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Top 10 Best College Backpacks for Students in 2021
When you’re in college, choosing the right backpack is very important. You might know what color or style you want for your next backpack, but you also need to consider the comfortability, durability, storage, and overall quality of the backpack.
It’d be easy to purchase one that looks cool and stylish, but it could also be poorly made and uncomfortable to wear. The last thing you want to be wearing around campus all day is an uncomfortable backpack filled with all your heavy books.
Durability is an important factor as well because when you’re in college, backpacks are going to get beat up from the regular wear and tear. A durable backpack will be built to last and have no problem resisting any damage, but a cheap, poorly made one will fall apart easily. Once that happens, you’re right back to square one looking for a new backpack.
It’s also critical that your backpack has enough space and storage compartments so you can cram all your books, folders, electronics, and other items into it. If you’re in need of a stylish backpack with tons of functionality, then check out the in-depth list I’ve compiled of high-quality college backpacks for men and women that are comfy, highly durable, and come with loads of storage space.
JanSport Big Student Backpack
One of the quintessential backpacks for college students is the Big Student Backpack from JanSport. You can’t really go wrong with this backpack when it comes to its functionality. It’s called big for a reason since there is so much storage space.
Not only is there two large main compartments and a dedicated 15-inch padded laptop pocket, but you also get 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 even be able to choose from a variety of colors for one that matches your preferred style.
Herschel Laptop Backpack
A trusted and well-known backpack brand is Herschel. Their Little America Laptop Backpack is definitely one of the most stylish and durable college backpacks on this list. The high-quality polyester and nylon fabric makes this a really tough and durable backpack, but also gives it a modern design. It features magnet-fastened straps with metal pin buckles for a sleek look.
The straps and backpack come in lots of different colors and patterns for you to choose from. You’ll get lots of support and comfort thanks to the padded, contoured shoulder straps and breathable air mesh back padding. For storage, it has a 15 inch padded laptop compartment, front pocket with hidden zipper, and another internal pocket that’s good for your phone or other smaller devices.
The North Face Women's Backpack
The North Face is known for their quality and this stylish women’s backpack is no exception. The ballistic nylon material of the backpack is super durable, but still gives it a stylish and modern look. The FlexVent suspension system provides extreme comfort and ventilated support with the flexible molded shoulder straps, padded mesh back panel, breathable lumbar panel.
The backpack also has no shortage of storage space with its two external water bottle pockets, front external stash pocket, convenient front compartment, and a spacious main compartment that contains a padded laptop sleeve.
It also comes in lots of vibrant color combinations to choose from. The versatility of this college backpack allows for other uses too besides just school. You can easily use it for any outdoor activities, such as hiking or biking.
In my opinion, this backpack from JanSport is one of the most well-rounded college backpacks out there. It has that Jansport iconic design, but it also has a suede leather bottom for increased durability and makes it even more stylish. If you’re looking for a JansSport backpack that is a little smaller than the Big Student, then this is a perfect option for you.
The large main compartment, laptop compartment, and front utility pocket with organizer gives you ample space for all your items. The backpack is made out of high-quality, durable polyester fabric and even comes with a lifetime warranty if you damage it. You can also choose from several different colors and patterns.
Carhartt Work Backpack
Talk about a powerhouse of a backpack. This Carhartt backpack is a beast when it comes to durability and storage. The heavy-duty polyester material with Rain Defender water repellent, Duravax abrasion-resistant base, and metal hardware makes this the toughest and most durable backpack on this list.
For storage, it comes with a 17 inch padded computer compartment, two more large storage compartments, and a tricot lined zippered pocket. On the front of the backpack, there’s two pockets for smaller items and two large side pockets for even more storage. For comfort, it has contour-fit shoulder straps and a padded air mesh back panel. The backpack also comes in black.
Ridge The Commuter Backpack
Another ultra durable backpack is this weatherproof/waterproof backpack by Ridge. It has a shock-resistant laptop compartment, an anti-theft RFID-blocking compartment, water bottle holder, and a power bank pocket. There is also a convenient luggage strap so you can secure the backpack to your suitcase when you’re traveling.
The backpack comes in navy blue and olive green colors. Thanks to the waterproof material, the backpack is extremely durable and should easily last through your years at college. Also, the sleek and modern design of this college backpack will look really good on you when you’re walking around campus.
Michael Kors Abbey Cargo Women's Backpack
This Michael Kors backpack is very fashionable and made with high-quality materials. The backpack is made out out soft nylon with premium leather accents. It has quite a few storage compartments as well, such as the front zip pocket, back snap pocket, and 2 side pockets on the outside.
The inside of the backpack has 5 slip pockets and a zip pocket. It uses a drawstring closure under the top leather flap. This backpack might not have the same durability as other college backpacks on this list, but it does have a stylish design and is quite well-rounded thanks to the premium materials and storage space.
Vera Bradley Twill Backpack
This Vera Bradley women’s backpack truly is one of the best backpacks for any woman in college. The backpack is made out of durable, water-repellent polyester and has lots of awesome storage compartments for an abundance of space.
The exterior of the backpack has 2 side pockets, a large front zip compartment, a front zip pocket, a hidden front zip pocket, and a back hidden zip pocket. The front compartment also has lots of pockets for smaller items like college supplies and electronics. The middle compartment has 2 mesh slip pockets and a large slip pocket. There’s also a large padded laptop compartment.
The padded shoulder straps, padded back panel, and adjustable chest strap provides excellent comfortability and stability. There’s even a convenient luggage sleeve for traveling. It has a very stylish color design, but also has other designs for you to choose from. The size of the backpack is fairly large, but you’ll be very pleased with its functionality and high-quality materials.
Adidas Iconic Premium Backpack
The Adidas Iconic Premium Backpack has an athletic feel, but also a very sleek and modern design that will look awesome wearing around campus. One of the best features of the backpack is its premium suede material, which makes it look even more stylish and adds durability.
The only downside to this backpack is the lack of storage compartments compared to the other backpacks on this list, but it does have a very spacious main compartment, exterior media pocket, and interior accessory pocket for your laptop. It has a built-it sternum strap for support as well as padded shoulder straps.
The simplicity and overall style, along with the durable suede material makes this Adidas backpack an excellent option to use in college.
Samsonite Leather Backpack
This list of the top backpacks for college students wouldn’t be complete without the Samsonite Classic Leather Slim Backpack. Not only does the premium, top grain leather give the backpack a modern and simplistic look, but it also provides excellent durability. The slim and lightweight design makes it really easy to carry around and still comes with ample storage space.
The main compartment has a large slip pocket and mesh zip pocket. Behind the main compartment is a padded laptop pocket. The front of the backpack has a full-sized organizer pocket and a zip stash pocket. The back panel and shoulder straps both have padded air mesh to make the backpack breathable and comfortable.
