Best Backpacks of 2025

Mary Hopper Avatar
Mary Hopper
Last Updated: Jan 16, 2025

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Backpacks are a versatile and essential accessory for anyone on the go. They come in a variety of styles, sizes, and materials to fit every need and style preference. From sleek and minimalist designs for commuting to work, to rugged and durable options for outdoor adventures, backpacks offer a convenient way to carry your belongings hands-free. Many backpacks also feature padded straps and compartments for laptops or tablets, making them a popular choice for students and professionals alike. With so many options available, there is a backpack for every lifestyle and occasion.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.9
MATEIN Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack Cover #TOP 2
MATEIN Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack Cover #TOP 3
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Backpacks

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack

Amazon Basics
NC1306167R1
Black
17-Inch
Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack Cover
Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack for School, Work, Travel, Fits Up to 17-inch Laptops, Binders, Black

The Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack is a versatile and spacious backpack that can hold laptops up to 17 inches. It features multiple compartments for organization, including a padded sleeve for laptops, mesh water bottle pockets, and compartments for small items like pens and keys. This backpack is perfect for travel, work, or school.

What We Like
Spacious interior and pockets
Sturdy and high-quality material
Comfortable and well-padded straps
Affordable price compared to competitors
Excellent organization for work and travel
What We Don't Like
Tips forward when set down

MATEIN Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack

LSG1004GRYB1
Austere Grey
15.6 Inch
MATEIN Anti-Theft Laptop Backpack Cover
MATEIN Travel Laptop Backpack, Business Anti Theft Slim Sturdy Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port, Water Resistant College School Computer Bag Gift for Men & Women Fits 15.6 Inch Notebook, Grey

This backpack is designed to offer you maximum convenience and comfort. It has a separate compartment that can hold laptops of different sizes, and a spacious packing compartment for daily necessities and tech accessories. The front compartment features many pockets, pen pockets, and a key fob hook that help you keep your items organized and easy to find. The backpack has a comfortable soft padded back design with thick multi-panel ventilated padding for maximum back support. The breathable and adjustable shoulder straps relieve the stress on your shoulders. You can connect your phone to the built-in USB charger outside and charge it while walking. The backpack is made of water-resistant and durable polyester fabric with metal zippers, making it secure and long-lasting for daily and weekend use. It also has a luggage strap that allows it to fit on luggage/suitcases, making it easier to carry.

What We Like
High-quality construction
Ample storage space
Comfortable to carry
Lifetime guarantee
Good weather resistance
What We Don't Like
External USB port is USB-A
Side pockets struggle with tall bottles

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

Superbreak Backpack
Black
One Size
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack Cover
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpacks - Durable, Lightweight Bookbag with 1 Main Compartment, Front Utility Pocket with Built-in Organizer - Premium Backpack, Black

Be ready for school with JanSport SuperBreak Backpack! Made with durable and water-repellant fabric, this backpack is ready for anything. It features one main compartment and a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer, making it easy to hold all your essentials. With a simple and classic silhouette, this backpack is available in over 30 different colors and prints, perfect for anyone's unique style. The backpack is reliable and ultra-lightweight, with padded shoulder straps for comfort and a web haul handle for convenience.

What We Like
Durable and high-quality material
Stylish and classic design
Comfortable padded shoulder straps
Ample storage space
Lightweight and easy to carry
What We Don't Like
Zipper can get stuck
No side pockets

SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack

983035
Black
X-Large (Pack of 1)
SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack Cover
SHRRADOO Extra Large 50L Travel Laptop Backpack with USB Charging Port, College Backpack Airline Approved Business Work Bag Fits 17 Inch Computer for Men Women

The SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack is a versatile backpack with 20 independent pockets for large storage and organization for small items. It has three spacious main multi compartments with many hidden pockets that can accommodate lots of stuff. The backpack can be used as a durable large backpack, large school backpack, or spacious college backpack. It features an external USB port for convenient charging of cellphones and a hole for headphone outside. It is made of high-quality polyester fabric with nylon lining for better water resistance, and the shoulder straps are comfortable with a breathable mesh and sponge pad.

What We Like
Spacious compartments for organization
Comfortable and padded straps
Durable and sturdy build
Convenient USB charging port
Locking laptop compartment
What We Don't Like
Strap adjustment limitations
Some durability concerns reported
#TOP 5

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

JS0A4QUT
Black
One Size
JanSport SuperBreak Backpack Cover
JanSport Superbreak Backpack - Durable, Lightweight Premium Backpack, Black

The JanSport SuperBreak Backpack is a reliable and versatile backpack that is perfect for everyday use. Made with recycled materials, this backpack features one large main compartment, a front utility pocket with organizer, and a side water bottle pocket to help keep you organized. The backpack is designed for comfortable all-day carrying with its straight-cut padded shoulder straps, padded back panel, and web haul handle. With its durable construction and lifetime warranty, the JanSport SuperBreak Backpack is the ideal choice for men, women, teens, or college students who want a backpack that reflects their style and needs.

What We Like
Good storage capacity
Durable and sturdy design
Comfortable adjustable straps
Stylish appearance
Quick delivery from seller
What We Don't Like
Zipper occasionally gets stuck
#TOP 6

Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack

Amazon Basics
ZH1603233R1
Black
Carry On
Amazon Basics Carry-On Travel Backpack Cover
Amazon Basics Travel Backpack Carry On Flight Approved, Lightweight, Expandable, Dual Use as Backpack or Shoulder Bag, Black

The Amazon Basics Travel Backpack is a versatile carry-on bag made of durable polyester. It features an internal laptop sleeve, a main compartment with organizer, and compression straps for secure packing. The front pockets provide easy access to essentials like documents and liquids. The padded shoulder straps are detachable for convenience. This backpack is ultra-flexible and lightweight, making it ideal for your travels.

What We Like
Stylish black color
Lightweight and spacious
Convenient expansion zipper
Well-padded laptop pocket
Great value for price
What We Don't Like
Limited interior organizing slots
Similar to other higher-priced brands

The North Face Vault Backpack

NF0A3VY2
Tnf Black-npf
One Size
The North Face Vault Backpack Cover
THE NORTH FACE Vault Everyday Laptop Backpack - PFAS Free, TNF Black-NPF, One Size

The North Face Vault is designed for everyday use, combining style and practicality. Its sleek look and water-repellent finish make it suitable for various environments, while the endorsement from the American Chiropractic Association signals its ergonomic design. The FlexVent suspension system provides comfort with flexible shoulder straps and a padded back panel, ensuring you stay supported throughout your day. For organization, the front compartment features zip pockets and a tablet sleeve, so you can easily access your essentials. Plus, with a spacious main compartment and a padded laptop sleeve, your belongings are secure and easily transportable.

What We Like
Stylish design
Spacious interior
Comfortable padded straps
Durable materials
Well-organized compartments
What We Don't Like
Material texture not premium
Limited pocket space

JanSport SuperBreak Plus Backpack with Padded 15-inch Laptop Sleeve and Integrated Bottle Pocket - Spacious and Durable Daypack for Work and Travel - Black

JS0A4QUE008
Black
One Size
JanSport SuperBreak Plus Backpack with Padded 15-inch Laptop Sleeve and Integrated Bottle Pocket - Spacious and Durable Daypack for Work and Travel - Black Cover
JanSport SuperBreak Plus Backpack with Padded 15-inch Laptop Sleeve and Integrated Bottle Pocket - Spacious and Durable Daypack for Work and Travel - Black

The JanSport JS0A4QUE008 Superbreak Plus Black is a great backpack for middle school and high school students. It features a 15" padded laptop sleeve, a front utility pocket with organizer, and a fully padded back panel. Customers have found the backpack to be of good quality and comfortable. The only downside is that the zipper can get stuck to the fabric flap if you zip/unzip too fast. Overall, this is a great backpack for students who need something that will last a lifetime.

What We Like
Durable and sturdy design
Lightweight and comfortable
Ample storage space
Classic and timeless style
Padded straps with lumbar support
What We Don't Like
Straps may come loose
Weak laptop pouch elastic

Laptop Backpack,Business Travel Anti Theft Slim Durable Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port,Water Resistant College Computer Bag for Women & Men Fits 15.6 Inch Laptop and Notebook - Black

YK-006
Black
15.6 Inch
Laptop Backpack,Business Travel Anti Theft Slim Durable Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port,Water Resistant College Computer Bag for Women & Men Fits 15.6 Inch Laptop and Notebook - Black Cover
Laptop Backpack,Business Travel Anti Theft Slim Durable Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port,Water Resistant College Computer Bag for Women & Men Fits 15.6 Inch Laptop and Notebook - Black

The Laptop Backpack,Business Travel Anti Theft Slim Durable Laptops Backpack with USB Charging Port,Water Resistant College School Computer Bag for Women & Men Fits 15.6 Inch Laptop and Notebook - Black is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and spacious backpack. It has a separate laptop compartment that can fit up to 15.6 inch laptops, as well as a spacious packing compartment for other items. It is also equipped with a USB port, headphone jack, and anti-theft pocket for added security. The bag is made of water-resistant and durable polyester fabric with metal zippers, making it a great choice for everyday use. It is also comfortable to wear, with adjustable shoulder straps and a foam padded top handle.

What We Like
Spacious with multiple compartments
Lightweight and breathable design
Water-resistant material
Built-in USB charging port
Comfortable padded straps
What We Don't Like
Small security pocket
Outer bottle holders are tight
#TOP 10

SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack

19002215
Black
19-Inch
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA Laptop Backpack Cover
SwissGear 1900 Scansmart TSA 17 Laptop Backpack, Black, 19-Inch

The SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart Laptop Backpack is a durable and spacious backpack designed to speed you through airport security. With a large opening main compartment, adjustable side compression straps, and padded shoulder straps, this backpack is comfortable to carry and can fit most portable computers up to 17” in size. It also features a dedicated tablet pocket, an accordion file holder, an organizer compartment, multiple internal accessory pockets, side accessory and water bottle pockets, a padded media pocket with headphone cord port, a molded top handle, and a front quick-access pocket. The backpack is made from 1200D ballistic polyester fabric and has reflective accent material built into the shoulder straps for added safety when out at night.

What We Like
Durable and high-quality materials
Spacious with multiple compartments
Comfortable padded straps
Water-resistant body
Great for heavy loads
What We Don't Like
Can feel a bit heavy
Size may not fit all airplane seats
Best Backpacks Feature Image

Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Backpacks

Size and Capacity

Consider the size and capacity of the backpack based on your needs. Determine what you plan to carry regularly, such as books, a laptop, or hiking gear, and choose a backpack that can comfortably accommodate those items. Look for multiple compartments and pockets to help with organization.

Comfort and Fit

A backpack should be comfortable to wear, especially if you'll be carrying it for extended periods. Look for padded shoulder straps and a back panel with good ventilation to reduce strain on your shoulders and back. Adjustable straps and a sternum strap can help distribute the weight evenly.

Durability and Material

Choose a backpack made from a durable material, such as nylon or polyester, that can withstand everyday wear and tear. Consider the quality of the stitching and zippers as well. Water-resistant or waterproof materials can be beneficial to protect your belongings from unexpected rain or spills.

Style and Design

Select a backpack that suits your personal style and reflects your needs. Whether you prefer a sleek and minimalist design or a more rugged and outdoorsy look, there are various options available. Consider factors like color, pattern, and overall aesthetic appeal.

Additional Features

Some backpacks offer additional features such as built-in laptop sleeves, hydration bladder compatibility, compression straps, or external attachment points. Evaluate these extra features based on your specific requirements and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do college students need backpacks?

Yes, college students need backpacks to carry their essentials like laptops, gym clothes, and other items. A good backpack should provide comfort, style, and protection for their belongings while navigating campus and traveling.

2. What is the best size backpack for daily use?

For daily use, a backpack with a capacity of 21-35 liters is recommended. This size is suitable for holding essential items like food, clothing, a camera, and a book. It strikes a balance between functionality and portability.

3. What size backpack is best for college?

The ideal size backpack for college depends on the load and laptop size. For light loads and 13-inch laptops, a backpack in the 10-19 liter range works well. For students with 15-16 inch laptops, a backpack in the 20-29 liter range is recommended. For larger workloads and weekend trips, a backpack in the 30-39 liter range is suitable.

4. What size backpack is best for long term travel?

For long-term travel, the recommended backpack size depends on the type of travel. If staying mainly at hostels, a 50-65 liter pack is suitable. If camping gear is included, a 65-75 liter backpack is recommended.

5. Do airlines care about backpack size?

Airlines have personal item size restrictions, but most consider a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag as a personal item. These items must fit under the seat in front of you. It's important to check the specific size restrictions of the airline you are flying with.

Editor's Notes

During our backpack research, we found 50 backpack products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 1,105,138 customer reviews through our big data system to write the backpacks list. We found that most customers choose backpacks with an average price of $28.46.

The backpacks are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of backpacks, including MATEIN, JanSport, SHRRADOO, THE NORTH FACE, Volher. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Mary Hopper Avatar

Mary Hopper is an Italian fashion designer with 10 years of extensive working experience in the fashion industry. She can design clothing and fashion accessories, such as handbags, backpacks, shoes, and jewelry. She is also a professionally trained content writer specializing in managing various fashion and beauty blogs.

Backpacks Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics MATEIN JanSport SHRRADOO JanSport Amazon Basics THE NORTH FACE JanSport Volher SwissGear
Item Weight - 1.56 pounds 10.6 ounces 2.8 pounds 10.6 ounces 3.59 pounds 1.65 pounds 10.6 ounces 2.2 pounds -
Department - unisex-adult unisex-adult mens unisex-adult unisex-adult unisex-adult unisex-adult mens -
Age Range Description - Adult Adult Adult Adult Youth,Adult Adult Adult Adult -
Number Of Items - 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 -
Capacity Total - 30 Liters 30 Liters 52 Liters 26 Liters 45 Liters 27 Liters 26 Liters 25 Liters -
Units - 1 Count 1 Count - 1 Count - 1.0 Count - 1 Count -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
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