What Bag Should I Get for College?

Back to school, and time to think about your bag. The right one is not just about looks: it decides how comfortable your day is, and how your back feels at the end of it.

Messenger bags for students on the move

A messenger or shoulder bag is quick to open and looks smart, but it puts all the weight on one shoulder. If you carry a lot of books or a heavy laptop, it can become uncomfortable, and it is not ideal for anyone with back problems. It works best for light days. See our shoulder and crossbody bags.

Backpacks for a busy week

For most college students, a backpack is the most practical choice. It spreads the weight across both shoulders and keeps a laptop, notebooks, chargers and a water bottle organized. Look for a padded laptop compartment, a breathable back and a light empty weight. Two good examples:

• Skippy Lightweight Laptop Backpack: about 27 L but only 400 g, with a padded compartment for laptops up to 16 inches and a front quick-access pocket.
• Canberra 35L Laptop Backpack: for days with a laptop, books, a change of clothes and a water bottle, with an orthopedic back panel and padded straps.

Waist bags to complement your style

College is not like high school. Some days you need only your phone, keys and a card. A waist bag or small crossbody is enough for those days, and it pairs well with a bigger bag on heavier ones.

Choose by how you study

If you learn by writing, you will carry notebooks and pens. If you take notes on a laptop and research between lectures, a laptop backpack is the right call. Think about your heaviest day of the week and choose a bag that handles it comfortably. Our backpack size guide can help.