Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L Backpacks - Which is Better?

Whether you are looking for a reliable daily laptop backpack or a comfortable pack for an adventurous hike, the Patagonia Black Hole will be a great companion. But which size should you choose?

Currently, Patagonia offers the Black Hole in a modest 25-liter size and a larger 32-liter size. In this backpack comparison, we are going to show you the 7 major differences to make choosing between the two as easy as possible.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Patagonia Black Hole 25L	Patagonia Black Hole 32L
Volume	25L	32L
Materials	300D Recycled Polyester Ripstop	300D Recycled Polyester Ripstop
Dimensions	18.8” (H) x 11” (W) x 5.9” (D)	20.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 8.3” (D)
Weight	1 lbs 6.6 oz	1 lbs 10.8 oz
Laptop Storage	Sleeve in Main Compartment	Rear Laptop Compartment
Chest Strap	Yes	Yes
Hip Belt	No	No
Price

1. The Black Hole 32L is Larger

How each backpack fits - Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L

The Patagonia Black Hole 32L is obviously going to be the larger backpack. This size increase will be mostly seen in the height and depth of the 32 liter and you can expect the Black Hole 32L to stick out more from your back when you wear it.

Backpack Dimensions:

• Black Hole 25L: 18.8” (H) x 11” (W) x 5.9” (D)

• Black Hole 32L: 20.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 8.3” (D)

However, the back panel padding and padded shoulder straps themselves are exactly the same! It looks like Patagonia wanted to save some money in production by giving both Black Hole packs the same exact back panels and shoulder straps. Both packs are also equipped with the same adjustable and removable chest strap. Because of these similarities both backpacks feel about the same when worn.

Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - Same shoulder straps and chest strap

Where you will see a fit difference is in the shoulder strap length. The shoulder strap length on the Black Hole 32L will be about an inch longer than the strap length on the 25L liter, making it a better option for bigger people.

2. The Black Hole 32L Has Much Larger Pockets

You can expect to find 4 exterior pockets on each Black Hole version with the difference being in pocket size. The exterior pockets on the Black Hole 32L are a lot bigger.

Black Hole 25L can fit up to a 40oz bottle vs Black Hole 32L can fit a 40oz tumbler with handle

Although both bags can fit up to a 40oz water bottle inside their stretchy side pockets, the Black Hole 32L can fit a large thermos or even a 40oz tumbler with a handle. In fact, the Patagonia Black Hole 32L has some of the largest and stretchiest water bottle pockets we have come across come across. If you happen to be looking for a backpack with a water bottle holder that can fit your big Stanley Cup, go with the Black Hole 32L backpack!

Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - What fits in top pocket

The top pocket on the 32L is also much larger. Although both top pockets come equipped with a small key leash, all that you can really fit inside the top pocket of the 25 liter are smaller items like a phone and sunglasses case. In contrast, the 32L top pocket allowed us to fit a phone, sunglasses case, small pouch and even a large pair of headphones. This top pocket is massive in comparison!

The last exterior pocket is the semi-hidden vertical front pocket. This pocket is a little larger on the 32L Black Hole but not by much. In here you can fit a 40oz tumbler, notebooks or other bulkier items.

Black Hole 25L vs 32L - Internal mesh pocket

Inside both backpacks you’ll find an additional mesh zippered pocket that’s perfect for storing items like pens, laptop chargers and other loose items. The main difference here is that the Black Hole 25L will have the mesh pocket on the opposite side because of the internal laptop sleeve.

3. Laptop Sleeve is in Different Locations

A big deciding factor for many people will be the type of laptop storage they prefer. Patagonia gives you a padded laptop sleeve inside the main compartment of the Black Hole 25L while the 32L has a zipper-access laptop compartment against the back panel. The laptop compartment zipper on the 32 liter Black Hole gives you quick access to your tech thanks to a large zipper that spans the top and one side.

Black Hole 25L laptop sleeve vs Black Hole 32L rear laptop compartment

Although Patagonia says that both Black Hole backpacks can fit up to a 15-inch laptop, we found that the laptop compartment on 32L can actually fit larger laptops. In our testing we were able to comfortably fit a 15.6” PC laptop as well as a 16” Macbook Pro inside the Black Hole 32L. Anyone with these slightly larger laptops will want to go with the Black Hole 32L as the 25L laptop sleeve can only fit laptops 15-inches and smaller.

4. Black Hole 25L vs 32L Packing Room

The extra depth in the 32 liter Black Hole backpack starts to really shine when we pack the inside of the main compartments. Although both backpacks can fit a generous number of folders, binders and notebooks - the Black Hole 32L can also fit a jacket.

25L vs 32L filled with folders, binders and notebooks

There will also be plenty of room on top for extra items like pouches and cases. Just keep in mind that since a lot of the Black Hole 32L’s extra height is found on top, you will have more room to stack things on top of the 32L when compared to the shorter 25L.

5. You can attach a bungee to the 32L Black Hole

In addition to obvious differences such as size and laptop storage locations, the Black Hole 32L includes a few small upgrades that make a huge difference in everyday use. In fact, these small details may be enough to sway you towards the Black Hole 32L.

Patagonia Black Hole 32L bungee cord added to webbing for extra storage

The two webbing rows on the Patagonia Black Hole 32L gives you the ability to add a bungee cord! This allows you to expand your storage by having a quick way to attach jackets and other items to the front of the Black Hole 32L. Unfortunately, the single row of webbing on the Black Hole 25L does not give you this option.

6. Wider Zipper on the Black Hole 32L

If you look closely at both the 25L and 32L Black Hole packs, you will notice that the main compartment zipper on the 32L goes down further.

The Black Hole 25L operates similarly to a "bucket bag," where your items are stacked on top of one another, akin to playing a game of Tetris. While we favor the wider zipper for easier packing, the best choice for you ultimately depends on your preferred packing style.

Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L - the 32L zipper is larger

7. Black Hole 32L Has a Flat Bottom

The Black Hole 25L unfortunately has a slight curve at the bottom and can have trouble staying upright on its own. However, the Black Hole 32L has a larger and flatter bottom surface area that has no issue standing upright when the bag is full. If you want a bag that will stand upright on the ground then go with the Black Hole 32L!

Which Black Hole Backpack Size Should You Buy?

Patagonia Black Hole 25L

Patagonia Black Hole 32L

Choose the Black Hole 25L if... you specifically want a smaller backpack with a more compact footprint on your back when you wear it. However, some of the small details such as a smaller main compartment zipper, smaller internal laptop sleeve and curved bottom puts it at a disadvantage to the larger 32L. If you can live without these extra upgrades, then the 25L Black Hole will serve you well.

Choose the Black Hole 32L if... you want a larger backpack with more packing room plus a ton of smaller upgrades that really allows you to make the most of your Black Hole. Not only does the 32L offer a larger laptop sleeve (a 15.6” PC and 16” Macbook Pro will fit) it also gives you quick-access through an external compartment. You also have tons of small upgrades such as larger pockets, a flat bottom that stays upright on the ground, a bigger zipper for easier access to the main compartment and two rows of webbing so that you can expand your storage with bungee. The 32L sounds like a clear winner!

More Helpful Resources

• Waterproof Backpack for College - Great waterproof and water-resistant backpack options for daily carry and school

• More Backpack Comparisons - We compare backpacks from The North Face, Fjallraven and more to help you make the best choice.

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Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim - Ultimate Comparison

Which Day Owl backpack is best for daily carry? Is the Day Owl Slim too small? We answer these questions and more in this side-by-side Day Owl comparison. 

We have had the privilege of using both backpacks for two years at the time of this comparison and have some great insights on both. Our real life takeaway is that we love the Day Owl Slim as a personal item backpack for airline travel and the Day Owl Backpack more for everyday carry but we will let you be the judge on which backpack is best for your needs by comparing the pockets, main compartments overall functionality.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Day Owl Backpack	Day Owl Slim
Volume	21L	13L
Materials	Recycled waxed canvas	Recycled waxed canvas
Dimensions	17” (H) x 12” (W) x 5” (D)	15.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 3.5” (D)
Weight	2.4lbs	2lbs
Laptop Compartment	Up to 16"	Up to 14"
Water Bottle Pocket	Yes	Yes
Chest Strap	No	No
Price

Size: Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim

Size and Fit: Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim

Exterior Dimensions:

• Day Owl Backpack: 17" x 12" x 5” (up to 6.5” fully packed)

• Day Owl Slim:  15.5" x 11" x 3.5” (up to 5” fully packed)

We should start out by pointing out that the regular Day Owl Backpack is not a bulky backpack to begin with. Its slim profile is a hallmark its minimalist look. With that being said, the regular Day Owl should fit most people just fine.

As the name implies, the Day Owl Slim is, you guessed it, slimmer! We found that the regular Day Owl gives you almost 6.5-inches in depth while the Slim comes in at 5-inches. Note: these measurements were taken when both backpacks were fully packed out with a laptop, full main compartment and a notebook in the front pocket. You’re actual depth measurements depends on what you pack inside!

Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim side by side

In addition to being slimmer, the Day Owl Slim will give you an overall smaller height and is slightly narrower in width. Overall, the Day Owl Slim will better suit people who usually find most backpacks too bulky on the back or those with shorter torsos who worry about the Day Owl Backpack being too long.

The shoulder straps on the Day Owl Slim are also going to be slightly narrower and overall smaller. So those with wider shoulders or a bulkier frame may find the Day Owl more accommodating overall.

Materials and Construction

Both the Day Owl Backpack and the Slim offer a near-identical construction. The bags are crafted with the same First Mile recycled wax canvas material, complemented by metal zippers and hardware.

We've had the opportunity to use these backpacks for two years leading up to this comparison, which should give the you some added insight into how the waxed canvas ages.

The full-sized Day Owl Backpack is in the Pale Olive color while the Day Owl Slim is Dawn Grey. The way that waxed canvas ages is unlike other fabrics; the more the bag is used, the more of a unique patina develops. 

You can see how the Pale Olive color has visible patina marks while the light Dawn Grey color does a better job at hiding any marks that have developed on the wax canvas.

Day Owl vs Slim: Exterior Pockets

The first thing you should know is that although the Day Owl Backpack and Slim share most of the same pockets, the pockets on the Slim are much smaller.

Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim: Both have most of the same exterior pockets.

The size difference can be best seen in the spill-resistant water bottle pockets. While both models can fit a wine bottle, the Day Owl Slim is restricted to slimmer water bottles, such as the 24oz Hydroflask bottle show in the photos. The full-size Day Owl Backpack however, can fit larger 32oz or 40oz bottles inside the water bottle pocket just fine.

Both the Day Owl and the Slim feature a flat front pocket and a top pocket but the Slim is missing the hidden side pocket.

Day Owl Backpack vs Day Owl Slim: The Slim is missing the hidden side pocket

A huge difference worth noting is that the Day Owl Backpack has two different spots for storing phone: the top pocket and the hidden side pocket. Unfortunately, the Day Owl Slim is missing the side pocket and the top pocket is too small to fit a phone. This is where the smaller pockets on the Day Owl Slim starts to feel like a downgrade. Aside from the front pocket, items like a phone, passport or portable power bank don’t really have a home on the outside of the bag and as a result you have less quick-access to these items when compared to the original Day Owl Backpack.

Laptop Compartments

For many, the real deciding factor will be the size of the laptop compartment in each backpack. The original Day Owl Backpack can fit a laptop up to a 16-inch Macbook while the Day Owl Slim is limited to a laptop up to 14-inches. 

The Day Owl can fit up to a 16-inch laptop while the Slim can fit up to a 14-inch laptop.

In our testing we found that although the Day Owl Slim can fit a 14-inch PC, it’s a tight fit with the corners of the laptop coming uncomfortably close to the top of the pocket. For extra peace of mind, we do recommend just upgrading to the full-sized Day Owl Backpack if you have a 14-inch PC for that extra protection. The Day Owl Slim is really ideal for 13-inch laptops and tablets (in fact, it’s one of our favorite tablet backpacks), since these smaller devices comfortably fit inside.

It’s worth noting that both laptop compartments are well-padded. Although neither provide a raised false-bottom, there is a thick piece of foam at the bottom of each laptop pocket to protect your device from bumps and drops. In our two years of using these backpacks for travel and daily carry, the laptop protection has always been reliable.

What Fits Inside Each Backpack?

Day Owl Capacity:

• Day Owl Backpack: 21L

• Day Owl Slim: 13L

The Day Owl Backpack offers a capacity of 21L, significantly more than the 13L of the Day Owl Slim. What we have always loved about both backpacks is that the main compartment has a clamshell design for easy packing and unpacking. 

Both backpacks can fit a change of clothes but the Day Owl Backpack can hold an extra pair of sneakers.

The most important fact to know here is that both the water bottle and top pocket take up room on the inside of the main compartments when they are packed. This isn’t a big deal with the larger Day Owl Backpack but with the Slim it starts to really effect the already limited packing space.

Both backpacks can fit items like folder, binders and notebooks but the Day Owl Slim won’t fit these items if you have a water bottle inside the pocket. 

Notebooks and folders fit inside the Day Owl Slim as long as you don’t use the side water bottle pocket.

This difference impacts what you can carry. The Day Owl Backpack can handle bulkier items like lunch boxes, large notebooks, or even a camera cube, while the Slim is more suited for smaller items small notebooks, pouches and tech accessories.

Which Day Owl Size Should You Buy?

Day Owl Backpack

Day Owl Slim

Choose the Day Owl Backpack if… you need more space for larger items such as a lunch box, camera cube or large binders and notebooks. We prefer the Day Owl Backpack as a school and overnight travel bag for its roomy interior and exterior pockets. You should go with the Day Owl if you have a laptop larger than 14-inches or if you carry larger water bottles.

Choose the Day Owl Slim if… you only need a small daypack for essentials. The compact size makes it great for people with shorter torsos who find many other backpacks too bulky. We also love the Day Owl Slim as a travel backpack! It’s great for carrying in-flight essentials and has been small enough to be used as an underseat personal item on on every flight we have taken it on.

More Helpful Resources

• Patagonia Atom Tote Pack 20L Review - Another compact bag to consider

• Best Backpacks Like the Fjallraven Kanken - Lots of small backpack choices that rival the Day Owl

• Best Small Backpacks for Men - Our favorite backpacks for men under 20L

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Under Armour Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro - Hands-On Comparison

In this backpack comparison we are getting hands-on with the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 and the Under Armour Hustle Pro backpack to find out what the real differences are. We'll break down how they fit, the various pockets they offer, and what you can fit inside each.

Under Armour has always been known as a brand that caters to athletes and we believe both packs do a great job at offering similar features. Both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro backpacks are made with a water-resistant construction to protect from rain and snow thanks to UA Storm Technology. You can also find a dedicated shoe compartment and a large main compartment for packing books or daily essentials. Whether you are student athlete or just looking a reliable everyday pack, you really can't go wrong with either.

Now, the big question: Is upgrading to the UA Hustle Pro worth it? Let's find out.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Under Armour Hustle 5.0	Under Armour Hustle Pro
Volume	29L	31.5L
Materials	Polyester with UA Storm water-resistant finish	Polyester with UA Storm water-resistant finish
Dimensions	20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D)	20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 8.9” (D)
Laptop Sleeve	Up to 15"	Up to 15"
Insulated Water Bottle Pocket	No	Yes
Sternum Strap	No	Yes
Waist Belt	No	No
Price

Size and Fit: UA Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro

Despite the UA Hustle Pro having a larger capacity, there isn't a huge size difference between these backpacks.

Exterior Dimensions:

• Under Armour Hustle 5.0: 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 6.3” (D)

• Under Armour Hustle Pro: 20.1” (H) x 12.6” (W) x 8.9” (D)

Where you'll see a difference is in the depth of each backpack. The Hustle Pro will stick out a little bit more on the back when you wear it. This is due to the larger front compartment which we will take a closer look at later. However, the height and width are the same on both backpacks.

Shoulder Straps

The shoulder straps are where you will begin to see the biggest difference in fit and comfort. The Hustle 5.0 features cushioned and soft straps. On the other hand, the Hustle Pro has stiff, structured straps that are a little wider. Specifically, the Hustle 5.0's straps and are just under 3 inches wide and taper down, while the Hustle Pro's are a little over 3 inches wide.

The Hustle Pro comes with some upgrades for the shoulder straps. The first is a removable UA strap clip that lets you attach an Under Armour duffle bag. This strap clip is adjustable as needed and can be placed on either shoulder strap.

In addition the Hustle Pro comes with a sternum strap that is missing on the Hustle 5.0. However, it's important to note that the sternum strap on the Hustle Pro is fixed in place and cannot be adjusted up and down. If we are being honest, this is not the best sternum strap backpack design since you cannot control where the strap sits on your chest. Although it is an upgrade, Under Armour could have done a much better job here.

Lastly, the Hustle Pro includes Under Armour's LEVELED strap system, which have numbers printed on them. These numbers help you adjust the straps precisely for better weight distribution. The Hustle 5.0, in contrast, has regular straps without this feature.

Construction

It's worth noting that the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro both have use identical materials and feel about the same. Both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro are made with polyester and use water-resistant UA Storm Technology to make protect your gear in the rain. Each back panel is made with breathable air mesh and is the same design. Lastly, Under Armour uses the same exact zippers on both backpacks.

Exterior Pockets

Moving on to the pockets, this is the area where these backpacks show the most differences.

Hustle 5.0 & Hustle Pro Shared Pockets

Like many Under Armour backpacks, both the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro provide a tricot-lined valuables pocket on at the top for keeping items like sunglasses or tech gadgets. Additionally, there is a mesh water bottle pockets on each side of the backpacks. However, this is where the similarities come to an end.

Extra Pockets on the Hustle Pro

The Hustle Pro comes with three extra pockets on the front. On the one side there is a zippered pocket that features a small sleeve on the inside, which is perfect for securely holding a phone.

On the opposite side, there's a pocket with insulated lining to keep a water bottle cool. We found that it can fit a standard-sized sports squeeze bottle or even a couple of beverage cans.

The final additional pocket is an open compartment that is secured with a clip. This pocket is designed for quickly grabbing and stowing away items. It's great for things like hats, sweaty shirts, or workout accessories that you might want to access easily.

In summary, while both backpacks offer side mesh pockets for water bottles and a soft-lined top pocket, the UA Hustle Pro takes it up a notch with three extra front storage pockets that are missing on the UA Hustle 5.0.

Interior Compartments

Front and Shoe Compartments

Although the Hustle 5.0 and Hustle Pro do include a front compartment and a seperate main compartment, only the Hustle 5.0 includes a bottom shoe compartment. This roomy bottom compartment is designed to hold laundry, athletic shoes (we tested it with US Men's Size 12 shoes) and it's spacious enough for a full-sized basketball. However, this bottom compartment isn't present in the Hustle Pro.

Both backpacks feature a front zippered compartment, but only the Hustle 5.0 boasts organizer pockets inside for pens and small items. The Hustle Pro doesn't have these internal pockets. The lack of pockets is due to the front compartment in the Hustle Pro being intended to serve as a space for shoes and laundry. Although this front zippered compartment is larger than the one on the Hustle 5.0, we found it too small for a full-sized basketball.

The placement of the shoe compartment has its pros and cons with each backpack. It's important to note that the bottom compartment on the Hustle 5.0 shares it's space with the main compartment. So the more you pack inside that bottom compartment, the less packing space you'll have in the rest of the bag.

The UA Hustle Pro elimates this problem by giving you a gussetted front compartment for shoes and laundry on the front of the pack while keeping the packing space in the main compartment intact. But this design eliminates the extra pockets for pens and daily essentials that are featured in the Hustle 5.0. The design of the Hustle Pro makes it better suited for athletes who primarily carry lots of sports equipment, while the Hustle 5.0 might be a better fit for college students and those who need smaller organization pockets for daily carry.

HUstle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro MAIN COMPARTMENT

Overall, the Hustle 5.0 offers 29 liters of packing space, while the Hustle Pro offers 31.5 liters. Despite this difference, both main compartments are approximately the same size.

Both compartments feature a 15-inch soft-lined laptop sleeve positioned against the back. If you're using these backpacks for school, both can accommodate the same amount of books, folders, and notebooks.

For sports or gym use, both main compartments are capable of holding large items such as boxing gloves and toiletry bags. Yes, both compartments can also fit a basketball.

The additional packing room in the Hustle Pro is primarily attributed to its front shoe/laundry compartment. This is where you'll notice the most significant difference in packing as this front compartment adds extra packing room.

UA Hustle 5.0 vs Hustle Pro: Which Should You Buy?

UA Hustle 5.0

UA Hustle Pro

So, how do you make the decision between these two backpacks?

Both the UA Hustle 5.0 and UA Hustle Pro are excellent options for athletes, college students, and even travelers. They offer versatility to suit various needs thanks to their roomy main compartments and useful pockets.

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 should be best looked at as a hybrid backpack. It provides a front compartment with enough smaller pockets for keeping your daily school or work essentials organized. The added bottom shoe compartment gives you the flexibility to use it as a gym bag or a daily laptop backpack, depending on your requirements for the day. This is because the main compartment and bottom compartment space is shared.

On the flip side, the upgrades in the Under Armour Hustle Pro are more tailored for student athletes and those who frequent the gym. Bonus features like the insulated water bottle pocket, the duffel bag attachment clip, and the replacement of small organizer pockets with a dedicated shoe and laundry compartment make it the perfect backpack for carrying sports and gym gear. While you can still use the Hustle Pro as a school bookbag or daily laptop backpack, the upgrades are primarily designed to cater to the needs of active lifestyles.

MORE HELPFUL RESOURCES:

• Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack review

• Under Armour Hustle Sport backpack review

• Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments - Tested and Reviewed

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Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28 Backpack - What's the Difference?

Right behind the Kanken, the Fjallraven Raven backpack stands out as the brand's most popular model, and for good reason. Whether you require a laptop backpack for daily wear or a rugged pack for outdoor activities, the Raven is versatile enough to meet your needs.

It's no secret that the Raven is available in two sizes: the Raven 20 and the larger Raven 28. However, what sets them apart? Is it just the size of the main compartment? Well, not exactly.

In this Raven 20 vs Raven 28 backpack comparison we will showcase each bag side by side so that you can decide which is the best for you.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	Fjallraven Raven 20	Fjallraven Raven 28
Volume	20L	28L
Materials	G-100 Heavy Duty	G-100 Heavy Duty
Dimensions	16.5” (H) x 11” (W) x 7” (D)	18.5” (H) x 12.2” (W) x 8.25” (D)
Weight	1.4lbs	2.2lbs
Laptop Compartment	Up to 15" - padded sleeve in main compartment	Up to 15" - seperate laptop compartment
Chest Strap	No	No
Waist Belt	No	No
Price

Size: Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28

Exterior Dimensions

• Raven 20: 16.5" H x 11" W x 7.08" D (42 x 28 x 18 cm)

• Raven 28: 18.5" H x 12.2" W x 8.26" D (47 x 31 x 21 cm)

Along with having more internal packing room, the Raven 28 is the larger backpack all around. When worn, it takes up a bigger area on your back compared to the Raven 20. The Raven 28 also sticks out more when worn thanks to its extra laptop compartment (more on this below).

Padded Back Panel Dimensions

• Raven 20: 16.5" H x 10" W (42 x 25.4 cm)

• Raven 28: 18" H x 11" W (45.7 x 28 cm)

For those with shorter torsos, we generally recommend the Raven 20 for its smaller back panel. Its compact size provides a more comfortable fit for shorter people. If you prefer a backpack that doesn't stick out as much, then the Raven 20 is also the better option. In general, this small backpack is perfect for daily essentials and as a personal item bag during flights.

On the other hand, the Raven 28 will be a good fit for most people, especially as a school bookbag or as a main bag for short trips.

Materials and Comfort

When it comes to materials and comfort, both Raven backpacks are nearly identical. Fjallraven products are renowned for their durability, and the Raven packs are no exception. Both the Raven 20 and Raven 28 are crafted from the same water-resistant G-1000 HeavyDuty fabric, and they both showcase a leather Fjallraven logo and top handle.

Regarding comfort, these backpacks have the same padded airmesh back panel and padded straps for extra comfort. Despite their different sizes, the shoulder straps maintain the same dimensions. However, you will be disapointed if you are looking for a backpack with a sternum strap since neither backpack have one. While you might not need one for the smaller Raven 20, it is surprising that Fjallraven did not include a sternum strap on the larger Raven 28.

Raven 20 vs 28: Exterior Pockets

The Raven 20 and Raven 28 both include the same exact exterior pockets and compartments.

Both packs have two side pockets for water bottles. Despire the backpacks being different sizes, both the Raven 20 and 28 have the same water bottle pocket size. The photo below shows a 24oz Hydroflask bottle but we found that they can easily hold up to a 40oz Hydroflask bottle.

On the top of each pack, there's a fleece-lined pocket that can hold a phone or a pair of sunglasses. Additionally, each Raven backpack features a large zippered pocket on the front for quick storage.

Both Raven backpacks also include a roomy organizer compartment at the front. Inside, there are smaller pockets to keep items like pens and chargers organized.

The difference starts to show in the size of the pockets themselves. Apart from the water bottle pockets, each pocket on the Raven 28 is slightly larger than those on the Raven 20. This is because the Raven 28 has an overall larger size.

Laptop Storage: The Biggest Difference

The main difference between the Fjallraven Raven 20 and Raven 28 is the location of the laptop storage. In the Raven 20, the laptop sleeve is inside the main compartment, while in the Raven 28, there's a separate laptop compartment at the back. Additionally, the laptop compartment in the Raven 28 includes an extra sleeve for a flat item like a tablet or notebook.

The laptop sleeve in the Raven 20 is padded all around, but we noticed it lacks a false bottom to protect the laptop from drops. A false bottom is a space between the bottom of the laptop sleeve and the bottom of the bag. This space prevents your laptop from hitting the ground if the bag is ever accidentely dropped on the hard floor.

Instead of a flase bottom, the laptop sleeve on the Raven 20 relies on a strip of foam at the bottom for safety. On the other hand, the laptop sleeve in the Raven 28 we tested does include a little bit of a false bottom, adding an extra layer of protection along with the bottom padding.

In conclusion, the laptop compartment in the Raven 28 offers a bit more protection and is more convenient to use. Retrieving the laptop from the separate compartment in the Raven 28 is much simpler compared to having to take out items from the main compartment to reach the laptop in the Raven 20.

Note: We tested each pack with a 13 inch Macbook, however both Ravens can accommodate up to a 15-inch laptop.

Explore Fjallraven Alternatives

See the list

What Fits Inside Each?

Let's take a look at what you can actually fit inside the main compartments of the Fjallraven Raven 20 and Raven 28 backpacks after exploring their sizes and pockets. The examples below should provide you with a realistic idea of what you can comfortably pack in each main pocket.

While it's clear that one Raven offers 20 liters of packing room and the other provides 28 liters, what is suprising is that both main compartments have 5-inches of depth. However, the Raven 20 has slightly less functional space due to the presence of a padded laptop sleeve that occupies room, even when empty.

What fits inside the Raven 20?

• Laptop inside padded sleeve

• 2x Folders

• 2x 1-inch binders

• 1x Single Subject Notebook

What fits inside the Raven 28?

• 2x Folders

• 2x 1-inch binders

• 1x Single Subject Notebook

• 2x Large Notebooks

• Laptop (inside the laptop compartment)

In the Raven 20, we managed to fit a laptop, two folders, two one-inch binders, and a single-subject notebook. On the other hand, the Raven 28 can accommodate two additional large notebooks, given that the laptop resides in a separate compartment. When it comes to bulkier items like a camera cube or lunch box, the Raven 28 offers more ease in fitting them. Although the Raven 20 can still technically hold a camera cube or lunch box, it's a much tighter fit.

For travel purposes, the Raven 20 can hold a pair of shoes and a change of clothes, while the Raven 28 provides significantly more space for quick trips (2-3 days of packing). We found the Raven 28 easier to use with packing cubes.

Which Fjallraven Raven Size Should You Buy?

Fjallraven Raven 20

Fjallraven Raven 28

Choose the Fjällräven Raven 20 if... You want a backpack with a smaller footprint when worn. The Raven 20 is generally recommend for shorter people who don't like the look of a bulky backpack. With the exception of the laptop compartment on the Raven 28, you are getting most of the same exact pockets, making the Raven 20 a great choice for those who want a small pack to organize their daily essentials.

Choose the Fjällräven Raven 28 if... You want a full-featured pack with enough room for many large school books and notebooks or to use as a travel pack for short trips. The 28 liter size is also better for carrying bulkier items like a lunchbox or camera cube. Last but not least, if having a separate laptop compartment is important to you, then the Raven 28 is the way to go.

More Helpful Fjallraven Comparisons:

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Laptop

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Mini

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21 Backpacks Similar to Fjallraven

Fjallraven is a brand based out of Sweden that has grown in popularity amongst outdoor enthusiasts and city-dwellers alike. I’m sure you’ve seen their Kanken backpack. It’s everywhere. 

This leads to an important question: Are there any good Fjallraven alternatives?

The answer is yes! There is a lot out there and even some of our favorite brands have a similar outdoorsy-style with an emphasis on daily functionality. This is why we have compiled this large list of backpacks and brands like Fjallraven that sport some of the same design, functionality and price (don’t worry we also peppered in some budget options).

This guide is divided into two parts

• Backpacks Like Kanken

• Brands Like Fjallraven

Video Review

Are there any good Kanken alternatives? We found 3 great options.

Backpacks Like Kanken

For anyone looking for a different or cheaper alternative to the popular Kanken backpack these picks might be up your alley. These backpacks are similar in size and style and we even included some cheaper options for anyone that is on a budget. This unique boxy backpack style is perfect for travel, school or work commutes.

Doughnut Macaroon

The Doughnut Macaroon is a crowd favorite thanks its fun design and endless color options. If you are looking for backpacks like the Fjallraven Kanken then you’ll love the Macaroon’s simple box profile and clamshell backpack style that allows full access to all of the contents inside the main compartment. What stands out about the Doughnut Macaroon is it’s interior organizer panel that gives you access to small items like pens, wallets and snacks without having to rummage through the main compartment. 

Check out our Doughnut Macaroon review to learn more!

Got Bag Daypack

We highly recommend taking a closer look at Got Bag Daypack if you are looking for a backpack like the Kanken from a unique brand that values great design and environmental responsibility. Each Got Bag Daypack backpack is made from recycled ocean plastic and the company has made it a mission to sustainably produce each product from top to bottom.

Got Bag offers the Daypack in tons of fun colors so you are sure to find the perfect match!

HotStyle BESTIE Mini Backpack

Buy on Amazon

HotStyle offers a cheaper Kanken alternative with their BESTIE Mini Travel backpack. What makes this aesthetic backpack special is its variety of pockets and fun color options. The front features an easy-access zip pocket and the inside is lined pockets for all of your essentials. If you are looking for backpacks like the Fjallraven Kanken but with a little more pocket storage then the HotStyle BESTIE Mini Backpack is a great choice. 

Patagonia Atom Tote Pack

Patagonia’s Atom Tote Pack is great for anyone looking for backpacks similar to the Fjallraven Kanken with a compact profile. The 20-liter main compartment gives you plenty of room for essentials while internal organizer pockets and water resistant material will give you peace of mind on busy days. The Patagonia Atom Tote Pack also comes in a bunch of different colors so you are sure to find one you love.

For a closer look at the details check out our Patagonia Atom Tote Pack review.

Anello Clasp Backpack

Anello is a brand based out of Japan that offers the perfect Fjallraven Kanken alternative.  Just like the Kanken, these unisex backpacks are available in a ton of colors and sizes. The bags themselves are top-loading with zipper access to a very large and roomy main compartment. These bags are a great option for anyone who needs a casual backpack to use at school, the gym or overnight travel.

Osprey Daylite Tote Pack

The Osprey Daylite Tote Pack is a versatile backpack that can be used for daily urban carry or during your next outdoor adventure thanks to its water resistant construction and laptop sleeve that can also be used as a hydration pocket during your next hike. Like the Fjallraven Kanken, the Osprey Daylite Tote Pack comes in a ton of different colors and can be carried like a tote or backpack depending on your preference.

Brands like Fjallraven

While we are all familiar with Fjallraven’s awesome bag designs - it doesn’t hurt to see what else is out there when shopping for a new backpack. There are a few brands like Fjallraven that offer outdoorsy designs and tough as nails construction. Below are a list of our favorite brands and some of our top picks.

Patagonia

We believe Patagonia is one of the best brands like Fjallraven in terms of backpack quality and outdoor-focused designs. Their wide range of outdoor and daily-use backpacks are out-rivaled by few and you can find just about any type of backpack to fit your needs. Patagonia is worth a closer look if you are looking for a hiking, travel or daily use backpack that is built to last. 

Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack

The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is a 27 liter bag that can be carried as a backpack, hand bag or tote. It’s designed to be ready for use at the weekend farmer’s market or as a travel daypack thanks to its pack-away design. The Patagonia Ultralight Black Hole Tote Pack is a good alternative for those on the hunt for bags like the Fjallraven Totepack. We like its lightweight yet super strong fabric and zippered exterior pocket for quick access to essentials.

Patagonia Fieldsmith Lid Pack

Patagonia offers a modern take on a classic rucksack design with their Fieldsmith Lid Pack. This backpack features a water repellent finish for ease of mind during outdoor adventures and a large main compartment for easy storage of things like a laptop and daily essentials. At 28 liters the Patagonia Arbor Lid Pack is a good choice for anyone looking for heritage-style bags like the Fjallraven Greenland.

REI Co-op

REI Co-op is retailer known for quality outdoor gear and apparel offerings and the company has recently started offering their own branded items that match their focus on high quality and sustainability. Many of REI’s bags are made from eco-friendly and recycled materials and are built to specific standard for the task at hand: camping, hiking, travel and everyday carry. We recommend REI backpacks if you are looking for affordable brands like Fjallraven with a similar focus on sustainability and practicality.

REI Beyonder Pack

The REI Co-Op Beyonder Pack features everything you need to conquer the day. An interior padded laptop pocket allows you to carry your tech securely while a extra pockets give your organization for small items.

One thing we really appreciate about this backpack is its quality and minimalist design. Fans of Fjallraven’s classic designs will really appreciate the REI Beyonder’s minimalist exterior, intuitive pocket placement and eco-friendly construction.

REI Rucksack Recycled Daypack

The Rucksack Recycled Daypack is REI’s own take on a classic hiking bag but with more everyday carry features that also make it a perfect choice for school and commuting. Available in both a men’s version and women’s version, the Rucksack is built with comfort in mind for easy hauls on the trail and in the city.

The Rucksack Recycled Daypack’s rugged construction and minimalist exterior make it a great alternative for anyone looking for bags like Fjallraven that focus on a stylish design that doesn’t compromise on great quality.

Cotopaxi

Cotopaxi is a backpack brand that deserves to be on your radar if you are looking for high quality multifunctional backpacks. The brand’s business model is “Do Good” and that’s something we can definitely get behind. Cotopaxi gives a percentage of their profit to organizations that fight poverty around the world. Their backpacks are bright, fun and technical. Cotopaxi is a great option for anyone looking for brands like Fjallraven geared towards hiking and travel.

Cotopaxi Todo Convertible Tote

The Cotopaxi Todo Convertible Tote offers the best of both worlds: backpack and tote bag. Filled with useful pockets, you’ll get a padded sleeve for a 15" laptop and a fleece-lined pocket perfect for storing sunglasses or a phone. Those looking for a backpack similar is size to the Kanken but who don’t want to resort to Kanken dupes will love the original style and fun colors of the Todo Convertible Tote.

Cotopaxi Vaya Backpack

The Cotopaxi Vaya is a daypack for hikes and everyday carry. The 18-liter main compartment offers the room you need for daily essentials while a padded laptop sleeve gives you quick access to your tech. Pair these features with a highly water-resistant construction and a soft mesh back panel and you have a versatile pack for work and play.

Helly Hanson

Helly Hanson is a Norwegian brand that specializes in clothing and accessories for people who love staying active outdoors. Their backpacks can be best described as daily-use functionality with retro-inspired style by incorporating hard-wearing fabrics and leather trims. This a great brand to try out if you are looking for brands like Fjallraven with an emphasis on Scandinavian design.

Helly Hansen Vika Backpack

Inspired by minimalist Scandinavian design, the Vika Backpack will come in handy for daily carry and outdoor adventures alike thanks to its highly water resistant rolltop construction, roomy 28 liter main compartment, laptop sleeve and adjustable sternum strap so that you can dial line a perfect fit.

Helly Hansen Dublin Backpack

Made for short hikes and daily commuting alike, the Helly Hansen Dublin is a small daily carry backpack designed to thrive on even the busiest of days. Packed features such as water bottle pockets, external quick-access pockets and two separate main compartments - the Dublin is a great option for anyone looking for a backpack like the Fjallraven Kanken or Ulvo with a similar size and footprint.

Osprey Packs

Whether you are looking for technical hiking backpacks or everyday bags - Osprey Packs has you covered. The brand has made their mark in being a leader in travel and outdoor gear but they have also released some serious contenders in the laptop backpack space. Anyone looking for backpacks similar to Fjallraven’s more technical outdoor bags will like the options Osprey offers for hiking, backpacking, running and mountain biking.

Osprey Arcane Roll Top

The Arcane Roll Top is a versatile urban to trail backpack by Osprey that combines a city-focused carrying system with the brand’s classic focus on durability and comfort. This roll top backpack features a 16” laptop sleeve, a roomy 22 liter main compartment and a hidden low profile side water pocket that blends into the pack when not in use for a streamlined look.

Osprey Arcane Daypack

Don’t be fooled by the minimalist exterior - inside the Osprey Arcane is a myriad of pockets for organizing your daily items. Each Osprey Arcane is equipped with a padded laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets for essentials and is made with water resistant fabric for peace of mind during busy commutes.

Salkan

When it comes to finding companies like Fjallraven very few come close to the quality and designs that Fjallraven offers but Salkan does a stellar job on both fronts. Salkan is a brand that offers high quality backpacks built to last through any journey. In fact, each bag brings with it a lifetime guarantee!

Salkan The Daypack

The Daypack is a rugged 20L daypack perfect for lugging around your laptop, snacks and other essentials. The interior features a padded laptop sleeve and a zip organization pocket for smaller items while the outside provides a side zip pocket for keys and other quick access items.

Salkan The Mainpack

Salkan offers a thoughtfully designed trekking pack for those who like to wander off the beaten path. A good alternative to the Fjlaraven Abisko or Kaipak, the Mainpack’s carry versatility is made possible big 45L main compartment and compression straps that double as holders for oversized gear. Made with a wax-finished fabric for water resistance and equipped with aluminum hardware - the Mainpack is a step up from other travel and hiking packs in its class.

Topo Designs

Topo Designs is a great brand to check out for anyone looking for outdoor-inspired backpacks similar to Fjallraven with some really unique styles and colors. Most of their backpacks are simple yet hardwearing. Meaning, if you aren’t a fan of the bells and whistles of many modern packs and instead want to focus on quality construction and timeless style - then this brand is for you. Recently Topo has switched a lot of materials to recycled fabrics making them a great source for eco-friendly recycled backpacks.

Topo Designs is a great brand to check out for anyone looking for outdoor-inspired backpacks similar to Fjallraven with some really unique styles and colors.

Topo Daypack Tech

One of Topo Design’s most popular backpacks, the Daypack Tech is a workhorse that can be used for everything from daily commuting to short hikes. With a 21 liter capacity, super comfortable back panel and plenty of pockets, the Commuter is Daypack Tech is one of Topo’s most versatile backpack yet.

Topo Designs Rover Pack

The Topo Rover Pack offers a timeless style that is as versatile as you are. Plenty of compartments for small gear, a laptop sleeve and a 20 liter compartment makes it the perfect bag for anyone looking for a reliable backpack for daily carry. Also, the water bottle pockets on this bag are fantastic and can fit some pretty big bottles. The Rover is definitely one of our favorite backpacks with water bottle pockets.

Haglöfs

Haglöfs is a Finnish brand that offers eco-friendly gear and clothing for the outdoor adventurer. Those looking for outdoor backpacks like Fjallraven may miss the simplicity of their designs but we think Haglöfs does a great job at offering bags that have real functionality without being too over-engineered. Haglöf’s range of offerings is impressive with backpacks suited for the trail or your next downtown day trip.

Haglofs Nusnas Backpack

The Nusnas is a 25 liter rucksack that can be used on the trail or during your daily commute. This is thanks to its water resistant DWR coating and modern features like a laptop sleeve and key holder. The backpack features a sleek minimalist profile and is constructed of highly durable recycled fabric to really drive its modern Scandinavian design home.

Haglofs Siljan Backpack

Haglofs offers an attractive weather resistant daily pack with their Silja backpack. Made of durable recycled materials with chunky wear-resistant zippers, the Silja is constructed to thrive in any setting. This backpack is a good choice if you are looking for backpacks like the Fjallraven Kanken that are slim in design with a roomy main compartment. 

Helpful Resources

Want to stick with a Fjallraven backpack? Use our helpful guides below to pick your perfect pack!

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Mini

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Laptop (13” 15” 17”)

• Fjallraven Raven 20 vs Raven 28

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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 Day Owl 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.

• Read more

  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

Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack

Having trouble choosing between a backpack or tote bag for graduate school? Why not both!

The Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack is one of our favorite convertible backpacks thanks to shoulder straps that can tucked away to turn it into a sleek tote. Plus, this backpack keeps a clean and mature profile allowing you to smoothly transition into professional work settings while looking your best.

We have to admit, although there may be other bags that are stylish, very few are as functional as the Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack. The main compartment is large enough for grad school essentials like a laptop, binders and notebooks. And the pockets on this bag are amazing! You'll find a spot for everything!

• Read more

  Specs:

  • Capacity: 21L

  • Materials: Water resistant recycled polyester, vegan leather trim

  • 17" laptop sleeve

  • Convertible from laptop to tote bag

  What makes the Troubadour Bivy a great bag for grad students:

  • Large 17" padded laptop pocket

  • Comfortable ergonomic shoulder straps

  • Main compartment is large enough for binders, folders and notebooks

  • Lots of pockets for organizing grad school essentials

  • Highly water resistant construction. In fact, this bag is one of our favorite waterproof backpacks for women.

Db The Ramverk Backpack

We believe there are two kinds of grad students: those who have a lot of things to carry and those who like to keep it simple. If you're the type who only needs a few folders, personal items, and a laptop, then we have the perfect backpack for you: the Db Ramverk 21L.

The Ramverk laptop backpack is sleek and lightweight. This is thanks to its PU leather exterior, lux zippers and slim profile. We really like the easy-access 15-inch laptop compartment and clamshell main compartment design that gives you a birdseye view of your packing. Think of the Ramverk as the "nice but not boring" laptop backpack.

• Read more

  Specs:

  • Capacity: 21L

  • Materials: Water resistant PU leather

  • Padded laptop compartment (fits up to 15” Macbook)

  • Open flat clamshell main compartment

  What makes the Db Ramverk a great grad school backpack:

  • Slim profile for those who want to avoid large bulky backpacks

  • Minimalist design. PU leather exterior adds a touch of sophistication.

  • Plenty of smaller pockets for organization of tech, personal and school items.

  • Keep it light. Lightweight design and 21L main compartment is perfect for carrying a few binders, notebooks and textbooks.

  We recommend the Ramverk to grad students who want something different from the usual North Face or Jansport backpacks. Db might not be a common brand on a college campus, but it's great for those pursuing a graduate degree who need something more mature.

  You can also choose from different colors, making the Db Ramverk backpack a mix of style and function that will elevate your daily look.

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.

• Read more

  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

Buy on Amazon

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.

• Read more

  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!

• Read more

  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

Buy on Amazon

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

• What do graduate students carry?

  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.

• What size backpack do I need for grad school?

  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

• Materials

  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!

• Structure

  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.

• Colors

  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.

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11 Best Waterproof Backpacks for College in 2023 (We Tested)

If you're looking for the best waterproof backpack for college, there are some important things to consider. You'll want a backpack that has a big space for notebooks, a padded sleeve for your laptop, and lots of pockets for your school and personal stuff. But it's not easy to find all these features in a fully waterproof backpack. Most waterproof backpacks are designed for specific sports like surfing and fishing with little consideration to everyday carry.

Luckily, we did some research and found a the best waterproof backpacks that are great for students. Most of these backpacks have been tested by us with students in mind.

Tested! Video Review

Water Resistant vs Waterproof

Before we talk about our top choices, let's get something straight. There's a difference between a waterproof backpack and a water-resistant backpack. And you should be honest about what type of backpack you really need on campus.

There are two levels of protection when it comes to keeping your stuff dry: fully waterproof and water resistant.

Waterproof: This means the backpack has a special coating on the outside fabric, sealed seams, and waterproof zippers or rolltops. It won't let any water in, even in heavy rain.

Water Resistant: This means the backpack also has a coating on the outside fabric, but the zippers and seams are not waterproof. If you get caught in a heavy downpour, water might seep through these areas. However, the coated fabric helps water slide off the outside, so your things stay dry in light rain or snow.

We tested the backpacks and rated their level of protection. We only included backpacks that are "water-resistant" or better in our list. Our ratings are based on hands-on testing and the overall design and features of the backpacks.

Now let’s move on to the backpacks.

Best Waterproof Backpacks for College

Able Carry Daily Plus

The Able Carry Daily Plus backpack is one of our favorite picks for students seeking a highly water-resistant backpack. Its waterproof X-Pac construction, combined with coated water-resistant zippers, ensures excellent protection against rain and snow. Not only is it functional, but it's also stylish in design with a really unique look that would look great on campus.

What the Able Carry Daily Plus does best is offer plenty of pockets and organization. This includes everything from quick access compartments to hidden pockets. With a dedicated 16" laptop sleeve and 11" tablet sleeve, both floating inside the backpack, your devices are well-protected.

The standout feature of this backpack is its super comfortable adjustable shoulder straps, which are generously padded. Able Carry always comes through with comfy shoulder straps and the Daily Plus is no exception.

Check out our Able Carry Daily Plus review for more details.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Water Resistant

• Made of waterproof X-Pac

• Volume: 21 liters

• 16" laptop and 11" tablet sleeve

PATAGONIA BLACK HOLE BACKPACK

The Patagonia Black Hole backpack is really popular among college students for a good readon. It's a stylish backpack while also being a high quality enough to handle daily abuse. Plus, it has a lot of compartments to help you stay organized and keep your important school items within reach..

Each Patagonia Black Hole is water resistant and will do great in a light rain. But it's unique design is the real reason we needed to include this pack on this list. The zippers for the main compartment and top pocket are angled in a way that prevents water from falling directly on them when it's raining. This makes it leaps and bounds more water resistant than your avarage North Face or Jansport backpack - that have their zippers facing upward. When you combine this design with a water resistant material, you have a reliable backpack for college and beyond.

One last thing - if you are tired seeing a boring black backpack, you'll be pleased to know that Patagonia offers the Black Hole in a ton of different colors.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Water Resistant

• Made water repellent materials

• Capacity: 32L or 25L

• 15” laptop compartment

Chrome Urban EX Rolltop Backpack

The Chrome Urban EX takes the protection of a drybag and blends it with features for everyday use. Simply put: this is the bag if you are looking for the best waterproof backpack for college and commuting.

The big main compartment can hold lots of college textbooks and notebooks. There is even a padded sleeve for a 15-inch laptop. But Chome Urban Ex may not be for you if you need pockets for storing smaller items. The backpack is just one big bucket.

But the lack of pockets might be worth it because the Chrome Urban Ex is built like a tank. Seriously, it's one of the toughest waterproof bags we've tested. It's made of high-quality waterproof materials and has welded seems. This means dry stuff no matter how hard it rains and a bag that will stay in piece no matter how hard you abuse it.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Waterproof

• 100% waterproof rolltop design with welded seams

• Capacity: 30 liters

• 15” laptop sleeve

RAINS Rolltop Rucksack

Who says a stylish backpack can't be water-resistant? The Rains Rolltop Rucksack is the perfect water-resistant backpack for college students who want both style and functionality. The main compartment gives you enough room for campus essentials, while an exterior laptop compartment provides quick and easy access to your tech.

Each Rains Rolltop Rucksack is made with the brand’s signature waterproof PU materials. Couple it with this construction and a rolltop design, and you have great protection from rainy days on campus.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Highly water resistant

• Made waterproof PU fabric

• 13 liter capacity

• 16" side-access laptop compartment

STUBBLE & CO THE ROLL TOP

The Roll Top backpack by Stubble & Co is really good at keeping water out, and it looks cool too. This is thanks to its special roll-top design, strong seams, and water resistant zippers. A combination for a dry experience on campus.

We like the Roll Top as a college laptop backpack because it has a plenty of pockets for small items, a roomy main compartment for books, and side pockets for water bottles. The best feature is the side zipper for quick access to your laptop. One thing this bag does well is organizational pockets.

One of our favorite things about the Roll Top backpack is how comfortable it is to wear. It has a soft padded back panel, chest strap, and adjustable straps that are designed to fit you just right. Say hello to a backpack that can keep your things dry and is comfortable enough for long days on campus.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Water Resistant

• Waterproof rolltop design with sealed seams and YKK Aquaguard zippers

• Capacity: 20L

• 16-inch laptop compartment

THE RIDGE COMMUTER WEATHERPROOF BACKPACK

The Ridge offers a laptop backpack that's great for college and tech carry. At 20 liters, it has room for a few bulky binders and notebooks. But where it really shines is it's amazing organization. If you are a student who needs a backpack with lots of pockets for their tech accessories and school supplies, the Ridge Commuter might be the one. Inside you'll find an insane amount of organizational pockets for everyday essentials.

Along with having a waterproof nylon shell, the Commuter gives you YKK Aquaguard zippers to keep the main compartment and laptop compartment safe. The Ridge also gives you rain guards over the front pockets and side pocket to give extra protection to things like phones, wallets, or glasses, which can be easily damaged by water. It's little details like these that make the Commuter backpack such a great options for college students in need of waterproof protection.

For more details check out our Ridge Commuter Backpack Review.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Highly water resistant

• Made 600D waterproof nylon with YKK Aquaguard zippers

• Lots of pockets for organization

• 15” shock-resistant laptop compartment

TOPO DESIGNS ROVER TECH PACK

The Topo Designs Rover Pack Tech is for college students who need a lightweight backpack that's made to last. The main compartment is big enough to hold a few larger books and notebooks, and there are zippered pockets on the outside for smaller items. The external side zipper for your laptop gives you easy access to your tech.

When you look at the Topo Designs Rover Tech Pack, you can tell it was made to keep your important stuff dry. The backpack is made from tough nylon material and water-resistant zippers but the real trick is the top lid design. Instead of zippers, the main compartment is covered by a lid that acts as a barrier from safe from rain or snow.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Water Resistant

• Made of water-resistant materials

• Internal and external 15” laptop sleeves

• Capacity: 24.3 liters

Timbuk2 Parker Commuter Backpack

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The Timbuk2 Parker Commuter is an interesting backpack. It's expandable from 26L to 35L. Has great organization. And it built from the ground up to stay dry in anything from a light rain to a downpour.

The front of the backpack is made with highly water-resistant material for peace of mind in a light rain. But when things get serious during a downpour, the bag includes a rainfly that you can pop over the bag for full waterproof protection.

Other great features include reflective panels for safety when commuting at night. And lots of great pockets for quick access. Not only does Timbuk2 give you easy access pockets in the front for essentials but the side pockets are great for stashing water bottles or umbrellas. The Timbuk2 Parker Commuter is easily one of our favorite expandable backpacks for commuters, but it's quickly becoming one of our favorite college backpacks thanks to its great student-friendly features.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Water Resistant

• Made of water-resistant materials (waterproof with rainfly)

• Expandable main compartment (26-35L)

• 15-inch laptop sleeve

Breakwater Supply Fogland 25L

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We have to be honest and admit that the Breakwater Supply Fogland backpack might be a bit overkill for most college students. It's completely submersible and has drysuit-grade airtight zippers. So why use it as a daily school backpack?

Well, the main compartment is the perfect size for school essentials like big binders, notebooks and books. It even includes a 16-inch laptop sleeve and extra pockets for organization. And adjustable shoulder straps and a chest strap makes it easy to haul heavy loads.

Unlike many of the backpacks on this list, the Breakwater Supply Fogland is a drybag and 100% waterproof. But it's versatility lies in the design: it has usable pockets for everyday use like side pockets for water bottles. For dry bag standards, the Fogland actually functions more like a daily backpack. It was designed to keep you gear safe and dry no matter the conditions.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Waterproof

• Made of water-resistant materials

• 16-inch laptop pocket

• Capacity: 25 liters

Black Ember Citadel R2

The Black Ember Citadel R2 is a waterproof backpack that's great for college. It's made with special waterproof materials, strong zippers, and sealed seams. This means it can keep your things dry even in heavy rain. It has a capacity of 25 liters, so it's big enough for a few books, binders, and a 15-inch laptop. We don't recommend this backpack if you are the type of student who needs to carry lots of books and binders. But for the tech-centric student it is perfect.

What's great about the Citadel R2 is that it was specifically designed for urban use. It's not like other waterproof backpacks that are mostly made for sports. It has all the features you'd expect from a modern tech bag. Inside, there are pockets and organizers to easily access your laptop, tablet, keys, and wallet. But here's the best part - the Citadel R2 is modular backpack. That means you can add extra pockets and straps if you need them.

For a closer look and a waterproof test make sure to check out our full Black Ember Citadel R2 review.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Waterproof

• Clamshell zipper design for full access to inside

• Modular system allows you to customize

• 15” padded laptop sleeve and padded tablet sleeve

The Ridge Classic Backpack Weatherproof

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The Ridge Classic Backpack is a great choice for college students who need a highly water-resistant backpack that isn't built like you are going on a kayaking adventure. It's lightweight construction and classic bookbag look makes it the perfect campus backpack. Yet it handles rain showers like champ thanks to its special outer shell made of waterproof nylon and YKK Aquaguard zippers.

For most people who are worried about getting caught in the rain on their way to clas, this backpack does a great job of keeping your important stuff dry. It's perfect for college and everyday use. We especially like the padded sleeve for your laptop, the built-in USB port for charging your phone. Plus, the sensible size of 22 liters keeps the backpack from feeling too bulky while being big enough for books and notebooks.

Features at a glance:

• Protection level: Water Resistant

• Made 600D waterproof nylon with YKK Aquaguard zippers

• 22 liter capacity

• 14" padded laptop sleeve

• Built-in USB port for charging tech

How to Choose a Waterproof College Backpack

When choosing a waterproof college backpack, it's important to consider how you'll access the main compartment. This is where you'll keep your important items like textbooks, notes, and laptops, so you want to make sure they stay dry.

When it comes to waterproof backpacks there are three main types of main compartment entries you’ll encounter:

ZIPPER ACCESS

One type of access is through a zipper. Most school backpacks have a single zipper to open the main compartment. However, most zippers are not wateprroof, so you need to look for a backpack that has water-resistant waterproof zippers. Waterproof zippers are coated to keep water out, like ones made by YKK AquaGuard and Aquaseal.

LID ACCESS

Another type of access is through a lid. Backpacks with lids have a flap that folds over the main compartment, providing extra protection against the elements. This creates a barrier between the top of the backpack, where rain and snow can land, and the main compartment.

Usually, there is a zipper or drawstring underneath the lid to fully close and secure the main compartment. Lids are common in outdoor and technical backpacks, but you can also find them in school and everyday backpacks.

ROLLTOP ACCESS

A third type of access is through a rolltop. Rolltop backpacks have extra fabric at the top that you can roll down to close the main compartment. This type of access is very popular for waterproof backpacks because it offers great water resistance. When you compress the rolltop, it creates a seal and blocks water from getting inside. Rolltop backpacks are often seen in outdoor activities like biking, hiking, surfing, and snow sports. It's important to choose a rolltop backpack made of either waterproof or water-resistant material to prevent water from penetrating when it's wet. We have a helpful buying guide of roll top waterproof backpacks if you are interested in this backpack type.

To help figure out which type of backpack is best for you, check out our Zipper vs Roll Top Backpack guide.

Waterproof Materials

When choosing a waterproof backpack for college, it's important to consider the type of material used to make the backpack. The material should either be water resistant or coated to be waterproof.

Water resistant fabrics are woven tightly to stop water from soaking in. Some examples of water resistant fabrics are high denier nylon, polyester, and canvas. Nylon types like Cordura and Ballistic nylon are naturally water resistant and are good choices for a water resistant backpack for college. Other fabrics like X-Pac and sailcloth are also naturally water resistant.

But when it comes to making a backpack completely waterproof, you usually need more than just the fabric. That's why most waterproof backpacks have a coating to keep water out. Here are three common types of backpack coatings:

1. TPU Coating: TPU is a type of plastic coating that provides good resistance to wear and tear. Backpack manufacturers like using TPU because it's less likely to crack compared to other coatings, while still remaining flexible.

2. DWR Coating: DWR stands for "durable water resistant." It's a popular coating for rain jackets and outdoor clothing. It's breathable and strong, which makes it a good choice for waterproofing backpacks. DWR coats individual fibers, allowing water to roll off the fabric before it can seep in.

3. PU Coating: PU is often used as imitation leather in bags and small goods. In fabrics, PU provides durability and resistance to wear, along with good waterproofing. It's breathable and lightweight. Many backpack manufacturers prefer PU coating because it's cheaper than TPU and other waterproofing methods.

Other Features to Look For

What size backpack do you need?

The first thing you should decide when looking for a backpack for college is its size. Larger backpacks (23L+) usually have roomier main compartments and extra pockets for smaller items. If you plan on carrying lots of text books, binders and notebooks around campus then a larger backpack may be the correct choice.

But not everyone need a huge main compartment for school. College students who use their laptops for note-taking may do well with a smaller and lighter backpack with a secure laptop compartment.

If you need help figuring out which size backpack to get, check out our Backpack Size Guide.

THINK ABOUT ORGANIZATION

When looking for a waterproof backpack for college, don't forget about organization. Most waterproof backpacks are designed for specific activities like biking, surfing, and fishing. Because of this, they may not have all the pockets and organization features you need for school.

Avoid choosing bucket-style dry bags and instead opt for a backpack with more pockets. This way, you'll have space for everyday items like pens, a cell phone, and a laptop. Waterproof dry bags are good for the beach, but they lack the necessary features for a busy day on campus.

WATERPROOF OR WATER RESISTANT?

It's important to know that you'll have more backpack options if you choose a water-resistant backpack instead of a fully waterproof one. Water-resistant backpacks are usually good enough for most college students. They can protect you from sudden showers and short rainy commutes. Unless you live in a place with heavy rain or snow, a water-resistant backpack should be sufficient for college.

Waterproof backpacks for college are available, but there are fewer options and they tend to be more expensive than water-resistant ones. So think about how much protection you really need before deciding which one to get.

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The Best Under Armour Backpacks for School in 2023 - Tested & Reviewed

A good school backpack should have a roomy main compartment for binders and books, a padded sleeve for your tech and plenty of pockets for pens, phone and other essentials. But if you have your sights on an Under Armour backpack this school year, picking between the different models can be tough!

In this buying guide, we rank and review the best Under Armour backpacks for school based on features and performance. Let this guide start your school shopping off right with the perfect backpack.

Top Pick: UA Hustle 5.0 Backpack

High school and college students usually carry their backpacks for extended periods of time while walking around campus and going from class to class. The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is the perfect backpack for the task.

With a 29 liter capacity, the large main compartment on the UA Hustle 5.0 can pack a full day of notebooks, binders and folders. The second large compartment is perfect for school supplies like pens, calculators and notebooks thanks to its small pockets. Each UA Hustle 5.0 also comes with a 15-inch laptop sleeve that is soft-lined to protect your laptop or tablet against scratches.

The UA Hustle 5.0 has plenty of pockets for small items. Two side pockets offer a place for a water bottle and umbrella. And a top fleece-lined pocket gives you easy-access to sunglasses or a phone.

High school student athletes will also appreciate having a separate bottom compartment for shoes, clothing or even a full size basketball. The UA Hustle 5.0 makes long days of classes and practice easier by giving you a way to separate your packing.

Check out our in-depth Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack review for more info!

Runner Up: UA Hustle Sport Backpack

The Under Armour Hustle Sport is our second top choice school backpack thanks to its much more affordable price and just the right pockets for school essentials.

Inside, there is a 15-inch laptop pocket and two extra pockets for school supplies. The bag itself is 26-liters and we found it to have a large main compartment that can pack a lot of big binders, folders and notebooks.

Instead of a bottom compartment, the Hustle Sport gives you a bungee to attach bulky items. Students can easily attach a jacket to the front of the bag without taking up space inside.

The UA Hustle Sport is great for older kids and younger kids alike. Middle school and elementary school students may find the UA Hustle Sport to be a better fit than the UA Hustle 5.0. The Hustle Sport is smaller lightweight backpack (seriously, it feels like air when empty). The adjustable straps makes it easy to adjust the fit for younger kids in middle school and elementary school.

Check out our full UA Hustle Sport backpack review and video for a closer look!

Best Under Armour Backpacks for School

UA Hustle 5.0 Backpack

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The UA Hustle 5.0 is one of our favorite Under Armour backpacks for school thanks to its versatile design that makes it perfect for class, sports practice and travel. The Hustle 5.0 is equipped with a spacious 29 liter main compartment and an additional front organizer compartment for pens, tech and other small essentials.

At the bottom of the UA Hustle 5.0 you’ll find a roomy shoe compartment that can also be used to stash laundry or anything else you want to keep separate from your main compartment.

• Mid-sized versatile backpack for school and play

• Capacity: 29L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Organizer compartment

• Bottom shoe/laundry compartment

Under Armour Hustle Sport Backpack

The UA Hustle Sport is a unisex backpack that offers a unique bungee cord system on the front that allows you to attach oversized items such as shoes, a jacket or even a ball. On the inside you’ll find a spacious 26 liter main compartment with a soft-lined laptop sleeve and a few extra slip pockets for organization. A really neat feature of the UA Hustle Sport is the oversized tech/valuables pocket that is soft-lined to keep your important items scratch free.

• Mid-sized school backpack with bungee system for extra storage

• Capacity: 26L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Soft-lined valuables/tech pocket

• Bungee system on front for stashing a jacket, shoes or ball

Under Armour Halftime Backpack

The UA Halftime is a unisex backpack for those who want to keep their carry simple. The 22 liter main compartment is just the right size to carry a laptop, binders and a few books without the bulk of a larger backpack. The padded laptop sleeve can be found inside the main compartment while two stash pockets can be found on the front of the bag so you always have quick access to smaller items.

• Smaller lightweight school backpack

• Capacity: 22L

• Laptop sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• No organizer compartment

• 2 front stash pockets for smaller essentials

Under Armour Hustle 3.0 Backpack

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If you are looking for a large Under Armour bookbag for school then we highly recommend you take a closer look at the UA Hustle 3.0. It’s an older model of the Hustle series and you can usually get it at a discount compared to other models.

At 30 liters, the Team Hustle 3.0 features two roomy main compartments for keeping your books, binders, extra clothes nice and organized. There is an oversized fleece lined pocket on the front to store a phone or other delicate tech. Under Armour even includes their UA Storm Technology so your stuff stays dry on rainy days!

• Mid-sized backpack with lots of compartments

• Capacity: 28.9L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Organizer compartment

• Bottom shoe/laundry compartment

Under Armour Loudon Backpack

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The UA Loudon is an affordable Under Armour bookbag for school that has everything you need to conquer the school day. In fact, it’s one of our favorite school backpacks under $50.

The Loudon is a classic bookbag with one large main compartment and an extra front pocket for smaller items. At 25 liters you’ll have enough room for big notebooks and binders, plus a laptop and plenty of tech accessories.

• Mid-sized Under Armour bookbag with classic style

• Capacity: 25L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• UA Storm Technology for water resistance

Women’s UA Hustle Signature Backpack

The women’s UA Hustle Signature is the perfect option if you find the regular sized Hustle backpacks to be too large on the back. This backpack is smaller but is still big enough to fit a 15-inch laptop plus binders, folders and notebooks for school.

Other great features include side water bottle pockets and a bottom compartment for clothing or shoes. Use it as a school bookbag, sports bag or a weekend travel bag! If an Under Armour school backpack without the bulk is what you need, then the women’s UA Hustle Signature will tick all the right boxes.

• Smaller size for women

• Capacity: 25L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Organizer pockets for pens and accessories

• Bottom shoe/laundry compartment

UA Project Rock Brahma Backpack

The UA Project Rock Brahma offers a stylish school backpack with the protection you need for your tech. Unlike many other Under Armour backpacks, this backpack gives you a seperate fleece-lined laptop compartment. This keeps your school items and laptop seperate for better protection.

Along with a great laptop protection, the Project Rock Brahma offers a extra pockets for water bottles and a soft-lined valuables pocket for sunglasses or a phone.

• UA backpack with the best laptop protection

• Capacity: 24L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Main compartment fits folders, notebooks and binders

• Soft-lined pocket for phone, sunglasses and other valuables

Under Armour Recruit 3.0

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The Under Armour Recruit 3.0 is one of our favorite Under Armour backpacks for school thanks to its 30 liter main compartment that is perfect for stashing large binders, books and clothing. The Recruit 3.0 even includes an entire organizer compartment for keeping school items like pens, calculators and charging cables easy to find. And a roomy bottom shoe compartment is a great spot for storing items you want to keep separate from the main compartment. The Recruit 3.0 is the perfect option if you are looking for a reliable Under Armour bookbag for school that will get the job done.

• Large school backpack for books, shoes, clothes and more

• Capacity: 30L

• Laptop Sleeve: Up to 15” Macbook Pro

• Organizer compartment

• Bottom shoe compartment

Best Nike Backpacks for School

See the list

Which Under Armour Backpack Should I Choose?

BEST UNDER ARMOUR BACKPACK FOR COLLEGE

College students usually carry their backpacks for extended periods of time while walking around campus and commuting. For this reason we believe the best Under Armour backpack for college is one will keep you organized and comfortable.

We recommend college students go with an Under Armour backpack that uses UA HeatGear on their shoulder straps like the UA Team Hustle 3.0 or the UA Contender 2.0.

UA HeatGear is the technology Under Armour uses on their athletic apparel to keep you cool and dry in warm weather. Utilizing this technology on their backpack shoulder straps allows you to wear a backpack all day long while keeping you feeling light and comfortable.

BEST UNDER ARMOUR BACKPACK FOR HIGH SCHOOL

High school students can carry a variety of school items such as big binders, laptops and smaller items such as pens, calculators and tech charging cables. This is why a the best Under Armour backpack for high school students is a bag with an organizer compartment like the UA Hustle 5.0.

An organizer compartment is a separate zippered compartment that is lined with smaller pockets for things like pencils, cables and a phone. This compartment will help you stay organized when going from class to class throughout the day.

Student athletes will also benefit from using an Under Armour backpack with a shoe compartment like the UA Hustle 5.0. These bags allows you to store shoes or dirty laundry in a bottom compartment away from you notebooks and laptop.

BEST UNDER ARMOUR BACKPACK FOR LAPTOP

If you are looking for the best Under Armour backpack for laptop carry then you’ll be pleased to learn that most Under Armour backpacks include a sleeve for a laptop up to 15-inches. But only select models like the Hustle 5.0, Hustle 3.0 and Halftime backpacks have soft-lined laptop sleeves. The soft-lining helps prevent scratches.

These Under Armour laptop sleeves are located inside the main compartment. With that said, there is no best one since the all UA laptop sleeves are very similar - so pick an Under Armour backpack you like based on style, size and pocket features!

How We Chose These Backpacks

Finding a reliable backpack while school shopping. The good news is that Under Armour has you covered! Just about all UA backpacks have adjustable shoulder straps, durable fabrics and separate compartments. But we also took other features into consideration when making this list.

Main compartment size

Most Under Armour backpacks are usually mid-sized to large making them great choices for school where bulkier items are usually carried. Choose a main compartment between 25-29 liters if you need room for just a few books, binders, laptop and an extra sweater. 30+ liter backpacks are great if you need a large backpack for school with more room.

If you want to learn more about backpack capacity and what fits inside a 20, 25 or 30 liter backpack then make sure to check out our Backpack Size Guide.

Shoe Compartment

Under Armour focuses on athletic performance apparel and accessories so it’s no secret that their backpacks cater to athletes, including student athletes. Many Under Armour backpacks include a bottom compartment for shoes and laundry because of this.

Not a student athlete? Take advantage of this extra pocket to store anything you want to keep separate from your books and laptop in the main compartment like lunch, snacks or extra clothing.

If you like the idea of a backpack with a bottom shoe compartment then check out our list of the Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments for even more options from our favorite brands.

Organizer Compartment

Students need to stay organized! This is why a backpack with enough small pockets and an organizer compartment is a must have for high school and college. 

Most Under Armour backpacks have some sort of organizer compartment or smaller pockets that line the outside of the bag itself. These small compartments allow you to stash pencils, glasses and charging cables to keep them easily accessible and organized. When choosing an Under Armour backpack for school make sure it has the organization you need!

UA Storm Technology

Many students want a backpack for school that is either waterproof or water repellent. A great feature all Under Armour backpacks have is the use of UA Storm technology on the fabric. This technology makes all Under Armour backpack water resistant so that you can weather just about any storm.

It’s worth noting that there is a huge difference between waterproof and water repellent. Check out our Best Waterproof Backpacks for College guide to learn more about the difference and to check out some of our favorite waterproof options for school.

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Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop (13", 15", 17") - What's the difference?

The Fjallraven Kanken Classic and the Kanken Laptop are the same exact backpacks except one has a laptop compartment, right?

Well, not exactly.

There are a few important differences that you should know about before choosing between the two. And some details can even be deal breakers depending on what you need in a backpack.

In this review, we provide an in-depth comparison between two popular backpack models from Fjällräven: the Kanken Classic and the Kanken Laptop versions to make choosing as easy as possible.

We will have the 16L Kanken Classic side by side with the Kanken Laptop 13” and 15” versions to look at pockets, features and size differences. If you are looking to get a Kanken Laptop 17”, don't worry, all of the major details discussed here will still apply! And for those considering the Mini, check out our Kanken Classic vs Mini comparison.

Video Review

What's the same?

The Kanken Classic is a traditional backpack that was designed for students. Because of this it's large enough to fit standard A4 papers, documents and books. With the Kanken Laptop, Fjallraven has modernized the Kanken with a separate laptop pocket while still keeping the same overall design.

Despite their differences, the Kanken Classic and Laptop have a lot in common. Both versions will be made with the same Vinylon-F fabric and have the same exact zippers and hardware. Quality-wise, these backpacks feel exactly the same.

You can also expect all Kanken versions to include a removable foam seat cushion that also acts as the back panel padding. On the Kanken laptop version however, this seat cushion also acts as extra padding for the laptop compartment.

Lastly, all Kanken versions are convertible backpacks that allow you to tuck away the shoulder straps and convert the backpack into a tote bag.

Price Difference

There is a big difference in price between the original Kanken Classic 16L and the laptop versions. You can expect the Kanken Laptop price to increase the larger you go, with the Kanken Laptop 17" being the most expensive.

For many people, price alone may be enough reason to choose the Kanken Classic. This is very true for people who don’t plan on carrying a laptop at all times or choose to just use a padded laptop sleeve.

Kånken Classic

Kånken Laptop

More Pockets: Kanken Laptop

The Kanken Classic gives you three pockets total: the front pocket and the two side pockets. While the Kanken Laptop version adds a pocket on the inside of the main compartment and a separate laptop pocket against the back panel for a total of five pockets.

The extra pocket on the inside of the Kanken Laptop version is large enough for things like a laptop charger, pens, a phone or wallet. This pocket gives you easy access to small items without having to use a pouch or pencil case.

The side pockets of the Kanken Classic can fit up to a slim 24oz water bottle or an umbrella. You'll find that the side pockets on the Kanken Laptop 13" are smaller and will not fit most water bottles. If you would like a laptop backpack with larger side pockets you will have to upgrade to the larger 15" and 17" Kanken versions.

Kanken Classic vs Laptop: Size Difference

We have tested the Kanken Classic next to the laptop 13-inch and 15-inch versions so that you can see the size differences.

Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 13" Backpack

The Kanken Laptop 13" is smaller with only 13 liters of packing room while the Kanken Classic has 16 liters of packing room. A big reason there is less packing room in the Kanken Laptop 13" is because the laptop compartment takes up room where the main compartment would be. In order to keep the Kanken Laptop 13" small, Fjällräven decided to just shrink the main compartment.

The laptop sleeve in the Kanken Laptop 13" can fit up to a 13 inch laptop or tablet. This is a small laptop compartment and will not fit a 14 inch laptop. The inside of the main compartment can fit A4 papers, standard sized notebooks and binders but keep in mind that you will have less depth so you will not be able to fit as many items because of the smaller main compartment.

The side pockets on the Kanken Laptop 13" are a little smaller than the side pockets on the Kanken Classic which is bad news for anyone hoping to use them as water bottle pockets. We found that slim water bottles are still too large for the 13-inch Kanken. You can still fit an umbrella or other slim items.

Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 15" Backpack

Where you'll start to see more packing room is with the Kanken Laptop 15" backpack. The Kanken 15" has 18 liters of packing room versusthe Classic's 16 liters.

Most of the extra space inside the Kanken Laptop 15" can be found in the width and height of the bag. This means that you can fit the same amount of notebooks and binders inside the 15" as you can in the classic but there will be extra room on top and sides.

The laptop sleeve on the Kanken Laptop 15" can fit a 14-inch or 15-inch laptop but is too small for a 15.6" laptop.

Kanken Classic vs Kanken Laptop 17" Backpack

The Kanken Laptop 17" is the largest Kanken laptop backpack with the most packing room. With a 20 liter main compartment, here is where you will start to see the biggest size difference when compared to the Classic. The Kanken Laptop 17" is best for anyone who has a laptop larger than 15-inches, this includes 15.6" laptops that are too small for the Kanken Laptop 15" backpack.

Kanken Laptop: Shoulder Strap Padding

The Kanken Laptop version gives us shoulder straps that have built-in padding. These shoulder strap pads were added to support the extra weight of a heavy laptop.

But are the padded shoulder straps enough of a reason to upgrade from the Kanken Classic?

Fjällräven offers a ton of Kanken accessories, including ad-on shoulder strap pads and a chest strap. You could always attach shoulder strap pads to your Kanken Classic for a more comfortable fit. And if you need even more support, Kanken offers a chest strap ad-on for even more support. Unfortunately, the chest strap cannot be attached to a Kanken Laptop backpack.

With shoulder strap and chest strap ad-ons, the Kanken Classic can be even more comfortable and supportive than a Kanken Laptop.

Kanken Classic: Laptop Carry

One question we often hear is: Can you use the seat cushion sleeve as a laptop pocket?

Although you could technically use this sleeve to hold a laptop, we would not recommend it. The seat cushion sleeve was never meant to be used as a pocket and is made with very thin material. As a result, it does not have the same protection as a dedicated padded laptop pocket.

If you plan on using your Kanken Classic as a laptop backpack, we recommend grabbing a padded laptop case. Keep in mind, that the Kanken Classic can only fit a device 13-inches or under with a padded case inside the main compartment. If you have a bigger laptop, you will have to upgrade to the larger Kanken Laptop 15" or 17".

Explore Kanken Backpack Alternatives

See the List

Which Kanken Backpack is Better?

Kånken Classic

Kånken Laptop

Choose the Kanken Classic if… you want the most versatile Kanken backpack with the most color and accessory options. The Kanken Classic a great choice if you don’t plan on carrying a laptop all of the time. It’s compact size gives you more packing room than the Kanken 13-inch without the bulk of bigger sizes.

Choose a Kanken Laptop if… You need the protection and convenience of a dedicated laptop pocket and want an extra compartment for small items. Upgrading to the Kanken Laptop 15-inch and 17-inch will also allow you to store larger devices and give you more packing room inside the main compartment.

MORE HELPFUL FJALLRAVEN COMPARISONS:

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Mini

• Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28 Laptop Backpack

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Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Mini - What's the difference?

When first released in 1978, who would have guessed that the Fjallraven Kanken would achieve the global popularity it has today?

Well, once you get your hands on a Kanken it starts to become a lot clearer why the bags are so popular. High quality construction, an innovative shoulder strap design and a roomy main compartment that’s perfectly designed for school books and folders is a winning combination.

In recent years Fjallraven has released the Kanken Mini, a smaller version of the original Kanken Classic. But is the smaller size all there is to it?

In this Kanken Classic vs Mini backpack comparison we will have both backpacks side-by-side so that you can see exactly how they fit when worn, what fits inside, and all of the small, but important, differences that may not be obvious at first glance.

Curious about the Kanken Laptop? Check out our Kanken Classic vs Laptop comparison!

Video Review

Kanken Classic vs Mini Side-by-Side

What’s the same?

Some people might argue that the smaller Fjallraven Kanken Mini is made for kids, but that’s not true. The Kanken Mini has the same size shoulder straps as the larger Kanken models but is simply designed to hold less with a smaller footprint on the back when worn. Think of the Kanken Mini as an alternative to a purse, sling bag, or small tote that you would use for daily essentials.

Aside from a couple of small but important differences (more on that later), both the Kanken Classic and Mini have the exact same Vinylon F construction and even share the same zippers, Arctic Fox snaps, and stitch points. 

The Kanken Mini even shares the same size webbing for the shoulder straps and handles as the Kanken Classic, making them feel very similar when carried. Another small but important detail is the X-webbing on the back that promotes even weight distribution when worn - the hallmark feature of any Kanken backpack.

In short, whether you choose the Kanken Classic or Mini, you will be getting the same exact high quality materials and number of pockets. So the real question you have to ask when choosing between the two is: How much do I need to carry?

Kanken Classic vs Mini: Size Difference

With an internal capacity of only 7 liters, the Kanken Mini is significantly smaller than the 16-liter Classic. Along with a smaller footprint on the back when worn, you'll find that the Kanken Mini feels more like a purse or small sling bag while the Kanken Classic feels more like a traditional backpack. Not only is the Kanken Mini lighter, but its footprint is almost comically small.

Price Difference

Fjallraven recently had a slight price increase across their products in recent years. It’s always best to check for the latest prices, but usually the Kanken Mini is cheaper than the larger Kanken Classic. We also recommend buying your Kanken from a reputable online retailer to avoid knock-offs and fakes.

Kanken Classic

Kanken Mini

Kanken Classic vs Mini: What fits inside?

Since the Kanken Classic and Mini share a lot of the same construction details, the biggest difference will be in what fits inside each. Consider this section the meat and potatoes of this backpack comparison.

The Fjallraven Kanken Classic was originally designed as a backpack for school children and was purpose-built for carrying notebooks and books. As a result, you can expect the Kanken Classic to fit large items like folders, binders, and notebooks inside the 16-liter main compartment. We were also able to fit a 13-inch laptop inside a padded case inside the Kanken Classic.

The Kanken Mini is too small for most larger school items such as binders and folders, but smaller composition notebooks (9.75" x 7.5") and smaller journals and planners will fit just fine. The same goes for laptops. The Kanken Mini is too small to fit most laptops, but you can fit a 10" iPad or other smaller tablet inside the main compartment just fine.

Although too small for A4 folders and papers, you could in theory be a brave soul and use the Kanken Mini as a school backpack if all you need to carry is a few composition notebooks and an iPad.

For travel packing, both the Kanken Classic and Mini can hold a surprising amount of clothing. We tested both backpacks with Men's Size Small t-shirts in order to find out how much each Kanken could fit.

The Kanken Classic can fit 20 t-shirts inside the main compartment, making it a good bag to use for a weekend trip (or more if you are a light packer). For travel, the Kanken Classic makes a great bag for a weekend trip or as a personal item backpack for airlines with strict carry-on size limits (we are looking at you, United Airlines).

Despite its itty-bitty size, we found that the Kanken Mini can fit 10 t-shirts inside its main compartment, which is actually a lot for a bag this small. Although the Mini may be too small for a weekend trip, it gives you enough room for at least a change of clothing.

Pockets and Compartments

Both the Kanken Classic and Mini have the exact same number of pockets. You can expect to find two flat side pockets and a front zippered compartment on each bag.

The front pocket on the Kanken Mini is tiny and too small to fit most smartphones. It's best reserved for very small items such as earbuds, chapstick, and phone charger cables. It can just barely fit pens, markers, and mechanical pencils.

The front pocket on the Kanken Classic can fit larger items such as a cell phone with a charger, plus smaller items like earbuds, chapstick, and pens and markers.

We tested the side pockets with a water bottle and an umbrella and found that the side pockets on the Kanken Classic can fit a 24oz water bottle and umbrella just fine. Although the fabric on Kanken backpacks does stretch and soften over time, don’t expect to ever be able to squeeze in a larger 32oz water bottle inside these side pockets.

The side pockets on the Kanken Mini are too small to fit a water bottle, but there is enough room to fit a slim travel umbrella.

The Biggest Difference: Shoulder Strap Design

One of the best features of any Fjallraven Kanken is the ability to switch between a backpack and a tote bag by tucking away the shoulder straps. This prevents dangling straps when carrying the Kanken by its top handle for a neater experience.

The Kanken Classic has a very simple shoulder strap design that allows you to switch between a tote bag and a backpack in seconds. Simply unsnap the strap at the bottom and adjust it as needed.

The shoulder straps on the Kanken Mini are much more complex and feel less intuitive to use. In fact, when you first get the Kanken Mini, you might ask yourself, "Wait, how does this work?"

On the Kanken Mini, there are two plastic D-rings on the top of the shoulder harness, through which the straps have to pass to free them. Once freed, you can adjust your shoulder straps to wear the Mini as a backpack. Unfortunately, you'll have to repeat this process in reverse when you want to turn the Mini back into a tote bag.

This is a small detail between the Kanken Classic and Mini that makes a huge difference in the day-to-day use of the bag. Unless you plan on only using your Kanken as a backpack, it's fair to say that most people will prefer the shoulder straps of the Kanken Classic.

Explore Kanken Backpack Alternatives

See the List

Kanken Accessories and Ad-Ons

When comparing Kanken backpacks, people will rarely mention the ecosystem of Kanken accessories and add-ons that are available for each bag. These accessories allow you to customize your Kanken based on your needs and are a huge reason why the Fjallraven Kanken backpacks are so awesome to use.

Need to carry a large water bottle? The Kanken Bottle Pocket allows you to do just that. Is your Kanken becoming too heavy? The Kanken Shoulder Pads will give you extra padding.

There are many more Kanken accessories available for the original Kanken Classic than there are for the Kanken Mini. Below is a list of Kanken accessories available for the Classic and Mini.

Kanken Classic Accessories:

• Kanken Shoulder Pads

• Kanken Chest Strap

• Kanken Rain Cover

• Kanken Organizer

• Kanken Bottle Pocket

Kanken Mini Accessories:

• Kanken Mini Shoulder Pads

• Kanken Chest Strap

• Kanken Rain Cover

It’s worth noting that Fjallraven offers the most add-ons for the original Kanken 16L backpack. If customizing and upgrading your Kanken is important to you, then you may want to choose the original Kanken Classic over the smaller Mini version.

Which Kanken backpack is better?

Kanken Classic

Kanken Mini

Choose the Kanken Classic if… you want the full Kanken experience and the most packing space. The Kanken Classic is best for school, work and travel thanks to its roomy main compartment. Plus, the full-sized Kanken 16L allows you to customize the bag to your liking thanks to the wide variety of Kanken accessories and ad-ons.

Choose the Kanken Mini if… you need a daily backpack for just the essentials. The Fjallraven Kanken Mini can be best thought as a good alternative for a purse or sling bag. There is enough room for daily essentials like a water bottle, sunglasses and small notebooks but it won’t be large enough for school or travel packing.

MORE HELPFUL FJALLRAVEN COMPARISONS:

• Fjallraven Kanken Classic vs Laptop

• Fjallraven Raven 20 vs 28

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The North Face Borealis vs Jester - What’s the Difference?

The North Face Borealis or Jester? Which one is the better buy? These backpacks are two popular choices if you are looking for a reliable backpack for school, travel or even outdoor activities and in this updated Borealis vs Jester backpack comparison we dive deep and explore the differences.

Note: this comparison is of the 2023/2024 versions of both the North Face Borealis and Jester. The North Face is known for updating their backpack designs every so often and specific details may be different if you wish to compare older versions of either backpack.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	The North Face Borealis	The North Face Jester
Volume	28 Liters (Mens) 28 Liters (Womens)	27 Liters (Mens) 22 Liters (Womens)
Material	Nylon Ripstop	Recycled Polyester
Laptop Storage	Up to 15" laptop	Mens: Up to 15" Womens: Up to 14"
Tablet Pocket	Yes	No
Fleece Lined Pocket	Yes	No
Compression Straps	Yes	No
Sternum Strap	Yes	Yes
Waist Belt	Yes	No
Price	Buy on Amazon	Buy on Amazon

The North Face Backpacks: Mens vs Womens

For this hands-on comparison we used the womens Borealis and Jester backpacks. If you are looking to purchase a men’s North Face backpack, please note that most of this comparison will still apply.

The main differences between the men’s and women’s versions are as follows:

• Men’s North Face backpacks have larger back panels and wider shoulder straps to accommodate broader shoulders and longer torsos. This is the biggest difference. 

• The men’s version of the North Face Borealis has a 28-liter carrying capacity, while the women’s version is 27 liters. 

• The men’s Jester has a capacity of 28 liters, while the women’s version of the Jester is significantly smaller at 22 liters.

Rest assured that all of the pockets and compartments are the same on both the men’s and women’s versions of the Borealis and Jester.

The North Face Women’s Borealis (left) and Women’s Jester (right)

Borealis vs Jester: Capacity and Size 

The Borealis is the larger backpack overall and have a larger footprint when worn. You can expect the Borealis to be wider and stick out more when worn. In comparison, the Jester offers a slimmer fit that doesn’t stick out as much.

Model height: 5’6” - wearing womens Borealis and Jester backpacks

The North Face is all over the place when it comes to their internal carrying capacity and sizes, especially with the Jester backpacks.

Although the men’s Borealis and Jester sit comfortably at 28 liters, there is a huge difference between the women’s sizes, with the Jester being a lot smaller at 22 liters versus the 27 liters of the women’s Borealis.

Backpack Carrying Capacities in Liters:

• Women’s Borealis: 27L

• Men’s Borealis: 28L

• Women’s Jester: 22L

• Men’s Jester: 28L

Main compartments: 27L Borealis vs 22L Jester

What this means for you is that you can fit about the same volume of items inside the men’s Borealis and Jester. When comparing the women’s backpacks, our packing test revealed that you can fit an extra jacket inside the women’s Borealis.

Big Difference: Quality, Materials and Construction 

The main difference between the Borealis and Jester backpacks is in their construction quality. A little-known fact is that not all backpacks from The North Face are cut from the same cloth, literally.

The North Face backpacks can be split into two tiers: Premium Bags, which include models like the Borealis, Recon and Surge. These bags are made with premium materials at a higher price point. Then there are the Budget Bags which include the Jester and Vault, which are made with cheaper materials and cost less.

So, although the Borealis and Jester may look similar, they are actually on two different planets in terms of quality.

Nylon Ripstop construction and YKK zippers (left) vs recycled polyester and SBS zippers (right)

The Borealis is made of nylon ripstop with a water-repellent coating, top-of-the-line YKK zippers, and special features such as fleece-lined pockets throughout to protect items like sunglasses and tech.

The Jester, on the other hand, uses recycled polyester in its construction with cheaper SBS brand zippers. Most of its pockets are made of a cheaper mesh material and it features no special fleece-lined pockets.

You’ll also notice a difference in the hardware used in each respective backpack. The North Face Borealis is filled with hefty plastic hardware for the sternum strap, waist belt, and compression straps. Meanwhile, the Jester uses lighter plastic hardware and is missing a lot of key features like the waist belt and compression straps.

This leads us to the weight of each of these backpacks. All of the extra bells and whistles on the Borealis leads to heavier backpack overall.

Backpack Weights:

• Womens Borealis: 2 lbs 1 oz

• Mens Borealis: 2 lbs 5 oz

• Womens Jester: 1 lb 8 oz

• Mens Jester: 1 lb 10 oz

This difference in quality and construction is what accounts for the price difference, with the Borealis being the most expensive backpack. Meanwhile, the Jester stays consistently under $100, with attractive sale prices from time to time.

Borealis vs Jester: Pockets and Compartments

Laptop Compartment vs Sleeve

A major difference between the Borealis and Jester is the location of the laptop storage. The Borealis features a separate rear laptop compartment while the Jester has a laptop sleeve inside the main compartment.

The North Face Borealis vs Jester: Borealis laptop compartment vs the Jester laptop sleeve inside main compartment

Which is better? We prefer the external laptop compartment of the Borealis, but ultimately, it’s up to personal preference. We like not having to rummage through the main compartment to reach the laptop. It makes quickly grabbing tech a lot easier.

The Borealis and men’s Jester can all comfortably fit a laptop up to 15 inches, but the sleeve on the women’s Jester is a tad smaller, limiting your carry to a 14-inch laptop.

However, both the laptop compartment on the Borealis and sleeve on the Jester feature a false bottom to prevent the bottom of the laptop from reaching the bottom of the bag. This gives your tech extra protection in case of a bump or drop.

A low-key feature of the Borealis is the ability to turn the laptop compartment into a hydration pocket. If you look closely at the top of the laptop compartment on the Borealis, you’ll see a small Velcro hook with a small opening right above it. This is for attaching a hydration bladder. So, if you ever want to go hiking, you can attach a hydration bladder and port it to the outside of the bag. The Jester is missing this feature altogether.

Front Compartment and Extra Pockets

Both the Borealis and Jester come with a front compartment with smaller pockets for organization. The front compartment on the Borealis has more pockets overall, including a fleece-lined pocket for a phone or sunglasses and a larger slip pocket for a tablet. 

Front compartment on the Borealis and Jester - the Borealis has more pockets

The Jester offers mesh pockets for items like pens, accessories, and a phone but does not include any fleece-lined pocket or the larger tablet pocket. This is where the quality differences really shine as the cheaper mesh pockets feel a lot flimsier than the robust pockets inside the Borealis. 

The fleece-lined front pocket on The North Face Borealis is missing on the Jester

Additionally, the Borealis has an extra fleece-lined pocket on the front of the backpack to hold items like sunglasses or a phone. Unfortunately, the Jester is missing this pocket altogether.

Side Water Bottle Pockets

The gap in quality can be clearly seen in the differences of the side water bottle pockets. The Borealis uses heavier-duty mixed materials, including a stretchy tight-weave mesh for their water bottle pockets while the Jester uses a cheaper mesh material. The good news is that both the Jester and Borealis can easily fit larger 32oz water bottles. 

Pictured above are the Borealis and Jester with 24oz bottles for a side by side comparison.

One advantage that we will give to the Jester is that there is no bungee on top of the water bottle pockets to fuss with. This side-bungee on the Borealis acts as compression straps for the water bottle pocket and the bag itself, but in everyday use, you’ll just find it getting in the way. 

We really believe that The North Face added this bungee here to give the Borealis a cool look. Functionally, a proper compression strap (as seen on The North Face Recon) would have been more practical.

Elastic Bungee System

We are pretty sure the reason the Borealis and Jester get compared is that they both have a front elastic bungee storage system, but just like the gap in overall quality, there is a quality gap in the bungee designs.

Borealis vs Jester: towel attached to the elastic bungee storage system

The Borealis features clips in the center that allow you to detach the bungee for quicker attachments. These clips are missing on the Jester, and as a result, attaching something like a jacket or beach towel will take more time.

We can’t express enough how much easier the bungee on the Borealis is to use. Attaching extra cargo is simpler, faster, and less of a headache.

Another smaller difference is with the compression points. The Jester has two compression points on either side of the bungee to hold items in place. As a result, you have extra bungee hanging from either side of the bag that creates unnecessary snag points. The Borealis features just one compression point at the bottom, creating a cleaner look.

Shoulder Harness and Back Panel Differences

Both backpacks use a different version of The North Face’s FlexVent Suspension system with generous air channels on the back panels and ergonomic shoulder straps. The Borealis features extra lumbar support, which comes in handy when the backpack gets heavy. In short, if you are going for the backpack with the most back support, go with the Borealis.

As for shoulder straps, the Borealis does use better and more robust materials on its shoulder straps, but both backpacks feel about the same when worn. The shoulder straps on both backpacks are on the stiffer side and neither feel more cushioned than the other despite the differences in materials.

Both the Borealis and Jester include an adjustable chest strap, but only the Borealis includes a removable waist belt.

Which Backpack Should You Buy?

The North Face Borealis

Buy on Amazon

The North Face Jester

Buy on Amazon

Choose The North Face Borealis if… you want the full North Face backpack experience with better materials, fleece lined pockets and a separate laptop compartment. The inclusion of the removable waist belt and side compression straps also allow for more control of how you carry which can come in handy when the backpack is full.

Choose The North Face Jester if… you want a lightweight yet reliable backpack on a budget. The Jester is good for anyone who wants a basic North Face backpack without the higher price tag.

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The North Face Recon vs Borealis - What's the difference?

Shopping for a new North Face backpack? Are you torn between the Recon and Borealis? This North Face Recon vs Borealis backpack comparison is here to help you decide! We will showcase each backpack side by side to see what the real differences are so you can choose the right one for you.

Before we begin, it’s important to note that this comparison is for the 2023 versions of both the North Face Recon and Borealis. The North Face is known for updating their backpack designs every so often, so specific details may be different if you wish to compare older versions of either backpack.

Video Review

Quick Specs

	The North Face Recon	The North Face Borealis
Volume	30 Liters	28 Liters (Mens) 27 Liters (Womens)
Material	Recycled Ripstop Nylon YKK Zippers	Recycled Ripstop Nylon YKK Zippers
Laptop Sleeve	Up to 15" laptop	Up to 15" laptop
Front Storage	Stash pocket	Elastic bungee system
Bottom Compression Straps	Yes	Yes
Sternum Strap	Yes	Yes
Waist Belt	Yes	Yes
Price

Men’s vs Women’s North Face Backpacks

The women’s versions are used in this Recon vs Borealis comparison. If you are looking to purchase a men’s North Face backpack, please note that 99% of this comparison will still apply.

The main differences between the men’s and women’s versions are as follows:

• Men’s North Face backpacks have larger back panels and wider shoulder straps to accommodate broader shoulders. This is the biggest difference. 

• The men’s version of the North Face Borealis has a 28-liter carrying capacity while the women’s version is 27 liters. Both the men’s and women’s versions of the Recon are 30 liters. 

• All of the pockets and compartments have the same configuration in both the men’s and women’s versions.

North Face Recon vs Borealis Side-By-Side

The North Face Recon (left) and Borealis (right)

Carrying Capacity and Size

One difference between the North Face Recon and Borealis is their size and carrying capacity.

The North Face Recon has a carrying capacity of 30 liters, while the Borealis sports a carrying capacity of 28 liters for the men’s version and 27 liters for the women’s version.

A 2-3 liter difference in carrying capacity isn’t all that much, and in our packing tests, we found the difference to be about the size of a 24oz water bottle (or two cans of soda). Most of the extra room on the Recon can be found in the depth of the main compartment (from front to back) when compared to the Borealis. 

Is it enough of a size difference for you to notice? Maybe, if you need the most packing room you can get. But for most people, the size difference might not even be noticed, especially when worn.

Pockets and Compartments

Spoiler: The pockets are mostly the same

The choice of pockets and compartments of these backpacks is where things get interesting. Despite their drastically different exteriors, The North Face chooses to use the same exterior pockets, organizer panels, and laptop sleeves with each bag. There really isn’t much difference between the North Face Recon and Borealis when it comes to storage.

The North Face Recon and Borealis are essentially the same backpack with different exterior shells.

Let’s run through the main carry features so you can see what we mean. Both the Recon and Borealis have the same fleece-lined front pocket to store items like sunglasses, phones, and tech you want to prevent from getting scratched up.

The fleece lined pocket on The North Face Recon and Borealis backpacks

Both backpacks have nearly identical front organizer compartments. These compartments have pockets for small items such as pens, phones, and chargers. The North Face also includes a padded, fleece-lined pocket for a small tablet in both.

The laptop sleeves on the North Face Recon and Borealis are also very similar and can both support a laptop up to 15 inches. Both laptop compartments also have hookups for a water bladder, allowing you to turn both into hiking backpacks.

The only difference is that the laptop sleeve on the Borealis sits 3 inches higher than the one on the Recon. As a result, the laptop compartment on the Recon is much deeper, despite being about the same width as the laptop sleeve on the Borealis.

• Women’s Recon laptop sleeve: 18'' x 10.6'

• Women’s Borealis laptop sleeve: 12.5'' x 11' 

The similarities continue with the water bottle pockets. They are the same elastic water bottle pockets and can easily fit larger 32oz bottles, but the difference is that the Recon has compression straps to secure the bottle in place, while the Borealis has bungee compression. And for what it’s worth, it is much easier and faster to adjust the bungee than it is to adjust the compression strap.

Exterior Storage Differences

The real difference between the Recon and Borealis are with their exterior storage designs. The Recon has a stretchy quick-stash pocket while the Borealis has a bungee storage system.

The elastic storage system on the Borealis is made out of small tie-out loops with elastic cord running through them, and The North Face has recently added a clip-on feature that allows you to quickly stash items onto the bungee. It’s best used for attaching large and bulky items to the front of the backpack.

What the bungee is good for:

• Quickly tying down a light jacket or sweater

• Carrying bulky items like a beach towel or blanket

• Securing extra tall items like a light sleeping bag or yoga mat.

What the bungee is not good for:

• Attaching smaller items like a book, headphones, hat or gloves

The elastic bungee system is incredibly functional and you can find a million ways to use it. This feature alone makes the North Face Borealis a great choice for anyone looking for a versatile backpack for school, travel or outdoor activities where carrying bulky items is necessary.

The North Face Recon ditches the bungee system for a single stash pocket. Although the pocket is stretchy, it isn’t that large.

If you have a light sweatshirt or jacket - it might fit. Smaller items like a bike lock or a small notebook will fit just fine. But the pocket definitely too small for a pair of shoes, blanket or a bike helmet.

What the stash pocket is good for:

• Quickly stashing away smaller items like hats, gloves, books and snacks

• You may be able to fit a lightweight compressible jacket

• Storing a bike lock if using the Recon for commuting

What the stash pocket is not good for:

• The pocket is too small for a bike helmet, blanket, shoes or other larger items

This front stash pocket on the North Face Recon is most useful when you need to put something away quickly and don’t have time to open up a zippered pocket. It’s actually very convenient on busy days. 

Another difference on the Recon is the inclusion of daisy chains on the front of the stash pocket which the Borealis doesn’t have. Although the men’s version of the Borealis does include similar daisy chains on the side of the bag, the women’s Borealis includes no daisy chains whatsoever. Both the Recon and Borealis feature a lash tab on the bottom of the front of each bag.

As an aside, if you want to learn more about daisy chains, tie out loops, and lash tabs then make sure to check out our anatomy of a backpack guide where we explain what all of these external attachments are for.

Material and Construction Comparison

When it comes to construction and materials, both the Recon and Borealis are on the same page. The North Face uses the exact same primary materials for both backpacks, and construction quality feels identical. 

Both bags use the same water-repellent recycled ripstop nylon and YKK zippers. Specific secondary materials may vary depending on which color you choose, as the North Face may use additional fabrics for different colors.

Since both the Borealis and Recon use the same exact shoulder straps and back panels, both backpacks feel the same when worn. Seriously. Neither backpack edges the other one out in terms of comfort, since the size differences aren’t that great to begin with.

As you can see, most of the differences between the North Face Borealis and Recon are cosmetic. Their important carry, comfort, and construction features are nearly identical.

Which Backpack is Better?

The North Face Recon

The North Face Borealis

Choose the North Face Recon if… you absolutely need a larger backpack for books, binders, clothes and other essential items. At 30 liters, it’s just the right size for a daily backpack without being too bulky. The quick stash pocket in the front is convenient and comes in handy when you are in a rush. Commuters will like that the external pocket on the Recon that can comfortably fit a bike lock.

Choose the North Face Borealis if… you like the idea of the external bungee system to haul around oversized gear like blankets and jackets. This bungee system is great once you start to utilize it since it frees up the main compartment and gives you a ton of more storage space.

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Best Backpacks with Shoe Compartments - Tested and Reviewed!

Whether you need a reliable backpack for the gym, work or travel having a backpack with a shoe compartment is the easiest way to carry an extra pair of shoes from point A to B.

In this buying guide we test almost a dozen backpacks to find out which ones float to the top. We like the King Kong EDGE as a dedicated gym pack and Pacsafe EXP35 for its great anti-theft features. We also feature our favorite backpacks with shoe compartments for work, travel and those on a budget to make sure there is something that matches your carry needs.

Video Review

Overview: Our Top Picks

KING KONG EDGE

Versatile work, travel and gym backpack with shoe compartment.

The King Kong EDGE is a sleek, durable and feature-packed gym backpack with shoe compartment that has quickly become one of our favorites. This is thanks to its large 35-liter main compartment that’s perfect for training gear like weight lifting belts, boxing gloves and other bulkier items. On light duty days the magnetic buckle side straps allow you to compress the backpack for a sleeker profile.

But the King Kong EDGE is more than just a gym bag! Features like a separate admin compartment, 17” laptop compartment and multiple organizer pockets also give it the ability to turn into a work or travel backpack when you need it. Whether you are packing for a workout day, weekend trip or a busy work week - the EDGE will have all of the room you need to conquer it all in style!

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 35L

• Huge padded 17” laptop compartment

• Large pack-flat clamshell main compartment with plenty of internal pockets

• Versatile: gym, work, daily or travel bag

• 25 Year Warranty

• Shoe compartment: Bottom pocket

PACSAFE EXP35

A travel backpack with an innovative anti-theft design, plenty of storage and a convenient shoe compartment.

The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 backpack is perfect for those who need a travel backpack with a shoe compartment that has the features to also adapt to work commutes and gym days.

Some of its best features include a tough duffle-inspired construction, an amazing array of organization pockets and an advanced anti-theft design to keep your gear safe from theft, pick-pockets and RFID attacks. The Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 can be best described as the “Fort Knox” of backpacks and it showcases a gold-standard in anti-theft design.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 35L

• Padded 16” laptop sleeve

• Serious anti-theft design with self-locking zippers, anti-slash fabric and RFID-blocking pockets

• Lots of pockets to organize passports, pens, keys and smaller items.

• Shoe Compartment: bottom pocket

UNDER ARMOUR HUSTLE 5.0

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Affordable backpack for sports and school with lots of storage and shoe pocket.

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is a roomy 29-liter backpack with plenty of organization and a clever shoe compartment that is accessed through the bottom of the bag. This backpack is perfect for those who need a reliable school or sports backpack without breaking the bank.

But despite its affordable price, the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 doesn’t disappoint when it comes to features. Small details like fleece lined laptop and valuables pockets, water resistant exterior fabric and metal zippers allows the Hustle to punch above its class.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 29L

• Available in over a dozen colors

• Laptop sleeve fits up to 15” MacBook Pro

• Roomy main compartment and secondary admin compartment for smaller items

• Shoe compartment: Bottom pocket

More Great Backpacks We Tested

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

A stylish office-friendly backpack with separate compartments for work and travel packing.

The Public Rec Pro Pack Plus makes a great backpack with a shoe compartment because it doesn’t scream “gym backpack” - instead it offers a minimalist exterior that is clean enough to wear to the office while at the same time offering incredible daily organization.

Along with a sneaky hidden shoe pocket, the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus offers a clever partitioned design that allows you to keep your travel (or gym) packing and work items completely separated. This means no rummaging through sweatpants to get to your work laptop. Throughout the backpack you’ll also find lots of sweet features like an easy-access phone pocket, water bottle pockets and water resistant materials and zippers for peace of mind on rainy days.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 26.5L

• Separate rear “work” and front “packing” compartments

• 15” padded laptop sleeve and separate tablet sleeve

• Versatile design can be used for commuting, gym or travel

• Water resistant design

• Shoe compartment: bottom pocket

Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack

Sleek low-profile backpack with shoe compartment for those who want just one “everything” bag.

The Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack is our favorite backpack for work and the gym, thanks to its thoughtful design that offers a seamless transition from a long day at the office to workout sessions. Throughout its design, you’ll find numerous great pockets for organizing your daily essentials within a water-resistant construction that keeps your most important items safe on rainy days.

Travel-specific features like a luggage trolley sleeve and handles for easy access in overhead compartments also make the Dayfarer V2 an easy pick for flights. The bottom shoe compartment is just one of the many fantastic features in a long array of clever pockets for items like toiletries and gym gear, making the Modern Dayfarer V2 a true “everything backpack” in one streamlined package.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 24L

• 16” laptop compartment protected with water resistant zipper

• Tough water resistant construction

• Lots of internal pockets for organization

• Shoe compartment: Bottom pocket

KING KONG PLUS26

A rugged feature-packed gym backpack with exterior shoe pocket.

With the PLUS26, King Kong offers a heavy-hitter that really shines in a sea of mediocre gym bags. This backpack just makes sense. For one, the shoe pocket is found on the front of the backpack instead of the inside. This means better ventilation for your shoes while also avoiding taking up precious space in the main compartment.

There is also the dual access 26-liter main compartment that is just large enough for your gym essentials without making the bag too bulky for daily carry. The main compartment has a top-loading access zipper for daily use while the back zipper allows for full clamshell access to the inside. It’s design features like these that makes the King Kong PLUS26 easily one of our favorite gym backpacks.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 26L

• Padded laptop sleeve

• 25 year guarantee

• Dual-access main compartment (top loading and clamshell)

• Shoe compartment: External front pocket

TROUBADOUR PIONEER

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A refined work, gym and travel backpack with shoe compartment.

The Troubadour Pioneer is perfect for someone who wants a backpack with a shoe compartment with a sophisticated professional design and premium materials. At 23.5 liters the Pioneer is the most compact and streamlined out of any of the backpacks we have tested but this could really work for those in more professional environments where carrying a bulky backpack isn’t an option.

Despite its minimalist exterior, the Troubadour Pioneer is packed full of pockets and compartments for organization. The main compartment has a great variety of zippered pockets and smaller slip pockets to organize you daily work items. On the outside you’ll find even more pockets for quick-access to essentials.

The bottom shoe compartment offers a discreet way to carry shoes or extra clothing and can easily fit up to a size 12 (US) pair of men’s running shoes. This is also one of the only backpacks we have tested that features built-in vents to allow the compartment to breathe to prevent the trapping of stinky odors. Although a small detail it makes all of the difference!

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 23.5L

• 17” laptop sleeve that can be accessed with dedicated side zipper

• Great internal pockets for organizing daily work items

• Sleek professional design with water resistant construction

• Shoe compartment: bottom pocket

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Our Research

• Who is This Guide For

• How We Tested

• Types of Shoe Compartment Backpacks

• Best Gym Backpack: King Kong EDGE

• Best Travel Backpack: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35

• Budget Pick: Under Armour Hustle 5.0

• Best for Work and Travel: Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

• Best for Work and Gym: Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack

• Other Backpacks with Shoe Pockets to Consider

• Shoe Carry Alternatives

Who is This Guide For

There is a wide variety of people who may need a reliable backpack with a shoe compartment and we hade three specific types of people in mind.

Athletes and Gym Go-ers

Sports and gym backpacks offer sportier casual design often with activity-specific features such as sports equipment, pockets for balls and accommodation for protective gear like gloves and pads. The most important feature in a sports and gym backpack is the main compartment and whether or not your specific gear will be able to fit inside of it.

If you find yourself changing into your workout shoes at your destination to the gym or sports practice then you a sports or gym backpack with a shoe compartment may be what you need to separate your shoes from the rest of your clean items during transport.

Although there are tons of different types of athletic shoes, the backpacks we reviewed here all can fit running shoes, trainers and cleats.

Travelers

Traveling with shoes calls for a backpack with a shoe compartment. It’s the simplest way to pack with shoes and keep them separate from clean items. Shoe compartments also double as laundry compartment and give you the ability to separate your dirty clothing from your clean items during your trip. Say goodbye to packing extra laundry bags!

Travel backpacks are usually larger (30L+) than everyday laptop backpacks to accommodate for travel packing. Our favorite travel backpacks open like a suitcase for easy packing and unpacking or feature expandable compartments for even more versatility.

Besides the larger capacity, the main difference between a travel backpack and a daily bag is its emphasis on security and travel features. Examples include lockable zippers, pockets for a passport, extra exterior handles and a trolley sleeve for attaching the bag to rolling luggage. If you are planning on using your backpack primarily for travel then going with a travel-specific backpack with a shoe compartment may be the way to go.

One Bag For Work and Gym/Travel

If you find yourself often switching between a daily carry backpack for work and a secondary backpack for gym or travel then you may benefit from a hybrid backpack that combines the best features of each.

A work and gym backpack will have everything you need for your daily work carry plus extra features for your workout gear such as a shoe compartment, water bottle pockets and extra storage for a change of clothing. 

A work and travel backpack will often have extra security features such as lockable zippers and RFID-safe pockets as well as the space to accommodate for travel packing while still offering the daily carry features you need for commutes to work.

Unlike backpacks dedicated to the gym or travel, these versatile bags offer a more refined business casual backpack design that won’t look out of place at the office and are usually smaller in size (under 30L) for a more compact look.

How We Tested These Backpacks

We spent a few months researching different backpacks with shoe compartments before compiling our final list. This included real world use as well as testing in our studio to make sure each bag delivered in its promised performance. With each backpack we asked a serious of questions to help us determine its quality.

Is the shoe pocket roomy enough?

We tested each backpack with a women’s size 8 and a men’s size 12 (US sizes) running shoes to judge the roominess of each shoe compartment.

The men’s shoes we used measured 12.5” in length and 4.5” in width. You can use these measurements to compare with your own shoes or use a handy shoe size conversion guide to determine how much room your shoes will take up in comparison. 

All of the backpacks tested must at least be able to fit a men’s size 12 running shoes inside the shoe compartment in order to be included in our picks. This provides a guaranteed fit for readers with smaller shoe sizes. In addition, all of our original photography showcases the shoe compartment with a men’s size 12 sneakers so that you can easily compare each compartment.

Note: Boots and larger shoes were not used to test the shoe compartments and we cannot guarantee that the shoe compartments in the backpacks tested will be roomy enough to fit shoes larger than a men’s size 12. If you have questions about whether larger shoes will fit, please contact the respective backpack brand for more information.

Is it a good quality backpack?

In addition to having a shoe pocket, we took construction quality and comfort into consideration when rating and reviewing each backpack.

• Construction Materials - Backpacks with great zipper quality, robust stitching, and quality fabrics such a nylon floated to the top. A great backpack should feel as good as it looks.

• Water Resistant Construction - Water resistant outer materials and zippers were a huge plus when choosing these backpacks.

• Comfortable Back Panel and Shoulder Straps - adequately padded shoulder straps, padded back panels and the inclusion of chest straps all tied into our ratings.

Is the backpack well designed?

Those looking for a backpack with a shoe compartment usually fall into two categories:

• Gym backpacks with a shoe compartment

• Travel backpacks with a shoe compartment

Most backpacks with shoe pockets can be used for both gym and travel despite the brand marketing specifying one or the other. With this in mind, we tested each backpack for both daily carry situations (work, school) and for travel/gym carry.

Below is a sample of the items we used when testing each backpack:

Daily Carry (Work/School)

• Laptop (and tablet if backpack had a tablet sleeve)

• 3-subject notebook and 1-inch binder

• Pens and pencils

• Tech chargers (laptop and phone charge, misc cables)

• Cell Phone

• Apple Airpods or other earbuds

Travel/Gym Carry

• Shoes in shoe compartment

• 1-3x change of clothing

• Toiletries bag

• For gym: boxing gloves, weight lifting belt and gloves, resistant bands, jump rope, towel

The best backpack with a shoe pocket can carry all of the above and is versatile enough to use as a daily carry backpack as well as a gym or travel bag. What this means is that you can’t go wrong with our top 3 selections and choosing comes down to style preferences and the need for specific features such as exterior laptop compartments or trolley sleeves for attaching the backpack to luggage.

Other important features that determined our likeliness to recommend include the following:

• Water bottle pockets

• Padded laptop and tablet sleeves

• Smaller pockets for organization

• Main compartment size (~30L seems to be the sweet spot for travel/gym carry)

Types of Shoe Compartment Backpacks

There are three common types of backpacks with shoe compartments and each one is a little different. Below is a helpful explanation of each type so you know the difference when shopping for a new backpack. 

FRONT ACCESS

Front access backpacks have a front loading shoe pocket that is separate from the main compartment. The main compartment and shoe compartment is usually divided by polyester or nylon material. Some backpacks do a good job at separating the two compartments but others may take up space in the main compartment if the shoe pocket is filled.

Many people prefer shoe compartments with front access because they can retrieve their shoes without having to completely pick up the bag or lay it flat. Another pro of having front access is that the bottom stays flat when set down on the ground. Bottom compartments can make the bag bottom uneven when filled with shoes. 

BOTTOM COMPARTMENT

Bottom Compartment backpacks place a compartment on the bottom of the bag that is completely separate from the main compartment. Unlike backpacks with bottom access or front access shoe compartments, a backpack with a bottom compartment does not dig into the main compartment as its being filled because it has it’s own reserved space. 

One thing to note with bottom compartment backpacks is that their main compartments may be smaller due to the addition of the bottom compartment. 

BOTTOM ACCESS

Bottom access shoe compartment backpacks usually have a zipper entry at the very bottom of the backpack that opens up to a shoe compartment. The difference between a bottom compartment backpack and bottom access shoe compartment backpack is that the bottom access bag share the storage space with the main compartment. 

Like front access shoe compartment backpacks, the shoe compartment and main compartment is divided by polyester or nylon fabric.

Best Gym Backpack with Shoe Compartment: King Kong EDGE

King Kong EDGE35

Why We Chose This Backpack

The King Kong EDGE feels like one of the most complete bags on our list thanks to its versatile design and clever pocket placement. It’s 35L main compartment is roomy enough for gym packing of bulky training gear and is also large enough for serious travel packing. Since this backpack opens like a suitcase, it’s super easy to pack your items while having a birds-eye view of all the pockets that line the inside.

As a daypack you can simply cinch side compression straps down the to reduce the EDGE’s size. A separate admin compartment on the front and a laptop compartment in the rear provide you with great organization of everyday carry.

Out of all of the bags we have tested the EDGE definitely felt the most heavy-duty with robust fabrics and beefy zippers throughout. This is the kind of bag you wouldn’t feel bag about tossing around in the gym and the top and side handles makes it easy to do just that!

Video Review - King Kong EDGE

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Large open-flat main compartment

Finding a backpack with a bottom compartment for shoe storage can be a challenge for those who carry bulkier items like boxing gloves and headgear without resorting to a gym duffel bag. Thankfully King Kong has designed the “Goldilocks” of gym backpacks that is just the right size for your workout gear without looking ridiculously large when worn.

This is thanks to its large 35-liter clamshell main compartment that allows you to lay the backpack flat for easy packing and unpacking. The main compartment is also lined with mesh pockets so you can organize clothing and smaller items while keeping the rest of the main compartment open for larger items.

On light carry days the side Fidlock magnetic straps can compress the backpack down for an even slimmer profile while still allowing you full access to the top, bottom, laptop and admin compartments for daily essentials.

The Shoe Compartment

The shoe pocket on the King Kong EDGE is a bottom access pocket which means that the pocket will cut into the main compartment’s capacity when used. This is the most common configuration you’ll find when looking for a backpack with shoe compartment. For a different front loading shoe pocket design we recommend the King Kong Plus26 backpack.

The EDGE’s bottom shoe pocket is very roomy and can easily fit larger men’s sneakers/trainers. We successfully fit men’s size 12 running shoes into this pocket with room to spare.

There is also another similar yet smaller pocket on the top of the backpack that can be used for smaller shoes or bulkier items that you need quick access to.

Durability meets sleek design

King Kong has really succeeded in offering a backpack that feels as good as it looks. The bag itself is made out of a tough 1000D Nylon while the inside features a 210D Ripstop Nylon lining to prevent rips and tears.

The hardware is also high quality with each pocket using premium YKK zippers and the side compression straps featuring magnetic Fidlock quick release buckles. The bag just feels nice which goes a long way when using the backpack day in and day out.

Tech Carry

One of the features of the King Kong EDGE that we really like is the large laptop compartment that has its own separate zipper access. The padded laptop compartment located against the back panel can fit a whopping 17-inch laptop making the EDGE ideal for those looking for a quality gym laptop backpack with shoe compartment.

For tech accessories like cables and chargers the front admin compartment gives you plenty of pockets to organize smaller items with ease.

Best Travel Backpack with Shoe Compartment: Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35

Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35

Why We Chose This Backpack

We like to describe the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 as the Fort-Knox of backpacks. The anti-theft features are incredible and although we could try to list them all here (we try) it’s probably just best to check out the Pacsafe website to learn more about each specific technology.

But we will say this - although many travel backpacks have lockable zippers, few have ones that lock themselves. The anti-theft zippers on the Venturesafe EXP35 work right out of the box without having to worry about bringing your own TSA locks.

The overall design on the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 is great for those who value organization and discretion. Special pockets for valuable items like a phone, wallet or passport is tucked away and not easily reachable to sticky fingers. The 3-sided zipper to the main compartment is also a great touch that we appreciate when packing for a trip. Unlike traditional top-loading backpacks, the 3-sided zipper feels more like suitcase packing and of course the bottom shoe compartment adds much needed seperation of dirty and clean items while traveling.

Video Review - Pacsafe EXP35

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Pockets and Organization

Organization is one of the things the Venturesafe EXP35 does best and it’s hard to disagree once you delve into all of its pockets and compartments.

The dedicated compartments for organization give you everything you need to neatly store smaller items. The zippered pocket on the front gives you quick-access to airpods, sunglasses or a wallet thanks to an included special RFID-protected pocket. If you want to be extra sneaky, you can use the admin panel zippered pocket inside the main compartment to keep important items like a passport or cash. This discrete compartment kind of blends into the main compartment wall to obscure its presence.

To access your laptop simply use the zipper against the back panel, no need to rummage through your main compartment like with other bags. But of course with Pacsafe being Pacsafe, the laptop compartment also has a locking zipper for peace of mind.

Water bottles can easily be stashed in the big stretchy mesh side pockets. These pockets can easily fit larger bottles and the side compression straps don’t hinder what you can carry inside (simply expand the compression strap to accommodate a larger bottle).

The Main Compartment

One feature we love about the EXP35 is its 3-sided zipper that gives you clamshell access to the main compartment for easy packing and unpacking. From workout gear to your favorite t-shirt, the EXP35 makes it super easy to find what you need inside quickly when the main compartment is wide open.

Having a light carry day? No problem! The EXP35’s compression straps allow you to compress the bag down on days where you only need the essentials.

Although the 35-liter main compartment is enough to pack for short trips, the shoe compartment does take up room in the main compartment when utilized. As a result you can expect to fit 3-4 days of clothing and toiletries when the shoe compartment is empty and 1-2 days of clothing and toiletries when storing shoes.

Anti-Theft Features

We can’t talk about PacSafe backpacks without mentioning their incredible anti-theft features. The PacSafe Venturesafe EXP35 is not only built like a tank but makes it easy to keep your gear safe without a second thought - something most other gym backpacks don’t consider in their design.

The exterior of the EXP35 is made with eXomesh slashguard fabric that prevents cuts and slashes from tearing through the fabric. Each zipper on this backpack is also self-locking so that its harder for thieves to gain access to the inside. Opportunity makes the thief after all. 

One of the shoulder straps is also equipped with a PopNLock security clip so that you can secure your EXP35 to a fixed object like a table leg to prevent theft if you were ever to leave your bag unattended in a busy cafe or other public space.

If you are looking for a travel backpack with a shoe compartment that means business - we think its safe to say that the PacSafe Venturesafe EXP35 is definitely up your alley.

What We Don’t Like

One feature we would have liked to have seen was a dedicated tablet sleeve. There is no comfortable pocket to store a tablet outside of letting it sit in the main compartment or using the laptop compartment.

Like other backpacks with compression straps, you will have to unclip the compression straps whenever you want to open the main compartment completely. But the saving grace is that if you position the zippers at the top you can always access the main compartment like you would a regular top-loading backpack.

The above are certainly not design flaws but small gripes from using the backpack. For a travel backpack with a shoe compartment the Pacsafe Venturesafe EXP35 feel thoughtfully designed and intuitive to use. And its great anti-theft features is what really puts it in a league of its own.

Budget Pick For Sports and School: Under Armour Hustle 5.0 Backpack

Under Armour Hustle 5.0

Why We Chose this Backpack

The Under Armour Hustle checks a lot of boxes when it comes to a good sports backpack with a shoe compartment. It’s roomy 29-liter capacity makes it a good mid-sized pack for those who need room for sports gear like balls, shoes and clothing. 

It’s also an affordable pack - you can usually grab one for $55 and if you are lucky you can catch it on sale at a reduced price. This makes it perfect for students on a budget who need a reliable backpack for both class and team practice after school.

As a standalone backpack for school you’ll have plenty of pockets for organizing stuff like pens and chargers plus the main compartment is roomy enough for multiple large books, notebooks and binders. The 15-inch laptop sleeve also keeps your tech safe thanks to its soft-touch lining to prevent scratches.

Video Review - Under Armour Hustle 5.0

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Pockets and Compartments

Where the Under Armour Hustle really shines is with its pockets and compartments. The bag can be divided into three major compartments: the main compartments, the front admin compartment and the bottom shoe compartment.

The main compartment is where the bulk of your carry will live and we found it roomy enough to carry multiple large notebooks, books and binders. If you plan on using the UA Hustle primarily as a sports backpack then you’ll be pleased to know that the main compartment is large enough for a size 7 basketball.  

A secondary front admin compartment hosts lots of smaller slip pockets for items like pens, tech chargers and other bits and bobs. This compartment is also large enough to hold smaller notebooks and books.

On the outside of the pack you’ll find a smaller fleece-lined pocket for a phone or sunglasses and two mesh water bottle pockets. We found that these bottle pockets can fit up to a 32oz Nalgene bottle just fine.

Another cool detail is the addition of small attachment loops and D-Rings on the shoulder straps that allows extra gear like carabiners and keys to be attached in an easy to reach spot. Under Armour is known for adding small details like these to their backpack designs that really add to the daily carry experience. 

If you are looking for a sports backpack with a shoe compartment that can also double as your daily school bookbag, then the Under Armour Hustle is your best option out of all of the backpacks we have tested. Not only is it affordable but it has features catered to student athletes who need to partition their school and sports items.

The Shoe Compartment

The Under Armour Hustle 5.0 is perfect for both athletes with busy schedules and fitness buffs who need a reliable gym backpack with shoe storage. The shoe pocket on the Hustle 5.0 is located at the bottom of the bag and is large enough to hold a small pair of sneakers and some extras or one pair men’s sneakers up to a US size twelve.

Like most gym backpacks with a shoe compartment, the main compartment and shoe compartment share the same space. This means reduced room in the main compartment when you are carrying shoes in the bottom pocket.

What We Don’t Like

When comparing the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 to the other backpacks tested there is a pretty large gap in terms of quality. The polyester construction is very lightweight and doesn’t feel as robust as heavier fabrics. Maybe we are spoiled but the UA Hustle definitely feels every bit of a cheaper backpack and because of this we wouldn’t be our first choice out of the bags we tested.

Another gripe is with the back panel. It it just a solid panel of mesh foam with no cut outs or air channels for breathability. We can see this being a nuisance in the hot weather months where a lack of airflow is less forgiving. This back panel isn’t terrible but it definitely could be better.

Best Backpack For Work And Travel: Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

Why We Chose This Backpack

Public Rec advertises the Pro Pack Plus as the perfect work and travel backpack, and we agree that it checks all the boxes.

With a capacity of 27.5L, the Pro Pack Plus works well as a single bag for short work trips. Its structured design is well-suited for those who need a backpack with a bottom compartment while still maintaining a sleek and professional look during office days.

The biggest strength of the Pro Pack Plus is its partitioned design, which allows you to keep your gym or travel packing completely separate from your work items. This means no rummaging through sweatpants to get to your laptop or pens.

Not only is the Pro Pack Plus a functional workhorse for daily carry, but it also feels as good as it looks. The shoulder straps and back panel are generously padded, and the zippers are buttery smooth. Plus, the water-resistant poly-twill fabric, structured construction, and minimalist branding will give you a mature, professional look day in and day out.

Video Review - Public Rec Pro Pack Plus

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Partitioned Compartments

The Public Rec Pro Pack Plus can be divided into two major compartments: the main packing compartment and the rear "work" compartment. The main compartment is where you will find the majority of your storage. This compartment is large and deep, allowing you to pack bulkier items for workouts or travel. We found that you can easily pack for a 2-3 day trip.

The rear "work" compartment can be thought of as your home base for daily work carry. Here, you’ll find a 15-inch laptop sleeve and a secondary sleeve for a tablet. A nice array of mesh and slip pockets will also give you the organization you need for smaller items like pens and tech chargers.

What we appreciate about this rear compartment is that it’s roomy enough also store a notebook or binder, giving you the room for comprehensive business carry. This carry division is also why the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus excels when it comes to work/travel or work/gym carry.

Exterior Pockets

Along with great exterior organization, the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus also offers some excellent external pockets. On the top, you’ll find a pocket for your sunglasses or phone, while two water bottle slip pockets cradle the sides of the bag. Commuters and travelers alike will appreciate the hidden zippered pocket found against the back panel, which allows you to discreetly stash a passport, cash, or a phone.

The Shoe Compartment

Unlike other backpacks with shoe compartments, the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus keeps its shoe pocket discrete and semi-hidden at the bottom of the backpack. The bottom panel itself hosts a wrap-around zipper to reveal the shoe pocket inside.

We found that a men’s size 12 (US) running shoe fits inside this pocket just fine, but you may struggle to fit larger shoes. Also, keep in mind that the shoe compartment shares internal space with the main compartment. Depending on how large your shoes are, you can expect maybe 40-50% of that main compartment to be taken up by your shoes.

What We Don’t Like

There are very few complaints about the Public Rec Pro Pack Plus, but the one gripe we do have is that the water bottle pockets on the side of the bag are quite small. They have absolutely no give to them, and as a result, you are limited to slim water bottles 24oz and under.

Best Backpack for Work and Gym: Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack

Modern Dayfarer v2 Backpack

Why We Chose this Backpack

Modern Dayfarer designed the V2 backpack to be your one bag for work, gym, and the occasional short trip, and we believe they succeeded in their mission. Its secret weapon is its minimalist design that sneakily hides pockets and compartments. This allows you to maintain a sleek profile during business hours without sacrificing important features.

Despite its understated design, the Modern Dayfarer V2 is jam-packed with incredible features. The main compartment is lined with pockets for clothing, toiletries, and other small items, or you can use the bottom shoe compartment to pack shoes or dirty laundry to keep smelly, soiled items away from your clean stuff. Grab handles and a luggage trolley sleeve make it a great carry-on option for flights. For a small pack, the Modern Dayfarer V2 is really like a Swiss Army knife - and a stylish one at that!

VERSATILITY DEFINED: ONE BAG FOR WORK AND GYM

Modern Dayfarer designed the V2 Backpack for people who need one bag to accommodate their busy lifestyles. For daily work carry, the Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack features all of the organization you need to thrive on a busy day. Although hidden, the outside of the pack features pockets for everything from keys and a phone to larger items like headphones and small notebooks. The rear laptop compartment can fit up to a 16” Macbook Pro. Not only is this laptop compartment generously protected with a large suspended false-bottom to protect your tech from drops, but it’s protects from bad weather thanks to a water resistant YKK Aquaguard zipper.

The Shoe Compartment

We tested the shoe compartment on the Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack and can confirm that it can fit a men’s size 12 (US) running shoe but the brand says it can fit up to men’s size 14 shoes just fine. This shoe compartment does share space with the main compartment so keep that in mind if you plan on using it when packing for a trip.

A neat design feature is that the main compartment is expandable by a few liters on days when you need more packing room. Simply loosen up the front strap to give the top lid room to expand upwards.

Impressive Quality

Modern Dayfarer isn’t shy about naming the materials they use in each of their bags, and once you get your hands on this backpack, it’s easy to see that they have put a lot of thought into its construction. The external construction is made with water-resistant 840D ballistic nylon, while the inside is lined with a light-colored ripstop for easy spotting of items. Everything from the magnetic Fidlock buckle to the ergonomic shoulder straps feels like top-notch quality.

The water resistance of the Modern Dayfarer V2 is also fantastic. Along with using YKK Aquaguard zippers on exposed zippers, the V2 Backpack features a top lid design that creates a protective barrier for the main compartment against rain and snow.

Unlike other travel backpacks with shoe compartments, the Modern Dayfarer V2 Backpack has a mature and understated design that isn’t too loud or “sporty”. Modern Dayfarer even keeps their branding simple, with just a small black logo badge on the side water bottle pocket. It’s fair to say that the Modern Dayfarer is an excellent work-to-gym backpack that still looks great at the office.

What We Don’t Like About This Backpack

One gripe we have about the Modern Dayfarer V2 is that the bottom of the bag is curved so it doesn’t allow you to set the bag on the ground with toppling over. Also, those who value a chest strap will be disappointed to find out that this bag doesn’t include one and that there is also no option to add on a chest strap or hip belt.

Other Backpacks With Shoe Pockets to Consider

1) Under Armour Triumph Sport Backpack

Under Armour does a great job at designing stylish backpacks with athletes in mind and the Triumph Sport backpack is no exception. As a gym backpack, the Triumph Sport offers great compartments daily essentials and sports gear in a sleek and streamlined design. 

Not only is does this backpack include a special shoe compartment but the MOLLE webbing on the front allows for attachments of pouches to expand your storage. For those who need a bag for work or school, features such as a padded laptop sleeve and organizer pockets make the Under Armor Contain a great work to gym backpack option. If you are looking for a larger backpack with similar features then make sure to check out the Under Armour Hustle 5.0 backpack with shoe storage.

Features at a glance:

• Volume: 34L

• Laptop sleeve holds up to 15” MacBook Pro

• Shoe compartment: Bottom access

2) Trend Urban Gym Backpack (Amazon)

Trend offers a gym backpack with shoe storage that is as stylish as it is functional with their Urban Backpack. The 35-liter main compartment has enough room for all of your daily essentials with plenty of internal pockets for must-have carry like a tablet, tech accessories and smaller personal items. For workouts or travel days, the bottom zip compartment can hold a pair of shoes or dirty laundry to keep everything nice and separate.

Features at a glance:

• Large 35L main compartment for busy workouts

• Available in different colors to match your style

• Shoe compartment: Bottom compartment

3) Lo & Sons The Hakuba

The Hakuba is Lo & Son’s take on a traditional gym bag updated for modern carry. In fact, the Hakuba is more than just a gym backpack thanks to its convertible insert design that allows it to also be used as a travel and work backpack.

At the bottom of the backpack is where you’ll find the dedicated shoe pocket that can fit up to a men’s size 14 sneakers. This special pocket can also double as a place to store travel toiletries or a lunch. Other great features include tons of easy-access pockets, a separate 15” laptop compartment and a removable insert that expands the main compartment as needed.

Features at a glance:

• Made with eco-friendly recycled poly and water-resistant zippers

• Unique removable insert design that allows you to adapt the main compartment to your carry needs.

• 15” laptop compartment with side access

• Shoe compartment: Bottom access

4) Troubadour Aero Backpack

Troubadour offers versatile work and gym bag with shoe storage with the Aero backpack. This backpack makes going from the office to the gym easier than ever with it’s built in bottom compartment and lofty main compartment for commuting gear, gym clothes and other daily essentials. We love this backpack because its stylish design and premium materials don’t scream “gym bag” while still offering all the features you need for the day ahead.

The Troubadour Aero offers a whopping 34 liters of main compartment capacity with plenty of exterior pockets for quick access to small items. If you love the look and feel of the Aero but would like a smaller size we recommend you check out the 23.5 liter Troubadour Pioneer Backpack.

Features at a glance:

• Capacity: 34L

• Waterproof fabric and zippers

• Shoe compartment is lined with antimicrobial lining to minimize smells

• Discrete laptop and gym bag: Dedicated laptop sleeve, plenty of pockets plus a separate laundry/shoe compartment

• Shoe compartment: Bottom compartment

5) Boundary Supply Errant Pack

The Boundary Supply Errant Pack is a versatile everyday backpack that can be used for gym days and daily commutes alike. This is thanks to its various pockets and entry points that allow for unrivaled organization and utility. Not only can you access the inside from the top but the Errant Pack also functions as a clamshell backpack thanks to its 3/4 back-access zipper. This allows for full access to all of the pockets and compartments inside the Errant Pack.

Since the Errant Pack was made to be adaptive to your needs, Boundary Supply makes sure to offer plenty of modular accessories for travel, photography and daily carry. For gym days the Errant Pack includes a shoe pocket on the bottom of the bag that can also be used to store dirty laundry.

Features at a glance:

• Incredible pocket placement for maximum organization

• Modular system allows you to use the Errant Pack for the gym, photography or travel

• Shoe compartment: Bottom access

Alternatives to Consider

Although a separate shoe compartment is incredibly convenient, buying an entirely new backpack with a shoe compartment isn’t always necessary if you want to carry shoes.

An alternative to a backpack with a shoe pocket is a shoe bag - which gives you the same kind of seperation between your dirty shoes and the rest of your packing. Not only is this a cheaper solution to purchasing an entirely new backpack but you can use the shoe bag in multiple backpacks, luggage or just carry it solo.

There are a ton of brands that offer shoe bags but below are some of our favorites:

Peak Design Shoe Pouch - Ultralight and packable shoe bag that can fit up to 2 pairs of shoes depending on size. The Shoe Pouch compresses down into a fraction of its size when not in use.

Knack Bags Shoe Bag - Compressible shoe bag that can be adjusted to your shoe size to save space in your backpack. We like how these include an internal divider to keep shoes from rubbing against each other while packed.

Nomatic Shoe Cube - Square design allows this shoe bag to pack neatly with other packing cubes. It also has a highly durable water resistant exterior design to protect expensive shoes. Can fit up to size 12 shoes.

14 Best Backpacks for Medical School - Tested for Real Med Students

Looking for the best backpack for medical school? Let us help!

In this buying guide we test and review over a dozen backpacks just for medical school students. From roomy compartments for books and tech to pockets to keep your residency gear organized - we are sure you will find the best med school backpack for your needs.

Knack Pack Series 2

Knack Bags

Nomatic Backpack

Nomatic

Matein Laptop Backpack

Buy on Amazon

How We Chose These Backpacks

Finding the best backpack for medical school can be a challenge when shopping online but we make it easy by sticking to specific criteria that students absolutely need when starting their medical school journey.

Pictured: Inside the Knack Pack Series 2 backpack

1.Great Organization 

Whether you are a first year student or gearing up for residency, a good medical school backpack needs to offer amazing organization. We made sure that each of the backpacks on the list have plenty of pockets and compartments to keep you nice and organized.

Pictured: GULU Made Innovator with laptop and tablet sleeves

2.Laptop and Tablet Sleeves

Every med school backpack needs a laptop compartment and a place to quickly access a tablet. A good backpack should keep your expensive tech safe and give you the organization you need to thrive on busy days.

Pictured: The Ridge Commuter Backpack

3.Stylish and Mature Design

We aren’t in undergrad anymore! Why not upgrade to something a bit more mature and stylish? Most of the backpacks on this list are sleek enough to use beyond medical school and are built to last years, not just a few semesters.

Best Backpacks for Medical School

Knack Pack Series 2

The Knack Pack Series 2 is our top medical school backpack for its professional design, incredible organization and variety of color and size options.

What makes the Knack Pack special is its special hidden “travel” compartment that expands when you need it. While the main compartment is perfect for books and folders, the expandable travel compartment can be utilized for gym gear or a change of clothes during residency.

See the Knack Pack Series 2 in action

What makes the Knack Pack Series 2 the best backpack for medical school:

• Available in Medium and Large sizes for the perfect fit

• Water resistant with PU coated fabric and YKK water resistant zippers.

• Mature design made with premium materials

• Separate laptop and tablet compartments

• Best organization - there are pockets for everything!

• Main compartment is large enough to fit multiple binders, books and folders

• Built-in expandable hidden compartment for clothing

Perfect for medical students

Front organizer compartment on the Knack Pack Series 2

Inside the main compartment

Knack Pack Series 2

Best in class organization

The Knack Pack Series 2 has one of the best designs when it comes to organization. Along with a massive organizer compartment on the front, the main compartment is also lined with larger pockets for mid-sized gear such as a tablet, a stethoscope and notebooks.

Separate Laptop and Tablet Sleeves

The Knack Pack Series 2 offers a 15” laptop sleeve that can be found against back of the bag which features side zipper access so that you can reach for your laptop without disturbing the other compartments. For tablet carry, Knack includes a fleece-lined pocket inside the main compartment. Separate dedicated laptop and tablet pockets allow you to keep you organized and your tech safe.

Tablet Sleeve + Laptop Compartment

The tablet sleeve is located inside the main compartment on the Knack Pack Series 2

Extra Storage

The Knack Pack Series 2’s expandable travel compartment

Expandable Hidden Travel Compartment

Need more packing room? Expand the Knack Pack’s travel compartment for additional storage! This allows you to keep a compact profile on light days and carry extra shoes and clothing on busier days all with the same bag.

Stylish and Mature Design

The Knack Pack Series 2 is currently available in Medium and Large sizes and each size is available in a variety of mature colors. The sleek exterior is made with either high-density 420D nylon or a 600D two-tone polyester ottoman fabric. Both materials are PU coated for water-resistance and have an upscale look and feel. The water-resistant YKK zippers on the Knack Pack are smooth as butter and have held up flawlessly during our extensive use and testing.

This is one of those bags that we can confidently say that feels as good as it looks. If you are looking for a medical school backpack that you can use beyond graduation then the Knack Pack Series 2 will be a solid choice.

Nomatic Backpack

The Nomatic Backpack is one of the best backpacks for medical school thanks to its innovative features, sleek professional look and an expandable main compartment that will be sure to come in handy on long busy days.

One of the Nomatic Backpack’s standout design features is that is boasts over a dozen pockets for everything from water bottles, notebooks, a laptop and a tablet. If you want a backpack that will help keep you organized then we recommend giving the Nomatic Backpack a closer look.

See the Nomatic Backpack in action

What makes the Nomatic Backpack the best backpack for medical school?

• Sleek and professional exterior design

• Can be carried as a briefcase on days you need to look more professional

• Separate Laptop and Tablet sleeves to keep your tech safe

• Expandable main compartment: 20-24L

• Made of durable water resistant materials

• Tons of compartments to keep you organized

The Perfect Med Student Backpack

With over a dozen pockets and compartments the Nomatic Backpack is perfect for students who want a backpack that they can grow into throughout their years in medical school. With a roomy main compartment and tons of organization options, Nomatic will make transitioning from the classroom to residency a breeze. 

This bag is also one of the few medical school backpacks that can be used beyond graduation thanks to its clean professional appearance and ability to be converted into a briefcase when needed. Simply tuck away the shoulder straps to change your look!

Find a Spot For Everything

The 20L main compartment in the Nomatic Backpack is large enough to store multiple binders, notebooks and folders for busy class days. Need additional room? The Nomatic Backpack expands to a total of 24L so that you can pack extra clothing or gym gear on the days you need it.

Tech and document station

Inside the Nomatic Backpack main compartment

What Fits Inside

The Nomatic Backpack

One design feature that we really like is that both sides of the main compartment are lined with pockets with the backside featuring a full tech and document station that includes both a laptop and tablet sleeve plus extra mesh pockets to keep all of your tech accessories and chargers together for easy access.

Organize your medical school gear

Nomatic backpack for medical school

More pockets than you can count!

The Nomatic Backpack

A smaller compartment on the front is lined with additional pockets for quick access to personal and professional items such as a pocket reference guides, small notebooks, stethoscope, pens and more!

The North Face Surge

Available in both a men’s and women’s fit, the North Face Surge is a workhorse of a backpack designed to tackle the needs of busy students and professionals alike. As a backpack for medical school you’ll enjoy the Surge’s large 31 liter main compartment that can hold everything from shoes and clothes to bulky binders and books.

See the North Face Surge in action

What makes The North Face Surge the best backpack for medical school?

• Roomy 31 liter main compartment

• Available in men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit

• Lots of pockets on the front for easy access to smaller items

• Great protective laptop compartment with extra spots for a tablet and book

• Modern look designed specifically for work and school

Front pockets on The North Face Surge

The North Face Surge - inside the main compartment

For the medical student with multiple tech devices

We have always been big fans of the laptop compartments in premium North Face backpacks for their protective design that keeps your expensive tech safe and the Surge is no exception.

Unlike other North Face backpacks that only feature a single padded laptop sleeve, the laptop compartment on the Surge has an expanded design that allows for storage of a 15-inch laptop, a large tablet and a notebook or textbook. In fact, the laptop compartment in the Surge is roomy enough to hold two laptops if needed. The expanded laptop compartment gives you quick access to items such as a notebook or book without having to rummage through the main compartment.

The North Face Surge laptop compartment

Fits a 15” laptop, iPad Pro and large notebook or textbook

Ready for Medical School

Front organizer compartment with tablet sleeve on the North Face Surge

In addition to the laptop compartment, The North Face Surge also includes a separate fleece-lined tablet sleeve that is located in the organizer compartment. Unfortunately, this front tablet sleeve is too small for a full sized iPad and iPad Pro but it can store an iPad Mini and other smaller tablet models. You can store larger tablets inside the laptop compartment.

The Ridge Commuter 20L Backpack

The Ridge Commuter backpack is one of our favorite backpacks for medical students thanks to its insane organizational pockets and sleek compact design. The outer weatherproof shell also makes the Ridge Commuter perfect for students who commute to campus and need their valuables protected from the elements.

See the Ridge Commuter in action

What makes The Ridge Commuter a great backpack for medical students?

• Streamlined minimalist design without the bulk

• Tons of pockets for personal, school and residency gear

• Side-access laptop compartment (up to 16” Macbook Pro)

• Weatherpoof design is perfect for commuters

Outside pockets on The Ridge Commuter

Weatherproof backpack for medical school with side access laptop sleeve

Conquer Your Commute to Campus

If you are looking for backpack that will last you all four years of medical school then it’s worth noting that The Ridge Commuter doesn’t disappoint when it comes to quality. The outside of the bag is made with a waterproof 900D ballistic nylon and is equipped with tried and true YKK Aquaguard zippers to protect your important stuff from the elements. This backpack also feels as good as looks with beefy padded shoulder straps and a molded foam back panel for all-day comfort.

Serious Organization for the Serious Medical Student

The Ridge Commuter is a deceptive little bag since its minimalist design doesn’t prepare you for the incredible array of pockets and compartments that line the inside. From pens to tech chargers - you’re sure to find a spot for everything.

From the outside you also get a couple of sneakily placed pockets for items such as headphones, a stethoscope or phone. These outer pockets allow for quick-access to your most important gear in seconds.

Clamshell Lay-Flat Access

The Ridge Commuter Backpack

Ready for Class

Two-zipper design - use the Ridge Commuter like a regular bookbag

Dual Access Main Compartment

A great feature of The Ridge Commuter is it’s dual-access main compartment that features two different zippered access points. The first zipper allows you to access the main compartment like a regular backpack which works great for loading books and notebooks.

The second zipper allows you to use the Commuter as a clamshell backpack. This lay-flat design is great for utilizing all of the pockets that line the inside of the bag and comes in handy when packing clothing and gym gear.

Buy on Amazon

Matein offers an affordable backpack for medical students with everything you need to get through long days on campus and during your residency. This backpack is definitely our top pick for medical students on a budget thanks to its tech compartment for a laptop and tablet, a large main compartment and tons of pockets for organizing your daily carry.

See the Matein Laptop Backpack in action

What makes the Matein Laptop Backpack a great backpack for medical students?

• Available in two sizes (for 15.6” and 17” laptops) and in various colors to fit your needs and style

• Tech compartment with seperate laptop and tablet sleeves

• Integrated external USB charging port 

• Roomy main compartment for large binders, books and clothing

• Great pocket placement

Matein Laptop Backpack

Sneaky front pockets

Portable Charging

Connect your own power bank to the integrated USB charger

Med School Ready

The Matein Laptop Backpack can be divided into three compartments: the front organizer compartment, the large main compartment and a rear tech compartment. We found the main compartment large enough to hold plenty of large folders, binders and books or a weekend’s worth of clothing. 

The tech compartment includes both a laptop sleeve and separate tablet sleeve. This compartment also leaves enough room to hold an additional notebook or book if needed. For quick access to small items you are going to want to take advantage of the front organizer compartment where there are small pockets for sunglasses, a medical reference guide, pens and more.

Front Organizer Compartment

Everything you need in a med school backpack

Main Compartment

Inside the Matein Laptop Backpack

Rear Tech Compartment

Sleeves for both a laptop and laptop

Best Backpack for Medical Students on a Budget

Matein is a value brand found on Amazon but it’s no secret that they offer some of the best backpacks for medical school for those on a tight budget thanks to their great designs. You can usually grab a Matein Laptop Backpack for under $50 and at this price point the features this backpack includes are pretty impressive.

If you are looking for a bombproof backpack that can take the abuse of four years of medical school then you might want to take a look at some of the more premium backpack options on this list. With the Matein Laptop Backpack you just won’t be getting high end features such as water repellent fabrics, YKK zippers or ergonomic comfort features that are the standard in more expensive bags.

But what you do get is an affordable backpack with great pocket placement and a comfortable wear which can definitely be a huge win for medical students on a budget. The integrated USB charging port is also a great feature for long days on the move and a simple addition that most expensive bags lack completely.

GULU Made Innovator Backpack

Equipped with a laptop and tablet sleeve, two roomy main compartments and plenty of pockets to keep you organized - the GULU Made Innovator has everything you need to conquer medical school in style.

The Innovator offers a 22 liters capacity for everything from tech to large binders and notebooks. This mid-size backpack keeps its profile slim while still providing enough room for medical school essentials.

See the GULU Made Innovator in action

What makes the GULU Made Innovator a great backpack for medical school?

• Slim profile with a mature design

• Lots of pockets for organization

• Roomy enough for bulky items such as a change of clothes, binders and books

• Padded sleeves for both laptop and tablet

• Water, abrasion and dirt resistant ballistic nylon exterior

Organize Your Medical School Items

Front pockets on the GULU Made Innovator backpack

Laptop and Tablet Sleeves

Inside the rear compartment of the GULU Made Innovator Backpack

GULU Made offers What We Need in a Reliable Med School Backpack

At only 22-liters, we found the GULU Made Innovator to be roomier than it looks. The backpack can be divided into two major compartments - the main compartment and a smaller secondary main compartment that includes padded laptop and tablet sleeves with extra room for a couple of books or notebooks. This split-style design is perfect for medical students who like to keep their class items and a change of clothes or lunch in separate compartments.

The front pockets are made of two separate slim compartments with small pockets for stuff like pens, headphones, a wallet or a phone. The GULU Made Innovator makes organizing small items incredibly simple which is to be expected in a great backpack for medical students.

Inside the main compartment

GULU Made Innovator Backpack

Pockets line the main compartment

Inside the GULU Made Innovator backpack

Built to Make a Positive Difference

Each GULU Made product is handcrafted in Gulu, Uganda by local residents in an effort to build a hopeful future after years of civil-conflict. The brand prides itself in employing highly-skilled local sewers to give back to the city of Gulu and in offering high quality bags and backpacks for all to enjoy in the process. Click here to learn more about the GULU Made story.

Knack Pack Series 1

The Knack Pack Series 1 is one of the most versatile backpacs on our list and it’s easy to see why once you delve into all of its great features.

The quality of the bag itself is top-notch with robust zippers and high quality fabrics. Even the inner lining is made with an antimicrobial fabric that will leave your backpack smelling fresh after long days on campus. It’s little details like these that make us love the Knack Pack Series 1 and why we believe you will too!

See the Knack Pack Series 1 in action

What makes the Knack Pack Series 1 a great backpack for medical school?

• Available in multiple colors and sizes - find the perfect one for you!

• Lots of great pockets for organizing school, personal and tech items

• Hidden expandable travel compartment for when you need extra room

• Robust high quality construction that will last beyond medical school

• Seriously comfortable back panel and shoulder straps for all day wear

Stay Organized in Med School

Outside pockets on the Knack Pack Series 1

Inside the Main Compartment

Knack Pack Series 1

Fleece Lined Tablet Sleeve

The Knack Pack Series 1 has spots for a laptop and tablet

The Swiss Army Knife of Backpacks

The Knack Pack Series 1 is a fun and functional backpack that is more than meets the eye. The expandable travel compartment stays hidden on light days and can be utilized on longer days where packing extra gear is a must. The best backpacks for medical school all include pockets for protecting your expensive tech, lots of great ways to keep you organized and a stylish design. And it’s in all of these areas where the Knack Pack Series 1 really shines!

Knack offers the Series 1 in a wide range of different sizes and colors that makes it easy to match a Knack Pack to your body type and personal style. This is one of the few medical school backpacks we recommend that is offered in such a wide variety of fit options.

Why choose the Knack Pack Series 1 over the Series 2 for medical school?

The Knack Pack Series 1 has more size options (Small, Medium and Large), has a few more color options and is more affordable than the Knack Pack Series 2. To explore the difference between the two bags take a look at our Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 backpack comparison.

The North Face Recon

The North Face Recon is one of the most popular backpacks for school, work and play thanks to its versatile design. The spacious 30-liter main compartment gives you enough packing room for a full day on campus while the large variety of pockets and compartments allows great organization for daily essentials. 

The Recon is available in both men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit!

See The North Face Recon in action

What makes The North Face Recon one of the best backpacks for medical school?

• Great pocket placement for daily essentials

• Protective 15” laptop compartment

• Roomy main compartment for books, clothing and more

• Water resistant design

• Available in tons of colors and men’s and women’s fit options

• Modern design

Outside Pockets

The North Face Recon backpack

Front Organizer Compartment

The North Face Recon backpack for medical school

Great Organization and Carry Options

Backpacks from The North Face are known for their great pocket placement and the Recon is no exception. Each Recon is equipped with a quick stash pocket on the front that allows you to stash items on the go without having to dig into zippered pockets. Other pockets include a large fleece lined pocket for sunglasses and two side pockets for water bottles or an umbrella.

The inside of The North Face Recon can be divided into the front organization compartment, the 30-liter main compartment and a padded laptop compartment. The main compartment is large enough to stash everything from notebooks and books to a packed lunch or even a change of clothes and a pair of shoes. On lighter days you can take advantage of the Recon’s side and bottom compression straps to lessen the bulk when on the move.

Inside the Main Compartment

The North Face Recon backpack

Laptop Compartment

The North Face Recon backpack

A Backpack for School and Weekends

One reason we love The North Face Recon is that has an incredibly versatile design. Along with being a great medical school backpack, the Recon can also be taken on hikes and other outdoor adventures. The rear laptop compartment can be converted into a hydration pocket thanks to the small velcro loop and hydration port found inside.

For days in the city the Recon also features reflective points for visibility at night, an ultra-protective 15” laptop compartment and plenty of pockets to stash essentials such as wallets, phones and a metro card.

Osprey Nebula Backpack

With a large main compartment and plenty of pockets to keep you organized, the Osprey Nebula is one of our favorite backpacks for medical students who need a spacious bag to conquer long days.

Read more about the Osprey Nebula

What makes the Osprey Nebula a great backpack for medical students?

• Large 32L main compartment for books, clothes and other bulky items

• Includes a front panel organizer compartment for quick-access to small items

• Large lay-flat laptop compartment for stowing away tech

• Upper and lower straps can compress the bag down and helps stabilize your load on light carry days

What makes Osprey backpacks special is that the brand uses comfort designs usually reserved for technical hiking backpacks on their daily commuter backpacks. This means you get an ergonomically designed backpack that puts an emphasis on proper weight distribution and comfort in a design sleek enough for the city.

Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack

Touting a sophistical design with premium materials, the Troubadour Bivy proves that you can have a functional backpack that is also stylish. This backpack is large enough for stowing away medical school essentials including books, tech and a change of clothes. The weatherproof zippers and fabric also makes it a great option for city students who need a reliable backpack for daily commutes.

Read more about the Troubadour Bivy

What makes the Troubadour Bivy a great backpack for medical school?

• Professional look made with premium materials

• Convertible tote backpack (you can tuck away the backpack straps)

• Roomy main compartment for notebooks, books and more. Lots of pockets on the inside for organizing your daily essentials.

• Large padded 17” laptop sleeve

• Stealthy front pocket to quickly stash away keys, notebooks and essentials

• S-shaped shoulder straps for a comfortable women’s specific fit

The Troubadour Bivy Tote Backpack is best for medical students who need a stylish way to carry their daily essentials with the added peace of mind of a weatherproof construction. In fact, the Troubadour Bivy even made it to our list of best waterproof backpacks for women thanks to its waterproof fabrics and water resistant zippers.

What the Bivy does best is keep you organized. Inside the main compartment there are plenty of smaller pockets for your medical school and personal items plus a 17-inch padded laptop compartment and additional tablet sleeve for your tech. At a 21 liter capacity, we recommend this backpack to medical students who want a sleek and versatile way to carry their items without too much bulk of a larger backpack.

Thule Subterra Backpack

Buy on Amazon

Designed as a versatile backpack for travel and daily commuting, the Thule Subterra is one of our favorite backpacks for medical school thanks to its roomy 30-liter main compartment, separate tablet and laptop sleeves and clean minimalist exterior. 

Read more about the Thule Subterra

What makes the Thule Subterra a great medical school backpack?

• Protective 15” padded laptop sleeve with side zipper access

• Seperate soft-lined tablet sleeve

• Plenty of smaller and mesh pockets for organizing your gear

• Roomy 30L main compartment for large binders, books and extra clothes

• Great quality construction that Thule is known for

Buy on Amazon

The Thule Subterra is available in a few different base colors that are mature and will blend well in residency environments. One feature that we really like is that the inside of the Subterra is lined with a bright contrasting color so that it’s quick and easy to spot your items. 

The laptop sleeve inside the main compartment uses Thule’s SafeEdge construction that prevents the laptop from touching the edges of the bag in case of a hard drop or bump. This laptop sleeve also has dual access through the main compartment or through a special side zipper so that you can always quickly grab you laptop even when the main compartment is fully packed.

All in all the Thule Subterra has many must-have features for busy medical students who need to lug a lot of gear through long days on campus and during residency.

Doughnut Macaroon

Available in over a dozen colors, the Doughnut Macaroon is perfect if you are looking for a compact and fun backpack for medical school. The 14-inch padded laptop sleeve keeps your tech safe while a full panel of smaller pockets helps keep your essentials organized.

Read more about the Doughnut Macaroon

What makes the Doughnut Macaroon the best small backpack for medical school?

• Dozens of color options and a fun stylish design

• Padded 14” laptop sleeve

• Roomy main compartment for notebooks and large textbooks

• Lots of pockets for organizing smaller items

• Great construction that’s built to last

Often described as a Fjallraven Kanken alternative, it’s the small details on the Doughnut Macaroon such as its robust stitching, infinite color options and amazing array of pockets for organization that sets it above other backpacks in its class.

Despite it’s smaller size, the standard Doughnut Macaroon can still fit a couple of large textbooks and additional notebooks and folders inside its main compartment. The quality of the Macaroon also doesn’t disappoint - this is a backpack this will still look great after years of daily use thanks to its hard-wearing construction of water-repellent fabric, metal hardware and leather trim.

Pacsafe Vibe Backpack

The Pacsafe Vibe is an anti-theft laptop backpack with a streamlined look that is perfect for medical students who commute daily to class or residency. A few of the anti-theft features include lockable zippers, an RFID blocking pocket and the ability to attach and lock the backpack to a leg or table chair.

We love the Pacsafe Vibe as a medical school backpack for it’s great organization, mature design and lightweight construction that makes all-day carry a breeze.

Read more about the Pacsafe Vibe

What makes the Pacsafe Vibe a great backpack for medical school?

• Unisex design available in multiple colors

• Protect your valuables with anti-theft features

• Padded 13-inch laptop sleeve

• Lots of pockets for pens, water bottles and tech accessories

• Spacious 25 liter internal capacity

The Pacsafe Vibe is a great blend of a feature-rich design to get you through long days of classes and a slim and sleek style for more professional residency settings. The front organizer compartment is great for organizing smaller items you need quick access to while the 25-liter main compartment is large enough for class and residency essentials such as binders, books or an extra change of clothes.

On the weekends you’ll also have the ability to take the Pacsafe Vibe outdoors thanks to the fact that the laptop sleeve can double as a hydration pocket. The lightweight design of the Pacsafe Vibe allows for comfortable all-day wear while a removable hip belt, sternum strap and compression straps allow you to dial in the perfect fit.

Osprey Centauri

The Osprey Centauri is a unisex laptop backpack with a lightweight construction, minimalist design and loads of features for comfortable daily carry. Inside the 22 liter main compartment you’ll find a padded laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets to organize your items for easy commutes to class or residency.

Read more about the Osprey Centauri

What makes the Osprey Centauri a great medical school backpack?

• Slim design gives you the room you need for carrying essentials without the bulk of a larger backpack

• Includes a padded 15” laptop sleeve and secondary sleeve for a tablet or documents

• Great for bike commuting - includes loop for attaching a light

• Stretchy water bottle pockets that allow for a discreet look when not in use

How to Choose the Best Medical School Backpack

Choosing the right size

A backpack’s capacity is usually measured in liters and when shopping online the the number of liters is an important way to determine how much can fit inside the backpack you are looking to purchase. 

To keep life simple, we like to divide backpack capacities into three size categories: small, medium and large.

Small (under 20L)

Small backpacks under 20 liters are best for students who only need to carry essential items such as a laptop, tablet, and a few personal items. The main compartment can usually accommodate a few textbooks and binders or a change of clothes but not both at the same time.

Medium (20-29L)

Most medical students will fare well with a medium sized backpack between 20 and 29 liters. Here is where you can pack a full day’s worth of books and notebooks plus have room for a few personal and work items. Medium backpacks are a “Goldilocks” size between a backpack being too small and too large and bulky.

Large (30L+)

If you are a medical student who has long days between school, work and the gym then you are going to want to go with a large backpack with a capacity over 30 liters. At this size is where you’ll find plenty of room in the main compartment for large textbooks, binders, lunch and bulkier items like shoes and a change of clothes.

For a more in-depth guide on backpack capacity sizes please check out our Ultimate Backpack Size Guide where we show real examples of what fits inside backpacks of different sizes.

The Ridge Commuter (left) and Nomatic Backpack (right)

Don’t Forget About Pockets!

A backpack with the right pockets and compartments is essential to keeping organized while in medical school. If you mostly write notes and read textbooks on a laptop or tablet then you will want to make sure that the backpack you choose has both a laptop and tablet pocket to keep your expensive tech secure.

Other valuable pockets include water bottle pockets, a key leash for your keys and smaller pockets for items like eyeglasses, pens and your residency gear. We did our best in finding backpacks for medical school that include plenty or organizational compartments but ultimately you have to decide which compartments are must-haves and which ones you could do without.

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14 Best Backpacks with Chest Straps - School, Laptop, Travel

A backpack chest strap (or sternum strap) is an adjustable belt that spans from one shoulder strap to another across the chest.

Chest straps help reduce shoulder strain by promoting proper weight distribution and stability when lugging around heavier loads. For this reason we recommend going with a backpack with a chest strap if you often carry large laptops and other heavy items.

Backpack with chest strap example

Oddly enough, many backpacks simply don’t have chest straps and finding one can be hit or miss depending on the brand.

That’s why we have listed a few of our favorite backpacks with chest straps. From laptop backpacks to travel bags - you’re sure to find the best bag for you!

Best Daily Laptop Backpacks with Chest Strap

The North Face Borealis is a versatile mid-sized laptop backpack that can be used for school, work commutes and outdoor adventures. The Borealis is available in both men’s and women’s versions for the perfect fit.

Each Borealis comes equipped with an adjustable chest strap with a built-in whistle and a removable waist strap. The North Face’s own FlexVent suspension design does a great job at providing ergonomic shoulder straps and a breathable back panel for comfortable carry.

Read more about the North Face Borealis

Features at a glance:

• Mid-size backpack with chest and waist strap

• 28L capacity (27L women)

• 15-inch laptop compartment

• Adjustable bungee cord system that allows you to carry additional gear

• Great organization and lots of pockets for sunglasses, tablets, pens and chargers

If you are looking for a reliable backpack with a chest and waist strap then you’ll love what The North Face Borealis has to offer. At a 28 liter capacity (27L for women), the Borealis gives you the room you need to pack for work, school or travel without being too bulky.

One feature we love about North Face backpacks is their exterior padded laptop compartments. The laptop compartment on the Borealis can fit up to a 15-inch laptop and can be accessed from a separate zipper by the back panel. This you can keep your tech safe and separate from your main compartment items. For outdoor activities such as hiking, you can also turn the laptop compartment in to a hydration pocket. The North Face includes a velcro water bladder loop and a small opening for running a hydration tube to the outside of the backpack.

The Ridge Commuter Weatherproof Backpack

The Ridge Commuter is a compact laptop backpack with a chest strap for both weekday commutes in the city and weekends outdoors thanks to a weatherproof nylon shell and water resistant zippers. As a daily tech pack, you’ll love the myriad of pockets that line the inside. A clamshell main compartment and separate shock-proof laptop compartment make organizing your most important items a breeze.

Read more about The Ridge Commuter

Features at a glance:

• Backpack with sternum strap for work commutes and weekends

• 15L capacity

• Weatherproof construction

• Tons of smaller pockets for organization

• Built-in USB port for phone charging

• Shock-resistant laptop compartment

Don’t let its compact footprint fool you - The Ridge Commuter is packed with enough pockets and compartments for a busy day. Each Commuter features a clamshell backpack design that allows for full access to the pockets that line the inside while a second zipper gives you traditional top-loading access for quickly grabbing items on the move. A separate shock-proof compartment for your laptop gives extra peace-of-mind when lugging your expensive tech from point A to B. The outside of the pack is also lined with additional pockets for quick storage options.

If the myriad of pockets isn’t enough, the Ridge Commuter is a long time favorite charging backpack thanks to its built-in USB port that leads to a special internal charging pocket. This allows you to charge your devices while on the move when connected to a mobile power bank.

As for comfort, the Commuter has you covered with an adjustable sternum strap for proper weight distribution when the bag is jam-packed.

Dakine 365 Backpack

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The Dakine 365 offers a back-to-basics sternum strap backpack for the daily grind. A roomy 30-liter main compartment is great for overnight stays and long days on campus while a padded laptop sleeve and an additional tablet sleeve keeps your tech secure. One awesome feature of the Dakine 365 is its insulated cooler front pocket that keeps your drinks and food fresh while on the move.

Read more about the Dakine 365 Backpack

Features at a glance:

• School and travel backpack with sternum strap

• Roomy 30L capacity

• Available in over a dozen colors and patterns

• Padded laptop sleeve and fleece lined tablet sleeve

• Insulated cooler pocket for lunch and drinks

• Fleece lined sunglasses pocket

Osprey Nebula Backpack

The Osprey Nebula is a powerhouse daily pack for work, college and daily commuting. What makes the Nebula special is that Osprey has applied their hiking technology to a daily backpack and as a result you get a laptop backpack with a chest strap and waist belt for great load stabilization and a soft breathable back panel for comfortable all-day wear.

Read more about the Osprey Nebula & Nova

Features at a glance:

• Large daily backpack with chest and waist strap

• Men’s and women’s versions for a perfect fit

• Lay flat padded laptop compartment

• Admin compartment for organizing smaller items

• Plenty of exterior pockets for water bottles, phones and more

The Osprey Nebula and Nova are great options for those who need a roomy daily pack for work, school and travel thanks to their large main compartments and amazing array of pockets for organization.

The lay flat laptop compartment allows for quick access to a 17” laptop, paperwork and magazines. It also makes air travel a breeze by being TSA-friendly. 

If you are serious about organization then you’ll love this backpack’s array of smaller pockets throughout its design. The outside of the pack features a front mesh pocket for quickly stashing away mid-sized items. Side water bottle pockets and a cell phone/sunglasses pocket also makes grabbing essentials a breeze.

As for comfort, Osprey integrated a back panel and harness system that’s usually reserved for more technical outdoor packs. As a result you have a reliable sternum strap backpack that does a great job at adapting to different loads. The top and bottom compressions straps help stabilize your pack while an adjustable chest and waist strap allows you dial in just the right weight distribution for comfortable all-day wear.

Pacsafe Vibe Anti Theft Backpack

The Pacsafe Vibe is the perfect companion for city commuting and light travel thanks to its anti-theft features and fresh minimalist design. Some of our favorite features include cut-resistant materials and lockable zippers, a padded 13” laptop sleeve that can double as a hydration pack pocket and a multitude of pockets for keeping you organized.

Read more about the Pacsafe Vibe

Features at a glance:

• Anti-theft backpack with chest and waist strap

• Unisex fit and design

• 13” laptop sleeve

• Admin compartment for organizing smaller items

• Lockable zippers, RFID pockets, and slash-resistant materials for safe carry of your belongings

The Pacsafe Vibe is an urban backpack for your daily essentials that’s roomy enough for a gym kit or an overnight stay. This is thanks to its 25-liter internal capacity that hits a sweet spot for daily carry.

Along with a 13-inch laptop sleeve and plenty of pockets for organization, the Pacsafe Vibe also features some innovative anti-theft features that will keep your gear safe and sound wherever you roam. Some ant-theft features include wire-reinforced slashguard shoulder straps, integrated locking zippers and a security clip that allows you to secure your bag to leg and table chairs.

When it comes to comfort the Pacsafe Vibe doesn’t disappoint. Each backpack is equipped with an adjustable hip belt and a removable waist belt for carrying stability. The shoulder straps also include a band tie to enable you to tuck away the strap and prevent dangling.

Patagonia Black Hole

Patagonia offers water resistant durability for work and play with their line of Black Hole backpacks. Equipped with a chest strap for increased stability and an air mesh back panel for cooling ventilation, the Black Hole backpack allows for comfortable carry day in and day out.

Read more about the Patagonia Black Hole

Features at a glance:

• Water resistant sternum strap backpack

• Made from lightweight recycled ripstop

• Padded laptop and tablet sleeves

• Front daisy chains for attaching additional gear

• Great for school, commuting and weekends outdoors

The Patagonia Black Hole backpack is available in a few different sizes for the perfect fit. You can currently choose from a small 23L women’s size and larger 25L and 32L sizes.

If you are looking for a sternum strap backpack that’s rugged enough for the daily grind then the Black Hole might be just the ticket. We love the Black Hole for its versatile design that is perfect for daily urban carry or outdoor adventures.

Each bag is made from recycled materials and features a highly water resistant TPU-film laminate that keeps out rain and moisture. In fact, the Black Hole has made it to our list of best waterproof backpacks for college. 

For a bag so tough, the Black Hole is actually surprisingly lightweight. This is thanks to its recycled polyester ripstop construction and airmesh back panel that keeps you cool without the additional bulk of heavier back paneling. The included adjustable sternum strap helps with proper load distribution for an additional point of comfort. 

The North Face Recon

The North Face Recon is one of the most versatile backpacks for school, commuting and travel thanks to its roomy 30-liter main compartment, incredible organization and new sleek design. 

Each Recon backpack includes a sternum strap, waist belt and features North Face’s FlexVent breathable back panel and ergonomic padded shoulder straps for a comfortable fit that’s certified by the American Chiropractic Association.

The North Face Recon is available in both a men’s and women’s fit.

Read more about the North Face Recon

Features at a glance:

• Versatile backpack with chest strap for school, work and travel

• Available in men’s and women’s versions

• 15” Laptop compartment and separate tablet sleeve

• Amazing organization thanks to exterior fleece lined pockets and admin panel

• Flexvent Suspension System back panel and shoulder strap for comfortable fit.

The Recon has long been one of the North Face’s best selling backpacks and it's easy to see why. The 30-liter main compartment is just the right size for a busy day on campus or a weekend trip plus its outdoor-inspired design makes it a great bag for the trail.

One of our favorite features on the Recon is it’s padded 15-inch laptop compartment that is separate from the main compartment. Not only is this compartment built to protect your expensive tech but it can also be converted into a hydration pocket for a water bladder on outdoor hikes.

Other great features include a tablet pocket, an admin compartment for organizing smaller items and a fleece lined sunglasses pocket. No matter what you carry - the Recon has a spot for it!

The North Face Recon was built for comfortable carry from the ground up. In fact, it’s even certified by the American Chiropractic Association thanks to its FlexVent suspension system. Since the North Face Recon is available in both men’s and women’s fits you can be sure to find a version that accommodates your body type. If you are looking for a backpack with a sternum strap then you will love the adjustable chest strap and removable waist strap that is included for comfortable weight distribution and support.

Under Armour Hustle Pro Backpack

The Under Armour Hustle Pro is the perfect choice if you are looking for a sports and gym backpack with a chest strap and a ton of clever features for organizing important gear.

Awesome features include an insulated zippered water bottle pocket, a large gusseted pocket for shoes or laundry and an adjustable clip on the shoulder strap to help carry an additional duffel bag.

Read more about the Under Armour Hustle Pro

Features at a glance:

• Laptop and gym backpack with chest strap

• Special numbered shoulder strap system for dialing in balanced weight distribution

• Insulated pocket for water bottles and snacks

• 15” soft-lined laptop sleeve

• Backpack with shoe compartment

• Available in multiple colors

The Ridge Classic Weatherproof

The Ridge Classic Weatherproof Backpack is a small backpack with a sternum strap for those who need a simple yet versatile pack for running errands, outdoor adventures or as a travel daypack.

The weatherproof design keeps your important items safe from the elements while a 22L main compartment, padded laptop sleeve and internal pockets gives you the room you need to stay organized.

Read more about the Ridge Classic

Features at a glance:

• Small backpack with chest strap

• Waterproof tarpaulin shell and YKK Aquaguard zippers

• 22L main compartment

• Padded laptop sleeve

• External USB port for charging on the go

• Lightweight design 

The Ridge Classic Weatherproof backpack has to be one of our favorite backpacks for those who want a simple backpack with a quality design.

Although its classic profile may make it look like any old backpack - trust us when we say that the Ridge Classic Weatherproof anything but ordinary.

One of our favorite features is the built-in USB port and power bank pocket. This allows you to safely store a mobile power bank so that you can charge your phone and other mobile tech while on the move.

The water resistant design is also top-notch. Not only is the exterior made from a waterproof nylon shell but the Classic Backpack is also equipped with YKK Aquaguard zippers to protect your stuff from rain and splashes. From days on campus to weekends at the beach - The Ridge Classic Weatherproof backpack is guaranteed to be the perfect companion.

Fjallraven Ulvo Daypack

Perfect for the trail and daily grind alike, the Fjallraven Ulvo is a versatile daypack for life on the move. The Ulvo features an internal laptop sleeve and admin panel inside the main compartment to keep your tech and accessories nice and organized while the bag’s outer shell is made out of Fjallraven’s own Bergshell fabric that is known for its durability and waterproof properties.

The Fjallraven Ulvo is equipped with an adjustable sternum strap for increased load stability. The bag is also available in both a 23 liter and 30 liter versions for the perfect fit.

Read more about the Fjallraven Ulvo

Features at a glance:

• Everyday backpack with chest strap

• 23L and 30L versions available

• 15” internal padded laptop sleeve

• Admin panel for organizing pens and accessories

• Made with durable waterproof fabric

• Side stretch pockets for water bottles

The Fjallraven Ulvo combines the focus on ergonomic comfort of a hiking backpack with the simpler form of a daily urban backpack. This is thanks to its padded curved shoulder straps, comfort mesh back panel and an adjustable sternum strap that helps with weight distribution for all day comfort.

Part of what makes the Ulvo Daypack so special is that its made from a mix of waterproof Bergshell fabric and recycled nylon - two strong fabrics that fare well against normal wear and tear. Bergshell is a new proprietary fabric made by Fjallraven that is completely waterproof and has amazing abrasion resistance and tear strength. As a result you get a tough bag that will stand the test of time.

Travel Backpacks with Chest Straps

Osprey Farpoint Travel Backpack

The Osprey Farpoint is a travel backpack with a chest strap and hip belt for short and long journeys alike. What makes the Farpoint special is Osprey’s use of hiking technology on travel luggage that puts an emphasis on proper fit and comfort.

You can choose from Small, Medium and Large harness sizes to ensure a great fit. The Farpoint is also available in 40 liter, 55 liter and 70 liter sizes so you are sure to find the right size based on your travel needs!

Looking for a women’s specific fit? Check out the women’s Osprey Fairview.

Read more about the Osprey Farpoint

Features at a glance:

• Travel backpack with chest strap and hip belt

• Available in 40L, 55L and 70L sizes

• Custom fit with different size packs (Small-Large)

• Lightweight fabrics keep weight to a minimum

• Convert to duffle mode with stowaway harness

• Lockable laptop and tablet compartment

Knack Pack Series 2

The Knack Pack Series 2 is one of the most versatile backpack designs available today for both work and travel.

Most work-travel combo backpacks on the market force you to lug around a big heavy bag even on the days you aren’t traveling. What is unique about the Knack Pack is that has the ability to transform from an everyday backpack to a travel bag thanks to a special hidden suitcase compartment. This hidden packing compartment stays tucked away until its time to expand the bag.

Each Knack Pack comes with an adjustable sternum strap that can be removed completely for a cleaner look.

Read more about the Knack Pack Series 2

Features at a glance:

• Expandable work and travel backpack

• Adjustable and removable chest strap

• Massive admin compartment for personal, tech and travel items

• Includes a roomy main compartment for daily use and a separate hidden travel compartment

• Water-resistant exterior

• Inside is lined with antimicrobial fabric to keep everything smelling fresh

Want to find out the difference between the original Knack Pack and the Knack Pack Series 2? Check out our Knack Pack Series 1 vs Series 2 comparison.

Osprey Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack 44

With the Daylite Carry-On Travel Pack 44, Osprey offers the lightweight and durable construction of their Daylite in a roomier carry-on size. Along with a 44 liter main compartment that opens like a suitcase - this backpack also features a quick TSA laptop compartment, stretchy side pockets for water bottles and a front organizer pocket for keeping your smaller items within reach.

Each Osprey Daylite Carry-On 44 is equipped with a chest strap for even weight distribution with heavier travel loads. The shoulder straps also stow away for easy handling on overhead compartments.

Read more about the Osprey Daylite Travel Pack

Features at a glance:

• Carry on travel backpack with chest strap 

• 44L capacity

• Open flat 16” laptop compartment

• Suitcase-style main compartment

• Plenty of pockets for smaller items, passport, water bottles and tech

Nomatic Travel Pack

The Nomatic Travel Pack is perfect for anyone looking for a modern backpack that adapts to how you travel. This backpack was designed to be used both as an everyday pack and a travel bag thanks to its main packing compartment that expands from 20 to 30 liters as needed. Throughout the Nomatic Travel Pack you’ll find dozens of innovative pockets and compartments for everything from a laptop, passport, water bottles, and tech.

The Nomatic Travel Pack comes standard with an adjustable sternum strap for additional comfort - this sternum strap comes in handy when the bag is expanded. Nomatic also offers a comfort-padded waist strap as an add-on if you wish increase the Travel Pack’s stability.

Read more about the Nomatic Travel Pack

Features at a glance:

• Travel adjustable sternum strap backpack

• Expandable: 20L to 30L

• Water resistant construction

• Backpack that opens like a suitcase

• Tons of pockets for organization

• RFID Safe Pocket

• Cord Pass-Through for charging on the move

• TSA lay-flat laptop compartment

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9 Best Patagonia Backpacks for School - 2021 Buying Guide for High School and College

Patagonia is a brand known for their high-performance outdoor products and focus on sustainability and environmental advocacy. While many of their technical packs are designed with outdoor activities in mind, Patagonia also makes some great backpacks for high school, college and daily carry.

In this buying guide we review the best Patagonia school backpack options based on size and features so that you can find the right one based on your needs.

How these backpacks made the list:

• Designed for daily wear

• Laptop sleeve or compartment

• Main compartment large enough for binders, books and notebooks

• Pockets for organizing small essentials

Best Patagonia Backpacks for School

Patagonia Refugio 26L Backpack

The Patagonia Refugio 26L makes a great school backpack thanks to its roomy main compartment and plenty of smaller pockets for school essentials. The main compartment is equipped with both a removable 15” laptop sleeve with a mesh pocket so that all of your tech is easily accessible. Stretchy mesh side pockets and a vertical zippered pocket on the front also give you extra room for important creature comforts like drinks and snacks.

• Midsized Patagonia school backpack with lots of pockets

• Capacity: 28L or 26L

• Padded laptop and tablet sleeves in main compartment

• Organizer pockets for smaller items

• Vertical front zippered pocket for quick access to items

Patagonia Refugio 30L Backpack

The Patagonia Refugio 30L is a versatile backpack for both school and the trail thanks to its clever pockets and ergonomic design. Along with a removable 15” laptop compartment, the Refugio 30L has plenty of pockets for items like charging cables, pens and other small school essentials. You’ll also love the Refugio 30L if you are looking for a versatile Patagonia school backpack that can also be used on weekend hikes. The shoulder straps and back panel are made with heat-venting airflow mesh to keep you cool as a cucumber and the laptop compartment can double as a hydration compartment when needed.

• Versatile Patagonia backpack for school, travel and outdoor activities

• Capacity: 30L

• Separate laptop compartments

• Organizer compartment for smaller items

• Front bungee cord system to attach large items (jacket, bike helmet)

Patagonia Black Hole Pack

The Black Hole Pack is one of the Patagonia’s most popular bags due to its versatile design for both work and play. Each Black Hole Pack is made with extremely durable weather-resistant recycled fabric to protect your gear inside. The main compartment also features both a padded laptop sleeve and a tablet sleeve for easy access to your tech. We recommend the Black Hole Pack to any student looking for a tough and reliable backpack for school and beyond.

The Patagonia Black Hole is available in two sizes - the large 32L Black Hole and smaller 25L Black Hole. Make sure to check out Patagonia Black Hole 25L vs 32L comparison to find out the difference.

• Highly water resistant backpack with plenty of pockets

• Capacity: 32L, 25L or 23L

• Padded laptop and tablet sleeves

• One of our favorite water resistant backpacks for college

Patagonia Paxat Backpack

The Paxat is the perfect pack for students looking for a large Patagonia backpack for school with lots of pockets. The large 32 liter main compartment is perfect for multiple large binders and folders while the open-flat laptop compartment gives you easy access to your tech. Other awesome features include zippered side pockets for smaller items and a separate compartment with pockets to keep all your school accessories nice and organized.

• Large Patagonia school backpack with lots of pockets.

• Capacity: 32L

• Separate padded tablet and laptop compartments

• Organizer compartment for smaller items

• Quick stash pocket on the front

Patagonia Arbor Roll-Top Pack

The Patagonia Arbor Roll-Top Pack is a great option for students who want a simple large capacity backpack for school. What makes the Arbor Roll-Top Pack special is its main-compartment expanding ability when you unroll the top. This allows you to adjust the size of the Arbor Roll-Top when you need more packing room and decrease the bag’s footprint on light carry days.

• Roomy backpack with large main compartment and exterior access to laptop sleeve

• Capacity: 30L

• Adjustable capacity - Unroll the top for more packing room

• Roll top design gives great weatherproof protection

Best Flap Backpacks for School

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Patagonia Tres Pack

The Patagonia Tres Pack is a 3-way commuter bag that converts from a backpack to a messenger bag or briefcase in seconds. We like the Tres Pack as a college or grad school backpack for students who need a versatile bag for both work and school. 

One of our favorite features is the main compartment which gives you a clamshell opening for easy packing and unpacking of books, notebooks and a laptop. An internal pocket panel also allows for great organization of smaller items.

• Best Patagonia college and grad school backpack

• Capacity: 25L

• Lots of internal pockets for organization

• 3-Way Convertible Carry: Backpack, messenger bag, Briefcase

Patagonia Women’s Tamangito Pack 

The Patagonia Tamangito is a backpack designed with a women’s specific fit in mind. As a school backpack, the Patagonia Tamangito features a roomy 20 liter main compartment that can fit folders, books and notebooks. The padded compartment is great for protecting your a laptop or tablet and an organizer panel with smaller pockets line the inside of the bag to make sure you keep everything nice and organized.

• Women’s fit Patagonia backpack with laptop sleeve and lots of organization

• Capacity: 20L

• Organizer pockets inside the main compartment

• Women’s specific shoulder straps and breathable mesh back panel for a more comfortable fi

Our Favorite Eco-Friendly Recycled Backpacks

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Planing Divider Pack 30L

Made to carry gear in wet conditions, the Planing Diver Pack is one of Patagonia’s most water resistant backpacks thanks to its TPU laminated fabric, polyurethane coated zippers and seam taping on the inside to keep water from penetrating into the bag.

As a school backpack, the Patagonia Planing Divider Pack offers a large 30 liter main compartment for books, binders and extra clothes. The 15” padded laptop sleeve also allows for secure carry of a laptop or tablet.

• Large backpack with extra waterproof protection

• Capacity: 30L

• Special mesh pocket on the front for wet items

• Water resistant zippers and TPU coated exterior

Patagonia Arbor Zip Pack

The Arbor Zip Pack is Patagonia’s take on the classic bookbag design. Equipped with a 15-inch laptop sleeve and 22 liter main compartment - the Arbor Zip Pack is perfect for students who need a modest backpack for daily school carry without the bulk. While the main compartment is great for books, binders and folders the smaller front zipper pocket can keep keys, chargers and accessories within easy reach.

• Smaller Patagonia backpack for school

• Capacity: 22L

• 15” padded laptop sleeve

• Unisex design

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10 Best One Strap Backpacks for School - Sling Backpacks for Binders, Books and More!

Finding a reliable one strap backpack for school can be a challenge. The truth is that most sling backpacks are too small for many students.

As a school bag, a sling backpack would ideally have the following features:

• Organization - Pockets for pens, pencils, calculator, hand sanitizer, etc.

• Tech Compatible - Compartment for a small laptop, iPad/tablet and chargers

• Large Main Compartment - Enough room for notebooks, binders, folders and books

Pictured above: Knack Expandable Sling Bag

We recommend one strap backpacks to students who like to keep things light. Tech focused students will benefit from having a smaller bag to carry their tablet and other essentials. Those who only carry a few folders and notebooks will also benefit from the ease of use of a sling backpack for school.

In this list we will focus on finding the best sling bags and one strap book bags for school. If you are looking for a laptop specific sling bag then we recommend taking a look at our list of Best Sling Backpacks for Laptops and Tablets which focuses on tech carry.

Best One Strap Backpacks For School

SEEU Plus School Sling Backpack

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The SEEU Plus is one of the few one strap bookbags on the market that is specifically designed to carry bulky items like books, binders and even a large 17” laptop. This large sling backpack has a massive 28 liter main compartment and an ergonomic one strap design. Available in a few different colors, the SEEU Plus is the one strap backpack for school that can truly carry it all.

Knack Expandable Sling Bag

Knack offers a great sling backpack for school that expands for those busier days on campus!  This is done with Knack’s unique patent-pending expanding zipper design that gives you 66% more room in seconds.

The main compartment on the Knack Expandable Sling Bag is large enough to fit small books and notebooks up to 10.5 x 8 inches and up to an 12.3 inch tablet or laptop while a secondary front pocket allows for quick and easy access to your smaller school essentials.

Mouteenoo Sling Backpack

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Mouteenoo offers a large sling backpack that can fit multiple books and binders for school as well as a 15” laptop inside its protective sleeve. One strap book bags can get pretty heavy when loaded up and we think Mouteenoo does a great job at offering a lightweight sling with great ergonomic features. The single shoulder strap is cushioned and fully adjustable to fit you just right.

KAVU Rope Sling

The KAVU Rope Sling has enough room inside its main compartment for a tablet or small laptop as well as a few small books and notebooks. Unfortunately, the KAVU Rope Sling might be a bit too small for binders and large textbooks - so keep this mind if you are looking for a crossbody backpack for school. 

The KAVU Rope Sling is available in dozens of colors and designs so you can really pick one out that matches your style.

Leaper Canvas Sling Bag

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Leaper offers a one strap backpack with a vintage look with their Canvas Sling Bag. This sling backpack is available in two different sizes - medium and large. Make sure to choose the large size (internal dimensions 10.2” x 13.6” x 4.4”) which gives you enough room for a 13” laptop and smaller books and notebooks. This bag also offers plenty of pockets to organize your tech accessories and school supplies, making it the perfect sling backpack for students who want to stay organized.

OutdoorMaster Sling Bag

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The OutdoorMaster Sling Bag is a versatile bag for outdoor weekend adventures and school days alike thanks to its roomy main compartment and numerous pockets that line the outside. This one strap backpack can fit a laptop or tablet up to 12.5” and small notebooks and books. Its ergonomic teardrop shape and padded shoulder strap gives you the comfort you need to conquer a busy day.

Vera Bradley Reactive Sling Backpack

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Tech-focused students will love the Vera Bradley Reactive Sling Backpack. Unfortunately we found the interior dimensions to be too small for an A4 Notebook or folder but it can easily fit a 10” tablet, charger and smaller school items. Alongside with a main compartment, Vera Bradley also includes plenty of pockets for pens, a phone and other smaller items. 

Best School Backpacks Under $50

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VGOAL Anti-Theft Sling Bag

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Modern and sleek, the VGOAL Anti-Theft Sling Bag makes a great one strap backpack for students who carry lots of tech. This is thanks to its external USB charging port, laptop and tablet sleeves and a variety of pockets for tech accessories. If you are looking for an affordable and feature-packed Amazon sling backpack, the VGOAL Anti-Theft Sling Bag will definitely check all the right boxes.

Pacsafe Vibe 325

The Pacsafe Vibe isn’t a one strap bookbag, but it can be used for essentials. The internal capacity is great for students who need to carry an iPad or Chromebook and there is plenty of organization for smaller items like a phone, pens and tech accessories. If you want a lightweight sling bag with some pretty cool anti-theft features then we highly recommend the Pacsafe Vibe 325 to students for its great quality and organization.

Patagonia Atom Sling

The Patagonia Atom Sling is a great choice for students who like to keep things light. You can easily carry an iPad, a small notebook and personal items inside its 8 liter capacity. Unfortunately, most folders and binders won’t fit inside the main compartment - but for tech-centered students you cannot beat the quality and comfort that Patagonia has to offer here. 

A great underrated feature are the two cinch down straps found in the front of the Patagonia Atom Sling. These straps allow you to expand your carrying capacity by attaching items to the front of the sling when needed.

11 Backpacks for School with Lots of Pockets

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Choosing the Right Bag for School

Can you use a one strap backpack for school?

Using a one strap backpack for school is a great option if you are a student who doesn’t have to carry many large binders or books. This is because many sling backpacks are designed to have a smaller footprint than a traditional two strap backpack. The smaller size of many sling backpacks is something to consider when choosing a new bag for school.

Students who carry tablets or small laptops may benefit the most from using a one strap backpack since have padded sleeves for tablet-sized devices. School items like pens, small notebooks, calculators and tech accessories are easily accessible with a one strap backpack since you can simply sling it around to grab what you need.

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Going with a large sling backpack

If you find yourself carrying mostly books and binders make sure to go with a one strap book bag that has an oversized main compartment. These large sling backpacks ensure that your books, binders and notebooks will all fit securely.

When choosing a large sling backpack for school it helps to know the internal dimensions of the main compartment. Some large sling backpacks can have odd shaped bodies that can cut into the corners of notebooks and folders - creasing important papers and documents.

When to choose a backpack instead

The truth is that most sling backpacks don’t make the best school bookbags since their main compartments are often too small to fit large binders and folders. Sling backpacks may be great for light school carry (iPad, a few notebooks) but we have found that many are still smaller than a regular school backpack. There are a few large sling backpacks on the market, some which we feature in this page, but those options don’t compare to the hundreds of school bookbag options available today.

If you are having trouble finding a one strap backpack for school in the size you need then we highly recommend going with a regular old backpack. The two-strap design is helps distribute the weight across your shoulders evenly for a more comfortable experience when lugging around multiple heavy books and binders.

Sling Alternative: Crossbody Messenger Bags

A messenger bag is great alternative to a tradition school backpack as it can work as a kind of crossbody backpack that rests around the hip. Messenger Bags usually feature larger main compartments that can fit a full sized laptop and large folders and binders.

Herschel Gibson Laptop Messenger Bag, Raven Crosshatch, One Size Buy on Amazon

Fjallraven - Greenland Shoulder Bag, Deep Forest Buy on Amazon

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14 Best Flap Backpacks for School - Canvas Buckle Flap Backpack Top Picks

A flap backpack is any backpack that has a “lid” on top that covers the main compartment opening. This design was made popular by the canvas rucksack - a classic barebones bag that predates the modern backpack.

Today, many backpack brands today offer their own version of the classic canvas rucksack with updated features such as laptop compartments, special pockets and unique colors.

In this list we will help you find the best flap backpack for school and introduce you to some of our favorite brands.

Best Flap Backpacks for School

Topo Designs Rover Pack

Equipped with a padded 15” laptop sleeve, plenty of storage pockets and a 20-liter main compartment for books and binders, the Topo Designs Rover Pack is one of the best school backpacks for those looking for a tough and reliable bag to lug around on campus. This buckle flap backpack even comes in dozens of different colors so you are bound to find one you absolutely love!

Fjallraven Foldsack No. 1 Backpack

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The Fjallraven Foldsack No. 1 is a top flap backpack that keeps things simple yet stylish. Its highly water resistant design makes it a great choice if you are looking for a bag that can survive rainy days on campus. This is thanks to the Foldsack’s top flap construction made out of G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco water resistant fabric.

Vera Bradley Utility Backpack

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The Vera Bradley Utility Backpack is the perfect option for anyone looking for a compact drawstring flap backpack for school, weekends and travel. With a 15-liter internal capacity, the Utility Backpack is large enough for light school loads such as a laptop and a few notebooks and binders. Plenty of pockets line the outside for quick access to pens, calculators and smaller personal items.

Someone Somewhere Expand Bag

Made by artisans in Oaxaca, Mexico the Someone Somewhere Expand Bag isn’t your average school book bag. Not only can you expect amazing quality and premium materials but its design really sets it apart from other canvas flap backpacks by giving you the ability to expand the main compartment as needed. This means you can make the bag smaller on light school days and expand it up all the way to 25 liters on busier days or for travel. It’s a pretty neat system.

Modoker Vintage Laptop Backpack

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Modoker offers an affordable flap backpack for school that doesn’t skimp on features with their Vintage Laptop Backpack. Awesome features include an external USB charging port for your phone, a 15.6” laptop pocket and cushioned shoulder strap for extra comfort when the bag gets heavy.

Gearonic Vintage Canvas Flap Backpack

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At 21 liters, the Gearonic Vintage Canvas Flap Backpack is the goldilocks of school bags. It manages to retain the look and feel of a classic rucksack without the bulk. The roomy main compartment is large enough for items like a laptop, books and notebooks and the various pockets are perfect for smaller items. If an authentic canvas buckle flap backpack is what you are looking for - this Gearonic bag will definitely check all the right boxes.

Burton Tinder Backpack

The Burton Tinder is the ideal large flap backpack for school thanks to its roomy 30 liter main compartment that allows you to pack everything you need for a long day of class and after school activities. The buckle flap enclosure gives you great rain and snow protection while the internal laptop compartment and multiple accessory pockets protect your important gear inside.

Topo Designs Y-Pack

The Y-Pack is Topo Design’s take on the classic drawstring flap backpack. Don’t let the Y-Pack’s simple design fool you - this backpack is equipped with a 15” padded laptop sleeve, a spacious 23.8L main compartment and plenty of pockets for water bottles and accessories. One thing we will say about Topo bags is that they are built to last. Each Y-Pack is made from 1000D Nylon with heavy duty YKK zippers for a rugged bag that can do double duty on campus and on the hiking trail.

Bluboon Canvas School Backpack

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Bluboon offers a canvas buckle flap backpack for school at an affordable price that doesn’t skimp on features. In addition to the various pockets that line the outside, the main compartment offers even more organization inside with pockets for a laptop, tablet, phone, pens and more. This is the backpack to grab if you are looking for an affordable backpack with lots of pockets.

Herschel Little America

The Little America by Herschel Supply is one of the most popular rucksacks for school, travel and outdoor adventures thanks to its vintage flap top drawstring design. As a school backpack you’ll love the padded laptop compartment that is lined with a soft felt to keep your tech safe. The large open main compartment is also the perfect size for a full day of books, notebooks, lunch and extra clothing.

Best Backpacks for School Under $50

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Rothco Canvas Daypack

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The SUVOM Canvas Backpack mixes vintage style with modern features for best of both world’s carry. Although this backpack looks like it features a belt buckle top, the lid is really held together by metal buttons for fast and easy access to your gear inside. SUVOM also offers a padded 15.6” laptop sleeve and separate tablet and phone pockets to keep your modern tech organized and ready to go.

Fjallraven Greenland Top Backpack

The Fjallraven Greenland Top proves that less is better with its classic drawstring flap rucksack design made from hardwearing premium materials. The Greenland Top keeps it simple with a 20 liter main compartment, internal 15” laptop sleeve and snap-button side pockets. If a waxed canvas backpack for school is the look you are going for then you’ll love Fjallraven’s G-1000 HeavyDuty Eco S fabric that is waxed for great weather protection and durability.

Everlane Renew Transit

The Everlane Renew Transit takes the classic flap backpack design and gives it a new modern twist. This unisex backpack offers a flap closure with zippered main compartment access and plenty of pockets for organizing your school gear. Available in multiple modern colors, you’ll love the clean design and practical features the Everlane Renew Transit backpack has to offer.

Modoker Vintage Rucksack

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The Modoker Vintage Rucksack is perfect for anyone looking for a canvas buckle flap backpack on a budget. But don’t let the low price fool you - this backpack is full of features that are perfect for busy students on the move. The outside of this backpack is filled with pockets for quick access to smaller items and it even comes equipped with a USB port to charge your phone on the go. Inside you’ll be greeted with an extra large 35 liter main compartment and a large 17” laptop sleeve. If you are looking for a large canvas flap backpack for school then the Modoker Vintage Rucksack definitely deserves a closer look.

What is a flap backpack?

A backpack with a flap is traditionally called a rucksack. Rucksacks were originally used in the military and for outdoor recreation as a way to haul large amounts of gear while still keeping your hands free for important tasks. These bags are usually made out of canvas and feature a large main compartment with few pockets.

The top “flap” on a backpack is also known as a lid. A lid provides an efficient way to close the main compartment while protecting the gear inside the bag from the elements. 

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Today you can find a “flap backpack” design in a variety of styles including backpacks made specifically for laptop carry, photography, travel and school. We’ve come a long way from the days of big old canvas rucksacks and most brands now use new fabric technology and construction methods to add modern day features such as extra pockets, laptop sleeves and tech compartments.

What’S underneath the flap?

Backpacks with lids usually have 2 different types on enclosures underneath them: drawstrings or zippers.

Drawstring (Filson Ripstop Nylon Backpack) vs Zipper opening (Filson Rugged Twill Rucksack)

Flap backpack with drawstring

The most common type of flap backpack is one with a drawstring closure underneath the lid. These backpacks give you double protection as the drawstring cinches the main compartment shut and prevents your items from spilling out while the buckled lid adds another layer of protection and water resistance.

Most backpacks with a flap closure have a variety of this lid and drawstring combination.

Flap backpack with zipper

Some modern backpacks with lids use zippers instead of a drawstring closure. In this case the lid protects the zippers from getting wet which increases the water resistance of the backpack significantly. It’s also common to see pockets on the lid for extra storage.

Let’s talk about buckles

Not all flap backpacks are created equal. When picking out a new backpack you should pay attention to how the lid is secured to the backpack’s body as this determines how easy it is to get inside the main compartment.

Belt buckles - Some brands use traditional belt buckles to secure down the lid. Although these buckles look awesome, they can get very cumbersome to undo every-time you want to access the inside of your backpack.

Metal buckles - Brands like Fjallraven like to use metal hook buckles to secure their lids down to the bag. We like these because they are easy to use and incredibly durable.

Plastic buckles - Although it has become very common to use plastic buckles in flap backpack designs they do have their pros and cons. One hand they are very easy to use and allow quick access to your stuff. On the other hand they aren’t as durable or nice looking as a metal buckle.

Magnets - Lastly, we have flap backpacks that look like they have complicated belt buckles but use magnets instead to secure the lid in place. The best example of this is the Herschel Little America backpack. This design allows you to get a cool vintage buckle look without the hassle.

The good news? Magnets are the easiest to use as you can open your bag in seconds with just a pull. The bad news? Magnets don’t secure the lid as well as a mechanical buckle and are very easy to pull apart.

Can You Use a Flap Backpack for School?

Yes! Many flap backpacks are perfect for school thanks to their large open main compartments and rugged construction. Here are some features that are worth looking out for if you are looking for a school backpack.

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Large main compartment

Rucksacks have the advantage of having large main compartments that are great for storing large school books, binders, clothing and a lunch. You can take advantage of a flap backpack for school with a large open main compartment if find yourself lugging around lots of stuff and could use the room.

If you are not sure if a backpack is going to be too big or too small for your needs check out our backpack size guide for a better look at what can fit inside 20L, 25L and 30L size backpacks.

Laptop and Tech Compartment

Today’s modern student needs a modern backpack that can protect their laptop, tablet and tech accessories. Most flap backpacks today have special laptop compartments or padded sleeves for your laptop and tablet. When choosing a vintage style flap backpack, make sure that the pockets are updated to carry your tech with confidence.

Water resistant

One major advantage of a flap backpack over a regular zippered backpack is that the lid offers additional protection from the elements since it covers the main compartment opening. If you want additional water resistance you can go with a canvas flap backpack since canvas is naturally water resistant. Other great materials are leather, nylon and fabrics that have a special coating on them to actively repel water.

We have an entire list of the best waterproof backpacks for college that you can take a look at if owning a highly water resistance school backpack is a priority.

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