The 19 Best Backpacks for College in 2025, According to TikTok & Teen Vogue Testers

The best backpacks for college have to pull a lot of weight. They need to protect your delicate laptop on the way to class, house your gym clothes, and even double as a carry-on for trips back home during school breaks. And they need to do all that while looking cute, feeling comfortable to tote around, and holding their shape for more than a semester.

We all love trendy backpacks, but functionality counts for a lot here, too. The last thing you want is a bag for college that goes out of style fast but leaves your back feeling sore. (Signed, someone whose vintage bag for college was both cute and permanently posture-altering.) College backpacks basically become extensions of ourselves, so you want one that fits your vibe and supports you as you schlep. Plus, if you pick a backpack that’s timeless and durable, it can live on post-grad as a cute commuter bag for work or gear for that backpacking trip you want to take.

In sum, you want a bag for college that’s in it for the long haul. And if you’ve been keeping an eye out for cool backpacks on TikTok, you’ll know there are more brands hawking bags for college these days than flyers on a dorm bulletin board. So to help you find the best backpack for college, we tested out popular styles from some of today’s biggest backpack brands (think The North Face, Fjällräven Kanken, and Patagonia). And we also tested some backpacks from the buzzy brands that keep popping up on our FYP pages, too. (Anyone else’s feed full of Cotopaxi?).

We looked at how much these bags could hold, how comfortable they felt, and how durable they seemed. And we added in laptops, sneakers, textbooks, and other useful school supplies while testing, too, to see how heavy and supportive the backpacks felt when packed. Ultimately, the bags we picked as the best backpacks for college students all scored high on comfort and organizational features, with most costing $150 or less. But lest you be worried that meant us focusing on functional-but-boring backpacks, don’t worry — it didn’t. We took into account how cool the backpacks look, picking packs that’ll go with a range of styles, from outdoorsy to preppy. Scroll on to learn our winners, what our reviewers had to say about them (with photos and video!), and, when possible, where to shop backpacks on sale from our list.

It’s pretty much impossible to enter a college lecture hall without seeing a dozen The North Face backpacks. But which The North Face bag is best for college students — the Recon, the Borealis, or the Jester — has been the subject of many a TikTok debate. After testing all three, our money is on the Recon. It’s roomy, has great organizational pockets, and feels ready to go from class to camping. We love a versatile bag for college!

What we love: The Recon has adjustable compression straps on the bottom of the backpack, so you can either keep the bag slim or expand it to stash more stuff. Even without the expansion, though, it fits three thick books, a notebook, a laptop, an umbrella, and a S’well water bottle, with room to spare. The bag’s space is divided up across two main compartments (including a 16-inch padded laptop compartment) and three outer pockets: a mesh one, a fleece-lined one, and one with a bunch of handy dividers and zipped-up pockets inside. The Borealis and the Jester have a lot of the same features, but the Recon’s outer mesh pocket feels more practical than the bungee-cord fronts on those bags. (FYI, The North Face also sells a Women’s Recon Backpack that’s a bit smaller and lighter, with brighter color options.)

• Pros: ✓ Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association ✓ Sternum strap & waist belt for extra comfort ✓ Bunch of compartments ✓ 2 adjustable water bottle pockets
• Cons: X Reviewers say the bag has a hard time standing up on its own as advertised X Shoulder straps could have a bit more padding X Only half-opens from the top, which can make packing a little cumbersome
• Color(s): 12 (varies by retailer)
• Size: 11.6 x 7.5 x 19.3 inches
• Materials: 210D recycled nylon with non-PFC durable water-repellent

If you prefer wearing backpacks that feel like practically nothing, this pick will be your best bet. It comes with a bunch of features like a padded 15" laptop sleeve, breathable back panels, a bike light clip, and a hydration hanger.

What we love: “It feels lightweight and has plenty of storage (one zippered pocket, one large main compartment), padding on the shoulder straps, and a separate zip-up laptop compartment with an internal laptop sleeve,” says Shauna. “I also love that the two exterior side pockets are large enough to fit my Stanley Cup. It also comes with a top handle and adjustable buckles on the shoulder straps and front of the bag.”

• Pros:✓Extremely durable ✓ Has a durable water-repellent fabric finish
• Cons: X Some users wish it had more small pockets
• Color(s): 8
• Size: 18 x 12 x 6.5 inches
• Materials: 100% Recycled Polyester

An oldie but a goodie, the Jansport Cool Backpack has been a fan favorite for years. Its design can fit all aesthetics, and it’s made from a water-repellent material, with a front zipper pocket on the exterior. Reliable and lightweight, you can store all your school supplies—from laptops to pencils—and there’s still room for some snacks.

What we love: This backpack has a classic 90s style and comes in fun, updated patterns. Per Teen Vogue reviewer Brigitt Earley: "It’s not just a style item; it’s packed with pockets, so everything has a home, and you know exactly where to find it. The small top pocket is perfect for my keys and wallet—no need to fish around. The back interior pocket fits my laptop perfectly, too. I only wish [the laptop sleeve] were padded.”

• Pros:✓ Classic “old school” style ✓Many colors available ✓ Great for everyday use
• Cons: X Laptop pocket has no padding X Some reviewers say the zippers are stiff and catch easily
• Color(s): 33 (varies by retailer)
• Size: 17 x 12.5 x 6 inches
• Materials: 100% Recycled 600d Polyester

Lululemon New Crew Backpack 22L

This backpack was designed to keep all your essentials safe and organized, like laptops, workout gear, water bottles, and more. It's also crafted from a water-repellent fabric and has a trolley-compatible sleeve, so you can easily slide it over the top of luggage handles.

What we love: “As a video editor, I'm always carrying different equipment to work every day, and I've always had issues with totes and bags,” says Ali Farooqui, video director at Teen Vogue. “They always look bulky or never have enough pockets to store my cables and chargers. This backpack literally gets the job done and looks stunning. I can store tiny gadgets in it without them getting lost at the bottom of the bag, and there are plenty of spacious pockets (four interior slip pockets). I love the color, durability, and style.” Plus, it doubles as a carry-on backpack; the luggage trolley sleeve will make the TSA check-in process much smoother.

• Pros: ✓Extremely sturdy ✓ Water-repellent fabric has a nice sheen to it ✓ Great for travel
• Cons: X Some users noted that the overall size of the backpack is small X Reviewers say the bag can sag when not full
• Color(s): 3
• Size: 11.4 x 7.3 x 16.5 inches
• Materials: Body: 100% Nylon

If you're in the market for a backpack that's fashionable and functional, look no further. The Kaya backpack from CALPAK is crafted from high-quality faux leather and has a chic, versatile look that can easily go from the classroom to a date at the museum.

What we love: The gold hardware detailing and loop stitching around the exterior give this backpack a glamorous look. It’s structured, with a rectangular shape that stands up well on its own, and it’s got plenty of pockets, too: an exterior zip pocket, an interior zip pocket, two slip pockets, and a separate zip-up laptop sleeve compartment on the back. The main compartment is roomy — it can hold about three traditional-sized textbooks (8.5 x 11) — and the little slip pockets are great for stashing pens and pencils. It’s hard to find a sleek backpack with all the functional details you need for school, but this one delivers. We just wish it had a side pocket for our water bottles!

• Pros:✓ Wide range of colors ✓ Zippers feel very durable, with high-quality faux leather construction ✓ Pass-through trolley sleeve on the back for luggage handles
• Cons: X No exterior pockets for water bottles X Straps are a wide, comfy leather, but the lack of padding may make it hard to carry heavy loads
• Color(s): 25
• Size: 15.5 x 11.5 x 4.25 inches
• Materials: Faux Leather

This backpack comes with everything you need to carry all your school supplies and your sweaty gym clothes. There’s a separate compartment with ventilation holes for shoes and dirty clothes, so you can easily make this bag do double duty at the class and gym. And the insulated “wet” pocket at the front of the bag is great for toiletries when traveling, too! This bag’s got all your basics and then some, with an internal laptop sleeve pocket, a zippered pouch to hold tiny tech accessories like headphones or adapters, and an exterior front pouch that can store credit cards and keys.

What we love: This is the type of college backpack destined to live on as your forever carry-on or gym bag. It’s got a pass-through strap for luggage, there’s a zippered anti-theft pocket in the back for valuables, and it’s got a built-in USB charging port, so you can juice up your phone without draining your laptop battery during class. Despite how roomy the compartments are, this backpack also doesn’t feel too big or bulky, and the breathable mesh shoulder straps and water-resistant material are perfect for when your skin starts to feel sweaty in the summer.

• Pros:✓ Perfect size to hold all your essentials ✓ Fashionable and sturdy ✓ Built-in USB charging port
• Cons: X Many wish the side of the backpack had some sort of padding X Water bottle pocket is very small
• Color(s): 32+
• Size: 16.93 x 11.81 x 7.87 inches
• Materials: Durable waterproof polyester

Vera Bradley

Large Bancroft Backpack

$145 $120 (17% off)

Vera Bradley

Like all things aughts, Vera Bradley bags have been back for a minute. If you’re looking for a cutesy backpack that can do double duty as a generous-sized carry-on for trips home, the Large Bancroft Backpack lives up to its name. It’s big, with thick, cushy shoulder straps and a pass-through sleeve on the back for luggage handles.

What we love: Vera Bradley bags are known for their extra-soft quilted fabric, so it’s no surprise this backpack, made from dense, natural cotton fibers, is so comfortable to lug around. The padded laptop compartment is roomy – big enough for just about any sized laptop you’ve got – and the contrasting inner lining is a nice touch. Overall, it’s a simple, well-constructed backpack, with just enough zipped-up compartments for storage.

• Pros: ✓ Cushy shoulder straps ✓ Extra spacious, with one of the biggest laptop compartments we saw ✓ Can easily double as luggage (or as a pillow in a pinch!)
• Cons: X So roomy that if not mostly filled, your things could pitch around X In light colors, the soft fabric could get dirty – a hard lining for the bottom would be easier to wipe clean (the nylon, performance twill, or water-repellant featherweight versions of the bag might be better for this)
• Color(s): 12+
• Size: 12 x 16.5 x 9 inches
• Materials: Premium Cotton (also available in other materials)

Fashion truly meets function with this laptop backpack. It has a whopping 19 pockets, including two front-zip pockets and two side pockets for a water bottle (or two!). Best of all, there is also a USB charging port to keep your tech powered up no matter where you go.

What we love: Commuters love this backpack, and it’s not hard to see why. You can wear it as a backpack or carry it by the handles for more of a handbag look. It’s comfortable either way — both the handles and straps feel super soft, with lots of padding. It’s got a wide-open design, reinforced edges, a steel frame, and a 17-inch laptop compartment — potentially the largest on this list — that will keep your electronics padded and protected. It’s also got more pockets than we personally know what to do with. All of that, and it’s under $40? What can we say: There’s a reason this one keeps popping up on lists of the best backpacks for college students.

• Pros: ✓Durable fabric ✓ Multi-pocket design — so many pockets! ✓Breathable mesh shoulder strap promotes circulation ✓ Fits up to a 17-inch laptop
• Cons: X Reviewers say the zipper quality is just OK X Some wish the handles were long enough to hook over the elbow X Back of bag isn’t padded, just shoulder straps
• Color(s): 30+
• Size: 7.48 x 11.81 x 16.14 inches
• Materials: Nylon

This backpack reminds us of why we love Pottery Barn Teen. For one, this bag is just super cute. For two, it’s got a bunch of smart storage details we like. But undoubtedly its best feature? You can choose to monogram it with either your first name or initials, and there are a bunch of different type fonts and thread colors to choose from.

What we love: For students who want a pretty pattern, it’s hard to go wrong with Pottery Barn’s LoveShackFancy collab. The blue-and-white floral print makes for a book bag that stands out in a crowd in the best of ways. But it’s not just a pretty little thing—this backpack features three separate compartments, plus a padded laptop sleeve and two water bottle pockets. We especially love that the smallest pocket contains dedicated pen holders and a key clip—both rarities in the backpacks we evaluated.

The canvas-like material appears to be highly durable, too. And even though you might worry about such light colors getting dirty, we found the material responds to spot cleaning very well. We also love the comfort of this backpack. Mesh on the straps and back panel allows for extra breathability, and the straps aren’t as stiff as some others we tested.

• Pros: ✓ Very durable ✓ Great organizational details ✓ Comes in other sizes and styles, including a rolling backpack ✓ Can be personalized
• Cons: X Light colors get dirty easily (but are fairly easy to clean)
• Color(s): 1
• Size: 12 x 7.5 x 17 inches
• Materials: Nylon + cotton

At some point during college, you won’t just need a backpack for class or trips home. You’ll need one for an internship or job, too, and this handsome leather backpack from Samsonite is just the ticket. The straps aren’t without their quirks — see what our Teen Vogue reviewer had to say about that below — but they do convert this pick from a backpack to a shoulder or crossbody bag, taking you from classroom to job interview. It’s even got one of those pass-through sleeves for luggage handles that we keep raving about. If you want a bag for college that helps you put your best foot forward professionally and makes traveling a little easier, there’s no better pick. It’s called the Executive backpack for a reason.

What we love: “I'm obsessed with how sleek this backpack is—it's the kind you can wear in hallways or crowded public transit without imposing on your neighbors," says Claire Dodson, associate director of culture at Teen Vogue. "It holds more than you might think: a laptop, a book or two, and a small makeup bag fit in with ease, with front compartmentalized pockets for keys, cards, hand sanitizer, and a stray lip gloss. The only negative is the strap situation; I tend to like my bags slung over one shoulder, and because it's all one connected strap, it needs to be adjusted to fit like that. When I want to use two straps/wear over both shoulders, I have to take the backpack wholly off and adjust it back, so it's not a quick-change situation. Still, this is one of my favorite backpacks I've ever used; perfect for work, travel, and weekends.”

• Pros: Pros:✓ Extremely durable ✓ Ample space & beautiful details ✓ 14.1-inch padded laptop compartment
• Cons: X The straps aren’t the easiest to adjust until you get the hang of it
• Color(s): 5
• Size: 15.5 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches
• Materials: Textured Saffiano Leather

It makes sense that a backpack from athletic giants Under Armor would be extra-focused on ergonomics. The brand spent three years designing its new UA No Weigh backpack, and you can feel the quality the second it goes on your back. It feels both high-tech and like a natural extension of your body, and we’re pretty sure we could do a triathlon with this on (or just, you know, run to the class we’re about to be late for).

What we love: This truly had the feel of a backpack designed to work with your body. A lot of that has to do with the UA Suspension™ Straps — they’re like big, cushy scrunchies designed to flex with your back and shoulders, which helps absorb impact and lower pressure on them. No matter how much we packed in, the bag still felt lightweight and comfortable, and it scores high for functionality, too. It’s got a deep, fleece-lined laptop sleeve for 16-inch laptops, a breathable back panel for long treks to class, and an expandable zipper section to add even more room — perfect for those days where you’re carting your whole life around.

• Pros: ✓ Suspension straps and ergonomic weight distribution help the bag stay light ✓ Water-resistant UA Storm technology ✓ Separate shoe/laundry pocket ✓ 2 side water bottle pockets that fit up to 32 oz bottles
• Cons: X It feels big — not really a discreet backpack, if that’s your vibe — but it still fits most carry-on requirements
• Color(s): 5
• Size: 19.7 x 11.6 x 6.7 inches
• Materials: 74% Polyester/16% Polyurethane/9% Rubber 1% Elastane

Topo Designs has taken off among trendy backpack brands, known for their fun colors, sustainable materials, and Fair Wear-certified ethical labor practices. So, we had to give it a try. Going in, we knew we thought the Light Pack was super cute. What we were surprised by, though, was just how lightweight a backpack it was and how much it fit.

What we love: True to its name, this backpack was light as a feather. But despite how light the bag is, don’t be deceived – it can fit a ton. A reviewer on Topo’s site says: “As I studied abroad, I took weekend trips, and I had to fit winter clothes for 3-5 days, along with toiletries, my laptop, chargers, etc, hair straighteners, and important things like wallet, passport, etc. [The Light Pack] fits all of those without any problems from airlines or trains for size, hence the nickname, Mary Poppins Backpack.” And we’ll say it one more time for good measure: This backpack is super cute, too. The bright, contrasting colors and asymmetrical zipper give it a unique look that’s hard to beat at this price point.

• Pros: ✓ Ultra-light, but durable ✓ Fair Wear certified for ethical labor practices & sustainable materials ✓ Carabiner clip for keys inside inner pocket ✓ Elastic tabs on the two outer water bottle pockets ✓ Shoulder straps have a bit of cushiness
• Cons: X Interior laptop sleeve is made from the same thin material as the rest of the lining – not a lot of protection, but it does have elastic on top
• Color(s): 9
• Size: 10 x 17.5 x 5.5 inches
• Materials: 100% recycled nylon

Baboon to the Moon is one of the backpack (and fanny pack!) brands we’ve been seeing a lot of lately, and their City Backpack (24L) has just about every feature you could need, whether your campus is in the middle of New York City or surrounded by nature. It felt like the perfect combination of cool and practical, comes in a bunch of fun colors, and we’re pretty sure we need the matching Dopp Kit and mesh pouch set.

What we love: This is a brand known for funky designs and fresh colors, and the City Backpack didn’t disappoint. The contrasting outer and inner lining shades and satisfyingly thick zipper pulls just looked cool together, and the water-repellant coating makes the bag easy to wipe clean and OK to get wet. (One reviewer on Baboon to the Moon’s site said they like to take their City Backpack to the beach!) The dedicated laptop compartment has two tiers of padded pockets, both of which are reassuringly thick, and there’s even an interior water bottle holder if the two holders on the outside of the bag aren’t enough for your hydration needs. Last but not least, this backpack was also super comfy to wear.

• Pros: ✓ Pass-through sleeve on the back for luggage handles ✓ Molded back support and thick straps are super comfy ✓ Interior pockets and compartments galore ✓ Lifetime warranty ✓ Up to 16-inch padded laptop sleeve
• Cons: X The two big outer water bottle holders have no elastic or compression, so smaller bottles may fall out
• Color(s): 14
• Size: 18.9 x 12.2 x 7.1 inches
• Materials: 1050D ballistic nylon (shell), 75Dx150D recycled polyester (lining)

Hershel backpacks are about as classic as they come, and the well-named Herschel Classic™ Backpack (XL - 30L) is great for minimalists who aren’t exactly minimal in the number of things they need to tote around. The design looks clean and simple, but it’s got room for a bunch of stuff (we tested it with three big books, a notebook, a 13-inch laptop, an umbrella, a S’well water bottle, and a sweater). Overall, it’s a solid, no-frills backpack, but the thick, plush shoulder straps really kicked it up for us a notch.

What we love: This backpack is big enough to stash everything you’ll need for the day, including a 16-inch or smaller laptop in the laptop sleeve, while still looking uncluttered and cool from the outside. More than how this backpack looks, though, how it feels secured its spot on our list. These may have been the cushiest, spongiest, and most comfortable shoulder straps of all the backpacks we tested, showing some added design thoughtfulness where it really counts.

• Pros: ✓ Extra-cushioned shoulder straps ✓ Cool, minimalist design ✓ Affordable ✓ Sustainable materials ✓ Limited lifetime warranty
• Cons: X Just one water bottle holder – big, but nothing to secure it at top X Laptop sleeve is made from the same thin material as the rest of the inner lining, no padding X Single outer zipper pocket may not be ideal for people with a lot of small things to stash
• Color(s): 19
• Size: 17.75 x 12.75 x 6.50 inches
• Materials: 100% recycled 600D polyester

Need a bag that’s equal parts cute, functional, and mindful of a college student’s budget? For under $60, the Focus Laptop Backpack from BAGSMART is chock-full of the kind of smart organizational features and thoughtful touches that would make any Virgo proud. It’s got only five-star reviews (from a mix of Virgos and non-Virgos, presumably) on BAGSMART’s website, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.

What we love: First off, this backpack is kind of the perfect size — not too small to be impractical and not too large to feel overwhelming. It’s also got double the number of places and ways to stash your things compared to some other bags we tested, despite being half the price. There’s a bungee-cord compression front for quick stashes, a mesh pocket for easy access to the book you’re reading, and a zippered pocket for your phone and wallet. And that’s just on the outside of the backpack! It stands up on its own, the padded straps are super comfortable, there’s a pass-through sleeve for suitcase handles, and the back laptop section — which includes three tiers of pockets and an interior velcro strap for added security — zips all the way down for easy access. Frankly, we could go on and on with this one.

• Pros: ✓ Deep dual water bottle holders, one with stretchy mesh and one with a zipper for a snug fit ✓ Stands up on its own, with a reinforced, structured bottom ✓ Mini pocket by the top handle is perfectly phone-sized ✓ Multi-tier laptop compartment fits up to a 15.6-inch laptop – bigger than many
• Cons: X More color options would be a plus (but if that’s the only con, we’ll take it!)
• Color(s): 5
• Size: 17.72 x 12.2 x 7.09 inches
• Materials: 80% polyester cotton, 20% Oxford fabric exterior

Fjällräven

Vardag Backpack 17

Long before #VSCOgirls — and before the Kånken backpack took over early Tumblr feeds, even — Fjällräven was the stuff of trendy backpack dreams. Founded in 1960, the Swedish brand has lived a lot of lives, but its time-tested backpacks stay relevant for a reason. For this ranking, we tested two — the iconic Kånken and the new Vardag Backpack 17. As much as we love the nostalgic look of the Kånken, the Vardag stood out to us as the best college backpack for its slightly thicker material and slim shape.

What we love: The Vardag’s robust, water-resistant 500D recycled polyamide material felt a little more structured and durable to us for lugging heavy books around, even if the Kånken was technically the larger backpack. We thought its padded shoulder straps were a bit more comfortable for daily wear, too. Plus, we’re kind of just suckers for the Vardag’s retro-sporty look! And the 15-inch padded laptop compartment is also a plus. (Have your heart set on the look of the Kånken? Helpful FYI: A lot of loyalists buy shoulder pads for extra cushion!)

• Pros: ✓ Made using recycled, PFAS-free fabrics ✓ Lifetime repairs ✓ Internal mesh pockets and zippered front pocket for quick stashing ✓ Padding on shoulder straps ✓ Front compartment zips far down
• Cons: X Shallow, slim outer pockets for water bottles X “Lash tab” straps on the front couldn’t hold our umbrella, but there may be other, better uses for them
• Color(s): 3
• Size: 16.1 x 11 x 7.1 inches
• Materials: 100% recycled polyamide, 500D exterior & 210D lining

Cotopaxi’s blend of eye-catching designs and rugged functionality has made them a staple for outdoor adventurers and travelers, so the crossover to campus life was bound to happen. We tested two popular Cotopaxi backpacks for our ranking: the Tasra Del Día Pack and the Allpa 26 L Pack. If you’re someone who needs to get out the door with everything you’ll need for the day on you, the larger Allpa 26L Day Pack may be your better pick. But we were surprised at how well our laptop, books, notebook, umbrella, and water bottle fit inside the Tasra Del Día Pack — and we’re mildly obsessed with its one-of-a-kind color combinations.

What we love: Cotopaxi uses deadstock, or leftover, fabric for its Del Día collection. That means the Tasra backpack has a smaller carbon footprint than products made with new fabric — and it also means no two backpacks are exactly alike! The color combinations are beyond fun, and for being a slim bag, it still makes organization easy with intuitive compartments and a 13” padded laptop sleeve.

• Pros: ✓Sustainably made ✓ One-of-a-kind colors ✓ Lifetime warranty & repairs ✓ Affordability ✓ 2 stretchy mesh water bottle holders
• Cons: X Some reviewers find the straps too firm and say they slip off too easily X The unstructured bottom made us nervous about setting the bag down too roughly (that said, the padded laptop sleeve keeps your tech from hitting the ground)
• Color(s): Multicolor
• Size: 17 x 10.5 x 5.5 inches
• Materials: 100% deadstock nylon & polyester

The Iris Mini Backpack Lightweight and Durable Material

We’ve been seeing Iris & Rainbow all over TikTok (seriously, just search “best backpacks for college” and they’re bound to come up), so we were curious to test out two FYP faves — the Iris Backpack and the Iris Mini Backpack — for ourselves. As two of the least expensive backpacks we looked at, we were surprised by the number of details they still included for under $50! Ultimately, we chose the Mini as our favorite bag for college between the two because of its cute size; it felt like a hybrid between a backpack and a purse, while still having dedicated space for a laptop.

What we love: Despite being the smallest backpack we tested, the Iris Mini still fit our three books, notebook, water bottle, umbrella, and 13-inch laptop inside its two main compartments. The straps were honestly more comfortable than we expected on such a small bag, and the two zip pockets on the front and secret zip pocket on the back were perfect for safekeeping. We thought the checkered print was fun, but the subtle windbreaker-like texture of the solid-colored Iris Backpack felt a bit more luxe. (Luckily, solid colors are available in the Mini, too!) FYI, if your laptop is larger than 13 inches, or if you’re a fan of decently big water bottles, you should probably size up to the regular Iris Backpack — it has more laptop room, and our standard-sized S’well water bottle felt more secure in its outer pockets.

• Pros: ✓ Affordability ✓ Strap to attach to your carry-on or luggage ✓ Padded laptop pocket ✓ Inner mesh pockets, zipper pocket, and sleeve for organization ✓ Machine washable
• Cons: X Water bottle holders aren’t very deep and, despite a bit of elastic, don’t have a ton of stretch — for slim bottles only
• Color(s): 18
• Size: 9 x 13 x 4 inches
• Materials: 100% nylon

Backpacks tend to take center stage when we talk about the best bags for college, but some of us can’t help but love a tote. If that’s you, the Coachtopia Loop Tote is a plush, large, comfortable option that’s a little gentler on your shoulders and gentle on the planet — it’s made from 100% recycled PET plastic. In a sea of backpacks, it can’t help but stand out and feel a little more unique!

What we love: We all know the way a tote bag stuffed with a laptop and books can dig into shoulders. In contrast, the adjustable strap on Coach’s quilted Loop Tote is super cushy, and the double top handles are big enough if you want to hook the bag over your elbow instead of wearing it over the shoulder or crossbody. The comfort and versatility alone are big improvements from a lot of the canvas tote bags in our closets, which is why we’ve named this tote the best Coach bag for school.

• Pros: ✓ Sustainably made ✓ No matter its age or condition, you can return it to Coach for store credit (circular fashion for the win!) ✓ Ridiculously light
• Cons: X Only one large compartment and interior pocket — not the easiest to keep organized X Lack of built-in structure and weight means belongings may shift around X Bag’s only closure is one strap with a G-hook (no zippers anywhere) — doesn’t feel the most secure
• Color(s): 7
• Size: 16.8 x 12.2 x 6.1 inches
• Materials: 100% recycled PET plastic (minus the cording)