A great backpack can carry you from freshman year to graduation day, so when selecting one for high school or college, consider choosing a quality option that will stand the test of time. That doesn’t mean you have to opt for functionality over style. I’ve rounded up backpacks that offer the best of both worlds—from travel-friendly designs with compartments to keep your laptop, books, and even your shoes organized, like The North Face Never Stop Utility Pack, to roller bags like the Matein Rolling Backpack to help you take the weight off your shoulders. Ahead, are the best backpacks for students (and anyone else who wants to carry one) according to a shopping editor’s discerning taste (hi, that’s me) and rave reviews.
Our Top Picks For The Best Backpacks
- Best Overall: The North Face Never Stop Utility Pack
- Best Runner Up: Calpack Luka 15-inch Laptop Backpack
- Best For Rolling: Matein Rolling Backpack
- Best For Commuting: Everlane The Renew Transit Backpack
- Best For Organization: Dagne Dover Brooklyn Falt Top Backpack
- Best Spacious: Caraa Stratus Large
The North Face Never Stop Utility Pack is the ultimate backpack. It features a padded section for your laptop, a designated spot for your shoes, and plenty of pockets for organization. The easy-to-use zippers and water bottle holders make it extremely convenient, and can even be attached to rolling luggage for travel. Additionally, the padded straps and stand-up design, specifically designed for women, ensure maximum comfort and convenience.
Available at The North Face
Calpack’s Luka Backpack is available in 19 different colors and three sizes. The medium-sized 15-inch option is designed to hold a 15-inch laptop, multiple water bottles, shoes, umbrellas, and books. This backpack has numerous compartments for organized storage and a scratch-resistant exterior to maintain a fresh look.
Available at Calpak
The Everlane ReNew Transit Backpack is ideal for commuting students. It keeps you organized with interior slip pockets for your magazines and notebooks, plus two water bottle holders for hydration. And its pass-through strap lets you secure it to rolling luggage for those days when you’re carrying more.
Available at Everlane
The Dagne Dover Brooklyn Flap Top Backpack is a masterclass in organization and style. Its top flap opens to a thoughtfully designed interior, featuring a padded laptop sleeve to keep your tech secure and a variety of pockets to neatly arrange your essentials. From slots for your phone and pens to dedicated compartments for smaller items, everything has its place. The exterior also includes a handy front pocket for quick-access items.
Available at Dagne Dover