The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (2023)

Every teen or young woman needs a good school backpack that helps keep her organized, is sturdy enough to hold heavy textbooks, keeps her laptop cushioned with extra padding, and is designed for comfort. Even though it is an everyday essential, there is no reason that it has to be ordinary. With endless options, it’s easy to find a bag that matches her unique style and lets her pack more into her day 24/7.

A new backpack can be an essential back-to-school purchase, but it also makes for a wonderful birthday or holiday gift. While we have focused on styles that might be popular with teen girls and young women, many of these brands are top backpack brands for everyone.

Best backpacks for high school and college

Note: We are a readers-supported site and receive compensation from purchases made through the links in this post.

1. Herschel

We’re big fans of the stylish and practical variety of Herschel’s backpacks. Their signature pack is Little America, with its iconic mountaineering style made modern for everyday use. Classic features include the striped liner, a padded and fleece-lined laptop sleeve, drawcord closure, and internal pockets.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (1)

2. The North Face

The North Face Pivoter will have her covered whether she is only hitting the books or maybe the trails or gym afterward. This latest version of this updated back-to-campus pack was designed with the help of students to give it a fresh aesthetic. Look for molded shoulder straps, a padded laptop sleeve, a huge main dedicated compartment that holds all the notebooks and binders needed for a day, plus two external pockets for water bottles.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (2)

3. JanSport

You know they never wear out if your teen (or you!) has ever owned a JanSport backpack. They’ve been making their classic backpack since 1967, and the JanSport Right Backpackis the classic with its recognizable suede bottom.

(Video) 3 Things you backpack SHOULD have #shorts

The model has improved over the decades and is now available in more than 20 attractive colors. The best part? The warranty. If her pack breaks, you can return it to their Warranty center. If they can’t fix it, they’ll replace it. And for that, they get an A+ for customer service.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (3)

4. Lululemon

There is good news for women who know and love Lululemon apparel: they make bags that are just as stylish. Their aptly named City Adventurer Backpack is perfect for life on the go, from the gym to the classroom and everywhere. With plenty of pockets, including an exterior one for a 16″ laptop, and inside ones for the rest, this smart-looking bag comes in a handful of sleek colors.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (4)

5. L.L. Bean

L.L. Bean backpacks are versatile, ultratough, perfect for school but also great for the outdoors and travel. The Super Deluxe Backpack has earned hundreds of 5-star customer reviews, and with plenty of room, this is the ideal size for high school and college women who need just a little more space and are in the market for a larger backpack. All of the bags are made with adjustable straps and weatherproof nylon. Rain or shine, this is a can’t-miss.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (5)

6. Patagonia

Patagonia is known for giving back to the planet and its high-quality gear. And their backpacks are no exception. The Arbor is a perfect choice for the young woman on the go, whether on campus or in the great outdoors. There is a roomy main compartment, a laptop compartment, and an easy-access stash compartment for sunglasses or headphones. Two bonus side pockets and an elastic cord for a sweatshirt or yoga mat make this an all-around workhorse.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (6)
(Video) EMERGENCY KITS FOR TEEN GIRLS 2022-2023! | BACK TO SCHOOL! | PERIOD KIT!

7. Fjallraven Kanken

The classic Kanken Backpack becomes a computer bag with a 15″ laptop sleeve.Padded pockets will keep computers protected, and the padded shoulder straps and top handle make this a convenient carry-all. With many eye-catching colors to choose from in the Fjallraven selection of backpacks, this is an unmistakable brand with a one-of-a-kind look thanks to its distinct boxy style and reflective logo patch.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (7)

8. AmazonBasics

If you are looking for a sporty, affordable bag, the Amazon Basics Backpack will carry her load and is anything but basic. This stylish go-to features a main pocket with a soft-lined laptop sleeve, a small padded pocket for school essentials, and a small front pocket to separate items. There are eight eye-popping colors, all made from 100% polyester, with a tough, abrasion-resistant bottom.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (8)

9. Nike Backpack

Count on Nike to up the backpack game and live up to its brand reputation with the One Lux. There is plenty of room with specialized pouches for laptops, gym clothes, other electronics, and essentials. Plus, the sleek, water-repellent design expands to carry more. It boasts travel-friendly details like an over-the-handle sleeve that attaches to rolling luggage and a dedicated compartment for ID cards and passports.

10. Adidas

We include the Squad Backpack from Adidas on our cute school supplies list. The light blue version caught our eye along with these unique features: the bags are made from 100% recycled polyester, are wipeable for easy spot cleaning, and come with a removable pencil case and lifetime warranty. These extra details give it extra points on our list of teen backpacks.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (10)
(Video) lofi hip hop radio - beats to relax/study to

11. Vera Bradley

Vera Bradley’s motto is to make being busy beautiful, and their backpacks live up. The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (11)

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (12)Besides the basics, we appreciate these extras: a pass-through sleeve that makes it easy to attach to a roller suitcase, a large slip pocket (perfect for a tablet), and a front pocket with dedicated compartments for pens and an ID.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (13)

12. Vans

Vans has been making sneakers and trendy products since 1966. They’ve expanded their surf and skate gear to include backpacks. The Old Skool H2O Backpack covers all of the critical functions that we would expect, like an all-purpose, two-pocket design with an organizer in the front to ensure that your important items stay neatly arranged. it also has an interior laptop sleeve and a side water bottle pocket for easy hydration.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (14)

13. Everlane

The Renew 15 Inch Transit has a sleek, minimalist vibe that looks cool even in August’s hot, early campus days. With covered zippers, subtle colors, and all the necessary compartments, the sophisticated styling makes this an upgrade from any bag she might have carried in middle school.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (15)

14. Kipling

Backpacks aren’t just for hauling books. Enter the City Pack Mini from Kipling. This lightweight bag (less than a pound) is perfect for life outside the classroom when she needs to tote a handful of essentials.

(Video) Top 5 Best Backpack In 2022 - Smart, Travel, Laptop, anti-theft

15. Society6

Browsing Society6 makes for happy shopping. With hundreds of patterns to choose from, each bag features a unique design made by their artist community in the United States and worldwide. Every adjustable strap backpack is made from a durable canvas-like fabric and comes with two pockets.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (17)

16. State Bags

The Kane Double Pocket Large is simple and cool, with all the features she will need and nothing extra. With six muted colors to choose from and water-resistant fabric, this is an elegant bag that makes a fashionable statement.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (18)

17. Himawari

We love Himawari, and we’re not the only ones. Several color combinations of the College Vintage Travel Bag for Women are sold out, but they are so cute that it’s worth the hunt. Made from high-quality, scratch-resistant nylon, these backpacks have four inside small pockets (including two zippered ones)for chargers and valuablesand a padded sleeve. They are practical, adorable, and affordable.

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (19)

18. Pottery Barn Teen

Your teen can gear up for adventures of all kinds with the aptly named Gear Up from Pottery Barn. Honoring the company’s commitment to sustainability, the bag is made from 100% recycled water-resistant polyester. These good-for-the-planet, good-looking packs have unique features like a cell phone holder and two D-rings in the front and back to hold a water bottle or keys. There are almost a dozen patterns to choose from in the XL size, including this amazing glow-in-the-dark Harry Potter pack, one of the roomier bags we’ve seen. Plus, monogramming!

(Video) PREPARING FOR BACK TO SCHOOL | back to school shopping, whats in my backpack & productive habits

The 18 Best Backpacks for High School Girls and College Women (2022) (20)

More Great Reading:

17 Items to Cross Off Your List Before Your Teen Leaves for College — Here are important things to take care of while your teen is still at home.

FAQs

Which brand is best for backpack for girls? ›

21 results
  • Amazon's Choice. Lavie. ...
  • Lavie. Lavie Fabio Backpack for Girls | Women's Fashion Backpack. ...
  • Lavie. Lavie Oleo Backpack for Girls | Women's Fashion Backpack. ...
  • +2. Lavie. ...
  • Lavie. Lavie Misty Backpack for Girls | Women's Fashion Backpack. ...
  • Lavie. Purple Casual Backpack (BLEI926037D3) ...
  • Lavie. Canberra Dark Grey Backpack. ...
  • Lavie.

Are Kankens still trendy? ›

It won't go out of style. The Kånken is more 'stylish' than 'fashionable', because it isn't subject to changing trends. It's a mainstay backpack that people can buy and wear for decades – and many people have done just that. It's got increasingly popular since 1978, and that isn't going to wane any time soon.

Which company makes the best backpacks? ›

Top Backpack Brands
  • American Tourister Backpacks (GrabOn Recommended)
  • Skybags Backpacks (Most Popular Choice)
  • Wildcraft Backpacks.
  • Tommy Hilfiger Backpacks.
  • F Gear Casual Backpacks.
  • Nike Backpacks.
  • HRX by Hrithik Roshan Backpacks.
  • Fastrack Backpacks.

Which is the best backpack in the world? ›

The Top 8 Travel Backpacks in 2022
  • Budget Carry-On: AmazonBasics Carry-On.
  • Great Carry-On: HEIMPLANET Transit Line 34L.
  • Most Comfortable: Hynes Eagle 40L.
  • Most Durable: Osprey Farpoint 40L.
  • Great Laptop Protection: Level8 Atlas Laptop Backpack.
  • The Stubble & Co Adventure.
  • Best Weekender: AmazonBasics Slim.

What size backpack is best for college? ›

Medium: 21 to 30 liters

This is the most common size for backpacks. The bags have enough space, but are not larger than necessary. Most school backpacks have several small pockets. So you never have to look for a pen or your keys for a long time.

What size backpack is good for high school? ›

A school backpack of 21 to 30 liters is suitable for you. This is the most common size for backpacks. The bag has enough space, but does not exceed the required size. Most school backpacks have several small pockets.

Why are North Face backpacks so popular? ›

They are known to be reliable and durable

The reason for this is the quality construction of North Face backpacks. The construction is top-notch and the materials used are tough, abrasion, and water-resistant (not waterproof), making them perfect for heavy use.

How long should a school backpack last? ›

Some school bags might need to be replaced every year, whereas others might last you a good three to four years.

What should I put in my secondary school bag? ›

money – lots of schools are cashless these days though.
...
What To Pack For Secondary School
  • Water bottle.
  • Calculator (suitable for up to GCSE)
  • Oxford Maths Set with a few extra bits of our own like pencils, pen, sharpener and eraser.
  • Keyring that will stretch out of the bag to open the door.
  • Bus pass.
  • USB portable charger.

What is so special about Fjällräven? ›

Fjällräven Kankens are brilliantly water-resistant. Vinylon F, the synthetic fabric they are made from, behaves more like a natural fibre and swells as it becomes damp. As it swells, the gaps between the woven fibres close more and thus it becomes more resistant to water penetration.

Why are Fjällräven backpacks so popular? ›

Why are Fjällräven Backpacks so Popular? Similarly to the jackets, the reason for Fjällräven backpacks being so popular is thanks to their quality and performance. They are comfortable to carry, last for a very long time and retain their shape very well for years.

Do you keep the seat pad in the Kanken? ›

Seat Cushion and Back Pad. To keep the items in the backpack from jabbing into your back, the Kanken has a foam pad inserted into the back panel. This provides a bit of extra cushion without adding weight. The great thing about the foam pad is that it can be removed and used as a seat cushion wherever you go.

Which is the No 1 bag brand? ›

Samsonite, Skybags, American Tourister, and VIP are the four best travel bag companies in India. Other than these, there are various brands like Amazon Basics, Swiss Gear, Dussel Dorf, Aristocrat, and more that bring you sturdy suitcases, rucksacks, and duffel bags ideal for travel.

Which bag brand is best? ›

Q1. Which brand is the best for handbags? Ans: Hidesign, Caprese, Baggit, Lavie are the most known brands when it comes to handbags. Other brands like Zouk, DailyObjects, Miraggio and Lino Perros are also famous.

What is the most durable backpack material? ›

Nylon is typically considered the most durable backpack material. It's waterproof and able to withstand rugged terrains without getting damaged. For this reason, nylon is a wonderful material for outdoor use, especially when it comes to camping and hiking.

Is Herschel still cool? ›

Best Overall Backpack: Herschel

Herschel is on the frontline of the everyday-pack revolution, and you only need take a swift glance at its products to see why they're so popular. Heritage styling, practicality and tasty leather detailing come as standard. A true future classic.

What is a good size for an everyday backpack? ›

21–35 liters: This is the sweet spot for most hiking and travel daypacks. There's enough capacity to hold food, clothing and some extras, like a camera and a book. 36–50 liters: These larger packs are ideal for trips that require additional clothing and gear, such as climbing, mountaineering or non-summer hiking.

Are Herschel bags good? ›

Herschel Supply Co. produces some of the most popular and well-rated backpacks in the industry. They have a great reputation that many have come to associate with functionality, durability, and style. It also helps that their backpacks are stylish with simple, timeless designs that won't go out of style.

What size backpack can fit under airplane seat? ›

According to airline policy, any personal items to be stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.

Are Lululemon backpacks good for school? ›

Lululemon Pack it Up Backpack

Perfect for commuter students or those with a lot to carry, this extra-large backpack comfortably fits a 16-inch laptop and has more than enough room for all of your books, snacks and stationary. The bag is available in three colours and is crafted from water-repellent fabric.

Are Kankens good for college? ›

Practically speaking, the Fjallraven Kanken is lightweight but still has plenty of space to hold your textbooks, binders, notebooks, and more. The water- and dirt-resistant vinyl is also super easy to clean. Just wipe it down if it's looking a little dirty.

Should I use a tote bag or backpack for college? ›

Backpacks are the obvious go-to-bag. They are easier to carry (especially for those that like to carry coffee, snacks etc. in between class), kinder to our shoulders, and easier to run with - for those who may be late for class ;). As totes are worn on one shoulder, they tend cause more strain on the shoulder and back.

Do college students still wear backpacks? ›

Almost all college students use backpacks to get around campus. It is relatively rare for students to travel to class without a backpack since physically carrying all of their everyday items would be extremely difficult.

How do I choose a college bag? ›

What Are The Features You Should Look For In College Bags?
  1. DOES IT HAVE A LAPTOP COMPARTMENT? A laptop is a valuable electronic device. ...
  2. SPACIOUS AND LARGE COMPARTMENTS. ...
  3. RIGHT FIT. ...
  4. ATTRACTIVE STYLE. ...
  5. SECURE FASTENINGS.
24 Jan 2019

What is a good volume for a backpack? ›

Understanding Backpack Sizes

As a rule of thumb, 25-30 liter backpacks are best for shorter weekend trips, while 30-45 liter backpacks are best for longer trips or long-term travel. That said, the capacity that you need depends on a number of different factors, which we'll cover below.

What do college students carry to class? ›

Your school binder, paper, notebooks, and folders are the meat and potatoes of your school supplies. You will always need to carry them on campus! They hold all of your homework, notes, projects, and everything else you might need on campus.

Is a JanSport backpack good for college? ›

The Jansport Right Pack is the backpack for commuting to and from school or campus. Its large 31L capacity is constructed to fit large books, binders, and your laptop.

How do I find a good backpack? ›

How to Choose the Right Backpack: Insider Tips
  1. Think about what you'll use it for. ...
  2. Do some homework on the basics. ...
  3. Choose a daypack wisely. ...
  4. Shop at an outdoor specialty store. ...
  5. Choose the proper size. ...
  6. Try on the pack with some weight in it. ...
  7. Get a feel for the fit. ...
  8. Consider accessories.
22 Sept 2016

How heavy is too heavy for a school backpack? ›

No matter how well-designed the backpack, less weight is always better. Use the bathroom scale to check that a pack isn't over 10% to 20% of your child's body weight. For example, a child who weighs 80 pounds shouldn't carry a backpack that weighs more than 8 to 16 pounds.

Is an 18 liter backpack big enough for school? ›

Up to 18 liters for a backpack is considered a compact size, although don't let that fool you. If something is built well, utilizing the size and offering some features, it can fit a laptop, and more. Here's a packing list of what you can fit into a 16-18L backpack.

Are Adidas backpacks good for school? ›

Adidas backpacks are popular with athletes and students in school and college, and they are great for everyday use as well. Their practicality and casual style make them appealingly versatile. To help find the right one for you, think about what type of backpack you might like and how much you need to fit in it.

What size should a school backpack be? ›

A school backpack of 21 to 30 liters is suitable for you. This is the most common size for backpacks. The bag has enough space, but does not exceed the required size. Most school backpacks have several small pockets.

Is a JanSport backpack good for high school? ›

They also need to be extremely durable and capable of lasting longer than one semester. Ask any student and they'll tell you backpacks for high school just need to be cool and trendy. At JanSport.com, we make the best backpacks for high school because we have the expectations of both parents and students covered.

Can you use a Kanken for school? ›

It's decent enough for school and it even works well as a carry-on, since it's basically weightless and you can fit a bunch of stuff in it. On the other hand, it's pretty expensive for pretty much a piece of fabric. With so little pockets and extra features, it's kind of hard to justify such a high price tag.

Is adidas backpack is in good quality? ›

It is a high quality backpack that can take a lot of wear and tear.

What is largest adidas backpack? ›

adidas large capacity backpack 54L 47246 01 (Black)

Do adidas backpacks last? ›

Most Adidas backpacks come with a lifetime warranty and are built to last for several years. With good care, your backpack can last for even longer. Adidas has become a global manufacturer of shoes, apparel, and accessories combining the worlds of fashion and functionality successfully.

How do I find a good backpack? ›

How to Choose the Right Backpack: Insider Tips
  1. Think about what you'll use it for. ...
  2. Do some homework on the basics. ...
  3. Choose a daypack wisely. ...
  4. Shop at an outdoor specialty store. ...
  5. Choose the proper size. ...
  6. Try on the pack with some weight in it. ...
  7. Get a feel for the fit. ...
  8. Consider accessories.
22 Sept 2016

How do I find the perfect backpack? ›

How to Choose a Backpack
  1. Backpack capacity: The size of the pack you'll need is tied to the length of your trip and how much weight and bulk you want to carry.
  2. Backpack features: These are the refinements that affect how the pack works for you.
  3. Backpack fit: Torso length—not your height—matters most.

What should I look for in a backpack? ›

Big-time travel blogger and New York Times best selling author Nomadic Matt says that for him the most important features of a backpack include: water-resistant material, Lockable zippers, Multiple compartments, Internal frame, Padded hip belt, Padded shoulder straps and Contoured/padded back.

Is LL Bean a good backpack brand? ›

Overall, the L.L.Bean packs offer excellent value: They're among the least expensive of the kids backpacks we looked at, and they're the only packs we recommend that offer a generous, one-year satisfaction guarantee with a full refund.

How long should a school backpack last? ›

A good school backpack should be durable enough to survive the wear and tear of at least four years of education, as well as weekend getaways and trips back home.

Is the JanSport Right pack good for college? ›

Our Verdict. If you're a student seeking a laptop backpack, the Jansport Right Pack is a classic. It features a large voluminous interior that is apt to hold all your daily goods.

What is so special about Fjällräven? ›

Fjällräven Kankens are brilliantly water-resistant. Vinylon F, the synthetic fabric they are made from, behaves more like a natural fibre and swells as it becomes damp. As it swells, the gaps between the woven fibres close more and thus it becomes more resistant to water penetration.

Do you keep the seat pad in the Kånken? ›

Seat Cushion and Back Pad. To keep the items in the backpack from jabbing into your back, the Kanken has a foam pad inserted into the back panel. This provides a bit of extra cushion without adding weight. The great thing about the foam pad is that it can be removed and used as a seat cushion wherever you go.

What is the most popular Fjällräven backpack? ›

The Fjallraven Kanken backpack was born back in 1978 to help Swedish school kids with their posture.

Videos

1. Watch 7-Year-Old Girl Get Dragged By Bus After Backpack Gets Stuck in Door
(Inside Edition)
2. Katelyn Tuohy wins Women's 5000m | ACC Indoor Track and Field Championship 2022
(katelyn tuohy fans)
3. Why 9-Year-Old Boy With Autism Got Arrested at School
(Inside Edition)
4. EMERGENCY KITS FOR TEEN GIRLS 2021-2022! | BACK TO SCHOOL! | PERIOD KIT!
(Not Enough Nelsons)
5. BEST BACKPACKS/BAGS FOR COLLEGE/SCHOOL UNDER 1500 ON AMAZON 🔥 Haul Review 2022 | Arctic Fox, Safari
(ONE CHANCE)
6. Sending an Attractive Lookalike to My High School Reunion
(VICE)
Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Prof. An Powlowski

Last Updated: 11/05/2022

Views: 6161

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Prof. An Powlowski

Birthday: 1992-09-29

Address: Apt. 994 8891 Orval Hill, Brittnyburgh, AZ 41023-0398

Phone: +26417467956738

Job: District Marketing Strategist

Hobby: Embroidery, Bodybuilding, Motor sports, Amateur radio, Wood carving, Whittling, Air sports

Introduction: My name is Prof. An Powlowski, I am a charming, helpful, attractive, good, graceful, thoughtful, vast person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.