While I’ve been out of school for quite some time now, I still have vivid memories of the pleasure I took in prepping for a new year. Yup, I was one of those kids who enthusiastically went shopping for back-to-school supplies while everyone else relished the last few weeks of summer freedom. And believe it or not, we’re only a little over a month away from the start of another school year, so whether you have little ones heading to elementary school for the first time, or are a university student yourself, here are the top 5 backpacks for 2015—ideal for toting all your shiny new school supplies.
Samsonite Campus Business 15.6” Laptop Backpack
Part of Samsonite’s “Campus Business” collection, this 15.6” Laptop Backpack is the perfect bag for high school and university students. As the name suggests, it’s got a padded compartment that safely holds up to a 15.6” laptop. It also features dedicated pockets for your phone and tablet, plus side mesh pockets for things like a water bottle or umbrella, so your essentials are easily accessible at all times. There’s also a front pocket that is perfect for storing frequently used items, like a notepad or textbook. Add to that the fact that the Samsonite Campus Business Laptop Backpack is made of a durable nylon material and adjustable padded shoulder straps, and this bag will last you for years.
Burton Big Kettle 26L Backpack
I’ve always been a big fan of Burton bags, because I feel like they pay a lot of attention to functionality, and the Big Kettle 26L Backpack is no exception. If you’re not sure how big 26L is, let’s just say it is ample space to tote your books, notepads and lunch to and from school, or your workout gear to and from the gym. It’s also got a zippered compartment that can hold up to an 11” laptop or a tablet, and zippered organizers for your cell phone and keys. Best of all though is that its brown and aqua design will add a little edge to your daily grind!
JanSport Ember 32L Backpack
I’m pretty confident my brother had an almost identical version of this JanSport Ember 32L Backpack when he was in high school many moons ago, which says a whole lot about the fact that JanSport knows what’s up when it comes to bags. With it’s two storage compartments and an internal sleeve that fits up to a 15.5” laptop, the JanSport Ember has more than enough room to carry everything you need for a day (or night) at school. It’s shoulder straps and back panel are fully padded, which will come in very handy when you are racing from one end of campus to another on a regular basis. The JanSport Ember also features a reflective square patch on the front, which means that even if you are out in low light, you’ll be sure to be seen by passing motorists.
Swiss Gear 15.6” Laptop Backpack
The Swiss Gear Laptop Backpack doesn’t disappoint when it comes to storage and organization. In addition to a dedicated sleeve that fits up to a 15.6” laptop, it has an interior pocket organizer that is great for stashing your cell phone, pens, and wallet, two side pockets that can be zipped shut for security, and a detachable key fob so you never have to worry about finding your keys in the masses of papers and books in your backpack! This bag can also serve double duty as a carry on when you head out on your next adventure, as its back panel allows you to slide it on to the retractable handle of an upright suitcase.
Roxy Always Core 12L Day Backpack
If I had a little girl in elementary school–or a little boy who wasn’t afraid to embrace floral–, she would own this Roxy Always Core 12L Day Backpack. Heck, if I were going back to school, I’d buy it for myself … I just can’t get over the adorable tropical flower motif! But flashy design aside, this backpack is also very practical. At 12L, it is on the slightly smaller side, so perfect for younger students, yet it features a spacious main compartment for books, snacks, pens and pencils, and a front pocket organizer for quick access to things like a phone and keys. Plus the back panel has a heart embroidered on it, so really, how can you go wrong?
There you have it folks–the top 5 new backpacks for 2015. No matter what your style or your needs, you’ll be good to go with one of these options. Now if only I had a need for a new backpack!
