The Best Laptop Backpacks for School

Whether you ride the bus to school, commute by bike across the city to study or walk to get to class, chances are, you’re carrying your laptop with you. Although there are plenty of messenger bag options, the best laptop backpacks on the market can make carrying your laptop effortless.

What Kind of Laptop Backpack to Choose?

While the reasons for choosing a backpack over other laptop bags are plentiful – a well-made backpack helps distribute the weight of your laptop and lessens the stress on your neck, shoulders, and arms. There are a lot of features you’ll want to look out for in the right laptop backpack. Anyone living in a rainy climate may need a waterproof laptop backpack with the right type of fabric to protect their investments. Hello, Portland!

For some, lots of pockets and compartments are important. Some commuters and laptop owners need a backpack large enough to fit a 17-inch computer. I know this was a factor for me when I got my MacBook Pro. A lot of brands are paying attention to the growing need of laptop commuters, so rest assured, there are plenty to choose from!

So whether you’re looking for a cute backpack for your daily essentials, a sporty backpack that stands up to every element nature can throw at you, a backpack with with extra space to store your textbooks, or a more minimalist design, we have rounded up our favorites to help you get started.

Here are the top-rated, backpacks for laptops based on reviews, durability, design, and functionality.

Aqua Quest SPORT 25 Backpack – 100% Waterproof, reflective,  durable. Designed to sit high for the most comfort. Definitely more utilitarian than fashionable, but you’ll never be able to say your homework was ruined by the rain with this one! Available in red or grey. Check availability and prices

Aqua Quest (Monsoon)-For those who don’t really want to part with their favorite backpack, there’s the Aqua Quest 100% waterproof laptop sleeve. Fits any size laptop! The makers claim, “No amount of rain or spilled coffee can penetrate this case.” Check prices and availability

Kipling Seoul L Laptop Backpack – Adorable but a little pricey unless you can find a good deal! (Check the prices on Amazon). Comes in a wide variety of colors and prints and who doesn’t love that cute little ape zipper charm? Kipling also makes smaller accessories to mix and match. This best-selling laptop backpack now has water bottle pockets. The Seoul backpack is equipped with padded shoulder straps, a durable exterior, and roomy interior. Seoul easily fits textbooks and essentials, plus it has a protective sleeve for your laptop, too! zip-front pocket contains; two pen sleeves, cell phone pocket, slip pocket, and large zip pocket so you can keep your essentials organized on-the-go.

Matein (Best Amazon pick under $50): Perfect for every day, on the go or travel. This backpack weighs less than 2 lbs. Provides lots of storage space, made of water-resistant and durable polyester fabric with metal zippers Built-in USB charger outside and built-in charging cable inside, this USB backpack offers you a more convenient way to charge your phone while walking.

Patagonia Tres Backpack 25L – Water resistant and made from recycled nylon, this one gets my vote for teens back to school Made from 630-denier 100% nylon (50% recycled/50% high-tenacity) plain weave; lined with 200-denier 100% recycled polyester. Both treated with a polyurethane coating and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish for water-resistance. The main compartment has plenty of room for extra notebooks or an extra outfit for after work; padded internal laptop sleeve for 15” laptop or smaller. Avg. price $119-$129

The Northface Jester Backpack is touted as “the ultimate campus pack designed for women”. The 28-liter Jester doesn’t play around when it comes to protecting and organizing your gear. The main compartment features a padded 15″ laptop sleeve and is roomy enough to also accommodate your books and binders. A front compartment with internal organization has a padded tablet sleeve, and bungee cords crisscrossing the front of the pack are perfect for stuffing your jacket and bike helmet under for convenient, hands-free walks from class to class.

Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack I personally have two Fjallraven backpacks. What I love about them is the simple design, lightweight fabric, and waxed canvas. The moisture-repelling Vinylon F fabric shapes a slim and durable all-purpose backpack fitted with a convertible shoulder strap system that allows it to be carried as a backpack or rucksack. The full front zip opening allows for traditional top loading or front loading of the backpack, while the removable seat pad is perfect for watching a ballgame in the bleachers.

Read my article on Fjallraven backpacks to make sure you don’t buy a fake!