7 best back-to-school laptop backpack deals I recommend

Man wearing Tinbuk2 laptop backpack 2.0
(Image credit: Laptop Mag)

For college students, a laptop backpack protects your tech and other everyday carry gear. The number of gadgets and personal items one has to transport to and from classes, the library, and extracurricular activities varies.

If you plan on buying a new laptop backpack for school, chances are you're considering function, versatility, durability, style, and cost. Whether you can afford to splurge or prefer to go the budget-friendly route, there's no shortage of options.

Next to picking a major, one of the most important decisions you'll ever make in your college life is finding the perfect backpack  With so many brands and styles of packs now on the market nowadays, making a choice can be overwhelming, 

That's where I come in to help make it less of a daunting task. Here are 7 back-to-school laptop backpack deals I recommend:

7 best back-to-school laptop backpack deals

Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0: $109 $85 @ Walmart

Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0: $109 $85 @ Walmart
Newegg via Walmart knocks $24 off one of our favorite laptop accessories, the Timbuk2 Spire Laptop Backpack 2.0. We reviewed it and gave it 4 out of 5 stars for its excellent ergonomics, water-resistant front and boot, and daisy-chain tactical webbing. We also loved that it fits laptops up to 17-inches and is backed by Timbuk 2's lifetime warranty. It's the Editor's Choice laptop backpack.

Features: Fits 15-17-inch laptops/tablets, water-resistant. side water bottle/umbrella pockets, front daisy chain, Napoleon pocket under front flap

JanSport Cool Student Backpack: $60 $50 @ Amazon

JanSport Cool Student Backpack: $60 $50 @ Amazon
Save $10 on the JanSport Cool Student Backpack in Black colorway. When I was in school, I always had a JanSport backpack. I remember them as being durable, comfortable, and stylish. In high school, my friends and I would decorate our JanSport backpacks with colorful strings. The more strings you had, the cooler it looked, however, I never owned a JanSport as cool as this. 

Features: Made from 600d polyester and synthetic leather, 34 Liter capacity, 2 x spacious compartments, 15-inch laptop sleeve, front utility pocket with organizer, side water bottle/umbrella pocket, signature leather bottom, S-curve shoulder straps, fully padded back panel, web haul handle

Price check: JanSport $60

JanSport Big College Backpack: $55 $45 @ Amazon

JanSport Big College Backpack: $55 $45 @ Amazon
Looking for a pack that stands out from the crowd? Now $10 off, this bright JanSport Big College Backpack in Red Tape colorway does just that. If you don't mind spending a little more, I also recommend this cool-looking Cyberspace Galaxy design for $45

Features: Made from 100% recycled 600d polyester, 34 Liter capacity, 2 x spacious compartments, dedicated 15-inch laptop sleeve, pleated from stash pocket, zippered front utility pocket with organizer, zippered front stash pocket, side water bottle/umbrella pocket, S-curve shoulder straps, fully padded back panel, web haul handle

Herschel Classic Backpack 26L: $55 $44 @ Amazon

Herschel Classic Backpack 26L: $55 $44 @ Amazon
Amazon knocks $10 off the Herschel Classic Backpack which fits 15-16-inch laptops. I own a few Hershel backpacks for many use cases and find them durable, spacious, and comfortable to wear. With the limited lifetime warranty, it's the only pack you'll need to buy for college. This backpack has enough volume to pack in all your school essentials and more.

Features: 26L capacity, made from 100% recycled EcoSystem 600D fabric, water-bottle pocket, 15-16 inch floating laptop sleeve, zippered closures with Prusik cord pulls, front zip pocket

Patagonia Refugio 26L Backpack: $109 $75 @  Patagonia

Patagonia Refugio 26L Backpack: $109 $75 @  Patagonia
Save $33 on the Patagonia Refugio 26L Backpack with mesh side pockets. This tech-friendly bag's removable padded sleeve holds laptops up to 15 inches and has a zippered pocket for pens, cables, flash drives, and the like. Secure your gear in the pack's roomy main compartment, and use the front-panel pocket to keep frequently used items in close reach. Like all of Patagonia's backpacks, the Refugio is made from recycled polyester and has a water-repellent coating to resist light moisture.

Price check: Dick's Sporting Goods $99

Patagonia Fieldsmith Lid 28L Backpack: $109 $57 @ REI

Patagonia Fieldsmith Lid 28L Backpack: $109 $57 @ REI
Save 47% on the Patagonia Fieldsmith Lid Pack (Blue Bird). It has a pack volume of 28L, 2 + main compartments, and an easy-open cinch top for quick access to your gear. An internal laptop sleeve fits laptops and tablets up to 15 inches and similar gadgets like a tablet or eReader. Made of durable, water-repellent recycled polyester, it withstands the wear and tear of everyday use.

Price check: Patagonia $64 (Golden Caramel colorway)

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack: $30 $26 @ Amazon

Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack: $30 $26 @ Amazon
The Amazon Basics Laptop Backpack is all about function over form. Available for less than $30, the backpack’s padded interior can house most laptops up to 17 inches in size. There are also plenty of additional pockets and compartments you can use to store accessories, cables, and a water bottle — as well as a TechSpot compartment for your tablet.

Hilda Scott

Hilda Scott uses her combined passion for gadgets from laptops to TVs and her bargain-shopping savvy to bring you the best prices on all things tech. She has a bachelor’s degree in film and media studies from Hunter College and over a decade of experience in tech journalism. Her work has been featured on Tom’s Guide, iTechPost, Examiner.com, Parlemag, Enstars, and Latin Times. When she's not scouting for the best deals, Hilda’s catching up on her favorite TV series and combat sports.