The 20 Best College Backpacks For Back To School-2
DSPTCH specializes in some truly well-built and functional carry pieces that range everywhere from the tactical rucksack to the casual gym bag. So it's no surprise that they've tackled a school bag and pretty much nailed it. This spin on the classic book bag features a padded laptop sleeve, a convenient quick-access pocket, and individual internal item pockets for better organization. It's also fitted with mil-spec webbing, Duraflex plastic hardware, and is made here in the United States.
Measuring up at a whopping 24 liters of internal space, the Duffel Pack from Aer is certainly one of the larger bags on this list, but with that size comes a nigh-unmatched organizational system. This bag has a spacious main compartment, dual flank quick-access pockets with several pouches in each, and a ventilated separate shoe compartment at the base. And that's really just the beginning. It also has an internal padded pouch large enough for a 15"MacBook Pro, its exterior is crafted from 1680D ballistic nylon, and its internal lining is moisture resistant polyester. In addition to being a college-appropriate bag, this is one of the best gym bags of all time.
Out of San Diego, California, Bradley Mountain's Day Pack proves that, sometimes, simple is better. And it's not just the flip-top main compartment and single external zippered pocket format that makes this bag so great. It's also the incredible attention to detail and the superb construction materials out of which it is made. What materials, you ask? Well, it has a heavy waxed canvas exterior, premium oiled leather straps, and solid copper and brass hardware. This isn't just a good school bag; it's an example of the brand's ability to create heirloom quality goods.
The North Face's second appearance on this list shouldn't be a surprise to anyone familiar with the brand. It should be even less of a surprise to anyone familiar with their Access Pack. Even the brand themselves call this one their "most innovative backpack."In fact, this bag's technology includes three pending patents. They include a spring-open main compartment, a custom made quick-release latch, and built-in internal ejector tabs for easy-access to internal pocketed gear. And this one has an external laptop pocket with water-resistant zippers and a lightweight internal aluminum frame.
Carefully traversing that line between style and function, this pack from Mission Workshop looks exactly as good as it functions. It has a 1000d VX Cordura outer layer laminated to a PET membrane (giving it a measure of weatherproofing), 4 internal weatherproof pockets, and a zippered pocket that fits most 15"laptops or tablets. It also comes with an optional waist belt in case you like to ride your bike to and from college.
If you're not already familiar, Deft Bags is a manufacturer out of Chicago who makes some of the toughest gear out of some of the coolest materials we've ever seen. This bag is one such piece of gear. The exterior of the Bucktown-which is named for Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood-is made from Martexin original waxed canvas. That mean's it is practically waterproof. And the internal lining is made from 1000D Cordura nylon-so it can take nearly as much of a beating as the outside. And it's all finished off with 2"seatbelt straps, water-resistant YKK zippers, and padded shoulder straps with metal hardware.
Proudly hand-built in the USA, this is GoRuck's original piece of gear. And although it was tested and proven by Special Forces soldiers operating in Baghdad and New York City, it's also perfectly suited to a civilian lifestyle. If you like tactical backpacks with MOLLE compatibility, reinforced stress points, and with a bombproof laptop sleeve, then the GoRuck GR1 is definitely the bag for you. Hell, even if you just like a spacious bag with a solid internal organizational system, this bag is more than enough. Just as an added bonus, this bag can also house your hydration pack if you want to take it on a hike.
If you like to haul around a lot of precious high-tech gear-like your DSLR camera-this might be the best college bag for you. Able Archer's spin on the classic drawstring ruck is crafted from mil-spec water resistant canvas, features a nylon interior lining, has 22 total liters of internal space, and has a 15"laptop pocket with a waterproof zipper. On top of that, it offers dual side-entry fast access storage panels with internal pockets, stash pockets for camera accessories, and MOLLE compatible webbing.
Lexdray makes some very interesting and comprehensive bags of varying sizes and shapes for everything from electronic musicians to long-term jet-setters. Although this is one of their simpler bags, it is no less well-built and functional. It balances military-grade hardware with weather-resistant fabric; a simple and sleek exterior with a full complement of internal pouches; and can fit up to a 15"laptop within an internal padded pouch. It also comes with a removable waterproof cover to protect you in just about any weather.
Occupying the upper echelon of superb multifunctional gear is, of course, Filson. Their handsomely simple Journeyman backpack is made from a combination of water repellant twill, oil finished tin cloth, and a poly/cotton lining. It also comes with solid brass zipper closures with gusseted sides, a number of internal organizational pockets (including a 16"laptop sleeve), and has both comfortable padded straps and a padded back. If nothing but the absolute highest quality will do for you, then this is it.
