The 15 Best Backpacks to Buy for Back to School

Image via Complex Original

Price: $295

Where to Buy It: APC-US.com

The French label A.P.C. has always been known for its luxurious takes on everyday basics. One of the best backpacks they currently have in stock is the Récupération 2.0 Backpack. The bag is made out of military-style black raw cotton canvas. A main pocket compartment closes with a snap button, and there are also two side pockets perfect for carrying a bottle of water or a thermos. The backpack is rounded off with a pair of adjustable straps and a printed “A.P.C. Rue Madame Paris” logo.

Price: $160

Where to Buy It: Arcteryx.com

Yes, Arc’teryx makes much more product than just Gore-Tex rain jackets that you’ve seen people take showers in on TikTok. As a bona fide outdoor brand based in Canada, one of many things that Arc’teryx gets right is making a solid backpack. And many packs that Arc’teryx offers are also perfect for urban commuters or students looking for something with a little more use than just school.

The Mantis 26 is a stylish and versatile offering from the dead bird. This lightweight backpack is made out of 100 percent recycled polyester and boasts a DWR finish to help repel moisture. A handle at the top of the bag makes it easy to just grab-and-go. Padded back panels with frame sheet and aluminum help put less strain on your back when you’re carrying heavy textbooks or gear. A drawbridge opening at the top allows easy access to a large main compartment. The bag also boasts multiple pockets for those who like to organize, including two front zipper pockets that give it a distinct look. 

And like any good outdoor backpack, an adjustable sternum strap and removable waist belt help you distribute the bag’s weight evenly. An internal sleeve on the inside of the main compartment is perfect for carrying a laptop or a hydration bladder for day hikes. This pack is rounded out with elastic adjustable side pockets apt for holding water bottles or even compact shell jackets in case of rain. Trust us. If you’re looking for a bag that you can use for more than just school, Arc’teryx is a strong pick. 

Price: $392

Where to Buy It: GOAT.com

Anyone that’s looking for a stylish backpack upgrade that isn’t too luxurious but will still draw plenty of attention can always rely on a Supreme backpack. Along with camp hats and box logo hoodies, Supreme backpacks have long been a staple for the ever-popular New York City label. The earliest Supreme backpacks date back as far as 1995, and there are  even some incredibly rare ones hand painted by Rammellzee from the early 2000s. Since the early ‘90s, Supreme has come a long way from just producing backpacks that suspiciously look like deadstock military surplus bags with just a box logo patch stitched on. Now, many of the label bags look like they were actually designed with function in mind and boast quality materials such as durable Cordura nylon. 

One great example is this backpack from their Fall/Winter 2020 collection. The bag features branded daisy chain webbing, a smaller compartment at the top to store small goods, elastic water bottle holders, and a large compartment that includes a laptop sleeve and an interior zipper pocket. The backpack was released in black, red, olive, green, and cheetah print colorways. Although it’s not in Supreme stores, it can still be found through resale on various secondhand marketplaces like GOAT. 

Price: $609

Where to Buy It: EndClothing.com

If Matthew M. Williams’ 1017 Alyx 9sm label is known for anything, it’s for taking a rollercoaster buckle and making it one of the most coveted pieces of luxury hardware on the market today. This backpack is perfect for anyone looking to play up one of Alyx’s most iconic motifs. This all-black backpack is made out of recycled nylon, features a large drawstring pouch, and a flap that is closed with the labels iconic rollercoaster buckle. A vertical zip pocket on the backpack provides extra storage space and a shiny silver hardware hit. Yes, Alyx’s buckles also grace the backpack’s own straps, which are adjustable. 

Price: $3,400

Where to Buy It: Gucci.com

While there are many great luxury backpacks on the market today, there’s nothing like that classic Gucci backpack with the house’s iconic GG monogram. So why not consider getting a Gucci backpack that also commemorates a historic collaboration? This Adidas x Gucci backpack features the collaboration’s Trefoil print on the flap of the bag. Gucci’s iconic green and red stripes also run down the backpack strap’s webbing. It boasts a brown leather trim, cotton linen lining, and other luxurious details. The backpack has a padded iPad compartment, smartphone pockets, adjustable padded straps with mesh backing, and side flap pockets with magnetic snap closures. This isn’t just a backpack made in Italy, but a longtime investment for a stylish accessory that will still look good years later with proper care. 

Price: $129.99

Where to Buy It: Herschel.com

This Herschel x Futura Laboratories backpack is designed to be something you bring with you after class ends rather than your next big lecture. That’s because this collaborative backpack is centered on an insulated version of Herschel’s popular Miller backpacks. This backpack’s foam padded insulation keeps its contents cold all day and can hold up to 20 standard size cans of beer or soda. The main body of the bag is constructed completely out of recycled materials and the bag boasts a leak-proof liner which makes it food contact safe. There are two handles at the top for easy carrying, air mesh shoulder straps with a sternum strap for support, two mesh water bottle pockets, and an additional front pocket that includes a bottle opener. A custom Futura Laboratories x Coca-Cola print covers the entire backpack, which features Coca-Cola cans, Futura Laboratories lanyards, and Futura’s iconic Pointman character. Futura Laboratories’ typeface also appears on webbing throughout the backpack. 

Price: $225

Where to Buy It: RalphLauren.com

While most backpacks are made out of nylon, canvas backpacks are also great when it comes to both style and durability. This option from Ralph Lauren takes a classic Polo Bear wearing an American flag knit sweater and embroiders it on to a leather-trimmed cotton canvas backpack. The backpack includes a leather top handle, two adjustable buckled shoulder straps, two-way top zip closure with leather zipper pulls, a zip pocket at the front with a leather zipper pull, and a slip pocket in the interior compartment. The interior of the bag is lined with taffeta nylon and features a subtle all-over print of Ralph Lauren’s Polo Player logo. 

Price: $995 

Where to Buy It: MatchesFashion.com

Now before you click that checkout button, let’s make this clear: This is not a full-sized backpack. In fact, it’s more like a small crossbody bag designed to resemble a backpack. Nevertheless, it deserves some recognition because it’s a clever take on backpacks from Demna at Balenciaga. This mini nylon backpack is perfect for someone who doesn’t necessarily need to carry a lot of supplies to school or for anyone that’s just looking to add a quirky everyday accessory to their rotation. The bag includes an adjustable and removable crossbody strap, various logo patches, black matte hardware, and one back hook. Like a full-sized backpack, it also includes a front zipper pocket and a larger inner patch pocket to hold small goods. The bag is made in Italy, lined with cotton canvas, and features “BB” engraved zipper pulls. 

Price: $99

Where to Buy It: LLBean.com

L.L. Bean’s beloved “Book Pack” has long been a staple amongst elementary school students since 1982. But the heritage American outdoor clothing label has so much more to offer when it comes to backpacks. One of the best offerings they currently have in stock right now is the Mountain Classic Cordura Pack. Designed for ages 13 and up, the back is constructed out of abrasion and water resistant 1000-denier Cordura nylon. The inside of the bag is lined with 210-denier nylon, includes a padded laptop sleep, built-in organization pockets, and a key fob attachment. There is also a front zipper pocket, a padded back panel, adjustable shoulder straps, and two side pockets for water bottles. An old school L.L. Bean patch gives this backpack a nice finishing touch. 

Price: $1,215

Where to Buy It: Off---White.com

Off-White is known for putting its trademark quotations on everything. This backpack is clearly labeled as such in Off-White’s quotation marks, but also boasts other motifs familiar to fans of the late Virgil Abloh’s work. The handles and backpack straps feature a logo print directly pulled from Off–White’s popular Industrial Belt 2.0. Hardware on the bag also includes paper clip zipper pulls. The backpack is currently available at Off-White’s online store for pre-order and is expected to ship in September. 

Price: $65 

Where to Buy It: Amazon.com

Osprey is a widely revered label within the backpacking community because the brand is all about function when it comes to backpack design. While Osprey’s most popular backpacks boast “Anti-Gravity Suspension” and are designed for much heavier loads than day to day commutes, the brand also offers many backpacks perfect for commuting to work, going to school, or day hikes. 

The Daylite is one of the best backpacks Osprey makes for these types of activities. It includes a large main compartment with a multifunctional interior sleeve that can fit a 3-liter hydration reservoir or a 13-inch laptop. Compression straps with buckles on the both sides of the bag assist in making the backpack more compact or can alternatively be used to hold lightweight jackets. There are water bottle mesh pockets on both sides, and a small zippered front pocket to hold keys plus other small items. A mesh-covered die-cut foam back panel provides cushioned comfort along with adequate ventilation. A sternum strap with a whistle and a removable hip belt is also included. The Daylite is constructed out of sustainable materials such as recycled fabrics, GRS-certified recycled polyester, and PFC-free DWR coating for waterproofness. 

Price: $3,300

Where to Buy It: SaksFifthAvenue.com

Another great luxury option for someone looking for an upscale backpack this semester is this Borsa Leather Backpack from Bottega Veneta. The Italian label is well-known for its weaved leather baggage. This specific backpack features Bottega Veneta’s popular Intrecciato pattern. The backpack is handmade in Italy and includes a top handle, top zip closure, a front zip pocket, adjustable shoulder straps, and an Interior slip pocket.

Price: $99

Where to Buy It: TheNorthFace.com

You can never go wrong with a classic backpack from The North Face. While there are so many great models to choose from, The Borealis is a tried and true offering from the beloved outdoor brand. It’s a familiar backpack to any streetwear enthusiast as well. Supreme previously released metallic versions of The Borealis and Online Ceramics released one for their collaboration with The North Face earlier this year. 

The Borealis includes a large main compartment that’s perfect for carrying books and includes a dedicated padded laptop compartment that zips up. A small zippered front compartment includes interior pockets for organization and a padded sleeve for small tablets. The backpack also includes two pockets for water bottles on the sides, a sternum strap with a whistle, a removable waist belt, and a padded top handle. The Borealis is defined by a bungee-compression system that could also be used to hold other objects outside the backpack itself, such as rain jackets, towels, blankets, extra sandals, bike helmets, or whatever else can fit. The North Face’s trademark FlexVent suspension system is certified by the American Chiropractic Association and makes carrying heavy loads a little easier on your back. The best part of this bag aesthetically are the retro patches that celebrate The North Face’s geodesic dome and its ‘70s roots in Berkley, California.

Price: $80 

Where to Buy it: UrbanOutfitters.com

Fjällräven’s Kånken backpacks never seem to go out of style. It’s also one of the only backpacks on this list that was designed by an outdoor clothing label with school students in mind. The Kånken backpack was originally released in 1978. Fjällräven founder Åke Nordin was inspired to make a backpack that could hold exactly two A4 binders after he read an article about the Swedish population developing back pain during childhood. Since then, Kånkens have been seen everywhere from elementary schools to college campuses. 

The design of ​​Kånken backpacks hasn’t changed much, either. Today, it’s made out of special Vinylon F fabric that withstands dirt and wetness. It includes a spacious main compartment, two flat side pockets, and a small zipped pocket on the front. When Nordin originally designed the backpack, he included a detachable seat cushion stored in the interior back pocket so that kids could sit and take breaks whenever. That is still a part of Kånkens today, which all include a PE foam seat cushion stashed in the interior back pocket. There are so many colors to choose from, and you can’t go wrong with this classic. 

Price: $54 

Where to Buy It: SSENSE.com

Nope, that price tag is not a typo. When Rick Owens collaborated with Converse recently, he also released backpacks that are now deeply discounted on SSENSE. This backpack features Rick Owens’ take on Converse’s iconic star logo prominently printed across the front of the bag. It is constructed out of technical grosgrain, features twin adjustable padded shoulder straps, a padded laptop compartment, canvas lining in gray, and logo-engraved gunmetal-tone zipper hardware. To put this amazing deal into perspective, a nylon Rick Owens bag can cost as much as $1,945 retail. While it will definitely cost a lot more coin to dress like Playboi Carti, this backpack isn’t a bad place to start.