Finding the perfect backpack is the pinnacle of back-to-school shopping. Sure, new jeans and sneakers are important, but nothing is going to be worn or used more than your backpack. The hunt for one that delivers on both style and function can seem never-ending — especially if you’re going the online route.
To help get your year started out right, we read endless reviews of the hundreds of backpacks on Amazon to highlight the ones customers are loving the most. Keep reading to check ’em out.
A classic Jansport backpack that comes in tons of colors
Rating: 4.6 out 5 stars
There’s a reason why entire generations of people have toted this JanSport backpack to school — it’s the perfect size, has just the right amount of pockets and can hold up to a decent amount of wear and tear. (It’s also water-repellant.) It comes in a wide range of solid colors and has some fun prints too, like daisies, paisleys and hearts.
Promising Amazon review: “This backpack is very durable. It is worth the money. It is high-quality and it washes well. It is exactly as described. The measurements are spot on. There’s just enough pockets for it to be useful for anyone who is going to school or needs a small overnight bag. It's a great durable backpack. I highly recommend it.” — Jessie
A backpack that’s big enough to fit a laptop and has a USB port
Rating: 4.7 out 5 stars
More than 95,000 people have bought and rated this backpack 5 stars. What makes it such a standout is that it can fit a laptop and has several other compartments for all your other stuff. It also has a USB charger, so it can charge your phone or computer while you’re walking around campus or on the bus to school. Like the JanSport backpack, it comes in a wide range of colors.
Promising Amazon review: “I bought this backpack for my daughter to use as a personal carry-on item for a school trip and also for myself for my vacation. It has six compartments in varying sizes, two of which are hidden to help keep things secure. It also has a spot to place a power block with a cable so you can charge your items (USB A connectors, though, so you may need converters). There's also a strap you can hook over your luggage handle and the padding on the straps is relatively comfortable (although a bit thin).
It really is a great bag and we both loved using it. It has multiple compartments so you can organize your things. For me, it carried a large trade paperback, an iPad, all my cables and chargers, a travel pillow, a power block and my whole full purse. I still had some room to spare, too. Everything was separated neatly and this made things very easy to find. It also fits under the seat on a United 777 flight in the center section with plenty of room to spare. This is definitely staying in the travel arsenal!” — S. Katz
A transparent backpack so you’re in the clear with security
Rating: 4.5 out 5 stars
If your school has a clear bag policy in place, this is the backpack for you. The main compartment is big enough for books and notebooks while the smaller compartment is perfect for a phone, pens, pencils and other small items. Choose from 10 different colors.
Promising Amazon review: “See-through bags are mandatory at my grandchildren’s schools. The school gave them free bags since we had mistakenly bought book bags which didn’t meet school requirements. Unfortunately, the bags ripped almost immediately as they were made of very thin vinyl.
I bought these book bags and they still look new. The vinyl is heavy-duty and holds up great against staining. We’re at the end of the school year and they still look new. And it was priced below what most of the vinyl bags which are offered on Amazon. I will buy only this particular book bag as I have two more grandchildren who will be going to new schools which require see through bags.
And I forgot to say that although the bags are made of clear, see-through vinyl, they are stitched in colorful trimming so you have a variety of colors to choose from. I bought different colored trimming so that the children could easily identify their bags. I’m extremely satisfied with this purchase!” — Debbie
An Adidas backpack that can hold more than just sports stuff
Rating: 4.7 out 5 stars
Whether you’re stuffing this backpack with books or sports gear, the padded shoulder straps on this backpack will make the load a little more comfortable on your shoulder and back. In addition to two compartments, there’s also a special pocket for your water bottle. It’s also water-repellant, so it can withstand the elements while on the bench at sports practice.
Promising Amazon review: “This is the perfect size for a middle school or high school student! My middle schooler absolutely loves it! It is roomy and durable.” — Christopher A.
A durable Under Armour backpack with a bungee front
Rating: 4.8 out 5 stars
This Under Armour backpack is designed to withstand a long, messy school year: Blotty pens, rainy weather, heavy textbooks — bring it on. The padded straps make it more comfortable to lug around, even when stuffed, and the bungee pull cord in the front can hold a pair of shoes, jacket or water bottle.
Promising Amazon Review:
“This is great—my daughter absolutely loves this backpack. She said it's comfortable and also fits more items than she thought.” — Megan Riegel
A lightweight backpack with nine compartments
Rating: 4.4 out 5 stars
Sure, all backpacks have multiple pockets, but not many can boast as many as this one. It has a laptop sleeve, a big compartment for books and notebooks, an inner mesh pocket for smaller items, four side pockets, one zipper pocket in the front and one velcro pocket in the front — phew! Not too shabby for less than $19.
Promising Amazon review: “I was worried about this book bag because the price was so low and it was coming from out of town, but it’s so nice! Jake loves it! It has so many pockets and really great quality! It seems to be very durable. The colors are beautiful. A great bookbag at a great price!” — Kelli Burgin
A backpack designed to make carrying a heavy load easier
Rating: 4.5 out 5 stars
Having a lot of schoolwork can be a real pain in the neck. And shoulders. And back. If you can relate, this backpack is right up your alley. It’s made with a suspension system designed to help soften the blow of a weight transfer, like when heavy books are placed inside while it’s on your shoulders.
Promising Amazon review: “These backpacks are great design options that have a lot of space for the different things that you might need to send to school. They also withstand great adventures, which we know kids go on. I had a backpack like this for myself in college and know my kids will love it. My son saw it and immediately wanted to see the ‘boy’ styles. It holds up well!” — Lynn Nehl
A North Face backpack big enough for a laptop and books
Rating: 4.6 out 5 stars
Nearly 3,000 people have bought this backpack from The North Face and give it a 5-star rating. What makes it so great? Part of it is that anything North Face is going to be durable and last. It also could be because of the sheer amount of stuff you can stash into this backpack; it has a laptop sleeve and two sizable compartments. Then there’s the fact that it’s made with a padded back panel to make carrying it more comfortable. Are you sold on it yet?
Promising Amazon review: “I started this school year knowing that although I loved my North Face backpack, it was too big and too heavy. I started looking for smaller alternatives and found this one. It's perfect, much easier to lug around and throw in my car without throwing something out. The color is also bright and nice. Highly recommend.” — Anna