College Backpack reviews from Reddit
Summary
We analyzed 206 Reddit reviews across 17 subreddits and 59 posts to rank the best College Backpack brands recommended by redditors, including communities like r/backpacks, r/BuyItForLife, r/ManyBaggers, r/college, r/indiasocial. Top-rated brands include Osprey (4.7/5), The North Face (4.4/5), North Face (4.5/5).
Stats
Reviews206
Subreddits17
Posts59
Brands62
Products66
206 reviews from
and
By Brand
/By Product
#1
Osprey
4.7
(25)
"Herschel, North face and osprey"
"Take a look at the Osprey Proxima 30L."
"Osprey proxima!!"
"Bro I would suggest the Osprey Nebula. I got that and the NorthFace Surge and they are night and day regarding space and comfort for me at least."
"Osprey Proxima 30L! 100 dollars in amazon, a little less if you get the black one!! I have this bag, it’s the greatest gift I have received in quite some time."
"Probably for versatility I would say the Osprey 26+6 is ideal for that scenario. 26 liters is slightly big for daily carry but its not unmanageable."
"Osprey Nebula retails for $135 and it’s literally (IMO) the best, most functional backpack one can buy"
"I absolutely love my Osprey backpack. It has been incredibly versatile for me—I’ve managed to fit my gaming PC, a 2-in-1 laptop, and a tablet all in the laptop compartment alone."
"I’d definitely recommend looking into something like the Osprey Daylite pack or another one of their models that suits your needs and budget."
"Osprey make terrific packs. The Quasar or larger Nebula are the “carry around campus” go tos."
#2
The North Face
4.4
(26)
"You really can’t go wrong with northface. There is a reason they’re so popular they’re comfortable and hold a ton."
"I have the north face borealis, i would say it is a pretty solid option. my laptop is massive but still fits pretty comfortably in the laptop sleeve, and there is plenty of room for textbooks and notebooks and stuff."
"For that price I would say a northface backpack, jester or borealis would probably do well."
"For that price I would say a northface backpack, jester or borealis would probably do well. I had a jester for 5 years and it held up great."
"So durable and great material!"
"Spacious main compartment, padded laptop sleeve, front organization pocket, comfortable back panel and straps, durable"
"North face borealis."
"I’ve had my Borealis for 11 years and it’s still in great condition."
"North face is the right answer. Mine’s lasted me high school, college, a gap year, and now my professional school. 10 years strong."
"I've had a north face bag that's still holding up amazingly a decade later."
#3
North Face
4.5
(11)
"They literally last forever."
"I’ve used it for 3 years and it’s been great."
"Highly recommend North Face."
"I've had mine for 4 years, not a single zipper has broken."
"I have a North Face Recon backpack that has treated me extremely well."
"I’m currently using a North face recon (IRC) and it seems pretty well built."
"I’ve had the same north face since middle school."
"North Face 'Surge'."
"It’s served me well for 4 years now."
"It’s super high quality for a decent price."
#4
Aer
4.2
(9)
"I have this one for years and they still look like new. You can just feel the quality from aer stuff. very solid."
"Aer daypack."
"Any of the aer work pack line would be good. If you don't need a super large water bottle pouch the aer tech pack is pretty good."
"If you’re ok with 150-200s I’d reccomend Aer’s products - they’re having a 20% off sale till Monday"
"Aer Daily Pack 2 would both be good picks. This is last year’s model and on clearance for $127."
"AER make nice backpacks."
"Check out Aer."
"Aer or possibly Peak design."
"I just bought an Aer Daypack2."
#5
Jansport
4.4
(8)
"I had a Jansport that I used from middle school through college, then as my travel bag until it was destroyed when my basement flooded last year."
"Jansport will also fix/replace your backpack if anything happens to it."
"I have a JanSport that is 20 years old. Used it from Jr. HS through Grad school."
"Jansport backpacks will literally outlive you, so that's my best choice apparently I've been using the same one since grade school"
"I'm using a Jansport brand backpack, and it's been doing me pretty well. I will note that I've never needed to carry much besides my laptop, sketchbook, and other supplies for class, but Jansport is a pretty good brand."
"A Jansport waxed canvas bag you can find on ebay may be a good way to go. They are built to last."
"Good Ole plain jansport."
"1. JanSport, although their cheapest option does not have a laptop pocket/protectino."
#6
Patagonia
4.4
(7)
"A Patagonia Refugio is reasonably priced, durable, comfortable to wear, and light enough that when you pack it full of textbooks it’s not too bad"
"I have found the Patagonia backpacks to be extremely comfortable."
"I like it a lot."
"Patagonia if have plans to travel abroad or decathalon has nice options"
"Wornwear.com. Patagonia’s used gear at a great discount. Lots of good bags last I checked."
"Patagonia or Osprey."
"I switched over from a Jansport backpack."
#7
Herschel
4.4
(7)
"I’ve had a Herschel Little America for ~5 years and it’s held up great."
"I have a Herschel pop quiz backpack that I've had for the last 4 years."
"Durability and water resistance should be the most important factors."
"Herschel, North face and osprey"
"Herschell supply co and fjallraven are trendy."
"I’ve used the same Herschel backpack for 4 years now."
"I used this Herschel bag all 4 years of high school."
#8
Timbuk2
4.3
(7)
"I’ve had a timbuk2 for at least 12 years and it still looks fabulous."
"Get a Timbuk2 in any format you like."
"Take a look at the timbuk2 mini prospect. The colors and materials are customizable."
"Timbuk2 is great."
"They’re on the more expensive side but they’re great backpacks with lots of little pockets everywhere for organization."
"Makes great backpacks that are water resistant."
"Super sturdy and classic. It will last forever."
#9
Fjallraven
4.7
(6)
"Here you looked at the Fjallraven Raven 28? I’ve always loved these."
"Fjallraven Raven 28L is pretty great."
"I just got the fjellraven raven 28 and i'm amazed with the quality of it."
"Waterproof and has that smart but practical outdoors brand look."
"Fjallraven ravens are very good even if they are 'mainstream'."
"Have you looked at the fjallraven raven 28?"
#10
Goruck
4.7
(6)
"You won't find a better, more secure, safer laptop compartment than on a Goruck backpack OP."
"Will get you through college and then some."
"Goruck GR1."
"Goruck gr2 26L, tough and has plenty of organization."
"Adds a layer of organization."
"The Goruck backpacks are the most coveted for bag enthusiasts."
#11
L.L.Bean
5.0
(5)
"I like my Llbean deluxe book pack. It’s 10 years old and still going strong."
"Second this recommendation - my son has the bookbag and has been very pleased with it!"
"Ll Bean got our daughter through 4 yrs of Highschool now she’s off to college in the fall with it."
"My LL Bean from 1999 still looks new."
"LL Bean backpack I used mine highschool through college."
#12
OGIO
4.8
(4)
"Choosing a bag from Samsonite or Ogio ensures you get a durable, high-quality product."
"Ogio is my go to. Sturdy, large but not absurd."
"I have an OGIO brand backpack that I have been using for the last 11 years."
"+1 OGIO."
#13
Swissgear
4.8
(4)
"I have a Swissgear bag I often forget about too but that thing is the goat for carrying electronics."
"Personally, I've had good experience with Swissgear."
"I had one that was an everyday carry for like ten years before the zipper went out."
"Swissgear backpacks seem good too. I currently have a cheap swissewin that i have for about 4 years and its still holding up pretty good."
#14
REI
4.8
(4)
"I love their ruckpack series. beefy should straps, and more than enough pocketing. and despite being an inhouse brand, surprisingly tough and sturdy."
"I love my Trail 25, which holds a LOT more than 25 liters and can be had on sale for like $30."
"Is my absolute fav and has a built-in rain cover!"
"REI Commuter."
#15
High Sierra
4.3
(4)
"I grabbed the $17.00 High Sierra backpack when I was 14 and now I'm 23 and it's still going."
"High Sierra never did me wrong!"
"And liked it a lot."
"Is pretty good."
#16
Tom Bihn
4.3
(4)
"Tom bihn guide pack"
"Check out Tom Bhin for colorful backpacks! Little pricy but will last forever."
"Tom Binh is a frequent recommendation here - I just haven’t had one myself"
"Tom Bihn or GoRuck."
#17
LL Bean
5.0
(3)
"My son has a LL Bean and it’s awesome!"
"I wore my LL Bean backpack from 6th grade to the end of college."
"I returned it for an LL Bean one, which I am very happy with."
#18
Mystery Ranch
4.7
(3)
"Mystery Ranch; if it’s good enough for special operations, it’s good enough for you and I."
"Mystery ranch urban assault 21, it's a tri-zipper with a laptop/notebook holders."
"Mystery Ranch is a good option."
#19
Wildcraft
4.3
(3)
"Been using a wildcraft bag since 2017 and still looks good till today, with inside compartmental lining intact."
"Wildcraft bags are pretty good quality"
"Wildcraft or Decathalon"
#20
Dakine
4.3
(3)
"DaKine is, without a doubt, the best backpack brand around."
"Dakine Campus backpack"
"I've had good long term luck with both Swiss Gear and Dakine."
#21
SwissGear
4.3
(3)
"I got a swissgear 1900 and it's a workhorse, holds my two laptops in dedicated compartment meant for one laptop, made well (mines 8 years old+) and comfy too."
"I’ve been liking my Swissgear Viibe 8171 for college. The material feels SO much better than the North Face bags."
"Thanks for all your comments, I ended up ordering a Swissgear 1900 and a Fjallraven Raven 28."
#22
Alpaka
4.0
(3)
"I just got the alpaka element pro backpack. Seems pretty good for edc"
"Alpaka Metro?"
"Check out the alpaka metro bag"
#23
Decathlon
4.0
(3)
"Take a look at the Decathlon Quechua NH Escape 23L backpack."
"Quechua Escape 500 32L"
"It's hard to find better value than Decathlon. The 23L Escape NH500 is a perfect personal item"
#24
Under Armour
5.0
(2)
"I have an Under Armour bag that I’ve had through both high school and college."
"Couldn’t recommend it more its very padded and the inside has tons of pockets."
#25
Bellroy
5.0
(2)
"My bellroy transit workpack is perfect if you do all your notetaking digitally its got a huge compartment for clothes and such which can easily fit a jacket."
"Is amazing. Have a look if you haven't."
#26
Evergoods
5.0
(2)
"Evergoods or Bellroy."
"I love my new Evergoods CHZ22."
#27
Skybags
4.5
(2)
"I have one skybags bag that I bought in 2014, and it still hasn't given up."
"Koi bhi skybags ka utha le amazon se"
#28
Samsonite
4.5
(2)
"Choosing a bag from Samsonite or Ogio ensures you get a durable, high-quality product."
"Anything by Samsonite or Ogio will work."
#29
Herschel Supply Co.
4.5
(2)
"Herschel Supply Co. I have backpack by them that has been through hell and has 0 issues."
"Some brands I like are Herschel, Lululemon, and sometimes the Typo store has cute options"
#30
Fjällräven
4.5
(2)
"I'm a big fan of the Fjallraven Skule 28."
"Some good deals on a fjallraven raven you can find scouring the internet. It comes in a 20l and 28l."
#31
Topo Designs
4.0
(2)
"Another option for you might be the Topo Designs Rover Classic 20L, on sale for the budget price of $30."
"Topo design rover pack is one if my favorites. A but more pricey but rn there are some on sale for < $50."
#32
JanSport
4.0
(2)
"I haven’t had any issues with my jansport big student."
"Jansport HATCHET!!!!! Hmm I guess the lunch has to go in the Main tho."
#33
Harrisons
5.0
(1)
"Check out Harrisons, superb quality"
#34
American Tourister
5.0
(1)
"I am in awe of my American Tourister backpack which I have used for 9 + years. Highly recommended."
#35
Baboon to the Moon
5.0
(1)
"I decided to spend a bit of money on a nice backpack and ultimately bought this one for school, work, etc. Separate laptop and tablet sleeve. The laptop sleeve is suspended."
#36
L.L. Bean
5.0
(1)
"During my high school and college years, I used an L.L. Bean backpack that proved to be incredibly reliable and durable."
#37
Saddleback Leather
5.0
(1)
"This will hold a 15 inch laptop easily. Great leather and great waxed canvas. Thick too."
#38
Deuter
5.0
(1)
"Deuter Giga on sale for $60 now. Superb backpack."
#39
Alpha One Niner
5.0
(1)
"The Alpha One Niner Whitley is a fantastic school backpack, in fact it was designed exclusively for that."
#40
Matein
5.0
(1)
"I use a Matein Travel Laptop back which you can get a surprising amount of stuff in."
#41
Boundary Supply
5.0
(1)
"Boundary supply prima system"
#42
Chrome Industries
5.0
(1)
"I would check out Chrome industries, especially the Hondo."
#43
Dagne Dover
5.0
(1)
"I love my large Dagne Dover dakota!"
#44
Ridge
5.0
(1)
"The Ridge Commuter."
#45
Korin
5.0
(1)
"Bought this for my college aged son, a lot of the same specs at you'd like."
#46
Trail Maker
5.0
(1)
"I'm loving my new Trail Maker Classic Backpack!"
#47
Tumi
5.0
(1)
"Tumi all day. I've been carrying the same Tumi around for over a decade."
#48
Rover
4.0
(1)
"I second the Rover Mini. Great bag."
#49
Quechua
4.0
(1)
"Check this one out. 10 year warranty."
#50
Tomtoc
4.0
(1)
"The tomtoc Navigator T24 has been good for me. Nice compact size and premium materials."
#51
Ristoss
4.0
(1)
"Go for Ristoss backpack you can use it even if you're travelling somewhere"
#52
Frost River
4.0
(1)
"Frost river north coast day pack"
#53
Chrome
4.0
(1)
"Chrome ruckas, fjallraven raven, tnf recon / kaban"
#54
Arctic Fox
4.0
(1)
"Arctic Fox is one of the best I can recommend. Or Wildcraft. If you can splurge more, Harrisons or Samsonite."
#55
Postbox
4.0
(1)
"I’m using a backpack from Postbox. It looks good, and is holding up quite well."
#56
Arctic Hunter
4.0
(1)
"Arctic hunter or puma scuderia or mokobora"
#57
Urban Tribe
4.0
(1)
"I have been using "Urban Tribe" bag and it's been holding up well."
#58
Adidas
4.0
(1)
"Till then Adidas, puma,Nike holds good"
#59
Pacsafe
4.0
(1)
"Pacsafe the chicken mesh wiring makes it super tough"
#60
Timbuk2, Dakine
4.0
(1)
"[timbuk2] bag. Maybe a [Dakine] pack."
#61
Under Armour, The North Face
4.0
(1)
"For cute and colorful, I'd consider both Under Armour backpacks and North Face."
#62
IKEA
4.0
(1)
"I use the 15l IKEA FÖRENKLA, it's only 19,99 w/ Family, comes in a choice of red and black."
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