20 Best Backpacks for Your Student’s Most Organized School Year

With bold prints, smart design, and three available sizes, this backpack is as fun as it is functional. Two roomy compartments, a padded laptop sleeve, and comfy straps make it a perfect pick for kids in 2nd grade and up. You can even purchase a matching lunch box to complete the look! 

One satisfied reviewer raves, “Purchased this backpack before the start of Grade 2, and as we near the end of the school year, I can confidently say the quality has exceeded my expectations. There is very minimal wear and tear, and all the zippers and clips are still in perfect working order. The side pockets are nice and stretchy, making it easy to fit water bottles. There’s plenty of space inside, enough to hold the matching lunch bag, a binder, a bag of fidgets, and an extra hoodie, with room to spare. We’ll most likely get a few more years out of this backpack.”

Take their school days to the next level with this fun Super Mario backpack, complete with a headphone port for easy access to their earbuds on the go. Made from rugged, water-resistant recycled polyester, it’s packed with roomy compartments, mesh water bottle holders, and D-rings for clipping on all their gear. Oh yeah, and it’s glow-in-the-dark for extra fun and visibility!

This chiropractor-approved backpack is designed with comfort in mind, featuring contoured straps and a supportive back panel that won’t wear you down. With a spacious main compartment, smart internal organization, and a padded laptop sleeve, it’s as practical as it is ergonomic. It’s the perfect college backpack for your soon-to-be freshman!

One happy customer shared, “When it does get dirty it’s easy to empty and just throw in the wash and it’s like brand new. The zippers are also really high quality and I have had no issues with them getting stuck or broken. I really loved how it’s big enough to fit everything I need but not big enough to the point where I feel the need to put extra stuff in it.”

This stylish and sturdy pick from Vera Bradley is built for busy days on campus or quick weekend getaways. With a 24-liter capacity, a padded laptop compartment, and tons of pockets for staying organized, it’s perfect for carrying everything from class notes to a change of clothes.

This roll-top backpack gives you extra room when you need it and closes with a cool aluminum buckle you won’t see on most other bags. It also has comfy mesh padding, quick-release security hooks, and a hidden strap pocket that’s perfect for your phone or transit card.

According to one 5-star review, “I love the twin laptop/tablet sleeves and how securely it holds and how slim it is while carrying a 16″ MacBook Pro, 13″ iPad Pro and iPad mini. The roll top keeps everything dry and secure and the quick access pocket runs the full height of the bag.”

This Scandi-inspired backpack is made of durable canvas and will carry them from primary school through high school. The straps are adjustable and the interior pocket is simple but roomy enough to fit a lunch box, water bottle, and notebooks.

A satisfied shopper wrote, “I’ve had this bag for two semesters in college, and it can definitely take a beating. It’s a LOT roomier than it looks; can hold a couple thick textbooks and a laptop, plus more. In addition, the distribution of weight across my back is excellent.”

Designed in partnership with iconic stationery company Rifle Paper Co., this Pottery Barn Kids backpack has everything a little learner could want (or need) to succeed in the classroom. It comes in two sizes, boasts interior organization, and even has clips on the outside to attach their lunch box or water bottle.

Millennial parents will be thrilled to hear that L.L. Bean’s backpacks are just as stylish—and just as durable—as they were decades ago. This schoolhouse classic is beloved by generations, thanks to its simple organization, roomy interior, and punchy, playful colors.

As one impressed mom wrote, “My son has used this backpack for 6 years… kindergarten through 5th grade. And it’s still in EXCELLENT condition!! No broken zippers, no tears, etc. All you soon-to-be kindergarten mommas take note…Highly recommend!”

High school and college students who can pop back to their locker or dorm in between classes will love Herschel’s classic backpack for its lightweight material and design that boasts just enough room. Bonus: The interior has a laptop sleeve to keep tech safe and secure.

As one 5-star reviewer summed up, “Perfect bag for my 13 year old. Stylish and simple. Good quality, thick material.”

Sporty and ready for whatever after-school activity they choose, this PB Teen backpack is the ultimate in cool—and customization. Choose from three different sizes, various colors, and the option to add their initials or name to the outside. Even better, the shoulder straps are padded to make the extra weight of books or gear more comfortable to tote.

A huge name in the backpack game, STATE’s Kane design comes in four versatile sizes, geared towards different age groups. Each comes with various upgrades, such as more storage and a larger (or smaller) capacity. The best part? Their colorways and patterns are seriously fun and will stand out in any hallway or classroom.

JanSport is another iconic name in backpacks, and for good reason! The brand has been around forever, and is beloved for its durable exterior and signature leather bottom. This version touts an ergonomic design, with S-curve shoulder straps and a padded back panel geared toward older students with more to carry.

As one fan explained, “A few welcome changes this time around—a better back pad, a dedicated laptop sleeve in the rear compartment, a sturdier water resistant floor. The fabrics, zippers, and construction look to be as durable as before.”

For students who need a backpack that’ll carry them from the classroom to the tennis court, this Adidas backpack is a must-buy. It has everything they’ll need for long days away from home, from a water bottle holder and a laptop sleeve to three roomy pockets where they can stash a uniform, notebook, or lunch box. The material is even wipeable, making it easy to clean off whatever they pick up in the locker room.

In the words of one satisfied customer, “It holds a laptop, spare clothing, a large water bottle, lunch bag and random extras he needs each day with plenty of room to spare. It is very lightweight which is important for someone who carries around a 12-hour day worth of needs in their school bag.”

This backpack from MATEIN is tech-forward in all the right ways, making it the perfect college companion. Not only is it the ideal size for toting around a laptop and charger, but there’s also a built-in USB on the outside (and charging cable on the inside) to make powering up on the go more convenient.

One glowing review reads, “The anti-theft pocket in the back is a smart touch, and the USB charging port is super handy when I’m out and need to top up my phone. I also love how lightweight and comfortable it feels, even when it’s packed full.”

With utility and functionality at the forefront, this Carhart backpack is one of the best for high school students that enjoy a no-frills aesthetic. The padded straps and back keep things comfortable, while an interior laptop sleeve helps them stay organized. Bonus: It’s water resistant, so it can hold its own against cafeteria spills or rainy school days.

One top-rated review says, “Solid, sturdy backpack. Simple in its design. Very good for the rain. I live in the Pacific Northwest, where it rains constantly, and I walk everywhere. This backpack has been phenomenal in such conditions, resists rain well. I’m satisfied.”

This clever backpack from BÉIS truly has it all, making it an ideal choice for elementary school children beginning to enjoy their own independence. Each pack comes with a dedicated tech compartment, a detachable sling bag, a roomy main pocket, and more. Our favorite part? The safety whistle that’s integrated into the adjustable straps.

One mom loved it so much, she bought it twice: “We ordered this and the matching lunch box for pre-K, and our other child loved it so much we’ll order another set! Well made, smooth zippers, and enough room to hold folders, a large pencil case, and a large bento box lunch box. The whistle was a fun addition, and I love that the belt bag is removable.”

For a simple backpack design you can rely on, look no further than this Pottery Barn Kids option. With two simple sections, plus a water bottle side pocket, it’s easy enough for even the youngest schoolchildren to use. Plus, it comes in three sizes (mini, small, and large) to grow with your child.

Finding the best backpacks for school is all about securing a style that looks cool and keeps them organized without you there to pick up after them. This Bentgo bag does both, thanks in large part to a coordinating lunch box that nests seamlessly in its base.

One reviewer shared high praise after repeat use: “The zippers are quality—stood up to daily use for two summers and a school year so far. I washed it in the machine and the colors stayed bright (drip dried). Coupled with the lunch box system and cooling blocks, lunches stayed cool.”

If your child has outgrown their original L.L. Bean backpack, this version is a great grown-up upgrade. It touts more room than the original, with extra pockets and organization to keep every pen, paper, and piece of tech in the right spot.

One parent found the perfect all-purpose backpack in this item. They write, “Bought for my daughter heading to college, she loves it… water bottle holder is nice, rain cover is nice and she can use it for overnight treks as well as our family hikes.”

Ideal for preschool and early elementary school, this Wildkin backpack comes in a slew of age-appropriate patterns (think construction vehicles, zoo animals, and space) and is just big enough to carry the essentials without weighing them down.

One 5-star reviewer raved, “I bought this for my five-year-old son to start kindergarten with. He loves it and so do I. We love that in a school full of superhero backpack-wearing kids, his is original and definitely shows his personality. He’s tough on his things, and this backpack can take everything that boy can dish out.”