Backpacks are the most essential school accessory. It is where you carry all of your books and learning materials. Students will typically go through many backpacks as they go from one year to another in school. Perhaps the previous one ripped, or they’ve outgrown their Bluey backpack. Whatever the reason may be, a new backpack is always exciting.
However, with so many choices, how do you choose the right one? The ideal backpack is one that is comfortable to wear while still being very durable. This article covers great options that you should consider when choosing your next backpack.
Best Backpacks for School
JanSport SuperBreak
Jansport backpacks are probably the most iconic school backpacks of all time. The main pocket is big enough to hold books, folders, and even a laptop. There’s also a smaller front pocket for things like pencils, snacks, or your phone. The straps are padded, so it’s comfortable to wear all day. These backpacks are popular because they are insanely durable. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty. If it breaks, JanSport will fix it. It’s a classic choice that works for just about anyone. The JanSport SuperBreak is the type of backpack that could last you until high school graduation.
Jansport backpacks have been featured in countless shows and movies. Whenever there is a show that takes place in a school, you’re likely to see a jansport backpack in the background. Even Bella uses one in the Twilight series (see image below)
Osprey Nebula Backpack
If you like the outdoorsy aesthetic, the Osprey Nebula is a great backpack for high school students. It has a padded laptop sleeve, roomy compartments, and side pockets for water bottles. The back panel is soft and breathable, so it’s easy to carry all day. It’s also super durable and made to last, even with heavy books and gym gear. One downside is that it’s a bit more expensive than other backpacks, and it might feel a little big for smaller students.
Fjallraven Skule Backpack
The Fjallraven Skule 20 is specifically designed to be a great school backpack. It is built to be incredibly durable and also keep all of your belongings safe in various compartments that include padding. The design is a bit more compact than other backpacks, so it is great for students who do not want to carry around a massive backpack.
If you’re looking for a backpack that is minimalist in design, while still being comfortable and durable, the Fjallraven Skule 20 is a great choice
Best Backpacks for High School Girls
The North Face Women’s Jester Backpack
The North Face Women’s Jester backpack is a practical and stylish choice for high school girls. It’s designed with comfort in mind, with padded shoulder straps and a flexible back panel that make it easy to carry all day. It has plenty of space books and a laptop, but also extra pockets for smaller items. The front bungee system is great for quickly stashing a jacket or hoodie. Lastly, it includes reflective materials that improve your visibility while walking to school. North Face is known for their durability, I’ve personally had my North Face backpack for 12 years!
High Sierra Swoop
This is a great backpack for high school girls who need something strong, roomy, and comfy. It has a padded laptop pocket that fits computers up to 17 inches, plus a sleeve for a tablet. The extra pockets make it easy to stay organized. It has deep side holders for water bottles, making it a great choice for athletes. It’s made from water-resistant fabric, so your stuff stays dry on rainy days.
Best Backpacks for High School Boys
Carhartt Classic Backpack
The Carhartt Classic Backpack is a great pick for high school boys who want something tough, simple, and ready for anything. Carhartt has a great reputation of being durable, and has become a symbol for hard workers. Just like Carhartt’s clothing, this backpack is built to last. The padded laptop sleeve keeps your device safe, and there’s a front pocket with a key clip for easy organization. It has comfy padded straps and a breathable mesh back panel, so it won’t dig into your shoulders during long school days.
If you’re already a fan of the Carhartt brand, and own some Carhartt clothing already, this could be a great fit for you!
Adidas Striker 2
The Adidas Striker 2 is a very popular backpack among teen boys, especially athletes. It has a lot of space for books, laptops, but also additional athletic equipment. The backpack is built from durable, yet breathable material, which is important when storing sweaty clothing and equipment. Lastly, it has convenient pockets for water bottles to stay hydrated. All of these features make it an excellent choice for high school boys.
What to Consider While Backpack Shopping
When picking out a backpack for high school, it’s important to find one that’s both practical and comfortable. It should be big enough to carry all of your textbooks, notebooks, and a laptop. Most students do well with a backpack that holds between 20 and 30 liters. A padded laptop sleeve is also a good feature to keep your laptop protected.
Look for padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back panel to help ease pressure. Some backpacks even have extra chest or waist straps for added support. Durability is also very important since you don’t want it to break. Choose strong materials like nylon or canvas that can handle daily use. Lastly, you need to pick a backpack that you think looks good. If one does not fit your style, it is not the right choice for you. Many teens want a backpack that fits their personality, so color and design can be just as important. Most backpacks come in a variety of colors, so you have plenty of options to choose from.
You should also consider backpack maintenance. Backpacks can get dirty quickly, but the great part is that they’re easily machine washable. If you spill some of your lunch in it, or if it gets muddy from the rain, you can always remove all of the contents and throw it in the washing machine. It’ll look brand new and you might not need to go buy a new backpack!