We researched the best choices from top brands, considering the comfort, stability, and organization of each one. Based on those factors, the Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack is our top pick. The spacious backpack has a padded laptop sleeve, fleece lined pockets for glasses, and a water-resistant base to protect against spills. Here, the best backpacks for college. Herschel is widely beloved in the backpack space, and the brand’s Pop Quiz Backpack doesn’t disappoint. This option is spacious, durable, and lightweight—and it offers just enough compartments to keep your must-haves organized, earning the top spot in this roundup. The bag comes equipped with a padded laptop sleeve, a fleece-lined sunglasses pocket, and a few other compartments you can use to store your go-tos. The base of the bag is lined with a water-resistant, faux leather panel that promises to keep your stuff safe when you encounter spills and puddles. Herschel has a lifetime warranty so if anything happens to your bag, you can swap it out for a new one, which is a huge plus. There are 16 colors and designs to choose from, so you can guarantee it looks trendy and stylish along with being durable and practical. Users also loved how comfortable the backpack feels during the day, while some wished there were a few more organizational pockets. Price at time of publish: $80 Size: 11.75 x 6 x 17.5 inches | Materials: Fabric, fleece lining, faux leather base | Compartments: 1 + internal laptop sleeve | Pockets: 1 zippered pocket | Capacity: 22 L Price at time of publish: $47 Size: 11.8 x 6.8 x 15.8 inches | Material: Nylon | Compartments: 2 + internal laptop sleeve | Pockets: 3 zippered pockets + 2 water bottle holders | Capacity: 25 L Price at time of publish: $169 Size: 12.25 x 5.25 x 18.5 inches | Material: Polyamide, PU | Compartments: 2 | Pockets: 2 zippered pockets | Capacity: 15 L Price at time of publish: $78 Size: 19 x 14 x 5 inches | Material: Recycled Polyester | Compartments: 1 + internal laptop sleeve | Pockets: 2 zippered pockets | Capacity: 15 L Price at time of publish: $65 Size: 9 x 13 x 16 inches | Material: Nylon | Compartments: 1 | Pockets: 2 zippered pockets | Capacity: Not listed Price at time of publish: $85 Size: 12 x 6 x 16 inches | Material: Polyester | Compartments: 1 + internal laptop sleeve | Pockets: 2 zippered pockets + water bottle holder | Capacity: 11 L Price at time of publish: $140 Size: 17.5 x 13 x 10 inches | Material: Polyester, mesh | Compartments: 2 + internal laptop sleeve | Pockets: 2 zippered pockets + 1 water bottle holder | Capacity: 36 L Price at time of publish: $50 Size: 11 x 5 x 17 inches | Material: PVC polyester, fine twill polyester | Compartments: 1 + internal laptop sleeve | Pockets: 3 zippered pockets + water bottle holder | Capacity: Not listed
Organization
Your backpack should make it easy for you to store and organize your stuff, so look for something that has all the pockets and compartments you need. Keep an eye out for padded laptop sleeves, side panels for water bottles, and more. And make sure your backpack is adequately roomy. Most standard backpacks can fit a 15-inch laptop, but double-check that the one you’re looking at has space for other necessities, too.
Comfort
Since you’ll be walking all around campus with your backpack, you’ll want to invest in something comfortable. Look for options that are padded and breathable, and keep an eye out for weight, too. “Keep in mind how much the backpack weighs empty,” Delucca Johnson says. If your backpack is already uncomfortably heavy when empty, just imagine how it’ll feel when it’s full.
Why Trust The Spruce?
As a seasoned lifestyle writer, Lindsey Lanquist understands what a difference a great product recommendation can make. That’s why she makes sure to recommend products that are sleek, reliable, and well-reviewed by those who’ve tried them. To write this article, she consulted experts and selected backpacks for their durability, size, and comfort.
