The North Face Access Pack
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Brand
The North Face
Capacity
28L
Material
500D nylon
Best value
AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack
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Brand
AmazonBasics
Material
Polyester
Laptop Pocket
Yes
Editors choice
STM Banks Backpack
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Brand
STM
Capacity
18L
Material
Polyester
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Chevron
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Brand
Kenneth Cole Reaction
Material
Polyester
Laptop Pocket
Yes
Thule TCBP-417 Crossover Backpack
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Brand
Thule
Capacity
32L
Material
Nylon
Summary List
8.60/10
1.
:
The North Face Access Pack
9.00/10
2.
Best value:
AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack
8.40/10
3.
Editors choice:
STM Banks Backpack
9.40/10
4.
Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Chevron
9.00/10
5.
Thule TCBP-417 Crossover Backpack
9.20/10
6.
SWISSGEAR Getaway Laptop Backpack
8.80/10
7.
Eastpak Out Of Office Backpack
9.00/10
8.
Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
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Whether you're just starting college or going back to school for another year, you'll want a backpack that is both functional and fashionable. And one that can carry your laptop safely, too.
It'll need to fit all your college textbooks and provide secure, safe storage for your laptop and other gadgets. We know there's a lot of choices out there, so we've rounded up the seven of the best backpacks for college students with laptops.
1. The North Face Access Pack
8.60 / 10
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Most backpacks for college students look pretty much the same and come in reasonably common colors. But not The North Face Access Pack. This backpack has laptops and gadgets in mind, with pulley systems granting easy access to the bag's many compartments.
The Access Pack is designed for comfort, too, with OrthoLite padding and ladderlocks for the shoulder straps. The interior pockets are fleece-lined, while the rest of the bag is durable polyester and nylon.
Although it is one of the most expensive options out there, the backpack does at least come with a lifetime warranty. The compartmentalized bag is particularly suited to those students who like to keep their belongings organized while on the go.
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Key Features
OrthoLite padding
Suitable for 15-inch laptops
Lifetime Warranty
Specifications
Brand: The North Face
Capacity: 28L
Material: 500D nylon
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Pros
Fleece-lined pockets to protect your belongings
Pulley system for easy access to the bag's compartments
Cons
One of the most expensive options
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Best value
2. AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack
9.00 / 10
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Amazon has it's own range of affordable items uvnder the AmazonBasics brand. Included in that lineup is the AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack. The bag can fit laptops up to 15 inches, although there is also a 17-inch AmazonBasics Laptop Backpack, too.
There are multiple interior compartments and pockets for easy organization, as well as a small, zippable pocket on the front for quick storage. The product description suggests keeping your smartphone and passport in this pocket. However, as there is no additional security other than the zip, this isn't advisable.
The meshed side pockets are perfect for storing water bottles while on-the-go. The shoulder straps are padded, so it should be comfortable on your back even when fully-loaded.
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Key Features
Suitable for laptops up to 15 inches
Multiple interior pockets
Specifications
Brand: AmazonBasics
Material: Polyester
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Pros
Budget friendly
High storage capacity
Multiple pockets make it easy to keep your belongings organized
Cons
Unattractive but functional design
Not overly secure with only a few zipped pockets
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Editors choice
3. STM Banks Backpack
8.40 / 10
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The STM Banks Backpack looks much more like a traditional college backpack, but a very stylish one. The monochrome color choices---blue, brown, green, grey---help give the bag a modern and minimalist look. The STM Banks comes fitted with a laptop compartment for devices up to 15 inches.
But it's real strength is hidden from view inside the 18-liter bag. The backpack comes equipped with a cable-routing system. To keep your devices topped up, pop a portable charger in one compartment, then run the cable through to where it's needed.
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Key Features
Suitable for 15-inch devices
Integrated cable-routing system
Two side pockets for bottles
Specifications
Brand: STM
Capacity: 18L
Material: Polyester
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Pros
Available in blue, brown, green, or grey
Cable-routing allows you to charge devices while on the go
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4. Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Chevron
9.40 / 10
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While most laptop backpacks are designed with men in mind, the Kenneth Cole Reaction Chelsea Chevron sets itself apart. This is a fashionable women's laptop backpack suitable for devices up to 15 inches.
The separate padded laptop storage helps protect your electronics while in transit. The polyester bag's exterior is water-resistant and features gold-plated zippers to contrast with the black material nicely. There are two front exterior pockets for easy access.
The padded shoulder straps are adjustable, too. The bag is well-suited for use around campus and while traveling. On the rear of the backpack, you'll find trolley straps for convenient transportation.
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Key Features
Water-resistant exterior
Suitable for devices up to 15 inches
Rear trolley strap
Specifications
Brand: Kenneth Cole Reaction
Material: Polyester
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Pros
Padded laptop compartment separate to main storage
Adjustable shoulder straps
Cons
Straps liable to unintentionally adjust during use
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5. Thule TCBP-417 Crossover Backpack
9.00 / 10
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The Thule TCBP-417 Crossover Backpack is an ideal choice for active college students. The bag comes with 32L of storage space, with a padded, zippable 15-inch laptop compartment. Well packed bags are often a dangerous environment for fragile items like sunglasses.
Fortunately, the Crossover comes with a crush-proof SafeZone, which can be locked or even removed altogether. Alongside the device storage, the TCBP-417 Crossover is equipped with an interior organization compartment that'll help keep your gadgets and accessories tidy but at hand.
To protect your belongings from the elements, the bag is made of water-resistant, but lightweight materials. There's also an easy-access Shove-It pocket, which provides additional exterior storage for things like papers, magazines, and jackets.
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Key Features
Suitable for 15-inch devices
Large 32-liter capacity backpack
Specifications
Brand: Thule
Capacity: 32L
Material: Nylon
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Pros
Crush-proof SafeZone
Interior organization
Exterior storage Shove-It pocket
Cons
Not much padding on the shoulder straps
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6. SWISSGEAR Getaway Laptop Backpack
9.20 / 10
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The SWISSGEAR Getaway Laptop Backpack is designed for both comfort and practicality. Most importantly for students, this backpack comes with a padded laptop compartment suitable for devices up to 15 inches. To keep things tidy, there are specific areas for common items like your smartphone and passport.
You can store your water bottle in the elasticated side pocket, and use the interior slip pocket for locating smaller items. The straps and bag are ergonomically designed, so the bag should be comfortable to wear for long periods. Should you need to take a break, the add-a-bag feature lets you slip the Getaway backpack over the handle of wheeled luggage.
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Key Features
15-inch laptop compartment
Sunglasses storage
Clothing organizer
Specifications
Brand: SWISSGEAR
Capacity: 24.6L
Material: Polyester
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Pros
Well-suited to weekend getaways and short-term travel
An exterior zip opens the bag up like traditional luggage
Cons
Organizational compartments don't allow for item flexibility
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7. Eastpak Out Of Office Backpack
8.80 / 10
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Eastpak is a familiar sight all around the world. They are ubiquitous, but for good reason. The Eastpak Out Of Office Backpack is one of the best backpacks for college students available today, and one of the most affordable, too.
There are only three compartments; a zippered front pocket, the main compartment, and an interior 13-inch laptop sleeve. An internal mesh pocket helps you keep track of smaller items.
The zip-down front panel makes it easy to access and load the main compartment, particularly as there are two zippers. The back and shoulder straps are padded to keep the bag comfortable to carry.
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Key Features
Suitable for 13-inch devices
Iconic design
Single large interior pocket
Specifications
Brand: Eastpak
Capacity: 27-liter
Material: Nylon
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Pros
Padded shoulder straps
Zipped exterior pocket
Cons
Single interior pocket with integrated laptop storage
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8. Herschel Supply Co. Heritage Backpack
9.00 / 10
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Herschel backpacks are a staple of college life. Their minimal, modern design and affordable price make them a handy companion. The Heritage Backpack keeps things simple with just one front pocket and the main compartment. Though, there is also an easy access interior 15-inch laptop sleeve.
This simplicity means that there is plenty of space in the main compartment which you can fill with books, clothes, food, and anything else you may need to get you through a day at college. There is also an internal media pocket for your phone or media player with a port to run your headphone cable through.
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Key Features
Classic backpack design
Large interior pocket with a laptop compartment
Suitable for laptops up to 15 inches
Specifications
Brand: Herschel Supply Co.
Capacity: 21.5L
Material: Polyester
Laptop Pocket: Yes
Pros
Exterior can be wiped clean with a damp cloth
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Front pocket comes with a key clip
Cons
Only a single interior pocket
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