The most important item for back-to-school shopping is the backpack. Summer vacation is quickly coming to an end, and back to school approaches. If you don’t like the backpack you bring, you’re already starting the school year off wrong.
To start the year right, find the backpack that makes you want to go to school. I’ll be rating four backpacks out of 10 stars from JanSport, Nike Hoops Elite, The North Face and L.L. Bean, and telling you whether they’re worth buying. So, toss that old, crusty backpack from last year and start looking for a new one.
JanSport
The JanSport is a popular choice that comes in various colors and patterns. Most students choose either the five-pocket or two-pocket version, but both have plenty of space for your materials. The backpack has a clean finish and feels comfortable on your back and shoulders. It’s durable, but one downside is that the zipper often catches on the extra fabric above it.
This backpack is on the more affordable side, usually ranging from $38 to $75. With its quality and longevity, I give it 8 out of 10 stars.
Price point: $38–$75
Nike Hoops Elite
Newly popular, this backpack is widely used by student-athletes and has recently trended on social media. It’s ideal for school and after-school activities, with enough room for shoes, sports balls, equipment and more without cramping or squishing anything inside.
It comes in seven different colorways and sells for $87, which may be too steep for some buyers. I don’t think it looks as good as The North Face or JanSport, but it has a sleek finish. It’s perfect for student-athletes—especially basketball players—and worth buying if you don’t mind the price. I give it 7.5 out of 10 stars.
Price point: $87
The North Face
The North Face backpack is stylish and popular among both boys and girls. It has a firm back and comes in many colors. However, the price—ranging from $99 to $105—isn’t budget-friendly.
While it looks nice, the backpack’s space is limited, making it difficult to fit larger items without crushing papers or struggling to zip it closed. This can be frustrating for daily use. Overall, despite its popularity, it’s not worth buying based on practicality and price. I rate it 5 out of 10 stars.
Price point: $99–$105
L.L. Bean
The L.L. Bean backpack is less common than the other brands but still has a loyal following. Many users personalize theirs with embroidered initials. These backpacks come in several colors and patterns and offer a lot of space.
However, owners often overfill them, causing the bags to lean awkwardly when worn. They don’t look quite as stylish as JanSport or The North Face but can still hold their own in the hallways. Overall, I rate it 6.6 out of 10 stars.
Price point: Varies
Bottom line: When shopping for a new backpack, find one that fits your budget, feels comfortable and matches your style. If I were buying one, I’d choose JanSport and plan to use it for at least two years.
