inside keep things neat.
Battery Size: You can put different sizes of batteries in special spots.
Device Protection
More Space: You can carry laptops, tablets, phones, and accessories at the same time.
Shock Protection: Padding keeps your devices safe from drops.
Weather Protection: Zippers and coatings keep water out.
Connectivity
RFID Blocking: Pockets that block RFID keep your credit cards safe from being scanned.
Anti-Theft: Hidden zippers keep thieves away.
Smart Features: Some backpacks have Bluetooth tracking and connect to your phone.
Backpacks for Each Season
Each school season has its own needs for backpacks.
Fall
New Start: A new year means a new backpack and better organization.
Changing Weather: You need a backpack that can handle different temperatures and rain.
Classes: Your class schedule helps you know how much space you need.
Winter
Protection: You need better protection from snow and rain.
Clothes: Winter clothes change how your backpack fits.
Temperature: Going from hot to cold tests the materials.
Spring
Cleaning: Clean your backpack and see if it needs repairs.
More Activity: You might need different features for outdoor activities.
Planning: Think about if you need a new backpack for next year.
How to Save Money
Students don’t always have a lot of money, but you can still get a good backpack.
When to Buy
Sales: Buy during back-to-school sales.
Clearance: Buy at the end of the season.
Outlets: Check brand outlets for good prices.
What to Look For
Cost Per Year: A more expensive backpack might last longer.
Must-Have Features: Spend money on the things you really need.
Promises: A good promise can save you money in the long run.
Where to Shop
Online: Check different websites for the best prices.
Student Discounts: Some brands give discounts to students.
Promotions: Watch for holiday sales and deals.
The Environment
More students care about the environment, so sustainable backpacks are becoming more important.
Materials
Recycled: Many backpacks are made from recycled plastic bottles.
Cotton: Some are made from natural cotton.
Good Materials: Look for materials that are made in an ethical way.
Longevity
Repairs: Some brands will repair your backpack.
Parts: You can replace some parts instead of buying a new backpack.
Good Build: Good materials mean you won’t have to replace it as often.
End of Life
Recycle: Some brands will take back old backpacks to recycle.
Donate: You can give working backpacks to other students.
Upcycle: You can use old backpacks for art projects.
Questions You Might Have
What size backpack do I need for college?
Most college students need 25-35 liters for books, laptops, and other things.
How much should I spend on a student backpack?
A good backpack costs $30-150, but $60-100 is good for most people.
Can I use a hiking backpack for school?
Hiking backpacks are comfy, but they don’t always have laptop spots.
How do I know if a backpack fits?
The straps should be comfy, the weight should be balanced, and it shouldn’t hurt your back.
What’s the difference between student and business backpacks?
Student backpacks have space for books, while business backpacks look professional.
Conclusion
The best backpack depends on your school level, budget, style, and what you need it for. The 15 backpacks in this guide are the best you can get in 2025.
The perfect backpack is different for everyone. Try a few, read reviews, and check the promise before you buy.
A good backpack will help you stay organized, protect your stuff, and be comfortable. Choose carefully and enjoy your studies!
Where to Buy
Top Stores:
- Amazon – Lots of choices, reviews, and fast shipping
- REI – Good advice and returns
- Nordstrom – Nice choices and customer service
- Dick’s Sporting Goods – Gear for sports and outdoors
- Target – Affordable and stylish
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Updated: July 2025 | This guide is updated often.
