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20 Best Backpacks for College Students on a Budget
There’s a lot of high-quality backpacks on the market that can fit the needs of college students. However, those same backpacks can be quite expensive. And paying hundreds of dollars for some fancy backpack probably isn’t a viable option if you’re already paying loads of money on other things, such as housing, tuition, and food.
That’s why I’ve compiled a list of the best backpacks for college students on a budget. It can be difficult trying to find affordable backpacks that are still well-made, but this list provides a good selection of functional options that don’t break the bank. From durability and comfort to storage and design, you’ll find every exceptional quality you need in a college backpack below.
CoolBELL Lunch Backpack
The Lunch Backpack from CoolBELL is extremely multifunctional and comes with some awesome features that I wish my backpack had in college. From the picture, you can see its built-in insulted compartment, which is really convenient for storing food items or even wet clothes.
The backpack has a spacious main compartment with two accessory pockets, so carrying your laptop, books, and other college supplies all at once won’t be a problem. There’s a hidden net pocket on the front that comes in handy for storing shoes, clothes, or a basketball.
Moreover, it’s made out of a waterproof material and has a built-in USB port. Not only is this one of the best backpacks for college, but it’s also perfect for traveling and using for outdoor activities.
LIGHT FLIGHT Women's Backpack
The LIGHT FLIGHT Women’s Backpack is a very stylish, yet functional bag for women in college. The backpack is 15.6 inches in size but is also available in 17.3 inches. One of the best features about this backpack is the amount of available storage space. It has one large main compartment with two inner pockets, two front storage pockets, two side pockets, and even a padded laptop compartment.
Although it’s not completely waterproof, it does use a water-resistant material. It also has anti-theft zippers and super soft padded shoulder straps. If you’re looking for a fashionable backpack with practical features, this is the one for you.
JanSport Cool Student Backpack
When it comes to reliable backpacks, JanSport is easily one of the best brands out there today, so you can expect to see a few more of their backpacks on this list. The first one I wanted to include is the Cool Student. It’s similar to their Big Student Backpack, but this one includes a laptop sleeve and a leather base with other leather trim.
Instead of one, this backpack has two large main compartments with a few more pockets on the front for ultimate storage of all your college items. The S-curve shoulder straps and padded back panel provide lots of comfortability as well.
UA Sport Backpack
Under Armour is known for making high-quality athletic wear, but they also sell excellent backpacks. This UA Adult Hustle Sport Backpack is perfect for athletes or any college student with an active lifestyle. It also comes with some features that make it great for taking to class and carrying around campus.
The bag uses a highly water-resistant and stain-resistant finish. For storage, it has one large main pocket with a 15-inch laptop sleeve, two side pockets, and a front stash pocket with an adjustable bungee cord.
Overall, this is a versatile backpack that can serve many purposes. The backpack is available in several different colors, including this really cool tie-dye pattern.
Nike Heritage Backpack
Here’s a backpack from Nike with a classic and simplistic design. The Nike Heritage has a spacious interior that’s great for books and folders and three exterior pockets to keep smaller items and supplies organized. The bag is available in a variety of colors for both men and women. Overall, this is a very solid and affordable option for students to carry around campus.
Champion Manuscript Backpack
For the price, you can’t beat the Champion Manuscript Backpack. It’s stylish, inexpensive, and still has lots of functionality. There’s plenty of internal space and pockets for organization. The padded back panel and padded shoulder straps add extra comfort. Also, the bag comes in several colors, including camouflage.
JanSport Big Student Backpack
The Big Student takes that classic JanSport backpack design and makes it bigger and better. It features two large main compartments with a 15-inch padded laptop pocket, a front utility pocket with organizer, two zippered front stash pockets, and a side water bottle pocket.
The S-curve shoulder straps and padded back panel provide lots of comfort and stability. You’ll also be to choose from a dozen awesome colors and designs for your preferred style.
Adidas Women's VFA 3 Backpack
If you’re looking for a sporty and stylish backpacks for college, you should definitely consider Adidas — another trusted brand known for quality products. The Women’s VFA 3 has a padded back panel and lightweight mesh material makes the bag really comfortable to carry around.
It has multiple internal pockets for organization and three large exterior pockets for extra items. I’ve personally used several bags from Adidas over the years, and I always enjoyed how reliable they were.
Kroser Laptop Backpack
This highly rated laptop backpack from Kroser has everything a college student will need and more. The bag is made out of a durable, water-resistant poly material that’s environmentally friendly.
Large capacity main and back compartments can store anything from clothes and electronics to books and supplies. Additionally, there’s a padded laptop sleeve and RFID interior pockets. Its side zipper pockets and several front pockets create even more storage space.
This extremely versatile backpack can be used for almost any occasion and comes with a convenient USB port to charge your phone when used with a portable power bank.
Herschel Settlement Backpack
Herschel is known for producing classic and retro style backpacks of the highest quality. With the mid-sized Herschel Settlement, you’re getting Herschel’s tried-and-true style and functionality.
The spacious main compartment is perfect for all your books and binders, while the front pocket and internal media pocket are good for smaller supplies and electronics. Additionally, it features contoured shoulder straps and a soft mesh back padding for added comfort.
Amazon Basics Backpack
If you want a larger backpack with loads of storage compartments, this bag from Amazon Basics is a perfect choice. You’ll have no problem storing items of all sizes and having them neatly organized in this backpack, thanks to the variety of pockets available.
Moreover, the three mesh back panels will keep you comfortable and stabilized when walking around campus. For the price, this Amazon customer favorite is hard to beat.
Himawari College Backpack
Not only is the Himawari College Backpack fashionable, but it’s also super durable. The vintage style will look really nice carrying around college, and the tough waterproof material will ensure it stays looking good for a long time.
It even comes in dozens different color combinations for both men and women. Himawari has a diverse selection of vintage-style backpacks that are worth checking out, as well.
Maxtop Deep Storage Backback
In terms of overall design, this awesome Deep Storage Backpack from Maxtop is one of the best on the list. It’s built for deep storage of all your essentials and has a really sleek, modern look. A number of interior pockets and sleeves make up most of the main compartment, but if that’s not enough, there’s a spacious front pocket and two side pockets.
The design doesn’t just stop at style and storage either — a breathable and ergonomic back panel, combined with padded s-shape shoulders straps add a lot of comfort and support to this lightweight backpack. Some other notable features include the USB port with built-in interior charging cable, luggage strap, and anti-theft pocket on the back.
Lekesky Laptop Backpack
What’s impressive about the Lekesky Laptop Backpack is its wide open design, which allows for quick and easy access to all your items in one giant main compartment. The interior is surrounded by thick padded sleeves to help keep everything well protected.
The bag itself is made out of a durable waterproof polyester, so you don’t have to worry about anything getting wet. The exterior has a large front pocket, two side pockets, and an anti-theft pocket on the back. For the price of this backpack, it’s insane how much functionality you’re getting. Plus the very stylish and unique design, which gives it a high-end feel.
Herschel City Backpack
This mid-size Herschel bag might be towards the upper end of your budget, but its stylish, vintage design and high-quality materials definitely makes it worth the extra few bucks. The backpack features one large main compartment with Herschel’s signature striped lining and a hidden zippered pocket under the top flap. It’s also available in a variety of colors.
Adidas Striker Backpack
Here’s another versatile and well-rounded backpack from adidas. The athletic design makes the Striker II Team a perfect bag to carry to practice or to the gym. But it’s also great for casual everyday use around college. For storage, it has a total of four compartments, including a tricot-lined media pocket.
The material used is a durable and machine washable polyester. The bag’s shoulder straps and back panel are both padded. Also, several other colors are available for the backpack if you don’t like this particular one.
Modoker Women's Backpack
If you’re looking for a fashionable option that is very tech friendly, this Modoker Women’s Backpack is exceptionally appealing. The bag’s dedicated laptop pocket has multiple padded sleeves for laptops and tablets. For storage of other items, there’s a spacious organizer pocket and front pocket with multiple interior pockets.
On the back, you’ll find a luggage strap and a hidden anti-theft pocket. The twill nylon exterior is water-resistant and lightweight. Additionally, there’s water bottle sleeves on both sides and even a USB port with an interior charging cable.
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack
Of course I had to include one more JanSport bag and what better one to pick than the SuperBreak? This is an updated version of JanSport’s most popular and iconic style. The SuperBreak uses extremely durable 600 denier fabric, so it should easily be able to withstand daily wear and tear.
It comes with loads of storage space for all your college essentials and has a comfortable, lightweight design, allowing you to carry it all day without any discomfort. There’s a reason why so many people use JanSport backpacks in college, especially the SuperBreak — it’s a tried-and-true option for any academic environment.
Terra Thread Earth Backpack
Terra Thread products are completely sustainable and eco-friendly. They make backpacks and bags that are made using Fairtrade Certified Organic Cotton, which is free of toxic chemicals like GMO’s and pesticides.
The Earth Backpack is made out of organic cotton canvas that’s not only durable but also stylish. For interior storage, it features a laptop sleeve and a hanging pocket. Exterior storage consists of two side pockets and large zippered pocket. The bag is also available in over a dozen different colors.
Nike Elemental Backpack
The Nike Elemental is just another one of the many affordable and high-quality backpacks that Nike sells. Its versatility allows you to it take pretty much anywhere. It’s good for sports and outdoor activities but can work just as well as your everyday carry bag when you go to class.
It’s made out of 100% polyester and comes with several storage pockets, including a spacious main compartment, multiple front pockets, and two side pockets.
