The best backpacks for school are functional, durable and affordable. They’ll comfortably hold a day’s worth of textbooks, notebooks and extracurricular accouterments without bursting at the seams or straining your back. Made to be used every day, they’re cut from long-lasting Cordura and ballistic nylon and include reliable YKK zippers. All this value is combined in a product that won’t break the bank. Depending on your needs, there are a number of bags that check all the boxes — check out 10 great options under $100 below.
JanSport Spring Break
This simple backpack from JanSport is cut from durable 600D polyester and has padded shoulder straps. A large main compartment is big enough for numerous textbooks and notebooks and a smaller front utility pocket is ideal for keys, pens and other accessories.
The North Face Berkeley 25L Backpack
At a roomy 25L, this pack will hold everything needed to get through a long day of classes. Inspired by the brand’s ’70s mountaineering packs, it has a large main compartment, a smaller front pocket and padded straps.
Kletterwerks 11L Backpack Tote
Made in America, this bag can be carried like a tote in crowded hallways or like a backpack after classes. Made from Cordura and ballistic nylon, this bag is incredibly durable and will last from gradeschool to graduate school.
Gregory Powell 19L Backpack
This teardrop pack has an extended zipper for easy access to its large 19L main compartment. A padded laptop sleeve and small front pocket make this bag ideal for daily use between classes.
Marmot Mendocino 30L Backpack
If your schedule is packed with extracuriculars, this bag is for you. Cut from water-resistant waxed canvas, it features a padded laptop sleeve, water bottle pockets, two front zip pockets and a large 30L main compartment.
Topo Designs Y-Pack 14L Backpack
This flip-top bag is secured with a quick-release Y strap. It’s made from durable Cordura fabric and features a laptop sleeve, water bottle pocket and an internal zippered pouch.
Everlane Modern Backpack
Everlane’s direct-to-consumer business model delivers quailty products for a fair price, as this water-resistant flip pack proves. The bag features a 19L padded internal compartment, two side slip pockets and a front zip pocket — spot the leather detials and YKK zippers.
Mystery Ranch Stadt 21L Backpack
The 21L Stadt bag is cut from incredibly durable 1000D Cordura with a 1680D reinforced bottom. It features heavy-duty YKK zippers, metal hardware, a laptop pocket and two large external torpedo pockets. The shoulder straps have an abundance of padding and the back features a light layer of cushion to separate laptop and spine.
Fjällräven Raven 20L
This understated backpack offers tons of organization with an internal zip pocket, a sunglasses pocket, a front pocket complete with mesh organizer and side water bottle pockets. The main compartment has a padded laptop sleeve and the bag features ergonomic padded straps.
Rains Field Bag
Known for its outerwear, Rains also makes a range of water-repellent bags perfect for inclement weather. This minimalist bag has a padded laptop sleeve and an external zip pocket, and the PU-polyester blend is inspired by the Danish brand’s classic raincoats.