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Even though it feels like the school year just began, it’s coming to a quick end pretty soon. That means it’s time to focus on securing everything your teens need for the next school year. It’s hard to think of when you’re lounging by the pool, but it’s always good to get a jump on back-to-school shopping so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. One essential that should be at the top of your list? Anew backpackthat will get your child excited toactuallygo back to school. If you have no idea where to begin looking for thebest backpacks for teens, let us help.
Best Backpacks for Teens at a Glance
Best Overall: Kipling Seoul Large Laptop Backpack, $124
Best Amazon Pick: Fjallraven Kanken, $90
Best Tie Dye Backpack: No Boundaries Hands Free Backpack, $19
Most Affordable: Wild Fable Full Square Backpack, $20, was $25
Best Rugged Backpack: Carhartt Kickflip Canvas Backpack, $118
Best Metallic:STATE Kane Kids Large, $130
Best North Face Backpack: North Face Jester Water Repellent Backpack, $75
Best Customizable Backpack: Stoney Clover Lane Classic Backpack, $148
Best Travel Backpack: Himawari Travel Backpack, $34
Best Lululemon Backpack: Lululemon New Crew Backpack 22L, $98
What to Look for in a Good Backpack for Your Teen
Durability is key when looking for a new backpack for your teen. Choose backpacks with nylon and polyester fabrics. The combination of materials can withstand daily wear and tear, and it’s also easy to wash and spot clean. You also want to look for bags with plenty of room and compartments. A large interior allows for plenty of room for your teen’s textbooks, pencil cases, gym clothes, and more. And if they take a computer to and from school, select a backpack with a built-in laptop sleeve to protect their electronics from spills and hard throws.
What’s the Best Size for High School Backpacks?
Teenagers need room for everything under the sun, so be prepared to look for packs with a bottomless pit of room. If you can’t find one with copious amounts of room, 15 to 30 liters will do. You can check the bag’s tags to see the capacity before buying. Plus, the space also makes the bag the perfect length for them to carry, which saves them from staining their back and shoulders.
What Are the Latest Backpack Trends?
If your teen loves a classic look, the iconic Jansport backpack, available on Amazon, is a perennial favorite. Plus, you can pick up a few other items on their school supply list while you’re there. Have a child who likes to elevate their style with a simple and chic bag? Gift them this splurge-worthy bag from State or Stoney Clover Lane this year. Of course, you can also stop atLululemonfor some seriously cool backpacks.
Ahead, see 13 of our favorite backpacks for teens.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Kiplingis a SheKnows sponsor, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Kipling Seoul Large Laptop Backpack
Kipling’s Seoul Large Laptop Backpack is a fun pick for teens to carry their everyday essentials. The backpack has a pretty cherry shade, a laptop pocket that fits a 15-inch computer, and extra room for books and other items. The bag is made with nylon, making it easy to toss in the washer to clean.
Dimensions: 12.75″ L x 17.25″ H x 9″ D
Colorways: Cherry Tonal, True Blue Tonal, Grey Gris, True Black Tonal, Havana Blue
Weight: 1.41 lbsPros:
Includes monkey keychain
Separate pocket with padding to keep laptop safe
Mulitple colorsCons:
PriceyKipling Seoul Large Laptop Backpack
$124
Buy now
Fjallraven Kanken in Navy
Amazon shoppers love this backpack for back-to-school, and it’s no surprise why. The 2-in-1 one pack can be carried like a traditional backpack or by its handles. It comes in over 34 colors, and you can snag this navy shade on sale now at Amazon.
“Gave this to my 10-year-old daughter,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “She often gets compliments on this or overhears moms and older girls chatting about it; we often hear, ‘She’s got one,’ ‘I want one,’ ‘Can you get me one too,’ ‘She has the Fjallraven!'”
Dimensions: 10.61″ x 5.1″ x 15″
Colorways: Navy, black, brick,and 31 other colors
Weight: 0.7 lbsPros:
Over 30 colors
Multiple compartmentsCons:
Hand wash onlyFjallraven Kanken Backpack
$90
Buy now
No Boundaries Hands Free Backpack
This $19 backpack is perfect for tweens and newly dubbed teens. It has a fun tie dye print and an easy-to-use design. The bag contains two main compartments to hold books, binders, and other items. You can even fit a lunch in there! Right now, you can snag the backpack in three colors: Tie dye (shown), black, and a blue checkered print.
Dimensions: 6.75” W x 4.125” H x 2.25” D
Colorways: Black, Freshwater Blue Check, Multi Tie Dye
Weight: 0.68 lbs
Pros:
Large design
Locker loop
Adjustable shoulder strapsCons:
Only available at WalmartWild Fable Full Square Backpack
This 15.4″ square backpack from Target-favorite brand Wild Fable is an affordable, eco-friendly choice. It features durable double-top handles with a snap button. Available in two colors, it’s not big enough to hold the contents of your kid’s entire locker (parents of teens know!), but it’s low-profile enough to carry the essentials.
Dimensions: 15.4″ H x 11″ W x 5.5″ D
Colorways: Black and green
Weight: 15.26 litersPros:
Affordable
SpaciousCons:
Limited colorsWild Fable Full Square Backpack
$20, was $25
Buy now
Carhartt Kickflip Canvas Backpack
Thisrugged-but-stylish canvas backpackis equally ideal for hauling school stuff or equipment for an outdoor adventure. With multiple compartments, there’s a place for everything — and adjustable straps help ensure a comfortable fit. Shoppers report they can fit a computer, books, gym clothes, and more in the pack. Better yet, it’s available in 5 rugged colors like dollar green, and blue.
Dimensions: 18 1/2″H x 11 1/2″W x 6″D
Colorways: Blue, black, and 3 others
Weight: 1.56 lbsPros:
Great to use outside of school
DurableCons:
Over $100Carhartt Kickflip Canvas Backpack
$118.00
Buy now
STATE Kane Kids Large
Available in 11 cool patterns and colors (we like this one in “Gold”, but they also have some amazing prints, too), the Kane Kids Large backpack from STATE is a little pricier than many, but in this case you definitely get what you pay for — the quality of these backpacks is top notch. Dual compartments allow kids to carry books and binders in one and a laptop or tablet in the other, and water bottle pockets on each side let your kid stay hydrated on the go. It’s durable and has adjustable straps, too!
Dimensions: 7″ H x 13″ W x 7.5″ D
Colorways: Gold, navy, camo, and 8 more
Weight: 1.98 lbsPros:
Bestseller
Metallic colors
Best for kids 4th grade and upCons:
Spot clean onlySTATE Kane Kids Large
$130
Buy now
North Face Jester Water Repellent Backpack
This backpackis made for comfort — it has brand-specific FlexVent technology that is a suspension system designed to alleviate the weight of what you’re carrying. The bag can hold a day’s worth of essentials, according to the brand. It’s also water-repellent anda offers two top handles that you can carry to alleviate some of the weight off the bag.
Dimensions: 18″H x 10 1/2″W x 5″D
Colorways: Pine Needle, gravel, black
Weight: 1.7 lbsPros:
Exterior mesh water-bottle pockets
Water-repellent
Padded laptop sleeveCons:
Slim designNorth Face Jester Water Repellent Backpack
$75
Buy now
Stoney Clover Lane Classic Backpack
If your teen wants acustomized backpackthat showcases their interests, head to Stoney Clover Lane for the ultimate customizable bags. There are over 26 colors of packs to choose from and endless patch options to put on the bag for a totally personal touch. Browse letters, hearts, destination patches, and more.
Dimensions: 16.25″ H x 13.5″ W x 5.25″ D, 2.75″
Colorways: Grape, blanc, cotton candy, and 12 more
Weight: 25 ouncesPros:
Customizable with patches or embroidery
Can purchase matching accessories (sold separately)Cons:
More expensive than other optionsClassic Backpack
$148
Himawari Travel Backpack
Teenagers are always plugged in and connected, so they’re going to need on-the-go charging resources for their devices. Luckily, this travel backpack has them covered. The Himawari Travel Backpack has a built-in USB port that connects to any power band. The bag is also spacious and can hold lunch, a laptop, and books, so there’s no excuse for not doing homework.
Dimensions: 8″ x 11″ x 16″
Colorways: USB (shown), gray, purple, and 29 others
Weight: 1.4 lbsPros:
Unique color combinations
Waterproof
LightweightCons:
Shoppers wish it came in larger sizesHimawari Travel Backpack
$34
Buy now
Lululemon New Crew Backpack 22L
Lululemon is a top choice among teens (just scroll through TikTok). The “cool” brand crafts quality bags that last through any weather and activities. If your child is heading to class or practice, make sure they have this New Crew backpack for the season. It has different compartments to store belongings, like a laptop or workout gear. There is also a secure pocket that holds a water bottle.
Dimensions: 11.4″ x 7.3″ x 16.5″
Colorways: White, traverse grey
Weight: 1.3 lbsPros:
Only two colors availible
Comfortable on shoulders and back
LightweightCons:
Straps aren’t paddedLululemon New Crew Backpack 22L
$98
Buy now
Adidas Originals Trefoil 2.0 Backpack
Don’t worry, there’s a backpack for your sporty teen, too. This original style fromAdidasholds all the back-to-school essentials. The bag has a Trefoil design on the front and a two-way zip closure that makes opening and closing the pack a breeze. It also includes a D ring for securing hats, keys, and school ID badges.
Dimensions: 12″ x 6.5″ x 18.5″
Colorways: 1
Weight: 1.35 lbsPros:
Best for heavy items
Has D ring for hooking keys or badgesCons:
Some shoppers report zipper breaks easilyAdidas Originals Trefoil 2.0 Backpack
$67
on Amazon.com
Buy now
JanSport Cross Town Daypack
For a more “grown-up option,” this Jansport classic should be at the top of your list this school season. It’s roomy, durable, water resistant, and easy to clean — an iconic backpack for a reason! And with 20 choices of colors and patterns, there’s a style for literally everyone’s taste.
Dimensions: 6″ x 12.5″ x 17″
Colorways: Black, red, orange, and 17 others
Weight: 12 OuncesPros:
Padded shoulder straps
Large interiorCons:
No added designsJansport Crosstown Backpack
$31$36.0014% Off
on Amazon.com
Buy now
Herschel Nova-Backpack
Does your teen need a new backpack for the school year? If “yes,” head to Herschel. The classic brand has a wide range of bags that your teens will love. We love the Nova backpack. It has a mid-volume size that’s easy and casual to carry while remaining stylish. If your student needs a larger size, check out these classic styles for a larger fit.
Dimensions: 16″H x 11″W x 5″D
Colorways: Ash rose, port, paint pour, black crosshatch
Weight: 1.2 lbsPros:
Interior and exterior pockets
Fits 13″ laptopsCons:
Can not be machine washedHerschel Nova-Backpack
$50, was $80
Buy now
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