The 10 Best Northface Backpacks For College: Top Picks Campus

Last Updated on February 8, 2026 by Cassie Moorhead

The best North Face backpacks for college are comfy, protective, and built to last.

You carry a laptop, a charger, a water bottle, and three classes’ worth of books. You want a pack that feels light, stays organized, and looks clean in any lecture hall. I tested and compared popular picks that deliver the comfort fans expect from the best northface backpacks for college—supportive straps, smart storage, and durable materials—without the premium price. The options below protect your tech, keep cords tidy, and take daily bumps in stride. If you need a reliable bag for long campus days, these models bring real value, strong padding, and practical pockets that make life easier.

SHRRADOO Anti-Theft 17-inch Laptop Backpack, Grey

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This SHRRADOO backpack brings a strong mix of security and space. The 17-inch laptop sleeve fits larger devices with room to spare. The anti-theft pocket helps hide your phone and wallet from quick grabs. A built-in USB port adds easy charging on the move with your own power bank.

The shoulder straps are thick and soft. The back panel lets air flow to reduce sweat. The main compartment opens wide for books and a hoodie. It is a smart pick if you like what the best northface backpacks for college offer but want more budget room.

Pros:

• Roomy 17-inch padded laptop sleeve
• Anti-theft pocket for valuables
• USB port for on-the-go charging
• Comfortable, breathable back panel
• Durable fabric with solid stitching
• Multiple organizers for pens and cables

Cons:

• No built-in power bank included
• Large size may feel bulky on smaller frames
• Not fully waterproof in heavy rain

My Recommendation

I recommend this if you carry a big laptop and lots of books. It has safety features students want and keeps gear neat. The padding and air channels help on long walks. If you want the feel of the best northface backpacks for college without paying top dollar, this is a strong value play.

Best for	Why
Large laptops and textbooks	17-inch sleeve and wide main compartment
Campus commuters	Anti-theft pocket and USB charging port
All-day comfort	Padded straps and ventilated back panel

Swissdigital 16-inch Travel Laptop Backpack, Black

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This Swissdigital pack balances a slimmer profile with real tech protection. The 16-inch sleeve fits most student laptops. The USB port supports fast top-ups between classes with your own power bank. The outer fabric resists daily scuffs and light rain.

Inside, you get clean slots for chargers, pens, and a mouse. Side pockets fit a water bottle or umbrella. The straps spread weight well and limit shoulder strain. It checks many boxes fans seek in the best northface backpacks for college, especially for a carry that stays neat.

Pros:

• Sleek design that still fits 16-inch laptops
• USB charging port for quick power access
• Thoughtful internal organization
• Side pockets for bottles and umbrellas
• Durable fabric resists wear
• Comfortable shoulder load distribution

Cons:

• Not ideal for oversized textbooks
• No TSA lay-flat design
• Limited color options

My Recommendation

Pick this if you want a low-profile bag that still handles your laptop well. It looks clean and feels light. It is a fine alternative to the best northface backpacks for college if you need a tidy, travel-ready design. It works great for lecture hall days and short trips.

Best for	Why
Slim daily carry	Compact body with 16-inch laptop space
Tech-forward students	USB charging port and organized pockets
Minimalist style	Clean lines suit campus and travel

Swissdigital 15.6-inch Laptop Backpack, 31L

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This 31L Swissdigital backpack gives you generous storage without clutter. The 15.6-inch padded sleeve protects most campus laptops. Separate compartments prevent cord tangles and notebook dents. The USB port makes charging easy when outlets are scarce.

The shoulder straps and back panel are soft and breathable. That matters when you carry gym gear or a hoodie. Side pockets keep bottles handy for long days. It mirrors what I love about the best northface backpacks for college: function first, with comfort baked in.

Pros:

• 31L capacity for books, binders, and extras
• USB port for charging convenience
• Padded 15.6-inch laptop sleeve
• Well-placed pockets that reduce clutter
• Comfortable, breathable straps and back
• Solid build with reinforced seams

Cons:

• Large body may feel big for smaller users
• No TSA lay-flat compartment
• Light colorways may show marks over time

My Recommendation

Choose this if you want one pack for class and the gym. The space is there, and the layout works. It is ideal if you love the practical side of the best northface backpacks for college, especially when you carry extra clothes or snacks. The value is strong for an all-in-one bag.

Best for	Why
Heavy packers	31L capacity with smart compartments
All-day schedules	Comfort padding for long wear
Charging on campus	USB port supports power banks

BAGSMART Quilted 15.6-inch College Laptop Backpack

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The BAGSMART quilted pack blends style and function. The 15.6-inch sleeve cushions your laptop well. The quilted shell looks clean in class, labs, and cafes. It is water-resistant for light rain and spills.

Inside, organizers handle pens, keys, and chargers. The layout is simple and intuitive. The straps are soft, and the bag sits close to your back. It channels the simple, ready feel students love in the best northface backpacks for college.

Pros:

• Quilted look that fits campus style
• Water-resistant fabric for light rain
• Protected 15.6-inch laptop sleeve
• Lightweight with trim profile
• Practical organizers for daily items
• Comfortable straps and close fit

Cons:

• No USB port for charging
• Not ideal for very large textbooks
• Limited external compression

My Recommendation

I suggest this for students who want a sleek, light carry. It keeps the must-haves secure without bulk. If you admire the clean lines of the best northface backpacks for college, this style-forward pack should hit the mark. It pairs well with a minimalist loadout.

Best for	Why
Light daily carry	Slim body and simple layout
Style-conscious students	Quilted design looks polished
Rainy walks	Water-resistant fabric protects contents

KROSER TSA 17.3-inch XL Laptop Backpack, Black

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The KROSER TSA backpack is a feature-packed workhorse. The 17.3-inch sleeve protects large laptops and desktop-class replacements. The TSA-friendly design opens flat to speed checkpoints. RFID pockets add a layer of security for cards and IDs.

It includes a USB port for easy charging and an array of pockets for daily gear. The structure holds shape even when full. The back panel reduces heat buildup on longer walks. It reflects the robust, travel-ready spirit many expect from the best northface backpacks for college.

Pros:

• Fits 17.3-inch laptops with solid padding
• TSA lay-flat compartment for travel ease
• RFID pockets for card protection
• USB port for mobile charging
• Structured build prevents sagging
• Good ventilation on back panel

Cons:

• Larger footprint can feel heavy when packed
• Rigid structure limits overstuffing
• Industrial look may not suit everyone

My Recommendation

Pick this if you use a large laptop or travel often. The TSA design saves time. The RFID and USB features help daily. If you want the utility often found in the best northface backpacks for college, this gives you extra security and space.

Best for	Why
Large laptop users	17.3-inch padded sleeve
Frequent travelers	TSA-friendly lay-flat design
Security-focused students	RFID pockets and structured body

BAGSMART Quilted Small 15.6-inch Laptop Backpack

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This compact BAGSMART model trims bulk without cutting core features. It supports a 15.6-inch laptop and daily accessories. The quilted exterior resists light rain and looks refined. It sits close to your back, which feels stable when biking or walking fast.

The interior organizes essentials in a clean, simple way. The side pockets are snug for bottles. The build is light for long days on foot. It delivers the neat, everyday ease I get from the best northface backpacks for college, but in a smaller footprint.

Pros:

• Slim profile for tighter spaces
• Protective 15.6-inch laptop sleeve
• Water-resistant shell
• Lightweight for all-day carry
• Secure side pockets for bottles
• Polished, quilted look

Cons:

• No USB port or anti-theft pocket
• Less room for thick textbooks
• Limited external lash points

My Recommendation

Go with this if you want a small, stylish pack for campus basics. It is ideal for a laptop, charger, and a few books. If you love the tidy feel of the best northface backpacks for college but prefer a compact body, this is a strong choice. It keeps weight low and style high.

Best for	Why
Compact carry	Slim shape with smart organization
Style and comfort	Quilted design and close-back fit
Light campus days	Low weight reduces fatigue

Swissdigital 15.6-inch Laptop Backpack, RFID, Black

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This Swissdigital backpack adds RFID blocking to a daily campus setup. It fits up to 15.6-inch laptops in a padded sleeve. The USB port supports quick charges between classes with your power bank. The exterior feels sturdy and ready for a busy semester.

Inside, pockets keep your gear sorted fast. The fit is stable and comfortable on walks across campus. It is a practical pick with an eye on security. If you want traits found in the best northface backpacks for college, this brings them with extra card protection.

Pros:

• RFID protection for cards and IDs
• USB port for easy charging
• Padded sleeve for 15.6-inch laptops
• Durable construction for daily use
• Organized layout for small items
• Comfortable straps and back panel

Cons:

• No TSA lay-flat design
• Not ideal for very large loads
• Simple aesthetic may feel plain

My Recommendation

Pick this if you value privacy and practical features. It protects your cards, your laptop, and your time. It is a smart, campus-friendly alternative to the best northface backpacks for college if you want built-in RFID. It stays neat, safe, and comfortable.

Best for	Why
Security-minded students	RFID blocking pocket
Daily tech carry	Padded 15.6-inch sleeve and USB port
Reliable durability	Sturdy fabric and stitching

Herschel Heritage 24L Backpack, 16-inch Laptop

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The Herschel Heritage blends timeless style with campus-ready function. It holds up to a 16-inch laptop in a padded sleeve. The 24L volume handles books, a hoodie, and a lunch. The bottle pocket keeps hydration close during long days.

The straps are padded and easy on your shoulders. The fabric stands up to daily wear and still looks sharp. The simple layout is fast to use and easy to love. It gives the classic vibe people like in the best northface backpacks for college but with a heritage twist.

Pros:

• Clean, classic aesthetic for campus life
• 16-inch laptop sleeve for daily protection
• 24L capacity fits books and extras
• Padded straps for comfort
• Water bottle pocket for quick access
• Durable material keeps shape

Cons:

• No USB port or RFID features
• Limited internal organization
• Not designed for very heavy loads

My Recommendation

Choose this if you want a classic pack that still works hard. It looks great and handles daily campus tasks with ease. For fans of the best northface backpacks for college who prefer simple, durable style, this is a solid match. It is a safe pick you can use year after year.

Best for	Why
Classic style lovers	Timeless design suits any outfit
Daily campus carry	24L space and padded sleeve
Quick access to water	External bottle pocket

FAQs Of best northface backpacks for college

What size laptop sleeve should I look for?

Match the sleeve to your device. Most students use 15.6-inch or 16-inch laptops. If you own a 17-inch system, choose a 17-inch sleeve or larger.

Are USB charging ports worth it?

Yes, if you charge on the go. You still need a power bank. The port gives clean cable routing and fast access.

How important is back ventilation?

Very important for long walks. A ventilated back panel reduces sweat. It also improves comfort in warm weather.

Do I need RFID protection?

It depends. RFID helps if you carry contactless cards daily. It adds peace of mind in busy crowds.

Is water resistance enough for rain?

For light rain, yes. For heavy rain, add a rain cover. Zippers and seams are common leak points.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want space and security, the KROSER TSA 17.3-inch stands out. For slim, neat carry with charging, choose the Swissdigital 16-inch. For style with function, the Herschel Heritage stays timeless.

Each one hits traits people seek in the best northface backpacks for college: comfort, protection, and smart storage. Pick the model that fits your laptop and your day.