Best backpacks for teenagers 2021

Make sure your teenager goes to school in style with one of these cool backpacks

Best backpacks for teenagers 2021

by Lily Anderson and Angelica Daujotas |
Updated on

Teenagers seem to go through backpacks like there's no tomorrow, whether they've completely worn it to death, or it doesn't suit their style anymore, asking for a new school bag is a regular occurrence.

New school year or not, or because the last backpack you bought hasn't quite made it through the year, you're going to need to find a bag big enough to carry all their essentials and stationery comfortably.

Related: The best laptop bags for women

Going to school is a little different right now we know, but we're trying to focus on things like how hard it is to choose the backpack for your fussy youngster. So, to save you the hassle of marching them around your local shopping centre (we know how stressful that is right now), we’ve found some of the best rucksacks available for teenagers online.

Our top picks of the best backpacks for teenagers

Eastpak Out of Office Backpack

Vans Old Skool II Backpack

KALIDI Backpack

Nike Unisex Kids Youth Nike Elemental Backpack

Rainbow Tie Dye Large Backpack

Personalised Applique Name School Backpack

HASAGEI Rucksack

New Look Black Leather-Look Zip Backpack

Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch Stylish School Backpack

Eastpak Padded Pak'r backpack

ORTLIEB Olive Velocity 23L Rucksack

When buying a bag for a teenager, it’s important to think about their personal style as well as the practicality of the rucksack.

Remember that they'll probably like one that's the complete opposite of your own taste - so be careful what you choose! If they're not keen on a rucksack, maybe they'd prefer alaptop bag instead.

Related: The best men's weekender bags

Think outside the box too, if your teen is into photography, they’ll love a camera bag, or if they love the outdoors, a dry bag would be amazing to take out on weekend walks or even school trips.

If your teenagers are not interested in bagging a new backpack, try to capture their attention with unicorn stationery...

All that's left to do now is shop!

Here are the best backpacks for teenagers:

Gallery

Best backpacks for teenagers going back to school

Eastpak Out of Office Backpack1 of 11

Eastpak Out of Office Backpack

Trusted by teens for years, the Eastpak backpack is a corridor staple, with a padded back panel and adjustable shoulder straps, this bag is sure to last for years. Available in over 36 colours and prints, there really is an Eastpak for everyone. Rating: 4.7 out of 5 starsReview: "This has to be the Perfect Backpack! Bought for my daughter who needed one that would hold her laptop securely and other items. It also needed to be thief-resistant, comfy to wear and stylish as it was for use when working abroad. When it arrived she was thrilled to bits with it."

Vans Old Skool II Backpack2 of 11

Vans Old Skool II Backpack

For great value and an incredible name, look no further than the Vans Old Skool II Backpack. The straps are thick to give your youngsters extra support when carrying around books, stationery and their lunch box. Plus, its black design will go with any uniform or outfit. Rating: 4.8 out of 5 starsReview: "I recently ordered this bag (about two days ago) and it arrived today! It's excellent quality, definitely worth the money. It's a perfect fit for me (I am a fourteen year old girl) and just what I needed for school! Hope this helps :)".

KALIDI Backpack3 of 11

KALIDI Backpack

Available in six different colours, this versatile backpack is fantastic for even the pickiest of teenagers. Help your youngster stay organised with the main compartments, two flat elasticised side pockets and an easy-access front pocket.Rating: 4.5 out of 5 starsReview: "This is a great bag. My daughter and I both have one. The straps are well cushioned, and so is the back of the bag so its comfy even when full, which is great for me as I have a dodgy back. There are loads of pockets, even a hidden one we didn't find at first. My daughter put hers in the washing machine on a gentle cycle after her lunch leaked, and it came out good as new. You can fit so much in it and its a bargain price. What's not to love."

Nike Unisex Kids Youth Nike Elemental Backpack4 of 11

Nike Unisex Kids Youth Nike Elemental Backpack

With a multitude of pockets and compartments, this backpack really does fit it all. Perfect for taking to school or carrying a kit for any after school clubs.Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars Review: "It is a very nice, lightweight backpack with beautiful blue colour and the excellent idea of attaching the pencil case (included in the backpack) outside is brilliant. My son is really happy with it."

Rainbow Tie Dye Large Backpack5 of 11
CREDIT: Claire's

Rainbow Tie Dye Large Backpack

If your teens are TikTok mad, they'll love this tie-dye print backpack from Claire's. There are loads of videos around how you can DIY, but this way there's no mess. Win-win.Size: 12" W x 16" H x 5" DWe love: Not only is the design fresh, but it's also very functional with the large main zippered compartment, a small pocket on the front, drawstring side pockets, and adjustable straps.

Personalised Applique Name School Backpack6 of 11

Personalised Applique Name School Backpack

Well, this bag literally has your teens name written all over it. That's because you can personalise it with up to 10 characters. SO, this should (hopefully) prevent the bag from being lost or picked up by someone else by mistake.Rating: 5 out of 5 stars Review: "Good quality and size and fast delivery - would definitely recommend as a good school bag."

HASAGEI Rucksack7 of 11

HASAGEI Rucksack

Keep it simple with this vintage HASAGEI Rucksack. If your teen likes a pop of colour, choose the mint green bag with the brown buckle detail. It's perfect for carrying a laptop, iPad, books, umbrella and a wallet or purse. Despite its material look, this bag is waterproof which is great for a rainy day. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 starsReview: " I bought this fantastic bag for my son in order to use it for school. The moment he saw this bag I saw a big smile on his face and I knew that it was a good sign. He is so happy with this bag! It suits him perfectly as it has various compartments for all the school stuff my son needs to carry and my son mentioned to me that it's so comfortable to wear."

Black Leather-Look Zip Backpack8 of 11
CREDIT: New Look

Black Leather-Look Zip Backpack

Bag a bargain with this incredible leather-look backpack from New Look. Keep your teenager happy with this cool back to school essential. Size: Height: 41cm x Width: 39cm x Depth: 14.5cmWe love: That it's very versatile and can even be used for a social distanced catch up with their best friend at the weekend.

Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch Stylish School Backpack9 of 11

Laptop Backpack 15.6 Inch Stylish School Backpack

Made from water-resistant fabric, with generous-sized compartments and even a USB charging port, this backpack is perfect for commuting comfortably. Convenient to charge your electronics on the go and fit A4 books and files, this backpack really does have it all. Rating: 4.7 out of 5 starsReview: "I don't think I've ever been this enthusiastic about a bag? It's beautiful, it's sturdy and there's so much storage space in it! The material is very thick and seems like it would protect anything inside, and the USB function is just efficient, you can secure a travel battery to the inside end and plug in your phone on the outside. Awesome, highly recommend."

Eastpak Padded Pak'r backpack in black snake print10 of 11

Eastpak Padded Pak'r backpack in black snake print

Another great backpack from Eastpak – a slightly different style, but similar size, this backpack comes in a gorgeous black snake print, great for subtle lovers of prints. Made of tough stuff, Eastpak bags are crafted from durable materials, specifically designed for life outdoors and on the go.Size: H: 40cm W: 30cm D: 18cmWe love: The versatility of this bag – in a subtle snake print it's perfect to go with any unform or dress code and great for packing for any sleepovers or trips.

ORTLIEB Olive Velocity 23L Rucksack11 of 11

ORTLIEB Olive Velocity 23L Rucksack

This versatile rucksack by the German-based brand ORTLIEB, is perfect for use day-to-day and on more exciting adventures. With a waterproof design and detachable chest and waist belts, this bag is truly versatile and will last for years, both in and out of the classroom. Size: H: 50cm x W: 30cm x D: 16cmWe love: The size of this bag! It's big enough to fit in a standard A4 folder and then some.

All of these backpacks for teenagers have been hand-selected by What's The Best shopping experts. Our team has spent hours investigating and researching, so you can choose the best one. Plus, we'd never recommend a product we don't believe in. Find out why you should trust us here.

Read more:

The best picnic bags: never forget a picnic necessity again

Best 30-35 litre backpacks reviewed

The best picnic baskets for perfect picnicking

Lily Anderson is a Commercial Content Writer at Bauer Media, where she reviews products for titles like Heat, Closer, What’s the Best, Yours and Mother&Baby.

Subscribe to the What’s The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from Lily and the rest of the What’s The Best team.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us