The best college backpacks for students

How we tested college backpacks

Laptop protection: A padded laptop compartment is of utmost importance for college backpacks. We checked our MacBooks for dents or scratches after dropping our backpacks from a standing height. The most protective laptop backpacks suspended our laptop off the bottom of the bag, thereby absorbing the bulk of the shock.

Comfort and ergonomic design: The most comfortable backpacks were those with wide shoulder straps and padded, ventilated back panels to relieve sweat stains. Our tall testers ensured the adjustable straps were long enough so the backpack rested comfortably in the center of their torsos. Backpacks with with sternum straps (such as our top pick, the North Face Recon) worked especially well to correct slumped posture during long walks with heavy loads.

Storage features: An average size of 26 liters was the most-agreed-upon size for campus life. Even when your main learning tool is your laptop, you need little pockets for the odds and ends. We looked for backpacks with separate compartments to prevent tangled charging cords. Some nice-to-have features included a key leash and mesh sleeves that let us easily see what's inside.

Hardware and fabric quality: We checked that backpacks had smooth, quiet zippers that glide over bulky contents. For any water-resistant backpacks we tested, such as the Cotopaxi Allpa, we did a simple pour test to examine whether they effectively sealed out moisture.

Sleek design: Our team's style preferences range from minimalistic modern to gorpy, but we all agreed that the less bulk, the better. We tested backpacks that maintain a slim silhouette, even when they're full to the brim. Learn more about how the Reviews team tests bags and accessories at BI.

Best overall: The North Face Recon Backpack

The North Face Recon Backpack stands out as the perfect combination of our top three criteria: it's durable enough to last years, highly functional with tons of storage, and felt comfortable to wear for hours.

It has a posture-correcting design. We tested its suspension system (including a sternum strap, back clips, and removable waist belt) which helped balance the weight of a full backpack evenly. This in turn alleviates chronic back pain students get from carrying heavy loads over time. We also liked that the rear is padded with a ventilated cushion, and its wide shoulder straps for easier lifting.

The pockets are intuitively placed. Its medium-size main compartment has a laptop sleeve, a front mesh pocket filled with practical separations for all of your charging cords, smaller devices, and writing utensils. Plus, it has two water bottle pockets on its sides.

Safety features are a nice bonus. The chest buckle has a whistle, and the backpack has a reflective outer layer that stays illuminated in low light. Plus, the sleeves are plush enough to protect your tech from breaking on impact.

Overall, the Recon makes a great confidence-boosting gift for students heading off to a new school. In terms of style, its minimal design and vast array of colorways create a versatile choice for those commuting to class.

Most comfortable: Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L

Patagonia is one of our favorite B-corp retail companies and we appreciate it's eco-conscious approach to outdoor gear. We highly favored the Refugio during our testing because it has a small outer pocket that's in the perfect spot for quickly grabbing something like a sweater or snacks.

The shoulder straps are supremely comfortable. The lightweight padding feels plush on the shoulders and its sternum strap relieves extra pressure from your spine.

It stays dry in the rain. The Refugio has a recycled nylon exterior is coated with a water repellent finish that wicks moisture.

It comes with a removable laptop sleeve.If you need to lighten your load, you can slide out the sleeve so it effectively functions as a daypack.

Best carry-all: JanSport Main Campus FX

JanSport's Main Campus FX is an oversized version of a classic design, so it'sgreat for students when they're in school and even after they graduate. Not only is it built perfectly for carrying books and laptops, but it's also versatile, making it easy to use for everything from classes to road trips to the gym.

It's a classic design. The Main Campus FX carries a 15-inch laptop with a heavy load of books and random accessories like headphones, a water bottle, beauty products, and assorted writing utensils. The padded straps make carrying its weight a bit breezier.

It's spacious and has neat organizational features. The dedicated laptop pocket is nicely padded, and there are two other full-size compartments, making room for anything and everything. It also has a keychain in the front pocket to keep your dorm or apartment keys handy.

Best anti-theft: Troubadour Pioneer 3.0

Your most valuable learning tool is your laptop, and if you're on a busy campus, you may be wondering how secure it would be if you were to accidentally leave your backpack behind somewhere. In any case, Troubadour's Pioneer 3.0 waterproof backpack has the design features to give you peace of mind.

You can lock it shut and slip a tracking device in its secret pocket. "The tech section is engineered with protective cushioning to safeguard my laptop from damage, and the lockable main compartment (where I stash my wallet) even features an AirTag pocket just in case I misplace my bag," writes freelance reporter Rebecca Strong.

It's comfortable to carry, even when it's chock-full. "The ergonomic design includes sculpted and padded shoulder straps and a breathable back panel. Did I mention that it looks sleek as heck, and maintains its shape no matter how little or how much I'm storing inside it?" continues Rebecca.

Everything is easy to access. "The shoulder strap pocket allows me to quickly grab my phone or keys, and the dual elasticated 1-litre bottle holders make it simple to hydrate in a cinch," she writes.

Most stylish: Dagne Dover The Dakota

Dagne Dover makes some of our favorite bags we've ever tested. If you like a sophisticated, minimalist design with ample space and clever compartments, its Dakota Neoprene Backpack will be your saving grace.

It comes in three sizes. Allof which are water-resistant, shock-absorbent, and complete with sleek straps. Inside there are pockets galore, so no space is wasted. The laptop compartment in the large version fits a 16-inch laptop, which is bigger than the average college device. The main compartment holds up to 20 liters and has a mesh tablet pocket, five medium-sized pockets, and a convenient detachable pouch. Its two exterior pockets can carry your water bottle and a stash of snacks.

It has a trendy, minimalistic design. Despite its simple exterior, we can confidently say this luxury backpack fits everything you'd ever need: a laptop, tablet, textbooks, water bottle, notebook, snacks, and a spare pair of shoes. On the outside, it looks chic and simple, but inside, it gives you all the power to be your most organized self — which is also why we love to wear it as a work backpack. It even has a nearly-invisible slip pocket by the handle where you can keep small items, like a snack or headphones.

One of our favorite features we discovered while testing is the luggage handle sleeve, which you can slide over the handle of your carry-on as you wheel it around.

Read more in our full Dagne Dover Dakota backpack review. You can also see how it compares to a Quince dupe in our Dagne Dover versus Quince backpack review.

Best weatherproof: Cotopaxi Allpa 26L Daypack

If your campus routine involves a lot of time outdoors, this durable Cotopaxi backpack will be your greatest asset. Perhaps your curriculum involves field work, or you simply have long walks between buildings. Either way, the Allpa Daypack can handle more than a light drizzle.

It performed the best out of all our pour tests. I wore a Cotopaxi Allpa on a backpacking trip to Europe during the rainy fall season, and absolutely no water seeped through. This smaller version is made of the same recycled ripstop nylon, which comes in four bright signature Cotopaxi colors and is super easy to wipe clean. The matte material does retain some scuff marks, but I can tell by how tough and thick it feels that it's not likely to tear.

You can store a lot on the outside of the bag, not just the inside. It can hold your 32-ounce Nalgene for starters, but when it's emptied it can fit a lot more. I used it to store my glasses and sunglasses case, some hand sanitizer, a bulky hair clip, and a few other odds and ends. The stretchy top keeps them contained but at close reach on the outside of the bag. There's also a daisy chains on the front, so you can clip on carabiners to haul more gear.

It has all the key features we look for in a great student backpack. There's a protective 16-inch laptop compartment, an airy, padded back panel to maximize comfort, hidden pockets for safekeeping valuables, and of course, a key leash. The gorpcore aesthetic may not be for everyone, but this is a well-priced, well-made backpack for students of the outdoors.

Best for travel: BÉIS The Travel Backpack

It has a sturdy canvas exterior and a spacios interior. "I'm constantly amazed by just how much I can stuff in here — an entire outfit change, a meal, and so much more," says style contributor Rebecca Strong. The laptop backpack has a padded compartment that fits a MacBook up to 15 inches in length.

The storage features makes everything easy to reach amid any travel chaos. "This BÉIS backpack has two side slip pockets for water bottles and other knick-knacks I need at the ready, an interior and exterior zip pocket, and a padded tech pocket," she continues. "I love that it has a two-way full-zip around closure, and the padded straps have been much appreciated while I'm hustling around on a stressful work day."

It's weak point are the straps. "Honestly, my only issue with this backpack is that sometimes the adjustable straps don't stay at the adjusted length and slide around a bit," adds Rebecca. "But I'm willing to put up with this small annoyance since this backpack is so comfortable, durable, and versatile."

Best small: Lululemon Everywhere Backpack

It perfect for carrying just the basics. If you're going from campus to your dorm and back, you may not need a huge, hulking backpack. This water-resistant, modestly sized 22-liter Lululemon can handle the small stuff, like a 13-inch MacBook and a small lunch bag. However, we didn't like that it lacked any protective padding.

There are zippered pockets inside. Besides the Everywhere Backpack's front exterior pocket, you can keep any small gadgets, like your charger, headphones, and wireless mouse, all stored in its zippered compartments. You can also carry a 24-ounce water bottle and umbrella on its side pockets.

The water-resistant fabric has a nice sheen. When I did a pour test, the backpack wasn't totally waterproof, but it does wick moisture effectively. You'd be safe carrying this in the rain as long as you're not spending extended amounts of time in a downpour. The fabric maintains its luxe sheen even after it's dried.

Best minimalist: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack

For the college student with a maturing style and an appreciation for a spacious bag, this Vera Bradley backpack is both a great stylistic and functional choice.

It has a luggage handle and smooth-pull zippers. Inside is a padded 15-inch laptop compartment along with two side pockets for a water bottle. It has a sizable 25-liter main compartment containing two mesh slip pockets and outer pockets to store smaller items.

It comes in dozens of colorways. This is one of the best college backpacks that combines utility with a minimalistic look7676 in several stylish shades. The small brand tag is monochromatic and located on the side, so it blends in with the rest of the backpack. Once you open its pockets, you get a pop of the brand's signature paisley pattern.

Best organizational features: The Brevitē Backpack

Our jet-setting colleague and friend of the Insider Reviews team flagged Brevitē's backpacks as one of her most consistently used items when she travels.

Its backpacks are also great for school, since they have neat compartments to keep everything organized — your laptop is separate from your books, your phone is separate from your coin purse, and so on. We also like that the design is very minimal, so it's well-suited to a wide range of personal tastes.

It's intuitive to use. In the front pocket, there's a key leash and small compartments for writing utensils and your phone. Then, there are two ways to access the main compartment, via the top or side zipper. We like that the side pocket can stretch to fit a large stainless steel water bottle.

It contains two secret pockets. Inside the main compartment and in the rear, there are two small zippered pockets that you'd miss if you don't look closely. They're perfect for storing your wallet or AirPods, so you can discreetly pull them out when you need them.

Best sporty: The North Face Borealis Backpack

The North Face is known for making durable and high-quality gear and the Borealis Backpack, one of the brand's most classic styles, is no different.

It's great for hauling all sorts of gear. The 28-liter size fits just about everything you need for class and then some. It has the standard features: a nicely padded laptop pocket, a spacious main compartment, side pockets for water bottles, a small fleece-lined outer pocket, and a bigger outer pocket with pockets and places for pens. It's built with a chest and hip belt, making it useful for hikes too.

It's easy to open and close. There's also a small but thoughtful feature to appreciate: U-pull zippers that make unzipping any of its pockets 10 times easier. The Borealis Backpack may not have a bunch of hidden compartments in the niftiest spaces, but it does what it needs to with quality materials made to last a long while. And for the same price, the Women's Borealis is specifically designed to fit a slighter build.

Best for taller students: Herschel Little America Backpack

The Herschel Little America backpack is a classic carryall with a deceiving name. With its spacious 25 liters and nicely padded laptop compartment, the pack is made to help you carry everything you need for school while sporting a timeless style.

You can expand or collapse the bag easily. The main compartment is like a huge pit where you can fit a lot of things: books, snacks, tech, and more. It also has two small side pockets on the inside. Little America is easily expandable and easily collapsible. The single outer pocket is perfect for storing quick things you may need throughout your day.

It has extra long adjustable straps. The backside is thoroughly padded for comfortable carrying. Though, personally, we think this backpack works best on taller people since it's 19.25 inches long. For this reason, the bag is a bit overwhelming on a shorter back.

Best expandable: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15"

You can customize its width to fit in small spaces. The compact rectangular design of the Kanken can be expanded, making it especially versatile. The sleek look makes this a functional piece as well as a nice addition to almost any outfit. It has three pockets: a laptop pocket, main compartment, and outer pouch. The laptop pocket is well padded and the zipper is tucked away in the back. The straps are nice and soft, though oriented differently than the typical backpack, and it has two side pouches that can be used to store a water bottle and possibly even an umbrella.

It's a popular eco-friendly brand. I see this backpack all the time on my college campus. The sleek look makes this a functional piece as well as a nice addition to almost any outfit.

FAQs on college backpacks

What size college backpack do I need?

When it comes to storage capacity, you don't need anything larger than 20-30 liters. This gives you enough space for your laptop, a couple textbooks, and the daily essentials.

Do I need a dedicated laptop compartment?

Yes. No matter how stylish the backpack, your laptop is at risk if it's not protected with enough cushioning to break its fall. See our guide to the best laptop backpacks for more of our favorite tech-friendly picks.

How do I choose the right fit for my body?

Know your measurements so you can compare them to the size of the backpack. The key figure is your torso length, not your height. You should also measure your hips, shoulder width, and chest width. Look for backpacks with adjustable rear panels if you need a more custom fit.