If you are choosing a backpack for college or high school in 2027, focus on the features that matter every day: comfortable carry, dependable laptop protection, useful organization, and the right capacity for your workload. The North Face Borealis is a strong all-around choice with a supportive suspension system and 28-liter capacity. The JanSport Main Campus offers 32 liters of organized school storage and a dedicated 15-inch laptop compartment. The MATEIN Extra Large is the roomiest option for students who carry a lot or travel often, while the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17 combines a compact 20-liter design with a separate padded 17-inch laptop compartment.
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Quick Verdict
- Best Overall: The North Face Borealis — balanced comfort, organization, and everyday capacity.
- Best for School Organization: JanSport Main Campus — two main compartments, a 15-inch laptop compartment, and useful organizer pockets.
- Best for Maximum Storage: MATEIN Extra Large — a high-capacity option for students who carry bulky loads or also travel.
- Best for a 17-Inch Laptop in a Compact Bag: Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17 — 20-liter everyday design with a separate padded laptop compartment.
Quick Comparison of the Best Student Backpacks
| Backpack | Best For | Capacity | Laptop Fit | Main Trade-Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The North Face Borealis | Everyday school and campus use | 28 L | Dedicated compartment; manufacturer lists up to 16 inches | Heavier than simpler school packs |
| JanSport Main Campus | Books, supplies, and organization | 32 L | Dedicated 15-inch padded compartment | Large profile may be more than light packers need |
| MATEIN Extra Large | Heavy loads and travel | Listed at 50 L | Designed for laptops up to about 17 inches | Can feel bulky for a normal class day |
| Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17 | Style-conscious students with large laptops | 20 L | Separate padded 17-inch compartment | Less capacity than the other picks |
The North Face Borealis Laptop Backpack
The North Face Borealis is a strong everyday backpack for students who want supportive carry and practical organization without moving into oversized travel-pack territory. Its 28-liter capacity gives books, binders, electronics, and daily essentials useful room, while the front organization area includes secure-zip pockets and a padded tablet sleeve.
The FlexVent suspension system uses articulated shoulder straps and a rounded back panel, and the current manufacturer specifications list the system as certified by the American Chiropractic Association. The pack also includes a sternum strap, removable waist belt, reflective details, two water-bottle pockets, external bungee compression, and a dedicated laptop compartment designed for devices up to 16 inches.
Best For: College and high school students who want a balanced backpack for books, a laptop, and everyday commuting.
Why You’ll Like It: It combines school-friendly organization with a more supportive harness than many basic book bags.
Who Should Avoid It: Students who want the lightest possible backpack or who regularly carry a laptop that does not fit the published laptop-compartment dimensions.
Pros:
- Supportive design: FlexVent suspension, articulated shoulder straps, and a padded back panel are designed for more comfortable daily carry.
- Useful organization: Includes a large main compartment, front organization, tablet storage, water-bottle pockets, and an external bungee system.
- Visibility features: Reflective details can help the pack stand out during low-light commutes.
Cons:
- Weight: At about 2 lbs 5 oz, it is heavier than some simpler school backpacks.
- Laptop fit requires checking: The manufacturer lists a dedicated compartment for laptops up to 16 inches, but actual device dimensions still matter.
- More features than minimalists need: Compression cords, straps, and organization add usefulness but also complexity.
JanSport Main Campus Backpack with Laptop Sleeve
The JanSport Main Campus is built around the needs of students who carry books, notebooks, electronics, and smaller supplies throughout the day. Its current specifications list a 32-liter capacity, two main compartments, a front organizer panel, a top stash pocket, side compression straps, and a dedicated 15-inch padded laptop compartment.
Comfort features include ergonomic S-curve shoulder straps, air-mesh backing, and a fully padded back panel. The current Main Campus specifications also list a 100% recycled 600-denier polyester main-body fabric. That is more precise than describing the entire backpack as being made from 100% recycled materials.
Best For: Students who value compartment separation, easy access to school supplies, and a roomy everyday layout.
Why You’ll Like It: The two-compartment format makes it easier to separate books and class materials from electronics and smaller items.
Who Should Avoid It: Students who carry very little or who need a laptop compartment for a device larger than the stated 15-inch fit.
Pros:
- Roomy 32-liter layout: Two main compartments give students more separation than a single-compartment daypack.
- Dedicated laptop storage: A padded 15-inch laptop compartment helps keep a computer separate from books and loose supplies.
- Strong everyday organization: Front organizer storage, a stash pocket, bottle storage, and compression straps support daily school use.
Cons:
- Large for light packers: Students carrying only a tablet and a few notebooks may not need the full 32-liter capacity.
- Laptop-size limit: Larger laptops may require another model.
- No dedicated shoe compartment: Gym shoes or damp gear may need a separate pouch inside the bag.
MATEIN Extra Large TSA Friendly Laptop Backpack
The MATEIN Extra Large backpack is the choice here for students who regularly carry bulky loads, a large laptop, travel gear, or several categories of supplies. Current product listings for this model describe a 50-liter capacity, more than 20 pockets, a TSA-friendly laptop section, a luggage strap, and a hidden back pocket.
Padded shoulder straps and a breathable mesh back panel are designed to make the large format easier to carry. Its polyester construction and heavy-duty zippers are aimed at frequent use, but the pack should not be treated as fully waterproof unless the current manufacturer or seller documentation specifically says so.
Best For: College students, commuters, and travelers who genuinely need a high-capacity backpack rather than a compact school bag.
Why You’ll Like It: The large compartment system can reduce the need to carry a second bag when you have books, electronics, clothing, or travel accessories.
Who Should Avoid It: Students with short school days, small lockers, crowded commutes, or light daily loads may find 50 liters unnecessarily bulky.
Pros:
- High-capacity storage: The 50-liter format is useful for students carrying more than a normal book-and-laptop load.
- Extensive organization: Multiple pockets can separate electronics, school supplies, travel items, and personal belongings.
- Travel-friendly extras: The TSA-style laptop opening, luggage strap, and hidden back pocket add value for students who travel.
Cons:
- Bulky for everyday classes: The large size can be awkward under desks, in small lockers, or on crowded buses.
- Easy to overload: A 50-liter bag can become uncomfortable if filled with too many heavy books and devices.
- Travel-first styling: Students wanting a compact traditional school backpack may prefer one of the smaller picks.
Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17″ Backpack, Black
The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17 keeps the familiar Kanken shape while adding a separate padded compartment for a 17-inch laptop. Fjallraven currently lists a 20-liter capacity, hardwearing Vinylon F fabric, two open side pockets, a zippered front pocket, an extra zippered pocket inside the main compartment, and padded shoulder straps.
It also includes the brand’s removable foam seat pad. At about 500 g according to the current manufacturer specification, it is notably lighter than the larger Borealis and MATEIN options. The trade-off is straightforward: you get a compact, clean layout rather than maximum book-hauling capacity.
Best For: Students who want a compact everyday backpack with a dedicated 17-inch laptop compartment and a simple Scandinavian-style design.
Why You’ll Like It: It offers large-laptop compatibility without requiring a 30- to 50-liter backpack.
Who Should Avoid It: Students who routinely carry several large textbooks, gym gear, and bulky accessories may outgrow the 20-liter capacity.
Pros:
- Dedicated 17-inch laptop compartment: A separate padded section keeps a large laptop away from the main compartment.
- Durable Vinylon F fabric: The manufacturer describes the material as hardwearing and the backpack as water-resistant.
- Compact and lightweight: The 20-liter capacity and roughly 500 g weight suit students who dislike oversized packs.
Cons:
- Lower capacity: It carries less than the other three backpacks in this guide.
- Minimal internal organization: Students who want many dedicated pockets may prefer the JanSport or MATEIN.
- Premium positioning: Buyers focused only on maximum storage per dollar may prefer a simpler school backpack.
How to Choose a Backpack for College or High School in 2027
The best student backpack is not simply the biggest or most expensive one. Match the bag to your laptop size, daily class load, commute, storage needs, and comfort preferences. A compact 20-liter bag can be ideal for a laptop-and-notebook schedule, while a 30-liter-plus backpack makes more sense for students carrying textbooks, lunch, chargers, and extra clothing.
Size and Capacity Considerations
Start with what you actually carry. Backpacks around 20 to 30 liters often work well for normal daily school use, while larger 30-liter-plus designs give more room for textbooks, lunch, and accessories. A 50-liter backpack is better treated as a high-capacity option for unusually large daily loads or combined school-and-travel use. Also consider whether the bag must fit in a locker, under a desk, or in crowded public transport.
Laptop Fit and Protection
Do not buy by screen size alone. A backpack may be marketed for a 15-, 16-, or 17-inch laptop, but actual device width, height, and thickness still determine fit. Compare your laptop measurements with the manufacturer’s published compartment dimensions when available. A separate padded laptop compartment is especially useful if you carry books or chargers that could press against the computer.
Comfort and Ergonomic Design
Look for padded, adjustable shoulder straps, a supportive back panel, and a harness that sits securely against your body. Sternum straps and removable waist belts can add stability on larger packs, while breathable mesh can improve comfort during warm commutes. Do not assume a larger backpack is automatically more comfortable: the way you pack and adjust it matters, and oversized bags are easy to overload.
Durability and Material Quality
Material names alone do not tell the whole story. Check the main fabric, stitching, zipper quality, strap attachment points, and bottom panel. Recycled polyester, nylon, and Vinylon F can all be durable when used in a well-constructed backpack. If rain protection matters, distinguish between water-resistant, water-repellent, and waterproof; those terms are not interchangeable.
Storage and Organization Features
More pockets are useful only if they match what you carry. Students with chargers, pens, keys, headphones, and multiple classes may benefit from two main compartments and an organizer panel. Minimalists may prefer one main compartment with a separate laptop sleeve. Side bottle pockets, quick-access stash pockets, key clips, and compression straps can make daily use easier without adding another bag.
Style and Aesthetic Appeal
A backpack is used almost every day, so choose a design you will still want to carry after the first few weeks of school. Classic shapes such as the Kanken prioritize a clean look, while backpacks such as the Borealis and MATEIN use more visible straps, compression systems, and technical details. Style should support—not replace—good fit, laptop compatibility, and useful storage.
Price and Budget Options
Instead of chasing a specific price band, compare capacity, laptop fit, warranty terms, material quality, and organization at the current selling price. Prices and promotions can change frequently, so use the Amazon links above to check current details rather than relying on a static price in the article. A backpack that fits your daily needs and lasts longer can offer better value than a cheaper bag that needs frequent replacement.
Before You Buy
Measure your laptop, estimate your normal daily load, check the backpack’s outside dimensions, confirm current warranty and care terms, and decide whether you need everyday school capacity or travel-level storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Materials Are Used in These Backpacks for Durability?
The materials vary by model. The North Face Borealis uses recycled nylon or polyester fabrics depending on the colorway, JanSport lists recycled 600-denier polyester for the Main Campus main body, the MATEIN uses polyester construction, and the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17 uses Vinylon F. Construction quality, stitching, zippers, and reinforced stress points matter alongside the fabric itself.
Are These Backpacks Waterproof or Water-Resistant?
Do not assume that any of these backpacks is fully waterproof. The North Face lists a durable water-repellent finish on current Borealis fabrics, and Fjallraven describes the Kanken Laptop 17 as water-resistant. MATEIN listings commonly describe water-resistant construction, while JanSport’s Main Campus specifications focus on its recycled polyester fabric rather than a waterproof claim. For heavy rain or valuable electronics, add a rain cover or waterproof inner sleeve if needed.
How Do I Clean and Maintain My Backpack?
Follow the care instructions for the exact model instead of using one cleaning method for every backpack. The North Face recommends spot cleaning and air drying for the Borealis. Fjallraven says not to machine wash the Kanken Laptop 17 and recommends a soft brush with lukewarm water. For the JanSport and MATEIN models, check the current care label or manufacturer instructions before washing.
What Is the Warranty Policy for These Backpacks?
Warranty coverage varies by brand and can change by market. JanSport currently advertises a limited lifetime warranty for the Main Campus. For The North Face, MATEIN, and Fjallraven, check the current manufacturer or seller warranty terms for the exact model and your country before buying. Do not rely on a generic “one to five years” warranty assumption.
Can These Backpacks Fit Sports Equipment or Gym Gear?
Yes, but capacity matters. The MATEIN’s large listed 50-liter capacity gives the most room for gym clothing or bulky gear, while the JanSport Main Campus offers a roomy 32-liter school-focused layout. The 28-liter Borealis can handle a moderate amount of extra gear, and the 20-liter Kanken Laptop 17 is better for lighter loads. If you carry shoes or damp clothing, use a separate pouch because these models are not all designed with a dedicated ventilated shoe compartment.
Which Backpack Is Best for a Large Laptop?
The Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17 has a separate padded compartment designed for a 17-inch laptop, while current MATEIN listings for this model describe support for laptops up to about 17 inches. The North Face Borealis is listed for laptops up to 16 inches, and the JanSport Main Campus has a dedicated 15-inch compartment. Always compare the actual laptop dimensions with the compartment measurements before ordering.
Conclusion
For most students, the North Face Borealis offers the best balance of support, organization, and manageable 28-liter capacity. Choose the JanSport Main Campus if you want more school-focused organization and 32 liters of space. Pick the MATEIN Extra Large only if you genuinely need very high capacity or travel-friendly features, and choose the Fjallraven Kanken Laptop 17 if you want a compact 20-liter bag with a dedicated 17-inch laptop compartment. The right choice is the one that fits your laptop, daily load, commute, and storage needs without encouraging you to carry more than necessary.
