Best Backpack for High School Students

Finding the right backpack is essential for high school students balancing classes, extracurriculars, and daily commutes. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose a bag that offers... comfort, durability, and enough space for books, tech devices, and personal items. To help make your decision easier, we’ve ranked the best backpacks for high school students based on real user reviews. Explore top-rated picks that combine style, functionality, and reliability—ensuring you’re ready for every school day ahead.
Read more

What to look for in the best backpack for high school students

1. Size and Capacity

A backpack should be spacious enough to hold textbooks, notebooks, a laptop, and other essentials without being overly bulky. Look for options with multiple compartments to keep items organized.

2. Comfort and Support

Padded shoulder straps and a supportive back panel help distribute weight evenly and reduce strain during long days at school. Adjustable straps and ergonomic designs can further enhance comfort.

3. Durability and Material

High-quality materials like nylon or polyester are ideal for withstanding daily wear and tear. Reinforced stitching and water-resistant fabrics can extend the lifespan of the backpack.

4. Style and Features

Consider backpacks with features such as laptop sleeves, water bottle pockets, or built-in USB charging ports. Choose a style that matches your personality while meeting your functional needs.
Citrus catapult arrow
  1. 1
    Targus Legend IQ 16" Laptop Commuter Backpack - Black Love this!

    About this product

    A black commuter backpack featuring SafePort laptop protection, RFID-blocking pocket, and anti-theft zippers for security.

    A black commuter backpack featuring SafePort laptop protection, RFID-blocking pocket, and anti-theft zippers for security.

    What customers like

    • Convenient headphone and device features
    • Durable and well-built design
    • Secure laptop and tablet protection
    • Comfortable to carry
    • Spacious with ample storage and pockets
    4.7 (437 reviews)
    $79.99
    SAVE $20
    Your price for this item is $79.99
  2. 2
    TARGUS Tbb58602Gl Cypress 15.6" Hero Backpack With Ecosmart - (Tbb58602Gl) In Grey This is the best backpack I’ve found for my 17” laptop

    About this product

    A grey EcoSmart backpack designed to securely carry laptops up to 15.6 inches.

    A grey EcoSmart backpack designed to securely carry laptops up to 15.6 inches.

    What customers like

    • Made from recycled materials
    • Durable and retains shape
    • Multiple pockets for organization
    • Comfortable and lightweight design
    • Excellent laptop protection
    4.8 (45 reviews)
    $120.92
    SAVE $12
    Your price for this item is $120.92
  3. 3
    LENOVO Thinkpad Essential 16" Laptop Backpack - - (4X41C12468) In Black Best pc bag

    About this product

    A black eco-friendly backpack featuring a padded 16-inch laptop compartment and multiple storage pockets.

    A black eco-friendly backpack featuring a padded 16-inch laptop compartment and multiple storage pockets.

    What customers like

    • Comfortable and lightweight for daily use
    • Durable, sturdy, and well-made materials
    • Spacious and well-organized compartments
    • Great value and budget-friendly price
    • Excellent laptop protection and fit
    4.7 (281 reviews)
    $42.99
    SAVE $10
    Your price for this item is $42.99
  4. 4
    Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Youth 14" Laptop Backpack - Dubarry/Saddle Brown Love it

    About this product

    A durable recycled polyester backpack in dubarry and saddle brown with padded straps and 14-inch laptop sleeve.

    A durable recycled polyester backpack in dubarry and saddle brown with padded straps and 14-inch laptop sleeve.

    What customers like

    • Perfect size for youth
    • Comfortable padded straps
    • Spacious with useful pockets
    • Durable and well made
    • Attractive and stylish design
    4.7 (54 reviews)
    $65.97 Your price for this item is $65.97
  5. 5
    Herschel Youth Backpack Checker - Stencil Checker Opera Mauve The BEST for Kids!

    About this product

    A stylish mauve checker-patterned backpack with wipeable panels, multiple pockets, and padded shoulder straps.

    A stylish mauve checker-patterned backpack with wipeable panels, multiple pockets, and padded shoulder straps.

    What customers like

    • Perfect size for youth
    • Comfortable padded straps
    • Spacious with multiple pockets
    • Durable and well made
    • Attractive design and colours
    5.0 (54 reviews)
    $39.99
    SAVE $26
    Your price for this item is $39.99
  6. 6
    TARGUS 17" Classic Backpack

    About this product

    A sleek black backpack designed to carry and protect laptops up to 17.3 inches.

    A sleek black backpack designed to carry and protect laptops up to 17.3 inches.

    What customers like

    • Comfortable straps and back padding
    • Spacious with large capacity
    • Multiple compartments and pockets for organization
    • Secure and protective laptop storage
    • Durable and well-made construction
    4.8 (54 reviews)
    $69.99 Your price for this item is $69.99
  7. 7
    TARGUS Tbb94602Wm 15-16" Slate Ii Backpack (Tbb94602Wm) Love

    About this product

    A sleek backpack designed to protect 15-16" laptops, ideal for travel and daily commutes.

    A sleek backpack designed to protect 15-16" laptops, ideal for travel and daily commutes.

    What customers like

    • Durable and high-quality materials
    • Sleek and stylish design
    • Spacious with multiple compartments
    • Comfortable and lightweight for travel
    • Excellent laptop protection and fit
    4.8 (20 reviews)
    $35.00
    SAVE $4
    Your price for this item is $35
  8. 8
    NAVOR Anti-Theft With USB Charging Port/light-Weight Student Functional Business Laptop Backpack/water-Resistant for Men/women (Purple)

    About this product

    A lightweight, water-resistant purple backpack featuring anti-theft design and a built-in USB charging port.

    A lightweight, water-resistant purple backpack featuring anti-theft design and a built-in USB charging port.

    $25.89
    SAVE $22
    Your price for this item is $25.89
  9. 9
    TRUBLUE The Pioneer Backpack 13" Laptop -12L - Sudbury

    About this product

    A durable heavy-duty canvas backpack with a hidden 13" laptop compartment and multiple zippered pockets.

    A durable heavy-duty canvas backpack with a hidden 13" laptop compartment and multiple zippered pockets.

    $89.99 Your price for this item is $89.99
  10. 10
    BESTLIFE Trochi- School/travel Backpack Rhino5 Series

    About this product

    A child-friendly backpack with ergonomic support, padded back, side pockets, and eco-friendly, skin-safe material.

    A child-friendly backpack with ergonomic support, padded back, side pockets, and eco-friendly, skin-safe material.

    $34.99
    SAVE $35
    Your price for this item is $34.99

FAQ

What features should I look for in a backpack for high school students? + -

When choosing a backpack for high school, look for features like padded shoulder straps, multiple compartments for organization, a laptop sleeve, durable materials, and water-resistant fabric to protect belongings.

Are there backpacks designed specifically for carrying laptops and tablets? + -

Yes, many backpacks for high school students include dedicated padded sleeves or compartments to safely carry laptops and tablets, making it easier to transport tech devices between home and school.

How important is ergonomic design in a high school backpack? + -

Ergonomic design is very important as it helps distribute weight evenly across the back and shoulders, reducing strain and improving comfort during long days at school.

Can high school backpacks be used for extracurricular activities? + -

Many high school backpacks are versatile enough to be used for sports, clubs, or other extracurricular activities, offering extra space and specialized pockets for gear or equipment.

What materials are commonly used in durable high school backpacks? + -

Durable high school backpacks are often made from materials like polyester, nylon, or canvas. These fabrics are known for their strength, resistance to tearing, and ability to withstand daily use.

Related Pages

Some products may be subject to Environmental Handling Fees (EHF) depending on your province. Learn more about EHFs.