10 Best College Backpacks 2025 in the United States

The Nike Hayward 2.0 Backpack is designed for both men and women and provides ample space with a total capacity of 26 liters. This size is sufficient for carrying books, notebooks, and other college essentials, making it a good fit for college students. It features a durable polyester shell with a dense weave that promises lasting durability, which is essential for daily use. The adjustable and padded shoulder straps ensure comfort, even when the backpack is fully loaded, enhancing the ergonomic experience. Additionally, the top haul loop is a convenient feature for an alternative carrying option or for stowing the backpack away when not in use.

However, one notable drawback is the absence of a dedicated laptop compartment, which might be a concern for students who need to carry their laptops regularly. The backpack excels in organization with multiple small pockets for extra-small item storage, helping keep things tidy and easy to find. In terms of style, the simple yet athletic design with its new graphic makes it a visually appealing choice for students.

Despite the lack of a specific laptop compartment, its build and functionality make it a reliable and stylish option for college use.

The Nike Brasilia Medium Training Backpack is a versatile option for college students, offering a capacity of 24 liters, which is quite reasonable for daily essentials. The padded back panel and shoulder straps ensure comfort during long walks across campus. Its water-resistant coating on the bottom panel is useful for protecting your belongings from unexpected rain or spills, enhancing its durability.

The backpack also includes a plush-lined interior laptop pocket, which is crucial for students who need to carry their laptops securely. Additional interior pockets provide space for smaller valuables like headphones or electronics, aiding in better organization. The main zipper compartment offers secure storage for books, gym gear, or other necessities.

While the design is simple and suitable for both men and women, it might not appeal to those looking for more stylish or trendy options. Weighing only 1.14 pounds, it is lightweight and won’t add unnecessary burden. However, some might find the 24-liter capacity limiting if they need to carry more items regularly. Despite these minor drawbacks, it remains a reliable choice for college students prioritizing functionality and comfort.

The Fjallraven Women's Skule 28 Backpack is a solid choice for college students. With a capacity of 28 liters, it offers ample space to carry your books, notebooks, and other essentials. The dedicated 15-inch laptop compartment ensures your device is securely stored and easily accessible, which is essential for college life. The backpack is made from durable canvas material, which suggests it can withstand daily wear and tear. However, at 750 grams, it is relatively lightweight, making it comfortable to carry around campus all day long. The shoulder straps add to the comfort, distributing weight evenly across your shoulders.

The backpack includes multiple pockets, both zippered and mesh, which help keep your items organized. Exterior zip pockets are handy for quick access to smaller items like your phone or keys. Style-wise, it is simple and versatile, fitting well with most outfits. On the downside, the design might be too basic for those who prefer more vibrant or unique styles. Additionally, while the material is durable, canvas might not be as water-resistant as some other materials, so you might need to be cautious in heavy rain.

In terms of customer feedback, it has a high rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 83 reviews, indicating that most users are very satisfied with their purchase. If you are looking for a reliable and comfortable college backpack with good organizational features, this Fjallraven backpack is a great option.