23 On-Trend Backpacks for Teens That Might Actually Make Them Excited for School

Baggallini Set Wave Backpack

For teens who want a backpack that feels more elevated than a traditional school bag, the Baggallini Set Wave Backpack is a stylish pick that doesn’t skimp on functionality. Its clean, contemporary design features a padded laptop compartment that fits up to a 16-inch laptop, expandable side pockets for a large water bottle, and multiple zippered pockets for keeping smaller essentials organized. There’s also a luggage sleeve, key leash, pen holder, and privacy pocket, making it useful for school days as well as weekend trips or travel.

Dimensions: 12″W x 15.75″H x 6.3″D
Colorways: 3
Weight: 1 lb. 9 oz.

Pros:
Padded laptop compartment
Expandable water-bottle pockets
Luggage sleeve

Cons:
18.5L capacity may be smaller than some traditional school backpacks

Vera Bradley Large Bancroft Backpack

Vibrant and stylish, the Vera Bradley Large Bancroft Backpack has a 22 L capacity, yet weighs just 1.83 pounds when it’s empty. With plenty of storage pockets (and water bottle pockets too!) and adjustable straps for a customized fit, this is a perfect backpack for both school days and travel days — since it’s also carry-on friendly. Bonus: Its pattern is stunning!

Dimensions: 12.0″ x 16.5″ x 9.0″
Colorways: 17 colors and prints
Weight: 1.83 lbs

Pros:
Classic design
Durable
Adjustable shoulder straps

Cons:
Has more of a boxy design

JanSport Cross Town Plus Remix Backpack

If you’re looking to brighten up the school year, the JanSport Cross Town Plus Remix Backpack in Lemon Yellow is guaranteed to stand out in the hallway. The cheerful color adds a playful pop to any outfit, while the backpack itself delivers all the functionality JanSport is known for. It features a spacious main compartment, a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, a front organizer pocket for smaller essentials, and a side water bottle pocket to keep everything within easy reach. Padded shoulder straps and a cushioned back panel make it comfortable to carry from first period to after-school activities, while the durable recycled polyester construction is built to handle everyday wear and tear.

Dimensions: 17 Inches (H) x 12.5 Inches (W) x 6 Inches (D)
Colorways: Lemon Yellow, brown, black, light blue denim, and three other colors
Weight: 11 oz.

Pros:
Lightweight design
Available in fun, vibrant colors
Front organizer pocket

Cons:
Only one large main compartment

Lululemon Everywhere Backpack 22L

Lululemon is a top choice among teens (just scroll through TikTok). The “cool” brand crafts quality bags that last through any weather and activities. If your child is heading to class or practice, make sure they have the Everywhere Backpack in gorgeous seasonal colorways. It has different compartments to store belongings, like a laptop or workout gear. There is also a secure pocket that holds a water bottle.

Dimensions: W 29cm x D 15cm x H 43cm
Colorways: Lilac Play/Wacky Khaki (above), Lilac Play/Wacky Khaki, Downtown Tan, and six other colors
Weight: 1.3 lbs

Pros:
Water-repellent exterior helps protect belongings
Modern design

Cons:
Higher price point than many traditional school backpacks

FP Movement Quilted Backpack

If your teen wants a backpack that feels more like a fashion accessory than traditional school gear, the FP Movement Quilted Backpack is an easy standout. The oversized quilted design gives it a cool, laid-back look that’s right on trend, while the spacious interior offers plenty of room for textbooks and other essentials. It also includes a padded laptop sleeve that makes staying organized effortless and adjustable straps for a comfortable, secure fit that’s equal parts stylish and functional.

Dimensions: 15.5 in. (H) x 11 in. (W) x 5.5 in. (D)
Colorways: Off-white, light cobalt, seagrass, and black
Weight: 0.76 lbs

Pros:
Trendy quilted design that doubles as a fashion statement
Multiple interior and exterior pockets for organization

Cons:
Quilted fabric may require more care

Baby Bogg Bag Medium Tote

If your teen isn’t a backpack person, this is a fun alternative. The Baby Bogg Bag is a structured medium tote made from durable EVA plastic that’s washable, tip-proof, and built to handle whatever a busy day throws at it. At 15 inches long by 5 inches wide by 12.5 inches high, it has plenty of room for everyday essentials without the bulk of the larger Original Bogg Bag. It also comes with a small insert pouch for keeping smaller items like a phone, keys, or lip balm organized. The best part? There are tons of playful prints to choose from, so teens can pick one that actually feels like their style.

Dimensions: 15″ L × 5″ W × 12.5″ H
Colorways: 30+
Weight: 2 lbs

Pros:
Washable
Tip-proof
Tons of prints
Easy to clean

Cons:
No backpack straps

L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack

If you’re looking for a backpack that can handle years of classes, extracurriculars, and everything in between, the L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack is a longtime favorite. It has a spacious 37-liter capacity, dual main compartments, a dedicated 15-inch laptop sleeve, an organizer panel, and two deep water bottle pockets. Padded shoulder straps, a cushioned back panel with lumbar support, and a tuck-away waist belt make it more comfortable to carry. Made from rugged, weather-resistant materials with reinforced stitching, it’s built to last well beyond a single school year and is a smart investment for parents.

Dimensions: 117 in. (H) x 13 in. (W) x 9.5 in. (D”
Colorways: Moonlight Blue, fig, black, and 7 other colors
Weight: 1 lb. 5 oz.

Pros:
Ergonomic shoulder straps
Reinforced bottom and heavy-duty zippers
Two large water bottle pockets

Cons:
Larger size may feel bulky for younger or smaller-framed students

Stanley The Vitalize Backpack

The Stanley Vitalize Backpack is proof that the brand behind the viral tumbler knows a thing or two about creating practical everyday essentials. Designed for students on the go, this versatile backpack features a spacious main compartment with a padded laptop sleeve, multiple organizational pockets, and an innovative expandable bottom compartment that’s perfect for storing gym clothes, shoes, or lunch separately from school supplies. One of its standout features is the dedicated tumbler-securing pocket, designed to keep your Stanley bottle or other large water bottle securely in place while you’re on the go.

Dimensions: 12.6 in. x 7.48 in. x 18.11 in.
Colorways: Sage Grey, Rose Quartz, and 2 other colors
Weight: 2.05 lbs.

Pros:
Expandable bottom compartment keeps shoes or gym clothes separate
Large water bottle pocket designed to fit oversized tumblers

Cons:
Can become heavy when fully packed

Away Large Featherlight Backpack

The Away Large Featherlight Backpack is another standout choice for teens. True to its name, the lightweight design is easy to carry throughout the day without sacrificing storage space. Inside, you’ll find a roomy main compartment, a padded laptop sleeve that fits most 16-inch laptops, and multiple interior and exterior pockets to keep everything from notebooks to chargers neatly organized. The water-resistant recycled nylon exterior is built to withstand daily commutes and unexpected weather.

Dimensions: 11.8 in. x 5.9 in. x 16.5 in.
Colorways: Amaro Brown, Jet Black, Blush Pink, and 2 other colors
Weight: 1.02 lbs.

Pros:
Lightweight design
Luggage sleeve slides over a suitcase handle for travel
Premium construction built to last

Cons:
Fewer specialized compartments

Redbubble Mushrooms & Tiny Friends Backpack

If your teen’s interests, passions, and obsessions change on a whim (typical!), you absolutely cannot get better than Redbubble’s backpacks for a jaw-droppingly huge selection of unique designs — ranging from simple and eye-catching to extremely specific and niche (cottagecore frogs! Bass fishing! ’70s mushrooms!). There’s a backpack design for every type of teen, so they can truly express who they are this school year. It features a mesh pocket outside and a pocket inside that can fit most standard-sized laptops. 

Dimensions: 17” x 12.5” x 5”
Colorways: Multiple colors and patterns (pick the pattern/print your teen loves best)

Pros:
Huge selection of unique designs to choose from, specific to any type of interest
Great price point

Cons:
Shoppers are divided on whether it’s roomy enough

 Carhartt Kickflip Backpack

This rugged-but-stylish canvas backpack is equally ideal for hauling school stuff or equipment for an outdoor adventure. With multiple compartments, there’s a place for everything — and adjustable straps help ensure a comfortable fit. Shoppers report they can fit a computer, books, gym clothes, and more in the pack. Better yet, it’s available in three rugged colors like brown, black, and blue. 

Dimensions: 17.7″ H x 11.4″ W x 7.5″ D
Colorways: 5
Weight: Not listed by Carhartt (24.8 liters)

Pros:
Padded shoulder straps and back for comfort
Water-repellent recycled polyester canvas

Cons:
Unlined interior, so there’s less structure/protection than some school backpacks

Eastsport Unisex Rally Sport 2.0 Backpack

At just $25, Walmart’s Eastsport Unisex Rally Sport 2.0 has a plethora of pockets yet still manages to have a silhouette that isn’t bulky. Its unique MOLLE webbing chain loops on the front let your teen secure loose items, and mesh pockets on the side allow for secure storage of water bottles — plus plenty of room inside for whatever else your teen throws in.

Dimensions: 7″ x 13″ x 18.50″
Colorways: Comes in 8 various colors and patterns
Weight: 1.5 lbs

Pros:
Roomy with lots of pockets
Great price point

Cons:
Reviews are mixed on the quality of the fabric

WAYB Daily Backpack

Up front, the WAYB Daily Backpack is a steeper investment — but its sleek, timeless style and durability means it can be used for multiple years (or handed down to the next kid: environmental friendliness FTW!). It has a 24L capacity so your teen can carry all their daily essentials, but no matter how much stuff they cram in, the padded straps and soft-grab handles make it comfortable to carry. And it’s easy to keep clean, too — just wipe it down and it’s good as new!

Dimensions: 4.72 x 14.96 x 21.65 inches
Colorways: Moonstruck, Twilight
Weight: 2.25 lbs

Pros:
TONS of space, with multiple interior storage pockets
Thoughtfully designed, premium quality
Durable & easy to clean

Cons:
Pricey

Fjallraven Kanken in Navy

Amazon shoppers love this backpack for back-to-school, and it’s no surprise why. The 2-in-1 one pack can be carried like a traditional backpack or by its handles. It comes in over 34 colors, and you can snag this navy shade on sale now at Amazon.

“Gave this to my 10-year-old daughter,” one five-star reviewer wrote. “She often gets compliments on this or overhears moms and older girls chatting about it; we often hear, ‘She’s got one,’ ‘I want one,’ ‘Can you get me one too,’ ‘She has the Fjallraven!'”

Dimensions: 10.61″ x 5.1″ x 15″
Colorways: Navy, black, brick,and 31 other colors
Weight: 0.7 lbs

Pros:
Over 30 colors

Multiple compartments

Cons:
Hand wash only

Beckmann Street Go

With 100% of its outer fabric comprised of recycled bottles (11 of them in each backpack, to be exact!), the Beckmann Street Go has a water-repellent coating which gives it a really unique look and feel. Its impressive 26L capacity can hold whatever your teen throws in it. And comfort is definitely a big plus, as it has anatomically shaped back support, a height-adjustable chest strap, and cushy padding on the back and shoulder straps.

Dimensions: 12.9″ x 18.5″ x 9″
Colorways: Ash Rose, Beige
Weight: 3 lbs

Pros:
Comfortable ergonomic design
Distinctive & water-resistant outer shell made of recycled plastic
Expandable

Cons:
Only available online

STM Myth Backpack

STM stands for “smarter than most” — and this company lives up to its name with its Myth backpack, especially for teens who like to carry their gadgets with them! STM’s proprietary “Slingtech” technology provides maximum impact protection for laptops or tablets, and it has loads of tech pockets inside, perfect for storing (and easily accessing) earbuds, chargers, etc. 

Dimensions: 25.5 x 37.5 x 3 inches
Colorways: Black, Granite Black, Slate Blue, & more on the STM website
Weight: 2.2 lbs

Pros:
Innovative features
Plnety of storage space for maximum organization
Water-repellent on the outside, fleece-lined on the inside to protect your tech

Cons:
No water bottle holder

STATE Kane Kids Large

Available in 11 cool patterns and colors (we like this one in “Gold”, but they also have some amazing prints, too), the Kane Kids Large backpack from STATE is a little pricier than many, but in this case you definitely get what you pay for — the quality of these backpacks is top notch. Dual compartments allow kids to carry books and binders in one and a laptop or tablet in the other, and water bottle pockets on each side let your kid stay hydrated on the go. It’s durable and has adjustable straps, too!

Dimensions: 7″ H x 13″ W x 7.5″ D
Colorways: Gold, navy, camo, and 8 more
Weight: 1.98 lbs

Pros:
Bestseller
Metallic colors
Best for kids 4th grade and up

Cons:
Spot clean only

North Face Jester Water Repellent Backpack

This backpack is made for comfort — it has brand-specific FlexVent technology that is a suspension system designed to alleviate the weight of what you’re carrying. The bag can hold a day’s worth of essentials, according to the brand. It’s also water-repellent anda offers two top handles that you can carry to alleviate some of the weight off the bag. 

Dimensions: 18″H x 10 1/2″W x 5″D
Colorways: 20+ to choose from
Weight: 1.7 lbs

Pros:
Exterior mesh water-bottle pockets
Water-repellent
Padded laptop sleeve
Lots of colorways available

Cons:
Slim design

Stoney Clover Lane Classic Backpack

If your teen wants a customized backpack that showcases their interests, head to Stoney Clover Lane for the ultimate customizable bags. There are over 26 colors of packs to choose from and endless patch options to put on the bag for a totally personal touch. Browse letters, hearts, destination patches, and more.

Dimensions: 16.25″ H x 13.5″ W x 5.25″ D, 2.75″
Colorways: Grape, blanc, cotton candy, and 12 more
Weight: 25 ounces

Pros: 
Customizable with patches or embroidery
Can purchase matching accessories (sold separately)

Cons:
More expensive than some other options

Himawari Travel Backpack

Teenagers are always plugged in and connected, so they’re going to need on-the-go charging resources for their devices. Luckily, this travel backpack has them covered. The Himawari Travel Backpack has a built-in USB port that connects to any power bank. The bag is also spacious and can hold lunch, a laptop, and books, so there’s no excuse for not doing homework.

Dimensions: 8″ x 11″ x 16″
Colorways: USB (shown), gray, purple, and 29 others
Weight: 1.4 lbs

Pros:
Unique color combinations
Waterproof
Lightweight

Cons:
Shoppers wish it came in larger sizes

Adidas League Three Stripe 2 Backpack

Don’t worry, there’s a backpack for your sporty teen, too. This original style from Adidas holds all the back-to-school essentials. The bag has three classic stripes on the front and is made from recycled materials. But what’s most unbeatable is its lifetime warranty!

Dimensions: 12.5 x 8 x 18 inches
Colorways: Black/White, Jersey Onix Grey/Black, Jersey White/Rose Gold
Weight: 1.3 lbs

Pros:
Great for heavy items
Lifetime warranty

Cons:
Some shoppers report issues with durability

JanSport Cross Town Daypack

For a more “grown-up option,” this Jansport classic should be at the top of your list this school season. It’s roomy, durable, water-resistant, and easy to clean — an iconic backpack for a reason! And with 20 choices of colors and patterns, there’s a style for literally everyone’s taste.

Dimensions: 6″ x 12.5″ x 17″
Colorways: Black, red, orange, and 17 others
Weight: 12 Ounces

Pros:
Padded shoulder straps
Large interior

Cons:
No added designs

Herschel Classic Backpack XL – 30L

Does your teen need a new backpack for the school year? If “yes,” head to Herschel. The classic brand has a wide range of bags that your teens will love — like our pick, the Herschel Classic Backpack XL. It also comes in mini and standard sizes, but the XL is extra-roomy for schlepping all the stuff. It’s made of recycled fabrics and has both a laptop sleeve and a water bottle pocket.

Dimensions: 17.75″(H) x 12.75″(W) x 6.50″(D), 30.0L
Colorways: 7 classic solid colors and 4 limited-edition colors and prints

Pros:
Interior and exterior pockets
Fits 13″ laptops
Distinctive colors and patterns 

Cons:
Cannot be machine washed