Best Backpacks for College Students: Top Picks for Style and Function

Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Cassie Moorhead

We’ve all been there—rushing to class with a backpack that’s too small, too heavy, or just plain uncomfortable. Struggling to fit your laptop, books, and daily essentials can turn simple days into stressful ones.

Choosing the right backpack isn’t just about style; it’s about making your college life easier and more organized. A good backpack helps you carry everything you need without pain or hassle. It keeps your laptop safe and your belongings in place, so you can focus on what really matters—your studies and experiences.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the best backpacks for college students in 2014. These picks combine comfort, durability, and smart features. Keep reading to find the perfect one that fits your needs and makes your daily routine smoother and more enjoyable.

Jansport Cool Backpack

The JanSport Cool Backpack is perfect for students, professionals, and anyone in need of a reliable and spacious bag to carry their essentials. Ideal for those who require a sturdy yet stylish backpack with a dedicated 15-inch laptop sleeve, it offers excellent organization and comfort for daily commutes, school, or work.

Pros:

• Durable construction with high-quality materials
• Ergonomic straps for comfortable carrying
• Spacious main compartment plus a secondary compartment for organization
• Dedicated 15-inch laptop sleeve provides secure protection
• Sleek black color suitable for various settings
• Lightweight design at just 1.0 pound

Cons:

• Limited color options available
• No additional external pockets for quick access items
• May be slightly bulky for those looking for a minimalist backpack

The JanSport Cool Backpack features a well-padded 15-inch laptop sleeve that ensures your device remains safe during travel. Its large main compartment can hold books, notebooks, or other larger items, while the second compartment helps keep smaller items organized and easy to access. The ergonomic straps are designed to reduce strain on your shoulders, making it comfortable to wear even during long days.

With dimensions of 17.0 inches in height, 12.0 inches in width, and 8.0 inches in length, this backpack offers ample space without feeling oversized. The sleek black color gives it a professional look suitable for both school and office environments. Lightweight at just 1.0 pound, it ensures you can carry your essentials without unnecessary weight.

To buy this product, click here.

Swissdigital Design Travel Laptop Backpack

The Swissdigital Design Travel Laptop Backpack is ideal for students, professionals, and travelers who need a stylish yet functional backpack to carry their 16-inch notebooks and daily essentials. This backpack is perfect for those who value convenience and modern features like a USB charging port, making it a great companion for busy individuals on the go.

Pros:

• USB charging port for easy device charging
• Lightweight design at only 1.61 pounds
• Spacious enough to fit a 16-inch laptop comfortably
• Durable and sleek black color with modern styling
• Multiple compartments for organized storage

Cons:

• May not accommodate laptops larger than 16 inches
• Limited color options available
• USB charging port requires an external power bank

The Swissdigital Travel Laptop Backpack features a smart design that balances capacity and portability. With dimensions of 17.5 inches in height, 12.5 inches in width, and 6.75 inches in length, it offers ample space for laptops, books, and accessories without feeling bulky. The integrated USB charging port ensures that users can conveniently charge their devices on the move, which is particularly beneficial for commuters and travelers who rely heavily on their electronics throughout the day.

Additionally, the backpack’s lightweight build at just 1.61 pounds reduces strain on the shoulders, making it comfortable for extended wear. Its sleek black color and durable materials provide a professional look suitable for both men and women. Whether for college, work, or travel, this backpack combines practicality with style, helping users stay organized and powered up wherever they go.

To buy this product, click here.

Matein 17 Inch Work Laptop Backpack

The MATEIN 17 Inch Work Laptop Backpack is ideal for professionals, college students, and frequent travelers who need a reliable, spacious, and stylish backpack to carry their laptops and essentials. If you require a durable and water-resistant backpack that offers TSA-friendly features and convenient USB charging, this backpack is a perfect choice for both men and women.

Pros:

• Spacious design with a dedicated TSA laptop compartment that fits up to 17-inch laptops securely
• Water-resistant material protects belongings from unexpected weather
• Built-in USB charging port for easy device charging on the go
• Lightweight at only 1.94 pounds, making it comfortable for daily use
• Multiple compartments for organized storage of books, gadgets, and accessories
• Modern, sleek black color suitable for business and casual settings

Cons:

• May be bulky for users who prefer minimalist backpacks
• Limited color options may not suit all personal styles

The MATEIN 17 Inch Work Laptop Backpack features a large capacity with dimensions of approximately 18.3 inches in height, 13 inches in width, and 7.8 inches in length, providing ample space for laptops, books, and other work essentials. Its TSA-friendly laptop compartment allows users to pass through airport security without removing the laptop, saving time and hassle during travel. The water-resistant fabric ensures that your devices and documents remain safe even in rainy conditions, making it a reliable choice for daily commutes or business trips.

Additionally, the integrated USB charging port offers convenience by allowing users to connect their power bank inside the backpack and charge devices externally without opening the bag. The lightweight design at just under 2 pounds enhances comfort during extended wear. With multiple compartments designed for organization, users can easily separate laptops, chargers, books, and other accessories, making this backpack a versatile and practical solution for students, professionals, and travelers alike.

To buy this product, click here.

Abshoo Big Student Laptop Backpack

The abshoo Big Student Laptop Backpack is ideal for college women, middle and high school teen girls who need a spacious, stylish, and functional backpack. Whether you are a student carrying books, a laptop, or travel essentials, this backpack is designed to meet your daily needs while providing comfort and durability.

Pros:

• Spacious interior with multiple compartments for organized storage
• Lightweight design at only 1.43 pounds, reducing shoulder strain
• Durable black color that resists stains and matches various outfits
• Comfortable padded straps suitable for long hours of wear
• Perfect size with dimensions 17.8″ H x 13.8″ W x 7.5″ L, fitting most laptops

Cons:

• No specialized waterproof feature for extreme weather conditions
• Lacks additional security features like lockable zippers
• Limited color options as it is only available in black

The abshoo Big Student Laptop Backpack offers a well-thought-out design tailored for young women balancing academics and daily activities. Its generous size allows for easy accommodation of textbooks, notebooks, and a laptop, making it a practical choice for students. The lightweight build ensures that carrying heavy loads doesn’t become a burden, while the padded straps provide added comfort during long commutes between classes.

Additionally, the sleek black color and simple yet elegant style make it versatile enough for school, travel, or casual outings. The durable material ensures longevity and maintains a clean appearance despite regular use. Overall, this backpack effectively combines functionality with fashion, catering perfectly to the lifestyle of college and high school girls.

To buy this product, click here.

Abshoo Large Heavy Duty Backpack

The abshoo Large Heavy Duty Backpack is ideal for students, travelers, and professionals who need a reliable and spacious bag to carry books, laptops, and everyday essentials. If you are looking for a durable, multi-pocket backpack that can handle heavy loads while maintaining comfort, this backpack is perfect for you.

Pros:

• Heavy duty construction ensures long-lasting durability.
• Multiple compartments for organized storage.
• Lightweight design despite its large size.
• Comfortable to carry with padded straps.
• Versatile black color suitable for various occasions.

Cons:

• May be bulky for users seeking a minimalist backpack.
• Limited color options available (only black).

The abshoo Large Heavy Duty Backpack measures 17.7 inches in height, 12.2 inches in width, and 6.2 inches in length, making it spacious enough to hold textbooks, laptops, and travel essentials. Its multi-pocket design allows users to keep items neatly organized and easily accessible, which is especially useful for students and travelers who carry a variety of items. The backpack’s lightweight build, at just under 1.7 pounds, ensures that it won’t add unnecessary weight to your load.

Constructed with durability in mind, this backpack is made to withstand daily wear and tear, making it a reliable choice for college, school, or casual use. The padded shoulder straps provide extra comfort, reducing strain during long commutes or travel. Additionally, the sleek black color gives it a versatile and professional appearance suitable for different settings.

To buy this product, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are The Best Backpacks For College Laptops?

The JanSport Cool and MATEIN backpacks are top choices. They offer laptop sleeves and ergonomic designs. Both fit laptops up to 16-17 inches, ideal for college use.

Which Backpacks Have Usb Charging Ports For Students?

Swissdigital and MATEIN backpacks include built-in USB charging ports. These allow easy charging on-the-go, perfect for busy college students needing power anytime.

Are These Backpacks Water-resistant For Daily College Use?

The MATEIN backpack is water-resistant, protecting your belongings from rain. Other backpacks may vary, so check specific product details for water resistance features.

Which Backpacks Are Best For Heavy Books And Travel?

The abshoo large heavy-duty and big student backpacks offer multiple pockets and strong build. They handle heavy books and travel needs efficiently for students.

Do These Backpacks Fit High School And College Students?

Yes, backpacks like abshoo Big Student and JanSport Cool suit both high school and college students. They provide ample space and ergonomic comfort for daily use.

Conclusion

Choosing the right backpack can make college life easier and more organized. The backpacks listed offer great options for carrying laptops, books, and daily essentials. Features like ergonomic straps and water resistance add comfort and protection. USB charging ports help keep devices powered throughout the day.

Whether you need a large or medium-sized bag, these backpacks fit different needs and styles. Durability and multiple compartments help students stay prepared for classes and travel. Each option balances function and comfort, making school days less stressful. Picking a backpack that suits your routine helps you focus on studying and activities.

With these choices, students can find a reliable bag that lasts all year long. A good backpack is an investment in convenience and style for college life. Choose wisely and enjoy a more comfortable school experience.