The Best Backpacks For College Students 2024

Finding the perfect backpack for college can significantly enhance a student’s experience by offering comfort, organization, and durability. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best backpack options tailored specifically for college students. Whether you prioritize style, functionality, or a blend of both, there’s a backpack on this list to suit your needs and help you navigate your academic journey with ease.

Our Top 5 Picks	BUYING LINK
1. Briggs & Riley Rhapsody-Essential Backpack	Check Today’s Price on Amazon
2. Herschel Classic Backpack	Check Today’s Price on Amazon
3. Osprey Nebula Commuter Backpack	Check Today’s Price on Amazon
4. JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks	Check Today’s Price on Amazon
5. Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 15L Bone	Check Today’s Price on Amazon

1. Briggs & Riley Rhapsody-Essential Backpack

The Briggs & Riley Rhapsody-Essential Backpack is designed with the modern college student in mind, offering exceptional organization, durability, and style. From its padded laptop compartment to its RFID protection, this backpack ensures that students can carry their essentials with ease and security.

Key Features:

1. Organization: Abundant compartments provide space for various items such as pens, headphones, chargers, and sunglasses, keeping everything neatly organized.
2. Durability: Constructed with high-quality materials and rigorously tested for durability, ensuring longevity even in demanding environments.
3. Comfort: Adjustable padded neoprene backpack straps and ergonomic design maximize comfort during long commutes or travels.
4. RFID Protection: A hidden RFID blocking security pocket safeguards personal data from digital theft, enhancing security for credit cards, passports, and wallets.

Pros:

1. Ample storage and organization options for various items commonly carried by college students.
2. Lifetime warranty ensures peace of mind and long-term value.
3. Comfortable design with padded straps and ergonomic features.
4. Durable construction withstands wear, moisture, and abrasion.
5. RFID protection adds an extra layer of security for personal information.

Cons:

1. May be considered pricey compared to other backpack options.
2. Some users may find the design too utilitarian and prefer a more fashionable aesthetic.

2. Herschel Classic Backpack, Raven Crosshatch, XL 30.0L

The Herschel Classic Backpack in Raven Crosshatch, XL 30.0L, is a versatile and spacious option designed for individuals aged 13 and above. With its enhanced storage capacity, comfortable carrying features, and durable polyester construction, this backpack is ideal for daily commutes, school, work, or travel.

Key Features:

1. Enhanced Storage: Offering a generous 30L capacity, this backpack includes features like a front storage sleeve with a key clip, dual water bottle pockets, and a fleece-lined tech sleeve suitable for laptops up to 15 inches.
2. Comfortable Carrying: Padded, contoured shoulder straps and breathable air mesh back padding ensure a supportive and comfortable carrying experience, whether commuting to school or work or using it as a carry-on during air travel.
3. Built to Last: Constructed from durable polyester fabric, the Classic XL is designed to withstand the rigors of daily use and various adventures while maintaining a timeless and modern aesthetic.
4. 30L Capacity: With dimensions of 17.5 inches high and 12.5 inches wide, this backpack offers ample space to accommodate everything from passports to heavy textbooks, making it suitable for a wide range of purposes.

Pros:

1. Spacious design with plenty of organizational features for various items.
2. Comfortable carrying experience with padded straps and breathable back padding.
3. Durable polyester construction ensures long-lasting performance.
4. Versatile enough for everyday use, school, work, or travel.
5. Stylish and timeless design adds a fashionable touch to any wardrobe.

Cons:

1. Some users may find the design too basic or lacking in advanced features compared to other backpack options.
2. The larger size may not be suitable for individuals looking for a more compact or minimalist backpack.

3. Osprey Nebula Commuter Backpack

The Osprey Nebula Commuter Backpack combines premium efficiency with thoughtful design, catering to the needs of the modern explorer. With its versatile storage options and purposeful design, this backpack is optimized to enhance every journey, whether it’s for daily commutes or seasonal explorations.

Key Features:

1. Premium Efficiency and Design: Crafted with high-quality materials and attention to detail, the Nebula backpack offers both functionality and style for discerning users.
2. Seasonal Storage: Designed with storage options that adapt to different seasons, allowing users to efficiently organize and carry essentials regardless of the weather or activities.
3. Purposeful Design: Every aspect of the backpack is purpose-designed to maximize utility and convenience, helping users make the most of each exploration, whether it’s a daily commute or a weekend adventure.

Pros:

1. High-quality construction ensures durability and longevity.
2. Versatile storage options cater to various needs and activities.
3. Thoughtful design features enhance usability and convenience.
4. Suitable for both daily commutes and outdoor adventures.
5. Premium aesthetic adds a touch of sophistication to any journey.

Cons:

1. Limited availability or distribution compared to more widely recognized brands.
2. May be priced at a premium compared to other commuter backpack options.
3. Some users may prefer more specialized features tailored to specific activities or needs.

4. JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks

The JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack in Black offers enduring durability, timeless style, and ample storage for all your essentials. With its sturdy construction, versatile compartments, and lightweight design, this backpack is an ideal companion for everyday use, catering to individuals aged 13 and older.

Key Features:

1. Durable Construction: Crafted from durable 600 denier fabric, this backpack is strong, abrasion-resistant, and water-repellant, ensuring longevity and reliability.
2. Ample Storage: Featuring one main compartment and a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer, this backpack provides sufficient space to hold all your supplies and essentials.
3. Versatile Style: Available in over 30 different colors and prints, the SuperBreak backpack offers a simple yet classic silhouette that allows you to express your unique style effortlessly.
4. Comfort and Convenience: Designed for comfort and convenience, this backpack features padded shoulder straps with a 15-inch drop and a web haul handle, making it easy to carry and suitable for everyday use.

Pros:

1. Timeless style that never goes out of fashion.
2. Durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
3. Versatile storage compartments accommodate various items.
4. Lightweight design enhances portability and comfort.
5. Wide range of colors and prints to suit individual preferences.

Cons:

1. Lack of advanced features compared to more specialized backpacks.
2. Limited organization options may not be sufficient for some users with specific needs.
3. May not offer sufficient padding or support for carrying heavy loads over extended periods.

5. Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 15L Bone

The Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 15L in Bone offers a versatile and durable solution for everyday, camera, and laptop carry needs. With customizable internal dividers, easy access via a wrap-around zipper, a protected laptop sleeve, and flexible carry options, this backpack is designed to adapt to various situations while providing reliable protection for your belongings.

Key Features:

1. Versatile Design: Customizable internal dividers cater to everyday, camera, and laptop carry needs, allowing for flexible organization of your belongings.
2. Wrap-around Zipper: Access the top and both sides of the backpack with a single durable UltraZip zipper, ensuring convenient access to your items without the need for digging through the bag.
3. Protected Laptop Sleeve: External access to a laptop sleeve capable of holding 13″ laptops, providing easy and secure storage for your device.
4. Flexible Carry Options: Two hidden straps on the bag’s exterior offer additional carrying options for items outside the main compartment, enhancing versatility.
5. Lifetime Guarantee: Constructed from weatherproof, 100% recycled nylon canvas shell with DWR impregnation, double PU-coating, and Bluesign certification, ensuring durability and environmental sustainability backed by a lifetime guarantee.

Pros:

1. Highly versatile design suitable for various carry needs, including everyday use, camera gear, and laptops.
2. Easy access to belongings via the wrap-around zipper system, minimizing hassle and improving efficiency.
3. Protected laptop sleeve ensures secure storage and easy retrieval of electronic devices.
4. Flexible carry options expand the backpack’s functionality for different situations and preferences.
5. Weatherproof and environmentally sustainable construction with a lifetime guarantee offers peace of mind and long-term value.

Cons:

1. Limited color options may not appeal to all users.
2. Higher price point compared to some other backpack options.
3. Limited capacity (15L) may not be sufficient for users requiring larger storage volumes.

Final Verdict

In the final analysis, the Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 15L in Bone emerges as a top contender for those seeking versatility, durability, and functionality in their backpack choice. Its customizable internal dividers and flexible carry options make it suitable for a range of needs, from everyday use to carrying camera gear and laptops. The convenient wrap-around zipper system ensures easy access to your belongings, while the protected laptop sleeve adds an extra layer of security for electronic devices. Additionally, its weatherproof and environmentally sustainable construction, backed by a lifetime guarantee, speaks to its long-term value and commitment to quality. While it may come at a higher price point and offer a more limited color selection compared to some alternatives, its overall performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for those prioritizing versatility, durability, and style in a backpack.