Here’s an overview of the Best Backpacks For that we’ll explore today:
Backpacks designed for college students have evolved from simple book carriers to purpose-built daily companions that balance protection, organization, comfort, and durability. With students juggling laptops, tablets, chargers, notebooks, and personal items, a reliable backpack can reduce fatigue, protect tech, and boost productivity between classes. This article tests and compares five popular models across a price spectrum from budget to premium, evaluating construction, fit, organizational layout, and real-world usability. Our testing methodology combines objective measurements (dimensions, weight, capacity, and features like laptop sleeves and anti-theft or RFID protections) with practical usability assessments (comfort on campus commutes, ease of access to pockets, loading/unloading, and performance in daily scenarios). The range of products covers two The North Face options, one LOVEVOOK, one SwissGear, and one BAGSMART, representing mainstream college-focused offerings with varied feature sets and price points.
1. The North Face Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack | Commuter Daypack with Water Repellent Finish
- Brand: The North Face
- Manufacturer: The North Face
The North Face Jester is a long-standing daily carry that emphasizes a large main compartment, a padded 16-inch laptop sleeve, and a light, commuter-friendly footprint. The FlexVent suspension system and a breathable back panel are designed to deliver all-day comfort, while a DWR-treated recycled polyester shell provides water resistance. The front organization includes a padded laptop sleeve plus zip pockets, with two external water bottle pockets that double as multipurpose pouches. This model remains versatile for students who carry a mix of textbooks, a laptop, and everyday gear, without overwhelming weight or bulk.
In daily use, the Jester shines on campus commutes and quick transitions between classrooms. The ergonomic support from FlexVent helps reduce shoulder strain during long days, and the stand-up design allows easy loading in crowded hallways. However, the pack is not oversized, so ultrabook users or students with bulky binders may appreciate its 28L capacity but might need careful packing. The absence of RFID protection and the lack of a dedicated anti-theft pocket could be a consideration for travelers, though its rugged build and water-repellent finish handle weather and daily wear well.
Pros
- Excellent ergonomic support with FlexVent and breathable back panel
- Large main compartment with a protective 16″ laptop sleeve
- Water-repellent, recycled polyester shell
- Stand-up design for easy loading and unloading
- Lightweight for a 28L capacity
Cons
- No RFID or anti-theft protection
- No dedicated organizational tech pocket beyond basic front compartments
2. LOVEVOOK Laptop Backpack for Women with Pouch Pocket for Large Capacity Cup
- Brand: LOVEVOOK
- Manufacturer: LOVEVOOK
LOVEVOOK positions this backpack as a fashion-forward, highly organized option with a dedicated large-capacity cup pouch and multiple pockets. The bag claims four compartments and 14 pockets, a 15.6-inch laptop pocket, and a padded interior designed for everyday professional and student use. The exterior features a water-resistant, stain-resistant polyester fabric with sturdy metal zippers, and a luggage strap on the back supports easy transit with rolling luggage.
In practice, this backpack excels in organization and daily carry, especially for students who also commute with water bottles, gym gear, or extra clothing. The dedicated cup pouch is a unique convenience that helps reduce spillage during transit. The bag’s lighter weight and multiple straps contribute to comfortable wear, though the heavier total capacity might be felt on long campus days when fully loaded. The bag’s 3D back panel and breathable shoulder straps help with comfort, but the overall protection against rain relies on the fabric’s water resistance rather than a dedicated rain cover.
Pros
- Excellent organization with 4 compartments and 14 pockets
- Dedicated large-capacity cup pouch for easy hydration
- Water-resistant exterior with sturdy metal zippers
- TSA-friendly and luggage strap compatible for travel
- Lightweight for its capacity
Cons
- Capacity may be excessive for minimalist users
- No RFID protection mentioned
- No dedicated padded tablet sleeve beyond the 15.6″ laptop pocket
3. The North Face Women’s Jester Everyday Laptop Backpack | Commuter Travel Bag with Laptop Sleeve
- Brand: The North Face
- Manufacturer: The North Face
This is the women-specific version of The North Face Jester, tailored with the same core features but optimized for female ergonomics. It retains the FlexVent system, a self-standing design, a padded 16″ laptop sleeve, and a streamlined front organization pocket with a tablet sleeve and key clip. The 22L capacity makes it a compact option for students who prioritize lighter daily carry while still protecting tech.
In use, the Jester Women’s variant provides targeted comfort with a padded back panel and breathable lumbar area, improving airflow during long study days. The lighter capacity may limit space for bulky textbooks, but it’s ideal for urban campuses with digital coursework and smaller notebook sets. While it shares the same weather resistance as the unisex version, it lacks RFID protections and more advanced anti-theft features, which could matter to travelers or commuters laden with valuables.
Pros
- Women-specific ergonomic design with FlexVent support
- Padded 16″ laptop sleeve and protective main compartment
- Water-repellent finish and durable construction
- Lightweight 22L capacity ideal for daily use
- Self-standing design for easy loading
Cons
- No RFID protection
- Limited capacity for large textbook-heavy loads
- Basic front pockets; not highly modular
4. SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart 17” Laptop Backpack Black – Reflective Tech Backpack with ScanSmart Compartment – Multiple Organizer Pockets
- Brand: SwissGear
- Manufacturer: SwissGear
SwissGear 1900 ScanSmart is a premium tech-focused backpack designed to streamline airport security with its ScanSmart laptop compartment compatible for 17-inch devices. It features an RFID-protected organizer, a removable key/fob clip, an accordion file holder, and a built-in trolley strap. The bag has a 31L capacity and strategically placed pockets for document organization, water bottle storage, and quick-access items, making it ideal for students who travel between campus and a work or internship setting where security or speed matters.
In daily campus use, the 1900 ScanSmart excels for students who carry large laptops, electronics, and documents and who value order and security. The ScanSmart compartment minimizes fumbles at security checkpoints, while RFID protection helps guard sensitive information. The bag is relatively heavy at 3.3 pounds but distributes weight with padded shoulder straps, a contoured back panel, and a trolley strap. However, its premium price and larger footprint may be overkill for students who mostly carry tablets or lighter loads.
Pros
- ScanSmart compartment speeds airport security
- RFID-protected organizer and secure storage
- Large 17″ laptop capacity and multiple organizer pockets
- Trolley strap and add-a-bag compatibility
- High-capacity 31L with ergonomic padding
Cons
- Heavy at 3.3 pounds
- Premium price point
- Bulkier for small-framed users
5. BAGSMART College Laptop Backpack
- Brand: BAGSMART
- Manufacturer: BAGSMART
BAGSMART presents a quilted, stylish college backpack designed for women with a 15.6″ laptop pocket and multiple compartments. The bag emphasizes aesthetics with a quilted exterior, while delivering practical organization through a variety of pockets and a soft, durable Taslon fabric. It is marketed as TSA-friendly with a backside strap to slide over luggage handles for travel, making it a strong choice for students who move between campus, the library, and occasional trips.
In practical terms, the BAGSMART backpack prioritizes comfort and organization at a budget-friendly price. The padded straps and breathable back panel help with daily wear, and the lightweight construction makes it easy to carry over campus to classes or the library. The quilted exterior may attract fashion-conscious students, though it could require extra care to maintain the fabric over time. As with many budget-friendly options, the protective features are more basic than premium packs, so protect your electronics with care.
Pros
- Stylish quilted exterior with practical organization
- Padded straps and breathable back panel
- TSA-friendly with luggage strap compatibility
- Budget-friendly price with solid build quality
- Taslon fabric offers durability and water resistance
Cons
- No advanced anti-theft or RFID protections
- Quilted exterior may require maintenance
- Capacity may be less flexible than multi-pocket professional packs
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve compiled answers to the most common questions about backpacks fors to help you make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Final thoughts: This group covers a broad spectrum of student needs—from lightweight daily use and fashion-forward designs to feature-rich, travel-ready packs.
For pure daily comfort and weather resistance, The North Face options are hard to beat. If you need maximum organization at a tight budget, LOVEVOOK and BAGSMART deliver strong value.
For those who travel or require secure, airport-friendly features, SwissGear’s 1900 ScanSmart stands out, albeit at a premium price. Match the bag to your typical load, campus environment, and travel habits to choose the best fit..