When it comes to college, the right backpack can truly change your student life for the better. Unlike single-strapped sling bags, backpacks are large portable bags with dual shoulder straps. They allow people on-the-go to carry all their essentials right on their backs. For college, you'll probably need a backpack that can safely carry electronics and other school supplies.
With so many choices out there, we've searched online and found 10 backpacks for college girls that reviewers love. Our favorite is the Women's Borealis Backpack by The North Face since it's stylish, water-resistant, has many pockets for organization, and has a large capacity. For more of our top picks, please continue reading! Also, don't forget to check out our buying guide for some tips on how to choose the right backpack for a college girl.
Quick List - Top Backpacks For College Girls
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The right backpack can really make a fashion statement and enhance your organization. Before you go shop, here are some tips on how to find the right backpack for a girl in college.
A college campus is usually bigger than a high school campus, and students will have to travel further distances throughout their day. You may find yourself running between buildings during rain or snow too, so a durable material is recommended.
Good materials for backpacks are durable and lightweight. They should also either be water-resistant or quick-drying. These materials may include nylon, bamboo, polypropylene, leather, or plastic.
Canvas is very tough but may take longer to dry after getting wet. Some manufacturers also add more water resistance with a durable water repellent or DWR.
Although most backpacks will have adequate space for books and other supplies, a laptop backpack will have a specific pocket just to hold the electronic device. That pocket is usually firmer and safer than letting your device slide around inside with your other books and supplies.
Make sure to measure your laptop size before buying a laptop backpack, especially if your laptop is bigger than 15.6 inches. Check product descriptions to make sure your laptop will fit in the backpack.
If you have many different items or school supplies to carry, you should find a backpack with multiple pockets. All backpacks will usually have at least one big main compartment. Many backpacks may also include a quick access pocket in the front or water bottle holders on the sides. The more pockets, the more organization.
Although you may want quick access while going to classes throughout the day, anti-theft features can prevent pick-pocketing. Many backpacks have a mixture of quick access pockets and anti-theft pockets.
Quick access pockets are exposed pockets that may or may not have zippers. Anti-theft pockets may have features such as hidden zippers, hidden pockets, and straps that are secured in front of the pocket.
Many college students have heavy backpacks full of books, a computer and charger, snacks and more. If you wish to reduce strain, you should get a backpack with adjustable, padded straps; and bonus if there’s also padding on the back area for neck, spine, and lumbar support.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | The North Face Women's Borealis Backpack | ![]() | A Supportive Backpack for School and Travel | |
2 | Herschel Little America Backpack | ![]() | A Large-Capacity Backpack for Campus | |
3 | Fjallraven Kånken 15" Laptop Backpack | ![]() | A Vibrant and Trendy Backpack | |
4 | Patagonia Women's Refugio Backpack 26L | ![]() | A Durable Backpack Made With Recycled Materials | |
5 | Samsonite Openroad Chic Laptop Backpack | ![]() | A Chic Backpack With Lots of Organization | |
6 | Dagne Dover Dakota Neoprene Backpack | ![]() | A Shock-Absorbent and Insulating Backpack | |
7 | Day Owl the backpack | ![]() | A Minimalist Style Anti-Theft Backpack | |
8 | Tumi Voyageur Carson Backpack | ![]() | A Lightweight Purposeful Backpack for Everyday | |
9 | Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Backpack | ![]() | A Classy and Professional Quilted Backpack | |
10 | Target Commuter Backpack - Open Story | ![]() | Currently unavailable | A Simple and Cute Backpack for Every Commuter |
Northface's 27-liter Women's Borealis Backpack combines fashion with functionality. It has a sternum strap, reflective strips on all sides, molded shoulder straps, and padding all over the straps and back. In fact, this backpack is certified by the American Chiropractic Association for its ergonomic padded design specifically made for women.
Reviewers complain that this backpack is a bit stiff and does not stand on its own, but instead leans forward on flat surfaces. They also state that the mesh side pockets are not the most durable and may get holes over time.
Regardless, most reviewers praise this backpack for its large capacity, weather resistance, pockets, durable build, and fashionable design. They like that this backpack is highly supportive for their backs and can hold everything they need for school.
Herschel's Little America Backpack comes in two sizes. It has magnetic belts on top of the pocket enclosures and a drawstring enclosure for the main compartment, making this backpack very anti-theft. It also has lots of padding on the straps and back for ergonomic support. Best of all, it has a lifetime warranty.
Reviewers warn that this backpack's laptop storage does not have a protective strap, so smaller laptops may move around. They say that this backpack lacks interior organization pockets and is very tall, especially if you are petite.
However, most reviewers are impressed by this backpack's quality, weather resistance, style, and large capacity. They love that there are so many color options. They also highly praise the padding on the straps and back.
Many backpacks are water-resistant, but Fjallraven's Kånken Laptop Backpack is made of vinylal, a strong plastic material that's much more durable than typical fabrics. This backpack also has padded straps without bulkiness. Plus, the top handle closes over the main compartment, making it fairly anti-theft.
Some reviewers say that this backpack may get dirty easily, but can be easily wiped clean. Other than that, most reviewers love that this backpack holds a lot while still looking petite. They say that it works well with pins and other decorations.
Patagonia is a brand known for sustainable practices, and that also applies to this backpack made with 50 percent recycled materials. It has a good amount of pockets for a variety of items, including a padded laptop compartment. It also has a removable sternum strap and padding all over the shoulder straps and back.
Some reviewers stated that this backpack is a bit too narrow for their body and the sternum strap was too high. Otherwise, most reviewers praise this backpack for its many pockets, weather-resistance, style, and adequate padding.
The Openroad Chic Laptop Backpack is a multifunctional, highly detailed, luxury backpack for school and business. It has a smart-fit laptop compartment, a tablet pocket, lots of pockets for organization, and a quilted memory foam padded back.
Some reviewers state that the bag and pockets don't stretch much, and it's not roomy inside. Other than that, most reviewers say this backpack is one of the best for carrying electronics and fragile equipment. They love the many compartments and quality construction.
If you live in a cold climate, this Dakota Neoprene Backpack can keep all your essentials at a safe temperature. It's made of neoprene, a thick, shock-absorbent material that's usually used for wetsuits. It has lots of internal pockets, comes with two pouches, and is available in multiple sizes.
Some reviewers complain that this backpack gets dirty and stained easily and is difficult to clean since it cannot be machine washed. Reviewers also state that this backpack is on the heavier side.
Regardless, most reviewers find this backpack very durable and comfortable to wear. Many reviewers love how this backpack has an anti-theft design and has a lot of internal pockets for organization.
This backpack is designed to be difficult to pick-pocket. There are two sizes to choose from, and the large holds a 16-inch laptop. It's also made completely of recycled materials and has free repairs for life. It has a main compartment with many internal pockets and a top pocket for sunglasses or your sandwich!
Reviewers warn that the side pocket meant for water bottles is a tapered fit, so it can only hold average-sized bottles or smaller ones. They also state that this backpack may not stand properly while unzipped.
Otherwise, most reviewers are impressed by this backpack's anti-theft design, storage capacity, and many internal pockets. They say the fabric is very soft but strong. They say this backpack is versatile and suitable for many environments, whether you're at school or traveling.
Tumi's Voyageur Carson Backpack is a wonderful backpack for school, business, or travel. It has enough space for a laptop and all your essential items. It has many pockets including a quick access phone pocket. It also has padded straps for extra comfort.
Some reviewers had issues with the zippers, stating that the zippers were difficult to zip or kept getting caught on the fabric. A few reviewers also say that the straps may be too loose for petite people.
Besides that, most reviewers praise this backpack for its sleek design, many compartments, and quality fabric. They like that it can hold many items without getting too bulky since the fabric is very light and flexible.
This elegant lightweight backpack from Kenneth Cole is made of a water-resistant polyester twill with gold zippers. It has padded internal compartments that provide extra protection for your electronics. It also has a trolley strap on the back so it will secure over the handles of a rolling suitcase.
Some reviewers complain that the water bottle pockets are too small, and others say the zippers did not hold up well.
However, most reviewers praise this backpack for its luxurious design and many pockets. They like that it can carry a lot and that it won't collapse on itself while empty. They recommend this backpack for school, work, business, and travel.
Although this tote-style backpack looks slim, it has 19 liters of internal storage capacity. It's made of nylon and coated with a water repellent to resist many types of weather. It has padding on the laptop pocket and an RFID blocking front pocket. It also has a five-year limited warranty and trolley strap for securing it to luggage.
Some reviewers say the handles at the top of the backpack sit too straight and can touch your head while worn. They also say the straps and back could be more padded and contoured.
Aside from that, most reviewers praise this backpack. They like its quality construction, durable fabric, and aesthetic design. They like that it can fit all your essentials and the water bottle pocket is adjustable. They say this backpack works great for school or travel.
Other than a sturdy backpack, there are plenty of other items that can make your college life better. Check out our other articles for more ideas!
No. 1: The North Face|Women's Borealis Backpack
No. 2: Herschel |Little America Backpack
No. 3: Fjallraven|Kånken 15" Laptop Backpack
No. 4: Patagonia|Women's Refugio Backpack 26L
No. 5: Samsonite|Openroad Chic Laptop Backpack
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