How To Choose a Backpack for School
Whether you’re shopping for your favorite student or looking for a bag to take to your own classes, here’s how to choose a backpack for the coming school year. A school backpack is a crucial back-to-school purchase. After all, it needs to carry books, a laptop, a tablet, a water bottle, and the small essentials that keep the day moving. It should also help keep those personal items safe and secure from class to class.
Check out our best selling bags and gear at The North Face to get a sense of what everyone’s loving from our wide selection.
Essential Features
The best backpack for school needs to do a few things well. Student life can be physically demanding, so your backpack should combine durable materials, supportive construction, and everyday organization. If a bag can’t keep up with your schedule, it may be time to find a different one.
Here’s a checklist to help you choose the right pack:
Support: Campuses are known for making you walk a lot. Make sure your pack is strong enough to carry weight comfortably and that you can wear it throughout a full day of classes, errands, and after-school plans.
Capacity: A school day can last from morning to night, especially when students are taking multiple courses. Your backpack should have space for books, handouts, a laptop, lunch, water, and anything else you need to make it through the day. Don’t forget keys, wallet, phone, and chargers.
Laptop Sleeve: Your laptop shouldn’t be loose in the main compartment, where bumps and drops could cause expensive damage. A dedicated laptop sleeve is a must for most students.
Water Bottle Pocket: Hydration is essential, and your stuff is too valuable to risk a spill. External water bottle pockets help keep drinks separate from books, tech, and papers.
Organizational Features: Student success starts with preparation, especially when it comes to kids’ backpacks, and that means organizational compartments. This will help you find the essentials you’re looking for, whatever the size.
The “Intangibles”
When you’re shopping for men’s or women’s backpacks, there’s more to consider than features alone. These less tangible factors can also help answer the question of what is the best backpack for your day-to-day school life.
Style and Personality: Does it express a vibe that feels like you? Does it match your personality and the kind of student you want to be? You spend a lot of time with your backpack, so it makes sense to find one that suits you.
Professionalism: School is a social place, but it can also be a serious one. A backpack that looks clean, polished, and appropriate for class can help you feel ready for presentations, internships, work shifts, or meetings between classes.
Gut Feeling: There’s an element of back to school shopping that’s hard to pin down. Basically, it has to feel right. Trust your instinct when you’re looking for a backpack. You should feel confident about it, not just convinced on paper.
What Is the Best Backpack for School for You?
If you’re wondering what the best The North Face backpack is for school, we have plenty of favorites. The Borealis Backpack is a classic for a reason and a great all-around choice. Its FlexVent™ Suspension System provides all-day support, while a 16-inch laptop sleeve and smart organization help keep a busy student life in check.
The Recon Backpack is a better option if you tend to carry heavier loads. It has a 30L capacity and extra external storage options as well as the FlexVent™ Suspension System. It also has a sternum strap and removable waist belt.
The Router, one of our largest school packs, is great for students who carry bigger laptops and gear for long days including clothes for the gym or a sporting activity. It has a 40L capacity, a large main compartment with a dedicated 17” laptop compartment, and the FlexVent™ suspension.
These tips on how to choose a backpack are simple in theory, but finding the best backpack for you is personal. Look for a bag that fits your schedule, your style, and the way you move through campus. With the right backpack, every semester feels easier to carry.