The 15 Best Backpacks for Grad School in 2022
If you’re heading back to school for graduate studies, you’ll need a backpack that can carry all of your textbooks, notes, and other materials.
And since you’ll likely be spending long hours in the library or in class, you’ll want a backpack that’s comfortable to wear.
To help you find the best backpacks for grad school, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best options out there. From stylish backpacks that will make you stand out on campus to functional designs that offer plenty of storage space, we’ve got something for everyone.
So whether you’re looking for a simple and straightforward backpack or something with a little more personality, check out our list of the perfect backpacks for grad school below.
Our Top Picks

- One main compartment for storage
- Front zip pocket for quick access
- Available in a variety of colors

- Durable polyester fabric
- The comfortable padded back panel
- Limited lifetime warranty
List of Best Backpacks for Grad School
Image | Product | Feature | Price |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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Lenovo Legion Recon 15.6 inch Gaming Backpack
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Sleek, modern design Waterproof cap padded shoulder straps |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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Case Logic 3203697 Era 15.6″ Laptop Backpack
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Spacious main compartment Side water bottle pocket Dedicated slip pocket for a 10. 5″ tablet |
Check On Amazon |
Backpacks for Grad School
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Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Commuter Slim Backpack
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Overall Size: 16.25” H x 13” L x 7” D Multiple pockets for storage Stylish brown color |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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solo Reade Vintage Leather Backpack
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Made of durable leather Spacious interior 5 years warranty |
Check On Amazon |
Backpacks for Grad School
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High Sierra Loop-Backpack
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Durable polyester fabric The comfortable padded back panel Limited lifetime warranty |
Check On Amazon |
Backpacks for Grad School
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JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
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One main compartment for storage Front zip pocket for quick access Available in a variety of colors |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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Champion Advocate Backpack
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Durable design Comfortable straps Multiple pockets for storage |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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Adidas Unisex-Adult Core Advantage Backpack
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Spacious main compartment Front zip pocket for small items Adjustable shoulder straps |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
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Top carry handle Light grey crosshatch fabric Classic design |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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Fila Duel School Laptop Computer Tablet Book Bag
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Durable polyester fabric Padded shoulder straps for comfort Top handle for easy carrying |
Check On Amazon |
Backpacks for Grad School
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Solo Depart TSA Laptop USB Charging Port, Water Resistant Travel Backpack
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Water-resistant Comfortable shoulder straps Roomy interior |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
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Durable polyester fabric External zippered pocket Headphone port |
Check On Amazon |
Backpacks for Grad School
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Samsonite Tectonic PFT Laptop Backpack
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Comfortable shoulder strap system for easy carrying Made from durable materials for long-lasting use |
Check On Amazon |
Backpacks for Grad School
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Thule Paramount Backpack
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Adjustable shoulder straps Padded back panel Built-in rain cover |
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Backpacks for Grad School
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Targus Cypress Slim Backpack
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Made of durable materials Comes with a lot of compartments and pockets Comfortable to wear and has a sleek design |
Check On Amazon |
Lenovo Legion Recon 15.6-inch Gaming Backpack
The Lenovo Legion Recon 15.6-inch Gaming Backpack is designed for gamers who need a sleek, modern, and lightweight backpack that can carry all their gaming gear.
The backpack features a water-repellent front panel and breathable back padding to keep you cool and comfortable while you’re on the go.
The backpack also has plenty of room for all your gaming accessories, including a laptop, controller, and headset.
The backpack is also perfect for casual or college students who need a stylish and functional backpack for their everyday needs.
Features
- Sleek, modern design
- Travel-ready luggage trolley strap
- Waterproof cap
- padded shoulder straps
- Perfect for casual or college students
Case Logic 3203697 Era 15.6″ Laptop Backpack
This backpack is perfect for the modern professional. It fits a 15.6″ laptop in a padded compartment and has plenty of space for all your other essentials.
The front zippered pocket has an organization panel to keep small items in an order, while the side water bottle pocket keeps you hydrated on the go.
The comfortable shoulder straps make it easy to carry, and the sleek design looks great whether you’re headed to the office or the gym.
Features
- Thickly padded storage for a laptop
- Spacious main compartment
- Side water bottle pocket
- Dedicated slip pocket for a 10. 5″ tablet
- Sleek design looks great anywhere you go
Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Commuter Slim Backpack
This Kenneth Cole Reaction backpack is perfect for the modern commuter. It features a slim design that makes it easy to carry, while still providing plenty of room for all your essentials.
The backpack also has a dedicated laptop compartment that can comfortably fit most laptops up to 16 inches. Additionally, there is a tablet sleeve and multiple pockets for storing other items.
The backpack is made from high-quality Colombian leather and has a stylish brown color. It also comes with comfortable shoulder straps for added carrying comfort. Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, this backpack is a great option.
Whether you’re looking for a backpack for work, travel, or school, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Manhattan Commuter Slim Backpack is a great option. It’s stylish, comfortable, and has plenty of room for all your essentials.
Features
- Tear-resistant fully lined interior
- Dedicated laptop compartment
- Overall Size: 16.25” H x 13” L x 7” D
- Multiple pockets for storage
- Stylish brown color
- Comfortable shoulder straps
Solo Reade Vintage Leather Backpack
Whether you’re taking a quick trip or headed out for a long vacation, the Solo Reade Vintage Leather Backpack is the perfect travel companion.
This stylish backpack is made of durable leather and features a spacious interior that can hold all your essentials.
The backpack also has a front zip pocket for easy access to your belongings, and adjustable straps for a comfortable fit.
With its timeless design and convenient features, the Solo Reade Vintage Leather Backpack is a must-have for any traveler.
Features
- Made of durable leather
- Spacious interior
- 5 years warranty
- Adjustable straps
- Timeless design
High Sierra Loop-Backpack
The High Sierra Loop is a versatile backpack that allows you to carry it as a school bag, work bag, or travel bag.
The backpack features a large main compartment with a tablet sleeve and an organizational panel. The front panel has two zippered pockets for additional storage.
The backpack also has side mesh pockets for water bottles or other quick-access items. The backpack is made from durable polyester fabric and has a comfortable padded back panel. The bag also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
The High Sierra Loop backpack is a versatile and stylish backpack that is perfect for school, work, or travel. The backpack features a large main compartment with a tablet sleeve and an organizational panel.
The front panel has two zippered pockets for additional storage. The backpack also has side mesh pockets for water bottles or other quick-access items.
The backpack is made from durable polyester fabric and has a comfortable padded back panel. The bag also comes with a limited lifetime warranty.
Features
- Large main compartment with tablet sleeve
- The front panel has two zippered pockets
- Side mesh pockets for water bottles
- Durable polyester fabric
- The comfortable padded back panel
- Limited lifetime warranty
JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
The Lightweight and roomy, the JanSport Super Break One backpack is perfect for carrying your everyday essentials.
The main compartment offers plenty of space for books, notebooks, and other supplies, while the front zip pocket provides quick access to smaller items.
The padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, even when packed full. Whether you’re headed to school, the library, or just running errands, the JanSport Super Break One backpack is a great choice.
Features
- Made of 600 Denier Polyester for durability
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- One main compartment for storage
- Front zip pocket for quick access
- Available in a variety of colors
Champion Advocate Backpack
The Advocate backpack from Champion is perfect for your next hike or outdoor adventure. Featuring a durable design, this backpack can hold all your gear with ease.
The comfortable straps make it easy to carry, and the multiple pockets provide plenty of storage space. Whether you’re hitting the trails or just heading to class, the Advocate backpack is a great choice.
Features
- Durable design
- Comfortable straps
- Multiple pockets for storage
Adidas Unisex-Adult Core Advantage Backpack
The Adidas Core Advantage backpack is perfect for athletes and everyday use. The backpack features a spacious main compartment, a front zip pocket for small items, and adjustable shoulder straps for comfortable carrying.
The bag also has an internal sleeve that can hold a laptop or tablet up to 15 inches. The Adidas Core Advantage backpack is made of durable polyester and comes in black with the Adidas logo on the front.
Features
- Spacious main compartment
- Front zip pocket for small items
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- The internal sleeve can hold a laptop
- Made of durable polyester
- Comes in black with the Adidas logo on the front
Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
This backpack from Herschel Supply Co. is perfect for everyday use or travel. The Pop Quiz Backpack features a classic design with a spacious main compartment and a front zip pocket for convenient storage.
The backpack also has a cushioned back panel and straps for comfortable carrying, as well as a top carry handle. The light grey crosshatch fabric is both stylish and durable, making this backpack a great choice for any adventure.
The Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack is available in a light grey crosshatch color. This backpack is also available in other colors, including black, charcoal, navy, and red. The Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack measures 13.75″ x 18.25″ x 6.5″.
Features
- Spacious main compartment
- Front zip pocket
- Cushioned back panel and straps
- Top carry handle
- Light grey crosshatch fabric
- Classic design
Fila Duel School Laptop Computer Tablet Book Bag
This bag is perfect for carrying a laptop, tablet, or book with ease. The bag features a spacious main compartment and a smaller front pocket for quick-access items.
Additionally, the bag has padded shoulder straps for comfort and a top handle for easy carrying. Lastly, the bag is made from durable polyester fabric and comes in black.
With its functional design and stylish look, the Fila Duel School Laptop Computer Tablet Book Bag is a great choice for students and professionals alike.
Features
- Durable polyester fabric
- Padded shoulder straps for comfort
- Top handle for easy carrying
- Spacious main compartment
- Smaller front pocket for quick-access items
- Stylish black color
- Dimensions: 17.5″ x 13″ x 6
Solo Depart TSA Laptop USB Charging Port, Water Resistant Travel Backpack
The Solo Depart TSA Laptop USB Charging Port Backpack was designed with the modern traveler in mind. This backpack features a built-in USB charging port, so you can easily keep your devices charged while on the go.
The backpack is also water-resistant, making it ideal for use in any weather. Plus, the comfortable shoulder straps and roomy interior make this backpack perfect for carrying all your essential belongings.
Whether you’re headed to the office or the airport, the Solo Depart TSA Laptop USB Charging Port Backpack is a great choice for stylish and convenient travel.
Features
- Built-in USB charging port
- Water-resistant
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Roomy interior
Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
A classic mountaineering-style backpack in durable polyester fabric, the Herschel Little America backpack is ideal for everyday use or travel.
An external zippered pocket and headphone port offer convenient storage, while the padded shoulder straps provide comfortable carrying. Little America also features a 15″ laptop sleeve and front organization pocket.
Features
- Durable polyester fabric
- External zippered pocket
- Headphone port
- Padded shoulder straps
- 15″ laptop sleeve
- Front organization pocket
- Classic mountaineering style
Samsonite Tectonic PFT Laptop Backpack
The Samsonite Tectonic PFT Laptop Backpack is a great backpack for those who need to carry their laptop with them on a daily basis.
The backpack features a padded laptop sleeve that can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches in size, as well as a number of other compartments and pockets that are perfect for holding all of your other belongings.
The backpack also features a comfortable shoulder strap system that makes it easy to carry, even when loaded down with everything you need.
Whether you’re headed to the office or the airport, the Samsonite Tectonic PFT Laptop Backpack is a great option for carrying your laptop and all of your other essentials.
Features
- A padded laptop sleeve can accommodate laptops up to 17 inches in size
- A number of compartments and pockets for holding other belongings
- Comfortable shoulder strap system for easy carrying
- Made from durable materials for long-lasting use
Thule Paramount Backpack
Thule Paramount Backpack great backpack for everyday use or travel. It has a lot of compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized, and the fabric is durable and water-resistant.
The shoulder straps are adjustable to ensure a comfortable fit, and the back panel is padded for comfort. This backpack also features a built-in rain cover to keep your belongings dry in wet weather.
Features
- Durable, water-resistant fabric
- Multiple compartments and pockets for organization
- Adjustable shoulder straps
- Padded back panel
- Built-in rain cover
Targus Cypress Slim Backpack
The Targus Cypress Slim backpack is perfect for those who are always on the go. Whether you are a business traveler or a student, this backpack will make your life easier.
It is made of durable materials and comes with a lot of compartments and pockets, so you can easily store everything you need. The backpack also has a laptop compartment that can accommodate up to 15.6-inch laptops or notebooks.
Plus, it is comfortable to wear and has a sleek design that will definitely make you stand out from the crowd. So, if you are looking for a backpack that is both functional and stylish, then this is the one for you.
Features
- Made of durable materials
- Comes with a lot of compartments and pockets
- The laptop compartment can accommodate up to 15.6-inch laptops or notebooks
- Comfortable to wear and has a sleek design
Buying Guide of Best Backpacks for School
When shopping for the best backpack for grad school, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. First and foremost, you’ll want to make sure that the backpack is comfortable to wear, as you’ll likely be carrying it around campus all day long.
Additionally, consider the type of materials you’ll be carrying and choose a backpack with enough storage space and compartments to accommodate them. Finally, think about your budget and how much you’re willing to spend on a new backpack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best backpack for grad school?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best backpack for grad school depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, we’ve rounded up 15 of the best backpacks for grad school below, so you’re sure to find something that’s perfect for you.
What should I look for in a backpack for grad school?
When shopping for a backpack for grad school, it’s important to consider your individual needs and what type of materials you’ll be carrying.
For example, if you’ll be carrying textbooks and other heavy items, you’ll need a backpack with padded straps and a sturdy frame. Alternatively, if you only need to carry a few light items, you can opt for a lighter and more compact backpack.
How much should I spend on a backpack for grad school?
Again, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. However, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $200 on a quality backpack for grad school.
Conclusions
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of what is the best backpack for grad school. However, by considering your individual needs and preferences, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect backpack for your needs.
Be sure to keep comfort, storage space, and budget in mind when making your decision. And if you’re still not sure which backpack is right for you, check out our list of the best backpacks for grad school above.