We are a reader-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through these links. See more about our Privacy and Affiliate policies here.
Every teen and college woman needs a good school backpack that helps keep her organized. A new backpack can be an essential back-to-school purchase and also makes for a wonderful birthday gift.
What we look for in a backpack
First, we looked for sturdy backpacks to hold heavy textbooks. Then, since we truly believe that everyone needs a bag that protects their laptop, we looked for well-cushioned laptop sleeves. And, since you’ll be carrying your laptop everywhere, we wanted to ensure we found styles designed for comfortable wearing. Finally, even though your backpack is an everyday essential, there is no reason it has to be ordinary.
We asked our Grown and Flown community of 300,000 parents what backpacks their teens love and then did our research into their most popular answers. While we focused on styles that teen girls and college women love, many of these are top backpack brands for everyone.
Best backpacks for high school and college girls
1. The North Face Jester (Amazon)
Our readers repeatedly mention North Face, saying it’s practically indestructible and “well worth the price.” Look for the drop down menu to select from loads of great colors.
2. JanSport Laptop Backpack (Amazon)
You know they never wear out if your teen (or you!) has ever owned a JanSport backpack. The model has improved over the decades and is now available in more than 21 attractive colors.
Two large main compartments offer ample storage for your supplies, a dedicated laptop sleeve helps keep your electronics safe, and zippered utility pockets keep all of your gear organized. This is the #1 Bestseller in Laptop Backpacks on Amazon.
3. lululemon Everywhere Backpack (lululemon)
There is good news for women who know and love lululemon apparel: they make bags just as stylish. Their aptly named Everywhere Backpack is perfect for life on the go, from the gym to the classroom and everywhere. With plenty of pockets, including an exterior one for a 16″ laptop and inside ones for the rest, this smart-looking bag comes in six pretty colors.
4. Osprey (Amazon)
Lots of our parents say that their kids love their Osprey backpacks. The Osprey Nebula 32 Laptop has a laptop sleeve that will fit a 17-inch laptop. The main compartment is large, with internal organization for smaller items. And a zip pocket for glasses or small electronics.
One mom told us, “Another vote for Osprey!! Lifetime warranty. If anything breaks on it — they’ll replace it for free. It holds up very well and holds everything my son needs — through high school and college. And also ages as the kids do (isn’t too young/teenager looking).”
5. Herschel Classic XL (Amazon)
We’re big fans of Herschel’s backpacks because they are both are stylish and practical. The Classic XL is highly regarded for the simple, classic style and functionality – laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket and padded shoulder straps. Available in several trendy colors.
6. Fjallraven Kanken (Amazon)
The classic Kanken Backpack becomes a computer bag with a 15″ laptop sleeve. Padded pockets will protect computers, and the padded shoulder straps and top handle make this a convenient carry-all. With many eye-catching colors to choose from in the Fjallraven selection of backpacks, this is an unmistakable brand with a one-of-a-kind look thanks to its distinct boxy style and reflective logo patch.
7. Amazon Basics (Amazon)
8. Adidas (Amazon)
We include the Squad Backpack from Adidas on our cute school supplies list. The light blue version caught our eye along with these unique features: the bags are made from 100% recycled polyester, are wipeable for easy spot cleaning, and come with a removable pencil case and lifetime warranty. This backpack features a 16-inch interior laptop sleeve. All the extra details give it extra points on our list of teen backpacks.
9. Vera Bradley Campus Backpack (Amazon)
Vera Bradley’s motto is to make being busy beautiful, and their backpacks certainly live up to that motto. The XL Campus Backpack has been redesigned with even more padding in the back and straps and a new shape specially designed to accommodate a woman’s shape. Made from recycled cotton, the pack is large; your daughter’s laptop will fit securely in the padded laptop compartment. There are dozens of pretty designs and colors – we like this one with a monochrome exterior and the pop of paisley inside.
Besides the basics, we appreciate the pass-through sleeve that makes it easy to attach to a roller suitcase, a large slip pocket (perfect for a tablet), and a front pocket with dedicated compartments for pens and an ID window. And it’s endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.
10. himawari (Amazon)
Why You Can Trust Us
We are three moms who have raised 8 young adults and have been working on products lists for over 12 years now, making us experts. When selecting products we survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of nearly 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. We do opinion polls, surveys and ask open ended questions. We search for products that combine reasonable price with high quality and are recommended by our large following.
More Great Reading:
College Packing List: 25 Last-Minute Items NOT TO FORGET
These 10 Tote Bags Are Functional, Stylish, and the Best for School
