Best Backpacks for College and High School Students of 2026

Backpacks are for more than just carrying books and a laptop around campus. The best backpacks can reflect the style of the student who is lugging them, but they need to be more than a fashion statement.

High school and college backpacks should be functional and designed to help students succeed in the classroom. In addition to padded laptop compartments and dedicated space for water bottles, the best backpacks should also have organizational elements that help students stay on top of their schoolwork, including big front pockets for school supplies, interior pockets, and plenty of space to carry school books. (They should also have padded straps so overstuffed bookbags don’t cause back and shoulder pain.)

When shopping for backpacks, don’t overlook your students’ outside interests, either. Some of the best backpacks on the market are specially designed with these interests in mind, whether they be sports, travel, hiking, or something else. (Outdoorsy students may want to consider the North Face Borealis (available at Amazon) , which has features that work both in the classroom and on a hike.) Regardless of what your student is interested in, their backpack should be durable because teenagers and young adults are notoriously hard on things.

We researched popular and top-rated backpacks from the best brands so the college student or high schooler in your life can return to campus organized, comfortable, and ready to learn. Here are our favorite backpacks for college and high school students.

Other Backpacks We Tested

What to Consider About School Backpacks

A good school backpack is essential for students, but not all backpacks are created equal. While every high school or college student deserves a comfortable, spacious, and durable bag that works for their lifestyle, the specific design and features will depend on the student. Here’s what you should keep in mind.

Storage and Organization

The right-sized bag with pockets and compartments in the right places can help keep your student ready for anything. Here’s what to look for.

Laptop Compartment

While all of our backpack recommendations have laptop compartments, there is a range in sizes — don’t forget to make sure that your student’s laptop fits the backpack you’re considering, and that the laptop compartment is well-padded.

Considering how important a laptop is to school success—and how rough high school and college students can be on things, you might also want to invest in a quality laptop sleeve for extra protection.

Internal Organization

A place for everything and everything in its place is the secret sauce to staying organized. The right backpack for your student will have enough compartments to keep things organized, but not so many that it’s hard to find what they’re looking for. Look for easy places to stash pens, keys, lip balm, and other daily essentials – and if it makes sense for your student, a hidden internal pocket for wallets, IDs, and other items you don’t want on display.

External Pockets that Make Sense

Quick access to items like a subway pass, headphones, or a water bottle makes life easier. But size is important, especially for water bottles. It’s worth double-checking to make sure that the backpack you're planning to purchase accommodates your favorite water bottle—there’s a big difference between a standard Hydro Flask and a Yeti Rambler.

Durability and Weather-Resistance

Backpacks take a beating – between heavy loads and rough handling, there are a dozen ways students put packs through their paces. To make sure the backpack lasts as long as your student’s academic career, look for water-resistant or waterproof fabrics (like ballistic or ripstop nylon or coated canvas); strong stitching and seams, especially around zippers and pockets; and a reinforced bottom of the bag.

Ergonomic and Comfort Features

Whether they’re walking across the quad or commuting across a city, smart, ergonomically-minded features can make a massive difference in how comfortable a backpack feels, both in the moment and over the long term.

Shoulder Straps

There’s no getting around the fact that a student’s backpack is heavy. When looking for a backpack for college or high school, it’s vital that the straps be well-padded for comfort. Adjustable straps ensure that the pack sits correctly across the shoulders, so the load stays balanced and easier to carry for students of all heights.

Sternum and Waist Straps

If your student has a long walk or commute, an especially heavy load to carry, or plans to use their backpack for hiking or travel, opting for a model with sternum or waist straps can be a smart ergonomic upgrade. Both straps can help keep the backpack balanced and supported to avoid putting strain on backs and shoulders, but are cumbersome extras for students who don’t use them.

Breathable Mesh Back Panels

No one likes a hot and sticky back. Look for mesh back panels that help create airflow, or ridged airflow channels or honeycomb mesh for better circulation.

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