When we think of school, the first thing that usually comes to mind is a backpack.
Choosing the best backpack for teens can be tricky. Because their school essentials are heavier than those of elementary school students, they need backpacks that can lighten the load on their backs. At the same time, backpacks for teens need to be cool and stylish enough to ensure that their peers will approve.
So, what’s the best backpack that’s big enough and might come with comfy padded shoulder straps? And, of course, it is still cool for both boys and girls.
This year, we’ve found 16 cool backpacks for teens, from sporty to trendy to classic and everything in between!
1. Herschel Retreat™ Backpack
Great quality and stylish!
This backpack is roomy and of great quality – it is well-made, and the camouflage design looks cool.
The shoulder straps are comfy and can carry many items for all your books, textbooks, etc. It’s tall and waterproof, and the lining and material are water-resistant and durable. The handy side zipper pockets are an absolute genius feature, perfect for easy access to a water bottle or an umbrella.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have more pockets inside other than a laptop divider, but it is still an amazing item.
You can walk to school with it every day without feeling weighed down or hassled!
2. MZ Wallace Pocket Metro Backpack
Lightweight but strong! My nephew has been using this for college and can’t stop raving about it.
It’s compact but has a lot of capacity, and the compactness makes it easy to carry. If you like the style and love the color, it is a top choice for cool backpacks! Definitely recommend this one!
The backpack is very practical and has plenty of storage pockets for all the essentials high school kids need. Although this bag has an amazing capacity, it is lightweight!
Overall, the quality of this backpack can’t be matched!
3. Peak Design Everyday Backpack
You can use this backpack to store books, laptops, binders, and other school supplies during the school day. And on weekends and holidays, you can use it to hold tons of travel supplies. It holds everything perfectly.
The magnetic latch is really nice and makes it easy to access the backpack without much struggle. The zippers on the left and right sides are also well-made and durable. The zippers can be opened both ways on the left and right sides. The backpack’s internal layout can be changed however you like, and I greatly appreciate that feature.
With a clean silhouette and minimal overhanging straps, this backpack adapts perfectly to your ever-changing gear, lifestyle, and environment.
4. The North Face Explore Fusebox
Perfect size for a tall guy, excellent color combination will definitely grab the attention of all your classmates!
Spacious and perfect for those days that start to get cold and hot, you can store your hoodies, sweaters, and jackets and have plenty of room to put down your school supplies. Plus, shoulder straps for a comfortable fit. The material is tough as nails. Daisy chains on the outside look cool and offer utility, too.
This backpack is versatile and durable. You can use it for traveling, school, and weekend adventures. High-quality backpack!
5. STM Goods Dux Backpack
This smarter, sturdy, comfortable, and versatile tech-savvy backpack will be the envy of all your friends.
The bag is structured with foam padding all around, so it can take a few bumps without damaging everything inside. Unzip the front pocket to unfold two mesh zippered pockets and an additional plush zippered pocket for fragile items like glasses.
Quickly access items via the convertible bottom panel, unzip to remove the full depth of the pack, and cascading fold-out pockets on the front.
It has dual shoulder straps and an EVA foam back panel for maximum comfort.
6. Vans Old Stool H20 Checkerboard Backpack
While there are many Vans cool backpacks for teens, we couldn’t resist the classic 80s skate culture checkerboard pattern. Apparently, these are back. The price is great, too.
It seems sturdy and well-made, and there are no issues with hauling stuff back and forth to school. It certainly gets chucked on the floor and thrown around the boys’ room, but it’s still going strong!
Easy to carry everything you need for school and keep it safe! Love this bag and the color options!
The only issue is that the side pockets to hold water bottles are pretty small, and there’s no give, so if you have a large water bottle, you may have to downsize it to fit in the side pocket.
7. JanSport BIG STUDENT
You can use it for everything: school, sports, and overnight stays. Even if you stuff it full and have Mom wash it, it can take it all.
Perfect size, lots of pockets, great for school!
The only downside I can think of is that the zippers get caught easily. There are flaps to conceal the zippers when not in use, but they do more harm than good. It’s like, guys, everyone knows these backpacks have zippers; you don’t need to try and hide them from us.
I would recommend it to everyone, from students to travelers.
8. Jordan Monogram Backpack
This backpack isn’t only stylish, but it’s very roomy. It’s great for holding your schoolwork or clothes for practice, whichever you prefer. The green is a very nice color and makes your bag stand out. I love the color; it looks just like the picture.
I love the level of detail, from the varied textures of the print itself and the raised Jordan symbol down to the zipper pulls. Everything about the design is just so well thought out and beautiful. This backpack feels like a luxury without being in your face about it.
1. Fjällräven Kånken KÅNKEN ME Backpack
This backpack is a hit and looks so stylish. Love the idea of mixing and matching colors!
Perfect bag for school, it fits everything you need without being huge and hard to carry.
But the straps can get a little uncomfortable if you wear the bag for too long because they are really thin and have no padding, but if you don’t have the bag packed with a lot of stuff, then it will be fine.
Also, the pockets on the side are barely big enough to hold a normal plastic water bottle, but other than that, it’s a really nice bag.
2. Kipling Seoul 15″ laptop backpacks
Very cute backpack! It’s definitely bigger than you think!
It is light but very sturdy, has pockets and compartments for everything, and it’s KIPLING, a brand that equals quality. Plenty of pockets and a bottle holder on either side.
The strap is so nice that you can not feel the backpack’s weight!
Overall, it’s roomy, stylish, and comfortable for your teen girl school. And I would suggest light colors for a better look for a girl.
3. LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack
This backpack appears to be made of high-quality material. The size is perfect for laptops, large 3-ring binders, wallets, computer accessories, cell phones, and water bottles. Lots of space left over! You can also easily fit a book or two in the large main area.
The backpack looks stylish and is perfect for transporting your things to and from school.
It has so many pockets and separate spaces. Comfortable and easy to use as a backpack. The top zipper opens with a rigid bar that protects your computer but holds the bag open when putting things in and taking them out. Side pockets can hold a mug securely.
The colors are vibrant, and the small details of the construction make it look classic.
4. Bagsmart The Wanderland Campus Backpack
This backpack is made from stylish, lightweight, quilted cotton and can be gently washed in the washing machine.
The backpack was a good size for a teen. The size is perfect for holding your laptop, notebook, book, pens, tablets, etc. The backpack has multiple pockets: phone, laptop with padding, large open compartment for notebooks, etc., a front small compartment with pen and tablet pockets, and an even smaller compartment at the front perfect for holding the laptop charger!
The only complaint would be that the water bottle holders on the side do not close well enough. The water bottles keep falling out of the side pockets. But the quilting is of nice quality, and it is large.
5. The North Face Borealis Backpack
This backpack is a game-changer with its array of organized pockets, making it a breeze to keep all your essentials in order. The quality is fantastic; it can hold very heavy things and distribute the weight, so you’ll barely feel it.
The cushion on the over-the-shoulder straps is a dream, providing utmost comfort, especially during long hours of wear.
And the dual color is subtle yet stylish.
6. Pura Vida Bracelets Blue Tie Dye Backpack
Looking forward to summer? This blue tie-dye backpack brings the beach to you!
The material is great, and the printing is even better!
It’s very light and comfortable but can also hold everything you need to bring! Whether it’s school or just bringing a bookbag anywhere, it’s perfect for any occasion! Perfect for school and so unique!
The wave patch on the front is so cute!
7. Calpak Kaya Laptop Backpack
It is really hard to find a backpack that looks so stylish! It is worth the price, in my opinion, if you’re looking for a reliable/high-quality backpack.
Well-made, good liner, good size, and well-placed compartments.
But the structure of the backpack can be dented, so make sure to avoid putting heavy stuff on top of it.
8. Gear-Up HARRY POTTER™ Gear-Up Quarry Backpacks
This backpack has a one-of-a-kind quarry print, and you’ll have the coolest backpack in your class!
It features ultra-durable stitching, plenty of compartments, and a headphone cable port so you can carry your laptop, books, and music.
The tough fabric shoulder straps and nylon zippers stand up to years of use.
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