We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. The main pocket holds a decent amount of stuff. We loved trialing which backpacks were the most comfortable and proficient. I love researching products that make our lives easier and sharing those findings with other busy moms. You can also carry the backpack like a tote, thanks to the two grab handles. Its a teen favorite, and students who carry it love how deep and wide the main compartment is. The material is easy to wipe clean if lunches spill or pens mark up the inside. Speaking to fans of the bag, reviewers compare it to a soft wetsuit and that it just feels lovely.. Have you thought about getting a wheeled backpack? The stylish, simple look can fit in almost anywhere. That being said, the padded straps make for easy carrying, and the generous main compartment is more than sufficient. The laptop case is super soft and supportive so, of all the packs we tested, I would be least concerned about my student's laptop being damaged. This high school backpack is available in a wide variety of different colors and prints, so there are more than enough options for everyone. The great thing about the handle is that it is height adjustable, so people of different heights can get it to fit them just right. Then, we sent it to the wilds middle school for several days where it was taken on and off over a period of six to eight hours. However, that top flap has a lot of use. The molded straps are designed for long days, and the whole thing is made of super-strong canvas, that Carhartt is known for. There are so many choices and its easiest to let our kids pick their favorite color or style, but will the one they choose be the best bag for the job? This bag also has a sleeve on the back so it can be secured to luggage, which is a nice feature. Thats why its worth it to spend a little more on a backpack for high school. Everything You Need for Back to School 2022. It is a roomy compartment though, and there is plenty of space inside for your laptop, tablet, books, etc. It has the least frills and costs the least out of all the bags we tested, yet its one of our top picks because of its ease of use and flexibility. Maybe you want something different a unique backpack that looks different from those that you see on everyone else. And it is going to be really comfortable with the wear, with the thick padding in the backpanel and ergonomic shoulder straps. We received a lot of positive comments on our ash rose colored bag with red and white striped wipeable lining. However, if you're looking for a colorful backpack, you'll be disappointed with the Adidasit only comes in varying shades of grey and black with a few lighter options like beige or linen green. I also love researching accessible products like adaptive swimwear, flotation devices to keep disabled kids safe, and sharing product info for items like our favorite beanbags. The back and the shoulder straps are well padded, thick, and adjustable, which makes it easy for any body type to be comfortable. And it will be comfortable to wear, thanks to the heavy padding, adjustable shoulder straps, and breathable mesh all over the back. Theres even a small zippered pocket inside, which is perfect for tiny items you want to have easily accessible. Inside is everything youd expect: a tech pocket, a place for chargers and pens, and a zippered interior pocket. Even though this bag is thinner and less padded than other packs, its more flexible and therefore comfortable, especially for those with smaller frames. But its not just about the design; this high school backpack actually has all of the features you could possibly need. The largest storage area has a secure space for a laptop, and plenty of room for books, a sweatshirt, or other bulky items. It's the ultimate in reliable, affordable backpacks. Bean) which combines convenience, support, and durability while remaining a good value for the price. Hard to say. The Herschel has thick padded straps that easily adjust as well as a lap belt. Padded straps and an appropriately-sized backpack for the build of your child are paramount for comfort. In addition to that, the front pocket of this backpack is roomy enough to bit a regular 9.7 tablet, so theres definitely enough space for your must-have tech. PRACTICAL: Meet the material: Vinylon F. It has a weird name but it's dirt-resistant, water-resistant, and wipes clean. It is indeed one the most popular teenage backpacks on the market because it is so stylish! Thats mostly because of the stylish design these cute backpacks for high schoolalso look very cool, which is exactly why everyone loves them. But just because a backpack has a water bottle holder doesn't mean that it fits all sizes. With a 40-liter capacity, this is a beast of a backpack. Having said that, backpacks for teens should be sturdy and have organizer sections for things like pens or styluses, a water bottle, and a tech sleeve. It got me through the rest of high school and even college! Jaclyn Greenberg lives with her husband and three children on the East Coast. It opens like the Incase, but because of the top flap, it's a tad more cumbersome. It looks more like a fashionable purse than it does a traditional backpack. Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi, Credit: Reviewed / Jaclyn Greenberg. Its the most padded of all the packs we tried and has the sleekest design, so it works for school or the office. There is one water bottle holder, but it was too thin to hold our water bottle. You can easily get a backpack that no one else has, and thats pretty cool youre wearing one of the most popular bags among students, but its unique in a way. But, some materials are more durable than others, which is why it is crucial to pay attention to this stuff. There is an organizer panel with several slip pockets in the front compartment, so you will be able to keep the smaller items organized. Herschel is another brand of backpacks that is very popular with high school students. On top of that, theres also a fleece-lined pocket for sunglasses, as well as a small organizer with a key clip in the front pocket. And if that sounds good to you, definitely think about getting the High Sierra Chaser school backpack. On the smaller side, this bag is perfect for more petite students. It also rivals the Incase in organizational capabilities. Read More, This pack is for someone who considers sturdiness a top priority. Several of the floral options are pretty and unique so this pack stands out in a crowd. The Carhartt has a mind-boggling 11 pockets, which include three main compartments. If you buy something from the links on this page, we may earn a commission. The main compartment can be expanded or contracted by pushing the base of the bag in or out. The bottom can be stretched or contracted depending on what the wearer is carrying. Theres also a removable hipbelt, which helps transfer the load of the pack onto your hips a useful feature to have when the bag gets really heavy. STYLE: JS0A47JK | Big Student With Dedicated Laptop Compartment, CAPACITY: 2100 cu in / 34 L | WEIGHT: 1 lb 8 oz / 0.6 kg | DIMENSIONS: 17.5" x 13" x 10" / 43 x 33 x 25 cm. A few online reviews mentioned problems with the water bottle holders tearing or the zipper getting stuck, but we didn't experience that issue during our extensive testing. These bags are beautiful inside and out. Aside from the soft, cushiony laptop section there are two large areas for books, notebooks and other items. Thats fine go with one of our top three choices for the best experience! The Under Armour Gameday is a standard looking backpack that can be used for school, as a casual office bag, or for the gym. But in case its just a bit out of your price range, there are loads of other great options below! The front of the pack has a zippered pocket for pencils, highlighters, and keys which can be attached to a cord with a clip. In case youre carrying around a 17 device, I suggest you check out my post on best backpacks for 17 laptops, for lots more ideas. Two large water bottle holders make it easy to be well hydrated all day. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission. It held all of my tech, my dance shoes, and several romance novels. Overall, the Puma backpack is a very basic option, and its great for people who dont actually need (or want) a backpack with 15 different compartments and pockets. Check out our picks for the best backpacks for college, and get your year started right. Really cheap backpacks can be great short-term options, but you will probably have to replace them in a few months. Depending on what items your child carries in their backpack, they may require specific features. It is made from sturdy and durable materials, it features thick padding and breathable mesh on the backpanel and there are plenty of different compartments and pockets for all your must-have items. And for what its worth, the reviewer was pumped to show off the side stretch slash pocket that easily molds to fit what you need. Youd spend a lot less time with a heavy bag on your back, which means youd have to deal with a lot less shoulder and back pain. Get the best deals and the best advice dropped right in your inbox. There are padded sleeves for your laptop, tablet, and smartphone, as well as an organizer panel for all those smaller must-have items. It doesn't have a tech sleeve, but its straps are adjustable and padded, and the whole thing is fairly water-resistant. The backpanel of the Chaser features thick padding and adjustable shoulder straps. The back section fits a laptop and is well padded. Theres also a water bottle pocket on the side, which is made from stretch mesh. There are two mesh compartments in the biggest section which is nice for storing smaller items. It is one of the smaller backpacks for school, but it is still large enough to fit a tablet, a 13.3 laptop, and a couple of books and notebooks. The majority of packs for high school featured here can easily fit 15.6 devices. Will they do better with several sections so their belongings are compartmentalized, or will more compartments just cause confusion and make it hard to find loose papers, pens, or a phone? Well, the Augur backpack is the perfect option for you then! The backpack is so deep that if you forget you put something in it, you might not remember until you clean it out. According to users, it can fit a 17-inch laptop, a hoodie, a uniform, three big books, an iPad, and like all the pens I have, so my roommates dont steal them which honestly is a solid reason to get this bag if you ask me. While it's a good choice for anyone, younger children will especially love the fun designs. At A Glance: Best Backpacks For High School. The laptop pocket is tight and soft making it very supportive of electronics. I talked to both professors and students who had this backpack, and while aesthetics were what drew them to the bag, the ease of use keeps them using it. Its tough to find a durable and affordable backpack it is usually one or the other. It's no larger than the other backpacks on the list, but because it is used so wisely, it feels like there's more to it. This backpack is so padded it can stand by itself. And the grab handle has its own compartment, where you can store it when youre not using it. We love how easy it is to toss in the wash. Otherwise, it will start coming apart at the seams faster than you can say backpack. One reviewer was bold enough to call this backpack for teens his life holder, meaning he trusted it to hold everything he needs for school, sports and work. On top of that, it features anti-theft closure, with a hook that allows you to secure the zipper. And thats it the Kanken doesnt have 1001 different features. It has plenty of space, with a tech sleeve that fits a 13-inch laptop and a deep accessory pocket. There are a lot of options out there, but not all of them are exactly great. Students I spoke with said that this backpack has the best straps, providing a dense cushion in the places where you need it. But regardless of what youll be using it for, it has sufficient room to fit all of your stuff comfortably, thanks to its cushioned back piece and straps. Larger items that need a lot of room? It holds books, a laptop, and your other needs, and it does it in a molded shape with a gorgeous rope border. It has excellent water resistance without any extra coating, as well as great tear resistance. In addition to that, this pack also has an external front pocket, as well as two zippered pockets on the sides. One thing thats great about this High Sierra high school backpack is that it is good for more than just school. These will keep you comfortable even when youre wearing the pack for a few hours at a time, which is another reason why its a great versatile option. Older kids and adults might find it to be too small. This high school backpack is available in a wide variety of different colors and prints, which is awesome. Theres no doubt that this backpack will be able to handle pounds upon pounds of heavy books, without coming loose at the stitches. We can all recall a time that we forgot to bring something to school with us, but having a reliable backpack that has ample room to organize all of your stuff can make the difference between a manageable situation and total chaos. Thats why we love this backpack so much it has a very classic exterior, but a backpanel that can rival the panels even the sportiest backpacks. The Incase backpack manages to do all of this with an economical eye toward the size of the whole backpack. The front compartment is the smallest of all three, as it is designed to hold all your accessories. This is a simple looking bag that comes in nine color choices including black, camp green, navy, red and true teal. Depending on the amount of stuff you have to carry to school every day, you should get a backpack thats perfectly appropriate for your needs. There is a small, soft compartment up top for glasses. The FlexVent suspension system features a flexible yoke built from custom injection-molded shoulder straps, a padded mesh back panel and a breathable lumbar panel for comfortable, ventilated support. With that in mind, we tested eight backpacks to see which ones we preferred based on convenience, ease of use, comfort, and appearance. The only downside here is that the Chaser school pack doesnt really have a cover for the wheels. This bag has a lot of sections. A spacious main compartment has a dedicated and highly protective laptop compartment. You should look for tough materials nylon, reinforced polyester, and canvas are the best options that exist. It has a design of a satchel rucksack, which looks really cool. You can just shove everything in it, says my nephew, a loquacious reviewer if ever there was one. Another thing thats great about this pack is that it has a really sturdy harness with ergonomic shoulder straps. This one might be a bit of a mens school backpack, but ultimately it is unisex. Overall, the Borealis is our top choice here because of its premium materials, comfortable padding, excellent ventilation, and an abundance of organizational features. It folds into itself in the front pocket. One thing to note about this school pack is that it will only work if you dont carry too many items to school on a daily basis. These days, most students carry water bottles, which means having a backpack with a dedicated space for their bottle is important. It also has two pockets and a thin laptop divider. Users note that it's not as easy on the shoulders as it could be, but for shlepping from car to class, it's great. FLEX VENT TECHNOLOGY. It fits everything you need and doubles as a carry-on. The great thing about Vinylon F is that, when the fibers get damp, they swell up, which effectively keeps the water from penetrating the fabric. L.L.Bean is a brand with a bag for everyone. Most of the backpacks featured in this review are pretty affordable, but some are pricey. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. The Herschel backpack is light and simple, and is good for young children or older people carrying lighter items. This is a great sporty backpack, especially for those of you that prefer to ride your bike to school. Also, the sleeve that the foam sheet is stored in works perfectly as a laptop sleeve. It comes in so many designs and colors you can find a design that will appeal to almost everyone. On the outside, there's a pocket big enough for a 36-ounce Hydroflask. This is a durable, flexible, weatherproof backpack that is reasonably priced. We packed these bags to the brim with everything a middle schooler carries each day, and more: a laptop, laptop case, accordion folder with papers, YA book, dry erase board, two notebooks, a pencil case, phone, lunchbox, lunchbox case, and water bottle. On the other hand, if you dont actually carry a lot of heavy items in your bag on a daily basis, you can get away with a more affordable backpack. You know exactly what you put in it and wont easily lose items. to the number of external pockets. Vera Bradley bags are known for their beautiful designs, and their backpacks are no exception. JanSport makes backpacks that are really popular among high schoolers. It does come with a warranty. It's worth double checking to make sure that any backpack you're planning to purchase will accommodate whatever size water bottle your student carries. This backpack still has the same exterior as it did when it was first released, way back in the late 70s. It is constructed from sturdy Vinylon F, which is a synthetic fabric developed by Fjallraven. More: The Best Laptops for College Students. She writes about her experiences parenting as well as challenges related to accessibility and inclusion. Younger kids may want more of a variety of colors and designs, but the choices of black, white, blue, grey and other solid colors are classic. If you want a backpack that will take you from the high school classroom to the dorms, to the boardroom of your first post-collegiate job, this is the backpack for you. Just dont overuse it dont put too many heavy items in it, and dont overpack it so much that you cant get it too close. Its a comfortable backpack to wear, which is another reason why this is one of the best packs for school. The Icon is perfect for adults or older kids carrying a laptop and other heavy materials or items that need a lot of support and who can afford to pay more for a backpack. Ive done the research, carried these bags on my very own back, made my destructive children beat them up, and also spoke to real-life kids to find the very best backpacks for teens that money can buy. There are always a few students who go for the big laptop, and this one fits a 17-inch laptop in its tech compartment. However, theres no proper ventilation on the backpack, so there might be some breathability issues during warmer weather. Something stylish and cool, which will make you stand out in high school crowds. Additionally, the entire backpanel and harness are covered with breathable mesh, for premium ventilation during hot days. This does happen with some really cheap backpacks, but I didnt include any of those in this review. It has multiple compartments and pockets, so theres more than enough space for all your stuff, and it will be pretty easy to stay organized. The Pop Quiz is one of their best backpacks for high school students because it is made from very durable materials, and it has a pretty large capacity. Just make sure that youre getting a backpack that can fit your laptop! The Kanken is an iconic backpack, famous for its timeless design. Not only is the design ingenious, utilizing every square inch of space, but it's also rugged and stylish. The straps have extra padding as well so it doesnt dig into shoulders, although for smaller wearers, the pack might be a bit bulky. There are four compartments total a laptop compartment in the back, two main compartments, and one smaller front compartment. Plus, it has multiple compartments for all of your things. There is one main pocket and one smaller pocket in the front. But theres one thing that makes this backpack a really great option, and thats the backpanel. This is a classic backpack that is good for school, camp, sports or a hike, and is ideal for anyone who wants a straightforward well-fitting backpack. High school is a great time, and it's even better when you're prepared. And it can fit 15 devices, so its going to be a great fit for the majority of people. If you want your backpack to feel as organized as a filing cabinet, the Incase Icon is the one for you. Its also the only pack we tested with reflective trima great addition if your student walks home from the subway or bus stop after dark. There are two water bottle holders, but they were tight and didnt fit our fatter water bottle. It has two slip pockets inside, which are great for keeping the smaller items organized. The two water bottle holders are great for carrying thinner bottles, however they didnt hold our thicker bottle. It has space for a 15-inch laptop sleeve, multiple compartments, and a huge main compartment. And that makes perfect sense, considering just how great their packs are. My only gripe is that there are just two pockets, and one is smaller than your average backpack front pocket.