If you’re a guy in college, you’re going to want to have a cool, comfortable and functional backpack. In college, your backpack will be used a lot and will be part of your daily outfit, so you better get something you like!
As a recent college graduate, I know first hand how important it is to have a school bag that’s comfortable, durable and practical for class.
With that being said, here’s what to look for in a backpack and the 12 best backpacks for college guys.
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What to Look For in a Backpack for College Guys
As a college student, there are a few things you are going to want to look for in a backpack. Everyone has different needs, preferences and budget.
Here’s what to look for in a backpack:
Size
When looking for a backpack for college, consider how many textbooks you have and if you bring a laptop to school. This will help dictate how big of a bag you need for college.
One thing to keep in mind, is that sometimes you won’t have a lot of space in your class or lectures for your bag. Ideally, a bag that isn’t too big will make it easier and more comfortable to bring around school.
Quality
In college, if you get a good quality backpack, you’ll only need one schoolbag throughout the time you are there. Personally, I bought my bag before my first semester and it lasted me throughout my 4 years in college.
It remains in good condition and I still use it when I travel!
Getting a good quality backpack can be more expensive upfront. but if it lasts long it is well worth it.
Style
If you’re a guy who cares about the way he looks in college, then you are going to want to get a stylish bag. You’ll be wearing your backpack everyday. Therefore, buying a backpack that fits nicely, looks good and is trendy is important.
Comfort
In college, the last thing you want is to be wearing an uncomfortable knapsack for years. A schoolbag with comfortable straps and support, will come in handy when you’re carrying those heavy textbooks.
Extra Features
Laptop sleeves, organizers and USB ports are extra features that many college students look for in a backpack. When purchasing a backpack, having some of these extra features will make your life easier.
Price
As a recent college graduate, I understand the importance of being frugal in college. Everyone has a different budget, so when you’re looking for backpacks, try to find one that is the best value for you.
To help you out, I include some great quality alternatives to the more expensive bags, on this list of backpacks.
12 Best College Backpacks for Guys
1. JanSport Superbreak Plus
When it comes to backpack in college, there is nothing more popular than the JanSport. Every year, JanSport sells 8 million backpacks because students love them.
The great thing about JanSport bags is that they are affordable, durable and they come in many different colors. Over they years, I’ve owned a few JanSport bags and they’ve always been great backpacks.
This bag specifically is made partly out of recycled materials and has a 15-inch laptop sleeve.
If you’re looking for a simple bag to hold your books, laptop and other backpack essentials, then check out the JanSport Superbreak Plus.
Recommended: JanSport Superbreak Plus (see different colors on Amazon)
2. Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
I’m not going to pretend like I know how to pronounce the Fjallraven Kanken brand name, but there is no denying that this is a very popular schoolbag for college students. This simple looking backpack is very stylish and will go well with any outfit.
This backpack is on the pricier end, but the quality is amazing and this bag will last you throughout college. The Fjallraven Kanken backpack is water resistant, dirt resistant and extremely easy to clean.
Recommended: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack
3. Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
Herschel is another extremely popular knapsack brand for college guys. These bags have a classy look and are amazing for holding laptops, textbooks and other school supplies.
This bag has a unique look and is a different style from the other bags mentioned above. The Herschel bag has a built in laptop sleeve and multiple sleeves to store your items.
Recommended: Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack
4. Voova Laptop Bag
If you’re the type of student who likes to show up to class with just a laptop and notebook, then the Voova Laptop Bag is perfect for you. This bag is simple, slim and great if you don’t like to wear backpack.
This bag comes in a few different colors and comes in 3 different sizes, so your laptop can fit nicely. It’s also super affordable, so if you’re a college student trying to save some money, this is a great option for you.
Recommended: Voova Laptop Bag (see price on Amazon)
5. Adidas Excel Bag
If you want a sporty looking backpack, the Adidas Excel Bag is perfect for you. As a guy who played sports in college, I know the importance of having room in a schoolbag for gym clothes and an extra pair of shoes.
The Adidas Excel Bag has more than enough storage for your books, laptop and gym clothing. It’s a sporty style with super comfortable shoulder straps which will come in handy when your bag is heavy.
Recommended: Adidas Excel Bag
6. North Face Sunder
North Face makes some great quality products. The North Face Sunder is a great backpack for college guys. This bag is extremely comfortable, has tons of storage and a laptop sleeve.
The North Face Sunder also comes in a few different colors so if you prefer to wear more colorful items, this bag is perfect.
Recommended: North Face Sunder (see different colors on Amazon)
7. Vaschy Vintage Backpack
The Vaschy Vintage Backpack has a very similar look to the Herschel Laptop America Backpack. This bag is a cheaper alternative and is very similar in quality.
I got this bag to try as an alternative to the Herschel bag and I was surprised to see how good the quality was. There’s also tons of room to store books, your laptop and other essentials for college lectures.
Here are some key features that the Vaschy Vintage Bag has:
- Water resistant
- Spacious compartments
- Organization space
- Comfortable straps
- High quality
Recommended: Vaschy Vintage Backpack (Click to see 4500 positive reviews on Amazon)
8. JanSport Big Student
If you owned a JanSport bag in the past and have found it too small, try out the JanSport Big Student. The name says a lot, because this bad is big.
This bag is made with multiple different pockets so you will always have enough room and it has a water bottle holder. JanSport bags are know to be made with great quality material and to last for a very long time.
Recommended: JanSport Big Student (see price on Amazon)
9. COACH Men’s West Backpack
For those of you who are on a bit of a bigger budget, check out the COACH West Backpack. This bag is super elegant looking and will have you standing out from other students.
This was the bag I had throughout college. At the time it was a bit expensive, but it lasted me throughout my 4 years in college. I still regularly use this bag when traveling, as it can hold my computer and has tons of room for clothing, books and chargers.
This bag can be found at the COACH store online or the physical location. At the time when I purchased my backpack I got it for 50% off at the outlet so look out for sales!
Related: How to Get Designer Clothes for Cheap – Resell Buying Guide
10.BOPAI Backpack
If you’re looking for an alternative to the COACH bag, check out the BOPAI Backpack. This bag is a nice leather style that will have you looking stylish around campus.
Here are some of the feature that the BOPAI Backpack has:
- USB charging port
- Laptop sleeve
- Anti theft design
- Comfortable straps
Recommended: BOPAI Backpack (see price on Amazon)
11. Matein Travel Backpack
The Matein Travel Backpack is an affordable and stylish looking bag. This bag is perfect for college guys who like something that is slim and simple.
When you’re in those big lectures, having a small bag makes it easier to move around. With this backpack, you’ll never have to worry about being stuck with a big bulky bag between your legs.
This bag is stylish, affordable and great for traveling. If you like to use your school bag for class and travelling this is the perfect one for you.
Recommended: Matein Travel Backpack (see over 58,000 reviews on Amazon)
12. Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack. This has built in organizers that are great for storing notebooks, your laptop and other backpack essentials.
This is a great bag for college guys that comes in so many different colors. Generally, Herschel bags can be pretty pricey but this one is actually a really good value.
Recommended: Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack (see different colors on Amazon)
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Final Thoughts on Best Backpacks for College Students
In college, something many students overlook is how often they’ll be wearing their backpack. Having a good, comfortable backpack is super important! The backpacks that I recommended are what students are actually wearing in college.
In this post, I shared what to look for in a schoolbag and the best backpacks for college guys. I hope you found the perfect school bag!
What type of backpack do you have? Please let me know in the comments below.