Best Backpack Brands for College

It is impossible to narrow down the list of backpacks for college students to just a few options. Everyone has slightly different requirements, wanting a different style or capacity and with different budgets. Some students want to a designated laptop spot while others will just put their computer in a protective sleeve first. Instead of coming up with the top backpacks, it is easier to look at the top 10 best backpack brands for college. Each of these brands has multiple options to fit your style and color preferences.

 

List of best backpack brand for college

Brand nameProduct imageProduct NamePriceRating
The North FaceThe North Face Unisex Borealis Backpack$$$4.6
JanSportJanSport Right Pack Originals Backpack Black TYP7008$$4.4
SwissGearSwissGear Travel Gear ScanSmart Backpack 1900- eBags Exclusive$$4.6
Under ArmourUnder Armour Storm Hustle II Backpack$$4.6
High SierraHigh Sierra Loop Backpack$$4.5
SamsoniteSamsonite Pro 4 DLX Backpack PFT TSA$$$4.8
Herschel Supply Co.Herschel Supply Co. Little America Backpack$$4.5
DakineDakine Heli Pro Backpack$$4.7
NikeNike Hoops Elite Max Air Team Backpack$$4.6
adidasadidas Prime Backpack$$4.5

Detailed review of best backpack brands for college

#5 – High Sierra

Buy Now

You will find at least dozens of backpacks from High Sierra and each of them is made to be of high quality. Many of the shoulder straps are padded and feature designated pockets for your media. There are also at least ten different colors and patterns available among the various backpack styles. You can pick a backpack with a media pocket and headphone port, one with wheels, one with numerous compartments, or even a messenger bag depending on your style.

#4 – Under Armour

best brands of backpacks for college

Buy Now

There are around 10 options from Under Armour, making it one of the top 10 best backpack brands for college. Some backpacks from this brand have waterproof fabric and most include two side pockets for water bottles. Some even have a front laundry pocket that you can use for other small accessories if you want. Several Under Armour backpacks, such as the Hustle model, also include a dedicated laptop sleeve to hold a 15-inch computer.

#3 – Swiss Gear

best college backpack brand

Buy Now

You will find several dozen different backpack options from Swiss Gear, not including the numerous color options available for each model. Some bags are slightly more expensive, but they are all made with high-quality materials that can hold up to a laptop as well as multiple college textbooks and notebooks at once. Some of the backpacks are also designed with special compartments so you don’t have to take your computer out when going through airport security and several are waterproof or contain hidden compartments for valuables.

#2 – JanSport

good backpack brand for college

Buy Now

Most people only think of JanSport backpacks in the classic style, but there are dozens of options, leading to their spot among the top 10 best backpack brands for college. Many have additional compartments as opposed to the traditional two found in the original JanSport backpacks and there are water bottle holders as well. There are also bags with zippered accessory pockets, ergonomic straps, and more. You will literally find dozens of colors and pattern choices as well, making it easy to find a college bag to match your style.

#1 – The North Face

best backpacks brands for college northface

Buy Now

Although slightly more expensive than some of the other options on this list, the North Face is known for producing high-quality backpacks that will easily last throughout all four years of college and continue being functional during graduate school. The various styles and colors let you pick a model that is water-repellent, with a laptop compartment, or simply one with numerous interior and exterior compartments for additional organization. Almost all models feature padded straps to maximize comfort and include one or two water bottle pockets. This is the reason this northface backpack is also in our list of college backpacks.
A bag from any of these top 10 best backpack brands for college should be durable enough to last you all four years of undergrad as well as into graduate school. They tend to have versatile options that can fit your computer and textbooks during the week or clothing and toiletries for a weekend getaway. Simply consider what style and color you want from your bag and how many compartments you need and you should be ready to make a decision.

How to pack your backpack like a pro

There are some basic concept to pack your backpack, so that its easier to carry for you.

Where do you want us to send your college packing list?
Our college packing list includes 400+ items which are categorized into must have and optional items for your needs.
  We hate spam and never share your details.