14 best backpacks perfect for school, work
Practical and stylish, this popular and “extremely useful” backpack will get you from A to B, all with a smile on your face.
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The backpack is a popular choice of carry bag, particularly when lugging bits and pieces to and from work, university or school. And it’s not hard to see why. Simple and lightweight, the backpack is comfortable and convenient. It allows you to transport all manner of items, distributing weight evenly across your body while keeping your hands oh-so free for essentials such as your phone, keys or keep cup.
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I don’t know about you, but I seem to take a huge amount of much-needed stuff to work and am in constant search of the ideal bag to accommodate it all. Enter the backpack.
With generous internal space and multiple compartments for laptop, files, lunch, water, even gym clothes for lunchtime yoga, the backpack is the perfect solution. And not only functional, the humble backpack is now available in a wide range of fabulous designs that are stylish enough to accompany you to after-work drinks or dinner.
The only trouble, as always, is which one to choose. A great option worth your attention is this Volher Laptop Backpack, which has thousands of positive 5-star reviews on Amazon Australia.
Not only does it boast durable and water resistant fabric, it’s been designed to comfortably fit a 15-inch laptop, plus there’s hidden antitheft pockets, and super comfy shoulder straps. Shoppers say it’s a “very compact, attractive and useful”, and will leave you “extremely satisfied”.
If you’re still making up your mind, we’re here to help, and we’ve rounded up the best backpacks on the market that are particularly suited to work, university or school, so you can find the ideal option to meet your needs, budget and of course, your own personal style.
OUR TOP PICKS
BEST BUDGET BACKPACKS
Volher Laptop Backpack, from $50.99 at Amazon Australia
Why We Love It: Made with durable materials, and ample storage pockets
What To Consider: Some buyers disappointed with the USB charger
Size: 33cm (L) x 45.7cm (W) x 20.3cm (H) | Material: Water Resistant and Durable Polyester Fabric | Colour: Red, Black, Blue, Grey, Khaki, Leaf, Light Pink, Orange, Purple, Yellow
What You Need To Know
This backpack is the GOAT. Featuring three different zipped compartments as well as several pockets and sections, say goodbye to things getting lost at the bottom of your bag for good. Crafted from thick but soft multi-panel ventilated padding, your back will be supported no matter how heavy you load up your bag.
Perfect for commuting, it has a handy antitheft pocket at the back and a USB port to keep your electronics charged. Plus, the luggage strap means it can easily slide over your suitcase handle too.
An Amazon bestseller, it has over 18,300 five-star reviews. “I had been looking for something like this and had no luck in store. Spacious, durable and most of all organised with allocated pockets inside compartments,” wrote one five-star review.
Another said: “there is so much space and different pockets in each section. It is very compact while also fitting so much stuff. I am very organised, and this backpack is perfect for it. I’ve used it in the rain and it didn’t seem to go through at all.”
Water Repellent Backpack, $59.99 at H&M
Why We Love It: Functional, versatile and lmade with recycled materials.
What To Consider: Water repellent but not waterproof
Size: 48cm (H) x 10cm (D) x 35cm (W) | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 19L | Colour: Black, Light Grey
What You Need To Know
This casual-style backpack not only comes with a more-than-reasonable price tag, it also offers a functional water repellent design with heaps of useful space.
It features a laptop sleeve, a large zippered external compartment and two side sections.
Made of lightweight polyester, it’s also a breeze to carry, especially with adjustable padded shoulder straps and an easy-to-grab top handle.
Quechua NH 150 Country Walking Rucksack, $50 at Decathlon
Why We Love It: Stylish and practical, this backpack is great for multiple settings
What To Consider: Limited compartment space
Size: 40cm (H) x 30cm (W) x 7cm (D) | Material: Synthetic polyamide | Capacity: 16L | Colour: Blue, Black
What You Need To Know
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, this backpack from Decathlon is well worth considering. It comes in at a great price and, although from a store specialising in sporting goods, it has a stylish everyday aesthetic. More importantly, it offers seven pockets to stow away bits and pieces, one for a 13” laptop and one for a 10” tablet. An excellent budget backpack that will comfortably get you to and from work with everything you need.
BEST DESIGNER BACKPACKS
Le Pliage Original Backpack, $330 at Longchamp
Why We Love It: Stylish, foldable and ultra-lightweight
What To Consider: May be unsuitable for larger laptops
Size: 26cm (L) x 37cm (H) x 11cm (W) | Material: Leather, Nylon | Colour: Black, Paper, Fawn, Navy, Marshmallow, Tomato, Eucalyptus
What You Need To Know
If you’re after iconic Parisian style, you can’t go past Le Pliage Original Backpack by Longchamp. Much like their famous tote, this sleek and contemporary bag is made of lightweight materials and features adjustable straps and versatile internal space. Enviable understated elegance that’s durable, long lasting and available in seven great colours. Warning: you may decide you want more than one.
Maison de Sabre The Backpack, $399 at Maison de Sabre
Why We Love It: Premium materials meets practical design
What To Consider: Smaller than other options available
Size: 41cm (H) x 31cm (W) x 16cm (D) | Material: Leather | Capacity: 12.5L | Colour: Blue, Black
What You Need To Know
The Backpack, created by Maison de Sabre blends undeniable style and functionality to provide the ideal work companion. Crafted from soft sustainable leather in a range of fab colours (we particularly love the emerald green), it features no less than six external pockets with another five on the inside, including a protective laptop compartment with zip closure. Meanwhile, the padded adjustable straps and padded back panel offer the ultimate in carrying comfort to help make light of a heavy load.
Carhartt Convertible Backpack Tote, from $82.80 at Amazon Australia
Why We Love It: Converts quickly from a tote to a backpack
What To Consider: Some shoppers unhappy with its durability
Size: 43cm (H)x 37cm (W) x 9cm (D) | Material: Polyester | Colour: Grey, Black, Brown, Wine
What You Need To Know
Generous in size with internal and external pockets, this Carhartt Convertable Backpack Tote has plenty of usable space to organise your paperwork, laptop, keys, lunch and whatever else you need. Thick padded straps make it comfy to pop on your back, and it easily converts into a handy tote. Best of all, it’s made from denim polyester, meaning it’s lightweight, durable and easy to clean with a damp cloth. Plus it’s also water resistant.
Reviewers say it’s the “perfect” backpack for both study and the work commute.
“The Carhartt Convertible Durable Tote Bag with Adjustable Backpack Straps and Laptop Sleeve in Brown has become my go-to bag for daily use. Its versatility and rugged construction are perfect for a variety of needs, from work to travel,” wrote one Amazon reviewer.
Another said: “Love it, design and colour are exactly what I’m looking for, simple yet functional, glad that I decided to buy this brand not others.”
BEST BACKPACKS WITH A PADDED LAPTOP COMPARTMENT
Timbuk2 Authority 28L Deluxe Backpack Black, $371.47 at Amazon Australia
Why We Love It: Perfect for large laptops, plus it’s made from recycled materials
What To Consider: Some unhappy with quality of shoulder straps
Size: 48cm (H) x 29cm (W) x 13.5cm (D) | Material: Recycled Nylon | Capacity: 20L | Colour: Navy
What You Need To Know
This handy backpack is one of Amazon’s top picks, as a result of its excellent quality and many five star reviews. It offers the ultimate in organisation with a large internal compartment for files and books and smaller sections for pens, phone, keys and water bottle. Most importantly, it has a dedicated laptop compartment to fit most 15” to 17” laptops with rear access for extra safety. You’ll never need a separate laptop bag again.
And despite its generous and functional space, it has a neat slimline finish. One happy customer on the US Amazon site left a glowing five-star review, saying: “I ordered this bag to hold both a work laptop and a surface (tablet sized). It is perfect! I love how slim the pack is. The pockets are well designed, there is room for essentials, my lunch, and work gear. The backpack is comfortable to wear and it is easy to adjust the straps. It was on the pricier side for what I was initially looking at, but it is well worth it. The materials are high quality and there was obvious thought put into the details – such as reinforcing under the straps at the bottom.”
Siena Smart Backpack, $169.99 at Nordace
Why We Love It: Versatile and some great antitheft features
What To Consider: Some unhappy with fabric quality
Size: 42cm (H) x 29cm (W) x 18cm (D) | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 19L | Colour: Black, Beige, Blue, Dark Green, Grey, Pink, Red, Aqua, Khaki
What You Need To Know
The Siena Smart Backpack covers all bases, as it’s stylish, spacious and perfect for transporting your work device. Made from lightweight frosted polyester it’s durable, water resistant and comes in nine gorgeous colours, and it can double as a gym bag.
A generous main compartment offers plenty of organisational pockets, including a padded sleeve for your 15.6” laptop and other devices such as tablet and smartphone. It’s like your entire desk, including a USB charging port, fits neatly into a single bag that looks great and is easy to carry.
Understandably it has attracted many five-star reviews with purchasers loving its many useful compartments, amazing quality and easy maintenance. One reviewer left the comment, “I use this for work and travel without issue. Plenty of room and the quality is great. Straps still intact. Love the water bottle holder on the side and the separate laptop section. Highly recommend!”
Fjallraven Kanken Backpack, $135 at Amazon Australia
Why We Love It: Durable, practical and an extensive colour range
What To Consider: Smaller than appears
Size: 36cm (H) x 27cm (W) x 13cm (D) | Material: Vinyl | Capacity: 16L | Colour: Black, Autumn Leaf, Brick, Deep Blue, Deep Red, Fog, Graphite, Mint Green, Royal Blue
What You Need To Know
The Kanken is a little more on the expensive side but is a total crowd pleaser. Most teens (and their parents, too) would love this backpack, which is lightweight, durable and surprisingly roomy.
A huge attraction, apart from its stylish contemporary look, is that it comfortably fits a 15” laptop, along with everything else you need during the day. The ideal birthday or Christmas present that’s available in many stunning colours, I just can’t choose between mint green or royal blue …
Hershel Pop Quiz Black/Tan bag, $120 (down from $160) at Myer
Why We Love It: A classic all-rounder with lots of space
What To Consider: Some shoppers unhappy with laptop compartment
Size: 25L | Material: Recycled fabric | Capacity: 15cm (H) x 24cm (W) x 11cm (D) | Colour: Black / Tan
What You Need To Know
This sturdy backpack is incredibly functional, with a casual contemporary style to suit any work or university situation. It features a padded fleece-lined sleeve to accommodate devices up to 15” and offers a range of handy pockets to organise your belongings such as sunglasses, headphones, books, files and keys.
One Myer customer was thrilled with this purchase, giving the backpack five stars and posting the comment: “I needed a backpack upgrade for my work laptop but I wanted something that wasn’t generic and boring looking while still being functional, so I tried this one out. This is my perfect backpack. I love the size, I love the pockets and I love how padded and nice the laptop sleeve part is.”
BEST LEATHER BACKPACK
Republic of Florence Bexley Black Leather Laptop Backpack, $329 at THE ICONIC
Why We Love It: Handmade in Italy with a touch of elegance
What To Consider: Expensive
Size: 40cm (H) x 30cm (W) x 15cm (D) | Material: Leather | Capacity: 18L | Colour: Black
What You Need To Know
This elegant Republic of Florence backpack, crafted in Italy from soft genuine leather, would make a stunning addition to your work wardrobe.
It features a host of internal and external pockets to keep you well and truly organised and will accommodate most 15” laptops.
Perfect for a more classic look that will stand the test of time – and a sizeable load!
BEST BACKPACK FOR WORK TRIPS
The ReNew Transit Backpack, $174 at Everlane
Why We Love It: Stylish with large internal compartments
What To Consider: Some shoppers don’t like pocket design
Size: 44.5 cm (H) x 30cm (L) x 18cm (D) | Material: Recycled polyester | Capacity: 27L | Colour: Black, Warm Quartz
What You Need To Know
Everlane offers stunning bags and the ReNew Transit backpack is no exception. Made from 100 per cent recycled polyester, this lightweight backpack has a sleek design that comes in five ultra chic tones. It also offers a surprising amount of space with a 15” exterior laptop compartment and other zippered pockets to accommodate your travel essentials such as passport, tickets, water bottle, notebooks or magazines. And with a handy pass-through strap that attaches to your wheelie luggage, travel has never been easier.
Not surprisingly, this backpack has received hundreds of positive online reviews, with one customer commenting, “So far, this is a huge hit. The material is soft, but durable, it’s roomy but streamlined, styling is great (not corporate feeling) and most importantly the back zip pocket fits my (GIANT) 16” MacBook Pro! Gender neutral too. Huge win!”
BEST BACKPACK FOR TRAVEL
Voyager Anti Theft Backpack, $128 at Zoomlite
Why We Love It: Compact and lightweight
What To Consider: Limited internal compartment space
Size: 45cm (H) x 29cm (W) x 15cm (D) | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 16L | Colour: Navy
Tried and Tested by Troy Nankervis, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
This backpack has been a great little performer for the work commute, and I can see how it would be particularly useful if you’re travelling between cities for your job. It’s been designed with antitheft technology, including cut-resistant, military grade fabric, and compartments that are lockable and will keep your valuables safe and secure.
At 16L, it’s the perfect amount of space for a laptop, a phone charger, a drink bottle and some snacks. I like that the front zippered pocket is also spacious enough for my headphones, powerbank, and small items like mints and sunscreen.
The padded straps, which are adjustable, are comfortable on my shoulders, and there’s an integrated USB port on the side on the backpack if your devices need to be charged on the go. I know some people will also like the sternum strap, personally I’ve never used this but can see it’s been made from quality materials.
Overall, a great option if you’re looking for a backpack, and probably right in the middle of what I’d be looking at spending too.
BEST BACKPACK FOR SCHOOL OR UNIVERSITY
Billabong Command Backpack, $79.99 at City Beach
Why We Love It: Huge internal compartment, perfect for study or work
What To Consider: Only comes in black
Size: 40cm (H) x 33cm (L) x 16cm (D) | Material: Polyester | Capacity: 29L | Colour: Black
Tried and Tested by Susannah Hardy, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
If you have a teenager, you’ll know they carry around the most enormous amount of stuff in their backpack – computer, lunch, books, PE uniform – the list goes on. And in my daughter’s case, her backpack was simply not up to the challenge.
She needed something tough and roomy – that still looked good to carry around. And we found it. Billabong’s Command Backpack is perfect. It’s good quality, durable and incredibly spacious with heaps of internal compartments so she can organise her belongings and know exactly where everything is at any given moment.
There’s a water bottle pocket on the side, and a zippered front pocket too. And coming from Billabong, it has a sleek and stylish look that my daughter is happy to carry on her back. Mission accomplished!
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING A BACKPACK
Finding the right backpack can feel overwhelming, but knowing what features to prioritise will help you make the best choice, depending on your lifestyle.
Are you looking for a bag to carry gym clothes and work essentials? Or is it important to find a product with a padded laptop compartment during your daily commute? Whatever your needs, here’s some of the things you should be looking out for.
Dedicated Laptop Storage: If you take your tech on the go, a padded laptop compartment or padded laptop sleeve is crucial. You want make sure your laptop is well protected from everyday knocks and bumps, plus you may consider some additional security features, like an antitheft pocket, or a lockable section. Some backpacks also have a removable laptop sleeve or a separate laptop compartment for some added flexibility.
Comfortable Straps: Many people will pick a backpack based on how well it distributes weight across their back. Here’s where finding quality backpack straps comes into play.
Your shoulders will thank you for choosing a bag with padded shoulder straps and a sternum strap, which help with distributing the weight evenly.
Functional Compartments: Ideally, you want to find a backpack with a spacious main compartment, that’s suited for things like gym clothes, shoes, and your lunch or snacks. Meanwhile, a well designed backpack will have a good amount of exterior pockets, slip pockets, and zippered pockets, in order to give enough space for all of those smaller essentials.
Hydration: Whether you’re at the gym or hiking, water bottle pockets or even a zippered water bottle pocket are must-haves, and also free up more space for your internal backpack compartments.
Some products also feature two water bottle pockets if you’re extra thirsty.
Durability: You ideally want a backpack that will last at least a couple of years, and so picking a product that’s been designed with compression straps, durable materials, will ensure its longevity.
Style: A backpack should feel supportive and comfortable to wear, but it also should look good. Keep in mind your own personal sense of style, and the other items in your wardrobe. Also consider your favourite colours, patterns, textures and materials when picking out your next backpack.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
To help you find the best backpacks for work, study and everything in between, we’ve carefully sifted through customer reviews to find the best products out there right now, and narrowed these down to our top picks, which form the basis of this guide.
Whether you need a sleek, minimalist option for work or a rugged pack for your commute, or a weekend away, our selections ensure you’ll find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
From high-performance brands to budget-friendly alternatives, you’ll discover standout options from trusted retailers like Herschel, Siena, and Billabong, all backed by stellar feedback and thorough testing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are good brands of backpacks for school?
Popular brands like JanSport, North Face, and Herschel are known for their durable designs, ample main compartments, and comfortable shoulder straps. Look for models with a dedicated laptop compartment padded laptop pockets and slip pockets to keep your essentials organised.
Why are Japanese school backpacks so expensive?
Japanese school backpacks, like the iconic randoseru, are crafted from high-quality materials and designed to last for years. Their ergonomic designs often feature padded shoulder straps, sturdy construction, and premium finishes, making them an investment in durability and comfort.
Is JanSport a good school bag?
Yes, JanSport backpacks are a reliable choice. They offer spacious main compartments, zippered pockets, and padded laptop compartments, making them practical for students.
Is a 20L backpack big enough for school?
A 20L backpack can work for minimalists or younger students who don’t carry much. However, if you need to pack gym clothes, a laptop, books, and a water bottle, a larger capacity might be a better fit.
This guide is your ultimate resource for finding a backpack that checks all the boxes, whether you’re heading to school, work, or an outdoor adventure.
Want to dress like a celebrity stylist? This sleek trend is taking over the fashion world right now. We’ve also combed through thousands of reviews to find out the best tote bag for every occasion.
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