The Best Backpacks for School

Best Backpacks for School - Bestbackpack

If there is one thing that is common among all students, irrespective of which corner of the world they live in, are backpacks for school! Backpacks for school are an essential accessory for every kid and helps them store and carry all their possessions. Whether it is books, notebooks, stationery, laptops, tablets, headphones, or even food items, a backpack is what saves a student’s day!

Our Top Pick!
Mancro Anti Theft Water Resistant College School Bookbag

The backpack is of the ideal size for everyday use. It is meant not just for school-going kids but it will work fine even for college students and professionals.

Mancro Anti Theft Water Resistant College School Bookbag

Seeing how much of an important role a backpack plays, it becomes absolutely essential to make sure that the backpack you select is tough and reliable, which does not tear up under heavy weight. What’s more – it should be able to protect the contents inside, even when it is soaked in the rain.

You also need to ensure that the backpack is the right size and has a sufficient number of pockets and compartments for storing delicate devices such as laptops and tablets. Finally, you also need to consider design/ color when making your selection, as each individual has their own personal tastes and style. With this in mind, we have here put together a list of the 10 best school backpacks that are sure to meet all your requirements.

The 10 Best Backpacks for School

1. Mancro Anti Theft Water Resistant College School Bookbag

Mancro Anti Theft Water Resistant College School Bookbag
  • Dimensions: 20″ x 12.2″ x 5.7″
  • Fabric: Nylon
  • Colors: 7

What We Like:

  • The backpack is of the ideal size for everyday use. It is meant not just for school-going kids but it will work fine even for college students and professionals.
  • The separate laptop compartment ensures that your laptop/tablet is safe from other stuff stored in the backpack.
  • Multiple pockets help in storing different categories of items that a kid needs to carry to school.
  • The built-in USB charger is a unique feature of this backpack which you won’t find in most other backpacks of this range. This charger allows you to charge your phone on the go. However, the backpack is not self-charging.

What We Don’t Like:

  • The backpack’s laptop sleeve is not adjustable, which makes it a bit inconvenient for storing smaller-sized laptops or tablets which can move around inside the backpack.
  • The backpack’s outer material is prone to staining

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

This backpack features in our top 10 backpack list because of its ideal size and design. Further, the bag comes equipped with a range of special features like a USB charger and an anti-theft locking system. These features ensure that the laptop is not just an accessory for carrying your books and laptop but also serves the additional function of acting as a backup charger for your phone.

You can also store your valuables such as your wallet in the backpack without any fear of theft, all thanks to the combination lock on the zipper. Apart from these features, this backpack has also surpassed expectations as far as its water-proof feature is concerned. Even after being soaked in the rain for hours at a time, this backpack will keep all the stuff inside dry.

2. JanSport Superbreak Backpack

JanSport Superbreak Backpack
  • Dimensions: 16.7″ x 13″ x 8.5″
  • Fabric: 600D Polyester
  • Colors: 30

What We Like:

  • The spacious main pocket helps in storing things like heavy books or even a bundle of clothing.
  • This is a typical school backpack that is not meant for anything fancy like laptops or tablets. However, it is tough and durable and can carry tons of heavy stuff.
  • Jan Sport is a reputed brand that has been manufacturing quality products since 1967. The lifetime warranty makes sure that you won’t regret your purchase even if you get a defective product.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Only two pockets make it difficult to store smaller items like stationery and other knick-knacks. Further, the bag has no side pockets for bottle holderS
  • The absence of a separate laptop sleeve also makes this backpack unsuitable for carrying laptops or tablets.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

If you want a tough and durable backpack that will last years of rough use, then this JanSport backpack is the ideal choice. It does have some drawbacks in terms of design. But if you do not need the small pockets and are not carrying a laptop to school or college every day, then this backpack should definitely meet your expectations. Of course, coming from a reputed company provides it with an edge over other laptops.

3. AmazonBasics Backpack for Laptops up to 17-inches

AmazonBasics Backpack for Laptops up to 17-inches
  • Dimensions: 15″ x 7″ x 19″
  • Fabric: Nylon
  • Colors: 1

What We Like:

  • The compartments are bifurcated in size and depth such that the first compartment is the smallest while the one at the back is the largest. This ensures that the backpack is able to accommodate a ton of stuff while distributing the weight along with its breadth.
  • The rear compartment which also includes the laptop sleeve is padded for providing extra protection to the laptop screen.
  • This durable backpack provides you with good value for money, all thanks to its efficient design which effectively helps it function as an all-purpose backpack.

What We Don’t Like:

  • The laptop compartment is not advertised as a water-resistant one, so, there is no guarantee if it will protect the things stored in it if it gets wet.
  • The backpack’s bottom may be a bit weak and can be prone to tears and rips if the backpack is loaded with heavy stuff.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

This backpack’s one outstanding quality is its design. If you want a backpack with multiple pockets of all shapes and sizes, this backpack is sure to surpass your expectations. The backpack’s special compartments for laptops and a separate one for tablets make it ideal for those tech whizzes who like to carry their electronic equipment with them everywhere.

The backpack’s protective padding for the laptop sleeve also makes it our top choice for users who are looking for a backpack specifically for carrying their laptops or tablets to and fro from school or college. The laptop sleeve does not only provide a perfect fit for the laptop and tablet but it is also spacious enough to accommodate related accessories such as chargers and the like.

4. High Sierra Loop Backpack

High Sierra Loop Backpack
  • Dimensions: 19″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″
  • Fabric: Polyester
  • Colors: 22

What We Like:

  • The adjustable compression straps are a major advantage of this backpack which makes it a pretty great choice as a trekking or camping backpack.
  • The suspension system of the shoulder straps also ensures that the weight of the backpack exerts much less pressure on the shoulders.
  • The mesh design of the straps with adequate padding ensures that the backpack is comfortable to carry.
  • Since the backpack is primarily made of nylon and mesh, it is pretty waterproof and does not let the rainwater soak through.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Lighter-colored backpacks may tend to get stained, especially if being used for outdoor activities.
  • The zippers of the main compartment and interior pockets may be of comparatively lower quality.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

High Sierra is a company that is known for manufacturing some of the top-quality gears for adventure activities. This backpack by High Sierra has also been advertised as their top-of-the-range backpacks for adventure lovers and features a customized design that makes it the right fit for hiking and trekking activates.

It is an extremely sturdy backpack and any user can carry immense loads in this backpack without feeling overburdened with the weight. The excellently padded straps with suspension system ensure that you do not feel the weight on your shoulders, no matter how heavy the backpack is.

Moreover, it is also designed to carry extra gear such as camping gear and the likes. Even if you want to use this backpack as an everyday backpack for school or college, you will be surprised to find out the amount of stuff that can fit into this bag and how easy it is for school-going kids to haul it around on their shoulders throughout the day.

5. Under Armour Storm Hustle II Backpack

Under Armour Storm Hustle II Backpack
  • Dimensions: 19″ x 13.5″ x 8.5″
  • Fabric: Polyester
  • Colors: 22

What We Like:

  • The backpack is pretty sturdy with quality stitching at the seams, thus making sure that it doesn’t rip easily or at unfortunate times.
  • This is one of the best back-to-school backpacks in terms of water resistance. It is designed to be extremely waterproof and is one of the top backpacks to consider if you specifically want a water-repelling backpack.
  • The backpack comes in many different colors including girlish ones like pink and polka dots. You can also go for the more stylish looking like the silver backpack with blue straps.

What We Don’t Like:

  • The lighter-colored backpacks may get stained easily. However, due to its high-quality nylon material, it is easy to remove the stains by scrubbing them off without causing any damage to the backpack itself.
  • The bag’s design is such that if you keep it standing up without any support, it may topple forwards.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

Apart from the spacious interiors and a reasonable number of pockets for storing things of all sizes, this school backpack is a popular choice because of its water-resistant feature.

Not only do school kids tend to be more prone to getting wet in the rain with their backpacks but they are also prone to minor accidents like water spillages and so on which can cause their backpack to get wet. It is a good idea to get a water repellent backpack for school kids as the last thing you would want is for their books to get wet in the rain.

This backpack by Under Armour is designed to resist the elements of nature. Moreover, it is also comfortable to carry and has enough space for books, laptops, and anything else that you may want to throw in.

6. Matein Anti Theft Water Resistant College School Bag

MateinAnti Theft Water Resistant College School Bag
  • Dimensions: 18″ x 12″ x 7.8″
  • Fabric: Polyester/Nylon
  • Colors: 7

What We Like:

  • This is one of the few school bags which has really large mesh side pockets which can fit even large adult sized bottles.
  • There is a lot of padding on the back of the backpack for providing adequate protection to the laptop compartment. The straps are also provided with a generous amount of padding to ensure maximum comfort for the wearer.
  • The inbuilt USB charger is a huge plus point.
  • The backpack is spacious with all the necessary pockets. The design of the backpack is suitable for both school and college-going kids.
  • The backpack comes in different designs including camouflage green and black.

What We Don’t Like:

  • There is no padding on the bottom of the backpack. So, if you are carrying your laptop in this school bag, make sure that you do not put the bag down hard on the floor or table, or else, you might end up damaging your laptop’s edge.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

If you have always wanted a comfortable backpack that is easy on the shoulders and has a range of pockets to easily store the stuff, there could be no better alternative than this backpack from the house of Matein. This is all because of the generous amount of padding that the bag comes equipped with. Additionally, the bad has an inbuilt USB charger which ensures that your mobile’s battery doesn’t die while you are outside.

What’s more? The bag has a perfect anti-theft pocket which allows you to store all your valuable items on the go.

However, it is worth mentioning here that the bag doesn’t have enough padding on the bottom, and this could be a point of concern if you are carrying a laptop. But apart from that, the bag is a perfect pick and worth a try!

7. KAUKKO Large College School Daypack

KAUKKO Large College School Daypack
  • Dimensions: 10.6″ x 6.7″ x 10.6″
  • Fabric: 600D Polyester
  • Colors: 41

What We Like:

  • As compared to conventional backpacks, this school backpack is really tall and is, therefore, ideal for those who need to carry large binders, folders, and files that generally do not fit in a normal backpack.
  • The main compartment actually has two closing mechanisms. The first is the drawstring which in itself is sufficient for securing all the stuff inside the bag. However, magnetic clasps are also provided for closing the main compartment.
  • The bag is designed to be extremely spacious. Not only does it serve as a great back-to-school backpack, but it can even come in handy for field trips, sleepovers, and outdoor trips where kids need to carry more stuff like clothes, big tiffin boxes, and the like.
  • The linen material used in designing the backpack makes it look classy and sets it apart from other backpacks.
  • The tight-knit canvas-like material of the backpack is water-resistant which makes the backpack resistant to water so that the stuff inside does not get wet even if the backpack itself is soaked through.

What We Don’t Like:

  • The drawstring closure of the backpack may be a bit difficult to handle.
  • The padding on straps can start to wear thin after a few months of usage.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

This backpack is designed and manufactured by Kaukko, an international company that ships its quality products to more than 20 different countries. The company prides itself on being the designers of some of the best school bags available in the market by pairing modern functionality with mountaineering style.

It is no surprise then that this school backpack by Kaukko is an excellent example of their fabulous designing skills. It is a pretty versatile backpack that can easily serve multiple purposes right from being used as a school backpack for the daily to and fro between school and home to a hiking rucksack for storing all the gear that you will need on your adventure weekend trip.

The unique design sets this backpack apart from its competitors in terms of looks and is sure to be an eye-catching accessory for kids going to school or college.

8. TRENDYMAX Galaxy Backpack for School

TRENDYMAX Galaxy Backpack for School
  • Dimensions: 16″ x 12″ x 6″
  • Fabric: Polyester
  • Colors: 23

What We Like:

  • This is a conventional back-to-school backpack with an ideal size for a school-going kid to carry his books, stationery, and even a tablet or laptop once in a while.
  • It is extremely padded such that there is ample cushioning on the back and straps. The backpack is ideal for kids who carry their books to and from school every day so that they do not have to feel the weight on their shoulders.
  • The designs are really colorful and vibrant which something that kids will love to flaunt to their friends.
  • The backpack is sturdy and durable and can last even years of rough usage.

What We Don’t Like:

  • Though the straps are adjustable, the mechanism may be faulty in some products, thus, making it difficult for users to adjust the straps to make them loose or tight.
  • The size of the backpack, as well as the fewer number of pockets, maybe a point of concern for some people as it is definitely smaller than an average backpack and has a lesser number of pockets as well.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

If you are looking for backpacks for school-going kids, this school backpack should definitely be on the top of your list. Just its design alone is sure to draw your attention to the fact that this backpack is designed especially for school kids.

Moreover, its size is ideal for being carried by kids anywhere between the age of 6 and 16. It has sufficient compartments to help the kids organize their school things like books, pencils, and the like.

The inner secret pocket is something that kids will especially love as this can be used to keep their most valuable possessions which they would probably want to keep secret from their friends. The separate laptop compartment helps in easy storage of laptops and tablets.

9. Vaschy Unisex Classic Water Resistant School Backpack

Vaschy Unisex Classic Water Resistant School Backpack
  • Dimensions: 16.9″ x 11.8″ x 5.9″
  • Fabric: Polyester
  • Colors: 24

What We Like:

  • The ergonomically designed back straps are reinforced with padding and have an adjustable length. Adjusting the length of the shoulder straps makes it easy for the wearer to adjust the height at which he wants the backpack to carry on his back while the reinforced padding makes sure that the weight of the backpack is absorbed by the straps themselves without transferring it on to the wearer’s shoulders.
  • The back panels are also sufficiently padded so that the weight resting on the back does not feel too great.
  • Not only is the backpack’s material naturally water repellent, but it also comes with an extra coating which makes it even more resistant to damage from water. It can withstand rainwater and regular hand washing. However, it will obviously buckle under extreme exposure such as if it is completely dipped in water.
  • The laptop’s four inner pockets along with the main compartment make it easy for the user to organize his things.
  • The backpack is available in more than 20 different colors ranging from dark colors like navy and black to lighter tones like silver and pink.

What We Don’t Like:

  • The backpack may get watermarks after being exposed to rain or snow. These marks may come off with some scrubbing but may also show as permanent marks especially in light-colored backpacks.
  • The adjustable straps may start tearing up if the backpack is used to carry very heavy stuff on a daily basis.
  • The top and bottom of this school bag are not water-proof. So, if a kid ends up putting the backpack on a puddle of water, the books and all are sure to get wet.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

The superior quality material of this backpack is what puts this backpack on our list of the 10 best backpacks for school. The brand has aimed to put together a backpack that is sturdy and durable.

Sure enough, this school backpack is incredibly heavy-duty, all thanks to its lightweight polyester fabric which is not only making it resistant to water but also to heat such that it can withstand all the elements of nature. Polyester is by far the most resilient material for backpacking, especially considering that it does not even stretch or shrink on exposure to heat or moisture.

Apart from this, this backpack comes in a range of colors which makes it a favorable choice for school kids who are sure to find at least one color which they like if not more.

10. High Sierra Swerve Laptop Backpack

High Sierra Swerve Laptop Backpack
  • Dimensions: 19″ x 13″ x 7.8″
  • Fabric: Polyethylene
  • Colors: 19

What We Like:

  • The backpack is pretty well cushioned such that the back, as well as the straps, are cushy enough to make it very comfortable for the wearer. The cushioning also makes it great for protecting electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, or mobile phones even if the backpack is thrown around.
  • The laptop is designed to be spacious with an adequate number of organizational pockets. It is a great backpack both for being used as a school backpack as well as for carrying to work or on outdoor trips.
  • The main compartment has a two-way entry such that you can get access to the laptop and tablet sleeves without disturbing the contents of the main compartment.

What We Don’t Like:

  • The main compartment has a big flap over the zipper which needs to be lifted every time you need to zip or unzip the bag. Although it is meant to add to the design, it actually ends up being a hassle.
  • The zippers of all the pockets are not made of very high-quality material and can frequently get stuck. Many times, you would have to use two hands to operate the zippers.
  • The backpack cannot fit laptops of screen size 17 inches which is pretty standard nowadays.

Why Should You Buy This Backpack?

When you are looking for backpacks for school, the one thing you are sure to focus on is how comfortable it will be for the kids. This backpack is definitely one of the very few available in the market which has a very high amount of padding and cushioning which not only protects the stuff inside from damage but also cushions the weight of the bag.

Moreover, this backpack has almost every other feature that you can imagine in a backpack. Right from the suspension system in the back straps to the inbuilt USB charger to even the mesh outlay for smooth airflow, this backpack really is an all-in-one backpack that is sure to meet all your expectations while lasting many years without damage.

Things to Keep In Mind While Buying a Backpack

Now that we have listed out the best backpacks for school, it is also prudent to set out the few basic parameters that you may consider while choosing a school bag for your kid. After all, a backpack is something that the kid is going to use every day for many months or years and you don’t want to go for the wrong product by bringing in an unsuitable design or size. Here are some of the things to keep in mind while buying a backpack:

– Backpack Size

Depending on how old your kid is or how much stuff they need to carry in the backpack on a daily basis, the size of the backpack can vary between small hamper sized bags for carrying just lunch and the large rucksack type bags which can accommodate everything from books to laptops.

While choosing the backpack, you should always check out the volume or capacity of the backpack. Generally, backpacks of 25 to 35 liters capacity are considered ideal for school kids. The larger ones are usually preferred by trekkers and those with lesser capacity would usually be too small to accommodate too many books.

– Number of Pockets/Compartments

School kids are at a very tender learning stage of their lives and a backpack with ample pockets or compartments is required to teach them how to organize their things in the backpack.

A backpack for school should have at least two to three inner and outer zippered pockets apart from the main compartment and the side pockets. The pockets should be well distributed and of varying sizes so that all the small and big things that a kid carries to school can be fit in accordingly.

– Padding

No one likes to feel a heavy burden on their shoulders throughout the day and kids, especially, should not be made to carry heavy backpacks. The weight of the backpack can be minimized to a great extent if the backpack is sufficiently padded. Not only does the back need to be padded but the straps for carrying the bag should also have sufficient cushioning so that they do not dig into the shoulders and instead absorb the maximum weight of the bag.

– Straps

The back straps are an essential part of a backpack. They can often be the deciding factor when comparing two laptops. While choosing backpacks for students, you should ensure that the straps are ergonomically designed. This means that they won’t transfer too much pressure onto the student’s shoulders.

Compression straps are considered to be the best backpack straps. This is because they keep the load of the backpack together and close to the wearer’s back. If your child has to carry a heavy backpack, you may also consider getting a backpack that has an additional waist strap. This ensures that the wearers’ posture remains upright even while carrying a heavy bag.

– Water Resistant

Last but not least, a backpack must always be water-resistant. You never know when your kid may end up getting caught in an unexpected shower of rain. In fact, backpacks may also get accidentally wet by spilled over water or when kids are just playing around with water guns or other such things.

A school backpack made from water-resistant or water repellent material ensures that the things stored inside the backpack are not damaged due to the water. Nowadays you can also find backpacks that are not just resistant to water but are also resistant to UV rays of the sun.

These backpacks are undoubtedly much more heavy-duty and should be preferred over simple canvas bags which do not even provide resistance to water. Such a heavy-duty bag does not only protects its contents but also remains undamaged with minimum wear and tear over the years.

– Additional Features

Companies have included many additional features in their backpack models to woo customers. However, it is for you to decide whether these additional features are actually of any use to you or not.

For example, the inbuilt USB charger sounds like a pretty attractive feature. However, this is actually not of that much use to someone with a power bank, for example.

The additional features make the product more appealing but it would be absolutely wrong to choose a backpack only because of these features. You should consider the most basic parameters such as size, comfort, and spaciousness before looking at additional features.

Conclusion

School backpacks are one of the first things on every parent’s list of things to buy for their child just when the school break is ending. Those who are experienced in buying stuff for their children will know how difficult it can. Sometimes it can be really tricky trying to meet their expectations and find a product which they will actually like. Choosing a backpack is no different. While you may decide on a certain backpack based on its size, design, and comfort, it is quite possible that your child will outrightly reject it and will prefer a completely different kind of backpack.

While it is of great help in choosing the right backpack if you consider all the parameters laid out above, a middle path will have to be found where you are able to choose a backpack that is comfortable, durable, and spacious without compromising on the design and style that your child prefers.

Our Top Pick!
Mancro Anti Theft Water Resistant College School Bookbag

The backpack is of the ideal size for everyday use. It is meant not just for school-going kids but it will work fine even for college students and professionals.

Mancro Anti Theft Water Resistant College School Bookbag
Written by
Nikita Mittal
Join the discussion