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Best backpacks for back to school for kids and adults

Athleta Kinetic Backpack
Athleta

The new school year is about a month away, which means it's the right time to get a new backpack. Whether your child is going back to school or you're going back to school yourself, we've found the best backpacks for carrying laptops, books and more.


Top products in this article:

State Kane kids travel backpack, $95

Fjallraven Kanken classic backpack, $79

Away The Everywhere Zip backpack, $195


Below, the best backpacks for back to school, perfect for kids and adults. Check out these backpacks at a variety of price points from Amazon, Hunter, Away and more. They come in a variety of styles and have features that include laptop sleeves, USB ports for charging and more.

State Kane kids travel backpack

kane-in-painterly-animal.jpg
State

This cleverly constructed backpack for kids holds a 13-inch laptop, along with books, pencils and folders. Side pockets can house two water bottles, while a front pocket adds even more storage space. Find it in a bunch of other colors and prints too.

State Kane kids travel backpack, $95


Fjallraven Kanken classic backpack

fjall.jpg
Fjallraven

This Fjallraven backpack is 16 inches tall -- large enough to fit most laptops, tablets and any other personal belongings. The zippers are covered by thick, water-resistant flaps that make it that much harder for water to get in your bag. This adult backpack is available in 39 colors.

Fjallraven Kanken classic backpack, $79


Hunter kids backpack

Hunter Kids Backpack
Hunter

Light rain is no match for this water-resistant backpack from rainboot brand Hunter. Choose from four colors in this kids' backpack.

Hunter kids backpack, $65


Herschel Heritage backpack

Herschel Heritage Backpack
Amazon

This classic Herschel backpack has a sleeve for an up to 15-inch laptop and an internal media pocket with a headphone port. Its zipper pulls are made of pebbled leather and it has a front compartment with a key clip.

Herschel Heritage backpack, $65


JanSport SuperBreak One backpack

JanSport SuperBreak One Backpack
Amazon

Keep it simple and affordable with this JanSport backpack that comes in 26 colors and prints. This lightweight backpack has a front pocket with a built-in organizer.

JanSport SuperBreak One backpack, $36


Parker Clay Mari backpack

Parker Clay Mari backpack
Parker Clay

At $398, the Mari backpack may the priciest pack here, but it's also the only bag made from premium, full-grain leather. On top of being naturally water-resistant and durable, this backpack will develop a beautiful patina over time.

The Mari backpack has a padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, two built-in water bottle holders and six pockets. It also includes stroller clips, making it a solid choice for parents.

Parker Clay Mari backpack, $398


Kroser laptop bag with USB port 

Laptop bag with USB port
Kroser via Amazon

This chic laptop bag features a built-in USB port for charging on the go -- you just need to add a power bank. (You can buy a 10,000 mAh Mophie Powerstation battery on Amazon for $35.)

It's a sleek step up from a casual backpack, while still providing plenty of storage. This bag can be carried like a briefcase, purse or backpack, and has room for both a laptop and tablet.

Kroser laptop bag with USB port, $28 after coupon (reduced from $43)

Mophie Powerstation battery pack (10,000 mAh), $35 (reduced from $50)


Dakine Split Adventure 38L

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Dakine

The Dakine Split Adventure backpack offers plenty of space and compartments for all your belongings. Its unique, split-level design makes organizing your items a breeze. Compartments include a laptop sleeve (big enough for a 17-inch computer), a tablet pocket, a shoe pocket, organizer pockets and a bonus storage compartment. The pack is made of recycled nylon and polyester, and features a water-repellent finish -- handy in case you get caught in the rain. Prices vary by design. 

Dakine Split Adventure 38L (cascade camo), $105 (reduced from $150)


Away The Everywhere Zip backpack

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Away

The Everywhere Zip backpack from luggage brand Away offers a minimalist look. It's constructed of water-resistant nylon material with leather trim, and is available in four colors. As for functionality, an interior, padded laptop pocket holds a 15-inch computer (with the help of a magnetic locking zipper). Other pockets hold water bottles, documents and miscellaneous essentials.

The backpack zips open like a clamshell, offering easy access to all your items. 

Away The Everywhere Zip backpack, $195


Athleta Kinetic backpack

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Athleta

This recycled nylon backpack from Athleta has a laptop back pocket, a zippered front pocket, a shoe-storage bag and compartments for two water bottles. 

Athleta Kinetic backpack, $139


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