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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.
Every student needs a backpack and here are our 10 favorites. (Shutterstock mangpor2004)
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 daughters use 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 women
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.
3. lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L (lululemon)
If you’re looking for a backpack that can handle classes, commuting, the gym, and weekend trips, this is a great all-around pick and is very popular among college women at the moment. The 22-liter design has a padded sleeve that fits a 16-inch laptop, deep side pockets for a water bottle, and a front zip pocket to keep smaller essentials within easy reach. Plus, the fabric is water-repellent, protecting belongings from light rain and spills. Available in seven colors.
4. 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 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.
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.
5. Fjallraven Kanken (Amazon)
The classic Kanken Backpack becomes a computer bag with a 17″ 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.
6. Adidas Prime School Backpack (Amazon)
A dedicated padded compartment securely stores up to a 17-inch laptop plus multiple zippered pockets keep keys, phone, etc. organized. Trolly strap makes this an even more functional backpack for travel. Many pretty colors.
7. Osprey Nebula Commuter Backpack (Amazon)
With a laptop sleeve that will fit a 17-inch laptop, the Osprey bag also has amain compartment that’s large, with internal organization for smaller items. And a zip pocket for glasses or small electronics.
It holds up very well, through high school and college, and also ages as the kids do (isn’t too young/teenager looking).
8. Herschel Classic XL (Amazon)
We’re big fans of Herschel’s backpacks because they are both 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.
9. Amazon Basics (Amazon)
Amazon Basics is just that- a basic backpack with all the things a student needs, without many frills. It has a laptop compartment that suits most 17 inch laptop models, all at a great price point.
10. Allpa 26L Daypack (Cotopaxi)
The Allpa 26L Daypack is roomy without feeling bulky. With dedicated laptop and tablet sleeves, plenty of pockets to keep organized, and a water-resistant design, it’s a durable everyday backpack for classes, commuting, and weekend trips. Available in seven pretty colors.
Why You Can Trust Us
I’m Madeleine Korn, a shopping writer and editor with years of experience researching the best products for teens, college students, and recent graduates. I stay up-to-date with trends and know which items are not only popular but also deliver real value.
I’m part of the Grown and Flown team whose leadership includes three moms who’ve raised 8 young adults and have worked on product lists for over 14 years, making them experts. When selecting products, they survey the Grown and Flown Parents Facebook group of more than 300,000 parents of teens, tweens and young adults. They do opinion polls, surveys and ask open-ended questions. They search for products that combine reasonable prices with high quality and are recommended by the large following. With recommendations from major retailers, trustworthy publications, and social media influencers, this post selected a range of products, paying close attention to reviews and price tags.
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