The Best College And School Backpacks For 2024

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This post is all about the best quality, highest storage options for college backpacks and other back to school options!

 

This image is of a college girl standing with a backpack overlooking a canyon after a hike. The backpack is green

 

We are almost back to school! And that means its time to look for the perfect college backpacks.

When I think about what I need from a backpack here’s what I come up with.

  • Tons of storage
  • Plenty of pockets and compartments
  • Side pockets for water bottles
  • Doesn’t appear bulky
  • Comfortable
  • And most importantly, it has to look GOOD.

A little on my last bullet point, I hate that most backpacks look like children’s bags. They are all sorts of crazy colors and have weird straps and wont hold their shape. Basically, most backpacks on the market look ridiculous.

Weather you’re going to college, high school, or just need a new backpack, here are my top picks for you.

 

Best Overall – North Face, Borealis

 

As soon as you get to campus, it’s like The North Face has taken over. But, its for good reason. These backpacks are PERFECT for any college student. With loads of storage options, a laptop pocket, 3 separate compartments, and water bottle slots, these backpacks are easily the go to college backpack.

Plus, they actually last! You can easily use this all four (or more!) years of college and beyond.

If you don’t like this style of North Face, they have loads other which you can find right here.

 

 

Highest Quality – Brevite

 

Okay, honestly I live and breathe for my Brevite backpack.

This was the backpack I took to college with me my freshman year and three years later, I’m not sure I ever want a different backpack. Its not huge, but still fits loads of stuff. I travel on weekends with it no problem.

And, it actually looks nice.

Most backpacks look dumb. But Brevite looks simple yet classy and never looks bulky on me even when I fill it to the brim.

Its got a waterproof layer on it so everything stays safe and dry, even in the rain.

Then, my favorite part..

It holds it shape! It never sags out the bottom and its super comfortable. Its 100% worth the investment. Actually, the only reason it didn’t make best overall is because the north face has more storage options and is a little more affordable for a college backpack.

 

 

Most Affordable – KEOFID

 

Coming in at just 40 dollars, this backpack is super affordable and a great one to transition to school with, or perfect for the occasional use.

The reason this backpack is great is because it has everything you’d need. Lots of storage, luggage straps, water bottle holders, etc.

However,

When you sacrifice quality to save money, something is bound to not be perfect. In this case, the backpack stays pretty creased from the packaging and doesn’t hold its shape as well as Brevite or Northface does. The fabric is a little thinner and unlike Brevite, it isn’t waterproof, so if it rains a lot at your school you’ll definitely need to be thinking about how to keep your laptop dry if you can’t get out of the weather.

 

 

Best For Travel – ZOMFELT

 

This backpack is perfect for travel trips. It has a luggage pull out and wheels so you don’t have to carry it around the airport if you don’t want to. It also has plenty of storage and comes with a little matching cosmetic bag.

The wheels and handle actually tuck away inside the bag itself so you can wear it like a normal backpack as well.

Great option for flying home on breaks or any weekend trips you’d be taking.

 

 

Best Storage – SwissGear

 

This SwissGear backpack comes in with a crazy 31 liters of storage.

For reference, most backpacks are in the 15-20 liter range. So, if you’re a heavy packer, have a lot of textbooks, or just like to have the option to fit loads of stuff, this is a great option for you.

This is also a great option if you don’t commute by car. You can find my best advice for getting around campus without a car here.

This is a little bulkier than most college backpacks, but for a whole days worth of classes, the gym, and then work, its perfect to fit everything you need.

 

 

Thanks for reading! Feel free to share or star this post in your browser to come back to later as we gear up for the start of the school year!

This post was all about the best college backpacks and back to school gear anyone needs this coming school year.

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