College students heading back to school this semester know that its necessary to have a great backpack to tote everything around campus.
If you’re looking for a cute backpack for college students, read on! We’ve got a great list of some of the best ones available.
What To Look For In a Good Backpack:
You probably want not only a stylish backpack, but a functional one too. College girls especially tend to want nice looking bags that have all the functionalities that allow them to succeed.
Here are some things you might want to consider in your backpack:
- laptop compartment (for up to a 15-inch laptop)
- side pockets
- front pocket
- padded laptop sleeve
- usb port
- large compartment for easy access
- adjustable straps
- sleek design
- separate compartments for organization
- different color options
- locks and secure zippers
- lumbar support and supportive straps
- waterproof to protect your things
- side water bottle pocket
- key clip
When shopping for functional backpacks, you want to keep these things in mind! Ideally, you’ll want your backpack to last not only the school year, but all four years.
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15 Cute Backpacks For College Students
1. Adidas Classic 3-Stripes Backpack
This simple but classic backpack features one large pocket with separate compartments for organization inside. This one features a padded laptop sleeve and a zip pocket at the top to keep essentials accessible. It also has a front pocket for further organization. It has a water bottle pocket on the outside.
What’s neat about this one is that it is made with recycled materials! It also comes in nine color options. I like that this one is simple, affordable (only $45), and very spacious!
2. Kroser Laptop Bag
This bag comes in both a 15.6 and 17 inch size. It has a USB port space so that you can charge your devices right through the bag.
It has a steel frame when ensures durability for years to come. It has a wide open large compartment so that you can easily see all of your things inside. This is super convenient for organization! It’s also at a great price and has an additional coupon you can use on Amazon to save even more!
It has both backpack straps and tote handles so you can carry it in whatever way suits you best.
3. Vankean 15.6-16.2 Inch Laptop Bag
This waterproof laptop bag has almost 1,500 five star ratings! It’s has a large capacity featuring 4 total compartments. One large main compartment plus two side pockets and a front seperate compartment.
It also has a USB charging port plus RFID blocking. The power bank is not included. It has both tote handles and backpack straps so you can decide how to carry it! The wide open mouth top again makes it super easy to see everything inside and stay organized. No more hunting through you bag to find lost papers and pens.
4. Vintage Backpack
Okay, this is one of my favorite styles on this entire list! It comes in four stunning, classic colors and features a large laptop sleeve. It has USB power port access, has s-curve padded straps for support. It also has a side pocket perfect for a water bottle and has a wide open large compartment so you can easily see everything inside.
As a bonus, this one also has a luggage strap so you can travel with it! It’s also at an extremely accessible price point.
5. Modoker Laptop Backpacks
These bags are super cute and functional and come in six colors. The fabric is a durable nylon and has a stylish vintage feel.
The bag itself is scratch resistant and waterproof. It has one large compartment, a separate zipper pocket inside, a front pocket, a laptop compartment (fits up to a 15.6 inch laptop), and two side pockets for a water bottle or other essentials.
6. Herschel Classic Backpack
Herschel makes high quality backpacks and this classic one is as classic as they come. The super simple design (one large main compartment and one front pocket) and essentially all you need! It can take you from class to the lab to the gym and back again.
These also come in a lot of color options (over 50). They also come in several different sizes depending on your needs. Herschel has made popular backpack options for years.
7. Herschel Retreat Backpack
Another Herschel option, I love the classic, rugged look of this one. It has thick, heavy duty straps that offer support for lugging books and supplies across campus.
It also has a wide open top that makes it easy to see everything inside. It doesn’t have side pockets or a zippered front pocket, so be aware of that before buying.
8. Travelon Anti-Theft Backpack
With a slim profile, this backpack offers the unique feature of being anti-theft. Its main compartment locks and has an RFID blocking slip pocket to protect your valuable information. The front zippered pocket also locks.
This backpack is sustainably made from100% certified recycled rPET material. It has adjustable straps designed for comfort and support and two side pockets handy for water bottle. This one has a lot of features handy for living on a college campus but the best part and stand out feature is the anti-theft components.
9. The North Face Vault Women’s Backpack
If you want a backpack that will last all four years of college and beyond, this is the one. I used my North Face Backpack for over a decade before finally retiring it.
The Vault comes in 12 colors and offers a padded back and straps for the ultimate comfort. It has two main compartments fit with a 15″ laptop sleeve to protect your computer and organizational pockets inside.
It also has a side pocket for a water bottle. This one is a little pricier than others mentioned but speaking from experience, the North Face backpacks are worth the up front investment. In my opinion, The North Face is the best choice and a great option overall.
10. Junlion Vintage Backpack
Coming in three colors, this backpack has an old-fashioned camping style pack feel to it. The main pocket has a large capacity, a laptop sleeve, and three compartments. It has magnetic buckles for added convenience. The standout feature for this one is the roomy main compartment.
11. Adidas Excel Backpack
This simple Adidas design is made from recycled materials and has LoadSpring straps for comfort. This pack has four outside zippered pockets, ample internal organization, two water bottle pockets, plus a 16″ padded internal laptop sleeve.
It comes in 16 color options so everyone can find one they like! It also is reasonably priced at under $50.
12. Bromen Leather Backpack
A slightly more expensive option, this sleek leather backpack comes in 12 different color options. It’s made of high quality vegan leather and has adjustable shoulder straps. It fits a 15.6″ laptop and additionally has one internal zipper pocket and two slip pockets. This bag is attractive and can be used through college and for internships as well!
13. Terra Thread Sustainable Backpack Made with Organic Cotton Canvas – TOP PICK
Terra Thread’s backpacks are made of GOTS certified organic cotton and are made in fair trade factories. They are held to strict environmental standards which prohibit the use of toxic chemicals and unfair labor practices. Their products are also carbon neutral and their products and packaging are plastic-free.
Their stylish backpacks come in 10 colors (and in mini size!). They feature one large exterior pocket, one small interior pocket, a laptop compartment, and two side pockets for water bottles.
I love Terra Thread’s mission and the quality of their products. This is a great college backpack with enough room for everything you need on long days.
14. Abshoo Casual Backpack
This polyester backpack comes in 12 colors and has a 20 liter capacity. It has one main compartment with a double-zipper closure and one front pocket. It has two water bottle pockets. The laptop sleeve fits a 15 inch computer nd it has padded and reinforced straps.
15. Fjallraven Big Backpack
This classic bag comes in two colors and has an extra-large capacity. The main zippered compartment has a two way zipper and rain flap. It also a a built in seat pad so you can sit on it comfortably. It also has a carry handle for easy maneuverability.
The material is made to be easy-clean and is dirt and water resistant. Fjallraven has been making backpacks since 1960 – so they have plenty of experience!
In Summary: 15 Cute Backpacks for College Students
With these 15 options, you’re sure to find the best college backpack for you! The perfect college backpack is one that suits all of your needs, holds all of your school supplies, and gives you plenty of room for various purposes. It doesn’t hurt when they come in different colors too. Let me know which one you pick in the comments!
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About the Author
Nicole Booz is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of GenTwenty, GenThirty, and The Capsule Collab. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and is the author of The Kidult Handbook (Simon & Schuster May 2018). She currently lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and two sons. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s probably hiking, eating brunch, or planning her next great adventure.
Website: genthirty.com