The Top Luxury Backpacks for College Students

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We might be smack dab in the middle of summer, but for returning college students, the start of a new semester is just weeks away. To help kick off your academic year on a good note, we're rounding up a list of the best backpacks to carry from lecture hall to library to everywhere in between. Whether you're on the market for a luxury leather bag that you can rely on for years to come or ready to retire that old canvas knapsack you've been schlepping on your back since your high school days, here you'll find an elevated style for every freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior.

Leather Backpack 16-Inch in Italian Pebbled Leather

We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Cuyana makes some of the best leather goods around—and at a reasonable price. Its backpack is made of supple pebbled leather that gets softer with wear but never loses its shape. The shape of the bag itself is sleek and minimal, and features a roomy interior with a laptop sleeve and organizational compartments, as well as two handy exterior pockets. Shoppers also report the skinny straps are comfortable and never dig into shoulders.

One shopper writes: "I love my backpack its a beautiful piece and I am getting a lot of compliments from people. It's a good size, the magnets are very strong and its comfortable on my shoulder."

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 15.1" x 11" x 7"

Weight: 2.6 lb

Sloan Backpack

Leatherology is another great brand for upscale leather goods at a great pricepoint. The backpack is buttery smooth and tricked out with convenient features, such as a built-in laptop sleeve, two interior slots, and an additional exterior slots for easy grabbing. Perhaps my favorite part of all? It can be personalized with your initials, making it a great bespoke option.

One shopper says: "Gorgeous backpack, fits my laptop and tons of other things perfectly. Fantastic quality and super chic. Absolutely obsessed."

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 10.5" x 3.5" x 11.5"

Weight: N/A

Metro Backpack Deluxe

You won't find a lighter option than MZ Wallace. Crafted with its signature quilted nylon, this backpack can hold a ton (think: laptop, planner, notebooks, and water bottle) without weighing a ton. It also makes a great personal item bag.

One shopper says: "I keep my laptop, gadgets, wallet, water bottle, and other small things but still have a lot of space and very light."

Material: REC Oxford

Dimensions: 12.20" × 6.90" × 16.50"

Weight: 1.3 lb

Polo Bear Canvas Backpack

Prefer a canvas style? Consider this Polo Bear bag the grownup version of a canvas backpack.

Material: Cotton, leather

Dimensions: 16.5" x 12.75" x 5.75"

Weight: N/A

Italian Leather Laptop Backpack

For the student who is never without their tech, this leather Quince backpack is the one for you because it provides ample space for your laptop, tablet, and other lecture hall essentials. The leather is really high quality, too.

One shopper says: "You can tell good leather when you take it out of the package and smell that beautiful genuine leather smell and that's exactly what I got when I opened the package and unveiled this beauty. This bag is perfection and I've gotten more compliments on my first day using it than I have with any other bag I've ever had. It's not too big, but plenty of room for everything I need and it's beautifully made. I love it."

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 15.5" x 11.5" x 4.25"

Weight: 3.1 lbs

Kaya 15 inch Laptop Backpack

Another great laptop backpack, Calpak's Kaya is a great option for class as it is for traveling. It also comes in a slew of pretty hues... because options always matter.

One shopper says: "Classy and chic. Functional and roomy. Holds all of my essentials and then some. Perfect for my MacBook Pro and 10th gen iPad."

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 15.5” x 11.5” x 4.25”

Weight: 3 lbs

Route Backpack

This polka dot backpack is cute as a button. It's also tough as nails, thanks to its ripstop fabrication which is designed to resist tearing and wear.

Material: Recycled ripstop body fabric

Dimensions: 16.1" x 13" x 4.9"

Weight: N/A

Little America™ Backpack

Herschel is a longtime fave for students, and for good reason. It's lightweight, spacious, and keeps your belongings neat and tidy.

One shopper reports: "Perfect for school, and getaways - can fit so much and is flexible for various size of items going in."

Material: Polyester

Dimensions: 19" x 11.25" x 7"

Weight: N/A

Bowen

Sure, Carl Friedrik might be a splurge, but this would make a fantastic option for the incoming senior who's graduating in 2025. They can carry it for their final year of school, and then use it again for their first job. A worthwhile investment, if you ask us.

One shopper says: "Superb and solidly designed backpack. Comfortable to wear, holds more than I thought it would, and very good looking."

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 12.5" x 15.3" x 5.9"

Weight: 3.3 lbs

Raina Backpack

The thing about Tumi is that every purchase goes the distance. Buy this leather backpack now, and you'll wear it forever. It's especially great for school because it does have an inconspicuous laptop sleeve, as well as a plethora of organizational pockets.

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 16.5" x 11.0" x 6.3"

Weight: 2.4 lbs

Dakota Large Neoprene Backpack

Dagne Dover bags are great for everything. Everything. You can carry it to class, take it to the gym, go traveling with it—you'll make use of it in various ways.

One shopper says: "I’m a huge fan of this backpack! The medium is a perfect size for my needs—if you’re looking to use it for school I’d size up to accommodate larger textbooks etc. The dividers and organizers are great as there’s a spot for everything. It feels sturdy enough and the zippers are heavy duty and don’t feel like they’ll fall apart."

Material: Neoprene

Dimensions: 16 3/4" x 13" x 5 3/4"

Weight: 3.65 lb

The Backpack in Beige

While Beis's backpack is technically a travel bag, it's a fabulous option for school because of how roomy, lightweight, and organizational-friendly it is.

One shopper says: "Great quality and easy to access your items. Great for everyday use as well as travel. Highly recommend!"

Material: Cotton, PVC trim

Dimensions: 13" x 19" x 5.5"

Weight: 1.8 lbs

Everywhere Backpack 22L

For an inexpensive option, you can't go wrong with the Lululemon Everywhere back. Don't believe me? Just read the 500-plus rave reviews.

One shopper says: "Great backpack - used for college and fits everything in needed."

Material: 100% nylon

Dimensions: 11.4" x 5.9" x 16.9"

Weight: N/A

Hall Backpack

Call it a coincidence, but Coach's sleek leather backpack is called the Hall... meaning it's a great option for you're upcoming lectures.

One shopper says: "Love the color and how light this backpack is, and it smells good/ leather smell! The leather is very soft and light feeling. Very well made!"

Material: Leather

Dimensions: 11.5" x 16.5" x 4.25"

Weight: N/A

What to look for in a college backpack

A good college backpack should have the following features:

• A durable construction. Look for school bags made of durable leather or heavy-duty nylon which can withstand wear and tear.

• A spacious main compartment. You're likely going to be carrying a lot to class, so make sure your backpack has space to hold your laptop, school supplies, and other essentials.

• A laptop sleeve. A pocket to keep your computer safe and sound can help keep your things organized.

• Organizational pockets. Look for a bag that has compartments specifically for water bottles, pens, and other smaller essentials.

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