Best Backpacks for School 2025

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School vacations like Spring break aren’t just for road trips and resting, they are also the perfect times to gear up for the next school semester! Shopping for a school backpack early means you get the best selection before the back to school rush. Whether you’re upgrading your look, replacing a worn-out bag, or preparing for starting high school or college, it is a great time to find a backpack that suits your style and needs. At Tillys, we’ve got a huge selection of backpacks from the best brands, ensuring durability, comfort, storage space, and trend-forward designs.

Choosing the Right School Backpack by Grade Level

High School Backpacks

High school students need a durable backpack that can handle heavy books, a laptop, and everyday essentials. Since high schoolers are always on the go—whether for sports, clubs, or weekend adventures—a versatile bag with extra compartments and ergonomic straps is a must.

Best Backpack Brands for High School:

  • The North Face – Known for rugged durability and ergonomic design, perfect for carrying heavy loads.
  • Nike – Sporty, stylish, and built to last with water-resistant materials.
  • Herschel – Classic, comfortable, and designed for both function and fashion.
  • JanSport – A timeless favorite with reliable durability and simple, functional designs.

👉 Top Overall Pick: JanSport SuperBreak Backpack – Ultralight with a padded back panel and storage pocket which is perfect for fitting a drinks bottle in. Plenty of colour options mean you’ll be sure to find a style to suit your personality!

Middle School Backpacks

Middle school is all about finding a balance between style and function. Students at this age want lightweight, comfortable backpacks that still have plenty of storage for school supplies and extracurricular gear.

Best Middle School Backpack Options:

  • For Boys – Spacious designs with neutral colors, like the Nike Heritage Backpack.
  • For Girls – Fun prints and trendy styles, such as the Herschel Classic Backpack.
  • Ergonomic Picks – The North Face’s Jester Backpack, designed for growing kids with padded straps and breathable material.
  • Classic Style – JanSport backpacks offer a variety of colors and a simple, functional design.

👉 Top Overall Pick: JanSport Right Pack Backpack – An absolute favourite amongst our customers with many praising it for its build quality, suitability for school use with padded straps, pockets for water bottles and a laptop sleeve, and fantastic colors and patterned design options.

College Backpacks

College students need a backpack that does it all—from carrying laptops and textbooks to stashing gym clothes and snacks for long days on campus. A multi-functional backpack with dedicated compartments and durable materials is key.

Best College Backpack Picks:

👉 Top Overall Pick: The North Face Vault Backpack – Sleek and modern with a water-repellent finish. Customers love the excellent storage for laptop, books and equipment, along with the multiple pockets for water bottle storage.

Best Backpacks for Boys & Girls

Boys’ School Backpacks

Boys tend to prefer rugged, functional designs with plenty of room for their books, gym gear, and everyday essentials. Key features include:

  • Durable materials that withstand wear and tear.
  • Spacious compartments for organization.
  • Neutral and bold color options.

Best Boys’ Backpack Brands:

  • Nike – Sporty, minimal, and tough.
  • Herschel – Athletic-inspired and stylish..
  • The North Face – Built for heavy use and long-lasting comfort.
  • JanSport – A reliable option with classic styling and simple, effective storage.

👉 Top Pick: ADIDAS National 3.0 Backpack – Hugely popular school backpack amongst both boys and girls, featuring water bottle and laptop storage compartments. Padded components are designed not only for comfort but also for equipment protection.

Girls’ School Backpacks

Girls’ backpacks should be both stylish and practical, offering plenty of space without sacrificing a cute design. Popular styles feature bold prints, pastels, or minimalist aesthetics.

Best Girls’ Backpack Brands:

  • The North Face – Trendy yet super functional.
  • Herschel – Sporty-chic with modern prints.
  • JanSport – Offers fun designs, vibrant colors, and durable construction.
  • Trendy Styles – Floral prints, tie-dye, and neutral colorways.

👉 Top Pick: Herschel Supply Co. Classic Backpack Floral Design – A stylish, versatile choice with a compact design and multiple pockets for organization. – Compact, cute, and great for carrying essentials

Top Backpack Brands for School

Nike School Backpacks

Nike backpacks offer a sleek, sporty design and tough materials that hold up through the school year. With spacious main compartments and padded straps, they’re a go-to for students on the move.

👉 Top Pick: Nike HBR Air BAckpack – Capturing the spirit of the 90’s basketball icon, this backpack mixes style with spacious simplicity, featuring water bottle pocket, zippered and padded laptop compartment, and key holder compartment.

Herschel School Backpacks

Herschel backpacks combine classic heritage style with modern functionality. Featuring durable materials, padded straps, and spacious compartments, they’re perfect for students looking for both style and practicality.

👉 Top Pick: HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. Classic XL Backpack – Iconic, comfortable, and with 26 litre storage capacity it’s perfect for carrying books, laptops, and essentials. Durable, stylish, and great for middle and high school students.

The North Face School Backpacks

If you’re looking for top-tier durability and comfort, The North Face backpacks are a solid investment. With ergonomic support and weather-resistant materials, they’re built to last.

👉 Top Pick: The North Face Jester Backpack – A comfortable, spacious option for students carrying heavier loads. Padded back panels provide an extra level of comfort, whilst 360-degree reflectivity adds extra visibility in low light conditions.

JanSport School Backpacks

JanSport backpacks are a staple in classrooms everywhere, offering a timeless design, ample storage, and long-lasting durability.

👉 Top Pick: JanSport SuperBreak Plus Backpack – Lightweight, durable, and available in tons of colors and patterns, with useful features including padded internal laptop sleeve, padded back panel, and front utility pocket.

Backpack Trends for 2025

Looking for the hottest backpack trends? Here’s what’s making waves in 2025:

  • Black School Backpacks – Classic, versatile, and always in style.
  • Floral Backpacks – Eye-catching designs emanating chic summer style.
  • Eco-Friendly Materials – Sustainable backpacks made from recycled materials are in demand.
  • Smart Backpacks – Tech-friendly bags with built-in USB charging ports and anti-theft features.

Summary

Whether you’re shopping for a high school, middle school, or college backpack, Tillys has the best options from top brands like Nike, Adidas, The North Face, and JanSport. With trendy designs, durable materials, and plenty of storage, these backpacks are ready for any school year adventure.

Ready to find your perfect school backpack? Browse our full collection at Tillys.com and grab your new favorite backpack before they sell out!