Best Prime Day backpack deals: Save up to 60% on our favorite brands

My youngest sister heads off to college in a few short weeks, so I'm checking our family's Amazon wishlists for the best Prime Day backpack deals. So far, I've seen 30% off select backpacks from The North Face, Osprey, and JanSport.

On Tuesday, we saw The North Face's Borealis price drop by $30, and yesterday its Jester Backpack joined the deal lineup for a similar discount.

Troubadour's high-tech laptop backpacks are also on sale, including the new Troubadour Apex 4.0 at a rare $60 discount. It's an excellent choice for professionals who want a sleek commuter backpack with smart organizational features.

In anticipation of a jaunt-filled summer, we've tested several carry-on backpacks, the best of which is on sale today (see the Tortuga Travel Pro for $75 off). For more travel essentials, don't miss our roundup of the best Prime Day luggage deals. If you're hoping to shop additional sales across categories, you can check out our massive Prime Day deals guide, where we're rounding up the very best offers from the four-day sale event.

The best Amazon Prime Day laptop backpack deals

Some of our favorite college backpacks for students and work backpacks are on sale. There are rare deals on sleek backpacks from Troubadour that protect your laptop during office commutes. Plus, campus favorites like The North Face Borealis backpack are unlikely to be this cheap once class starts in the fall.

The best Prime Day backpack deals for travel

We've tested the best carry-on travel backpacks, logging flights from New York to Prague. Our top pick overall, the Tortuga Travel Backpack, is part of the sale at $75 off its usual price. It's an investment piece for sure, but it fits as much as our rolling carry-on and was comfortable to carry through crowded transit stations (even when chock full).

FAQs on the best Prime Day backpack deals

What are the best backpacks on sale for Prime Day?

The Troubadour Apex 4.0 is a sleek work backpack with waterproof seams, and it's now $60 off. Its Pioneer 3.0 is an older version, but one that impressed us nonetheless.

The North Face Borealis is great for students and hikers alike, as it comes with a padded laptop sleeve and a hip belt for comfortable carrying. We also suggest the minimalist Brevite Backpack if you're gifting a backpack to a student and aren't sure of their personal taste.

Bagsmart's Carry On Backpack is an already affordable travel bag that comes with a bonus waist bag, all for $32. For a more elevated pick, we suggest the Tortuga Travel Backpack Pro while it's 30% off.

Is Prime Day a good time to buy a backpack?

If you're shopping for a travel bag to carry around on summer vacations, Prime Day is the perfect opportunity to save on a backpack. And while it may seem early for back-to-school shopping, now's the time to secure your preferred bag before prices go back up before the first day of class.

What should I look for in a backpack?

Spacious pockets. Stretchy side pockets that can fit a 40-ounce water bottle mean you never have to choose between staying hydrated and packing light.

Laptop protection. Look for backpacks with water-resistant zippers and nylon exteriors so your tech will be safe from spills or rain. The laptop sleeve should be padded and separate from the backpack's main compartment so your computer won't get scratched.

Airplane size compliance. We're scoping Prime Day backpack deals on bags that are compact enough to fit under your airplane seat.

Adjustable straps. A travel backpack that's built for all-day comfort will come with a sternum strap, hip belt, and load lifters, which are designed to shift weight off your shoulders.

Ventilated back panel. Your back can get sweaty if it's suffocating in polyester. Mesh back panels allow air to pass through.

Shoe compartment. If you're shopping for a travel backpack, look for those that can store a spare pair of shoes so you won't risk muddying up the rest of your belongings.

Key leash. This small but helpful feature will save you the trouble of having to dig to the bottom of your bag for your keys at the end of a long day.

Shopping for more discounts today? Check out our roundup of all of the best Prime Day deals, or browse Amazon's website for the full selection.

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