How to Choose the Best Back-to-School Backpack

As Summer ends, students across the country prepare to return to school. The constant journeys to class and practices make daily life hectic, and a good backpack can help make it more manageable.

With so many different backpacks on the market, how do you know which one to choose? The right answer depends on your activities and needs, but considering a few key factors can help you narrow it down. We’ve broken it all down in this guide.

What to Look For in a Back-to-School Backpack

When looking for a back-to-school backpack, it’s important to consider the size and capacity of the backpack, its level of comfort, the durability of the materials used, the style and design, and your budget. It’s also important to think about the classes you’ll be taking and the sports you plan to play. Doing so will help you figure out what you’ll need to carry to school every day. If you need to carry a lot of books or sports gear, make sure to get a backpack that can hold everything you need. Any school backpack should stand up to daily wear and tear, and the heavier your load is, the tougher the bag you’ll need. If you plan on using your backpack to carry your gear for practice, you’ll also need to think about how much gear you’ll need to bring. Track sprinters won’t need nearly as big a bag as football players. If you have a lot of sports equipment to carry, consider getting a gym bag to hold it all. Make sure to keep your local climate in mind as well. Water-resistant backpacks are always useful, but if you live in an area prone to heavy rain, they’re practically necessary.

A Word on Backpack Sizing

With so many options, it’s sometimes hard to figure out the best backpack size. When shopping online, make sure to check the manufacturer's specifications, which typically include both dimension measurements and liter size. Liter size measures the volume of a bag’s interior, and it’s a quick way to measure small, medium, or large sizes. Here’s a general guide: 

• Small: Under 4-10 liters (a small school bag that can fit a tablet)
• Medium: 16-25 liters (a school bag that can fit a change of clothes for sports)
• Large: 26-35 liters (a school bag that can also hold some practice gear, including a pair of shoes)

If you plan to carry a laptop, make sure the backpack you choose fits your laptop. Check the manufacturer guidelines to find the laptop size the bag will accommodate.

Back-to-School Backpacks for Younger Kids

Whether you’re early in your elementary school career or starting to think about moving on to middle school, you’ll have to fit your books, school supplies, and lunch in your backpack. If you don’t want to carry more than one bag, you’ll also need room for your sports practice gear. If you have a locker, a cubby, or a spot in your classroom where you keep your things, consider how much space you have and ensure your backpack will fit. You’ll want to choose a backpack with thick, comfortable straps to make it easier on your shoulders. Make sure to check if your school has any requirements, like clear backpacks or backpacks of a specific size or style.

Back-to-School Backpacks for Middle Schoolers

Starting middle school might be your first time switching classes and going to after-school sports. Because you’ll have a lot more activities and things to carry, you’ll probably need a bigger, tougher backpack than you used in elementary school. Remember that you might be carrying a heavier load now that you have more classes, larger textbooks, and more homework. Make sure to find a backpack with cushioned straps that will stay comfortable throughout the day. 

Look for bags with pockets and compartments to help you stay organized and adjust to changing classes and teachers. Backpacks with side pockets can be a great place to store your water bottle so you can stay hydrated all day. Many middle schools also offer lockers to help you store textbooks, school supplies, sports equipment, and other essentials. A locker can greatly reduce the amount you’ll have to carry, but it won’t eliminate the need for a backpack. However, it’s a great place to store a duffle with your practice gear. If you have a locker, ask yourself how many textbooks, binders, workbooks, and other things you’ll need to take home before you decide on a bag.

Back-to-School Backpacks for High Schoolers

Because high school life can be very busy, it’s important to choose a backpack that can withstand daily wear and tear. Durable synthetic fabrics like nylon and polyester are great choices for high school students because they’re easy to maintain and don’t need much maintenance to function properly. To reduce strain on your back and avoid injuries, make sure your backpack has padding and support. Since high school students carry more books, notebooks, binders, and other school supplies, it’s important to have a backpack that’s versatile enough to carry it all. You may want to think about a large backpack with multiple pockets that make it easy to keep your things separated. You’ll likely want your water bottle throughout the day, so look for a backpack with one or two side pockets.

If you need to carry computers, phones, or other electronic devices, look for a backpack with lots of padding and protection. Backpacks that are particularly sturdy or have special protective laptop compartments can be just what you need. Be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications to confirm that your backpack accommodates the size of your laptop. Depending on your sport, even a large backpack may not be big enough to carry all your equipment. Many high school athletes opt for a gym bag to get all of their sports gear to practices and games. Look for duffles with sections to keep sports gear organized and features like separate pockets for shoes or cleats, dirty clothes, and towels.

Backpacks for College Students

While college is in many ways more difficult than high school, its daily schedule tends to give you more freedom. Depending on the classes you take and the size of your campus, your schedule might have enough time between classes to stop at your dorm. A small backpack might be enough if you live near all your classes or have a loose schedule because you’ll have time to stop back at your dorm between classes. On the other hand, if you live far away from most of your classes or have several quick turnarounds between classes, you might want to invest in a bigger bag.

If you carry a laptop, getting a bag that protects it from impacts and moisture is crucial. Look for a backpack with padded laptop sleeves, reinforced construction, and a water-resistant exterior. Make sure to check that your backpack, no matter the size, accommodates the size of your laptop. The manufacturer specifications will note this information for you. A gym bag is even more important in college than in high school. You’ll likely have a more flexible schedule, so having all your sports gear together in a single bag makes it much easier to pick up on the fly and reduces the risk of forgetting a key piece of equipment. If your college gives you a locker in the athletic complex, a gym bag can make it easier to rotate your clothes and stay fresh.

The Different Types of Backpacks

Now that we’ve discussed the different features to look for depending on your school level, let’s break down some different kinds of backpacks. Most students use traditional backpacks. These bags feature two straps to wear over each shoulder and evenly distribute weight when you wear them. Some have extra padding on the straps and the panel that rests against the wearer’s back. A few also have sternum straps across the chest to distribute weight.

Athletic backpacks are another common choice for students. They’re made of durable materials that handle daily wear well. These backpacks are typically larger than traditional backpacks, and they have extra pockets for your gear, like a shoe compartment. They’re made from breathable materials, so they don’t soak up sweat. Many are water-resistant, so you won’t have to worry about bad weather soaking your gear. 

Backpacks are great for school essentials like notebooks and laptops, but they’re not all designed to hold bulky athletic gear. If your equipment is too big to fit in a backpack, consider getting a duffle bag, gym bag, or a bag specific to your sport, like a baseball bag.

Duffle Bags vs. Backpacks

Duffle bags and backpacks are popular for carrying items but have different features and advantages depending on the situation. Here’s a comparison of their benefits:

Duffle Bags:

• Spacious interior to help carry bulky items.
• Typically made with durable nylon and polyester fabrics. Many have a coating on the bottom panel to help reduce damage when the bag is set on the ground.
• Flexible construction makes it easier to pack oddly-shaped items.
• Most have side pockets for additional storage.
• Some can have both backpack and duffle straps
• Ideal for large but lightweight sports equipment like football pads, soccer balls, or baseball bats

Backpacks:

• Ergonomic design helps distribute weight evenly on both shoulders.
• Structured construction offers support and protects contents. 
• Less capacity than duffle bags, but still enough for most daily essentials.
• Hands-free mobility, perfect for school wear, outdoor activities, and commuting.
• Typically made with durable materials like nylon and polyester. Most have a coating on the bottom panel to reduce damage when the bag is set on the ground.
• Most have compartments and pockets for organization.
• Some backpacks have built-in laptop sleeves for technology storage.

Backpack Shopping Tips

What are the most important features of a school backpack?

When choosing the best bag for school, there are several key features to consider. These include:

Water Resistance: Since you’ll carry your backpack in all types of weather, it’s wise to look for a water-resistant one. Many backpacks have a water-resistant finish that will protect your belongings on rainy days.

Side Pouches for Water Bottles: Water bottles are essential for long, busy days, and you don’t want your water bottle rolling around in your backpack with your books or laptop. Look for a backpack with one or two outside pouches to hold your favorite water bottle, and you’ll be set for hydration for the day.

Pockets and Compartments: A backpack should have multiple compartments and pockets to help you stay organized and easily access what you need. Laptop pockets that are soft-lined yet sturdy can help protect your electronics. If you're carrying lots of papers or folders, you’ll want to ensure your backpack has a pocket that holds them together and protects them so your homework doesn’t look like the dog ate it by the time you turn it in.

Shoe Compartment: Some backpacks have a special compartment for shoes, usually located on the bottom of the page or in a separate front pocket. These pockets are usually lined with a wipeable material. People often use this for dirty shoes and dirty workout clothes because it’s protected from the rest of the bag’s contents.

Durability and Protection: Choose a bookbag made from high-quality materials that can withstand the daily wear and tear of school, practice, and games while protecting your belongings.

Comfort: Choosing Straps & Padding

You’ll want to choose the right straps and padding for your back-to-school backpack. Since you’ll wear it daily, good padding and straps are crucial to distributing weight and preventing strain and injuries. There are several factors to consider when deciding the level of padding you need from your backpack. First, look for backpacks with wide, padded shoulder straps to distribute the backpack's weight more evenly, which helps prevent shoulder and neck pain. Adjustable straps are also worth looking into, as they allow you to customize and adjust your backpack to fit your body. In addition to adjustable shoulder straps, many backpacks have a sternum strap and waist strap. These additional straps can help further distribute the backpack's weight and prevent it from shifting around while you're walking.

Backpacks with a padded back panel will provide extra cushioning and prevent the contents of your backpack from digging in uncomfortably against your back. Some backpacks even have ventilated back panels, which can wick sweat to help you stay comfortable as you rush from class to class. While padding helps, it's not a substitute for proper weight distribution and posture. To avoid injuries, pack your backpack evenly and avoid carrying more than 10-15% of your body weight.

Backpack Size & Capacity

As discussed earlier, getting a backpack that suits your needs is important. The number of classes you take, the size of the campus, your schedule, and whether or not you have a locker all influence how much you need to carry every day. The right backpack will have enough space to carry all your essentials without making you feel weighed down or uncomfortable during the day. 

Here's what you need to know about backpack size and capacity:

Consider your Needs. Think about what you’ll be carrying in your backpack. Do you have heavy textbooks, a laptop, or sports gear? Think about what you’ll need to carry daily and choose a backpack that will properly hold and protect everything.

Look for Capacity Measurements. Most backpacks list their volume in liters or cubic inches. This measurement indicates how much space they have inside.

Check the Dimensions. In addition to capacity, check the backpack's dimensions to ensure it’s the right size for your body and the right shape for your gear. The backpack should be no longer than your torso and no wider than your shoulders. Ensure that all your essentials fit inside comfortably without pushing or stretching.

Try it On. Once you’ve found a backpack that meets your size and capacity needs, try it on, if possible, by putting everything inside to see if it’s comfortable. Adjust the straps to ensure a snug fit, and make sure the weight is evenly distributed across your shoulders and back.

Organization: How do you organize your backpack for back to school?

It’s important to utilize your backpack's different sections to get the most out of it. Assign each compartment for specific items like books, binders, notebooks, or sports gear. 

• The largest section is usually best suited for textbooks, binders, notebooks, and folders. Some backpacks also have a padded laptop sleeve in the biggest section.
• Many backpacks have separate compartments for athletic gear, which is ideal for keeping track of school stuff versus sports stuff. 
• Keep your most-used items accessible. Store items like pens, pencils, and calculators in an easily-accessible pocket or compartment so you don't have to dig through the backpack to find them. Many backpacks have smaller external compartments to make this easier.
• A pencil case or smaller bag inside your backpack can act like an additional compartment for even better organization. Use it to keep loose items like pens, pencils, erasers, and highlighters together so they don’t get lost or scattered throughout the backpack.
• Avoid overpacking your bag. Carrying too much weight daily can strain your back, causing pain and injuries. Stuffing too much inside can also damage the bag and your gear.

By following these tips, you can organize your backpack in a way that helps you stay efficient, prepared, and comfortable throughout the day.

Durability: The Best Backpack Materials

Backpacks and duffle bags are typically made from various materials, each with unique properties and benefits. Some of the most common backpack materials include nylon, polyester, and canvas. Many bags also feature a polyurethane topcoat that’s used most often on bottom panels of backpacks for added durability and protection from the ground.

• Nylon is popular for backpacks because it’s lightweight, durable, and water-resistant. It also dries quickly, making it ideal for rainy or humid climates.
• Polyester is another durable material often used for backpacks. It’s not quite as strong as nylon, but it resists abrasion better. It’s also less prone to fading than nylon.
• Canvas is a durable fabric made from natural cotton, which makes it more eco-friendly than synthetic materials. However, it’s heavier than nylon or polyester.

Important Backpack Features for Student Athletes

Student athletes have unique needs for backpacks, as they often need to carry equipment and gear, in addition to books and school supplies. Here are some important backpack features to look for when you need the best backpack for student athletes.

Ventilation

Choosing a backpack with ventilation is important to help keep your things cool and dry after a sweaty practice or game. Many athletic backpacks also have ventilated pockets specifically designed for used workout clothes. These pockets are separated from the rest of the compartments and have mesh panels to help your clothes dry off after use.

Water Resistance

If you have to leave your backpack outside during rainy-day practices, it’s helpful to have a backpack that protects your gear from the water. Look for backpacks with water-resistant coating or materials to help keep your things dry.

Finding the Right Fit

Your backpack should fit comfortably and securely on your back. If it’s too tight, it can cause strain on your back. If it’s too loose, it won’t provide the support to balance your load, which can also cause discomfort and pain.

Here are some tips for ensuring a proper fit:

Adjust the Straps. Adjust your backpack straps so they sit snugly on your shoulders without digging in or slipping off. They should be tight enough to hold the backpack close to your body but not so tight that they cause discomfort. If your bag has a sternum strap or a waist belt, buckle it for a more secure, snug fit.

Check the Length. The backpack should be appropriate for your height. The bottom should rest in the curve of your lower back, and the top should be no higher than your shoulders.

Look for Padding. The backpack should have padding on the straps and back panel to provide comfort and support and to distribute the weight evenly across your shoulders and back.

What are some accessories for a school backpack?

Accessories can enhance the functionality of a school backpack. Many backpacks have external attachment points to attach other bags or accessories.

Some common accessories include:

Water Bottle Pocket: A side pocket or attachment to carry a water bottle.

Laptop Sleeve or Compartment: A padded sleeve or compartment to protect your laptop or tablet.

Phone Pocket: A small pocket on the strap or front of the backpack for easy access to your phone.

Key Clip: A clip or loop inside the backpack to attach your keys and keep them secure.

Organizational Pockets: Smaller pockets or compartments for storing pens, pencils, and other small items.

Reflective Strips: Strips of reflective material to increase visibility in low-light conditions.

Waist Belt: A belt that wraps around your waist for additional support and weight distribution.

How long do backpacks last?

The lifespan of a backpack can vary depending on the quality of the materials used, how often it's used, and how well you maintain it. A high-quality backpack made from durable materials like nylon or polyester can last several years. By contrast, a cheaper backpack made from lower-quality materials may only last a few months to a year. In general, it's a good idea to replace your backpack when it starts to show signs of wear and tear, such as frayed straps or holes in the fabric. If the zippers are no longer working properly or the padding has lost its shape, it may also be time for a new backpack. Promptly repairing minor damage like torn seams can extend the life of your backpack. Another factor to consider is how often you use your backpack. If you use it daily for school and sports, it’ll likely wear out faster than if you only use it for sports.

Regularly cleaning and maintaining your backpack can help extend its lifespan, but eventually, all backpacks will need to be replaced. As a general rule of thumb, you should consider replacing a backpack every two to three years if you use it regularly. However, if you notice signs of wear and tear earlier than that, it may be best to replace it sooner.

How to Wash & Take Care of Your Backpack

Cleaning a backpack doesn’t just keep it looking new, it also can help improve its longevity. Here are some steps to clean a backpack properly:

1. Empty the Backpack: Before you clean a backpack, make sure to empty it completely. Double-check any hidden pockets or deep compartments to make sure you’ve got everything.
2. Brush Off Loose Dirt: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any dirt or debris from the backpack's surface.
3. Spot-Clean Stains: If there are any stubborn stains, spot-clean them with a damp cloth.
4. Air Dry: After washing, hang the backpack to air dry completely before using it again. Don’t put it in a dryer, which can damage the material.

Your Perfect Back-to-School Backpack

Choosing the right backpack for school can improve your comfort, organization, and overall success. With so many options available, it's important to consider factors such as size, materials, features, and price range to make the best choice. Whether you're a middle school, high school, or college student, there’s a backpack that’s perfect for your needs. By following the tips and advice outlined in this guide, you can feel confident in your backpack choice and start the school year off on the right foot.