10 Cute College Backpacks You Can Wear to Class and Beyond

Growing up, my JanSport backpack got me through all of middle and high school. Fast-forward years later, the backpack is still a loved option by students everywhere. This one is an upgrade from the brand’s classic backpack thanks to the added padded internal laptop sleeve and side water bottle pocket. Don’t worry though—it still has all the features we know and love, like the overall roomy size, padded shoulder straps, and front pocket with a built-in organizer to keep all your school essentials in place. Plus, with over 30 color and pattern options, you can easily find one that shows off your personal style.

• Dimensions: 16.5" x 12.5" x 5.5"
• Material: Recycled Denier Polyester
• Colors: 30+ options

Glowing Customer Review: “I’ve been using Jansport since high school and I’m still using it. Most comfortable shoulder straps and roomy enough for my needs.”

Shay Mitchell’s brand hits it on the head Every. Single. Time. While intended for travel, this expandable backpack will certainly get you through the school year in style. Complete with a pocket, a laptop sleeve, a key leash, a water bottle pocket, and a trolley pass-through, this bb has all the functional features you could need. If you’re the type to pack literally every school supply you own into one bag, you’ll love the expandable design of this Beis backpack.

• Dimensions: 13" x 15" x 5-7"
• Material: Recycled poly and recycled faux leather
• Colors: Beige, Black, Atlas Pink, Maple, Olive

Glowing Customer Review: “I absolutely ADORE this bag. I’m currently using it for school and its many pockets are soo useful. It’s an incredibly durable material and I know it will last for years. It’s 100 percent worth the money.”

I know all too well how quickly a backpack can add on dead weight. Between textbooks, notebooks, your laptop, and other essentials, it’s not long before you’re carrying pounds across campus. Luckily, this Patagonia daypack comes with a chest strap to alleviate some of the pressure off your shoulders. While the backpack was created with hikers and explorers in mind, it makes for the perfect school backpack thanks to the padded laptop sleeve, padded shoulder straps, and size.

• Dimensions: 18" x 12" x 6.5"
• Material: 100% Recycled Polyester
• Colors: Nouveau Green, Vessel Blue, Black, Buckhorn Green

Glowing Customer Review: “The backpack is perfect for a daypack. Straps are comfortable and padded. It has a nice laptop sleeve that is padded as well. Fits my 13-inch MacBook perfectly. The easy-access compartment zips vertically most of the way down, so if you are nervous about things falling out, this may not be the pack for you. There are better packs for airline travel, but for a regular commute backpack, it’s perfect.”

If you’re anything like me and chronically online, you’ve 100 percent seen this trendy backpack. While the classic style has been around since 1978, the brand has made tons of modern updates to make the bag even better for students. Made with durable fabric that’s made to withstand dirt and liquid, it comes with a spacious main compartment, two flat side pockets, and a zipped front pocket perfect for easy access to your bits and bobs. I’m personally a sucker for this bag thanks to all the fun color options but also because of the slender top handles when you’re not in the mood for something on your back.

• Dimensions: 14" x 10.8" x 4.7"
• Material: Vinylal and polypropylene
• Colors: 40+ options

Glowing Customer Review: “I bought this backpack in Royal Blue a year ago. I seemed a bit pricey for me, but as I am a backpack person and use them on a daily basis, I decided to give it a try anyway. It was easily one of the best purchases I ever made. I used it daily for school (walking a lot, commuting and carrying heavy books), shopping, hiking and travel, yet it still looks just as it did when I first got it, even though most of my cheaper backpack usually gave up on me after 6 months or so. It is also a lot more comfortable than I thought it was going to be. Worth every cent, would buy it again with no hesitation.”

This bb has earned a fan following for a reason. For starters, the minimal design yet roomy 27-liter capacity interior makes it great for bringing all your school essentials on the go. The backpack features an exterior laptop pocket, tons of catch-all zip pockets, and interior slip pockets. It even has two water bottle holders (one on the inside and one on the outside). Unlike other traditional backpacks, this top-rated Everlane favorite has a unique magnetic top closure for easy access in and out of the classroom. And at under $100, this sleek backpack fit for school and travel is a more affordable find.

• Dimensions: 17.5" x 12" x 7.25"
• Material: Recycled polyester
• Colors: Warm Quartz, Slate Grey, Kalamata, Warm Charcoal, Black

Glowing Customer Review: "So far, I love this backpack! I use it for work but I can see it being so useful for travel too. The laptop compartment is bigger than I expected and I love the flap pocket. Seems durable and it is very comfy! My 32 oz water bottle doesn't fit on the outside so I appreciated the extra holder inside."

Honestly, all you have to say is “built-in charger,” and I’m sold. I’m sure you can relate, but for the sake of choosing the best backpack for you, I’ll go into some of the details. Designed with a compartment that can hold up to a 15.6-inch laptop, this backpack also has a spacious compartment perfect for storing your daily necessities. While the external USB port with built-in charging cables and an exterior headphone port are the shining features of the bag, you’ll also love to know that it’s crafted with anti-theft technology. Each bag comes with a fixed password lock and durable metal zippers (ya know, just in case your roommate can’t mind their biz).

• Dimensions: 13.8" x 10" x 3.6"
• Material: Nylon
• Colors: 9

Glowing Customer Review: “I bought this to take my laptop to school, and all I can say is that it has really served its purpose well. They really thought out every accessory and amenity when they created this backpack. Even the straps are nice and cushy so that your shoulders will not hurt. One time, I walked to class with two large bottles of water inside my bag, didn’t have to worry about it, getting my laptop, wet in the other compartment, and was not too heavy because of the cushion padding inside the straps. Just a very well thought out design. Highly recommend.”

I don’t know about you, but Vera Bradley was all the rage back in grade school, and it’s sooo back. This lightweight, quilted backpack is the perfect combo of functionality, durability, and ofc style. Tbh, it doesn’t have any of those fancy frills and thrills, but that’s the beauty of it. Choose between your color or i-c-o-n-i-c Vera pattern and enjoy the well thought out features like the trolley sleeve, laptop compartment, and many organizational pockets.

• Dimensions: 12" x 15.5" x 8"
• Material: Nylon and polyester
• Colors: 17 options

Glowing Customer Review: “Needed a new backpack for college and came across this one! Looks just like the photos. Love the fabric on the inside and all of the pockets. It’s the perfect size for me, big enough for a laptop, notebooks/binder, pencil bags and pouches, and miscellaneous things yet it’s not bulky. Seems waterproof and easy to clean too. So excited to use this!”

This highly durable, high-performing backpack is a favorite of mine. Like North Face’s other products, it’s designed to last. The material holds up to abrasion, is treated to be water-resistant, and features substantial padding to make carrying your stuff across campus easier. With an impressive 28-liter compartment, some useful details include a protective 16-inch laptop compartment, two water bottle pockets, and even a fleece-lined pocket for your sunglasses and other valuables.

• Dimensions: 12" x 6.5" x 19.5"
• Material: Recycled polyester and recycled nylon
• Colors: 15 options

Glowing Customer Review: “I have been a long-time fan of NorthFace backpacks for school. I used them all through middle school, high school, and even as a junior in college. They are the perfect size and provide plenty of pockets to keep my electronics and books safe. I also love how light and flexible they are. I have to walk long distances to my classes on campus, and the backpack is perfectly comfortable and makes my life so much easier. I will never use a different backpack.”