Theres also a mesh-lined back panel to keep you cool, and the bag is available in nine attractive neutral hues. Zip code: 510375 It features a 15 padded laptop compartment, side pockets for a 17 oz Swell water bottle, front pocket for pens, pencils, wallet and keys and a main compartment for books, notebooks, sneakers and everything else. Yes, a college backpack today needs to tick a lot more boxes than it used to. Beyond that, its all about style and extras, like side mesh water bottle holders, organizational pockets, and nice-to-haves like charging ports. Weight can be another factor, and there are lightweight options and rolling backpacks for anyone regularly hauling a heavy load. Every product is carefully selected by our editors. There's always a twinge of excitement when shopping for a new backpack. Physicists May Have Created a New State of Matter, Earth Just Experienced Its Shortest Day Ever, Amaze Your Friends With This DIY Potato Cannon, The War in Ukraine Is Elevating New Military Tech, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. FJLLRVEN Kanken was best bag I bought for school. The only bag officially endorsed by the Backcare Charity, it features a curved underside to help your child carry the load, and side-bracing straps to allow them to pull the bag closer to their body. Along with the sleek design, the Explorer Apex Compact Backpack is as functional as they come. So many different colours and patterns to choose from. Sansucre. Topo Designs is known for their simple and sturdy line of backpacks. It's more expensive than other rucksacks but the straps are super padded and strong. TeddTess. Inside, there are two large main compartments: one is a laptop pocket with a water-resistant zipper and another main compartment with additional sleeve for a tablet or folders. Amazon, Price: 30 (RRP: 47) | Buy now from Amazon, Eastpak. With a sleek and simple design, youd think you were choosing a bag that emphasized style over function. At dds school( massive comp) most girls favour leather look tote bags over their shoulder. OhYesIAm. The leap from primary school to secondary school can seem like a gulf in so many ways and never more so than when your child looks at their once-loved school bag in disgust and declares "I will literally die" if they have to carry it to the school gate. With two large compartments for laptop and general belongings, to the various exterior pockets for everything else, youll be fully covered. Not to mention, its comfortable and stylish to wear. San Francisco-based Timbuk2, founded in 1989, is known for its sleek backpacks with clever features, like this Authority Laptop Backpack model. St Pierre, 7 myths about pet insurance that you can't afford not to know, Sponsored by The zips are smooth and sturdy, and we like the top carry handle that lets you hold the backpack like a briefcase. What makes it really great for secondary school is its smart, square shape which means the edges of their books and folders dont get dogeared and caught in the zip. They are sturdy and light weight and include things like padded computer pockets just off the bottom of the pack since children drop bags, they have special pockets for phones/money and you can get them with insulated lunch pockets in the pack. The one large zip opens to a spacious main compartment featuring a padded laptop sleeve. Not inexpensive but lasted four years now, used for school and holidays (swimming, aeroplane etc) and still looks great. The curved and padded straps are adjustable and the bag has a carry handle on top to make it easier to pick up and go. It features a retractable handle that locks at two heights, tuck-away padded shoulder straps, and rugged inline skate wheels with treads for negotiating curbs and other uneven terrain. Its lightweight, has a padded interior to fit a 15-inch laptop, multiple pockets for optimal organization and two retractable bottle holders to encourage hydration throughout the day. Rachel Klein has been a professional editor and writer for more than a decade, with a background in digital media, publishing, and journalism. By Mumsnet HQ | Last updated Jun 29, 2022. My sons have both opted for black. FlamingoChill. Herschel may not be a half-century old, but the brand has grown to become one of the most popular makers of high-quality, attractive retro-style bags on the market. Combining a cool camo print with Adidas' classically sporty aesthetic, this canvas bag is one stylish rucksack that will appeal to sporty types and is also a popular and very acceptable brand if youre looking for a bag that wont single them out for attention. Best of all, the ergonomic padded shoulder straps are built in for comfort. The retro school style should appeal to teens, and it has an adjustable cross-body strap to allow them to walk home hands-free. For the college athlete headed straight from class to practice, Adidas Prime backpack with shock absorbing shoulder straps comes in an extra-large size that features multiple pockets to fit your books, laptop, sneakers and gym clothes. While their affordable Standard Pack is one of their most basic silhouettes, it encapsulates everything you look for in a campus backpack plus some. It features plenty of pockets for small items and it can accommodate a 15-inch laptop, plus theres a built-in USB charging port. Dickies simple Student backpack is tough enough to stow all of your school essentials, including a 15 laptop in the laptop sleeve in the main compartment, as well as other books and notebooks in the main compartment and pens and calculators in the front zip. It features an interior laptop sleeve and a spacious main compartment with a mesh pocket for additional tech and cords, as well as a front pocket with organizers for writing utensils and other small items. The design is simple, but the signature striped liner inside adds a fun little sartorial touch. This is apparently a womens backpack - we arent sure what makes it different from unisex ones but theres nothing there that we think would put off a teenaged boy and lots to commend it. (The standard size will likely be too small for that.) Truly excellent quality, The North Face Vault Backpack comes with a whole host of useful features that make it well worth its price tag. While functionality reigns over style at Filson, the leather details add a stylish touch. When you buy through a link on our site we might earn commission but this never influences our product choices. You don't need to spend a fortune to get a quality backpack with special features designed to make your life easier. Fanghua Guangyuan Electronics Co., Ltd. I got this, which is surprisingly nice for the price. BarbarAnna, Let's address the elephant in the room: do these designs look a little, er, familiar? Hongmei Neon Equipment Factory Finally, we always check to see which products have won consumer awards and industry accolades or received recognition from trusted sources and feed this into our analysis, too. If you can spend somewhere in the 20-40 region you should be able to get something very decent that your child will like the look of, too. The backpack features a 15-inch padded laptop compartment, three pockets in the main compartment, and a two-way zipper with a rain flap. For those who value durability and affordability over style, you cant go wrong with Carhartts Essential 21L Laptop Backpack featuring a built-in 15 laptop sleeve and various storage compartments inside a spacious interior. This Panerai Hits the Adventure Watch Sweet Spot, Brighten Your Summer with July's New Fitness Gear, Perform Better with Tommy John 360 Sport Underwear, Dad Grass Tinctures: Sleep, Chill and Recover, Best Overall Backpack for College Students, best upgrade backpack for college students, Best affordable backpack for college students, This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. Buying a backpack is largely based on personal needs and preference, but there are a few general points worth thinking about before you whip out your credit card. To ensure we only ever show you the best of the best products, we always do our research thoroughly and make sure every product comes carefully vetted, tested, evaluated and with a clutch of honest reviews to recommend it. A wee bit pricey but really well designed and comfortable to carry all the crap they need. IdentityFraud. These stylish backpacks can make lugging those heavy textbooks and laptops a breeze. If youre going the Herschel route, opt for the XL for storing a laptop, textbooks and binders inside. Eastpak. The name is apt. It also has a padded bottom panel to protect your stuff when you put the bag down. Many school bags have special pockets for a laptop, water bottle etc, and even key attachments. Could it endure several semesters without tearing, and fit an unreasonable number of (supposedly) required textbooks? You need to consider both size and volume. Its simple, to be sure, so while there are no add-ons here like secret compartments or interior organization its a $40 steal thatll last you a lifetime. Thats where a messenger bag comes in, and this Paul Frank version looks pretty cool and is well made too. What differentiates a school backpack from other forms is that it needs to be tough and durable to withstand the weight of laptops and textbooks and the inevitability of rainy days. Its available in several fun color combinations in addition to basic black. It also comes in 12 stylish colors, making it easy to find one that suits your style. The best ones have extra features, like key rings, secret pockets for quick accessibility to often-used sundries, and water bottle holders for long days. Sent it away for free zip repair recently. And if theyre going to be on packed trains or buses they might want something with a top handle so they can carry it in their hands in front of them. If the thought of a heavy rucksack makes you and your child grimace, this might be the bag of choice for the upcoming school year. As well as the main compartment, there are two flat pockets on the side and an additional one at the front. If in doubt go for something plain, black and not too flashy. Plus, there's even a hole to loop your USB charging cord and headphone cord through. So many different colours and patterns to choose from., Related: Everything you need to know about starting secondary school, Related: 8 school morning hacks for a stress-free routine, Related: The best school uniform to buy this year, Available in a range of colours and patterns, Weather and dirt-resistant and hardwearing, Foam seat provides back protection as well as something to sit on, Looks like the pricier FJLLRVEN backpacks, Available in a variety of designs and patterns, Ergonomic and protects back and shoulders, Good for going out as well as taking to school, Money or card to pay for school dinners etc, Bus pass, train ticket or anything else they need for the journey, Any textbooks or exercise books for each day. We dug into our own research for some of the best backpacks on the market and we cover a range of styles, from sporty styles to ultra lightweight models to waterproof bags sure to keep your stuff dry in inclement weather. Tel: +86 20 81608506, Home Its a good, practical choice too, with a main zipped compartment, a spacious internal section and a zip-up front pocket. All of our recommendations below have average customer ratings of four stars or more. It will take A4 files but lots of big, bulky folders might be beyond its capacity. Its available in 25- and 35-liter sizes; the main drawback is that they lack a laptop sleeve. Keep the grey foam in though - it helps to keep the square shape. abitoflight. Plus, the Dakine comes in a huge range of colours and patterns, so theres definitely a bag for everyone here. It's both water- and dirt-resistant, easy to clean, and eliminates the need for a polyurethane or silicone coating. While the heritage-inspired design of The North Face's recycled Daypack might air on basic, the modern features prove otherwise. Theres also a front zipper and side water bottle holder for extra storage. Eastpak Padded Packr Laptop, books, papers, chords and tech, and even a jacket or sweater can be tossed in for chilly lecture halls. The interior compartment can hold your laptop (inside the padded pocket designed for 15 laptops), as well as notebooks, books and other everyday sundries. Backpacks are typically made of polyester or ballistic nylon, and some are coated for water-resistance. Just a list of must-haves as long as your arm, then. Another plus? Inside, youll find a main compartment with a 15 laptop sleeve and a front pocket with a key clip, along with dual water bottle pockets at the sides. As well as the large main compartment, there are two flat side compartments and a front pocket too. The bag can be carried on your back or simply picked up with the carry handles. Younger students may not be allowed to use their own computer in the classroom, but could still need to carry one around for after-school research projects or extracurricular activities. Going to the gym after class? The bags we picked all come recommended by real parents, who took the time to post about their finds on the Mumsnet Talk boards, so all the reviews are honest and unpaid for. The backpack also has adjustable padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap for extra support, an outer side pocket for your water bottle, and a large zippered pocket in front for quick-grab items like your cell phone. Popular Mechanics participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. We also offer options across price points, including budget, midpriced, and high-end backpacks. It also features a generously sized main compartment so it should comfortably fit everything your child needs for secondary school. Lots cheap on amazon. ScoLeah. Theres also the quandary of wanting them to fit everything but the kitchen sink in an organized and compact way thatll keep them looking sleek and minimal, and dare I add, stylish, yet completely comfortable. We like the large front pocket which unzips easily to stow away smaller items such as a wallet and a phone. |Products Really roomy and lasted all year. Its a smaller version of a larger model, so youll need to check the dimensions carefully to ensure it will hold all your child's back-to-school supplies. Considering that students (and many working professionals) haul them around five days a week or more, it's a chance to start fresh. The shoulder straps are also well-padded and theres a sternum strap for extra support, plus the backpack is fairly lightweight at about 2.5 pounds. It features an internal 15-inch laptop sleeve, a front utility pocket with organiser for smaller bits and pieces, a large main compartment and a water bottle holder. Theyve upgraded their standard backpack to a slimmer style thatll keep you looking cool on campus, while still carrying everything you need. In some schools, backpacks are a no-no. Room 8055, 5th floor. PDSA, Mumsnet carries some affiliate marketing links, so if you buy something through our posts, we may get a small share of the sale (more details here). Made of 400-denier polyester, this one has a dedicated rear-access pocket for laptops up to 17 inches and several organizational slip pockets in the main compartment. If theyre not at the school yet, ask around to find out what items your child is expected to bring in each day, and whether they have lockers in school or not, so you know how much stuff theyre likely to need to fit in their school bag. Brevites lightweight backpack is an ideal campus option given that it contains ample storage compartments without compromising its minimal design. Fjallraven has been around since 1960 and fans love the Swedish brands bags for their eclectic style and cute red fox thats front and center on the logo. Most of the Y7/8/9s girls at DDs high school have Superdry backpacks." With a reputation like Nike's, you know you're getting a sturdy, comfortable rucksack. It works well as a sports bag, with plenty of room for kit in the interior, but would do just as well for general school use. Inside, theres the signature Herschel stripy fabric. We also kept a list of any brands that received not-so-glowing reviews. So, are we asking too much? In terms of features, you'll likely want one with a dedicated laptop sleeve, particularly if you're buying for a high schooler, college student, or working professional. While you can buy pretty basic rucksacks for less than a tenner, its worth spending a bit more to get something robust and with some good support for their back and shoulders. We also looked for expert advice on posture and back pain prevention from the charity BackCare, which supports people with back pain and offers advice on how to avoid it. Sealands Upcycled Archie Backpack is a classic school backpack with modern upgrades and a roomy overall design. The main compartment is roomy enough for lots of books and folders, and theres also a padded laptop sleeve. Problem solved. We then whittled the list down by collating all that information, and picked a selection of school bags from those that we thought represented something for every student. Theres a compartment or pocket for literally everything but the kitchen sink. There are also two front zipper pockets for small items and easy access, as well as external water bottle pockets that snaps closed when not in use to maintain a sleek silhouette. (Plus, Peak Design gives a discount to students.). Your school may give your child a checklist of what they need to bring or there might be one on their website worth consulting first, but heres a basic list of things your child is likely to need in their school bag for secondary school: Parents think the Eastpak Padded Pakr Backpack is the best school bag for secondary school. Eastpack, Jansport and Hershcel are all robust brands you can rely on to be well-made and stand up to anything your child throws at them. Well, youd be wrong. Additionally, any bag also needs to contain that mountain of stuff without giving them back ache or damaging their posture. Read on for our top recommendations, plus things to consider before you buy. It represents the best value for money in terms of how robust and long-lasting it is, and the features it includes. Bellroys brand pillars are centered around function and simplicity, and its Classic Backpack Plus is a perfect representation of this. No. State is the master of the school backpack, so leave it to them to think of everything. The large interior has more than enough room for their books, lunch and school jumper too. Take into account whether they need to be able to squeeze in a PE kit or lunch box too. Huanhua Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou,Guangdong (P.R.China). The bag needs to at a minimum take an A4 folder but possibly also a laptop. While this backpack is on the pricier side of our list, its worth the splurge. We have no idea either, but its a fact and youll know about it if your school has an unspoken backpacks are for nerds rule because your child will tell you. This option is specifically designed with artists in mind, made of heavyweight canvas with a waterproof lining inside and a large main pocket for canvas boards or oversized sketchbooks. The brand took the customer reviews into consideration when designing this sleek-looking updated version by expanding its dimensions and adding new features for optimal storage. We may earn commission if you buy from a link. Chances are, you've seen this rucksack before be that on the school drop-off or on your morning commute. Kylee McGuigan is an associate commerce editor for Hearst Magaziness Enthusiast Group.