Roll up your beach towel and put away the cute swimsuits. The bell is ringing and it’s time to head back to school for the fall season!
While everyone may not be excited to bring out the school supplies, we can almost guarantee there’s one common love: back-to-school shopping.
During this outing, you get to choose all new jeans, a pair of spunky new shoes and even a fun backpack.
Will you opt for a pretty floral print backpack or a skater-boy checkered vibe? Whichever you go with, it’s going to celebrate who you are and what you’re about — so make it count!
We listed the best back-to-school backpacks below to help you or the student in your life find the perfect pick. The best backpack brands range from The North Face and Patagonia to Vans and Disney. Pair it with a cute lunchbox for the full ensemble.
- Best Backpacks for High School
- Best Laptop Backpacks
- Best Backpacks for Kids
- Best Backpacks with Lunch Boxes
- Best Backpacks for College
- Best Luxury Backpacks
Best Backpacks for High School
Best Backpack With Laptop Sleeve for High School: lululemon Everywhere Backpack
From school to batting practice to home again, this backpack with lots of pockets will carry all you need. Made for those on the go, the functional but stylish bag has a large front zipper pocket, a 16 inch interior padded pocket for a laptop and side pockets for drinks or smaller items. Available in black, as well as the color trench.
Best Overall Backpack for High School: All In Motion Lifestyle Backpack
Whether it’s freshman year or grade 12, this backpack will carry every book and calculator with ease and style. It includes a laptop pocket, as well as a front-zip pocket and two bottle holders — hydration is always important, and also has adjustable. The material is waterproof, so nothing gets damaged if you’re caught in a downpour. Available in three colors, this affordable find is a must consider.
Best Stylish Backpack for High School: Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack
For the upper classman with minimalistic style, this book bag is the way to go. Besides being futuristically sleek, it’s as functional as they come. The 15 inch exterior laptop pocket is right in front for easy access. The interior has slip pockets for notebooks, phone and whatever else you don’t need tossed around, as well as two spots for water bottles. Also a great choice for overnight excursions, the bag has a pass-through strap to connect to rolling luggage, and can be purchased with or without the Everlane label.
Best Budget Backpack for High School: Dickies Signature Backpack
It’s shocking all this backpack offers, especially considering its affordable price. Along with having a padded back for comfort, it has multiple compartments to store workbooks, paperbacks and other school supplies. Lightweight and made with eco-friendly materials, it’s a steal for under $60.
Best Convertible Backpack for High School: Sherpani Dispatch
We’re all for accessories that do double duty and that’s what this bag is all about. It has dual detachable shoulder straps, which can be adjusted as necessary. There’s RFID protection for keep cards or a phone safe, and there’s even a padded interior pocket for a 13 inch laptop. Available in four different colors.
Best Backpacks for Kids
Best Overall Back to School Backpack for Kids: Jansport Half Pint Mini Backpack
Sparkly and sweet, this mini backpack is the perfect size for your little one. They can adjust their shoulder straps, enjoy a front utility pocket and one main compartment.
Best Star Wars Back to School Backpack for Kids: Loungefly Star Wars Baby Yoda Backpack
The kiddo in your life will fall in love with this “Star Wars” Yoda backpack. The detail is impeccable, and you don’t even have to travel to a galaxy far away to snag it.
Best Disney Back to School Backpacks for Kids: Mackenzie Lavender Disney Princess Backpack
Have a Disney princess in your castle? This cute backpack is for her. It has lots of storage, perfect for colored pencils, a bagged lunch and juice box. It’s also made with water-resistant 600 denier recycled polyester, has a glow-in-the-dark feature, and is available in three different sizes.
This kids’ backpack for girls (boys can enjoy it too) can also be bundled to include a matching lunchbox and thermos. And if you like the idea of backpacks with lunch boxes but don’t have an inspiring princess in your midst, try something like the Geometric-Print Backpack and Lunchbox from Bansusu ($26).
Best Back to School Backpack for Kids Deal: Adidas Classic Backpack
Inspired by dance, this juniors’ backpack features plenty of outer pockets, padded straps and a top handle. And let’s not forget about the adorable colorway!
Best Back to School Backpack for Boys: L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack
Make sure your young one has the best backpack on the block. Featuring clean lines and organizational features, this backpack will come in handy time and time and again.
Best Back to School Backpack for Girls: L.L. Bean Junior Original Book Pack
Don’t let the size of this small backpack fool you, it can carry a lot. Made from 100% waterproof nylon, it has plenty of space for your elementary or middle school child. The front pocket has an organizer panel, a key clip, as well as another spot for things like erasers or change. The main compartment is deep enough for books, a lunch and even a spare shirt. Available in five bright colors.
Best Backpacks With Lunch Boxes
Best Overall Backpack With Lunch Box: Veckuson Lunch Bag Backpack
Your days of dragging multiple bags with you are through. The Veckuson Lunch Bag Backpack offers plenty — and we mean plenty — of space for all that you need. A change of clothes? It can handle it. Lunch you need kept cool or warm till noon? The insulated front compartment has got your back. Need a place to store headphones? There’s a hook for that! The backpack also has a headphone jack, anti-theft zippers and pockets, a handy USB charging port, as well as a back and chest strap for easier transport. Works great as an overnight bag too!
Best Backpack With Lunch Box for Girls: Trailmaker, Girl’s 6 in 1 Backpack with Lunch Bag
What better way to make your child excited for school than with a shiny and bright backpack with all the accessories? It includes a pencil case, a reusable water bottle, an ID tag and of course, an insulated lunchbox. The interior has a slot for a notebook, worksheets and maybe a toy or two. Pick from three different sizes. Available in two magical prints.
Best Backpack With Lunchbox for Boys: PAC-MAN Backpack & Lunch Box Bundle, $
This retro design of this backpack is so good, you may be tempted to buy one for yourself. It doesn’t hurt that it also includes a lunchbox and a whole lot more. The backpack has an interior deep enough for a textbooks, folders and notebooks, plus a sturdy strap. There’s also side pockets and a laptop sleeve. Available in two sizes.
Best Backpack With Lunchbox for Men: Coolbell Lunch Backpack
This multifunctional bag has a compartment for everything you need, including an insulated front compartment to store your PB&J and more. It’s so roomy, in fact, that three sandwich containers can fit inside, so don’t be shy about loading up.
Another thing we like about this bag is that it’s multifunctional. Sure, it carries folders and a tablet. But it also has a hidden pocket in the back to store shoes or extra clothes for a trip to the gym after work. There’s also an USB interface and two additional compartments for whatever else you need to cart around.
Best Backpack With Lunchbox for Women: Etronik Lunch Backpack for Women
This laptop is stylish and functional. It has a detachable insulted lunch bag made of Oxford cloth and aluminum foil to keep food warm and drinks chilled. Lunch preserving powers aside, the backpack also has a ton of features, including a laptop sleeve and separated compartments for a power bank, tablet — even clothes. A side pocket is a handy place for an umbrella or water bottle. Available in three different colors.
Best Backpacks for College
Best Overall Backpack for College: The North Face Borealis Backpack
Made with easy-access pockets, an overhauled suspension system and super cute color options, this The North Face option is a must-have. It also makes for the perfect travel backpack for college and beyond. Although this model is made for women, there’s also a unisex version.
Best Backpack for College Guys: Jansport Main Campus Backpack
Be the main man on campus with this classic style backpack. It has two main pockets to keep everything organized, plus a dedicated slot for a laptop. Even if it’s overloaded with hardcovers, the ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps should help even distribute weight and keep things comfortable.
Best Backpack for College Girls: Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L
If you’re looking for a compact option, then this sturdy, water repellant Patagonia option will more than do the trick. Plus, we can’t get enough of the color blocking.
Best Backpack With Storage for College: lululemon Triple-Zip Backpack
You already know lululemon makes some of the best athletic wear out there, but did you know the brand makes amazing backpacks too? This Triple-Zip style is one of our favorites because of all the storage it gives. There is an interior pocket for essentials, side pockets for items you need to grab quick, plus a padded laptop pocket. Another thing we love? That the bag has load-lifter straps that are adjustable and padded. Anything that’s functional, comfortable and stylish gets our vote!
Best Contemporary Backpack for College: Fjallraven Kanken Classic Backpack
Fjallraven makes just abut every single colored backpack under the rainbow — and we couldn’t be more excited about it. Want one in deep yellow? It’s yours. What about pastel pink? You can snag that one too.
Best Affordable Backpacks for College: Vans Old Skool H20 Check Backpack
Keep things simple with this classic Vans Old Skool Check Backpack. It doesn’t have a lot of bells and whistles but there’s still a front zippered pocket for pens and a phone, as well as a large interior compartment.
Best Sporty Backpack for College: Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack
Athletes, this one is for you. Fit your laptop, books, pens and sneakers in this carry-all Under Armour backpack.
Best Lightweight Backpack for College: Vera Bradley Cotton Xl Campus Backpack
Made with organic cotton and featuring a chic and secure design, this Vera Bradley backpack is sure to get compliments. Choose from other designs as well.
Best Laptop Backpacks
Best Overall Laptop Backpack: Nike Sportswear Essentials 20L Backpack
Available in cream, black and gray, this Nike backpack it a do-it-all find. Featuring a large laptop sleeve, a phone holder and roomy compartment, you’ll have all of your storage needs met.
Top Rated Laptop Back to School Backpack: Matein Travel Laptop Backpack
Did you know there were backpacks with charging ports? There are and the Matein Travel Laptop Backpack is one of them. It keeps your precious laptop safe with its thick-padded interior and offers plenty of storage for other necessities. Charge your device with its USB port, while using the three various compartments to keep notebooks and folders organized. Choose from just about every color you could imagine.
Best Laptop Backpack for Commuters: L.L. Bean Mountain Classic Condura Pack
Sick of bringing multiple bags to work? We get it, which is why we’re recommending this laptop backpack. It’s large and has a super deep center, so you can carry books, chargers — whatever you want. It has built-in organization pockets, including a spot for a key fob, as well as a 15 inch pocket for your computer or tablet. A padded back and adjustable straps makes it comfortable to tote from place to place, and it’s abrasion-resistant, as well as water-repellent.
Best Durable Laptop Backpack: Osprey Nebula 32
Available in various volumes, each Osprey Nebula 32 backpack features a laptop sleeve, padded storage, multiple organizational pockets and more. Make it unique to you by choosing your favorite color.
Best Unisex Laptop Backpack: Carhartt 21L Classic Laptop Daypack
Made with a large main compartment and complete with a 15-inch laptop sleeve, this Carhartt backpack will become an everyday essential.
Best Luxury Backpacks
Overall Luxury Backpack: Coach Sprint Backpack In Colorblock Backpack
A designer bag isn’t all about labels and style. It can be functional too. Check out this beauty from Coach to see what we mean. It has a tech pocket and multiple compartments for notepads, pens, a phone — all the necessities. There’s also has a luggage sleeve, adjustable straps and a refined pebble leather exterior that’s swoon worthy. Best of all, it’s under $500, making it a total bargain.
Best Canvas Luxury Backpack: Coach Court Backpack In Signature Canvas
It doesn’t get more chic than this. We are obsessed with the sleek look of this gold and dark brown option, but you can also shop sweet colors like pistachio green, sky blue and white.
Best Luxury Backpack for Women: Tumi Voyageur Celina Backpack
Fashion and practically don’t always go hand-in-hand, which is why we’re gaga over the Tumi Voyageur Celina Backpack. It’s ultra stylish without sacrificing function. Featuring a padded interior pocket to fit a 15 inch PC or 16 inch MacBook Pro, it also has space for a wallet, your cardi for the chilly office and more!
Best Luxury Backpack for Men: Polo Ralph Lauren Leather Backpack
This leather backpack will elevate the plainest work ensemble. The front pocket is a great place to store gum or your cell and wallet, and the interior has a pocket for a small laptop or tablet.
Best Contemporary Luxury Backpack: Michael Kors Rhea Small Zip Bag
Two exterior zip pockets, five interior slip pockets, two exterior slip pockets and an interior zip pocket make this Michael Kors bag a dream as far as storage is concerned. The different shades of blue make it a tad more interesting too.
Best Affordable Luxury Backpack: Herschel Supply Co. Little America Pro Backpack
This designer backpack works great for both ladies and gents, can fit electronics, clothes and whatever you can’t leave at home. We love it in basic black, but if you get it from Zappos, you’ll have lots of other color options to choose from.
Best Luxury Backpack for Travel: Supreme SS 21 Backpack
Complete with pockets and a trend-forward design, this nylon Supreme backpack will have you lookin’ fly.
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