Although everyone likely already has their backpacks for the year, I have chosen to provide my uninvited opinion on them. This list is completely skewed and consulted by no one. Here’s the list ranked from worst to best.
Lululemon Everyday Backpack
Comfort: ⅘
Light and sleek, with plenty of padding where it’s needed. Ideal for short trips or campus days.
Utility: ⅗
Decent storage for essentials, but not meant for heavy use or a lot of tech. Laptop sleeve can be tight.
Style: ⅗
Slim but not super fancy, personally, I don’t get the hype.
Versatility: ⅘
Will go from the gym to class to a coffee shop. Doubt it’s best for work if you’re carrying lots.
JanSport Cool Student Backpack
Comfort: ⅗
Lightweight, but not so much in terms of serious padding or ergonomic design. Fine for school, not so great for extended trips.
Utility: ⅘
Many pockets, a decent laptop sleeve, and a large main pocket. Gets the job done for school, light travel, or daily carry.
Style: ⅘
Timeless, slightly retro. Not trendy, but there is a charm that lies in its simplicity. Fun color and pattern choices.
Versatility: ⅘
Suitable for students or daily use. Out of place in business or sports settings.
North Face Jester Backpack
Comfort: ⅘
FlexVent suspension system provides comfort even when packed. Comfortable to wear all day.
Utility: ⅘
Reasonable balance of pockets, laptop
Style: ⅗
Sporty without being too flashy. Minimal logo. Easy to match.
Versatility: ⅘
Wears well for school, hikes, or city outings. Becomes a bit dirty, but clean enough to wear on a daily basis.
Kiddy Backpacks
Comfort: ⅗
Not made for heavy-duty use. Straps are thin, with hardly any padding.
Utility: ⅘
A tad small, which can be helpful, but I also appreciate having mountains of pockets, which these usually do not have.
Style: 5/5
I think these are classic at any age, especially great fun for seniors if it’s something they liked as a kid.
Versatility: ⅗
I guess it just depends, in school they are great, but anywhere else they need a little confidence.
SwissGear Laptop Backpack (17.5″)
Comfort: 5/5
Ergonomic padding, air-flow back panel, reinforced straps. Designed for long-term wear and heavier loads.
Utility: 5/5
Total organization beast. Plenty of pockets, sleeve fit a 17″ laptop. Ideal for tech-heavy users or travelers.
Style: ⅗
Function-over-fashion, but I’ve had this all of high school, and it’s a good base to add pins and keychains to.
Versatility: ⅗
Great for work, school, and travel. Not the best for social settings or casual use.