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best backpacks for college students
Design by Yoora Kim

20 Adorable Backpacks That College Students Will Be Obsessed With

New school, new backpack. 🎒

Headshot of Hannah OhBy Hannah Oh

If you thought your backpack was important in high school, just wait ’til you see how much mileage it gets in college. Not only will you be using it while trekking across campus to 8AM lectures and late nights at the library, but you’ll also need it for flights back home, study abroad trips, grocery runs, and mornings at the gym. The best backpacks for college students can make a world of a difference during this new phase of life.

Those trusty backpack styles you’ve used for your entire academic career will still do the trick. But if you’re headed into college with a “new school, new me” mindset, we’ve included some backpacks with the grown-up treatment (think sleek leather, monochrome hardware, or even chic designer styles). And style aside, keep an eye out for useful features like padded laptop compartments, waterproof styles, reinforced bottoms, luggage straps, and adaptive zippers to make your life easier while you work towards that degree.

Keep reading to shop the best backpacks for college students — you’ll be toting those (way too expensive) textbooks around the quad like they weigh nothing in no time at all.

  • 1
    Laptop Backpack

    Best Minimalist Option

    Woyiyaan Laptop Backpack

    $38 at Amazon
    Read more
  • 2
    Crew Backpack 22L

    Best Seller

    Lululemon Crew Backpack 22L

    Read more
  • 3
    Laptop College Backpack with USB Charging Port

    Amazon's Choice

    Dimanito Laptop College Backpack with USB Charging Port

    Read more
  • 4
    Unisex Heritage Backpack

    Editor's Pick

    Nike Unisex Heritage Backpack

    Read more
  • 5
    Main Campus Backpack

    Editor's Pick

    JanSport Main Campus Backpack

    Read more
1
Best Minimalist Option

Woyiyaan Laptop Backpack

Laptop Backpack
1
Best Minimalist Option

Woyiyaan Laptop Backpack

$38 at Amazon
Pros
  • Multiple inner and outer pockets including an anti-theft pocket in the back
  • Waterproof
Cons
  • Some customers complain about the stitching ripping

It's totally normal for your preferred aesthetics to change when you head out to college. If you find that you're wanting something with more of a grown-up feel, go for a neutral monochrome bag like this clean Amazon option.

2
Best Seller

Lululemon Crew Backpack 22L

Crew Backpack 22L
2
Best Seller

Lululemon Crew Backpack 22L

Pros
  • Comes with compression buckles
Cons
  • Straps aren't padded

Lulu fans, this backpack is calling your name. It's giving sporty-cute vibes all year long, and plus, the bag comes with a laptop sleeve and multiple pockets. Now just imagine the gym selfies with your Lululemon backpack and your matching workout set...😍

Dimensions11.4" x 7.3" x 16.5"
3
Amazon's Choice

Dimanito Laptop College Backpack with USB Charging Port

Laptop College Backpack with USB Charging Port
3
Amazon's Choice

Dimanito Laptop College Backpack with USB Charging Port

Pros
  • Luggage sleeve for easy traveling
  • Water resistant
Cons
  • Limited color options

This backpack is specifically designed to accommodate your tech with a USB charging point and built-in USB cable. It comes with a compartment on the inside that'll fit a tablet or a laptop up to 15.6".

Dimensions13.78" x 9.84" x 1.97"
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4
Editor's Pick

Nike Unisex Heritage Backpack

Unisex Heritage Backpack
4
Editor's Pick

Nike Unisex Heritage Backpack

Now 19% Off
Pros
  • Internal laptop sleeve
  • Padded straps
Cons
  • Lighter color might show wear quicker

Honestly, this is the boost of serotonin we've been looking for. The swoosh snail? The pops of orange and green?! You'll be serving street style in your math lecture with this recycled polyester bag.

Dimensions17" x 12" x 6"
5
Editor's Pick

JanSport Main Campus Backpack

Main Campus Backpack
5
Editor's Pick

JanSport Main Campus Backpack

Pros
  • Padded laptop sleeve
Cons
  • White internal lining might show wear quicker

Florals? Groundbreaking! We can confirm that JanSport bags are as popular as they are good. The brand offers a limited lifetime warranty, so you can hit them up if your bag is in need of repair.

Dimensions16.75" x 13" x 8.5"
6
Budget Option

Roxy Here You Are Backpack

Here You Are Backpack
6
Budget Option

Roxy Here You Are Backpack

Now 37% Off
Pros
  • Extra-thick straps
  • Partially made of recycled polyester
Cons

    We love that this backpack has two big pockets (and an internal laptop pocket) if you want to stay organized throughout the semester. Plus, the thick straps are less likely to dig into your shoulders.

    Dimensions18" x 12" x 6"
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    7
    Best Splurge Option

    Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

    Dakota Neoprene Backpack
    7
    Best Splurge Option

    Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack

    Pros
    • Water-resistant
    • Luggage sleeve for easy traveling
    • Laptop sleeve
    Cons
    • Side pockets might be too small for some water bottles

    The monochrome zippers and tags are soooo satisfying. The buttery-smooth feel and minimalist, clean design of this backpack has earned it thousands of 5-star reviews. It's also 100% vegan.

    Dimensions11.5” x 5” x 17”
    8
    Best Classic Option

    Abshoo Basic Water-Resistant Backpack

    Basic Water-Resistant Backpack
    8
    Best Classic Option

    Abshoo Basic Water-Resistant Backpack

    Pros
    • Solid and print colorways
    • Affordable find
    Cons
    • No dedicated laptop pocket

    Reviewers say that this bag is durable, easy to organize, and spacious. Plus, it only costs $29.99, and at that rate you might even be able to snag more than one color to match your 'fits.

    Dimensions12.2" x 5.3" x 16.5"
    9
    Best Plus Size Option

    Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Daypack Backpack (Plus Size)

    Stowaway Packable 20L Daypack Backpack (Plus Size)
    9
    Best Plus Size Option

    Eddie Bauer Stowaway Packable 20L Daypack Backpack (Plus Size)

    Pros
    • Extendable features
    • Packs into itself
    • Water resistant
    Cons

      Eddie Bauer is a classic backpack destination for good reason — this neutral pack will last you years. It comes with extended-length shoulder straps and an extended hip belt for a comfortable fit.

      Dimensions18" x 10" x 9"
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      10
      Best Athletic Option

      The North Face School Jester Laptop Backpack

      School Jester Laptop Backpack
      10
      Best Athletic Option

      The North Face School Jester Laptop Backpack

      Pros
      • Padded laptop sleeve
      • Stands up on its own
      Cons
      • Some reviewers say pockets are small

      This is a college-ready backpack — it has enough space for your computer and your books, is water-repellant for those rainy cross-campus walks, and has plenty of storage room. You can even use the bungee cord front to store additional things.

      Dimensions11" x 6.75" x 17.25"
      11
      Best Minimalist Option

      Beis Backpack

      Backpack
      11
      Best Minimalist Option

      Beis Backpack

      Pros
      • Great for organization
      Cons
      • No specific laptop compartment

      The backpack counterpart of Beis's iconic duffle bag. The back section zips completely open (like, totally flat) to reveal multiple pockets that'll hold gym clothes, textbooks, sneakers, or whatever else you might need for class — or a weekend getaway trip.

      Dimensions13" x 19" x 5.5"
      12
      Best Smaller Option

      Patagonia Refugito 12 L Daypack

      Refugito 12 L Daypack
      12
      Best Smaller Option

      Patagonia Refugito 12 L Daypack

      Pros
      • Lightweight
      • Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
      Cons
      • Smaller size

      Kidcore and gorpcore fans, this one's for you. If you spend your weekends hiking, you'll be able to seamlessly transfer from textbooks to trail mix. Plus, the large, stretchy pockets will hold your oversized water bottle.

      Dimensions13" x 10" x 5.5"
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      13
      Best Faux Leather Option

      Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

      Kaya Laptop Backpack
      13
      Best Faux Leather Option

      Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack

      Pros
      • Super sleek
      Cons
      • Slightly heavier due to the fabric and construction

      If you want to ~upgrade~ your gear now that you're a college student, a faux leather backpack is the perfect option. This one fits your laptop, has multiple zippered pockets, and looks like a chic purse.

      Dimensions15.5” x 11.5” x 4.5”
      14
      Best Cottagecore Option

      LoveShackFancy Mackenzie Antoinette Floral Backpacks

      Mackenzie Antoinette Floral Backpacks
      14
      Best Cottagecore Option

      LoveShackFancy Mackenzie Antoinette Floral Backpacks

      Pros
      • Padded straps and back
      • Personalizable
      Cons
      • Lighter color might show wear quicker

      Raise your hand if you're literally obsessed with LoveShackFancy like we are. 🙋 This backpack is giving big "XOXO" energy. You'll want to opt for the larger size to ensure that it fits your computer, but rest assured that you'll be able to tote around notebooks, textbooks, and snacks without running out of space.

      Dimensions13.5" x 7.5" x 17"
      Pros
      • Removable front pouch
      • Vegan leather
      Cons
      • On the pricier side

      This is a backpack that'll take you all the way through college and into the professional world. It's sleek and high-quality, with a detachable front pouch that can be easily removed if you need to slide the bag into an overhead compartment or under an airplane seat.

      Dimensions11.5" × 16.5" × 6"
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      16
      Best Recycled Option

      Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel

      Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel
      16
      Best Recycled Option

      Calpak Terra 26L Laptop Backpack Duffel

      Pros
      • Sustainably made
      • Padded laptop pocket
      • Luggage sleeve for easy traveling
      Cons
      • Opens flat like a book

      This water-resistant pack made from 27 plastic bottles is light but durable (read: you can put all of your heavy books in it). It opens up flat like a suitcase, which is ideal for traveling and easy storage, although it might be tricky completely unzip your bag in a classroom setting.

      Dimensions18" x 12" x 7.5"
      17
      Best Tote Option

      Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

      Large Le Pliage Tote
      17
      Best Tote Option

      Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

      Pros
      • Lightweight
      Cons
      • No pockets

      Okay, so this isn't technically a backpack. But if you've been toying with the idea of swapping your backpack for a grown-up purse, you'll get sooooo much use out of a lightweight Le Pliage. It folds up, too, so it's easy to pack and store.

      Dimensions12 ¼" x 11 ¾" x 7 ½"
      18
      Best Casual Option

      Vans Old Skool III Backpack

      Old Skool III Backpack
      18
      Best Casual Option

      Vans Old Skool III Backpack

      Pros
      • Laptop sleeve
      • Padded straps
      Cons

        Fact: Black and white matches with literally everything. You can't go wrong with this checkerboard pattern. This backpack has a simple structure, with one main pocket and a laptop section as well as a smaller front pocket.

        Dimensions16.5" x 12.75" x 4.75"
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        19
        Best Padded Option

        Vera Bradley Campus Backpack in Recycled Cotton

        Campus Backpack in Recycled Cotton
        19
        Best Padded Option

        Vera Bradley Campus Backpack in Recycled Cotton

        Pros
        • Padded straps and back
        • Padded laptop sleeve
        Cons
        • Some reviewers mention that the fabric collects dust more easily

        Vera Bradley's signature quilted fabric is so soft you could practically nap on top of it for a quick mid-study snooze. This backpack will fit your textbooks and add a little spice to your 'fits.

        Dimensions12.0" x 16.5" x 7.5"
        20
        Best Adaptive Option

        JanSport Central Adaptive Backpack

        Central Adaptive Backpack
        20
        Best Adaptive Option

        JanSport Central Adaptive Backpack

        If you use a mobility device to get around campus, the features on JanSport's adaptive backpack will totally come in clutch. This particular pack has adjustable loops and straps to fit mobility devices, easy grab zipper pullers, and a longer haul handle with a buckle. It's also shorter in height for ease of reach.

        Dimensions16" x 13" x 6"
        Headshot of Hannah Oh
        Hannah Oh
        Assistant Shopping Editor

        Hannah is the assistant shopping editor at Cosmopolitan, covering all things from cute apartment decor to trendy fashion finds, TikTok products that are actually worth your $$$, and the perfect gift to buy for your boyfriend's mom. She previously wrote for Seventeen and CR Fashion Book. Follow her on Instagram for hot takes on red carpet fashion and unhinged updates on the books she’s reading on the train. 

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