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 Vera Bradley Performance Twill Campus Backpack is a lightweight, stylish choice for college students who want something durable and easy to carry. Its 25-liter capacity is a good medium size, fitting daily essentials without being bulky. The bag includes two interior mesh slip pockets that can hold a laptop or tablet, though they’re not heavily padded like some dedicated laptop bags, so extra care may be needed for fragile devices.

Comfort-wise, adjustable 32-inch straps and a 3-inch top handle make it convenient to wear or grab quickly. The water-repellent twill material adds durability and helps protect belongings during light rain, making it suitable for everyday campus use. Organization is a strong point here, with multiple zippered pockets, side slip pockets, and a front compartment featuring pen holders and an ID window, which is handy for keeping small items accessible and tidy.

The backpack also scores well on style with its floral Blooms and Branches design, while its weight of just under 2 pounds keeps it light enough for daily wear. A downside is the relatively modest padding in the laptop area, so students with expensive tech might want additional protection. Additionally, the size may be tight if you need to carry large textbooks or bulky gear regularly. This backpack suits students who prioritize a fashionable, organized, and weather-resistant bag that comfortably fits everyday school essentials and smaller tech devices.