The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.
Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. Makeup Bags
AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.
A solid, tough, comfortable and organized backpack can be a companion for life, from school to hiking to world travel. As of this writing, I’ve personally been using the same North Face pack for over 15 years. It’s gotten me through college and 25 countries and is still my ride-or-die for daily errands.
While making a first impression is definitely top of mind for starting a new school year — we’ve definitely taken appearance into account here — practicality should be part of picking out a new pack, too. You’ll be hauling heavy books, laptops and tech gear, and a good pack should handle and even offset that weight. Plus, your back will thank you, both in the short term and later in life.
Much like choosing your major, there are a lot of options, but I’ve done my homework, so strap in for the best backpacks for college.
Just to be clear, I’ll be focusing mainly on bags with shoulder straps, not messenger bags, and for good reason. “Most physical therapists agree that messenger bags tend to create more postural imbalances because of their one-strap construction and the offset location of the load when it’s on your body,” says Gait Happens’ Dr. Milica McDowell, a doctor of physical therapy and exercise physiologist.
Be on the lookout for packs that offer more than just storage — things like spacious and efficiently divided compartments, padded laptop sleeves, water bottle pockets and ergonomic designs. “As a PT with over 20 years of experience, and after a nine-year career teaching at a university, I’ve seen many years’ worth of students struggling under the weight of their bags on campus,” says McDowell. “I’d say the biggest fault I have witnessed is a mismatch of finding the ‘proper tool for the job.’ Folks like to say, don’t pick up a hammer when you need a screwdriver. This concept applies to selecting a proper bag for transporting all your goodies to class day in and day out. My best advice is you’ve got to match your tool to the task at hand — backpacks/bags included.”
Not all backpacks are made of the same stuff, which can start showing during the school year. Go for high-quality materials like ballistic nylon or reinforced polyester to withstand the weight and abuse of daily use. If you’re after a more eco-friendly build, there are plenty of options made from recycled materials now, too.
Just like a backpack, your body will start showing signs of wear and tear from carrying everything around. That’s why things like adjustable shoulder straps, padded back panels, chest and hip buckles and breathable mesh padding are essential for comfort on long-haul journeys or just trips across campus.
Back in my day, we had about five colors to choose from and thought that was incredible. Over the decades, however, the color palette of backpacks available has gotten to the point that there’s sure to be one that reflects your personal style and individuality while still being functional and comfortable.
A novelty pack from an unknown company with one of your favorite anime characters might scream “you,” but a major brand is more likely to have extras like a warranty and customer service.
Some of the top offerings can get pricey, and college is expensive enough. Set a budget first, and try to balance cost with quality along with features that you know you’ll need.
Much like a peer-reviewed study, read feedback from fellow students and customers to gauge real-world performance and durability.
You know it, you’ve seen it everywhere and you’ve probably owned one at some point in your life. But there’s a reason the JanSport endures and remains a classic, affordable option for everyday use. It offers a balance of functionality and affordability, making it a great choice for students on a budget looking for a basic backpack.
Being budget-conscious is part of being a student, and the JanSport SuperBreak definitely delivers a fair price and reliability with some style. However, it lacks the comfort and ergonomics of the competitors, like body and waist straps.
Get it here: JanSport SuperBreak Backpack
McDowell personally recommends the Mystery Ranch District 18, an ideal companion for campus commutes and light travel, offering eco-friendly functionality and style. “They're affordable, they're designed in Montana, they have an amazing warranty and they have U.S.-based customer service to help you navigate any challenges,” she enthuses.
The District 18 is a top choice for being kind to the environment and to your body, thanks to high-level tactical designs inspired by the company’s military line.
Get it here: Mystery Ranch DISTRICT 18
Simple, spacious and affordable, this straightforward pack has a familiar design that still includes features for modern-day convenience, like a water-resistant build, built-in USB charging port and anti-theft measures. It’s also a nicely traditional price and lightweight, too.
Matein’s Travel Laptop Backpack is surprisingly more affordable than we expected and has many storage pockets and convenient features.
Get it here: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Herschel products can be both adorable and serious, respectable workhorses. The Little America backpack combines that classic old-timey mountaineering look with modern functionality and is suitable for both campus commutes and outdoor adventures. Whether hauling hiking gear or biology textbooks, this has got your back, most likely for many years to come.
Herschel’s Little America Backpack is on the expensive side, but you get a lot for what you’re paying. This one’s not only fashionable, it’s timeless and tough as nails and will most likely last you till long after college.
Get it here: Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack
You’ve no doubt seen the iconic logo when walking behind somebody who has one of these. The Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack is a super popular choice for its clean design, durable build, eco-consciousness, versatility and practical functionality. It’s completely free of harmful PFCs, and the sustainable materials don’t skimp on strength when it comes to carrying your gear.
The Kanken is an eco-conscious choice that doesn't compromise on style or functionality, but also doesn’t have as many features as others here. It was originally made for Swedish school children but works well for students of all ages.
Get it here: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
If travel is going to be a big part of your college years, stop here and take a look. The VGCUB offers expandability for when you need extra space to pack things for a semester abroad or just a long weekend away from campus. This one’s great for people like me who desperately try to be the minimalist, super-efficient world traveler, then end up taking way more than needed. But there’s a place for everything here and it’ll still keep your overpacking organized.
Expandable while still being affordable and among the lightest weight options here, the VGCUB Travel Backpack is perfect for students who need to carry a variable amount of stuff for school and then get on a plane or bus afterwards.
Get it here: VGCUB Travel Backpack
There’s a lot going on in and around this Nomatic bag, as it’s packed with clever and innovative features for class and life, easily making it one of the best travel backpacks. The clamshell design makes packing a breeze, there’s a built-in laundry bag, a TSA-approved lock and hidden compartments for valuables, too. It’s comfortable to wear and will help you breeze through the security line at the airport.
Organization and convenience are the stars of the NOMATIC Travel Backpack, but even on empty this is one of the heaviest in our bunch.
Get it here: NOMATIC Travel Pack
An environmentally conscious blend of materials and a second comfortable carrying option gave Timbuk2 our top spot for a convertible. The Vapor is versatile enough for college or the grocery store and easy to flip around mid-walk while still being lightweight. Your laptop is safe inside, sandwiched between padded layers.
Timbuk2’s Vapor Convertible Tote Backpack is a solid bag from a reputable company that easily converts into a tote when your back starts to feel too weighed down.
Get it here: Timbuk2 Vapor Convertible Backpack
Under Armour’s Hustle pack is built for athletes but still a good pick for students who’ll be doing lots of walking, commuting and running — including running late to class. Thanks to its water resistance, water will literally roll right off your back, and it’s built to handle tough workouts and roughing up. This can take a beating from books, spills and sweaty workout gear.
Under Armour is a leader in the world of athletic gear, and its durable and feature-rich Hustle Sport Backpack is ideal for both athletes and students with active lifestyles.
Get it here: Under Armour Hustle Sport Backpack
Osprey specifically designed this bag for taller torsos. It features an adjustable suspension system that allows for a perfect fit, a ventilated back panel for breathability and a hip belt for weight distribution. The Farpoint is for men, but the similar Fairview — see below — is the women's version with a fit focused on a different center of gravity.
It’s hard to go wrong with an Osprey, and if other backpacks haven’t been fitting your tall frame, the Farpoint is worth a try.
Get it here: Osprey Farpoint
An alternative option from Osprey for women, the Fairview 70 is a spacious pack for students planning to haul a heavy load around campus or use it for traveling. The main compartment is huge, with a removable daypack, a ventilated back panel and a hip belt for more ergonomic and balanced carrying. Both this and the men’s version — Farpoint, above — offer all the same features with a slightly different tailored fit.
Osprey bags don’t skimp on quality, and the Fairview 70 is built to last. Just make sure the size and model fit both you and your needs.
Keep your laptop safe and secure from all types of weather. The North Face has been crafting weather-resistant gear for nearly half a century and this is a comfortable choice for cushioning your computer. I got my North Face backpack in 2009 and it’s showing few signs of age. In fact, it just traveled with me through Spain and Iceland, and has many more miles under its buckled belt.
The North Face Recon combines durability, functionality and device protection, making it ideal for modern students whose lives are on their laptops. This one also has a bigger compartment than the Borealis model.
Get it here: The North Face Recon
I prioritized backpacks with features designed to make college more comfortable, efficient and safe for the gear you’re carrying, like storage space, padded laptop compartments and organizational pockets.
Because backpacks will be subject to daily wear and tear, my list prioritizes high-quality materials with features like reinforced stitching and durable hardware.
Hauling books and laptops doesn’t have to hurt. I selected backpacks with ergonomic designs, padded shoulder straps and cushy — and breathable — back panels for long-term wear and to reduce the pain and strain on your body.
While functionality is arguably the most important aspect for daily use, I also considered backpacks with different designs and color options that’ll fit personal styles and make you proud to flaunt them.
Feedback from real-life users helped me gauge the overall performance, durability and satisfaction levels of each backpack. They gave me the input of people using packs daily from campuses and cities around the world.
A low price tag isn’t necessarily the same thing as value, and neither is a high one for that matter. The true value is what you’re getting for that money, and that’s what I looked into for each pack, taking into account more than price, but what kind of quality, features and brand reputation you’ll be getting out of your investment.
Speaking of brand reputation, I included options from well-established manufacturers known for their quality, reliability and customer service, along with a few lesser-known ones and newcomers who are rising stars among satisfied users.
“With more classes offering online textbooks, digital resources and virtual options, the need for a massive backpack is shifting quickly,” says McDowell. “Before 2020, many students had to haul physical textbooks for many classes, labs, lessons and workshops. I was on a university faculty from 2012 to 2019, and my students often showed up to Biomechanics with a textbook weighing 4 to 5 pounds! But with the post-2020 shift to a more hybrid educational model and more online textbooks, the weight has been lifted for the 2024 student population (and their shoulders), as many professors now don’t even require the purchase of a physical textbook.”
If you’re taking mostly virtual classes, a smaller bag might be fine. But if you know you’ll be hauling books, a laptop, a tablet and a water bottle, you’ll be happy with that extra space and ergonomic features.
According to biomechanics literature, McDowell advises that a backpack and its contents should weigh no more than 10 to 20% of a student’s body weight.
“If you want to do the math, if a student weighs 150 pounds, the variability from 10% (15 pounds) to 20% (30 pounds) is a really big difference,” she says. “A general rule of thumb for students to stay in the ‘ideal’ range of backpack and contents weight is to shoot for 15% or less of their body weight daily, and then ranging to that 20% is acceptable a few days a week. If a student is carrying closer to that 20% range (again, 30 pounds if you weigh 150 pounds), footwear is a huge consideration to reduce risks of low back and foot pain.”
“For students carrying lighter loads shorter distances, a messenger bag might be more convenient, but for those who are walking longer distances, bike commuting or carrying a full day’s school supplies like a laptop, workout stuff and a lunch, a backpack is a more ergonomic way to manage your gear,” says McDowell.
Handbags In Style AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.