Are you a college undergraduate or a high school greenhorn? Well, congratulations on the new journey ahead. As a freshman, you must be running back and forth from one class to another all day long. On that note, you must be carrying essentials, and without a backpack, that can be quite a hassle.
I can bet, that a person can’t survive without a backpack for a day, either as a student or as any individual on any commute, unless you are a president or so. I mean, even “Bear Grylls” needs one. If you are a student, then you must be in search of the best backpack for high school freshman.
When it comes to high school or college students, it is difficult to choose between a good-looking, fashionable pack and the one that meets your requirements. The sad part is that as a college newcomer, your parents or siblings might not help you out with organizing your backpack anymore, but they can afford to buy you one and gift it to you, of course.
The point is that you are now in an advanced learning zone and don’t want to bring your old rusty bag to college. There’s no need to be concerned; we’ve compiled the best guide to the best backpacks for high school students.
Best Backpacks for High School Freshman (Top 4) Quick Comparison Table
If you are in a hurry, please take a quick look at our quick comparison table for the top 4 best backpacks for high school freshmen. Detailed reviews are available at the bottom.
Product Image | Brand/Model | Size | Weight | Our Rating | Price |
 | Tigernu Anti-Theft Notebook Backpack | 29 x 14 x 43cm | 0.87KG | 9.6/10 | |
 | JanSport Right Pack | 0.5 x 11 x 1 inches | 0.6 kg | 9.4/10 | |
 | Dakine - Duel 26L Backpack | 12 x 9 x 19 inches | 2.2 Pounds | 9.5/10 | |
 | OGIO Renegade RSS Laptop Backpack | 19.5 x 14 x 10 inches | 3.5 Pounds | 9.7/10 |
Before jumping into our best picks, here are the short key points to look for in the best school backpack:
Key Features to look for in the Best Backpack for High School Freshman
Size & Capacity
According to standards, a backpack should be at least 10–20% of your body weight and not more than that. Size should also be appropriate for your body type.
Support & Comfort
After the frustration of reading books (sometimes), your bag must not overwhelm it too. A backpack can be more supportive and comfortable if it has padded shoulder straps and a mesh back that lets air flow and has useful features.
Safety, Features & Organization
A well-organized backpack full of useful safety features can make or break a person’s day. Look for a backpack that comes with compartments that have enough space for an ideal school backpack that is safe too.
Price & Longevity
Here comes the investment part, where your parents are not going to encourage frequent purchases of your backpack after getting the first one torn apart due to the bad quality. If you are going to spend the money, spend it wisely.
What are the School Backpack Essentials?
As a student, whether in high school or college, everybody needs some essential items to carry in their backpack. Here is a short list:
- Workbooks and Textbooks/Notebooks
- Folders and Diaries
- Stationery Case
- Calculator
- Pen Drive (USB memory stick)
- Lunch Box and Water Bottle
- House/Bike/Car Keys and ID card
- Electronics (Laptop and Cellphone)
- Medical Essentials, Tissues, and Hand Sanitizer
- Grooming Essentials (Lip balm etc.)
How to Organize School Backpack Essentials?
Having all these essential items in a backpack without proper organization can be messy and put a heavy load on one’s shoulders. Here are some thoughtful organizing points to help you pack one of the best backpacks for school:
- Always get a multi-compartment backpack to adjust all your item in one pack.
- Set up your backpack according to your schedule, and organize your books and item according to the timetable you are about to follow on a particular day.
- All items should be in place. Use all dedicated pockets for efficient packing and easy access so that you don’t have to open all pockets one by one.
- Keep all your assignments and paper sheets in a folder to make it a professional and clean approach and for a good impression indeed.
- Cross-check all items before moving out for your commute every time.
So, whether you are a parent or a student, you must not choose a bad backpack at all. Let’s have a look at our best picks so far.
11 Best Backpacks for High School Freshman Reviews
Detailed Reviews about the best school backpacks for freshmen students are below.
1. Tigernu Anti-Theft Notebook Backpack
It’s a very unique anti-theft backpack that has a hidden zipper on the backside. It does not have any kind of pocket or zipper on the front or sides of it at all.
It opens up straight 180 degrees just like a suitcase from the top side, where the shoulder straps are, which makes this the best backpack for school.
Features
- 10+ pockets and slots to store essentials.
- Adjustable, bubble foam padded Laptop pocket.
- Anti-scratch, Anti-theft, and Water-resistant pack.
- Double-way opening Hidden Zippers.
- Multifunction Pockets in the main Compartment.
Specifications
- Laptop Storage 13-17 inches
- Weight 14inch (0.87KG), 17inch (0.92KG)
- Dimensions 14inch (29 x 14 x 43cm), 17inch (33 x 15 x 48cm)
- Colors Black Grey, Silver Grey
2. Jansport Right Pack Backpack
Jansport has a vast variety of backpacks, from which it is difficult to find the best one for a high school freshman. The Jansport Right Pack is a classic backpack with a front organizer and a 15-inch laptop sleeve inside.
It’s made of high-quality denier Cordura with a suede leather bottom. It’s a good combination of good looks and enough room for your pieces of equipment.
Features
- High Capacity Main Compartment (Holds books, laptop, and accessories).
- Front zippered pocket for small accessories (wallet, mobile accessories, etc.).
- Water Repellent Feature infused.
Specifications
- Capacity 31L
- Laptop Storage 15 inches (0.5 x 11 x 1 inches. / 27 x 28 x 3 cm)
- Weight 1 lb. 4 oz. / 0.6 kg
- Material 915 Denier Cordura / Suede Leather Bottom
- Dimensions 8 x 13 x 8.5 inches. / 46 x 33 x 21 cm
- Colors 30+ Colors Variations
3. Dakine – Duel 26L Backpack
The Dakine Duel Backpack is one of the best backpacks for high school freshmen because it is made of 600D polyester and can be used as a college pack or for traveling.
It is a well-designed leisure backpack that has a separate laptop compartment that opens from the outside.
It has a sporty design with practical dual straps that can hold a skateboard on the front and side pockets as well.
Features
- 15 inches dedicated laptop sleeve with padded pocket for tablet.
- Padded shoulder straps and adjustable sternum straps.
- Water bottle pocket on the side with an insulated cooler pocket for eatables.
- Organizer pocket for accessories.
- Skateboard carries Straps on the front panel.
- Sunglasses pocket with fleece lining.
Specifications
- Capacity 1,590 cubic inches/26L
- Laptop Storage 15 inches
- Weight 2.2 Pounds
- Material 600D Polyester
- Dimensions 12 x 9 x 19 inches
- Colors Carbon, Laurelwood, Rincon
4. OGIO Renegade RSS Laptop Backpack
The OGIOs Renegade RSS Backpack is one of the most popular and best backpacks for high school students because it can hold anything you stuff in it.
It can hold all the gear in a well-organized manner within the multiple compartments and pockets that also make it travel-friendly.
OGIO is a well-known market leader with a good reputation that makes a lot of backpacks and other accessories.
Features
- Armor-protected dedicated laptop compartment and padded tablet pocket.
- Integrated foam panels keep the gadgets snugged and in place.
- Crushproof Tech Vault pocket on top with mushy tricot liner.
- Hybrid Unibody Back panel for maximum comfort.
- Digital Camera & Mouse holders with paddings.
- Two zippered utility pockets on both sides with dual water bottle holders.
- Adjustable sternum and shoulder straps with padding.
Specifications
- Capacity 1800 Cubic Inches/30L
- Laptop Storage 15-17 inches
- Weight 3.5 Pounds
- Material 600D Polyester Pindot
- Dimensions 19.5 (H) x 14 (W) x 10 (D) inches
- Colors Black, Black Pindot, Dark Static
5. Polare Rustic Full Grain Leather Backpack
When leather is concerned, flexibility and durability are present, which yield the best backpacks for high school freshman boys and girls. The Polare Rustic Backpack is made from 100% original full-grain cowhide leather that is double-stitched for longer durability.
It has one main compartment, which is large in capacity and has a padded laptop sleeve, and two magnet clips on the flap opening for better functionality and safety.
Features
- Elastic band to hold the laptop with an extra zippered pocket inside.
- Double-stitched reinforced shoulder straps with 4 rivets for maximum durability.
- Handmade multifunction backpack for School or Traveling.
- Rear Pocket with magnet flaps for accessories.
- The main compartments can hold 16-17 inches of laptops.
- An extra zippered pocket on the back.
Specifications
- Laptop Storage 15.6 inches
- Weight 3.44 Pounds
- Material Full Grain Cowhide Leather
- Dimensions 13.4 (L) x 5.5 (W) x 15.7 (H) inches
- Colors Light Brown, Dark Brown
6. BLUBOON Canvas Vintage Backpack
The Blueboon Vintage Backpack is made out of canvas, and the inside is lined with both original leather and polyester. It’s a classic school backpack with a rustic look that seems to be the perfect ally with its many pockets for keeping things in order.
The main compartment opens like a rucksack and has a laptop sleeve and several zippered pockets inside for accessories. A rear pocket is an extra space for essentials, and two side pockets are for water bottles and other things.
The main compartment with a drawstring design has a magnet closure and buckle straps that make it the best school backpack for students.
Features
- Multiple interior pockets to keep things organized.
- Drawstring closure with leather buckle straps.
- Top grab handle with leather touches up.
- Multipurpose backpack for traveling, daily use, school, etc.
Specifications
- Capacity 22.6 L
- Laptop Storage 15.6 inches
- Weight 1.87 Pounds
- Material Soft Canvas and Genuine Leather
- Dimensions 12 (L) x 6.5 (W) x 17.8 (H) inches
- Colors Multiple Colors
7. The North Face Youth Recon Squash Backpack
This backpack is specially crafted for youth and is the best backpack for school-goers. It is a 600D polyester-crafted backpack with a large main compartment and a mesh drop pocket with a tucking buckle connector.
It is a lightweight pack with easy-to-use shoulder and sternum straps. It has a foamed back panel that is comfortable to sit on and mesh pockets for water bottles and other small items.
Designed for kids aged six to ten, the main compartment holds the capacity for folders, lunch boxes, and binders.
It is the best backpack for school students because it has a name tag on the inside, which makes it less likely to get lost.
Features
- Specially designed for kids.
- High-capacity main compartment with a keychain holder.
- Rear mesh pocket for easy storage.
- Youth-specific shoulder straps and breakaway sternum straps.
- Comfortable foam back panel.
- Internal Name Label for identification.
Specifications
- Capacity 1100 cubic. Inches. / 17-18 L
- Weight 14.4 Ounces / 0.9 Pounds
- Material 600D Polyester
- Dimensions 17 x 13 x 3 inches
- Colors Tnf Black/High Rise Grey
8. Samsonite Classic Leather Backpack
This is probably the best backpack for high school freshmen. It is a classic leather pack and the best in the game if you are going for a long-term investment in a backpack.
This slim backpack is made of original leather and has 3 compartments: one for a laptop, one for the main bag, and one with a lot of pockets. It also has an accessory holder on the front.
The main compartments can hold a lot of notebooks, a tablet with dedicated sleeves, and some pieces of luggage within an expandable storage pocket.
The multi-pocket organizer can hold multiple small accessories like a small diary, pen, wallet, electronics, etc. The rear pocket is an extra storage pocket.
Features
- Curved zippered main compartment for extra space.
- Air mesh back panel with padded shoulder straps.
- Easy to access a dedicated padded laptop compartment.
- Smart luggage sleeve for traveling convenience.
- Fits up to 2 laptops (Dedicated & Main Compartment).
Specifications
- Capacity 1100 cubic. Inches. / 17-18 L
- Laptop Storage 15.6 inches
- Weight 3.37 Pounds
- Material Leather
- Dimensions 18.5 x 12.0 x 6.5 inches
- Colors Black
9. Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack
Herschel is a Canadian brand that sells the world’s best and most stylish accessories. The Pop Quiz Backpack is one of the most stylish yet comfortable and affordable backpacks and one of the best backpacks for youngsters. It is a perfect blend of style and functionality that most packs lack.
It is made of 100% polyester with a leather finish and huge color variations. It’s a daily-use pack with four different sections within one main compartment and one small rear pocket.
The main compartment has plenty of storage space and an organizing compartment, which is an essential feature for a high school backpack.
Features
- Fleece-lined padded laptop sleeve.
- A sunglasses pouch with fleece lining.
- Internal media pocket for electronics like tablets.
- A quick stash front pocket for small accessories.
- Padded contoured straps and back panel.
Specifications
- Capacity 22 L
- Laptop Storage 15 inches
- Weight 1.79 Pounds
- Material Polyester
- Dimensions 20.25 x 12.3 x 4 inches
- Colors Multiple Colors Variations
10. Samsonite Modern Utility Small Laptop Backpack
The modern utility is more of a relaxed lifestyle with more thoughtful organization on the inside. It is made of two-tone ripstop polyester for long life. Ripstop material is interwoven with fabric to prevent tears and abrasions.
It consists of 3 main compartments with a front-facing quick stash pocket with plenty of space for items. The laptop compartment is fully padded and shock-absorbent. It also has a dedicated tablet compartment and key hanger with a waterproof bottom.
The best backpacks for school have well-organized compartments on the inside to hold school supplies and small accessories. This is an important feature.
Features
- Lightweight material with extra strength fibers.
- Water-resistant bottom with smart sleeve for travel ease.
- Tricot lining dedicated tablet sleeve.
- A quick stash front pocket for small accessories with multiple zippers.
- Top carry handle and key fob in quick stash pocket.
Specifications
- Laptop Storage 13 inches
- Weight 1.54 Pounds / 0.7 Kilograms
- Material Two-tone Ripstop Polyester
- Dimensions 6 x 10.75 x 15.5 inches
- Colors Charcoal Heather, Blue Chambray, Olive, True Navy
11. BOLANG College Backpack
This bag is made of nylon that can stand up to water and has a polyester lining. Metal zippers with knotted zipper pulls are also water-resistant, leaving zero chances of getting things soaked inside, which is the best school backpack feature.
It comes with two main compartments with enough space to carry on. The main compartment has a padded laptop pocket with a holding strap and extra space for other essentials like books, notebooks, etc.
Another compartment is an accessories organizer with a dedicated tablet pocket. The front panel has two pockets for some smaller accessories, one of which has hidden zippers.
There are two mesh pockets on both sides to hold water bottles and other items. It is one of the best backpacks for college students.
Features
- Large multi-compartments with dedicated Laptop and Tablet spaces.
- Water-resistant outer surface and zippers.
- 4 main and 6 inner pockets.
- 2 front pockets with quick access.
Specifications
- Laptop Storage 16 inches
- Weight 1.54 Pounds / 0.7 Kilograms
- Material Nylon with Water-resistant Polyester Lining
- Dimensions 18.5 (H) x 12 (L) x 6 (W) inches
- Colors Multi-Color Variations
Conclusion:
Student life is full of adventures, learning, experiences, and tough times as well, which is not an easy chore to do. Make sure you have all lethal weapons to win this battle, and to keep those weapons and essentials, all you need is a backpack that can easily carry all of them.
These are our best picks for the best backpacks for high school freshmen so far. All of this information should be enough to help you find the best backpack for your needs and preferences.
Keep all the tips we have provided till yet to be in a win-win situation during your Academic Years. We wish you very Good Luck for the journeys ahead to conquer.
If you still have any queries related to the topic? Feel free to ask in the comments…Peace!
Arxal, the founder of BackpacksArena.com, shares their outdoor and backpack knowledge through beginner guides and product reviews to help readers make informed decisions. With years of experience and dedication to staying current on trends. The go-to source for backpack enthusiasts.
