11 Best Grad School Backpacks in 2024 - Tested for Real Graduate Students
When you go from being an undergrad college student to a graduate student, things change a lot. You'll have fewer classes each semester, and you'll spend more time doing research, going to seminars, and attending meetings. Grad students have busy schedules, whether they're spending long hours in a lab or working as a teaching assistant. And because of that, they need backpacks that can keep up with their needs.
In this guide, we've made a list of the best backpacks for grad school. We considered what graduate students need and did some research and testing to find backpacks that are both stylish and practical. These backpacks can be useful even after you complete your graduate program, as you move on to the next stage of your career.
How We Chose These Backpacks
Pictured above: The Fjallraven Raven 28 Backpack filled with grad student essentials
Room for Graduate School Supplies
Whether you are just starting your graduate program or getting ready to wrap-up a master's degree, some school supplies stay consistent throughout your education. Most graduate students carry items like binders, books, and notebooks for reading and note-taking. We looked for backpacks that have big main compartments to fit all those things. These backpacks also should have easy access pockets for pens, planners, and other small items that you need.
Graduate school days can be long, so you will want to bring some personal stuff too, like a water bottle, lunch, or jacket. Many of the backpacks we feature have space for those things too.
Pictured above: tomtoc TechPack-T73 X-Pac Laptop Backpack with laptop and tablet sleeves.
Laptop and Tablet Sleeves
In today's world, having a laptop and tablet is really important for graduate school. These devices are useful for taking notes, doing research, and reading. That's why it's essential for a grad student to have a backpack that can keep them safe. The backpacks we feature here have padded laptop compartments, and some of them even have a separate sleeve for your tablet. We made sure that these backpacks give you easy access to your tech and keeps it safe.
Pictured above: Knack Pack Series 2 expandable and convertible backpack
Smart and Mature Designs
While it's okay to use your undergrad backpack in graduate school, many of us want a new look that shows we're moving into the next phase of our education. That's why we picked backpacks that are both stylish and mature. As a graduate student, you're entering a more professional part of your higher education. A mature backpack will fit in with what your professors, peers, and potential employers expect from you.
Planning on doing a doctoral program? We also put together a helpful best backpacks for medical school guide that is worth checking out. There is some overlap but we cater more towards students who need backpacks for labs and residencies.
The Best Backpacks for Grad School
Knack Pack Series 2
The Knack Pack Series 2 has always been one of our top suggestions those looking for a convertible or expandable backpack. In fact, it might be the most versatile backpack you’ll ever own. You can tuck away the shoulder straps and carry the Knack Series 2 as a briefcase for a more professional look. Need more packing room? The Knack Pack Series 2 has a hidden travel compartment that you can pack with clothing or extra items on busy days.
But we also highly recommend the Knack Pack Series 2 as an everyday carry laptop backpack for school. Graduate students will love the professional style and great carry options. Our favorite features include a hidden water bottle pocket, a massive organizer panel with lots of pockets and a fleece-lined sleeve for a tablet or extra laptop.
If you are curious about the difference between Knack Packs, we highly recommend you check out our Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 comparison.
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Specs:
Comes in small, medium and large sizes
Capacity: 24-35L (medium)
Materials: Water resistant high-weave nylon and YKK zippers
Expandable hidden travel compartment
Lockable zippers
15" laptop compartment (extra sleeve inside main compartment)
What makes the Knack Pack a great grad school backpack:
Students can carry multiple devices thanks to extra fleece-lined sleeve
Go from casual backpack to professional briefcase in seconds
Lots of organization for daily essentials
Super comfortable breathable mesh shoulder straps and molded, comfort-cool foam back panel
Main compartment is large enough for folders, binders and books
Expandable compartment is great for storing extra clothes and gear
FjAllraven Raven 28 Backpack
Fjallraven is renowned for crafting durable school backpacks, and the Raven 28 stands out with its minimalist design, making it an excellent choice for graduate students.
The Fjallraven Raven 28 offers some of the best organization features we've seen in a daily laptop backpack. It includes multiple quick-access exterior pockets, a dedicated organization compartment, and mesh pockets that line the spacious main compartment. With its comfortable shoulder straps and sleek profile, this backpack is perfect for grad school and beyond.
In addition to coming in a ton of different colors, the Raven also comes in a smaller 20L size. For a detailed comparison, check out our Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28 guide to explore the differences in size and fit.
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Specs:
Capacity: 28L (available in 20L)
Materials: Water resistant G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric
15" laptop sleeve
Amazing organization: lots of interior and exterior pockets
What makes the Fjallraven Raven 28 a great bag for grad students:
Rear compartment with 15" padded laptop pocket and extra sleeve for tablet or documents
Comfortable ergonomic shoulder straps
Main compartment is large enough for binders, folders and notebooks
Lots of pockets for organizing grad school essentials
Available in tons of different colors
Osprey Nebula 32
The Osprey Nebula 32 is our top recommendation for grad students looking for a versatile laptop backpack that seamlessly transitions from academic settings to weekend adventures. With a large 32-liter main compartment, dedicated open-flat padded laptop compartment and plenty of pockets for organization - who said the perfect grad school backpack doesn’t exist?
The Nebula does two things right: organization and comfort. Its compartments are designed with easy access in mind and features like two large water bottle holders and a quick-stash pocket on front makes quickly grabbing essential effortless. Drawing from their expertise in hiking and backpacking gear, Osprey incorporates features like a chest strap, hip belt, breathable spacer mesh shoulder straps, and an ergonomic AirScape foam back panel. These thoughful elements make all-day carry of books, laptops, and other school essentials a breeze.
Looking for a smaller pack? Check out our Osprey Nebula 32 vs Quasar 26 backpack comparison.
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Specs:
Capacity: 32L
Materials: Recycled nylon with DWR finish
Clamshell padded laptop compartment (fits up to 16” laptop)
What makes the Osprey Nebula a great grad school backpack:
Comfortable: Lightweight hiking-inspired shoulder harness and back panel for all-day comfort
Plenty of smaller pockets for organization of tech, personal and school items.
Large 32L main compartment for college essentials like text books, binders and notebooks
We recommend the Osprey Nebula 32 to grad students who want something different from the sea of North Face or Jansport backpacks usually seen on their college campus. You can also choose from different colors, making the Nebula backpack a mix of style and function that's perfect for anyone pursuing a graduate degree.
Day Owl Backpack
The Day Owl backpack is one of our favorite backpacks to recommend to graduate program students who want a stylish backpack that is a step above your average undergrad pack. Not only does it come in a bunch of fun (but mature) colors, but the Day Owl gives you everything you need to confidently handle a busy day.
What makes the Day Owl special is the sneaky exterior pockets. There are clever side pockets for a water bottle and smaller items like a wallet of phone. While the front pocket gives you easy access to a planner or small books.
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Specs:
Capacity: 21L
Materials: First Mile waxed canvas made from recycled materials, YKK zippers
Padded compartment fits up to 16" laptop
Neoprene-lined hidden water bottle pocket
What makes the Day Owl a great backpack for grad students:
Padded laptop sleeve in quick-access compartment
Rugged waxed-canvas construction in stylish colors
Main compartment is large enough for binders, folders and notebooks
Lots of pockets for organizing grad school essentials
"No-Slack Straps" means there are no dangling shoulder straps for a more professional look
tomtoc TechPack-T73 X-Pac Laptop Backpack
Students looking for a high quality backpack will love what the tomtoc TechPack-T73 has to offer. In addition to a large 30L main compartment, tomtoc gives you a separate tech compartment for quick access to a laptop and tablet.
The outside of this backpack is made with X-Pac, a strong and waterproof material. And if you plan on carrying heavy loads, you will appreciate the thick padded adjustable shoulder straps and breathable back panel.
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Specs:
Capacity: 30L
Materials: X-Pac, 1680D Nylon
Padded sleeves fit 16" Macbook and 12.9" tablet
Almost a dozen pockets for organization
What makes the tomtoc TechPack-T73 a great grad school backpack:
Separate laptop compartment with tablet sleeve
High quality materials for a mature look
Sleeves for folders, files and papers inside main compartment
Roomy main compartment for books, binders and large items
Shoulder straps have thick padding for comfortable all day carry.
The North Face Surge
We recommend The North Face Surge to graduate students who need a large backpack for carrying large and bulky items. Most North Face backpacks have a sporty look, but the Surge was designed especially for students and working professionals. And you can see this intention throughout its design.
What the Surge does well is combine big open compartments with lots of pockets for organization. The front of the backpack alone has almost a dozen pockets for quick-access to small items. In fact, the Surge is one of our favorite backpacks with lots of pockets. And the large laptop compartment has not only a laptop pocket but spots for a tablet and other flat items like notebooks and folders. Even though the Surge has The North Face name, it definitely isn't a hiking backpack!
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Specs:
Capacity: 31L
Materials: Water-repellent nylon ripstop, recycled polyester, YKK zippers
15" laptop compartment
Shoulder straps and back panel certified by the American Chiropractic Association
What makes the Surge a great bag for grad students:
15" laptop sleeve with smaller pocket for tablet
Supportive back panel and shoulder straps for all day wear
Includes adjustable sternum strap and hip belt
Lots of great pockets for organizing smaller items
Main compartment is large enough for binders, folders and notebooks
More Great Backpacks for Grad School
Nomatic Backpack
The Nomatic Backpack has been one of the most impressive backpacks released in recent years. There just isn't anything like it! As a grad student, you’ll love this backpacks amazing organization while giving you a look that’s a step-up from your average college student.
Although the Nomatic Backpack isn't the roomiest backpack, it does expand to give you additional room when you need it. Expect it to fit bulky things like a few notebooks or a jacket just fine. Ready to look more professional? Tuck in the shoulder straps and carry the Nomatic Backpack like a briefcase.
For a closer look check out our Nomatic Backpack Review.
Stubble & Co The Backpack
Stubble & Co offers a premium laptop backpack for graduate school students who are looking for something practical yet refined enough to set them apart from the undergrads on campus.
The Backpack is made with water-resistant waxed canvas and natural full grain leather - two durable materials that only look better as they age. The classic look is perfect for anyone looking for a mature backpack for graduate school made with materials that will last for years to come.
Timbuk2 Authority Laptop Backpack
The Timbuk2 Authority was made for daily work carry but we love it as a graduate program backpack for students who spend less time in the classroom. You can fit folders and notebooks just fine but this bag is really about great organization. Our favorite feature has to be the bottom compression straps that allow you to attach a jacket on those annoying cold in the morning but warm in the evening days.
If you are considering a Timbuk2 backpack we highly recommend you take a look at our Timbuk2 Authority vs Division backpack comparison.
Samsonite Xenon 3.0 Backpack
The Xenon 3.0 backpack from Samsonite's Business Collection is designed for people who want a professional look. It's a great choice for grad students because it has some really useful features like a separate laptop compartment and large compartments. The main compartment is roomy enough for bulky books. And there's a special compartment to help you keep your smaller things organized, like pens, chargers, and a tablet.
Troubadour Apex Backpack
If you want a high quality backpack that you can take into the office after graduation, then the Troubadour Apex is the backpack to get. It's actually one of our top picks for the best men's work backpacks. But we think the Apex would be an excellent choice for graduate students because of how well it does organization.
This backpack might look small, but it can hold more than you think. The main compartment can fit a few binders and notebooks, and it has lots of pockets inside to help you stay organized. The best part? The Troubadour Apex is highly water resistant. It's made with water resistant materials and zippers to protect everything inside.
If you want the biggest laptop backpack we wouldn't go with this one. But if you want the nicest...
How to Choose a Backpack for Graduate School
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When students start graduate school, they have to carry different things in their backpacks than when they were undergrads. One big difference is that they don't need as many textbooks. In grad school, they focus more on specialized research and studying one subject in depth. So, instead of lots of textbooks, they might have more specific reference materials and articles that they can store on their computers or tablets.
Graduate students usually carry a set number of items. They need a laptop and tablet, as well as chargers and cables to keep them powered. Organizational tools like binders, folders, and notebooks help them keep their stuff organized. They also need books for reference and research. Writing tools like pens and highlighters help them take notes and analyze information. A planner helps them keep track of important dates and schedules, and sticky notes can be used as reminders. It's also important for grad students to have a water bottle and a lunch box to stay hydrated and have something to eat during their busy days of learning and research.
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The carrying capacity of a backpack tells you how much it can hold. It's usually measured in Liters (L) and determines how big the main compartment is. If you only need to carry a laptop and a few notebooks, a smaller backpack in the 20-25 liter range might be better. But if you're a grad student with lots of binders and books, you'll need a bigger backpack in the 25+ liter range to fit everything.
We made a visual backpack size guide that shows different backpack sizes and what can fit in them. It can help you choose the right backpack for grad school. If you want clear examples, it's worth checking out!
Tips for Finding a "Grown Up" Backpack
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The materials used to make a backpack are really important when you want a more mature and grown-up look for grad school. You can't go wrong with natural materials like waxed canvas or leather. But synthetic high quality fabrics are great as well. Cordura nylon, XPAC, ballistic nylon are all rugged materials that take less abuse. The less abuse your bag takes, the more put together it will look!
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The structure of a backpack is an important thing to think about when choosing a mature grad school bag. It refers to how the backpack keeps its shape when it's empty.
Some backpacks made of unstructured canvas, like the classic Jansport backpacks, can collapse inward when you wear them. While these backpacks might have been okay for high school and college, it's a good idea to get a more professional-looking bag for graduate school.
The best business backpacks usually have some kind of structure to them. We kept that in mind when recommending our favorite grad school backpacks on this list.
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When picking out a new backpack for grad school, it's best to avoid bright colors and patterned fabric. Those kinds of backpacks are often used by high school and undergrad students, and their designs show that.
To make any backpack look more mature, just stick with basic and simple colors. Black, gray, navy, and maroon are all good colors to choose for a grad school backpack.
