Best backpacks for college in 2025 — Nike, The North Face and more

Targus Octave II Backpack: was $39 now $11 @ Best Buy
This Targus Octave II backpack for 15.6" laptops is sturdy and offers everything you need. Features include padded shoulder straps, two mesh water bottle holders, and a front stash pocket. 

Trail Maker Backpack: was $19 now $8 @ Amazon
Need a backpack for college, but don't want to invest too much? The Trail Maker Backpack is just what you're looking for. Priced at $8, it's inexpensive yet features everything you could want in a budget backpack like a roomy main compartment, double zippers, and an outer front pocket. 

Nike Youth Gymsack: for $24 @ Amazon
Small and light, the Nike Gymsack is ideal for those times you need to carry clothes or wide objects. There are no special compartments or zippers. Instead, the backpack features a drawcord for easy access to your items. 

Adidas Excel 6 Backpack: was $55 now $42 @ Amazon
This Adidas Excel 6 is a simple but very stylish backpack. It offers four outside zippered pockets, and dual water holders on either side. Plus, there are internal organization slots and a 16" padded computer sleeve for storing your tech devices. 

Adidas Utility Team Backpack: was $65 now $58 @ Amazon
From game day to the classroom, the adidas Utility Team Backpack is perfect for students who practice sports. The large backpack provides tons of space for books, clothes, and more.

Amazon Basics Backpack: $54 @ Amazon
The Amazon Basics Backpack is made of durable polyester and features an internal, zippered laptop sleeve. It also had padded shoulder straps, waist belt, and easy to access front/top pockets. It's one of the best backpacks for college you'll find at this price point. 

The North Face Jester Backpack: now $58 @ Amazon
The North Face Jester backpack is the ideal campus backpack. It has a 30 liter capacity, a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, and a front organization pocket with mesh water bottle holders. 

Pro Slim Laptop Backpack: was $119 now $83 @ eBags
For a limited time, eBags is taking a whopping 50% off the Pro Slim Laptop Backpack. The backpack offers excellent organization with a diagonal stash pocket inside the middle compartment, a padded laptop sleeve that fits up to a 17-inch laptop, and a front organizational panel with internal pockets. 

The North Face Pivoter Backpack: $84 @ Amazon
The 27-liter North Face Pivoter Backpack features a roomy main compartment with a padded laptop sleep. The front compartment has a padded tablet sleeve along with additional organizational pockets. It's available in various colors at Amazon.

The North Face Borealis Backpack: $98 @ Amazon
The classic 28-liter North Face Borealis backpack features an updated suspension system. There's also a padded main compartment, a tablet sleeve, and a dedicated 17-inch laptop sleeve to protect your gear. It's now 40% off.