The North Face Borealis
Best overallThe North Face
A durable, well-organized daypack with a suspended laptop sleeve and comfortable straps.
- Padded laptop sleeve
- Durable
- Good organization
Audio & Bags
Best Backpacks for Students
Overview
A school backpack carries a laptop, textbooks, gym clothes, lunch, and a water bottle every day. The wrong one causes shoulder pain, a cracked screen, or a bag that falls apart by November.
The best school backpacks prioritize a padded laptop sleeve, a supportive back panel, and water-resistant fabric. Style matters to students, but function decides whether the bag survives the year.
Top Picks at a Glance
| Pick | Best for | Why it stands out |
|---|---|---|
| The North Face Borealis | Best overall | A durable, well-organized daypack with a suspended laptop sleeve and comfortable straps. |
| JanSport SuperBreak One | Best budget | A simple, inexpensive backpack with a lifetime warranty. Limited laptop protection, so add a sleeve. |
| Herschel Classic Backpack | Best style | A clean-looking backpack with a padded laptop sleeve and enough room for daily school gear. |
| L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack | Best for heavy loads | A supportive pack built for textbooks, with a reinforced bottom and comfortable harness. |
| Adidas Defender Backpack | Best for sports and school | A sporty pack that fits gym gear and school supplies in one bag. |
The Best Backpacks for Students in Detail
JanSport SuperBreak One
Best budgetJanSport
A simple, inexpensive backpack with a lifetime warranty. Limited laptop protection, so add a sleeve.
- Cheap
- Lifetime warranty
- Light
Herschel Classic Backpack
Best styleHerschel
A clean-looking backpack with a padded laptop sleeve and enough room for daily school gear.
- Padded sleeve
- Stylish
- Water-resistant
L.L.Bean Deluxe Book Pack
Best for heavy loadsL.L.Bean
A supportive pack built for textbooks, with a reinforced bottom and comfortable harness.
- Strong support
- Reinforced base
- Guaranteed
Adidas Defender Backpack
Best for sports and schoolAdidas
A sporty pack that fits gym gear and school supplies in one bag.
- Spacious
- Durable
- Affordable
The buttons on this page are Amazon.ca affiliate links. If you buy after clicking, PublicSchools.ca may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
What to Look For
A real padded laptop sleeve
The sleeve should suspend the laptop off the bottom of the bag so a dropped backpack does not crack the screen.
Supportive straps and back panel
Wide, padded straps and a ventilated back panel distribute weight and reduce sweat on the walk to school.
Water resistance
Canadian winters and rainy falls make water-resistant fabric and covered zippers valuable.
Right capacity for the student
20 to 25 litres suits most high school students. Elementary students need a smaller bag that does not overwhelm their frame.
Best Backpacks for Students FAQ
How big should a school backpack be?
Do you need a laptop sleeve in a school backpack?
Are expensive backpacks worth it?
Related Buying Guides
More Student Guides
Browse all school product buying guides or see the back-to-school supplies checklist for the full list of what Canadian students need.