Finding the best backpacks for school involves balancing durability, comfort, and capacity. The North Face Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack stands out as the overall top choice thanks to its sturdy build and organized compartments. For students prioritizing affordability, the JanSport SuperBreak Backpack offers simplicity and value. Meanwhile, those seeking a stylish yet practical option might prefer the North Face Vault or the Jester. The main tradeoffs include weight versus capacity, price versus durability, and simplicity versus advanced features. Keep reading to see how each option compares and what might fit your specific needs.
Key Takeaways
- The North Face models excel in durability and organization, making them ideal for daily heavy use.
- JanSport backpacks prioritize simplicity and affordability, but may lack advanced features for tech storage.
- Capacity varies widely—choose based on whether you need to carry just essentials or multiple books and devices.
- Comfort features like padded straps and back panels significantly impact daily wear experience.
- Price ranges from budget-friendly to premium, so consider your priorities for longevity versus cost.
| The North Face Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack |  | Best Overall for Versatile Daily Use | Dimensions: 12″ x 6.5″ x 19.5″ | Laptop Sleeve: 13.75″ x 11.25″ | Weight: 2 lbs 5 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| The North Face Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack, TNF Black |  | Best for Organized Daily Commuting | Dimensions: 11″ x 8.5″ x 18″ | Laptop Sleeve: 11.5″ x 11″ | Tablet Sleeve: 11.8″ x 6.3″ | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack, TNF Black |  | Best for Smart Everyday Organization | Dimensions: 11″ x 8.25″ x 18.13″ | Laptop Sleeve: 12.75″ x 11″ | Volume: 28 Liters | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| JanSport Cool Backpack with 15-inch Laptop Sleeve, Navy |  | Best for Style and Spacious Daily Use | Laptop Sleeve: 15-inch | Compartments: 2 large main, 3 front zipper pockets | Material: Synthetic leather and durable fabric | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| JanSport Cool Backpack with 15-inch Laptop Sleeve, Large Capacity, Black |  | Best for Maximum Capacity and Versatility | Capacity: 34 L / 2100 cu in | Dimensions: 17.5 x 13 x 10 inches | Fabric: 600 Denier Polyester/Synthetic Leather | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack, Ice Blue/Black, OSFA |  | Best Overall for Comfort and Organization | Dimensions: 11″ x 6.75″ x 17.25″ | Laptop Sleeve: 12.75″ x 11″ | Weight: 1 lb 8 oz | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, 15.6 Inch College School Computer Bag, Grey |  | Best for Travel and Versatile Daily Use | Laptop compartment size: 15.6 inches | Storage volume: 30 liters | Item dimensions: 7.8″D x 12″W x 18″H | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| JanSport SuperBreak Backpack |  | Best Lightweight and Durable Daily Bag | Material: 600 denier fabric | Main Compartment: 1 | Front Utility Pocket: Yes | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| backpacks for school | Material | Dimensions | Laptop Sleeve | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The North Face Borealis Commut | Nylon | 12" x 6.5" x 19.5" | 13.75" x 11.25" | 2 lbs 5 oz |
| The North Face Vault Everyday | Water-Repellent Finish | 11" x 8.5" x 18" | 11.5" x 11" | 1 lb 11 oz |
| The North Face Jester Everyday | Recycled polyester | 11" x 8.25" x 18.13" | 12.75" x 11" | — |
| JanSport Cool Backpack with 15 | Synthetic leather and durable fabric | — | 15-inch | — |
| JanSport Cool Backpack with 15 | — | 17.5 x 13 x 10 inches | — | 1 lb 5 oz |
| The North Face Jester Everyday | Water-Repellent | 11" x 6.75" x 17.25" | 12.75" x 11" | 1 lb 8 oz |
| MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack | Polyester/PVC | — | — | — |
| JanSport SuperBreak Backpack | 600 denier fabric | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
The North Face Borealis Commuter Laptop Backpack
The North Face Borealis stands out for its water-repellent material and well-organized compartments, making it a top choice for students who need a reliable everyday backpack that can handle weather and busy schedules. Compared to the JanSport Cool, it offers more protection and ergonomic support, but it weighs more at over 2 pounds, which could be a drawback for light packers. Its padded laptop sleeve fits up to 13.75″ x 11.25″, providing ample protection, yet the backpack’s weight and hand wash-only care limit its convenience. This pick is ideal for students who prioritize durability and weather resistance in a versatile, all-day carry.
Pros:- Water-repellent material keeps contents dry in rain
- Multiple compartments for better organization
- Ergonomic padded straps and back panel for comfort
- External water bottle pockets and fleece-lined pocket
Cons:- Heavy for long daily wear at 2 lbs 5 oz
- Limited to one size, restricting larger or smaller frames
- Requires hand washing, which can be inconvenient
Best for: Students who want a durable, water-resistant backpack that can handle frequent use and light travel.
Not ideal for: Minimalists or those looking for a very lightweight option, since it’s relatively heavy and requires hand washing.
- Dimensions:12″ x 6.5″ x 19.5″
- Laptop Sleeve:13.75″ x 11.25″
- Weight:2 lbs 5 oz
- Volume:28 Liters
- Material:Nylon
- Water Resistance:Water Repellent
Our verdict“This backpack is perfect for students seeking durability and weather protection, willing to carry a slightly heavier bag for added features.”
The North Face Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack, TNF Black
The North Face Vault offers a practical balance of space and support, making it a smart choice for students who carry multiple devices or need organized compartments. Its water-repellent finish and ergonomic design, endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, provide comfort and protection for everyday use. While its 27-liter capacity and multiple storage options outperform the slimmer Vault, it’s limited in color choices and not suited for very young students under 12. Compared to the Borealis, it’s lighter and slightly more streamlined, but might lack the extra weatherproofing or capacity some students need for heavier loads.
Pros:- Water-repellent finish keeps contents dry
- Ergonomic support endorsed by professionals
- Multiple compartments for organized storage
- Fits most 1-liter water bottles
Cons:- Limited color options reduce personalization
- Not suitable for children under 12 due to size
Best for: Middle and high school students who want a comfortable, organized backpack for daily classes and activities.
Not ideal for: Younger children or those requiring a highly colorful or playful design, as options are limited and the style is more mature.
- Dimensions:11″ x 8.5″ x 18″
- Laptop Sleeve:11.5″ x 11″
- Tablet Sleeve:11.8″ x 6.3″
- Weight:1 lb 11 oz
- Volume:27 Liters
- Material:Water-Repellent Finish
Our verdict“This backpack offers a well-organized, comfortable option for older students who prioritize support and weather resistance.”
The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack, TNF Black
The North Face Jester combines spaciousness with smart design, making it ideal for students who need to carry multiple devices and supplies daily. Its large main compartment, padded laptop and tablet sleeves, and recycled water-repellent polyester fabric provide a balance of eco-consciousness and practicality. While its 28-liter volume outmatches many competitors like the Vault, the Jester’s slightly bulkier profile and limited color options may be less appealing for minimalists or those who prefer more vibrant styles. Compared to the Vault, it offers more space but at a similar weight, making it suitable for those needing extra capacity without sacrificing support.
Pros:- Water-repellent recycled polyester fabric
- Ergonomic support endorsed by chiropractors
- Multiple compartments and water bottle pockets
- Padded laptop and tablet sleeves
Cons:- Limited color options
- Not ideal for very small students or those with minimal loads
Best for: Students who carry heavy loads and want an eco-friendly, spacious daily backpack with excellent organization.
Not ideal for: Minimalists or students seeking a more compact, lightweight option, as it is larger and slightly heavier.
- Dimensions:11″ x 8.25″ x 18.13″
- Laptop Sleeve:12.75″ x 11″
- Volume:28 Liters
- Material:Recycled polyester
- Water Resistance:Water-repellent finish
Our verdict“This backpack is ideal for students needing large capacity and eco-conscious materials, with strong organization features.”
JanSport Cool Backpack with 15-inch Laptop Sleeve, Navy
The JanSport Cool Backpack blends a stylish look with practicality, featuring a large capacity, multiple compartments, and a dedicated 15-inch laptop sleeve. Its synthetic leather base adds durability and a fashionable touch, making it a favorite for students who want a trendy yet functional bag. Compared to the JanSport Large Capacity, this model is slightly smaller but still offers plenty of room for books and supplies. The main tradeoff is that it can become heavy when fully loaded, and the limited color options might restrict personalization for some users.
Pros:- Spacious with multiple compartments
- Durable, stylish synthetic leather base
- Comfortable ergonomic straps
- Dedicated 15-inch laptop sleeve
Cons:- Can be heavy when fully loaded
- Limited color choices
Best for: High school students who want a stylish, spacious backpack that balances fashion with function.
Not ideal for: Students seeking the lightest possible bag or those who prefer more vibrant, varied color options.
- Laptop Sleeve:15-inch
- Compartments:2 large main, 3 front zipper pockets
- Material:Synthetic leather and durable fabric
- Features:Water bottle pocket, ergonomic straps
Our verdict“This backpack suits students looking for a stylish, spacious option that can handle daily school gear comfortably.”
JanSport Cool Backpack with 15-inch Laptop Sleeve, Large Capacity, Black
The JanSport Large Capacity backpack offers a generous 34-liter space, making it an excellent choice for students with heavy loads, such as those involved in sports or travel. Its two main compartments, dedicated laptop sleeve, and multiple pockets provide unbeatable organization and storage. While its size and weight (just over 1 pound) are manageable for most, the overall bulkiness may be too large for students with minimal needs or limited storage space. The robust fabric and high-quality zippers ensure longevity, but the large footprint may be cumbersome for daily urban commutes.
Pros:- Very spacious with 34L capacity
- Multiple compartments and dedicated laptop pocket
- Durable fabric and high-quality zippers
- Ergonomic padded shoulder straps
Cons:- Slightly heavy for some users
- Too large for students preferring minimalism
Best for: Students who need a high-capacity backpack for travel, sports, or carrying numerous books and gear.
Not ideal for: Minimalist students or those with small lockers, as the bag’s size may be too bulky.
- Capacity:34 L / 2100 cu in
- Dimensions:17.5 x 13 x 10 inches
- Fabric:600 Denier Polyester/Synthetic Leather
- Weight:1 lb 5 oz
- Laptop Dimensions:13.4 x 11.8 x 1 inches
- Features:Bottle holder, laptop compartment
Our verdict“This large-capacity backpack is perfect for students needing maximum space and organization, accepting some bulk and weight in exchange.”
The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack, Ice Blue/Black, OSFA
The North Face Jester stands out for its ergonomic support, making it a top choice for students who carry heavy loads daily. Its padded straps and back panel, endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association, deliver superior comfort compared to the more basic JanSport SuperBreak, which lacks padded support. The multiple compartments and external water bottle pockets help keep supplies organized, but its limited color options and less suitability for prolonged heavy use are tradeoffs. Compared to the MATEIN backpack, the Jester’s ergonomic design offers better back support, though it’s slightly less versatile for travel. This pick is ideal for students prioritizing comfort and organization over variety or heavy-duty durability.Pros:- Ergonomic support with padded straps and back panel
- Multiple compartments and external water bottle pockets for organization
- Water-resistant material enhances durability
Cons:- Limited color options
- Not suitable for heavy loads over extended periods
Best for: Students who need a comfortable, highly organized backpack for daily commuting and light travel with moderate loads
Not ideal for: Students looking for a highly durable, high-capacity bag for heavy equipment or extended travel
- Dimensions:11″ x 6.75″ x 17.25″
- Laptop Sleeve:12.75″ x 11″
- Weight:1 lb 8 oz
- Volume:22 Liters
- Material:Water-Repellent
Our verdict“This backpack suits students seeking comfort and organization for daily use, especially those with lighter loads.”
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, 15.6 Inch College School Computer Bag, Grey
The MATEIN backpack excels for students who commute frequently or travel, thanks to its luggage strap and multiple compartments. Its 30-liter capacity and water-resistant polyester/PVC fabric make it more versatile for carrying electronics, books, and travel essentials compared to the JanSport, which offers simplicity but fewer organizational features. The padded straps and back panel enhance comfort, but it can feel slightly heavy when fully packed, and its limited color options may not appeal to everyone. For students who need a reliable, organized pack for both school and travel, the MATEIN offers excellent value, though it sacrifices some lightweight portability. This model is ideal for those balancing academic needs and frequent travel or commuting.Pros:- Multiple compartments and pockets for organized storage
- Water-resistant and durable materials
- Includes luggage strap for travel convenience
Cons:- May be slightly heavy when fully packed
- Limited color options (only grey)
Best for: Students who commute regularly or travel often and need a versatile, well-organized backpack
Not ideal for: Students who prefer lightweight, minimal carry options or only need a simple bag for light daily use
- Laptop compartment size:15.6 inches
- Storage volume:30 liters
- Item dimensions:7.8″D x 12″W x 18″H
- Item weight:708 g
- Material:Polyester/PVC
Our verdict“This backpack makes the most sense for students needing a versatile, travel-ready bag that balances organization and durability.”
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack
The JanSport SuperBreak offers simplicity and durability, making it a solid choice for students who prioritize a lightweight, no-fuss backpack. Its 600 denier fabric provides water resistance and toughness, but with only one main compartment, it limits internal organization compared to the MATEIN. The classic design with padded 15-inch shoulder straps ensures comfort for everyday carry, though its straightforward layout might not satisfy students needing dedicated laptop compartments or multiple pockets. Compared to the North Face Jester, the SuperBreak is less feature-rich but excels in portability and style variety. This bag appeals most to students seeking a basic, durable pack for minimal gear and daily use.Pros:- Durable and water-repellent fabric
- Lightweight and comfortable to carry
- Multiple color options for personalization
Cons:- Limited to one main compartment
- No dedicated laptop compartment
Best for: Students who want a lightweight, durable bag with simple organization for everyday school routines
Not ideal for: Students carrying heavy textbooks or multiple electronics requiring extensive compartmentalization
- Material:600 denier fabric
- Main Compartment:1
- Front Utility Pocket:Yes
- Padded Straps:15-inch drop shoulder straps
- Handle:Web haul handle
Our verdict“This backpack is ideal for students seeking a straightforward, durable bag for light daily needs without extra organizational features.”
How We Picked
To select the best backpacks for school, I evaluated each product based on build quality, comfort, capacity, and organizational features. Durability and material quality were key, as students need backpacks that withstand daily wear and tear. Ease of use, such as accessible compartments and laptop sleeve design, also influenced rankings. Cost-value ratio was considered, balancing affordability against features and longevity. The products are ordered to showcase a range of options, from budget-friendly picks to premium models, ensuring there’s a suitable choice for every student’s needs.Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Backpacks For School
Choosing the right backpack for school involves more than just looks. Consider these important factors to ensure your choice supports your daily routine and lasts through the year.Capacity and Size
Assess how much you need to carry daily. Smaller backpacks are suitable for students with minimal supplies, while larger models can accommodate multiple textbooks, laptops, and extras. Avoid overly bulky backpacks if you have limited storage space or prefer light carrying. Remember, a pack that’s too big can cause discomfort, especially if it shifts during movement.
Comfort and Fit
Look for padded straps and a supportive back panel to reduce strain. Adjustable straps help customize fit, which is crucial for long school days. A well-designed backpack distributes weight evenly, preventing shoulder and back pain. Be wary of models that are lightweight but lack proper padding, as they may compromise comfort over time.
Durability and Materials
Durability hinges on fabric quality and construction. Water-resistant or waterproof materials offer added protection against rain, extending the lifespan of the bag. Reinforced stitching and sturdy zippers prevent early wear and tear. Cheaper options may save money upfront but often require replacement sooner, so consider your long-term needs.
Organization and Compartments
Multiple compartments improve organization, making it easier to access items quickly. Dedicated laptop sleeves protect tech gadgets, while smaller pockets keep chargers, pens, and keys sorted. Overly complicated designs might slow you down, so find a balance between organization and simplicity that suits your daily routine.
Price and Value
While budget backpacks can serve well initially, investing in higher-quality models often pays off with longer durability and better features. Consider how much you’re willing to spend and what features matter most—such as padded straps or water resistance. Remember, a cheaper backpack that wears out quickly might cost more in the long run than a slightly pricier, more durable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose a backpack that will last through the school year?
Focus on high-quality materials like ripstop or ballistic nylon, reinforced stitching, and sturdy zippers. A well-constructed backpack with padded straps and a supportive back panel will also resist daily wear better. While initial cost might be higher, investing in a durable model reduces the need for frequent replacements, making it a sensible choice for long-term use.
Should I prioritize style or function when choosing a school backpack?
Functionality should take precedence since a backpack needs to carry your essentials comfortably and securely. However, style is important for many students, so look for options that blend good design with practical features. Many brands now offer stylish models with durable materials and smart organization—aim for a balance that fits your personality and daily needs.
Is it better to buy a larger backpack or one that fits my books exactly?
Choosing a backpack that slightly exceeds your current needs provides extra space for growth, projects, or extra supplies. However, overly large bags can be cumbersome and cause discomfort. Aim for a size that comfortably fits your textbooks, laptop, and essentials without excess bulk that could hinder mobility or cause strain.
What features should I consider if I carry a laptop daily?
A padded laptop compartment is essential to protect your device from bumps and drops. Look for a separate sleeve that keeps your laptop isolated from other contents, preventing scratches. Easy access and good padding are key, especially if you commute on foot or transit frequently.
How much should I expect to spend on a quality school backpack?
Prices vary widely, from around $30 for basic models to $150 or more for premium options. Spending more generally ensures better materials, construction, and features that last longer. Consider your budget and prioritize durability and comfort—sometimes a higher upfront cost saves money over replacements in the long run.
Conclusion
For students seeking the best overall choice, the North Face Borealis Commuter offers durability, organization, and comfort. Budget-conscious buyers should consider the JanSport SuperBreak, which provides simplicity and value. Those looking for a stylish yet functional option might prefer the North Face Vault or Jester models. Finally, for parents or students willing to invest in premium features, higher-end models with enhanced materials and tech-specific compartments are worth considering. Tailor your pick to your daily routine, budget, and style preferences for a backpack that truly meets your needs.
