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Buying guides / Best Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

Best Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

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Back to school backpacks for middle and high school students is the topic of our post today.

Finding the perfect backpack for your child is no easy feat. With a plethora of options available on the market, it’s like finding a needle in a haystack. This task becomes even more critical when it comes to middle and high school students, who need a reliable, durable, and capacious backpack to carry their essentials and navigate the school year smoothly.

Worry not, I have done the hard work so you don’t have to. I collected for you some of the best backpacks for middle school and high school students. My criteria for selecting these backpacks were guided by the needs of the students in this age bracket, my deep understanding of the school environment from years of teaching, and an eye for quality honed by more than a decade of reviewing edtech products.

I considered several factors, including size, durability, the presence of laptop compartments, overall storage capacity, comfort of use, and value for money. Furthermore, I placed a premium on backpacks that offer innovative solutions for today’s tech-savvy students, such as built-in USB ports for charging electronic devices on the go.

Whether you’re a teacher, educator, parent, or student, I am confident that this guide will serve as a valuable resource for you. Read on to discover the perfect backpack to kick off the new school year on a positive note!

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

Here are our top picks for back to school backpacks for middle and high school students:

Best overall for middle school students: Simple Modern Kids Fletcher Backpack

Best overall for high school students: Matein Laptop Backpack

I. Middle School

Here is a collection of some of the best backpacks for middle school students:

1. Simple Modern Kids Fletcher Backpack

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

This backpack from Simple Modern is perfect for middle school students. Available in three sizes, it’s designed to cater to all your child’s needs throughout the day. With its spacious design and a variety of styles, this backpack is an ideal choice for middle school students.

Features

  • Spacious with a 12L capacity.
  • Comes with a padded tablet sleeve, large zip-closure front pocket, zip-closure stash pocket, and two expandable bottle sleeves.
  • Durable design with easy-to-clean polyester, padded adjustable shoulder straps, reinforced stitching, and buckle.
  • A variety of styles suitable for individual preferences.
  • Product Dimensions: 5.25 x 12.5 x 15.25 inches
  • Item Weight: 0.634 ounces
  • Capacity Total: 12 Liters

Cons

  • Not suitable for larger items like laptops.
  • The lightweight structure might not be as sturdy as some heavier alternatives.

2. SwissGear 1900 Backpack

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students


SwissGear offers this tech-savvy backpack designed for the modern student. With specific features to speed you through airport security, this backpack accommodates a laptop and tablet while ensuring they’re easily accessible. With multiple compartments and pockets, organization is effortless.

Features

  • Enhanced laptop compartment with zippered access for a 17-inch laptop.
  • Padded TabletSafe tablet pocket.
  • Main compartment with an accordion file holder.
  • RFID-protected organizer compartment with a removable key/fob clip and multiple divider pockets.
  • Features 1 front and 2 side quick-access pockets and 2 mesh side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas.
  • Ergonomically contoured, padded shoulder straps, adjustable compression straps, airflow back padding, and a reinforced, molded top handle for comfort.
  • Product Dimensions: 9 x 19 x 14 inches
  • Item Weight: 3.14 pounds
  • Capacity Total: 31 Liters

Cons

  • May be too large for some middle school students.
  • The tech-oriented design might not appeal to all students.

3. Adidas Young Creator Backpack

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students


This Adidas Young Creator backpack is built for durability and efficient storage. Designed with three exterior zippered pockets for organization and two water bottle pockets, this backpack can accommodate everything a middle school student needs for their day.

Features

  • Roomy main compartment and large external pocket.
  • Three exterior zippered pockets for easy organization.
  • Two external water bottle pockets.
  • Comfortable padded shoulder straps.
  • Product Dimensions: 19 x 14 x 3 inches
  • Item Weight: 1 pounds

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a specific laptop compartment.

4. Hey Yoo School Backpack for Girls

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

This Hey Yoo backpack is an excellent choice for girls in middle school. It is a spacious, soft, and comfortable backpack with a laptop compartment, main compartment for books, and lots of innovative storage pockets. It also comes with a cute furry ball and two pins as bonus accessories.

Features

  • Water-resistant and durable with a cute and stylish design.
  • Laptop compartment for a 15.6 inch laptop and a spacious main compartment.
  • Numerous storage pockets for better organization.
  • Breathable, adjustable shoulder straps and back design for comfort.
  • Hidden anti-theft pocket on the back.
  • Product Dimensions: 13 x 3 x 17 inches
  • Item Weight: 1 pounds
  • Capacity Total: 20 Liters

Cons

  • Might not be the right fit for boys due to the feminine design.
  • The water resistance may not hold up in heavy rain.

5. High Sierra Backpack

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

This High Sierra backpack is designed to offer a balance between style and function. It has a dedicated tablet sleeve and a suspension system to provide relief when carrying heavier loads, making it an excellent choice for middle school students.

Features

  • Main compartment and secondary pockets with a dedicated tablet sleeve.
  • Suspension System for weight relief.
  • Two accessory pockets and compression straps for securing gear.
  • Suitable for individuals aged 13 and up.
  • Dimensions: 19 x 13.5 x 8.5-inch
  • Item Weight: 1.34 pounds

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a specific laptop compartment.
  • The design might be too simple for some students.

High School Students

Check out this collection featuring some of the best backpacks for high school students:

1. Matein Laptop Backpack

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

The Matein Business Laptop Backpack is an anti-theft slim design backpack that offers lots of storage space and pockets. Ideal for high school students, this backpack features a separate laptop compartment that can accommodate a 15.6-inch laptop. It also has a spacious packing compartment for daily necessities and tech electronics accessories.

Features

  • Laptop compartment for up to a 15.6-inch laptop, along with other smaller compartments.
  • Front compartment with multiple pockets for easy organization.
  • A comfortable padded back design with soft, multi-panel ventilated padding for maximum back support.
  • Breathable and adjustable shoulder straps to relieve shoulder stress.
  • A luggage strap for easier carrying during travel and a hidden anti-theft pocket for protection of valuable items.
  • Built-in USB charger for easy charging on the go.
  • Product Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches
  • Item Weight: 1.56 pounds
  • Capacity Total: 30 Liters

Cons

  • The bag does not power itself; the USB charging port only offers easy access to charge.
  • Design may be too professional for some high school students.

2. JanSport SuperBreak Backpack

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

JanSport SuperBreak Backpack is a perfect blend of style and functionality. It is a reliable choice for high school students, offering ample storage space and featuring a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer. The backpack’s simplicity and classic silhouette are suitable for anyone’s unique style.

Features

  • One main compartment to hold supplies and a front utility pocket with a built-in organizer.
  • Made with durable 600 denier fabric, which is strong, abrasion-resistant, and water-repellant.
  • Sturdy zippers and a coated interior for enhanced durability.
  • Available in over 30 different colors and prints.
  • Padded 15-inch drop shoulder straps for comfort and convenience.
  • Product Dimensions: 13 x 16.7 x 8.5 inches
  • Item Weight: 12 ounces
  • Capacity Total: 26 Liters

Cons

  • Doesn’t have a specific laptop compartment.
  • The backpack might not be big enough for students with more books or larger items.

3. Adidas Unisex Prime 6 Backpack

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students

The Adidas Unisex Prime 6 Backpack is a spacious and durable backpack made from recycled materials, aligning with Adidas’ ambition to end plastic waste. It has five external zippered pockets and an internal organization pocket for easy organization. It also includes a laptop sleeve for secure storage of your tech device. The LoadSpring shoulder straps provide comfort when carrying heavy items.

Features

  • Made with recycled content to minimize environmental impact.
  • LoadSpring shoulder straps for easy weight management.
  • Wipe-able material for easy spot cleaning with soap and water.
  • Ample storage with 5 external zippered pockets and an internal organization pocket.
  • Large capacity for various items, including a laptop.
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 12.5 x 20.25 inches
  • Item Weight: 1.7 pounds
  • Capacity Total: 2257 Cubic Inches

Cons

  • Some may find the backpack too large for everyday use.
  • It might not suit users who prefer a more streamlined, minimalist aesthetic.

4. Canvas School Backpack

Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students
Back to School Backpacks for Middle and High School Students


The Canvas School Backpack is a fashionable and functional choice for female high school students. It’s made from durable black stripe canvas with a polyester lining and features a built-in USB charging cable. This bag provides ample storage space, including a laptop compartment, a front pocket, and two side pockets. It also comes with a coin purse pencil bag for extra organization.

Features

  • High-quality, durable canvas material with a classical design.
  • Large capacity with various pockets, including a laptop compartment.
  • Built-in USB charging cable for easy device charging on-the-go.
  • Padded and adjustable shoulder straps for comfort when carrying heavy items.
  • Comes with a coin purse pencil bag for extra organization.
  • Product Dimensions: 11.8X5.5X16.9 inches (LWH)
  • Item Weight: 0.7 kg
  • Capacity: Can fit a 15.6″ laptop or iPad, A4 book

Cons

  • The style may not appeal to everyone.
  • The canvas material might not provide the same level of water-resistance as other materials.

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Meet Med Kharbach, PhD

Dr. Med Kharbach is an influential voice in the global educational technology landscape, with an extensive background in educational studies and a decade-long experience as a K-12 teacher. Holding a Ph.D. from Mount Saint Vincent University in Halifax, Canada, he brings a unique perspective to the educational world by integrating his profound academic knowledge with his hands-on teaching experience. Dr. Kharbach's academic pursuits encompass curriculum studies, discourse analysis, language learning/teaching, language and identity, emerging literacies, educational technology, and research methodologies. His work has been presented at numerous national and international conferences and published in various esteemed academic journals.