A great school backpack is a constant companion, carrying all of the essentials for a long day of classes, clubs, sports, internships, and more. But it’s not just for toting gear—a backpack is a wardrobe staple and an opportunity for students to express their personal style. So it’s important to find one that’s versatile, good-looking, comfy, and durable enough to stand up to plenty of wear.
Since our first round of testing, in 2015, we’ve tried dozens of backpacks in a variety of styles. The five we recommend are the best we’ve found for high school and college students: an ergonomically pleasing pack, a nostalgic bag with timeless appeal, a versatile yet polished workhorse, a roomy and classic school backpack, and a well-organized pack with streetwear cred.
As any college student knows, your backpack is the most important accessory you’ll wear all year. We tested the best backpacks for college students on their ability to carry a day’s worth class essentials neatly and comfortably. Naturally, we also looked for the best-looking ergonomic designs — our favorites look sleek and polished, even when filled to their brim.
We found the overall best backpack for college students to be The North Face Recon Backpack. Men’s style editor Amir Ismael especially liked its ultra-supportive straps, chest and back clips that distribute weight evenly, as well as its defined pockets for your laptop, books, water bottle, and phone. For something a little more fashionable yet still as functional, I love the popular Dagne Dover Dakota for the plush straps, luxe look, and neat removable compartments.
