10 Best Backpacks for High School Boys in 2022 (The North Face, JanSport, and More)
High school can be a whole new territory for many, and you might need totally new supplies. With textbooks, laptops, tablets, smartphones, gym clothes, and school supplies to think of, you'll need a good backpack to carry that heavy load. But with so many options out there, it can be hard to know which ones will look cool and last you through your entire high school career.
We wanted to help out, so we created a top 10 list of our favorite backpacks for high school boys. Our favorite was JanSport's Cool Student Backpack due to its s-shaped straps, laptop compartment, and overall sturdiness. There are nine other great options where that came from, and if you're not crazy about any of our choices, you can review the buying guide to help you find a great high school backpack on your own.
Quick List - Top Backpacks For High School Boys
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Table of Contents
How to Choose Backpacks For High School Boys
You have lots of points to think about when you look into high school backpacks. You have your preferred number of straps, the backpack's size, and some of its features. Going through these alone can get overwhelming, so we created this buying guide to help you find a great one for your situation!
Choose Your Preferred Backpack Type
Backpacks come in two main types: double and single straps. However, when it comes to high school, you usually want to stick with two-strap backpacks due to their increased carrying capacity and larger sizes. This makes them ideal for carrying bulky items, like binders and textbooks.
Backpacks with straps on each shoulder are the most common type. Double strap backpacks provide you with more support and security for your belongings. However, if you live in a hot area, the straps will cause you to sweat around your shoulders when you wear the backpack.
On the other hand, if either strap breaks while you walk, your backpack won't fall to the ground. Double-strap backpacks work well for people who want to keep their belongings secure and distribute the bag's weight evenly.
You could also wear a single strap backpack. Single straps only put their weight on one of your shoulders, so you can always swap sides whenever one gets tired. Keep in mind these backpacks aren't designed to carry lots of weight, so if you put too many belongings in them, you could hurt your shoulder and back.
Single strap backpacks won't make you sweat as much since they only cover one of your shoulders. They're a great choice if you only need a few belongings for class and keep the rest of your stuff in your locker.
Check the Backpack's Material and Size
Depending on where you live and what you bring to school, you can see which materials and sizes work best for you.
Polyester for Water Resistance, Nylon for Durability
Nylon stands out as it's stronger and more durable. On the other hand, nylon doesn't provide as much water resistance as polyester. With this in mind, you may want polyester for areas with rain and nylon if you carry lots of textbooks, binders, or other belongings.
Go Big (But Not Too Big)
If you need to bring specific items to school, such as a laptop or binder, you should look into the backpack’s dimensions. You may come across backpacks as tall as 19 inches and as short as 15 inches.
Bigger backpacks will carry bulkier items and more weight, but they will cover more of your back, making them uncomfortable in the heat. Smaller backpacks work well for people who want to pack light, but you may need to carry some of your belongings by hand.
Look Out for Pockets, Laptop Compartments, and More
Backpacks come with various features, from headphone jacks to different handles, so you can find a backpack with some nice things to make school life convenient!
Handles for Alternate Carrying Options
Backpacks will often include handles to let you carry your bag by hand. You'll come across standard handles and small loops at the top of backpacks.
Standard handles allow you to hold your backpack like a briefcase as you carry it. However, standard ones are harder to wrap your hands around, so you could strain your hand if you carry it for too long. Luckily, these usually come with cushioning to make them easier to use.
You also have small loops you can use as handles, allowing you to quickly transport your backpack without putting it on. You can only fit a few fingers inside these loops, making them less ideal for carrying. On the bright side, the loop doesn't take up much space on the top of your backpack.
Laptop Pockets for Convenience
Some backpacks have laptop pockets on the inside of them. These pockets are usually in the main compartment, offering enough space to slide your laptop into them. Laptop pockets can provide your device with extra protection.
However, when a person opens your backpack, the laptop pocket is wide open, leaving your valuables exposed to thieves. On the plus side, you can quickly slide your laptop or other belongings out of the pocket, giving you easy access to your important items.
Headphone Ports for Music Lovers
If you want to listen to music on your way to school, you may want a headphone port. Headphone ports are plastic pieces on the outside of the bag with headphone jacks in them. The outside end allows you to plug in your headphones while the inside wire connects to your phone, letting you listen to music.
Headphone ports allow you to listen to music without carrying your phone in your pocket or hands. However, if you get a phone call or want to change the song, it will be inconvenient to reach your phone. Despite that, it will help you keep your phone safe from damage and thieves.
Side Pockets for Easy Access
Backpacks usually have side pockets to let you store a few items. You will come across standard open pockets and mesh ones.
Open pockets are great if you want to store smaller belongings, however, they won't be as secure. On the bright side, you can quickly access those items without unzipping your backpack and rummaging through it.
Mesh pockets are great for water bottles since the elastic at the top keeps your bottle secure. On the other hand, the mesh pocket isn't as durable, so it can rip. But you won't have to worry about condensation getting inside your backpack from a cold drink if you use a mesh pocket.
10 Best Backpacks For High School Boys Ranking
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | JanSport Cool Student Backpack | | Unique Shoulder Strap Design and Laptop Compartment | |
2 | The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack | | Tons of Color Choices and Multiple Pockets | |
3 | Matein Travel Laptop Backpack | | Includes a USB Port and a Security Pocket | |
4 | Sosoon Extra Large Laptop Backpack | | A Large Backpack for Pocket Addicts | |
5 | Amazon Basics Classic School Backpack | | A Simple, Lightweight Backpack | |
6 | Della Gao Travel Laptop Backpack | | Night-Light Reflectivity for Enhanced Safety | |
7 | Cafele Multifunctional Backpack | | A Backpack in Two Sizes With an Anti-Theft Clip | |
8 | Shraddoo Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack | | Feature-Rich, With Back Ventilation for Increased Comfort | |
9 | Jomparo Transparent Security Backpack | | A See-Through Option for Schools That Require Them | |
10 | Vancropak High School Backpack | | A Cool Choice With a Cushioned Laptop Pocket |
Unique Shoulder Strap Design and Laptop Compartment
This JanSport backpack uses S-shaped straps instead of the straight ones you usually come across. It has a padded back panel to make the backpack more comfortable to wear during a long school day. It also has a water bottle holder on the side and a laptop compartment.
A few reviewers reported problems with the zippers getting stuck or being a pain to use. But the vast majority loved the sturdy design and how it holds up after lots of use. They also loved the computer compartment and said they could easily store their textbooks and even their lunch.
Tons of Color Choices and Multiple Pockets
The backpack offers many colors you can choose between. It also has two side mesh pockets, a front compartment with two fleece pockets, and a laptop compartment. The front pocket also stretches, allowing you to store more pens, pencils, and other small supplies.
A few critics said the backpack was heavy and always tipped over. On the other hand, reviewers liked the bag's quality, noting that it holds up throughout the school year. They also loved the multiple small compartments for school supplies.
Includes a USB Port and a Security Pocket
This one comes with many interior pockets to store your pens, binders, and other belongings. It comes in 15.6- and 17-inch height options for laptops. It includes a USB port with a charging cable so you can connect a battery pack and an anti-theft pocket to keep personal belongings safe.
Some reviewers felt disappointed that there's little padding on the bottom of the bag to protect their laptops. However, reviewers loved how they could use a portable charger with it. They also liked how the security pouch allowed them to keep important belongings safe. Many say it holds a lot of textbooks.
A Large Backpack for Pocket Addicts
This bag has a hole at the top for your headphones. It also includes over 20 pockets for you to store your smaller school supplies. It has mesh padding on the straps and back for added comfort throughout the school day.
A few reviewers reported problems with the seams, buckle, or zippers breaking. However, other reviewers talked about how the bag provides plenty of space to store their binders, books, headphones, and lunch. They also liked the various pockets for pens and smaller items.
A Simple, Lightweight Backpack
This backpack has a main compartment with an interior pocket. It also has a pocket at the front for writing utensils and small items, and two water bottle pockets. You can buy these backpacks in six color choices.
A couple of critics mentioned issues with the seams, stating the bag fell apart. Despite this, many others loved the smaller design, saying it works well for students who pack light. They also liked the number of pockets included.
Night-Light Reflectivity for Enhanced Safety
The Della Gao Travel Laptop Backpack is both functional and durable. It features a spacious main compartment, an organizer pocket, and a dedicated laptop pocket that fits up to 17.3 inches. It includes over 20 pockets for organized storage, elastic side pockets, and a large middle pocket for extra capacity.
The backpack offers a USB charging port, headphone hole, and breathable padding for comfort. Security features like lockable double zippers and night-light reflectivity enhance safety. Made from water-resistant polyester fabric with a high-density nylon lining, this backpack is tear-resistant and built to last, making it ideal for travel or daily use.
A Backpack in Two Sizes With an Anti-Theft Clip
The backpack includes USB and headphone ports so you can keep your phone safely inside. It even has an anti-theft clip to prevent people from opening your bag at school. It also has three main pockets, nine inner pockets, and two side pockets.
A few reviewers said various parts broke too quickly and they say it's best for school, not travel. However, others felt the bag provides enough space for laptops, notebooks, and binders while still having a small profile. They also loved the anti-theft clip since they could protect important belongings.
Feature-Rich, With Back Ventilation for Increased Comfort
With 20 distinct compartments, including a laptop compartment, side pockets for necessities, and a front access pocket, the SHRRADOO Extra Large 52L Travel Laptop Backpack offers lots of organized storage. It is 19.5 x 15 x 11 inches, is built of water-resistant material, and has a nylon liner.
This backpack includes practical features like an external USB port, a sturdy steel-cabled handle, air-cushioned shoulder straps, and a back ventilation design for increased comfort. Moreover, it has a luggage strap that easily fits over suitcase handles.
A See-Through Option for Schools That Require Them
This see-through backpack is made from clear PVC so students get through security checks fast. It includes two main pockets and two side mesh pockets for water bottles or small supplies. The shoulder straps have a waist belt attached to help you carry heavy school supplies.
A few critics said the shoulder straps tore and broke after a few weeks of use. However, others loved how the bag itself held up the entire school year. They also commented on the size of the backpack, saying it can hold a lot of school supplies in it.
A Cool Choice With a Cushioned Laptop Pocket
The backpack keeps high school needs in mind, offering spots for books, keys, laptops, and cards in the main compartment. It also uses an S-shaped strap design along with a 17-inch laptop pocket and charging port. It even has a side pocket to store a water bottle or travel umbrella.
A few reviewers mentioned the zipper was hard to use. However, others said the backpack holds up well for high school. They also felt the bag was more stylish than other options on the market.
Looking for Other Useful School Products?
Ready to fill your new backpack with everything you need to get through the school year? Feel free to look at these other top 10 lists to help you find more products that could be useful at school!
Top 5 Backpacks For High School Boys
No. 1: JanSport｜Cool Student Backpack
No. 2: The North Face｜Recon School Laptop Backpack
No. 3: Matein｜Travel Laptop Backpack
No. 4: Sosoon｜Extra Large Laptop Backpack
No. 5: Amazon Basics｜Classic School Backpack
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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