Top 12 Best Bags For Grad School
Grad school is the time of life when many of us experience new things. This phase is considered the time when we learn the most by living on our own. This can be a bit tiring if you don’t have a comfortable, lightweight, and stylish buddy on your back.
For students, the backpack is not just a compartment to put books in it. It serves as the wardrobe from classroom to gym classes and from early morning coffee times to late night study sessions.
We are here to help you choose the best bag for grad school that can help you out throughout the day. a backpack is considered best when they are comfortable, stylish, light weighted, and most of all doesn’t look baggy. After running our test, we come to enlist these 12 best bags for grad school and for college commuters.
Apart from that, if you are a grad school student and also an athlete then you must check out our best backpacks for student-athletes list.
Top 3 Picks:
Image | Product | Best For | Rating | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
Timbuck2 authority | Overall best pick | 4.6 Stars | Amazon | |
The North Face Recon | Comfort and a roomy compartment | 4.6 Stars | Amazon | |
Amazon Basics Laptop | Comfort and durability | 4.5 Stars | Amazon |
List of Top Bags For Grad School:
Below is the list and guide on the best bags for grad school.
Image | Product | Characteristic | Price |
---|---|---|---|
1. Timbuck2 authority | Dimensions: 9.84 x 4.33 x 17.32 inches Weight: 0.8 Kilograms Built Material: 400D Static Polyester |
Amazon | |
2. Jansport Right Pack | Dimensions: 17.5 x 13 x 10 inches Weight: 1.31 pounds Built Material: Polyester |
Amazon | |
3. Herschel Little America | Dimensions: 7 x 11.25 x 19.5 inches Weight: 2.07 pounds Built Material: Sturdy polyester and nylon fabric |
Amazon | |
4. North Face Recon | Dimensions: 6.5 x 12 x 19.5 inches Weight: 2 pounds Built Material: Soft chemise fabric |
Amazon | |
5. Everyman Hideout-5 Way Commuter | Dimensions: 18.9 x 15.35 x 4.33 inches Weight: 3.95 Pounds Built Material: Polyester |
Amazon | |
6. Amazon Basics Laptop | Dimensions: 21.5 x 15.75 x 8.25 inches Weight: 3.64 pounds Built Material: Durable polyester |
Amazon | |
7. Patagonia refugio daypack 26L | Dimensions: 15 x 50 x 31 inches Weight: 10.4 ounces Built Material: 100% postconsumer recycled polyester |
Amazon | |
8. Fjällräven Kånken | Dimensions: 11.02 x 6.3 x 15.75 inches Weight: 1.01 pounds Built Material: Polyester |
Amazon | |
9. Jan Sport Big Student Backpack | Dimensions: 13 x 17.5 x 10 inches Weight: 1.38 pounds Built Material: Durable Recycled Material |
Amazon | |
10. Samsonite Xenon 3.0 | Dimensions: 5 x 10.5 x 15.5 inches Weight: 11.2 ounces Built Material: Polyester |
Amazon | |
11. Sherpani Soleil | Dimensions: 4.72 x 11.02 x 14.96 inches Weight: 1.62 pounds Built Material: 100% Mélange & Ballistic Nylon threads |
Amazon | |
12. Samsonite Tectonic | Dimensions: 8.25 x 12.6 x 18.1 inches Weight: 3.09 pounds Built Material: 100 Percentage Polyester |
Amazon |
1. Timbuck2 authority laptop backpack:
This timbuck2 authority backpack is considered the best in all aspects. The main feature of this bag is it will help you remain organized. The zips and portions of this back are designed in a way that you can find anything easily. It has small and large compartments aligned side by side to put your things separately and easy to find a way.
The large and main section is divided into 2 parts. In the outer part, you can put your books, jackets and any other things. While the padded back side is for your laptops. The padded wall keeps your laptop safe. the side pockets are also present to put your water bottle. This backpack also features a padded sleeve that fits most 17’’ laptops.
The reflective zippers and reflective tape can make it visible even in the dark. Apart from the above sections, the small zippers are included in front to let you keep your must-have things like pens, perfume, and other stuff. A narrow section is also embedded to put your documents without making them creased.
Pros
- Helps you organized
- A padded slot for a laptop
- Visible in dark
- Don’t look baggy but stylish and mature in appearance.
Cons
- The shoulder straps are not wide enough.
2. Jansport Bag For Grad School:
Don’t go on the look of this backpack, you may feel like ‘’no there is not enough space to put my things’’. But that will be your completely wrong assumption. The most eye-catching feature of this product is they look extremely stylish and up to date while carrying all your stuff. They will not look baggy or shapeless on your back.
This backpack can be your ‘’ready to go’’ pick as they offer almost everything a grad school student needs. The main section can hold your books, clothes and any other big thing. I have the internal padded laptop sleeve and an outer tablet section I also present. The front flesh and small pockets are included to help students put their essentials and small things there.
Once you open your back, you can see all your things visible and in front. Because they don’t have bottom or low compartments. This feature helps you in picking everything easily. This trendy, stylish, and comfortable bag comes in a variety of colors and slightly different styles to make them best for men/women both.
Pros
- Stylish look
- Have a lot of space
- Padded straps
- Sections are organized and of the right numbers.
Cons
- The pocket for the water bottle is not big to hold big bottles.
3. Herschel Little America Laptop Backpack:
If you are looking for something durable or if you feel like you need a backpack that will go with me for a long time, then you should check Herschel Little America Backpack. This backpack is popular for its spacing and durability. They are made of leather-jeans clothing which makes this bag extra durable. You can put heavier stuff, books, and laptops without worrying about their durability.
There are many zippers and sections to put your things separately. The huge compartments can hold up to 7-8 books. Internal padded laptop sections are also present. To make your laptop safe, they also have a padded base. However, it we great if this padded wall and base is a little foamier.
However, the look and parlance of this backpack are discouraged by many students. They will look baggy or heavy. The shape of this backpack is not sturdy. After putting your stuff in, you may feel a little heavy. They have padded strips but are not foamier enough to reduce the pressure on your books and laptop from your shoulders.
Pros
- Extra durable
- Have a lot of space to fit your books and laptop easily
- Have small and big compartments to help in the organization
Cons
- They don’t have a stylish look.
- The straps are not padded enough.
4. The North Face Recon School Laptop Backpack:
This backpack is wholesome for grade school students. They are stylish yet comfortable to wear. They can fit your all things without making them heavy on your back.
The distribution of compartments in this backpack is the most popular feature. Let’s first talk about its second main pocket. This section is beautifully sectioned into three parts. For your mobile, and wallet, and the large part is for tablet. A little zipper is also present to keep your money or important things.
Apart from this one side pocket is also given to put your small things in it. The main and huge compartment is for your books, clothing, and laptop. To keep your laptop safe padded walls and padded bases are also given. In short, you will not find any problem with spacing. These little and large alignments of compartments help you remain organized throughout the day.
The shape and comfort of this backpack are also amazing. Even after providing this much space and features, they will not look heavy or bad. it can fit perfectly on your back. Padded handles help in reducing the weight of your books. If your shoulders are tired, you can carry them this a handle given on the upper side. To put In short, this backpack can be your best choice if you are looking for a backpack for college commuters.
Pros
- Comfortable to wear.
- Small and huge compartments to put your things separately.
- Separate space for laptop and tablet.
- Appearance is cool.
Cons
- The length of the straps may be a problem
5. Everyman Hideout 5-Way Commuter Backpack:
This backpack or tote is specially designed for men. If you are a student who is doing a part-time job then this can be your best pick. If you are also a student and a part-time worker, you may confuse between a tote and a backpack. Then why not both? A bag that can be used as a tote or as a grad backpack will suit you best. Right?
In this regard, everyman hideout 5-way commuter can be your best pick. this bag pack has two shoulder strips to use as a backpack in the morning. On the upper side, the padded handles are included to use as a tote in the evening.
It has a huge compartment where you can put your books and a narrow sleeve is also present where you can put your laptop. To make it best for grad students front pocket is also present for your documentation and small things. It can be used for traveling. Its waterproof surface can make you ignorant of rain and water. You can go with them in the rain also.
Pros
- Can be used as a tote or backpack.
- Large spacing for school and job is present.
- Waterproof surface.
- Padded walls to make your gadgets save are also present.
Cons
- Comfortable as a tote but not as a backpack.
6. Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack:
This classy yet simple backpack can be your best buddy throughout your school. The structure and manufacturing of this backpack are very basic yet classy. This backpack will not compromise your back comfort. Although it is not padded that much from everywhere but is made of a very soft and cozy material that will never hurt your back no matter how long they have been used.
For college students, this backpack is best because of its large spacing. They can fit up to 8-10 books. A sleeve for the laptop is also present. The padded walls and padded base of the laptop sleeve will make your laptop safe.
The front pocket is however not customized but offers a lot of space to put your all-essential things. On both sides, there is a pocket for your water bottles. The zippers of this backpack are very smooth and made of steel.
Pros
- Extremely comfortable.
- Have a lot of space for your books and laptop.
- Padded strips to reduce pressure from shoulders.
- Two water bottle pockets on each side.
Cons
- No customized apartments are present.
7. Patagonia refugio daypack 26L Backpack:
This backpack is recommended for you if you want something cozy and cute. The appearance of this backpack is very cool and attractive. They are beautifully organized and have pretty colors.
Besides their appearance and beauty, they are considered roomy backpacks. You can put a lot of things in it. They provide wide and huge compartments for your clothing, laptop, and books. this backpack is great at distributing weights. The pocket for your laptop inside the main compartment is removable. You can organize it according to your needs. If you are not going to use a laptop today, remove it to have more space for other stuff.
A secret pocket is also present inside the main compartment with zippers. You can put your money or important stuff there. Apart from this, side pockets are present which can fit large bottles. The front pockets are customized and have separate spaces for different things. A vertical zipper above it is included to make it extra roomy and space-providing.
Pros
- Have a lot of space.
- Customized compartments are present.
- Removable padded wall of the laptop sleeve.
- Padded strips to make it comfortable to wear.
Cons
- They are not considered reliable as compared to others.
8. Fjällräven Kånken Laptop Backpack:
This unique style backpack can be used as the most reliable and comfortable option for both backpacks and totes. They are offering everything as perfectly as a backpack should. And in addition to it, the upper handles are included. These handles help you to use them as a tote.
If you don’t like a backpack style or don’t want to burden your back, this product will help you use them according to your mood. As for the tote, the handles are padded enough to reduce pressure on your hands. Comfort is a crucial thing when buying the best bags for grad school students. The Fjällräven Kånken is providing best comfort with durability.
As for spacing, they are very roomy. They don’t have many pockets but provide a wide space to fit all your essential products in them. The main compartment is divided into 2 sections with a padded wall to put your laptop and books separately. On the front, there is a baggy pocket. And 2 side pockets for water bottles are also present.
Pros
- Can be used as a tote and backpack
- Roomy pockets
- Padded boundaries for laptop
- Comfortable to use for both tote and backpack
Cons
- Don’t have customized front pocket
9. Jan Sport Big Student Backpack:
Compare to the Jan Sport right backpack, Jan Sport Big Student Backpack has more space and more customized compartments. every pocket and zip has customized parts to make your things more clear and more visible. The more compartments are, the more organized backpack will be.
The front and main compartments are distributed in many parts. This backpack can be your long-term investment. They are sturdy and mature in appearance. They will not get baggy and shapeless after putting on your stuff because of their padded structure.
The quality of the material of this backpack is amazing and durable. The polyester material blesses them with long life even after rough use. one more factor that adds beauty to its durability is water resistance. They are water resistant means you can use them carefree even if it is raining. Rain will not harm your books and gadgets.
In short, just like other Jan Sports products, this backpack is also a masterpiece.
Pros
- Provides big spaces and slots for books
- Rain or water-resistant
- Side pockets for water bottles
- Long term durability
- Customized front and main compartments.
Cons
- Don’t have enough padded strips
10. Samsonite Xenon 3.0:
Samsonite is yet another option for you if you are looking for the best grad backpack. They are also padded and stylish in appearance. If you are also a mature person and like to keep things as simple as possible you should check this.
They are designed beautifully giving them a very mature and cool look. They have a total of 2 huge compartments are divided into a total of 6 parts. The main compartments are divided into 2 parts just like others. however, the front compartments are organized beautifully to keep things separate. Apart from this, a font pocket is also available which also has a thin padded wall for keeping your documentation safe.
To make this backpack the most comfortable for students they have air mesh padded back which makes this product extra comfy on your back. The same material is used in strips. This reduces pressure on your shoulders. This makes you feel like your bag has nothing and convince you to add this in your list of best bags for grad school.
Pros
- Mature and cool appearance
- Comfortable to wear
- Light weighted
- Have air mesh padded back and shoulder straps.
Cons
- Zippers stuck sometimes
11. Sherpani Soleil, Anti-Theft Convertible Backpack:
Bored with regular backpacks offering a compartment of laptops with books and customized space for things? You want something new. Right? Then check Sherpani Soleil, Anti Theft Convertible Backpack. This has a completely different appearance from upper mentioned backpacks. If you are a moody person who likes to have a backpack one morning but a tote the next day then you are in the right place. This bag can be used as a tote or backpack. The handle and strips included are both padded and comfy to carry everywhere.
Compartments are however not as big as other but still gives enough space to assemble your all things. Except for the main compartment (which is not that big) there are roomy pockets and slots everywhere. The sides and front ll are padded and embedded with pockets to put your money and essential things there.
The main compartment has a narrow sleeve for a laptop but make sure to check if your laptop fits perfectly in there. They are made with soft yet sturdy materials which don’t make them look baggy. In short, this can be your best pick if you are looking for the best tote bags for grad school.
Pros
- Unique and different appearance
- Have many pockets
- Padded straps and handle
- Can be used as a tote and backpack
Cons
- The main compartment is not that much roomy
12. Samsonite Tectonic Lifestyle Sweetwater Business Backpack:
In the last, we would like to recommend this cute little backpack. This backpack looks very cute and cozy by looks. They are not only good by their looks but are your best pick if you don’t compromise on looks and quality.
They have wide compartments. The main compartment can fit up to 5-6 books with a laptop. the laptop compartment is big enough to fit up to 17 inches of the laptop. The small and cozy pockets on the sides and front make them extra cute. The 2nt compartment is customized which helps you keep your bag organized.
The building material of this bag is soft and comfy. They don’t have much padding but their material is enough to give you comfort and reduce back pain. 100% polyester and nylon lining are creatively used in this bag of comfort. the zippers are yet another thing to appreciate in this product. they are smooth running with no interruptions. This cute little backpack will also not disappoint you when it comes to weight.
Pros
- Unique and cute appearance
- Padded boundaries for laptop
- Offers huge compartments
- Built with soft material
Cons
- They don’t have side pockets for water bottles.
Buying Guide:
Roomy Compartments:
First thing you should check while buying yourself the best bags for grad school is its capability of holding books and laptops. Check thoroughly if your books ad all stuff can fit properly. especially the laptop sleeve, check properly if your laptop can fit in it.
Comfortable:
Before buying the best bags for grad school, the material from which it is made should be checked properly. They should be made of soft and comfy material. Air mesh padded back and straps are more recommended.
Appearance:
The appearance and style of a backpack decide whether it will suit you or not. According to your choice, choose your backpack but consider those who are not looking baggy or shapeless. In this regard, try buying padded backpacks. That type of bags for grad school students would be the best option.
Light-weighted:
The weight of your books and laptop is enough for your shoulders. Therefore, your backpack should be light-weighted. So you can carry it anytime everywhere.
Conclusion:
During grad school life, the only thing that accompanied you every minute is your little backpack. Having the best grad backpack not only makes you feel confident in a group of other students but also put a pleasing effect on your personality.
Put a lot of effort and time to chose the best bags for grad school students but end up choosing the best, most comfortable, light weighted, and customized backpack for yourself. A backpack that can fully understand your needs and wishes and can be your companion throughout the day should be your pick.