Backpacks are the most convenient way to carry your laptop, books, and anything else you need for the day, whether you’re traveling to work or university. There are several advantages to using a backpack, including its ergonomic design, its ability to carry more than a messenger bag, and its stylish design.
Our team of testers tested 40 backpacks everywhere from buses and trains to cars and bikes to determine which laptop backpacks are the best for College and High school students.
We have picked our choices by taking into account factors such as appearance, size, warranty, availability and price.
Let’s find out what they are.
1. Incase Icon – (Best Overall)
- Dimensions: 13 x 9 x 19 inches
- Capacity: 17 liters
- Maximum laptop size: 15.6 inches
An excellent laptop backpack with excellent organization and protection, the Incase Icon is sleek and stylish. This is why we consider it to be one of the best in the market. The bag holds 17 liters of stuff and is also padded to protect it from daily abuse. The backpack can hold a laptop, a tablet, a lunch, books, binders, and your after-work clothes. All your items can be organized and accessed easily with three main compartments.
You can wear it to work, to school, or even on a trip thanks to its urban style.
Despite our love for this pack, some people don’t appreciate overly organized bags. If you prefer, you can throw your stuff into one compartment, so you don’t have to dig through several sections to find what you’re looking for.
For those who like to compartmentalize their things with style, we recommend the Incase Icon.
2. Herschel Little America Backpack – (Editor’s Choice)
- Dimensions: 19.25 x 11.25 x 7 inches
- Capacity: 25 liters
- Maximum laptop size: 15 inches
The Herschel Little America backpack is a traditional laptop backpack with an unsubtle name. Featuring a spacious 25-liter capacity and padded laptop compartment makes this a versatile school bag that’s guaranteed to keep you comfortable on the go.
This bag has a huge main compartment that can store a variety of items such as books, snacks, laptops, and other accessories. On the inside, there are two small side pockets. The Little America pack can be expanded and collapsed easily. In the single outer pocket, you can store quick items you might need during the day.
There is a thick layer of padding on the backside of the bag that ensures a comfortable carrying experience. However, since the backpack is 19.25 inches long, I think it’s best suited for taller people and could be overwhelming for average-height people.
3. The North Face Borealis – (Value for Money)
- Dimensions:12 x 6.5 x 19.5 inches
- Capacity: 28 liters
- Maximum laptop size: 14 inches
With the North Face Borealis pack, you can store dozens of books in spacious compartments. The voluminous interior (28L), easy-to-use pockets, and separate computer access makes it a winning combination. With its many add-ons, this is a perfect option for both the city and the trails.
Whether you’re running errands, going to school, or working—this backpack is perfect for you. This product is durable and water-resistant, making it suitable for all weather conditions.
We appreciate this pack’s outdoorsy aesthetics, but this aesthetic might not be appropriate for everyone – some might find it appropriate in a mountain town rather than an urban office environment. Although the back panel is breathable, we didn’t enjoy the scratchy feel when it was directly in touch with our skin. However, for the price, if you consider all the competitors—the North Face Borealis gives the best value for money pack.
4. Tzowla Travel – (Budget Friendly)
- Dimensions: 13.78 x 6.69 x 19.68 inches
- Capacity: 16-18 liters
- Maximum laptop size: 15.6 inch/17.3 inch
Reasonable price and capable performance are the hallmarks of the Tzowla Travel. This is a very affordable laptop backpack when compared to many on the market that are quite pricey. This bag is full of features, including a charging station, excellent pockets, sturdy zippers, and organized storage compartments.
With a full load on the back, the pack feels comfortable, even when it’s loaded down. This bag is perfect for 15-inch laptops and holds all your daily essentials. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for carrying it everywhere you go. There is a charging station, but no battery pack is included, which is a little disappointing. The product is stylish and affordable, but it lacks high-quality craftsmanship—but that’s understandable for this price range. Overall, this is a great product who are looking for a budget-friendly option.
5. Jansport Right Pack – (Best for School Kids)
- Dimensions:18.6 x 14.5 x 2 inches
- Capacity: 31 liters
- Maximum laptop size: 15 inches
It’s not unusual that the JanSport Right Pack can be found on the backs of school kids, university students, and academics.
With its spacious interior, the backpack is perfect for carrying many books and binders. It has a simple design and a sizable amount of space (31L) that can accommodate multiple notebooks, textbooks, a 15-inch computer, a bottle of water, and gym apparel. It’s very simple to use, and we like how cheap it is in comparison to other backpacks in the segment.
However, To fully safeguard your notebook, you will need to slip your laptop into a separate, slim protective case rather than using the laptop sleeve.
Sadly, You would’ve to use a separate, slim protective case for your laptop instead of the laptop sleeve, since it is less protective than other packs we’ve tested. In addition, the bottom is prone to attracting dirt, and also not waterproof.
Aside from these exceptions, This bag is a classic and worth considering if you’re looking for a bag to carry all your belongings to and from school and college.
Things to Consider When choosing a Laptop Bag
Storage: In terms of proportions, laptop bags differ greatly, but it is the size of the laptop compartment that matters most – and that’s the important area to pay attention to. For example, if you have a 13-inch Macbook Air, you’ll need a laptop compartment that keeps your laptop from shifting.
Good quality bags will usually have an interior compartment (well padded) in which your laptop can be securely stored, protected from scratches and abrasions from rubbing against keys or a zippered jacket. Apart from a laptop, another aspect to consider is how much it should be able to hold other items such as notebooks, snacks etc.
It is important to consider how many compartments and how much space your bag offers, especially if it will serve as a carry-on or laptop bag. If you want quick access to cables, keys, pens, or other small items, consider a bag with a front-zippered pocket.
Comfort: When it comes to the shoulders and back, a properly cushioned bag can be a huge help that relieves some stress off the body. The weight of a laptop backpack may feel lightweight when you first put it on, but after an hour of commuting, it can start to hurt (which is why padding is so important).
Material: Invest in a bag made of high-quality materials and crafted well. It would be wise to invest in a laptop backpack with durable fabric (such as Ballistic and Ripstop Nylon) if you intend to explore rugged locales with frequent inclement weather.
It may be a good idea to buy a backpack that is water-resistant if you are traveling in a rainy climate. TPE Fabric Laminate or Tarpaulin Fabric Bags are water-resistant, but the downside is they’re susceptible to scratches and marks.