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

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

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

Lululemon New Crew 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 this New Crew backpack for the season. 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: 11.4″ x 7.3″ x 16.5″
Colorways: Fawn Brown, Asphalt Grey, Black, Artifact, Grey Eucalyptus 
Weight: 1.3 lbs

Pros:
Comfortable on shoulders and back

Lightweight

Cons:
Straps aren’t padded

JanSport Cross Town Plus Backpack

Perfect for ages 13 and up, JanSport’s Cross Town Plus Backpack has all the storage space they need — at a price that parents can get behind! With interior pockets for laptops and accessories, and exterior mesh pockets for water bottles and other essentials, they can easily keep all their belongings within easy reach.

Dimensions: 17.5″ (H) x 12.5″ (W) x 6″ (D)
Colorways: Bow party, misty rose, black, and four other colors
Weight: .83 lbs

Pros:
Multiple interior pockets
Great price point

Cons:
Not many solid colorways 

True Religion Horseshoe Backpack

True Religion’s Horseshoe Backpack is the perfect mix of stylish and functional. It’s described as the “perfect carryall,” which is great for students needing extra room to fit their books, notebooks, and other essentials. Plus, True Religion is making a big comeback thanks to Gen Z’s love of all things nostalgia. So this backpack? Totally on-trend. 

Pros:
Spacious

Cons:
Limited color options (currently available in black only)

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

Kipling Seoul Extra Large Metallic Laptop Backpack

Kipling’s Seoul Large Laptop Backpack is a fun pick for teens to carry their everyday essentials. The backpack has a pretty cherry shade, a laptop pocket that fits a 17-inch computer, and extra room for books and other items. The bag is made with nylon, making it easy to toss in the washer to clean.

Dimensions: 12.75″ L x 17.25″ H x 9″ D
Colorways: Cherry Tonal, True Blue Tonal, Grey Gris, True Black Tonal, Havana Blue
Weight: 1.41 lbs

Pros:
Includes monkey keychain
Separate pocket with padding to keep laptop safe
Multiple colors

Cons:
Pricey

 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. 

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-repellant 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

Tons of storage space for maximum organization

Water-repellant 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 band. 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