What Kind of Bag is Best for a College Student? [2024]

Quick Answer: The best bag for a college student is one that is durable, comfortable, and functional. It should have enough space to carry all your essentials, including a laptop, books, and other supplies. Some popular options include backpacks, messenger bags, and tote bags. Ultimately, the best bag for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

Table of Contents

• Quick Answer
• Quick Tips and Facts
• Background: Choosing the Perfect Bag for College
• Our Top Picks for the Best College Bags
• Additional Bag Options for College Students
• How to Choose the Right Bag for College
• FAQ
• Conclusion
• Recommended Links
• Reference Links

Quick Answer

The best bag for a college student is one that is durable, comfortable, and functional. It should have enough space to carry all your essentials, including a laptop, books, and other supplies. Some popular options include backpacks, messenger bags, and tote bags. Ultimately, the best bag for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

CHECK PRICE on: Backpacks, Messenger Bags, Tote Bags

Quick Tips and Facts

• Look for a bag that is made of durable materials like nylon or polyester to ensure it can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
• Consider the size of the bag and make sure it has enough compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized.
• Look for bags with padded straps and back panels for added comfort, especially if you’ll be carrying heavy loads.
• Choose a bag with a dedicated laptop compartment if you’ll be bringing your laptop to class.
• Consider the style and design of the bag to make sure it fits your personal aesthetic.
• Don’t forget to check the warranty and return policy of the bag before making a purchase.

Background: Choosing the Perfect Bag for College

Choosing the right bag for college is an important decision. As a college student, you’ll be carrying your bag with you everywhere, from class to the library to the coffee shop. It needs to be able to hold all your essentials, keep them organized, and withstand the rigors of daily use.

There are several factors to consider when choosing a bag for college. First and foremost, it should be durable. College life can be rough on bags, with constant use, heavy loads, and the occasional spill. Look for bags made of high-quality materials like nylon or polyester that can withstand the wear and tear.

Comfort is another important factor to consider. You’ll be carrying your bag for long periods, so it’s essential to choose one with padded straps and a comfortable back panel. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent strain on your shoulders and back.

Functionality is also key. Look for a bag with plenty of compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized. A dedicated laptop compartment is a must if you’ll be bringing your laptop to class. Consider the size of the bag as well, making sure it’s large enough to hold all your essentials without being too bulky.

Finally, don’t forget about style. Your bag is an accessory that reflects your personal aesthetic. Choose a bag that you love and feel confident carrying around campus.

Our Top Picks for the Best College Bags

To help you find the perfect bag for college, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks based on our extensive research and personal experience. We’ve evaluated each bag based on design, functionality, comfort, and overall performance. Here are our top recommendations:

1. Best Overall: The North Face Recon Backpack

✅ Design: 9
✅ Functionality: 9
✅ Comfort: 9
✅ Performance: 9
✅ Overall Score: 9

The North Face Recon Backpack is our top pick for the best overall college bag. It features ultra-supportive straps, defined compartments, and chest/back clips for added stability. With its durable construction and ample storage space, it’s perfect for carrying all your essentials.

CHECK PRICE on: The North Face Recon Backpack

2. Most Comfortable: Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L

✅ Design: 8
✅ Functionality: 9
✅ Comfort: 10
✅ Performance: 8
✅ Overall Score: 8.75

If comfort is your top priority, the Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L is the bag for you. It features plush padding, a sternum strap, and a recycled nylon structure for maximum comfort. It also offers plenty of storage space and organizational pockets.

CHECK PRICE on: Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L

3. Most Stylish: Dagne Dover The Dakota

✅ Design: 10
✅ Functionality: 8
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 8
✅ Overall Score: 8.5

For those who want to make a fashion statement, the Dagne Dover The Dakota is the perfect choice. With its neoprene material, ample space, and sleek design, it’s both stylish and functional. It also offers a variety of compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized.

CHECK PRICE on: Dagne Dover The Dakota

4. Best for Travel: JanSport Main Campus FX

✅ Design: 8
✅ Functionality: 9
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 9
✅ Overall Score: 8.5

If you’re a frequent traveler, the JanSport Main Campus FX is the ideal bag for you. It features padded straps, a laptop pocket, and multiple compartments for easy organization. Its durable construction and comfortable design make it perfect for long journeys.

CHECK PRICE on: JanSport Main Campus FX

5. Best Minimalist: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack

✅ Design: 9
✅ Functionality: 8
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 8
✅ Overall Score: 8.25

For those who prefer a minimalist design, the Vera Bradley Campus Backpack is a great option. It features a padded laptop compartment and a clean, minimalistic design. Despite its compact size, it offers plenty of storage space for all your essentials.

CHECK PRICE on: Vera Bradley Campus Backpack

6. Most Spacious: L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Pack

✅ Design: 8
✅ Functionality: 9
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 8
✅ Overall Score: 8.25

If you need a bag with plenty of storage space, the L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Pack is the perfect choice. With its 30-liter capacity and basic storage compartments, it can hold all your essentials and more. It’s also made of durable materials to withstand daily use.

CHECK PRICE on: L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Pack

7. Best Gym Bag: Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0

✅ Design: 9
✅ Functionality: 8
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 9
✅ Overall Score: 8.5

For those who like to hit the gym between classes, the Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0 is the perfect companion. With its 23-liter capacity and water-repellent fabric, it’s designed to withstand sweaty gym clothes and keep your belongings dry.

CHECK PRICE on: Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0

8. Best Storage: Carhartt Medium Pack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler

✅ Design: 8
✅ Functionality: 10
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 9
✅ Overall Score: 8.75

If you need a bag with ample storage space and practical compartments, the Carhartt Medium Pack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler is the perfect choice. With its Cordura material and dedicated cooler compartment, it’s perfect for carrying your lunch and other essentials.

CHECK PRICE on: Carhartt Medium Pack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler

9. Best for Taller Students: Herschel Little America Backpack

✅ Design: 9
✅ Functionality: 8
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 8
✅ Overall Score: 8.25

For taller students who need a bag with extra space, the Herschel Little America Backpack is the perfect choice. With its 25-liter capacity and spacious main compartment, it can comfortably fit all your essentials. It also features a stylish design and durable construction.

CHECK PRICE on: Herschel Little America Backpack

10. Best Budget: Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack

✅ Design: 8
✅ Functionality: 8
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 8
✅ Overall Score: 8

If you’re on a budget, the Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack is a great option. With its water-repellent material and 15-inch laptop sleeve, it offers both functionality and affordability. It’s perfect for students who need a reliable bag without breaking the bank.

CHECK PRICE on: Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack

11. Best Sporty: The North Face Borealis Backpack

✅ Design: 9
✅ Functionality: 8
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 8
✅ Overall Score: 8.25

For those with an active lifestyle, the North Face Borealis Backpack is the perfect choice. With its 28-liter size and quality materials, it’s designed to withstand outdoor adventures and keep your belongings secure. It also offers plenty of storage space and organizational pockets.

CHECK PRICE on: The North Face Borealis Backpack

12. Best Expandable: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15″

✅ Design: 9
✅ Functionality: 8
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 8
✅ Overall Score: 8.25

If you need a bag that can adapt to your changing needs, the Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15″ is the perfect choice. With its compact design and expandable feature, it can easily accommodate extra items when needed. It also offers a padded laptop compartment and comfortable straps.

CHECK PRICE on: Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15″

13. Best for Outdoors: Eddie Bauer Adventurer Backpack 2.0

✅ Design: 8
✅ Functionality: 9
✅ Comfort: 8
✅ Performance: 9
✅ Overall Score: 8.5

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Eddie Bauer Adventurer Backpack 2.0 is the perfect choice. With its hydration-compatible compartment and water-repellent material, it’s designed to withstand outdoor adventures and keep your belongings safe and dry.

CHECK PRICE on: Eddie Bauer Adventurer Backpack 2.0

Additional Bag Options for College Students

In addition to our top picks, there are several other bag options that are popular among college students. These include:

• Messenger Bags: Messenger bags are a stylish and convenient option for carrying your essentials. They typically feature a single strap that can be worn across the body, making them easy to access and comfortable to carry. They often have multiple compartments and pockets for organization.

• Tote Bags: Tote bags are a versatile option that can be used for both school and everyday use. They offer plenty of space for your belongings and often have a simple, minimalist design. Tote bags are typically made of durable materials like canvas or leather.

• Rolling Backpacks: If you have a lot of heavy books or need to carry a large load, a rolling backpack can be a lifesaver. These bags feature wheels and a retractable handle, allowing you to easily roll them instead of carrying them on your back. They often have multiple compartments and pockets for organization.

• Sling Bags: Sling bags are a compact and lightweight option for carrying your essentials. They typically feature a single strap that can be worn across the body or over the shoulder. Sling bags are perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach and don’t need to carry a lot of items.

How to Choose the Right Bag for College

Choosing the right bag for college can be overwhelming with so many options available. Here are some tips to help you make the right choice:

1. Consider your needs: Think about what you’ll be carrying in your bag on a daily basis. Do you need to bring your laptop to class? Will you be carrying heavy textbooks? Make a list of your essentials and use it as a guide when choosing a bag.

2. Evaluate the size: Consider the size of the bag and make sure it’s large enough to hold all your essentials without being too bulky. Keep in mind that you may need extra space for additional items like a water bottle or snacks.

3. Check the compartments and pockets: Look for a bag with plenty of compartments and pockets to keep your belongings organized. This will make it easier to find what you need quickly and prevent your bag from becoming a jumbled mess.

4. Consider the comfort: Look for a bag with padded straps and a comfortable back panel. This will help distribute the weight evenly and prevent strain on your shoulders and back. If possible, try the bag on before purchasing to ensure a proper fit.

5. Think about durability: College life can be rough on bags, so it’s important to choose one that is made of durable materials. Look for bags made of high-quality materials like nylon or polyester that can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

6. Consider your personal style: Your bag is an accessory that reflects your personal aesthetic. Choose a bag that you love and feel confident carrying around campus. Consider the color, design, and overall style of the bag.

By considering these factors and evaluating your personal needs, you’ll be able to choose the right bag for college that meets all your requirements.

FAQ

Which type of bag is best for college students?

The best type of bag for college students is one that is durable, comfortable, and functional. Backpacks, messenger bags, and tote bags are popular options. Ultimately, the best bag for you will depend on your personal preferences and needs.

Read more about “Which Brand is Best for College Bags? …”

What kind of bag do you wear to university?

The type of bag you wear to university will depend on your personal style and needs. Backpacks, messenger bags, and tote bags are all suitable options. Choose a bag that is comfortable, functional, and reflects your personal aesthetic.

Which material is best for college bags?

The best materials for college bags are durable and water-resistant. Nylon and polyester are popular choices as they are both lightweight and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use. Canvas and leather are also durable options but may be heavier.

Read more about “Who Makes the Best Backpacks for College? …”

What do college students use to carry their stuff?

College students use a variety of bags to carry their stuff. Backpacks are the most common choice as they offer ample storage space and are comfortable to carry. Messenger bags and tote bags are also popular options, depending on personal style and needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right bag for college is an important decision. It should be durable, comfortable, and functional, with enough space to carry all your essentials. Our top picks for the best college bags include The North Face Recon Backpack, Patagonia Refugio Backpack 28L, Dagne Dover The Dakota, JanSport Main Campus FX, Vera Bradley Campus Backpack, L.L. Bean Comfort Carry Pack, Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0, Carhartt Medium Pack + 3 Can Insulated Cooler, Herschel Little America Backpack, Carhartt 25L Classic Laptop Backpack, The North Face Borealis Backpack, Fjällräven Kånken Laptop 15″, and Eddie Bauer Adventurer Backpack 2.0. Each of these bags offers unique features and benefits to suit different needs and preferences.

Remember to consider factors such as durability, comfort, functionality, and style when choosing a bag for college. Think about your specific needs and evaluate the size, compartments, and materials of the bag. By following these guidelines and considering your personal preferences, you’ll be able to find the perfect bag to accompany you on your college journey.

Recommended Links

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• The 10 Best Small Backpacks for Everyday Use in 2024

Reference Links

• The 13 Best College Backpacks – Business Insider